HARARE – Controversial apostolic sect leader, Ishmael Chokurongerwa, better known as Madzibaba Ishmael, has been arrested again facing fresh charges of raping and impregnating five young girls who include a 13-year-old.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the offences were committed between 2018 and this year.
The other victims are aged 14, 15 and 16 and all now have children through him.
The 14-year-old already has two children with the cult leader.
“Ishmael Chokurongerwa, 56, appeared again at the Norton Magistrates’ Court facing five counts of ‘having sexual intercourse with a minor’.
“It is the State’s case that the accused person engaged in sexual relations with five minors between 2018 and 2024,” said NPA in a statement.
It is an offence in Zimbabwe for one to both have sex or marry a child who is below 18.
Chokurongerwa was remanded to the 7th of May 2024 and referred to the High Court for bail application.
His arrest comes a few days after he was granted bail by the High Court in a case in which he faces child abuse charges and illegal burials at his shrine.
Chokurongerwa is not new to controversy.
He was once jailed for beating up police officers at his shrine.
