THE Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) this week raided apostolic sect shrines in Bulawayo claiming that they were cleansing the environment of activities that are alien to Matabeleland culture.
The opposition party ordered the sect members to remove their ritual cloths and flags, saying they violated local cultural norms and values.
The group of activists patrolled the bush between Mzilikazi and Entumbane high-density suburbs, where most of the shrines are located.
The MRP team said it had established that most of these shrines were operated by people from Mashonaland region.
In a statement yesterday, MRP spokesperson Velile Moyo said their patrol uncovered unprecedented deluge of illicit practices at the shrines.
“This vast stretch of land, from Mpilo (Central) Hospital to the United College of Education has suffered from illegal settlements and environmental decay.
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“But we rose against the norm, boldly defying and paving way for a cleaner, greener and more prosperous Bulawayo. This area has been taken over by various spiritual cults and church groups, which have erected shrines and worship sites, with some even building permanent structures and thatched houses with stone walls,” he said.
Moyo said they observed more than 47 shrines, adding that some cult leaders claimed to have been legally settled by the Bulawayo City Council (BCC), holding leases or paying rentals.
“We urge BCC to publicly clarify whether these claims are genuine and, if so, to disclose the local area development plan, including when it was approved and whether the public was notified and invited to submit objections or comments, as required by the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act and local by-laws,” he said.
“Despite Zimbabwe’s Constitution guaranteeing freedom of spiritual worship and association, a sinister trend has taken hold in Bulawayo — the proliferation of cults and demigod worship, preying on the vulnerable and desperate. These unscrupulous entities, masquerading as religious groups, are exploiting the public’s trust and their hard-earned cash.”
Moyo said while legitimate churches had the right to apply for land and build proper structures with necessary amenities, it was unacceptable for these rogue operators to illegally occupy and operate without oversight or accountability.
“The illicit occurrences at the Entumbane shrines are starkly evident upon observation. During visits to these sites, it was alarming to note that the majority of shrines lacked proper toilet facilities.
“Only a couple had makeshift solutions such as portable single squat-hole toilets or primitive grass-wall covered trench latrines,” Moyo said.
He called on authorities at the BCC to investigate activities at the shrines.
“At the shrines, we uncovered a disturbing sight — white crosses planted on piles of rocks and soil, resembling graves and likely meant to instil fear in those seeking consultation.
“This finding raises concerns about illicit activities taking place at these shrines, akin to the illicit burials reported at Madzibaba Ishmael’s shrine in Nyabira,” he said.
In an interview, deputy mayor Edwin Ndlovu yesterday said council was aware of the illegal shrines, adding that they usually raided the places.
“As a city, we cannot comment on action taken by the organisation you are referring to, but we want to emphasise that these shrines are illegal and we urge the residents of the city to shun such activities.
“Before anything else, there are no ablution facilities and honestly how do these people assist themselves? This breeds cholera and other associated diseases. Our enforcement department is seized with that. They shall all be arrested. As a city, we don’t allow lawlessness in the city,” he said.
In March, Bulawayo residents expressed concern over the sprouting of shrines in the city’s open spaces.
They called on council to act and remove the shrines.
Thembelani Dube, Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association, said apostolic sects should respect local culture.
“It’s very true that hanging clothes in the bush is taboo in Ndebele culture. What used to be respected is no longer being respected and people now just do as they like.
“Long back we had people who went around removing all the stuff which was believed to be affecting rainfall patterns. Now people don’t care, they just do as they please,” Dube said.