Chains Fly as Villagers Fight to Protect Sacred Land from Sect Takeover
Violence erupted in Katena Village, Chiweshe, after members of the Johane Marange Apostolic sect clashed with local residents over a disputed 36-hectare piece of land.
The land, allocated by village head Taurai Marangwanda for the construction of a school, became a flashpoint as villagers resisted what they described as an invasion of sacred grazing territory.
Blood was spilled as tensions escalated, with one man hospitalized after being struck in the eye with a metal chain.
Several others sustained injuries during the confrontation.
Sect members, dressed in white garments and carrying staffs and chains, arrived at the site to begin construction.
Their presence triggered outrage among villagers, many of whom believe the land is ancestral and must remain untouched.
Women carrying infants cried out as they tried to shield their families from the chaos.
Local residents argue the land holds deep cultural and ancestral significance.
“Our children already attend schools in Shutu, Goredema, and Nzvimbo. We’re helping build a school in Goredema, and we don’t want another one here.
“This land is our inheritance, passed down through generations and with our families growing, we must plan for the future of our children,” said Katena.
Tensions escalated when villagers destroyed bricks and filled in trenches dug by the sect, accusing them of building without community consent.
“We covered their trenches and destroyed their bricks. They told us to our faces that they bought the land from the village head and they’re not going anywhere,” added Katena.
In response, the sect — led by Champion Muchenje sought a protection order from the courts.
Meanwhile, villagers filed a case with the High Court, intensifying the legal standoff.
“They have entered our sacred ground,” responded Muchenje.
The dispute has also caused divisions within families.
Joel Nyakotyo (95), an elder in the Johane Marange church, is accused by relatives of inviting the sect without consulting the wider family.
“Our elder brother is no longer mobile and didn’t consider how large our family has grown. Because of this, we’re constantly at the police station or in court,” argued Langton Nyakotyo.
However, Joel Nyakotyo defended his actions, insisting he acted as the family patriarch.
“In Congo and other countries, churches are given land to build schools and spread the word of God.
“I called my relatives to discuss the church’s request, but no one came. I made the decision as head of the family. I want local children to learn without walking long distances,” explained Nyakotyo.
The situation reached a boiling point when sect members gathered for prayers at the site.
In response, villagers arrived with drums, clay pots, and beer to perform traditional rituals.
The confrontation quickly turned violent, with one sect member reportedly swinging a chain and striking a villager in the face.
-Kwayedza
