Story by Fungai Jachi
A self-styled religious leader, Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa, has been sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment after being convicted of raping and impregnating a 14-year-old congregant.
Passing sentence, Magistrate Estere Chivasa said the offence was grave and warranted no leniency, stressing that the accused had shown no remorse throughout the trial.
The court heard that Chokurongerwa abused his position as a church leader to prey on a minor who did not fully understand that she was being sexually exploited. Magistrate Chivasa described the conduct as morally reprehensible, emphasising that religion must never be used as a tool to manipulate or violate vulnerable believers.
Chokurongerwa denied ever having committed the crime throughout the proceedings. However, the State secured a conviction after DNA evidence conclusively proved that he had fathered the victim’s child. Despite the scientific findings, he continued to challenge the evidence, alleging that the tests were compromised and inadmissible.
The court also noted that Chokurongerwa is not a first-time offender. In 2015, he was convicted of public violence and served a five-year prison sentence. While the offences were unrelated, the magistrate said the previous conviction demonstrated a pattern of disregard for the law.
The sentencing comes as the government continues to implement legislative reforms aimed at protecting children, including the criminalisation of child marriages and the strengthening of safeguards against sexual abuse.
Authorities say the measures are designed to reinforce accountability and ensure safer environments for children across all sectors of society.
