Tendai Chikowore, a self-proclaimed prophet from Chikanga, has been jailed for 17 years for r_ping a 31-year-old woman at his shrine.
The Mutare Magistrates Court convicted Chikowore of rape and imposed a 20-year sentence, suspending three years. The victim had sought spiritual guidance at Chikowore’s shrine on July 6, 2024.
According to court records, Chikowore deceived the victim into bathing with water and rubbing ashes on her body in a nearby bush, where he then r_ped her.
He allegedly used his supposed spiritual powers to mute the victim’s voice, preventing her from screaming for help. Chikowore coerced the victim into silence, claiming she needed further “cleansing” with holy water to regain her voice.
The victim reported the crime to the police in writing, as she remained unable to speak. Only after Chikowore’s arrest did he perform rit_als that restored the victim’s voice.
Regional Magistrate [Name] emphasised the severity of the crime, stating, “Chikowore’s actions demonstrate a blatant ab_se of power and trust.
The court will not tolerate such heinous crimes.” The case highlights concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals seeking spiritual guidance.
