A Bulawayo councillor has called on the municipality to allocate stands to apostolic sects so that they move away from worshipping in bushes.
Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) activists and municipal rangers have been conducting raids against open air churches run by the sects, accusing them of fouling the bushes.
Ward 10 councillor, Khalazani Ndlovu, said the apostolic sects have a right to freedom of worship.
“We can’t just remove them without giving them alternative land for worship,” Ndlovu said.
“These people are our neighbours and constitutionally they have the right to their religion and freedom of worship.
“Council must allocate them land so that they can build their churches.”
Council spokesperson, Nesisa Mpofu, said that it was not possible to maintain public health and sanitation in open air spaces.
“The City of Bulawayo is conducting enforcement and engagements are in progress with the various churches,” she said.
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“The City of Bulawayo also allocates stands to churches who have applied depending on the available land.”
“Illegal open air worshippers are encouraged to apply for stands with the City of Bulawayo.”
