- By Tatenda Gabi.
Ishmael Chokurongerwa, the head of the Johane Masowe eChishanu Gorejena Penyeranyika Sect, faced court on Tuesday for allegedly raping and impregnating three 14-year-old girls from his congregation.
Reports from ‘The Herald’ indicate that DNA tests have confirmed Chokurongerwa, also known as Madzibaba Ishmael, as the father of the children born to these victims.
Living in Lily Farm, Nyabira, Chokurongerwa was granted bail by Harare magistrate Stanford Mambanje and is scheduled to return to court on November 21.
The first charge concerns unlawful sexual relations with a 14-year-old girl, which took place between February of last year and March 12 this year, resulting in her pregnancy and the birth of a daughter.
The investigation began in March 2024 following a tip-off via social media. Authorities rescued the victim from a safe house set up by Chokurongerwa in Mufakose, Harare, and took her to Kadoma General Hospital for age verification and medical evaluation.
During interviews, the victim reacted defensively, likely due to Chokurongerwa’s indoctrination, which permitted married male members to engage in sexual relations with young, virgin girls.
The second charge involves another 14-year-old girl, with whom Chokurongerwa had sexual relations from 2018 to March 12, 2024, resulting in the birth of a son in 2022.
The third charge relates to a third 14-year-old girl, whom he also unlawfully engaged multiple times, leading to the birth of another son.
Chokurongerwa abused his influential position to engage in non-consensual relations with the third victim on several occasions.
The incidents of abuse and subsequent pregnancies occurred between 2020 and March 2024, with all cases surfacing in March 2024.
DNA testing confirmed Chokurongerwa’s paternity in each case involving the victims.
Add comment