Msindo expelled by church he founded after rape charges

[Ian David]

By Lebo Nkatazo
Last updated: 03/22/2007 10:28:15

ONE of Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's most vocal ecclesiastical supporters has been disowned by the church he founded following his arrest of rape charges.

Reverend Obadiah Msindo is no longer a member of the Destiny of Africa Network, the church’s directors said in a notice.

There was no mention of Msindo's crime in the notice, but church sources said it was likely that the dramatic action was in response to the rape allegations and further claims that he embezzled church funds.

Msindo has been a regular at State House and has officiated at President Mugabe's birthday ceremonies and national events like the Heroes' Day commemorations.

He once referred to President Mugabe as a "black Moses".

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The source revealed that when Msindo was charged with rape, there was "turmoil" in the church. Police were accused of trying to block Msindo's prosecution, but the ex-director of public prosecutions Loice Matanda- Moyo personally took an interest in the matter after pressure from women’s groups.

More:
http://www.newzimbabwe.com/pages/kunonga10.16166.html