The trial of Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa, leader of an apostolic sect, and his seven accomplices was postponed due to the absence of one of the accused, Wonder Kabaya, who fell ill en route to court and was hospitalised.
According to Zimpapers, the State responded by requesting a warrant for his arrest, and the trial was rescheduled for the following day.
The eight defendants, including Chokurongerwa, face charges related to violating burial and cremation laws, as well as the Children’s Act, stemming from the alleged forced ab0rtion and subsequent de@th of Hazel Chikurunhe, a pregnant woman.
The trial has revealed disturbing details about the sect’s practices, including the subjugation of women, prohibition on education and medical care for children, and the absolute control of husbands over their wives and household property.
The case has sparked widespread concern and outrage, highlighting the need to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation and abuse.
“Every male adult should marry more than one wife, failure to do so the Holy Spirit would cast a bad omen, spell or de@th upon you.
The wives were given the responsibility to look for other wives for their husbands and no lobola was paid to parents of a child who was being married off. The parents were only allowed to receive groceries,” she told the court.
