adminCrime Reporter
THE police search for Madzibaba Ishmael, whose followers attacked police officers, journalists and officials nearly two weeks, has shifted to Murehwa, his colleagues’ shrines and his relatives’ houses in various areas.
It has emerged that Madzibaba Ishmael’s real surname is Chokurongerwa, not Mufani which he has been using all along.
Sources yesterday said that Madzibaba Ishmael is believed to be hiding at an area known as PaCross in Murehwa where he comes from.
Earlier reports had indicated that he came from Wedza.
Police believe that Madzibaba Ishmael is shuttling between his relatives’ houses in Murehwa and elsewhere.
Members of the Johanne Masowe eChishanu apostolic sect attacked police officers in riot gear, journalists and members of the Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe at their shrine.
This was after ACCZ president Archbishop Johannes Ndanga announced that the sect had been banned from operating in Zimbabwe because it violated national and Christian laws.
There were allegations of widespread abuse of women in the sect, with children barred from attending conventional schools.
At least 30 members of the sect have since appeared in court in connection with the assault and were all remanded in custody to June 16.
When they arrived at the shrine, Archbishop Ndanga, the court heard, delivered his address while the gathering sang and challenged him to speak in Shona, arguing they were not conversant with English.
Archbishop Ndanga then told the police to arrest a congregant who was constantly heckling him.
In protest, other congregants started singing a song called: “Umambo Hwepfumo Neropa,” a tune that incited the worshippers to assault the delegation using shepherd’ staffs and stones.
Online Reporter