adminMidlands Reporter
A SELF-PROCLAIMED polygamous prophet from an apostolic sect in Gweru has been convicted of raping a member’s wife.
Wellington Lawa, 34, of 4958 Mkoba 11 who is a prophet at Chiratidzo Chitsva Apostolic sect had pleaded not guilty to the charge arguing that the two were having an affair.
Regional magistrate Morgan Nemadire however, convicted Lawa of rape due to overwhelming evidence.
Prosecuting, Emmanuel Matosi said on June 5, 2008 at around 3PM, Lawa visited the complainant, 36, at her place in Mkoba Village 19.
He was received warmly by the complainant who quickly dispatched her daughter to the shops to buy bread while she prepared tea for the church leader.
As soon as the girl left the house, Lawa jumped on the woman while in the lounge and proceeded to rape her once.
His ungodly act was, however, interrupted by the girl’s untimely return forcing the disgraced church leader to flee.
Lawa threatened to cast a spell on the complainant as well as send goblins to harass her if she dared report the rape to anyone.
The complainant only gathered the courage to break the silence after her husband started grilling her over why she had stopped attending church.
The woman’s husband then reported the rape to the police leading to Lawa’s arrest.
derick.khumalo