daniel chigunwe
Zvikomborero Parafini
THE trial of a self-proclaimed prophet from Glen View, Marvelous Tunha, who is accused of having sexual intercourse with a minor, is set to open in the capital today.
He is popularly known as Madzibaba Joshua.
Tunha, the founder and leader of St. Joshua Apostolic Church, initially appeared before Harare magistrate Winfilder Tiyatara on January 2.
The complainant is a 14-year-old girl.
The State alleged that Madzibaba Joshua was a spiritual advisor to the complainant’s mother, who frequently sought his assistance for spiritual matters.
The complainant and her mother were regular visitors to Madzibaba Joshua’s shrine at Churu Farm in Glen View for spiritual healing.
At some point, Madzibaba Joshua allegedly requested the complainant’s cellphone number, which he was given.
The two began communicating via WhatsApp.
In October last year, Madzibaba Joshua allegedly proposed to have a romantic relationship with the complainant, which she accepted.
The court heard that later that month, Madzibaba Joshua called the complainant and arranged to meet her at Glen View 3 Turn-Off.
Driving a white Toyota Quantum, he allegedly picked her up and drove to Kuwadzana 2, where they proceeded to a lodge.
Madzibaba Joshua allegedly told the complainant he wanted to have sexual intercourse with her and she agreed.
The two engaged in consensual sexual intercourse once, without protection.
In November, Madzibaba Joshua contacted the complainant, again via text message, and arranged another meeting.
The complainant agreed and he picked her up from the Glen View 3 Turn-Off and drove to an unknown lodge.
On this occasion, they allegedly engaged in consensual sexual intercourse once, this time with protection.
Afterwards, Madzibaba Joshua dropped the complainant back in Glen View around 7pm.
Last month the complainant’s mother scrolled her phone and found the explicit messages she was exchanging with Madzibaba Joshua.
Concerned, the mother took the complainant to Matrix Disciplinary and Training Centre on December 22, where she was interviewed by the Operations Manager Kudakwashe Katandika.
During the interview, the complainant revealed details of her sexual relationship with Madzibaba Joshua.
Following these revelations, the complainant underwent a medical examination.
A report was then filed to the police, which led to the arrest of Madzibaba Joshua.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter