56-year-old Ishmael Chokurongerwa, who declared his prophethood in Zimbabwe, was accused of child abuse. During the police operation on Chokurongerwa’s private property, 251 children held there were rescued. It was stated that 246 of the children did not have a birth certificate.
While it is claimed that children were used as cheap labor, unmarked graves believed to belong to children who lost their lives were also found on private property.
HE CAME IN FRONT OF THE JUDGE
Chokurongerwa, who appeared in court on Thursday along with seven of his followers, was arrested. In addition to violating children’s rights, the eight defendants were also charged with violating funeral laws.
FARM WHERE CHILDREN ARE ABUSED
Chokurongerwa’s farm, where the operation took place, is located 34 kilometers northwest of the capital Harare. Authorities stated that the children rescued from the farm did not receive a formal education and were “employed for the benefit of the cult leadership.”
GRAVES WERE FOUND
Nine unmarked graves of adults and seven of children were found on the farm. Speaking to journalists who went to view the area, a sect leader said that God forbade children from going to school. Chokurongerwa was arrested in 2015 on charges of attacking police officers who were investigating him.
THEY DEFEND CHILD MARRIAGE
Chokurongerwa is part of the Apostolic (Apostle) churches in the country. These churches advocate unlawful practices. This includes child marriage.
According to the United Nations, there are approximately two million people attending these churches in Zimbabwe. This corresponds to 6 percent of the population. These churches, which reject modern medicine, prefer to hold their worship outdoors.
ACCORDING TO THEM, THE END OF THE WORLD IS NEAR
Speaking to a local radio station, a former sect member said that Chokurongerwa kept hundreds of families on his farm and that they were prevented from communicating with the outside world. Chokurongerwa’s followers believe that the world is about to end.
