Churches postpone gathering, fear being hijacked

Some churches in Zimbabwe have postponed their annual gatherings, which usually take place between July and August, fearing the events would be hijacked by politicians as the country marches towards crucial polls set for July 31.

Sources in the Salvation Army said the church's annual meeting that had been pencilled for July in Gweru was called off to avoid politicians turning the events into political rallies.

The sources also said Vice-President Joice Mujuru, who is a senior captain in the Salvation Army, would most likely have attended the meeting with her party supporters.