Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
IN a shocking twist of events, self-styled prophet Ishmael Chokurongerwa, also known as Madzibaba Ishmael, has renounced his position and authority in his church saying he was neither the founder nor leader of the apostolic sect.
He also disowned members of his church, with whom he is jointly charged.
In his defence case during the ongoing trial in which he is facing multiple criminal offences, Madzibaba Ishmael claimed that he was a mere congregant, who holds no authority nor decision-making position in the church.
He gave the testimony when he appeared before Norton Magistrate Ms Christine Nyandoro to answer to accusations of ill-treating children, conducting a burial without a burial order and failing to give notice of the birth and death of a person.
He is jointly charged with Takavengwa Gwenzi, Siribiniyo Chikunhire, Wonder Kabaya, Devlodge Katsande, Zebedia Sigudu, Aaron Chokurongerwa and Shingirai Ngavafume, all from Lilly Farm, Nyabira.
Madzibaba Ishmael also told the court that any of his congregant who called him a leader was mistaken.
He further told the court that he routinely takes medical care for his children, highlighting that any of his church members who fails to do the same was doing so on their own volition.
The self-styled prophet, however, failed to reconcile his claims with an affidavit he filed at the High Court, in a different matter, where he claimed to be the leader of the church when cross-examined by State counsel Mr Tafara Chirambira and Ms Sheila Mupindu.
Madzibaba Ishmael is expected back in court on May 15, 2025, when he is expected to call his defence witnesses to cement his testimony.
