Chief Registrar of Societies Kakoma Kanganja has with immediate effect shut down Divine Embassy Church of Kabwe.
Last week, Divine Embassy Church Apostle Lubona Chikwanda Matibini was arrested for allegedly raping a congregant on August 22, 2014.
This comes after Mr Kanganja established that the church is not registered with his office and as such operating illegally.
In an interview with Sunday Mail, Mr Kanganja said according to his records, Divine Embassy Church is not registered; therefore, it is an unlawful society.
Mr Kanganja, who was on the ground in Kabwe, said he has issued instructions that the church be declared unlawful and the pastor be charged for managing an unlawful society.
“The matter to do with managing an unlawful society will be handled by police. It requires consent from the Director of Public Prosecution to prosecute. I’m handling the part to do with the church operating unlawfully,” he said.
He also said this is a warning to all clergymen that are managing unlawful societies that they will be shut down according to the law.
Church members reported the alleged rape case to Chowa Police Station after Matibini attempted to have sex with the woman again.
Central Province commissioner of police Standwell Lungu said the incident allegedly took place in Kabwe’s Railways Township.
Zambia Daily Mail