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Talent Bope Herald Reporter

A group of suspected land barons reportedly besieged an apostolic sect shrine in Budiriro and destroyed property worth thousands of dollars, claiming to be the legitimate land owners.

They cut off the perimeter fence and damaged some temporary structures that houses members of the Johanne Masowe Nyenyedzi Nomwe. The church is led by Mr Herbert Senda (popularly known as Madzibaba Enoch).

The members were left counting losses after the violent incident.

Harare Province police spokesperson Inspector Tendai Mwanza said three suspects were now on the wanted list for malicious damage to property.

The three were only identified as Philimon Chaguruka, Katsande and another one only identified as Mandaza.

“I can confirm that a report of malicious damage to property was received at ZRP Budiriro on October 28 2021.

“It is alleged that the above-mentioned three accused persons who allegedly were representing 50 Angels Pay Scheme members, went to one Madzibaba Enoch’s shrine claiming that the land belongs to them.

“The accused persons reportedly went on to cut the security wire and violently broke two wooden cabins belonging to the complainants. We are looking for the suspects as investigations progress,” said inspector Mwanza.

It is alleged Chaguruka, Katsande and Mandaza led a group of people who visited the shrine to peg residential stands.

It later turned out that the gang had no offer letter from council and they had nothing confirming their right to the land in question.

The church members resisted eviction, demanding a court order or documentation from council confirming the gang’s allocation.

The gang started cutting off the fence and destroying structures, resulting in a police report. Chaguruka who happens to be the chairman of 50 Angels Housing Cooperative claimed council verbally authorised them to carry activities at the site without an offer letter.

“We were authorised by the City of Harare department of works, but we were never issued an offer letter and our layout plan was approved by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo,” said Mr Mandaza.

Harare City Council spokesperson Mr Michael Chideme refuted the claims saying Harare City Council does not issue verbal offer letters.

“There is no such a thing. Council cannot authorise land ownership verbally. We issue an offer letter which is a document that confirms allocation of land,” said Mr Chideme.

The issue was reported to Budiriro Police Station under RRB 4892312.