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Prosper Dembedza
Herald Correspondent
The leader of Johane Masowe eChishanu Gorejena Penyeranyika Sect Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa has appeared in court on allegations of raping three juveniles who are part of his congregation and impregnating them.
Chokurongerwa who resides at Lily Farm. Nyabira was remanded out of custody to November 21 when he appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Stanford Mambanje facing three counts of rape.
On the first count which took place during the period extending from February 2023 to 12 March 2024, Chokurongerwa using his influence and power raped his victim who was then 14 years old.
It is alleged that the victim fell pregnant as a result of the rape and gave birth to a baby girl.
The matter came to light in March 2024 after a tip-off was received through various social media platforms which prompted the police to investigate the issue.
The victim was rescued at number 40 Ngamera Road, Mufakose, Harare where Chokurongerwa had established as a safe house and was taken to Kadoma General Hospital for age estimation and medical examination.
The court heard that the victim was interviewed but became hostile due to the indoctrination by Chokurongerwa who also forced all married men in his church to sleep with young girls.
Through investigations, information was received to the effect that Chokurongerwa was the one who abused the victim.
As a result, DNA Testing involving the victim, the child and Chokurongerwa were conducted at the National University of Science and Technology. The results indicated that Chokurongerwa was indeed the father of the child.
On the second count, it was alleged that during the period extending from the year 2018 to March 12, 2024, Chokurongerwa raped another victim who was then 14 years old on several occasions.
The court heard that the victim gave birth to a baby boy in 2022. The matter came to light in March 2024 after a tip-off through various social media platforms which prompted the police to investigate the issue.
The victim was also rescued at the safe house number 40 Ngamera Road, Mufakose, Harare. The victim was taken to Kadoma General Hospital for age estimation and medical examination.
The victim was also hostile while she was being interviewed. DNA tests done on the child and Chokurongerwa at NUST indicated that he was the father of the child.
On the third count which happened during the period extending from the year 2020 to March 12, 2024, Chokurongerwa raped his victim who was then 14 years old. The court heard that the victim gave birth to a baby boy on August 17, 2022.
The matter came to light in March 2024 after a tip-off was received through various social media platforms.
The victim was rescued at the safe house and was taken to Kadoma General Hospital for age estimation and medical examination. Both the age estimation and medical reports can be produced as exhibit.
DNA tests done on the child and the accused at NUST indicated that the accused was the father of the child. The DNA paternity test certificate can also be produced as exhibit ‘
Online Reporter