The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. Daniel Garwe, has vowed to work closely with Nkulumane MP, Hon. Desire Moyo, and law enforcement agencies to restore peace between residents and Apostolic sect members who worship in open spaces around Nkulumane. His commitment follows concerns raised by Hon. Moyo in Parliament over ongoing tensions between worshippers and local residents, which have escalated into violent confrontations.
Speaking in Parliament in supplementary question by Hon Discent Bajila, Hon. Moyo highlighted the growing hostility in Nkulumane, where some residents and political activists have taken matters into their own hands, disrupting religious gatherings and destroying prayer sites.
“In Nkulumane, we have a challenge regarding fights within different traditional churches. Recently, three people were arrested for destroying prayer cloths used by worshippers, leading to violent clashes. My wish is for the Minister to handle this issue amicably and urgently to prevent further conflicts,” said Hon. Moyo.
Responding to these concerns, Minister Garwe admitted that his Ministry was unaware of the ongoing disputes but assured Parliament that he would take swift action.
“Mr. Speaker Sir, we are not aware of that, and we will be very grateful if you could put it in writing, detailing the specific organizations involved in these skirmishes. This will enable us to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to bring peace to Nkulumane,” he stated.
The rise of open-air worship in Bulawayo, particularly in Nkulumane, has drawn increased scrutiny from authorities. A study conducted by the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) between April and May 2024 revealed that Apostolic sect members have been occupying council land without authorization. The findings highlighted that these worship sites lacked potable water, sewer reticulation, and other essential urban amenities, leading to concerns about environmental degradation and social conflicts.
In May 2024, tensions intensified when the Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) conducted raids on Apostolic sect shrines, claiming they were cleansing the environment of practices deemed foreign to Matabeleland culture. These operations led to the arrest of MRP official Lwazi Khanye, who was accused of brandishing a large knife while disrupting worshippers near Nkulumane Complex. The incident further fueled divisions, sparking concerns over growing vigilantism in the city.
With Nkulumane known for its peaceful character, Minister Garwe emphasized the need for urgent intervention to prevent further unrest. He reaffirmed his commitment to working with Hon. Moyo, local authorities, and the police to develop a lasting resolution.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on how the government, city authorities, and community leaders navigate these complex religious and social tensions to restore order in one of Bulawayo’s largest suburbs.
