By Staff Reporter
CONTROVERSIAL apostolic leader Ishmael Chokurongerwa has been denied bail.
He appeared before Norton Magistrate Christine Nyandoro.
He, along with seven other leaders of his church, Johane Masowe Gore Jena Penyera Nyika, are collectively facing charges and have been denied bail as well.
The eight individuals will return to court on April 4 for their scheduled remand hearing.
The magistrate, in refusing bail to the group, said this was to safeguard national interests despite acknowledging bail as a constitutional right.
“Court will be guided by section 50 of the Constitution which provides that a person can only be deprived of bail if there are compelling reasons for bail denial.
“The State submitted that if released the accused are likely to interfere with witness and also that if released there will be public outrage and continued victimisation of witnesses.
“The accused said they will not abscond and not interfere with witnesses. They said they need to go back because lives of 120 depends on them,”she said.
The magistrate noted that the state’s arguments are highly persuasive and surpass the submissions made by the accused.
Given the accused individuals’ influence within their community, there is a significant risk of them tampering with witnesses.
“In a nutshell the State has managed to provide compelling reasons and the accused will remain in custody. ”
The eight are being accused of allegedly having instructed his followers to disregard mainstream education and isolate themselves.
This involves forbidding children from going to school and compelling them to labor within the compound.
