Free Methodist Church of Zimbabwe v Kabelo Dube and Kanya Nare and Mr. Mudzingwa and Mrs. Chitanga and Free Methodist Church Masvingo Circuit

Key Issues

• {"issue_text":"Whether Bishop Abner Chauke has authority to represent the plaintiff","issue_type":"law","dispositive":"yes","related_facts":"Bishop's appointment in 2000, third term of office, World Conference affirmation"}
• {"issue_text":"Whether the 5th defendant (the circuit church) has locus standi in judicio","issue_type":"law","dispositive":"no","related_facts":"Legal personality of local church, Book of Discipline provisions"}
• {"issue_text":"Whether the plaintiff, through Rev. Shinasi Gezani, was in peaceful occupation and possession of the disputed church premises","issue_type":"fact","dispositive":"yes","related_facts":"Gezani's appointment, peaceful occupation from 8-22 September 2006"}
• {"issue_text":"Whether the plaintiff and Gezani were lawfully evicted and dispossessed of the church premises","issue_type":"fact","dispositive":"yes","related_facts":"Forced eviction on 22 September 2006 without court order"}
• {"issue_text":"Whether the defendants should be interdicted from interfering with the plaintiff's lawful activities","issue_type":"law","dispositive":"yes","related_facts":"Denial of access since September 2006, interference with church activities"}

Background