Bikita “Prophet” Jailed For 20 Years For Rape Of Teenager

A self-styled prophet from Bikita has been jailed for 20 years for raping a 17-year-old girl who had sought his spiritual help.

Tichaona Magigwani, 29, was sentenced by Regional Magistrate Innocent Bepura at Masvingo Magistrates Court. The court found he had used a supposed cleansing ritual to commit the offence.

In April 2025, the complainant and her brother travelled from Mafurere village to Nerugoti village, under Chief Mazungunye, to see Magigwani for spiritual cleansing.

They arrived at about 4 pm. Magigwani told the girl to enter his house for the ritual while her brother waited outside.

Once inside, he locked the door, overpowered her and raped her despite her resistance and cries for help.

The assault stopped when her brother heard her screaming and ran towards the house. Magigwani then fled. He is said to have threatened the teenager to keep her quiet.

The offence came to light after the complainant became pregnant and gave birth to a baby girl on 5 January 2026.

She reported the matter after moving to Mutare and telling her uncle, which prompted a police investigation.

Delivering the sentence, Magistrate Bepura condemned the abuse of trust and the use of spiritual authority to commit the offence.

Magigwani was convicted of rape under section 65(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act and sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment.

More: Midweek Watch