Madzibaba Ishmael Released on Bail Pending Appeal

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.