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Zvikomborero Parafini
A self-proclaimed prophet from Glen View, Marvelous Tunha, popularly known as Madzibaba Joshua, has been denied bail in the case he is accused of having sexual intercourse with a minor.
Tunha, the founder and leader of St Joshua Apostolic Church, appeared before Harare magistrate Winfilder Tiyatara, who remanded him to January 13.
The complainant is a 14-year-old girl.
The State alleged that Tunha 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 Tunha’s shrine at Churu Farm in Glen View for spiritual healing.
At some point, Tunha reportedly requested the complainant’s cellphone number, which he was given.
The two began communicating via WhatsApp.
In October last year, Tunha allegedly proposed a romantic relationship to the complainant, which she accepted, leading to the two beginning a relationship.
The court heard that later that month, Tunha phoned 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.
There, Tunha reportedly 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, Tunha reportedly contacted the complainant again via text message, arranging another meeting.
The complainant agreed, and he picked her up from 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.
Afterward, Tunha reportedly dropped the complainant back in Glen View around 7pm.
The matter came to light in December when the complainant’s mother took her cellphone and discovered explicit messages exchanged with Tunha.
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 Tunha.
Following this revelation, the complainant underwent a medical examination.
A report was then filed to the police which led to the arrest of Tunha.
Online Reporter