Ishmael Chokurongerwa, the leader of the Johane Masowe eChishanu Gorejena Penyeranyika Apostolic Sect, has been handed a 20-year imprisonment sentence after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a young girl within his congregation. The egregious acts took place at Lily Farm, located in Nyabira, and involved a minor under his care and spiritual guidance.

Harare Magistrate Estere Chivasa, in delivering the severe sentence, underscored the extreme vulnerability of the victim. She highlighted the profound betrayal of trust inherent in Chokurongerwa's actions, noting that as a prominent leader of an Apostolic Sect, he held a position of influence and had direct access to the child. Church leaders are traditionally expected to exemplify moral conduct and offer guidance; however, Magistrate Chivasa stated that Chokurongerwa had unequivocally done the opposite, abusing his authoritative role.

Furthermore, the court took into consideration Chokurongerwa's prior conviction, which, while unrelated to the current sexual abuse charge, indicated a pattern of disrespect for the law. This prior record suggested that he was not a law-abiding citizen, contributing to the court's decision on the sentence.

The prosecution successfully demonstrated that the abuse spanned a significant period, commencing in February 2023 and continuing until March 2024. A heartbreaking consequence of this prolonged abuse was the birth of a baby girl in January 2024. Subsequent DNA tests conclusively established Chokurongerwa as the biological father of the infant, solidifying the evidence against him.

The horrific ordeal came to light and was brought to an end in March 2024 when authorities received a crucial tip-off. This information led law enforcement to intervene and successfully rescue the victim from what was described as a "safe house," located in the Mufakose area, bringing an end to her prolonged suffering.