Residents of Borrowdale have accused the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe and the Acting Director of Urban Planning for the City of Harare, Barbara Mugocha, of complicity in allegedly fraudulent documentation used to defy a High Court interdict.
The dispute centres on Stand Number 9 Doveton Road, a residential property that the United Methodist Church in Borrowdale has continued to use as a place of worship despite a court order barring such activities.
Under case number HCH2095/24, the High Court on 25 June 2025 interdicted the Church from using the property for religious activities, requiring it to comply with all municipal planning regulations before resuming operations. However, residents say the Church resumed services after producing a controversial letter allegedly authorising continued use.
The letter in question reportedly bears the signature of Barbara Mugocha.
Ms Mugocha has publicly denied signing the document, calling it fraudulent.
Senior City of Harare officials named in the correspondence have also distanced themselves from the letter, raising serious questions about how the document was produced and who approved it.
“This is not just a bureaucratic error; it appears to be a deliberate attempt to bypass a court order,” said one resident.
“We demand accountability from the Church and city officials implicated in this scheme.”
The residents’ formal complaint, submitted to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), alleges abuse of office and possible fraud.
Despite repeated inquiries, ZACC has not provided an update on its review.
Meanwhile, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume told the press that he is still examining the matter and will decide on the next steps once fully briefed.
The controversy casts a shadow over the Methodist Church’s operations in Borrowdale, as residents continue to demand transparency and adherence to legal and municipal regulations.
With multiple officials distancing themselves from the disputed letter, questions linger over who orchestrated the defiance and what accountability measures will follow.
Herbert Muromba of Kantor & Zimmerman, representing the residents, says legal action is ongoing and emphasises the need for urgent clarification on the authenticity of the contested document.
As investigations continue, the spotlight remains on both the Church and city officials, highlighting the broader concerns over governance, legality, and accountability in urban planning and religious operations.
