Johnson Progress

A pastor based in Zvishavane has been formally charged with aggravated indecent assault following a disturbing incident involving an 18-year-old male victim in Redcliff.

The accused appeared before the Kwekwe Magistrates’ Court on August 18, 2025, where he was remanded in custody ahead of his trial scheduled for August 27, 2025.

According to court documents and statements from the victim, the alleged assault took place at the victim’s home on the morning of August 11.

The victim reportedly woke up to find the pastor, who had been visiting the family, touching him inappropriately.

When the victim questioned the pastor’s behavior, the accused is said to have commented on the victim’s appearance, stating that he was “too handsome” and that the absence of a beard made him feel as though he was “in bed with a woman.”

The pastor allegedly escalated the assault by forcibly removing the victim’s shorts and threatening him with a gun, warning that he would shoot if the victim screamed or told anyone about the incident.

The victim was then reportedly forced to lie on his stomach and was sexually assaulted three times.

Following the assaults, the accused allegedly coerced the victim into performing a sexual act on him, which the victim complied with out of fear.

The pastor is said to have left the victim’s home at approximately 6:30 a.m. on the same day.

The victim confided in his aunt about the ordeal later that day, who then encouraged him to report the matter to the authorities.

The case was promptly reported to the Redcliff police station, leading to the arrest of the accused.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe has confirmed that the accused remains in custody as the investigation continues.

The court will hear the case again on August 27, when the trial is set to commence.

This case has raised serious concerns about abuse of trust and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals within communities, highlighting the need for vigilance and swift justice in such matters.