Senior priest faces indecent assault charge: Mbare Anglican Church in shock
In a shocking turn of events, Julius Zimbudzana, a senior priest at the Anglican Church in Mbare, appeared in court yesterday to face charges of indecent assault. The 54-year-old clergyman pleaded not guilty during his appearance at the Mbare Magistrates’ Court and was granted bail in the amount of US$50. Zimbudzana is scheduled to return to court on March 6 for further proceedings.
According to the State’s case, Zimbudzana allegedly committed the offence by grabbing a 21-year-old woman from behind and inappropriately touching her breasts. The incident reportedly took place at the church premises. Prosecutors further asserted that the accused attempted to drag the victim to his rectory office but was interrupted by his son, who entered the house after attending to a mechanic interested in purchasing a vehicle.
Fearful and traumatized, the young woman managed to escape from the house and subsequently refrained from attending church services. Overwhelmed by the distressing encounter with the man of the cloth, she decided to report the incident to the Stodart Police Station.
Following the report, the police swiftly took action, arresting Zimbudzana on February 8. The allegations against the senior priest have sent shockwaves through the Mbare Anglican Church community, as congregants grapple with the disturbing accusations made against their spiritual leader.
