The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested 11 suspects believed to be part of a drug trafficking syndicate after intercepting a large consignment of illegal substances.

According to police, the suspects, who include both men and women, were arrested while travelling from Beitbridge carrying approximately 200 kilogrammes of dagga and other illicit substances.

The drugs had been cleverly packaged to resemble blankets in an attempt to evade detection at security checkpoints. However, police managed to intercept the suspects during an operation that led to the seizure of the contraband.

In addition to the dagga, officers also confiscated a quantity of unregistered medicines that were found in the possession of the suspects.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has reiterated that it remains committed to fighting drug trafficking and substance abuse across the country. Authorities warned that there will be no going back in the crackdown on drug-related crimes.

Police also cautioned members of the public against engaging in the illegal production, transportation and distribution of drugs, stressing that offenders will be arrested and brought before the courts.

Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa, leader of the Johane Masowe eChishanu Gorejena Penyeranyika Apostolic Sect, has been granted US$1,000 bail pending appeal after serving part of a 20-year prison sentence for rape.

High Court Judge Justice Neville Wamambo ruled that Chokurongerwa’s appeal raises arguable points of law and fact, including concerns about the handling of DNA evidence and questions surrounding the age of the complainant, warranting his release while the appeal is being considered.

Chokurongerwa was convicted following investigations linked to a March 2024 police raid at his Lily Farm compound in Nyabira, about 30 kilometres west of Harare.

During the operation, authorities rescued 251 children, many of whom reportedly lacked birth documentation and were not attending school.

Police also discovered 16 shallow graves, including those believed to contain infant remains, on the property. Two women were arrested at the site on human trafficking charges.

In his ruling, Justice Wamambo cited irregularities in the trial proceedings, including concerns that the complainant did not make a direct rape complaint.

The court also questioned the chain of custody of DNA samples, noting that gaps in the handling of the evidence could affect its reliability.

The High Court further highlighted inconsistencies between the complainant’s testimony and an age estimation report relied upon during the trial.

As part of his bail conditions, Chokurongerwa must report to the CID Law and Order section in Harare three times a week, reside at a specified address, and remain available to the court until his appeal is determined.

The cleric’s release has sparked debate in Zimbabwe, with some critics questioning the justice system’s handling of influential religious figures while others point to the court’s duty to address potential legal flaws raised on appeal.

A date for the hearing of the appeal has not yet been announced.

Zimbabwean religious leader Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa, who heads the Johane Masowe eChishanu Gorejena Penyeranyika Apostolic Sect, has been granted bail of US$1,000 while awaiting the outcome of his appeal against a 20-year prison sentence for rape.

High Court Judge Justice Neville Wamambo ruled that the appeal raises significant legal questions that need to be reviewed. These include concerns about how DNA evidence was handled during the trial and uncertainties surrounding the age of the complainant.

Chokurongerwa was convicted following a police raid in March 2024 at his Lily Farm compound in Nyabira. During the operation, authorities rescued 251 children, many of whom reportedly lacked birth records and were not attending school. Investigators also discovered 16 shallow graves, including those believed to contain infant remains. Two women linked to the compound were arrested on allegations of human trafficking.

His release on bail has triggered public debate, with some observers questioning how the justice system deals with influential religious figures.

In granting bail, the High Court noted several issues raised in the appeal, including claims that the DNA evidence may have been compromised due to a broken chain of custody.

The court also highlighted inconsistencies between the complainant’s testimony and the age assessment report that was used during the trial. Additionally, the court observed that the complainant did not make a direct rape allegation during the proceedings.

As part of his bail conditions, Chokurongerwa must report to the CID Law and Order section in Harare three times each week and stay at a specified address until the appeal process is completed.