Online Reporter
Prosper Dembedza
Herald Correspondent
HARARE magistrate Ms Jacqueline Gara has dismissed an application by Glen View self-styled prophet, Marvelous Tunha, for discharge at the close of the State’s case.
Tunha, popularly known as Madzibaba Joshua, is facing charges of having sexual intercourse with a minor.
The magistrate ruled that Tunha has a case to answer and should be put to his defence.
In his application, Tunha denied having sexual intercourse with the complainant.
He also denied that he had any communication with the complainant and indicated that the State should prove its allegation.
According to the prosecutor, Ms Tariro Janhi, the complainant and her mother would regularly visit Tunha’s shrine for spiritual healing.
At some point, Tunha reportedly asked for the minor’s cellphone number. The two began communicating via WhatsApp.
In October 2024, Tunha allegedly proposed love to the minor and she accepted. The court heard that later that month, Tunha arranged to meet the minor at Glen View 3 turn-off. He allegedly picked her up in a Toyota Quantum and drove to a lodge in Kuwadzana 2.
The two became intimate without protection. In November, Tunha made the same arrangement and became intimate with the minor again.
The matter came to light in December when the minor’s mother went through her phone and discovered explicit messages she had exchanged with Tunha.
Concerned, the mother took the minor to the Matrix Disciplinary and Training Centre on December 22.
She was interviewed by the operations manager, Mr Kudakwashe Katandika. During the interview, the minor detailed her sexual relationship with Tunha.
