Zimbabwe Court Protects Apostolic Sect From Local Chief

In Zimbabwe, a High Court judge has ruled in favor of the Friday Apostles Johane Masowe Ye Chishanu sect in their lawsuit against Chief Clement Nembire in Mt. Darwin. The background is found in an article from last month in Zimbabwe's Herald. Nembire claimed that the sect, led by Madzibaba Reuben Tapedza, keeps its children out of schools, denies them hospital treatment, and marries off underage children. The sect denied the charges and agreed to protect the rights of children. Nevertheless, Nembire prohibited the sect from engaging in any worship activities in his chiefdom, destroyed its shrine and barred members from meeting together. Nembire threatened violence and murder against anyone who violated these orders. Yesterday's Herald reports that the High Court has now barred Chief Nembire from interfering with the sect's right to worship, and with its members' use of their homes and land. The court ruled that citizens have a right to live free from harassment. The sect was represented by Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.