A protracted legal battle involving rival factions of the Assemblies of God is scheduled to resume at the High Court on Monday, May 18, 2026, after proceedings were postponed earlier this week.
The dispute pits the Nathan Sethlako-led Assemblies of God–Back To God (AoG-BTG) against Assemblies of God–Spiritual Movement (AoG-SM) in a case focused on contested church property in Marondera.
Court records under case number HCH 6285/25 list AoG-SM, together with Luckymore Zinyama and Phillip Zinyama, as appellants, while AoG-BTG is cited as the respondent.
The appeal concerns Stand 4355 Cherutombo/Nyameni in Marondera, where disagreements over ownership and construction rights have triggered extended litigation between the two church factions.
AoG-SM is being represented by lawyer Lincoln Majogo of Mtetwa & Nyambirai Legal Practitioners, while AoG-BTG is represented by Maposa Mahlangu Attorneys.
According to the appellants, the lower court improperly granted relief that effectively settled key aspects of the dispute despite the original application only seeking temporary measures pending the outcome of related proceedings.
The matter was initially scheduled to be heard on March 19 before Justices Takuva and Chikowero. However, the hearing was postponed after the court determined that the bench assigned to hear the appeal had not been properly constituted.
During earlier proceedings, Benjamin Magogo appeared on behalf of AoG-BTG under instructions from lawyer Chipo Mahlangu.
In court submissions, the appellants argued that the magistrates’ court made findings on ownership despite the existence of what they described as a valid agreement of sale relating to the disputed property.
They further claimed that AoG-BTG failed to provide adequate ownership documentation.
The appellants also maintained that the lower court improperly resolved major factual disputes based solely on affidavit evidence.
In their appeal documents, they argued that construction activities on the property had been lawfully authorised through both an agreement of sale and approvals from the Municipality of Marondera.
AoG-BTG, while opposing the appeal, reportedly acknowledged in its response papers that the magistrates’ court committed several errors in handling the matter.
However, the church faction argued that the appropriate remedy would be to send the case back to the magistrates’ court for proper adjudication rather than grant the relief sought by the appellants.
The respondent also challenged attempts to secure a costs order against it, an issue that has become increasingly contentious throughout the broader church litigation.
The dispute forms part of wider conflicts between competing Assemblies of God factions over control of church assets and properties linked to the denomination.
The latest court proceedings have additionally drawn attention to the role of Maposa Mahlangu Attorneys in the ongoing disputes after questions were raised regarding lawyer Chipo Mahlangu’s membership within AoG-BTG.
When asked about potential ethical concerns relating to the representation and a complaint reportedly filed with the Law Society of Zimbabwe, Magogo reportedly declined to directly address the questions and suggested Mahlangu herself was better positioned to respond.
The case, originally expected to proceed on Thursday, May 14, was eventually deferred to May 18.
Some members within AoG-BTG reportedly welcomed the postponement, saying it would provide additional time for internal church discussions and possible settlement efforts before the matter returns to court.
A member of the Greater Mashonaland District Council reportedly indicated that the dispute would be discussed during a district council meeting amid growing concerns over escalating legal costs, reputational damage, and dissatisfaction among some church members regarding the handling of the matter.
Calls for dialogue and an out-of-court settlement have also intensified as church members seek to avoid further divisions and prolonged litigation.
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