Tension at Johanne Masowe shrine as youths block court-approved exhumation

Gandanzara shrine entrance in Makoni District

HARARE – Tensions are rising at the Gospel of God Church International (1932) headquarters in Gandanzara, Makoni District, after more than 20 armed youths blocked access to the grave of the church’s founder, Johanne Masowe. The group, reportedly wielding machetes, knobkerries, and other weapons, has set up a vigil at the shrine entrance, preventing officials and family members from proceeding with a court-approved exhumation.

The late Johanne Masowe, born Peter Jack Masedza, died in 1973 and was buried at the Gandanzara shrine, which later became a sacred headquarters for thousands of followers. His biological sons, Magaga and Rueben Masedza, have been engaged in a long-running legal battle to exhume and rebury his remains at a location accessible to the family. Their lawyers formally notified the church on March 25 that the exhumation would take place on April 2.

However, a group led by an individual identified as Saunyama has since mobilised at the shrine, effectively blocking access. A relative, Tawanda Kutsanzira, told The Manica Post that the youths may have acted after receiving information about the planned exhumation.

“No one came to exhume the remains. I think they received information that people were waiting for them, so they decided not to come,” he said. “These youths came from various places, some from as far as Chegutu, to ensure the exhumation does not proceed.”

Church leaders have resisted the move, arguing that Masowe personally chose the burial site, which has since become a sacred spiritual centre. The family, however, insists that he should be reburied among relatives, maintaining that their legal rights have been upheld.

Legal practitioners Mushangwe and Company Legal Practitioners confirmed that all administrative requirements have been met, including securing a burial order. The matter has been the subject of multiple court rulings. The High Court of Zimbabwe initially granted permission for exhumation under Case No. HCH1769/23, a decision later upheld by the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe under Case No. SCI 12/25.

In a letter dated March 10, Provincial Registrar J Munamati confirmed there was no legal objection to the process.

“This office has no objection to the exhumation and subsequent reburial of the remains of the late Johane Masowe,” the letter reads.

However, authorities stressed that the process must comply with all public health and legal requirements.

In its December 2025 ruling, the Supreme Court brought closure to decades of litigation, affirming the family’s right to pursue exhumation through proper administrative channels. The court also ruled that no burial site, including one considered a shrine, is exempt from the Cemeteries Act, reinforcing that all exhumations must follow established legal procedures.

With tensions escalating on the ground, it remains unclear when or how the exhumation will proceed. Authorities are yet to intervene directly at the site, where the standoff underscores the deep divide between religious reverence and family rights.

Johanne Masowe exhumation