Zimbabwe: church building torched
A church building which had links to the opposition MDC party was burnt down on Saturday. The United Methodist Church in Marondera was torched by suspected Zanu PF supporters. Ian Kay, the MDC candidate for Marondera East, was one of the people who provided assistance when the building was constructed. Kay is challenging the Minister of Defence, Sydney Sekeramayi, in the forthcoming elections on 31 March in the battle to represent the constituency in Parliament. Residents from Mupazviriho village allege that Zanu PF supporters were not happy that locals were worshipping at a church built with the assistance of an MDC official and particularly a white one. In addition, the villagers said the church's links to the retired Methodist Bishop Abel Muzorewa was being used by Zanu PF supporters as an excuse to harass the church congregation. Muzorewa was a political foe of President Robert Mugabe, particularly during the first decade of independence. He led the United African National Congress (UANC). The house used by the head of the congregation, Pastor Nyasha Kazembe, had its roof gutted. Kazembe, who was away on business has not returned to his flock amid reports that he now fears for his life. Two houses nearby also caught fire. Three people in one of the houses managed to salvage a few belongings before the roof collapsed." Source: ZW News/AT