Lloyd Kanyangarika Karuru, the 40-year-old founding bishop of Followers of Christ Church International in Chinhoyi, is facing serious allegations of rape.
He appeared before Chinhoyi Magistrates’ Court on Friday, having been arrested on Christmas Day and held in custody for two nights. The charges against him are severe, involving repeated sexual assaults against a female relative, spanning a period of five years.
The court heard that the alleged offences occurred between 2019 and September 2024. During this time, the complainant, an in-law of the accused, was residing at the Staff Quarters section of Chikonohono with Karuru’s family. The prosecution alleges that Karuru used the pretext of playing mobile phone games with the complainant to initiate the sexual abuse.
“Circumstances are that sometime in 2019 complainant was staying at the Staff Quarters section of Chikonohono with the pastor’s family. It is alleged that accused person and complainant would play games on a mobile phone and the former took advantage to fondle and have sexual intercourse with the girl without her consent,” the court heard.
The alleged abuse continued for several years, with Karuru allegedly threatening the complainant with unspecified repercussions if she revealed the encounters. These threats, according to the prosecution, were designed to maintain secrecy and prevent the matter from coming to light.
“Court further heard accused person threatened complainant with unspecified action if she disclosed the rape encounters to anyone as this would ruin his marriage and career,” the court record states.
The matter only came to light in September 2024, prompting the complainant to seek medical attention and subsequently report the alleged abuse to the authorities. The victim was examined at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital, and the resulting medical report will be presented as evidence in court.
Prosecutor Mutsai Mollen Chitsiga argued that there was sufficient evidence to suggest Karuru committed the offences and requested a postponement to allow for further medical examinations of the complainant.
The defence, represented by Joshua Mangeyi, argued in favour of bail, highlighting Karuru’s fixed abode and his cooperation with the police by voluntarily surrendering himself. Mangeyi also questioned the fairness of speculating on the accused’s guilt without full knowledge of the complainant’s medical condition. He also pointed out that the accused and complainant did not share the same residence. The defence requested bail of US$50, along with other reporting conditions.
While the State did not oppose bail, they suggested a higher amount of US$100, arguing that stringent conditions were only necessary if there were concerns about the accused absconding or interfering with witnesses. The prosecution also maintained that the accused acted unlawfully. The state submitted that the accused person acted unlawfully.
Regional Magistrate Ignatius Mugova ultimately granted Karuru bail, setting his next court appearance for 10 January 2025. The ruling was met with jubilant celebrations from a large group of Karuru’s supporters who had filled the courtroom to show their solidarity.
