EDITORIAL COMMENT: SHOCKING STORIES STILL COMING OUT OF LILY FARM

WHEN we were tipped that there was a real possibility that some very bad things, including the systematic rape of children, were going on at Lily Farm in Nyabira, we quickly became interested in the story.

We have always prided ourselves in playing the leading role in exposing such horrifying sexual attacks.

We have always ensured that we give prominence to such cases even when they spill into court.

We are a national newspaper that believes that our future, as a country, depends on how we protect our children. That is why we have been unapologetic about the way we confront and name and shame all those who are involved in such horrific cases.

When we were tipped about what was happening at Lily Farm, we didn’t think that the story we were pursuing would turn out to be a monster case.

We were also told that we needed to be careful in our pursuit of the case because there was a likelihood we would be assaulted, or even killed, by members of Madzibaba Ishmael’s cult.

We were told they have a history of violence and they had even fought the police in the past.

But, we felt that it was a story that was worth pursuing despite all the risks involved. Well, it is yet to be concluded but we can say that we feel proud to have pursued it and cast the spotlight on the events that were happening at Lily Farm.

We are not judging anyone because it is not our job to do so.

That is the job of the courts.

But, the latest developments, when Madzibaba Ishmael appeared in court on Tuesday, were very graphic. The court heard that DNA tests, which were conducted at the National University of Science and Technology, show that Madzibaba Ishmael is the father of three kids whose mothers were raped while they were 14-year-olds. According to the State, DNA tests were conducted on all the children and Madzibaba Ishmael at NUST and the results indicated that he was the father of the children.

All the complainants were 14 years-old at the time and they are members of Johane Masowe eChishanu Gorejena Penyeranyika Sect and reside at Lily Farm in Nyabira.

The DNA Paternity Test Certificates are being held as exhibits and will be produced during trial.

The court heard that between February last year and March 12 this year, Madzibaba Ishmael used his leadership and influence to rape the first complainant. As a result of the sexual act, the teenager gave birth to a baby girl on January 27, this year.

The victim was rescued in Mufakose at a safe house. It has turned into a story that has captured the imagination of the country and we can only wait for its conclusion.

But, with each dramatic chapter, we feel humbled that we played our part in exposing the dark side of events at Lily Farm.