Zimbabwean authorities have taken action against self-proclaimed pastor Ishmael Chokurongerwa of the Johanne Masowe eChishanu apostolic sect and several church members following allegations of criminal activities, including the exploitation and abuse of minors.
In a recent statement, the Zimbabwean police disclosed that children under the pastor’s care were reportedly subjected to mistreatment, being forced to engage in manual labor under the guise of receiving life skills education.
During their investigation, law enforcement officials discovered a total of 251 children residing on the church’s premises who were not enrolled in formal schooling, with a significant portion lacking official birth certificates. Shockingly, authorities uncovered 16 graves on the property, including seven belonging to infants, all of which were not properly registered according to the police statement.
According to reports from the state media outlet H-Metro, Chokurongerwa and his associates have been detained until a bail ruling scheduled for March 19. They are currently facing charges related to violating the Burial and Cremation Act and the Children’s Act.
The incident has sparked outrage and concern among the public, shedding light on the need for stricter regulations and oversight within religious institutions to prevent such abuses from occurring in the future. The case remains under investigation as authorities work to ensure justice for the victims and hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions.
