High Court Blocks Exhumation Of Johane Masowe

The High Court has blocked the State-sanctioned exhumation of Peter Jack Masedza, also known as Johane Masowe, the founder of the Gospel of God International Church.

Masowe died in 1973 and was buried on Dandadzi Hills, just outside Rusape. His gravesite has since become a pilgrimage destination for thousands of followers worldwide.

The government had authorised his sons, Magaga and Rueben, to exhume and relocate their father’s remains to a more accessible site.

However, the church leadership strongly opposed the move. Legal representatives for the church, led by Advocate Sylvester Hashiti and Advocate Edley Mubaiwa, argued that the exhumation had been approved without following proper legal procedures.

“The decision was taken without adhering to the law, which requires the Minister to initiate the process and consider all objections,” said Hashiti.

Justice Regis Dembure ruled in favour of the church, declaring that the authorisation granted by Provincial Administrator Joice Munamati was unlawful.

“The decision… to exhume the remains from the applicant’s shrine is in violation of the Administrative Justice Act and is hereby set aside,” ruled Justice Dembure.

Meanwhile, Nickiel Mushangwe, the lawyer representing Masowe’s sons, stressed that the court’s order merely resets the administrative process.

“Our clients retain the right granted by the High Court and upheld by the Supreme Court to exhume their father,” said Mushangwe.

“This is a minor procedural setback, not a denial of their substantive rights.”

More: The Herald