Online Reporter
Prosper Dembedza
Herald Correspondent
A WITNESS in the case of Johanne Masowe eChishanu Gorejena Penyeranyika sect leader Ishmael Chokurongerwa, who allegedly raped three minors from his church and impregnated two of them, today disowned her police statement.
Danai Tigere, who appeared before Harare magistrate Estere Chivasa to testify as a State witness, told the court that the way her witness statement was recorded by the police is different from what she said.
This prompted Mrs Chivasa to halt proceedings, stating that the State must summon the police officer who recorded the statement.
Chokurongerwa is being represented by Musindo Hungwe.
The matter was deferred to June 12 for trial continuation.
It is the State’s case that since 2018, Chokurongerwa had sex with his first victim on several occasions, who was aged 14 then and fell pregnant.
The matter came to light in March 2024 after the police received a tip-off through various social media platforms, prompting them to investigate.
The victim was rescued at Chokurongerwa’s place of residence in Harare and was taken for medical examination.
It is alleged that due to indoctrination, the girl initially refused to name her abuser, fearing Chokurongerwa.
His second victim was also 14 years old and a member of his church. The prosecution is alleging that from 2020 to March 2022, Chokurongerwa allegedly used his influence to have sexual intercourse with the minor on several occasions until she fell pregnant.
