HARARE - Anglicans in Chivhu, under chief Mudavanhu, have to walk for more than 7km to the nearby church as they fear threats from followers of defrocked bishop Nolbert Kunonga and Zanu PF supporters.

St Luke’s parish, an outpost of Daramombe, is nestled in Bvumbura an area where alleged Zanu PF supporters still call the shots.

The local chief Mudavanhu, whose birth name is Lazarus Gombiro, along with Zanu PF ward leaders are said to have been miffed by the Supreme Court judgment that drove Kunonga’s supporters from the Anglican church properties last year and have invaded a church.

Now, according to Reverend Muwenga Murombedzi of the Church of the Province of Central Africa (CPCA), the chief and Zanu PF supporters are recording names of Anglicans who prefer not to worship with Kunonga’s former followers led by renegade reverend Tirivanhu Mugomo.

“The chief and the Zanu PF local leaders have branded people who go to St Luke’s church MDC supporters as a result, the people are now scared and are now coming to Daramombe which is far from their villages,” said Murombedzi.

Mugomo, who was chased from Daramombe Mission last year, has now taken control of the Anglican outpost.

After repeated attempts to enlist the help of the police from Chivhu came to nothing, courageous Anglicans on Friday last week went to St Lukes’ outpost, stripped the roof of asbestos sheets and also seized their benches.

“We maintain the church is for everyone Zanu PF or MDC everyone is free to worship,” said Murombedzi.

Daramombe which is in Mashonaland East is under Masvingo Anglican diocese.