By Ziyah News Court Reporter
A 40-year-old man from Chikanga, Mutare, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison, with 3 years suspended, resulting in an effective sentence of 17 years for raping a 31-year-old woman who sought spiritual guidance at his shrine. The conviction and sentencing were handed down by the Mutare Magistrates’ Court.
According to reports from the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the complainant visited Tendai Chikowore’s shrine in search of spiritual advice. During her visit, she was informed that she needed cleansing and was given water to bathe. She was also instructed to rub her body with ashes in a nearby bush.
While applying the ashes in the bush, the accused suddenly appeared and pushed the complainant to the ground. She fell backward and was raped. Despite her attempts to scream for help, the accused allegedly ordered her to silence, causing her to lose her voice.
Following the assault, the accused told her not to argue with the Holy Spirit and claimed she needed to be cleansed with holy water to regain her voice. Unable to speak, the complainant documented her ordeal on a piece of paper when she reported the incident to the police.
After his arrest, the accused reportedly performed rituals for the complainant to help her regain her voice.