Vongai Masuka

Apostolic sect leader Ishmael Chokurongerwa, popularly known as Madzibaba Ishmael, was convicted yesterday of raping and impregnating a 13-year-old girl.

This is an offense for which he faces a minimum sentence of 15 years in jail.

The conviction, handed down by Harare regional magistrate Estere Chivasa, marks the latest development in a high-profile case that began with a police raid on the sect’s Nyabira farm last year.

Chokurongerwa was immediately detained in custody following the verdict and is scheduled to return to court for a pre-sentencing hearing.

The State secured the conviction despite spirited attempts by the victim to help him escape the jaws of justice and the complainants’ own denial of any links to the religious leader.

The court relied on conclusive DNA test results conducted by the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), which scientifically proved that indeed Madzibaba Ishmael fathered a child with the complainant.

During the trial, the three original complainants, including the minor, denied having any sexual intercourse with the accused, exhibiting visible fear and focusing on protecting him.

Magistrate Chivasa, however, stated that the scientific evidence provided proof beyond reasonable doubt, overriding the inconsistencies in the witnesses’ testimony.

“The three complainants all denied any link with the accused person, but on the other hand, however, there is scientific proof (DNA paternity test results) providing proof beyond reasonable doubt that the accused engaged in sexual intercourse with them and bore children,” the magistrate noted.

The court’s ruling strongly condemned the sect’s internal environment, finding that the sexual intercourse with the minor could not have been consensual due to the accused’s position of authority and the oppressive nature of the religious practice.

Magistrate Chivasa found that the sect’s followers were stripped of their right and ability to exercise freedom of choice through oppressive religious power which was as good as slavery.

She concluded that given the hostile environment, particularly for the 13-year-old victim, the only reasonable inference conclusion is that the sexual intercourse was not consensual.

Chokurongerwa, who had been attending court from home, was initially charged with three counts of rape, ill-treatment of minors, and breaching the Burial and Cremation Act.

He was acquitted on the two other rape charges after the court found the complainants were not minors as claimed. He was also acquitted on the ill-treatment and Burial Act breaches.