HARARE - Anglicans in Manicaland Province have begun repossessing their church buildings and other property after the Supreme Court ordered renegade bishop Elson Jakazi out.

Jakazi, a sidekick of another renegade bishop, Nolbert Kunonga, had grabbed the properties which included orphanages, schools and hospitals after being chucked out of the church.

Kunonga was recently booted out by the Supreme Court after he also violently grabbed church properties.

Last week, Supreme Court judge Vernanda Ziyambi ruled that Jakazi, a former military officer, was offside and had no right to claim the Anglican Church of the Province of Central Africa (CPCA) properties.

Julius Makoni, the CPCA Manicaland Diocese, bishop said after five years of worshipping under trees, members would begin using their facilities today.

“We went to the Supreme Court and Justice Vernanda Ziyambi ruled in favour of us — in short he (Jakazi) lost. So we are happy to repossess our properties,” said Makoni.

Jakazi seized all church properties in the province, which included more than 150 parishes.

He also took control of respected schools and institutions such as Bonda Mission School and Hospital, St Faith Mission in Rusape, St Augustine Mission in Penhalonga, St Peters Clinic in Honde Valley, St Mary Magdalene High School in Nyanga, main church offices including the Cathedral in Mutare, Holy Name Matsika School in Nyazura and all small health centres dotted across the province.

Under the management of Jakazi, the properties were reduced to hellholes, with formerly elite schools such as Bonda and St Augustine collapsing into gutter institutions.

CPCA members were jubilant yesterday.

Prominent Anglican parishioner Tapiwa Mbutsa said the church needs to be vigilant next time when choosing leaders.

“I think Anglican CPCA community has learnt that each time we choose a leader we need to pray and fast for God’s guidance. The bible teaches us to ask God for a leader. The election into office of Jakazi and Kunonga was full of corruption,” Mbutsa wrote on the church’s Facebook page. - Vasco Chaya