Members of the United Methodist Church in Lusaka stand where their church once was.
Members of the United Methodist Church in Lusaka, Nyanga, are devastated that their zinc church was reduced to ashes after they had been instructed to move.
Reverend Sizwe Sigcau said ward councillor Khaya Yozi had recently told the church that the land it was built on had been demarcated for business development.
“We were still planning to meet with the councillor to discuss this matter further but we are now devastated to see that someone has set fire on our building,” said Reverend Sigcau who believes the fire was an act of arson.
He said a case of arson had been opened with the Nyanga police.
Councillor Khaya Yozi said the site in which the church was built is mean for business development.
“There were 24 shacks in that site and we engaged with the people staying there and agreed that they would be moved to temporary sites Delft. The church had to move as well. My office spoke to several of their church leaders about the situation,” said Mr Yozi.
Nyanga SAPS spokesperson, Captain Ntomboxolo Sitshitshi confirmed the incident and that an investigation was under way.
“The case is being handled by Sergeant Ntsongwana and there has been no arrests yet,” said Captain Sitshitshi.