Mzuzu, 03/03/2024
There was a distraction in today’s church service at Zolozolo CCAP in Mzuzu under the Synod of Livingstonia
as reports says that misunderstanding erupted following financial issues leading to the injury of some members and church elders.
Sources from the gathering says that the choirs at the church are charged K35,000 for them to participate in the service. It is alleged that the choirs have been paying the money but chances for them to sing had been not provided. It is also alleged that the money realized is not accounted for.
This morning some choir members carried placards with the message asking the church leadership to clarify on what is happening. This results into the fracas which was put to an end with police intervention.
Meanwhile the casualties have been rushed to the hospital in the city.
Situation Report: C.L.C.B.PEACE
Incident: Occurred on 03/03/2024 at 09:00 hours at Zolozolo CCAP Church. Mr. Loyd C. Mtambo, DOB 07/08/1965, of village Sekwa, T/A Mwenewemya, District Chitipa, occupation Session Clerk, c/o Zolozolo CCAP, reports the following case against three choirs.
Facts: The said church has nine choirs in their congregation. According to their policy, each choir renews their membership by registering with thirty-five thousand Kwacha (K35,000.00) per year. This year, 2024, only six choirs paid and registered in their system, and three failed to pay.
As such, the church discipline does not allow them to sing during church services. However, last Sunday, on 25/02/2024, the choirs sang on their own without authority from the church. Today, on 03 March 2024, they wanted to repeat the same, but the elders went to Mzuzu Police Station and hired two officers for security. After seeing them, they started singing songs demanding the transfer of their pastor, resulting in the disturbing church service hence commotion between the three choirs and the elders ensued.
It took the police officers from the Rapid Response Team to fire a bullet in the air to calm the situation. Officers from Delta Division came for support. No injuries were registered, and no arrests were made. Investigations are underway to arrest the suspects. (10/03/2024 Refers).
(Dumisani Mwambazi-Mchinji)
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