Source: Property ownership wrangle takes new twist -Newsday Zimbabwe
THE Assemblies of God-Spiritual Movement (AoG-SM) Church denomination has filed a complaint with the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) against top lawyer, Chipo Mahlangu, accusing her of gross misconduct in a property ownership wrangle before the courts.
The Francis Nyika-founded AoG-SM, currently being led by Phillip Zinyama is involved in a bitter fight against the Nathan Setlhako-led Assemblies of God Back To God (AoG-BTG) with the later allegedly accused of fraudulently trying to seize church properties belonging to the former.
Setlhako’s denomination is being represented by Mahlangu of Maposa Mahlangu Attorneys.
The LSZ has confirmed receiving the complaint against Mahlangu with investigations into the matter ongoing.
In a statement, AoG-SM secretary-general, Luckymore Zinyama confirmed the latest developments.
“Yes, we have lodged a formal and comprehensive complaint with LSZ against Ms Chipo Mahlangu of Maposa Mahlangu Attorneys. Our faith in the justice system requires that all officers of the court adhere to the highest ethical standards,” said Zinyama.
“We welcome LSZ’s prompt acknowledgement of our complaint.”
Mahlangu is a former member of the LSZ compensation fund board of trustees.
“As AoG-SM, we are keeping our options open and we will continue to pursue all legal avenues to protect our assets and congregants from what we view as an unethical and fraudulent campaign of litigation, if that leads us to filing criminal charges against Setlhako and members of his executive so be it,” Zinyama said.
A number of cases pertaining to church properties are before both the Magistrates and High courts.
At the Harare High Court, the Setlhako-led denomination is seeking to evict AoG-SM from its headquarters, a state-of-the-art property in the high-density suburb of Dombotombo. At the Magistrates court the Setlhako-led church is seeking to interdict AoG-SM from carrying out construction activities on a property in Cherutombo.
AoG-SM acquired several properties during the late Nyika’s tenure.
Mahlangu yesterday said she was still to see the complaint due to a busy schedule.
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