Self-proclaimed prophet Gathry Chiredzero has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for raping a 13-year-old girl under the guise of a spiritual healing ritual.
His wife, Diana Chauke, was sentenced to 15 years after being convicted of assisting in the commission of the offence.
The sentences were handed down by Regional Magistrate Estere Chivasa following the conclusion of the high-profile case.
The complainant’s mother, who was jointly charged with the couple, was acquitted after the court found that she had acted under duress after allegedly being threatened with a firearm.
The State successfully argued that the evidence presented during the trial established the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
The court heard that the offences occurred in January 2026 after the girl accompanied her mother to Chiredzero’s home, where he was conducting a spiritual healing session involving the girl’s sister.
According to the prosecution, Chiredzero claimed that sexual intercourse with a virgin was necessary as part of the purported healing ritual.
Chauke was found to have supported the plan and assisted in facilitating the offence, while the girl’s mother complied after allegedly being threatened.
The court further heard that the girl was later threatened with death if she disclosed what had happened.
Medical evidence presented during the trial supported the complainant’s account, while prosecutors told the court that her evidence remained consistent under cross-examination.
The case was only reported to the police several months after the incident. The State attributed the delay to the mother’s failure to act after the girl initially disclosed the abuse.
The matter came to light in June 2026 when the complainant, her mother and siblings attended a healing session conducted by another Apostolic prophet. During the session, the alleged abuse was disclosed, resulting in a police report.
The convictions and sentences have renewed concerns over the exploitation of vulnerable people under the guise of religious and spiritual practices, while highlighting the need for stronger safeguards for children attending such sessions.
