A Zimbabwean court ordered a religious organization to cover legal expenses after abandoning litigation against a rival congregation it attempted to remove from contested property in Marondera. Justice Regis Dembure ruled that Assemblies of God-Back to God must pay elevated costs to Assemblies of God-Spiritual Movement following the plaintiff's decision to drop its eviction claim during proceedings. The dispute centered on Stand Number 2666T in Rujeko Township.
The withdrawal came after witness Nathan Sethlako underwent questioning by defense attorney Lincoln Majogo, revealing significant problems with the case. Sethlako admitted during testimony that his organization had misplaced documents supposedly proving ownership rights and could not obtain replacement copies from municipal authorities. The plaintiff initially referenced a lease dating to 1978 through 1980 but later attempted to change its claim to reference a purchase contract instead.
Dembure stated that enhanced financial penalties apply when parties misuse judicial procedures and waste resources. The judge emphasized that religious leaders should carefully weigh litigation expenses before pursuing legal action. Defense lawyers argued the plaintiff withdrew only after cross-examination exposed fundamental weaknesses in its arguments. The court approved the withdrawal request but imposed attorney-client scale costs against Assemblies of God-Back to God.
The withdrawal came after witness Nathan Sethlako underwent questioning by defense attorney Lincoln Majogo, revealing significant problems with the case. Sethlako admitted during testimony that his organization had misplaced documents supposedly proving ownership rights and could not obtain replacement copies from municipal authorities. The plaintiff initially referenced a lease dating to 1978 through 1980 but later attempted to change its claim to reference a purchase contract instead.
Dembure stated that enhanced financial penalties apply when parties misuse judicial procedures and waste resources. The judge emphasized that religious leaders should carefully weigh litigation expenses before pursuing legal action. Defense lawyers argued the plaintiff withdrew only after cross-examination exposed fundamental weaknesses in its arguments. The court approved the withdrawal request but imposed attorney-client scale costs against Assemblies of God-Back to God.
