Illegal Zaoga church faces demolition

A church located in the high-density suburb of Dangamvura in Mutare has ignited a wave of controversy after defying an eviction and demolition order issued by the City of Mutare. The structure, reportedly constructed illegally by the Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (ZAOGA), was initially approved by a previous council administration, but later came under scrutiny for failing to comply with local regulations.

Although ZAOGA has since vacated the premises, the church building is allegedly being rented out to another congregation whose name could not be verified by The Midweek Watch. Concerns have been raised over the safety of the structure, which is made from substandard materials and lacks essential public health amenities.

Documents reviewed by The Midweek Watch show that the church was erected without the necessary planning approvals from the local authority. The prohibition order issued by the City Council outlines critical issues such as the absence of sanitary facilities, reticulated water, and sewerage systems. It further warns that the structure poses significant health risks to congregants and nearby residents.

In a letter dated 14 March 2025 addressed to the "illegal occupant of municipal land in Dangamvura Township," the City of Mutare described the development as a violation of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act (Chapter 29:12) and the Dangamvura Local Development Plan. The letter states that the structure was unlawfully erected on public open space adjacent to Stand 7458 and was not authorised by the Local Planning Authority. The City ordered that church activities cease immediately, the structure be demolished, and the site restored to its original condition. The letter warned that the order would become effective on 14 April 2025 unless an appeal was lodged within one month.

ZAOGA acknowledged receiving the notice, but has distanced itself from the current occupation of the structure. Church elder Zviito Tsio declined to comment, referring all questions to the unnamed church now occupying the site, noting that ZAOGA was merely acting as a landlord.

City of Mutare spokesperson Charles Sadondo confirmed the enforcement action, stating that the church had failed to comply with the 30-day demolition and eviction directive. He said the Chamber Secretary's department would now take over the matter to ensure compliance. "It is an illegal structure that does not appear in our records for us to verify the owners," Sadondo explained. "We addressed the order to the illegal occupant as per protocol when we find a structure in use."

The city's firm stance highlights the ongoing challenges local authorities face in enforcing urban planning laws, especially when dealing with powerful religious organisations. The case also raises questions about the accountability of previous council officials who greenlit the initial construction, further fuelling public scrutiny over the integrity of land use decisions in urban areas.