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Madzibaba writes a letter of apology to Chihuri
11 Jun 2014 at 11:02hrs | Views
One of Madzibaba Ishmael Mufani's apostolic sect member fingered in acts of public violence that broke out in Budiriro 2 late last month has written a letter of apology to Police Commissioner-General, Augustine Chihuri.
The accused, David Shamuyarira (age not given), appeared before Magistrate Donald Ndirowei at the Harare Magistrates' Courts Tuesday, facing public violence charges.
He was arrested on Monday, bringing the number of the sect members in custody to 36. The state, led by Farai Gatsi, opposed bail of the accused on his initial remand hearing.
According to court documents, Shamuyarira wrote to the police chief apologising on behalf of the sect for attacking police, journalists and Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ) delegates on May 30.
The assault of delegates and police by Mufani's Johane Masowe eChishanu members occured at the apostolic sect's Budiriro 2 shrine after an ill-fated ACCZ ban on the church.
ACCZ president Johannes Ndanga and a 26 member delegation comprising police and journalists went to the site to address the congregation over issues of women and child abuse.
The Apostolic sect members interjected Ndanga's speech, before breaking into a militant song, Umambo hwepfumo neropa.
All male congregants, armed with their ‘holy sticks', attacked Ndanga and his delegation.
Madzibaba Mufani is reportedly on the run.
Meanwhile, a bid for freedom for the jailed 24 other sect members was yesterday postponed to tomorrow as the state argued that it was not ready to respond to the accused's papers.
The apostolic sect members face allegations of public violence and have been languishing in remand since June 1 when they were arrested.
Through their lawyers, Mbidzo, Muchadehama and Makoni legal practitioners, the Vapositori argued that the magistrate acted unlawfully when he denied them bail.
"In any event, a court may not deny bail merely because the release of the appellants will cause public outcry," read part of the application.
The state submitted that it was not ready to respond to the application as it was filed late.
The accused, David Shamuyarira (age not given), appeared before Magistrate Donald Ndirowei at the Harare Magistrates' Courts Tuesday, facing public violence charges.
He was arrested on Monday, bringing the number of the sect members in custody to 36. The state, led by Farai Gatsi, opposed bail of the accused on his initial remand hearing.
According to court documents, Shamuyarira wrote to the police chief apologising on behalf of the sect for attacking police, journalists and Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ) delegates on May 30.
The assault of delegates and police by Mufani's Johane Masowe eChishanu members occured at the apostolic sect's Budiriro 2 shrine after an ill-fated ACCZ ban on the church.
ACCZ president Johannes Ndanga and a 26 member delegation comprising police and journalists went to the site to address the congregation over issues of women and child abuse.
The Apostolic sect members interjected Ndanga's speech, before breaking into a militant song, Umambo hwepfumo neropa.
All male congregants, armed with their ‘holy sticks', attacked Ndanga and his delegation.
Madzibaba Mufani is reportedly on the run.
Meanwhile, a bid for freedom for the jailed 24 other sect members was yesterday postponed to tomorrow as the state argued that it was not ready to respond to the accused's papers.
The apostolic sect members face allegations of public violence and have been languishing in remand since June 1 when they were arrested.
Through their lawyers, Mbidzo, Muchadehama and Makoni legal practitioners, the Vapositori argued that the magistrate acted unlawfully when he denied them bail.
"In any event, a court may not deny bail merely because the release of the appellants will cause public outcry," read part of the application.
The state submitted that it was not ready to respond to the application as it was filed late.
Source - Zim Mail
