New shocking details have emerged following the arrest of cult leader Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa.
Madzibaba Ishmael, a self-styled prophet and the leader of Johane Masowe (Gore Jena Penyeranyika), was apprehended on Tuesday when the police raided his Lily Farm in Nyabira.
The raid on the farm unveiled disturbing discoveries, including 16 graves and criminal activities of child abuse.
In an official statement, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the arrest of Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa and seven other members of his church.
The church members were identified as Shingirai Ngawafune (42), James Gwenzi (55), Zebedia Sigudu, Devlodge Katsande (45), Aaron Chokurongerwa (47), Wonder Kabaya (41), and Siribinio Chikurunhe (53).
Following Madzibaba Ishmael’s arrest, the police uncovered shocking details at his farm. The police established that 246 out of 251 children at the farm had no birth certificates.
“Investigations conducted by the Police established that 246 out of 251 children below the age of 18 years found at the farm had no birth certificates and were being used to perform various physical activities for the benefit of the sect’s leadership.
The police also discovered that none of the children were attending school and were being abused and exploited as cheap labor.
“Police established that all children of school-going age did not attend formal education and were subjected to abuse as cheap labour, doing manual work in the name of being taught life skills.”
Even more shocking, the police discovered 16 unregistered graves at the shrine. These burials were reportedly conducted in secrecy without prior registration.
“At the shrine, 16 graves were found of which nine graves are for adults and seven graves for infants. All burials were conducted without prior registration with the Registrar-General’s office in terms of the Birth and Death Registration Act, Chapter 5:02 or without obtaining burial orders in terms of the Burial and Cremation Act, Chapter 5:03.”
