The High Court of Zimbabwe has dismissed an urgent application by a former provincial coordinator of the Destiny of Afrika Network, clearing the way for his immediate removal from office after a protracted dispute that has exposed tensions within the church-based organization.
In a ruling delivered in chambers, Justice Jacob Manzunzu struck off the application filed by Wilson Masokowere, the former Manicaland projects coordinator for the Destiny of Afrika Network, who had sought to block enforcement of an earlier judgment upholding his dismissal. The judge ruled that the matter did not meet the threshold for urgency and ordered Masokowere to pay punitive costs.
The decision means that the Sheriff of the High Court is expected to enforce the earlier order, formally removing Mr. Masokowere from the organization’s offices and barring him from interfering in its operations.
The case stems from an internal disciplinary process that led to Mr. Masokowere’s dismissal on allegations of misconduct and insubordination. The disciplinary action was upheld by the courts in a prior ruling, which Mr. Masokowere had attempted to suspend through his latest urgent chamber application.
At the center of the dispute is a breakdown in relations between Mr. Masokowere and Obediah Musindo, the founder and president of the Destiny of Afrika Network. The organization, established by Mr. Musindo, is a faith-based movement known for its evangelical activities and social outreach programs across Zimbabwe. In the past, Mr. Musindo has drawn public attention for blending religious leadership with outspoken commentary on political and social issues, positioning the network as both a spiritual and civic actor.
According to court filings and statements made during proceedings, the fallout between the two men followed efforts by Mr. Musindo to initiate an audit of the Manicaland projects amid allegations of fraud and misappropriation of funds. Mr. Musindo has accused Mr. Masokowere of resisting the audit process, a claim that formed part of the basis for disciplinary charges.
Zimbabwe’s High Court, as established under the country’s 2013 Constitution, exercises original jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters and supervises lower courts. Urgent chamber applications — a procedural mechanism allowing litigants to seek immediate relief — are granted only where applicants demonstrate irreparable harm or circumstances requiring swift judicial intervention. In this instance, Justice Manzunzu found that standard had not been met.
Legal analysts say the ruling underscores the judiciary’s reluctance to revisit finalized employment disputes absent compelling new grounds. With the latest application dismissed, Mr. Masokowere’s legal avenues appear increasingly narrow, and enforcement of the court’s order is expected to proceed without further delay.
