Harare – Ishmael Chokurongerwa, the leader of the Johane Masowe eChishanu Gorejena Penyeranyika Sect, appeared in court yesterday facing three counts of rape. The charges stem from allegations that he impregnated three 14-year-old girls, all members of his congregation. Compelling DNA evidence has confirmed Chokurongerwa as the father of the children born to the victims.
The court heard harrowing details of the alleged abuse. The first count involves a young girl who was subjected to repeated sexual abuse between February 2023 and March 12, 2024. Chokurongerwa, leveraging his position of authority and influence within the church, allegedly exploited the girl, resulting in her pregnancy and the birth of a baby girl.
This case, like the others, came to light in March 2024 following a tip-off disseminated through various social media platforms. This prompted a police investigation that led to the girl’s rescue from a safe house Chokurongerwa had established in Mufakose, Harare. She was subsequently taken to Kadoma General Hospital for age assessment and a medical examination.
During questioning, the girl initially displayed hostility, a consequence, the court heard, of the indoctrination she had endured within the sect. Chokurongerwa’s teachings, it was alleged, permitted married male congregants to engage in sexual relations with young, virgin girls. This disturbing revelation highlights the manipulative control exerted by the accused over his followers.
The second and third counts detail similar allegations of rape against two other 14-year-old girls. The second victim, allegedly abused between 2018 and March 12, 2024, gave birth to a baby boy in 2022. The third victim, abused between 2020 and March 12, 2024, also gave birth to a baby boy. In all three instances, the timing of the alleged abuse aligns with the births of the children.
The prosecution presented irrefutable DNA evidence linking Chokurongerwa to the paternity of all three children. This scientific evidence strongly supports the allegations against him, leaving little room for doubt.
Chokurongerwa, who resides at Lily Farm, Nyabira, was remanded out of custody until November 21. He appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Stanford Mambanje. The gravity of the charges and the compelling evidence presented suggest a serious case with potentially significant implications for the victims and the wider community.
