HARARE - Anglicans across the country were led into their churches by police as supporters of ex-communicated clergyman Nolbert Kunonga defied a Supreme Court order directing them to leave the Church of the Central Province of Africa’s (CPCA) properties.

According to witnesses at Daramombe Mission, Mashonaland East Province, Anglicans were denied entry into their church and only intervention of police from the dog section enabled them to get through.

“People were denied entrance into the church by a group of toyi-toying Kunonga supporters who were armed.

“The police were called in and they brought dogs with them. However, that did not stop the gang who went on to beat worshippers,” said a member of the CPCA.

In Mutare, which is in the diocese of Manicaland, Anglicans in some parts also sought assistance from the police in order to get into their churches.

Precious Shumba, Anglican spokesperson said they had managed to take most churches across the Harare diocese which include Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland provinces.

In central Harare, Anglicans enjoyed church services after the messenger of court successfully sent Kunonga packing.

Last week, police arrested five bouncers in Harare who had been roped in by Kunonga to harass worshippers and on Thursday Kunonga’s thugs severely assaulted a reverend and only the intervention of the police saved the day. - Staff Writer