Ishmael Chokurongerwa, a 56-year-old Zimbabwean sect leader and self-styled prophet was on Thursday, March 14 arrested and charged with child abuse after police raided his farm and rescued 251 children.
The rescued children had endured child abuse, with strenuous manual labor falsely presented as life skills by Chokurongerwa.
It is reported that the 251 children were not attending school and a majority lacked birth certificates.
Moreover, 16 unregistered graves, including seven for infants were found in his farm.
Chokurongerwa was identified in a police statement as the leader of the Johane Masowe or ‘white garment’ church.
It’s followers have been previously accused of abusing women and children and are known for practicing child marriages.
Seven other members of his church were arrested with him following the raid on their farm in Nyabira, about 30km (18miles) west of the capital, Harare.
According to state media H-Metro, the accused will be facing two counts; violating the burial and cremation Act and the Children’s Act.
“I can confirm that they appeared in court today. There are many charges. We are still investigating, so more charges may come up,” police spokesperson Paul Nyathi told Reuters.
