Madzibaba Ishmael Convicted of Rape

By Crime and Courts Reporter – Johane Masowe apostolic sect leader Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa (56) has been found guilty of raping and impregnating an underage congregant.

The conviction was delivered on Thursday by Harare magistrate Estere Chivasa after a full trial, although he was acquitted on two other related charges.


His sentence is yet to be announced.

The case drew national attention after police discovered 251 children and 16 unregistered graves at his Budiriro shrine last year. During the trial, DNA tests confirmed that Chokurongerwa fathered the minor’s child, a key piece of evidence that secured the rape conviction.

Under Zimbabwean law, rape of a minor can attract a mandatory 60-year prison sentence, depending on the circumstances. The court is expected to hand down a sentence once final submissions are concluded.