Magistrate Chides Evangelist For Sexually Abusing Pregnant Teenager

An apostolic sect evangelist from Makoni has been convicted of sexually abusing a pregnant 17-year-old congregant, in yet another disturbing case of a religious leader exploiting his authority to prey on vulnerable women.

The matter came to light after the victim gave birth and her infant refused to breastfeed.

In some traditional beliefs, such refusal is interpreted as a sign of spiritual impurity, prompting village elders to demand that the young mother confess either the identity of the child’s father or any transgressions committed during pregnancy.

It was then that she revealed she had been sexually abused by Russia Muradzikwa (62) while heavily pregnant.

Muradzikwa appeared before Rusape provincial magistrate Tendai Mahwe, facing one count of having sexual intercourse with a young person.

He pleaded not guilty and represented himself, but overwhelming evidence presented in court led to his conviction.

Prosecutor Faith Mutukwa told the court that Muradzikwa had offered the pregnant teenager US$3 in exchange for sex, which she reluctantly accepted.

In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Mahwe condemned Muradzikwa’s conduct as unacceptable.

He imposed an 18-month jail term, suspending six months on condition that the convict does not commit another sexual offence within the next five years.

The remaining 12 months were set aside on condition that Muradzikwa performs 420 hours of community service at Chiduku Primary School.

Mahwe said he spared the evangelist a custodial sentence due to his advanced age and apparent ill health, but stressed that the abuse of authority and exploitation of a vulnerable congregant was reprehensible.

“Muradzikwa is an ex-boyfriend of the complainant. The accused person fell in love with the complainant sometime in April 2023,” said Mtukwa.

“Sometime in April 2023, the complainant was on her way to the grinding mill when the accused person called and asked her to sleep with him.

“At first, the complainant refused and later agreed to sleep with him after the accused person gave her US$3.

“They proceeded to the accused person’s dining room, where she was abused.”

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