Yeukai Karengezeka

Court Correspondent

The presentencing hearing for Apostolic sect leader Ishmael Chokurongerwa, widely known as Madzibaba Ishmael, has been postponed to December 18.

Madzibaba Ishmael was convicted yesterday on one count of raping a minor and also impregnating the victim, who is now 15 years old.

State prosecutor, Mr Oscar Madhume requested the deferment, informing the court of his intention to summon witnesses from the Social Welfare Department to conduct a victim impact assessment.

Presiding magistrate, Mr. Estere Chivasa ordered age estimate officers to verify Madzibaba Ishmael’s claim of being 55 years old. He has also been mandated to undergo an HIV test.

Initially facing three counts of rape, Madzibaba Ishmael was acquitted on two charges after it was determined that the other victims had reached the age of consent at the time the offenses occurred.

DNA tests conducted by the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) confirmed that Madzibaba Ishmael fathered three children with the complainants.

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