Zimbabwe police have arrested members of Johanne Masowe eChishanu Apostolic sect who attacked and injured police officers and journalist on Friday, in Budiriro 2, Harare.

Twenty members of the church are said to be detained in police station after being arrested over the weekend and are expected to appear in court today.

Last Friday police led by Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe president Johannes Ndanga, had gone to the Madzibaba Ishmael-led shrine seeking to enforce a ban on the church for alleged abuse of women and children. ACCZ president Archbishop Johannes Ndanga had earlier announced that the sect had been banned from operating in Zimbabwe because it violated national and Christian laws.

Bishop Ndanga’s organisation accused the church of denying children of school going age access to education, severe abuse of church congregants and their families or relatives.

But events took a twist when police, journalists and Ndanga found themselves on the receiving end, bashed with knobkerries, sticks and stones leading to some injuries.

Among the injured was ZBC camera person Relax Mafurutu still admitted at West End Hospital, with his condition said to be stable.

Injured police officers were treated and discharged, but Archbishop Ndanga escaped the attack by quickly speeding off in his Range Rover and escaped the mob that was baying for his blood.