Social media has been abuzz today over the passing of the High Priest of the Johanne Marange apostolic sect Noah Taguta.
News of the high priest’s passing was confirmed by Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Nokuthula Matsikenyere. Taguta has over the past years been entangled in politics he encouraged his followers to vote for the ruling party.
#Confirmed High priest St Noah Taguta Momberume leader of Johane Marange is no more. He had 1500 wives, which are now widows pic.twitter.com/pP0DQ2SEZU
— Shona_ZW🇿🇼🇿🇦 (@mapisarema21) April 18, 2022
A Twitter user named @mapisarema21 tweeted that Priest Taguta had 1500 wives who are now widows. Although it is hard to validate this statement it is common knowledge that leaders and men in the apostolic sect favour the concept of marrying many wives. They have also been in the firing line for marrying underaged girls for wives, especially after the death of Memory Machaya a 14-year-old girl who died whilst giving birth at one of the shrines.
In an article called “In defence of Apostles Church” by Mushwatu, a member and activist of the Apostles Church, he talks about how Priest Taguta’s leadership was
“fraught with accusations of excesses where it is alleged he (Priest Noah Taguta) has married over 100 wives, some taken underage. Investigations into these matters have not been made public – as the Church has been sold for 30 pieces of silver.”
Mushwatu laments over how the Apostolic sector has changed and how it has veered from the principles that were set out by its founder Muchabaya Momberume who adopted his maternal surname and was later known as Johanne Marange. He also claims that political leaders see a cheap audience in gathered Apostles and Priest Taguta took advantage of that. Read the full article by Apostle Mushwatu here.