Church member sues Bishop

A Chikanga bishop has been dragged to court by a former congregant who is seeking a protection order against him.

Bishop Simbarashe Mayambuko is accused of barring Helen Mushuma who is in love with Pastor Frank from talking to him.

Helen wants the court's protection against Bishop Mayambuko.

Yeukai Chigodora presided over the case.

Mushuma told the court that Bishop Mayambuko was harassing her.

"Your Worship, the bishop is harassing me by barring me from talking to my boyfriend, a pastor in the church who impregnated me," she said. "He has been telling me to go and commit suicide or go and tell the story to The Manica Post. I am being harassed by him. I need an order against the bishop so that I can talk to my boyfriend without him interfering, Your Worship."

Bishop Mayambuko did not refute the claims, saying he was protecting his pastor.

He accused Mushuma of threatening to take the pastor's property for resale to raise money for the upkeep of her unborn baby.

"I am in charge of the family (church), so it is my responsibility to look after them and avoid situations where the media is involved," he said. "Since Pastor Frank is my child, he is staying at my second wife's house. She is a threat to my home as well, Your Worship. I did what I did because Frank told me that he does not love her. She wanted to take his property and resale it for what she called pregnancy maintenance. I refused to let her do that. I don't think there is a law which allows one to maintain pregnancy," said Bishop Mayambuko.

The order was granted in favour of Helen.

 Chigodora told the bishop not to harass Helen or interfere in her relationship with Pastor Frank.