Online Reporter
Sidumisile Mabena
Forced and child marriages remain a troubling issue in Zimbabwe, with the Johane Marange Apostolic Sect drawing sharp criticism for its continued inhumane practices.
Former members of the church have come forward, exposing how underage girls are coerced into early marriages, often to much older men, perpetuating cycles of abuse and denying the victims their fundamental rights.
One ex-member, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, revealed, “Girls as young as 12 or 13 are married off without their consent. We were told it was part of our religious duty, but it felt more like imprisonment than faith.” Another survivor recounted the emotional and physical trauma endured, saying, “I was forced to marry a man twice my age. Leaving the church was the only way to reclaim my life.”
Human rights activists highlight that these practices violate Zimbabwe’s laws against child marriage, yet enforcement remains weak, especially within religious sects that enjoy political protection. The Johane Marange Apostolic Sect, one of the largest apostolic groups in the country, is reportedly shielded by influential figures, enabling it to operate with impunity.
A local rights advocate commented, “The sect’s ties have created a barrier to justice for victims. Authorities often hesitate to intervene due to fear of backlash or losing political support, allowing these abuses to continue unchecked.”
The government has faced increasing pressure to strengthen child protection laws and ensure they are applied equally, regardless of religious affiliation. Meanwhile, communities affected by forced marriages continue to call for urgent reforms and support services to help survivors rebuild their lives.
As Zimbabwe strives toward greater respect for human rights and gender equality, tackling the entrenched problem of forced and child marriages within groups like the Johane Marange Apostolic Sect remains a critical challenge demanding concerted action.
