By Staff Reporter
Over 20 young women were discovered in a secret location in the Marimba suburb. The women are believed to be linked to controversial preacher Madzibaba Ishmael, who is currently under investigation by police.
Ishmael Chokurongerwa, leader of the Johanne Masowe eChishanu apostolic sect, faces child rights violations and unauthorized burials at his shrine in Nyabira.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed finding the women.
“The ZRP is investigating the circumstances in which 20 young women believed to have been taken from Madzibaba Ishmael’s shrine in Nyabira have been found hiding at a secret house in Marimba, Harare this afternoon.
“More details to be released in due course as police officers are currently attending the scene,” said ZRP.
Authorities suspect the women were moved to conceal evidence of potential child marriages and labor practices at the shrine. The investigation aims to understand why and how the women were removed, who owns the Marimba house, and who is responsible for hiding them there.
Ishmael and eight associates were recently arrested for violating burial and child protection laws. They remain in custody until April 4. There are concerns Ishmael might be directing his followers to hide evidence from prison.
