No taxation of churches, says Mphoko

Government should refrain from taxing church groupings, Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko has said.

Mphoko told Nketa residents that government must rethink on the issue.

He said the church is partnering  government on peace building and there is a need to relook at some issues that may affect the nation.

Last year,  the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) announced that it will soon tax churches and is working on a legislative framework.

This was said by Zimra Commissioner-General Gershem Pasi when he appeared before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperatives Development.

Pasi's comments follow the mushrooming of churches that promote wealth accumulation with some of the leaders publicly flaunting their riches.

Some have also been accused of abusing their privileges as churches to avoid paying taxes.