A 41-year-old pastor, Apostle Tinodiwa Tendai Mashonganyika, also known as Prophet Zino, has been remanded in custody after being accused of raping a 14-year-old girl at his residence in Unit A, Seke.
Mashonganyika, who leads Tabernacle of Power church and is also affiliated with Anointed Intercessors of God under Bishop Chipo, allegedly assaulted the Form 3 student after a Sunday service.
The girl had stayed behind to help arrange chairs when the pastor reportedly asked her to wait so he could accompany her home to pray for her grandmother.
According to a source close to the investigation, Mashonganyika sent his housemates to a nearby shop before raping the girl.
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He then escorted her home, threatening to kill her if she spoke out, warning that no one would believe her since he was a “man of God” and a trusted family friend.
Following the allegations, Bishop Chipo, who is Mashonganyika’s spiritual mentor, has reportedly been pressuring the victim’s family to settle the matter out of court.
Bishop Chipo told the publication that she knew nothing.
Despite these efforts, the case proceeded, and the accused was remanded in custody.
He has since requested legal representation, with the next court hearing set for February 18.
Police confirmed the arrest under RRB 6304799 urging the public to allow the legal process to take its course while condemning any attempts to obstruct justice.
