Police in Hurungwe have arrested two Johane Masowe eChishanu apostolic sect leaders for convening a gathering in violation of the enhanced COVID-19 level 4 lockdown regulations.
Officer commanding Hurungwe district Chief Superintendent Helina Mahonde warned church members to desist from illegal gatherings as they have been proven to be coronavirus super spreaders. She said:
I would like to confirm that the police have arrested two church leaders of Johane Masowe eChishanu sect for convening a gathering during the lockdown.
The two are Moffat Phiri (34) and Emmanuel Bango (28) both from Chikuti in Hurungwe district.
The two convened a gathering for the purpose of worshipping on July 15, 2021 at around 12.00 hours at Magaisa business centre near Kasimure.
We received a tip-off from members of the public and police reacted swiftly and found a group of 40 members of the sect gathered at the shrine. They will appear in court soon.
Ch Supt Mahonde warned would-be offenders that the police will enforce lockdown regulations without fear or favour.
Gatherings that include church services were banned last month as Zimbabwe is battling a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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