Harare – The self-styled leader of the Johane Masowe eChishanu Gorejena Penyeranyika sect, Ishmael Chokurengerwa has been jailed for 20 years for raping a minor female church follower.
Chokurengerwa,56, who led his church at Lily farm in Nyabira raped a 14 year-old minor using his power and influence between February 2023 and March 2025.
According to prosecutors, the victim gave birth to a baby girl as a result of the rape.
“DNA test confirmed that the offender is the biological father of the child,” the Zimbabwe national prosecution said.
The case was reported after a tip-off which resulted in the rescue of the victim who was kept at a safe house in Mufakose suburb.
“This sentencing is a testament to the fact that no one is above the law. We commend the courage of the victim and all those who came forward to help apprehend this paedophile,” the prosecutors said.
Marrying underage girls is common in Zimbabwe apostolic church sects, although this is against the law.
Most of the churches associate with the ruling ZANU PF party and some of the cases of rape go unreported.