Controversial Apostolic sect leader Ishmael Chokurongerwa has been convicted of raping and impregnating a minor congregant.
Chokurongerwa was facing three counts of rape but was acquitted of two counts, with the magistrate Esther Chivasa ruling that evidence shows that there was consent.
The two complainants were also adults when the offence was allegedly committed.
He is expected back in court this Friday for his presentencing inquiry.
The state accused him of raping and impregnating three minors at his farm in Nyabira.
DNA test results proved that Chokurongerwa was the father to the three children whose mothers he allegedly raped.
“These girls were just like clay in the hands of the potter.
“They will freeze every time they will be asked about the doctrine and their demeanour left a lot to be desired,” the magistrate noted.
The court also said even on camera, the witnesses were in fear.
“All they wanted was to exonerate Chokurongerwa.
“These victims made it clear that they don’t go to school or hospital, though the accused tendered his medical reports. The established facts are that the accused had sexual intercourse with three children.
“In conclusion, the State managed to establish its case against the accused and you have been found guilty on the first count; however, on the second and third, the accused has been found innocent and is acquitted,” Chivasa ruled.
Chokurongerwa further argued that he never raped or had sexual intercourse with all three complainants without their consent, arguing that all three didn’t voluntarily lodge any complaints with the police.
He also argued that the complainants indicated that medical evidence of penetration is also invalid or irrelevant, as the complainants have indicated other people who are responsible for the penetration.
It is the State’s case that Chokurongerwa was using his powers as a church leader to rape and impregnate juveniles.
The police allegedly interviewed the three complainants in this matter, but they did not divulge who had raped them due to indoctrination.
On the first count, which took place between February last year and March 12 this year, Chokurongerwa, using his leadership powers and influence, had unlawful relations with the victim, who was then 14 years old, without her consent and as a result, she fell pregnant and gave birth to a baby girl.
The matter came to light in March 2024 after a tip-off was received through various social media platforms, which prompted the police to investigate.
The girl was rescued from a safe house Chokurongerwa set up in Mufakose, Harare, and was taken to Kadoma General Hospital for age estimation and medical examination.
The girl was interviewed to find out who had assaulted her but she became hostile due to the indoctrination by Chokurongerwa who allows all married male congregants to have sexual relations with young and virgin girls.
On the second count, it was alleged that between 2018 to 12 March 2024, Chokurongerwa, using his leadership powers and influence, unlawfully had relations with another girl who was 14 years old without her consent on several occasions.
She gave birth to a baby boy in 2022 as a result. It is the State’s case that on the third count, between 2020 and 12 March 2024, Chokurongerwa, using his leadership powers and influence, unlawfully had sexual relations with a third 14-year-old without her consent on several occasions.
She also gave birth to a baby boy. The matter came to light in March 2024.
He was also acquitted on charges of ill-treating minors and breaching the Burial and Cremation Act.
