daniel chigunwe
Zvikomborero Parafini
SELF proclaimed prophet Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa’s rape trial that was set to start yesterday was postponed to next month for trial commencement.
Chokurongerwa appeared before Harare regional magistrate Estere Chivasa, who postponed the matter to December 11 on his instance because his lawyer Musindo Hungwe was unavailable. 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 court heard that between February last year and March 12, Chokurongerwa used his leadership and influence on the first complainant and raped her.
As a result of the sexual act, the teenager gave birth to a baby girl on January 27 this year.
The matter came to light in March this year, prompting the police to investigate. According to the State, the second complainant was raped from 2018 to early this year and gave birth to a baby boy in 2022. The third complainant was allegedly raped between 2020 and early this year and gave birth to a baby boy.
A DNA test was conducted on all the children and Chokurongerwa at the National University of Science and Technology and the State claims the results indicated that he was is indeed the father of the child. The DNA Paternity Test Certificates are being held as exhibits and will be produced during trial. Oscar Madhume appeared for the State.
Online Reporter