Violence Erupts In Belvedere Church {Watch}

There was chaos at Christ Ministries Church in Belevedere as warring parties confronted each other violently during a live Big Sunday service.

Zimbabwe republic police had to be called in to salvage the situation that saw church elders physically manhandling each other in full view of congregants and cameras.

According to reports, the master of ceremony unceremoniously accused some church members of embezzling the institution’s funds.

The pastor is accused of embezzling US$25 000 without the church’s consent.

See Also: Methodist Church’s Reverend Attacked In Church Over Witchcraft

This degenerated into chaos as witnessed in the video below;

Meanwhile ma10 days pic.twitter.com/A4idQcVAAT

— shamie (@shamie_shamaine) January 5, 2023

In a statement circulating on social media, the church indicated that police have promised to be present every time the church holds services to ensure peace.

They also threatened to shut down the church should they fail to resolve their differences.

Below is the statement;

To all Christ Ministries church pastors, elders and members. I am writing to express regret to congregants for the religious violence that took place after provocative hate speech by the master of ceremonies during the big Sunday in Belvedere yesterday. We and the perpetrators of violence were summoned at the central police station this morning. Amai Reverend Leddie Makoni, Tanakasei, Jullen Kanyenze, Eustace, Lucinah Makoni and Pastor Tafadzwa Sirewu were present. the officer in charge spoke about the need for conflict resolution at family and church level. The Zrp kopje ordered the rival factions to reconcile and maintain peace and order and resolve issues through the due processes of the law. They said that they have the power to close down the church if violence continues. They told us that no one, even the steering committee has power and mandate to chase away people from the church and can only do so by obtaining a court order since the case has been filed with the supreme court of Zimbabwe. We the dissenting voices have the right to attend church services and participate in the church program s without victimization. Pastor Sirewu was summoned to go and brief his followers about this position. If the church elders have any bone of contention with us let them use the proper legal channels and not use violence. Finally, the perpetrators of violence were fined and they paid an admission of guilt. We have also been given supporting documents to go for medical examinations after the assault. This police will begin their investigations and call witnesses who had attended the church service. The police will be attending church services to maintain law and order starting this Sunday. This is the current state of affairs. Yours Sincerely, Colin Zondai Makoni Senior Pastor Christ Ministries church