Prophet surrenders church members to Zanu-PF

MUTARE - A prophet with the Johanne Marange apostolic sect has surrendered the church's huge flock, which includes top MDC officials, to Zanu PF.

Prophet Daniel Muteba, a "prophet" with the sect proclaimed before Vice President Joice Mujuru at the weekend that the church's million plus membership will only vote for Zanu PF party in the next election. Mujuru was in Bocha's Mafararikwa village for the church's Passover ceremony attended by 300,000 people.

"We want to tell Amai Mujuru that all these people are Zanu PF members and they will vote for Zanu PF as it is a party which brought independence to this country. We do not want opposition parties that are funded by Western powers. In a prophecy by 'Mutumwa' (Noah Taguta) he hinted that while the whites were defeated in the liberation struggle, they will again attempt to take over the country using one of our own. As a church we will not allow that to happen as the prophecy made it clear that only President Robert Mugabe and Zanu PF will rule Zimbabwe," said Prophet Muteba.

Taguta is leader of the sect. Muteba however, warned politicians that the church will not intercede for certain politicians to win elections.

"Those people and politicians who want political power should not come to 'Mutumwa' for assistance and prayers to get into power. You have to campaign on your own and win elections. If you lose in the election, then as a church we will simply pray for those who would have won. The work of 'Mutumwa' is only to pray for those in power and not to decide and impose leadership," said Muteba.

Zanu PF has of late been patronising church organisations in its quest to reclaim support lost to the MDC. The Johanne Marange apostolic sect has an estimated 1.8 million followers in Zimbabwe.

Mugabe was at the church's shrine two years ago where he promised to avail land to the church's members. Muteba's statements angered the MDC, some of whose members attend the church.

"Muteba must be reminded that within that church there are senior MDC members whom we work with. It is unwise on his part to disregard the freedom of choice for the church's followers," said MDC Manicaland provincial chairperson Pishai Muchauraya .

He said Buhera Senator Samuel Tsungirirai Muzerengwa is one such senior MDC official from the Johanne Marange apostolic sect.