Madzibaba İsmail was brought to court for raping minors

Source: Madzibaba İsmail was brought to court for raping minors -Newsday Zimbabwe

An apostolic sect leader allegedly raped three minors in his church and impregnated two of them.

Johanne Masowe eChishanu Gorejena Penyeranyika sect leader Ishmael Chokurongerwa appeared before Harare magistrate Stanford Mambanje yesterday and released him from custody until November 21 for the start of the trial.

Chokurongerwa and the victims are not related.

However, they are members of his church, where he is said to be a religious leader.

Prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti said Chokurongerwa had sexual intercourse with his first victim, then 14, on several occasions since 2018.

She got pregnant.

The matter came to light in March 2024 following a tip received through various social media platforms, prompting the Republic of Zimbabwe Police to launch an investigation.

The victim was rescued at Chokurongerwa’s residence in Harare and taken for medical examination.

The girl allegedly initially refused to name her abuser because she was afraid of Chokurongerwa due to brainwashing.

His second victim was also 14 years old and a member of his church.

The prosecution alleges that Chokurongerwa used her influence to obtain sexual intercourse several times between 2020 and March 2022 until the child became pregnant.