AFM leaders challenged over age-limit

Two members of the Apostolic Faith Mission of Zimbabwe have approached the High Court seeking to nullify the church's May 2025 elections that brought Dr Cossam Chiangwa and other senior officials into office, citing alleged violations of constitutional age requirements.

Daniel Mhlanga and Dennis Maposa filed the application under case HCH2288/26 on May 11, 2026, arguing that the election of the church president, deputy president, secretary-general and national administrator contravened the church's constitution, which sets a maximum age limit of 65 years for candidates.

The applicants are seeking a court order declaring the May 3, 2025 election invalid and compelling the church to hold fresh elections within 90 days under the original constitutional provisions.

They argue that a February 8, 2025 resolution by the Apostolic Council, which allegedly raised the eligibility age limit from 65 to 70, was unlawful and procedurally defective, as it did not comply with constitutional amendment procedures requiring prior notice, consultation and a two-thirds majority vote.

According to court papers, the disputed resolution paved the way for the participation and election of leaders who were allegedly over the stipulated age limit.

The applicants further contend that the election was conducted on the basis of altered eligibility criteria, rendering the process irregular and the outcomes invalid.

In response, the church leadership has denied unlawfully amending the constitution, arguing that the Apostolic Council acted within its mandate to interpret constitutional provisions.

Church president Dr Chiangwa confirmed the existence of the case but said the matter is before the courts and therefore sub judice, declining to comment further.

The High Court is expected to determine whether the alleged constitutional changes were valid and whether the elections should be set aside or upheld.