A contentious battle has erupted between two factions of the Gospel of God Church International over the proposed exhumation of their late leader, Baba Johanne Masowe’s remains from the Gandanzara Shrine in Makoni District. The High Court recently authorized Baba Johanne’s sons, Magaga and Reuben Masedza, to exhume and rebury their father’s remains at their family home, 52 years after his death.
Despite internal differences, both factions of the church, led by Sister Era Silver Tapera and Sister Dazi Dhliwayo, have appealed to the Supreme Court to overturn the High Court’s decision. They argue that the court failed to recognize the prior ownership of the shrine, as established in a 2003 judgment, and disregarded the sacred nature of the site.
The church factions claim that the exhumation would defile and erase Baba Johanne’s resting place and memory, causing significant emotional distress to members worldwide. They also question the motivations behind the exhumation, suggesting it may be driven by personal gain rather than respect for the deceased.
Magaga Masedza, one of Baba Johanne’s sons, has flighted a public notice of his intention to exhume his father’s remains, sparking further controversy. The church factions argue that Baba Johanne’s alleged oral testament expressed his wish to remain buried at the Gandanzara Shrine, and that exhumation would violate his right to be buried there.
The Supreme Court will hear the appeal on May 19, determining the fate of Baba Johanne’s remains and the future of the Gandanzara Shrine. The outcome will have significant implications for the church, its members, and the Masedza family.
source- manicapost
end//…
