Apostolic sect leader Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa, commonly known as Madzibaba Ishmael, has been convicted on one count of rape after impregnating a 13-year-old congregant at his farm in Nyabira, Mashonaland West Province.
The victim, under the influence of the sect’s oppressive doctrines, was deemed unable to consent.
The court remanded Chokurongerwa in custody pending his sentencing, set for today. Presiding magistrate Mrs Estere Chivasa acquitted the sect leader on two other counts of rape, ruling that the complainants in those cases were adults at the time of the alleged offences.All victims denied ever being raped.
However, the State, represented by prosecutor Mr Oscar Madhume, presented compelling evidence from multiple witnesses, which proved that the victims were raped and that Madzibaba Ishmael fathered children with all three complainants.
One of the key witnesses provided a painted and harrowing picture of the oppressive religious structure where congregants were held as hostages.
Magistrate Chivasa said the first victim was only 13-years-old in 2023, adding that under such a fearsome environment, one cannot say the girl consented.She said the church should act as guardians of children, but indoctrination leaves them with no choice.
Magistrate Chivasa also said the convict had sexual intercourse with the victims without their consent.
She noted that the complainants, who came from different backgrounds, gave consistent evidence, which was proven untrue by DNA results.
During the trial, the victims exhibited visible fear, freezing whenever questioned about the church’s doctrine.Their demeanour suggested they were still under the influence of indoctrination, with their main focus being to protect Madzibaba Ishmael.
DNA tests were conducted by the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) and they conclusively proved that Madzibaba Ishmael fathered the three children born to the complainants.
However, despite the scientific evidence, Madzibaba Ishmael said the DNA results were tainted and inadmissible.
He also denied all allegations of rape, claiming the complainants had not voluntarily reported the incidents to the police.The prosecution argued that Madzibaba Ishmael abused his position as a trusted religious leader to exploit and rape young congregants under the guise of religious authority.
Indoctrinated and manipulated, the victims were unable to resist or disclose the abuse until additional evidence came to light.
While he was convicted on one count of rape, Madzibaba Ishmael was acquitted of charges related to ill-treatment of minors and breaching the Burial and Cremation Act.
