New twist in AoG‑BTG row as LSZ probes top lawyer

The Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) has confirmed that it is investigating top lawyer Chipo Mahlangu following a complaint filed by the Assemblies of God–Spiritual Movement (AoG‑SM), which accuses her of gross misconduct in ongoing church property disputes before the courts.

AoG‑SM, founded by Francis Nyika and now led by Phillip Zinyama, is locked in a protracted battle with the Assemblies of God–Back to God (AoG‑BTG), led by Nathan Setlhako, over ownership and control of church properties acquired during Nyika's tenure.

Mahlangu, of Maposa Mahlangu Attorneys, is representing AoG‑BTG. She is also reportedly an active member of the church and has been publicly associated with its activities — a dual role that has raised concerns within AoG‑SM.

In a letter dated 18 March, LSZ executive secretary Edward Mapara informed AoG‑SM that the complaint had progressed to the next stage.

"Upon receipt of your complaint, we commenced our investigations into the alleged conduct of the respondent. The respondent was invited to comment on the allegations you raised and we accorded you an opportunity to controvert the respondent's responses," Mapara wrote.

He added that the matter had been referred to the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee (DEC) for consideration in terms of By‑Law 61(5) of the LSZ By‑Laws (SI 314 of 1982). The DEC's recommendations will be submitted to Council at its next formal meeting.

Mahlangu is a former chairperson of the LSZ Compensation Fund Board of Trustees.

Publicly available information shows that AoG‑BTG is using a Strathaven, Harare address that is also used by Maposa Mahlangu Attorneys - an overlap that has prompted questions about the relationship between the church and the law firm, and whether the property forms part of the church's assets.

The LSZ complaint comes amid a wider dispute between the two church factions. At the Harare High Court, the Setlhako‑led AoG‑BTG recently lost a bid to evict AoG‑SM from its headquarters in Dombotombo, Marondera. In that ruling, Justice Regis Dembure imposed punitive costs, saying the order was necessary "to deter church leaders from irresponsibly dragging the church into litigation".

Asked whether AoG‑SM had received the more than US$8,000 awarded in that case and whether the church was still open to engagement, Zinyama said: "Yes, but we are also ready to defend our property."

Two national executive members, speaking anonymously, said there were internal concerns about how legal matters were being handled and whether the full leadership structure was being adequately consulted. Another member said the church's governance model places responsibility on the entire national executive, not individual office bearers.

The latest developments have also renewed scrutiny of issues within AoG‑BTG, including delays in completing the Mashava Auditorium project and questions from some congregants over how resources are being managed. One member said worshippers had expected to begin using the site in April but were later advised to remain in their regions, deepening concerns over project transparency.

Some members also say the later election timetable has fuelled speculation that the current leadership - particularly those closely involved in legal and administrative decisions - is being given more time to manage unresolved issues before the national conference.