Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
THERE is something mysterious about self-styled prophets called Madzibaba Ishmael and the raping of teenage women.
Another prophet, called Madzibaba Ishmael, has been arrested for allegedly raping a 16-year-old Form 4 student at his shrine in Chitungwiza.
Ishmael Ngilazi, 34, fooled the girl’s mother that he wanted to conduct more prayers for her daughter for two weeks at the shrine.
He then raped the teenage girl at a Johanne Masowe yeChishanu shrine near Leisure Centre, in Chitungwiza, without protection.
The student disclosed the act to her mother, leading to the arrest of Madzibaba Ishmael.
Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the arrest.
“Police arrested a church leader for raping his minor congregant in Chitungwiza,” said Insp Chakanza.
“On December 20, 2024, at around 2000 hours, the complainant and her mother went to Johane Masowe Church Shrine near Leisure Centre, Chitungwiza, for prayers.
“On December 21, 2024 around 0600 hours her mother went home and left her daughter conducting two weeks of prayers with other church members, including Ishmael Ngilazi.
“On January 4, 2025, at around 2100 hours, Ishmael lured the complainant into his tent, purportedly for prayers.
“While inside the tent, the accused person grabbed the complainant and raped her once without protection.
“After the act, the accused person persuaded the complainant to accompany him to an unknown address in Whitehouse, along Bulawayo Road, in Harare. “On January 31, 2025, the complainant contacted her mother through a cellphone informing her about the matter.
“The complainant then requested to visit her parents and the accused person gave her cash amounting to US$10 for transport,” said Insp Chakanza.
Mathew Masinge