Apostolic sect members beat up fellow churchman

THREE Apostolic sect members who were arrested for beating their fellow church member after they had booted him out of the church for his unwanted behaviour were yesterday fined. Peter Mabika, 27, Samson Chada, 30, and Lloyd Matiwa, 31, were fined $80 each, with an alternative of 30 days in jail.

They pleaded guilty to the charges when they appeared before magistrate Arnold Maburo. However, Mabika told the court that the complainant was no longer needed at the shrine. "Ainge asisadiwe paSowe redu nokuti aicherera matamba patinonamatira," he said.

Prosecutor Tungamirayi Muganhiri proved that on September 8, Aleck Chirata was at their usual place of worshiping in Mbare. While he was at the shrine he was approached by Mabika, Chada and Matiwa who also wanted to attend a church service. It is the State's case that upon arriving at the shrine the three then assaulted Matiwa with open hands and booted feet.

The State, heard that Matiwa had been booted out of the church after he was found to be putting the name of the Church into disrepute. However, on the day in question he was found at the shrine and an altercation arose after he refused to vacate from the place.

During the altercation the three then assaulted a defenceless Matiwa who sustained injuries on his body.

He however, reported the matter to the police leading to the arrest of the three. A medical affidavit was produced in court as evidence.