Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube
A MAN of the cloth has sent tongues wagging in Njube after trading the pulpit for the dock to answer to shameful charges of turning a teenage congregant into his sex personal sex minion.
Joseph Munetsi (36), a bishop at St Emmanuel Apostolic Church, is facing serious charges of rape and indecent assault after he allegedly preyed on an 18-year-old girl from his own flock.
The bishop appeared before Bulawayo Magistrate Lungile Ncube and was remanded out of custody until 27 November.
Prosecutor Sehliselo Khumalo told the court that on a date unknown during the third term. Munetsi reportedly found the unsuspecting teen alone at home and the two began discussing general issues like a shepherd and his sheep.
Munetsi then asked the girl if she had any problems she needed spiritual help with.
Suddenly, the holy man stood up, lifted the complainant and forcibly planted a kiss on her lips while his wandering hands caressed her breasts, buttocks and fondled her privates.
In a bizarre twist, the accused asked the girl to fetch a half cup of water and coarse salt from the kitchen.
He prayed over the mixture and chanted, “Hana yako ngai dzidze kuterera,” meaning “May your heart be obedient,” before making her drink the concoction.
On the second count, sometime in August 2025, the court heard that the complainant was home alone when the bishop paid her a visit.
As soon as she opened the door, Munetsi grabbed her by the hand and dragged her to the spare bedroom.
When the terrifying teen tried to resist, the man of God spoke harshly and threatened her into submission. He took a sponge, laid it on the floor and ordered the girl to lie on it. He lifted her skirt, put on a condom and forcibly had sexual intercourse with her.
The complainant tried to push him away but the accused insisted and only stopped his act when the girl screamed that he was hurting her.
Munetsi then coolly went to sit in the living room after threatening the girl that she would become handicapped if she dared tell anyone about the ordeal.
The bishop’s reign of terror came to an end in September 2025 when the girl’s cousin, Agatha Zinja, noticed she was constantly absent-minded.
After being grilled by her cousin, the teen spilled the beans and Agatha assisted her in reporting the matter to Bulawayo Central Police Station.
A medical report was produced in court as evidence.
