Church wins order to halt Johane Masowe exhumation

The court hit pause on plans to dig up the founder’s resting place.

Exhumation dispute over Johane Masowe

• Gospel of God Church International blocked the planned exhumation.
• Founder Peter Jack Masedza was buried at Gandanzara in 1973.
• The site serves as the main shrine and a global pilgrimage destination.
• The High Court granted a temporary suspension of the government-approved move.

Legal arguments from the church

• Lawyers argued exhumation ignored the church’s right to be heard.
• The application claims decision was unlawful and irrational.
• Senior government officials and their sons were named as respondents.
• Church wants burial site preserved as sacred for followers.

Sons’ position and court schedule

• Magaga and Rueben sought to relocate their father for accessibility.
• Their lawyers cited prior rulings and careful governmental review.
• Mushangwe and Company asked for the challenge to be dismissed.
• Hearing scheduled for Tuesday to resolve the dispute.