By Staff Reporter
Controversial apostolic leader Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa appeared in Norton Magistrates’ Court again facing charges of murder, for allegedly forcing a pregnant woman to have an abortion which resulted in her death.
The accused went on to bury the woman without proper procedure.
In a statement on Tuesday, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) alleged that Chokurongerwa committed the crime along with two others who remain at large.
“The state alleges that on the 12th of November 2023, the accused person, Siribhino Chikunhure and Wonder Kabaya who remain at large connived to terminate Hazel Chikurunhe’s pregnancy, resulting in her death.
“They went on to secretly bury the deceased’s body at Lily Farm church shrine without following due procedure,” NPA alleged.
Chokurongerwa is also being accused of sexually abusing five minors over years.
“Ishmael Chokurongerwa (56) appeared again at the Norton Magistrates’ Court facing five counts of “having sexual intercourse with a minor”.
“It is the state’s case that the accused person engaged in sexual relations with 5 minors between 2018 and 2024:
” A 15 year old, resulting in the birth of an infant, a 13 year old, resulting in the birth of 1 infant, a 14 year old with whom he now has two children, 15 year old with whom he has a child and a 16 year old, resulting in the birth of another infant,” the NPA added.
The ‘cult’ leader was was remanded to the 7th of May 2024 and referred to the High Court for bail application.
This is the second time Chokurongerwa got arrested this year for abusing women and minors.
