In a dramatic turn of events at the Spirit Angels of God Church in Beitbridge, former ZANU PF ward 4 councillor and current party official Aphos Ndlovu clashed with the church’s founder, Archbishop Paul Simetch Ndlovu, over his expulsion from the congregation. This confrontation on Sunday left Ndlovu visibly enraged as he insisted on retaining his status as a bishop. The conflict erupted after Archbishop Ndlovu officially informed Ndlovu of his dismissal, citing gross misconduct and insubordination. Tensions escalated when Ndlovu, along with his wife and brother-in-law, stormed out of the church following the confrontation.
The church leadership had previously issued a termination notice on July 26, 2024, detailing multiple breaches of church conduct by Ndlovu, including harassment of congregants and unilateral decision-making. Reverend Nqobile Ncube, the church’s Secretary General, outlined the church’s findings, emphasizing a thorough inquiry that led to the decision to dismiss Ndlovu.
“The decision was based on overwhelming evidence of insubordination and disregard for the church’s constitution,” Ncube stated. He detailed how Ndlovu’s actions had disrupted church operations and violated fundamental principles established within the church’s guidelines.
According to the church constitution, members must demonstrate repentance and engage constructively within the community. Ncube highlighted that Ndlovu had not only failed to attend services consistently over the years but had also made decisions without consulting other leaders or stakeholders, undermining church unity.
The church’s petition for legal protection from Ndlovu and his wife claimed ongoing harassment and disruption of services. It underscored a commitment to maintaining a respectful and orderly worship environment, free from threats and intimidation. The Council for Churches in Africa (CCA) has since reaffirmed the church’s decision, acknowledging receipt of procedural documentation regarding Ndlovu’s expulsion. Apostle Pauline Nyathi, Secretary General of the CCA, stated that the organization supports the church’s actions and will send a team to observe developments at the Beitbridge assembly.
“Our role is to ensure that our affiliates adhere to their constitutions and maintain integrity within their operations,” Nyathi noted, emphasizing that the CCA respects the autonomy of its member churches while upholding the law. As tensions remain high, the Spirit Angels of God Church continues to seek a peaceful resolution while reaffirming its commitment to its founding principles. The expulsion of Ndlovu serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and adherence to church governance, especially in the face of internal conflicts.
In other news – Africa CDC warns that Mpox remains uncontrolled in Africa
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has issued a stark warning regarding the ongoing pox outbreak in Africa, stating that the situation remains dire as cases continue to rise across several countries. Following the identification of a new variant, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.
This development comes as countries grapple with the compounded challenges posed by another major outbreak following the COVID-19 pandemic, which has revealed significant weaknesses in health systems across the continent. Read More