Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku, Court writer
A BISHOP from St Emmanuel Apostolic Church situated in Bulawayo’s Njube suburb has appeared in court, facing allegations of fondling his congregant’s private parts and sexually violating her at her home.
Mr Joseph Munetsi appeared yesterday before Bulawayo regional magistrate, Sibonginkosi Mkandla, charged with indecent assault and rape.
He pleaded not guilty to both charges and is represented by his Lawyer, Mr Task Vhiki of Task Vhiki Attorneys.
Mr Munetsi was granted US$100 bail on condition that he resides at his home in Njube suburb until the matter is completed. He was ordered to report to Njube Police Station only on Fridays and warned not to interfere with State witnesses.
Trial is set to commence on November 25, 2025.
Representing the State, Ms Tsungirai Charmaine Mutapi, told the court that on July 4 last year, Bishop Munetsi went to the home of his junior pastor and found his 18-year-old female congregant alone before fondling her.
“Upon arriving at the junior pastor’s home, he found the girl alone at home. He asked her if he could help her with anything she needed, but the girl told her that she did not need help.
“After that, he moved closer to her and kissed her before fondling her breasts and private parts. After that, he told the complainant to go to the kitchen and bring water in a cup and salt.
“Upon returning, he put two teaspoons of salt into a cup full of water and mixed it. He prayed for the mixture and, after that, gave her to drink. He then left for home,” said Ms Mutapi.
She said Munetsi returned to the complainant’s home on August 15 last year and found the girl alone at home.
“He dragged her to her bedroom. He then instructed her to sleep on the floor. At first, the girl refused, but he then threatened to beat her up. “The complainant lay on the floor and he carried out the sickening attack on her,” said Ms Mutapi.
After sexually attacking her, he warned her not to disclose the incident to her parents or anyone, threatening to bewitch her if ever she disclosed the ordeal.
In fear of being bewitched, the girl kept the ordeal to herself and separated herself from family members and friends.
The incident took a toll on her, plunging her into depression and eventually she was taken to the hospital. She revealed to nurses that she was sexually attacked by Bishop Munetsi.
Medical examination was conducted and the doctor’s report will be produced in court as an exhibit.
