Police intimidation, political protection, and congregational revolt rock Hobhouse assembly
By Fanuel Chinowaita
Hobhouse – June 2, 2025 – The Apostolic Faith Mission of Zimbabwe (AFM) Mt Zion Assembly in Hobhouse is gripped by deep unrest following a series of serious allegations against its spiritual leaders, including claims that Pastor Musonza consults sangomas, and that his wife, Jennifer Musonza, has been abusing and victimizing church youths.
The situation has spiraled further as Overseer Rev. Dr. Togara Mapingure stands accused of political interference and shielding the embattled pastor from accountability.
During a Youth Conference held in Masvingo from April 17 to 20, church youths were shocked when Pastor’s wife Jennifer Musonza allegedly ordered them to throw away their food and confiscated their plates, sparing only Tafadzwa Madhuru, the boyfriend of her daughter.
In a separate incident at the same conference, a female youth sharing a tent with the pastor’s daughter was forcibly chased away by Jennifer and her daughter, leaving other youths scrambling to find her alternative shelter. Pastor Musonza and his wife reportedly showed no concern or action following the incident.
More alarming, Tafadzwa Madhuru is alleged to have threatened another youth with a knife, but the matter was never addressed by church leaders.
After returning from Masvingo, attempts to engage the church leadership were thwarted. “We waited to speak after the service, but the pastor and his wife fled the scene,” a youth leader told The Wasu Post.
Overseer Togara Mapingure later visited the church but reportedly ordered elders to block members from raising concerns. When youths disrupted a subsequent service demanding answers, the Overseer allegedly instructed the church to call the police instead of addressing their grievances.
Last Monday, during a provincial meeting in Chikanga, a controversial letter, said to be from the AFM national leadership, was read out, announcing the expulsion of the entire Mt Zion leadership.
However, the letter lacked the official stamp and signature of both the National President and Secretary, leading many to believe it was unauthorised and fabricated to protect Pastor Musonza.
In a move viewed by congregants as a targeted campaign of intimidation, Pastor Musonza is now accused of abusing the police system to silence dissenting voices. He has allegedly reported to police that church property was seized by force, despite the fact that the PA system and chairs do not belong to either him or the church.
“He found those things already in place when he was appointed. Now he’s lying to the police to have us arrested,” said a senior member of the Youth Power Union.
As a result of the reports, some members have been summoned by Hobhouse Police and are expected to appear on Tuesday, June 3.
Despite the crackdown, resistance continues to grow. Last Sunday, Pastor Musonza held a church service outside with only about five followers, while the majority of the congregation boycotted in protest, vowing to continue demanding accountability.
Overseer Mapingure has further drawn fire for boasting of his political immunity, allegedly stating, “I’m close to Minister Mugadza. I eat and drink with him, and I have nothing to fear.” Critics argue this signals a dangerous politicisation of church matters.
In a widely circulated internal memo titled “Let Us Pray for Mt Zion Assembly,” Overseer Mapinguri downplayed the crisis, accused the congregation of “hostile protests,” and described the seizing of church equipment as a criminal act threatening legal action instead of reconciliation.
Efforts to get comment from Pastor Musonza were unsuccessful as his mobile phone was unreachable at the time of publication.
Meanwhile, calls for an independent investigation into the conduct of both Pastor Musonza and Overseer Mapingure are growing louder, with many saying the national leadership must intervene or risk a full-blown schism at one of its assemblies.