News / National
Madhuku's marriage on the rocks after impregnating sister-in-law
07 Jan 2012 at 19:39hrs | Views
National Constitutional Assembly chairman, Professor Lovemore Madhuku is facing possible ex-communication from the United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe (UCCZ) after he allegedly impregnated his wife's young sister in a case that has left his marriage on the rocks, the Sunday Mail reported.
Prof Madhuku is a moderator, the third most influential position in the conservative church that does not condone polygamy and vehemently discourages promiscuity.
Church members interviewed last week confirmed the development, saying the Madhuku issue had divided the congregation.
One side is recommending that Prof Madhuku be suspended while the other is pushing for his outright expulsion.
The Sunday Mail discussed several issues with Prof Madhuku yesterday, among them the latest developments in the House of Assembly, but when the issue about the pregnancy was brought up, he promptly hang up the phone.
Subsequent efforts to get his comment proved futile as he was no longer answering calls from this paper.
UCCZ president Reverend Edward Matuvhunye would not be drawn into divulging more details, saying it was "a family matter".
"That is a family matter. Unfortunately, I am not a spokesperson for the family but the church. It would be unfair for me to comment," he said.
"You had better talk to Professor Madhuku himself because I am on my way to Chipinge for an ordination ceremony."
A senior church member â€" who declined to be identified â€" confirmed that the church was divided over the case involving Prof Madhuku and his sister-in-law, Miss Sibonile Sithole Mukonzi.
"It is true that Professor Madhuku impregnated his wife's sister. The matter has divided the church in that some members of the congregation want him to be excommunicated.
"Others, however, feel that it is unnecessary to suspend him because his tenure ends in April this year. So, it would be better to allow him to complete his term."
Another member of the congregation said: "I think this is the worst abomination that has been committed in the history of the church.
"I don't think a synod officer has ever committed such a sin in the history of the church."
A close family source said Prof Madhuku's wife, Ms Mercy Sithole Mukonzi, temporarily left the matrimonial home after the shenanigans came to light.
"The pregnancy resulted in Mercy leaving her matrimonial home for a while. She only returned in December," said the source.
"We understand the adulterous affair started some time in 2008."
Church members said the young sister has since gone into hiding following the revelations about her pregnancy. UCCZ is a conservative church with about 40 000 members countrywide. One of its well-known
members was the late nationalist Reverend Ndabaningi Sithole.
Prof Madhuku is a moderator, the third most influential position in the conservative church that does not condone polygamy and vehemently discourages promiscuity.
Church members interviewed last week confirmed the development, saying the Madhuku issue had divided the congregation.
One side is recommending that Prof Madhuku be suspended while the other is pushing for his outright expulsion.
The Sunday Mail discussed several issues with Prof Madhuku yesterday, among them the latest developments in the House of Assembly, but when the issue about the pregnancy was brought up, he promptly hang up the phone.
Subsequent efforts to get his comment proved futile as he was no longer answering calls from this paper.
UCCZ president Reverend Edward Matuvhunye would not be drawn into divulging more details, saying it was "a family matter".
"That is a family matter. Unfortunately, I am not a spokesperson for the family but the church. It would be unfair for me to comment," he said.
"You had better talk to Professor Madhuku himself because I am on my way to Chipinge for an ordination ceremony."
"It is true that Professor Madhuku impregnated his wife's sister. The matter has divided the church in that some members of the congregation want him to be excommunicated.
"Others, however, feel that it is unnecessary to suspend him because his tenure ends in April this year. So, it would be better to allow him to complete his term."
Another member of the congregation said: "I think this is the worst abomination that has been committed in the history of the church.
"I don't think a synod officer has ever committed such a sin in the history of the church."
A close family source said Prof Madhuku's wife, Ms Mercy Sithole Mukonzi, temporarily left the matrimonial home after the shenanigans came to light.
"The pregnancy resulted in Mercy leaving her matrimonial home for a while. She only returned in December," said the source.
"We understand the adulterous affair started some time in 2008."
Church members said the young sister has since gone into hiding following the revelations about her pregnancy. UCCZ is a conservative church with about 40 000 members countrywide. One of its well-known
members was the late nationalist Reverend Ndabaningi Sithole.
Source - Sunday Mail
