Bishop Nerwande trial on six counts of indecenmt assault begins

THE trial of the founder and owner of Rekai Tangwena Children's Home in Nyanga, Livingstone Tonderai Nerwande (77) has kicked-off, with the man of cloth pleading not guilty to six counts of indecently assaulting three female orphans under his care at the institution.

The matter is being heard at the Rusape Magistrates' Court after Nyanga court officials recused themselves from the case.

Nerwande who is also the leader of Holy Cross Church is represented by prominent Rusape lawyer, Maxwell Chiwanza of Chiwanza and Associates who told the court that the three girls aged 16, 17 and 14 were being influenced by a female caregiver at the home to press false and fabricated charges against his client.

Prosecutor, Tafara Chawatama told the court that Nerwande on six occasions allegedly indecently assaulted the under-privileged girls by fondling their private parts and breasts and also licked their ears under the guise of prayer and counselling.

"On an unknown date, but during the month of February 2015 around 2pm, Nerwande called the 16-year-old complainant to his office and told her that he wanted to pray for her. The girl kneeled down and Nerwande then started praying while holding her head. He went further to fondle the complainant's breasts and licked her ears without her consent.

"In April 2015, a caregiver at the home, Charity Nyarukokora, noticed a change of behaviour by the complainant and inquired from her what was wrong. The girl told her that she was being abused by Nerwande, but no action was being taken.

"On another unknown date, but in the same month of February 2014 in the afternoon, the accused person called the same victim to his place of residence. Nerwande allegedly fondled the girl's breasts and licked her ears.

"The 17-year-old girl is an orphan who was doing Grade Seven at Jairos Jiri Mukuwapasi since she has an artificial leg and a crippled right arm.

"On an unknown date, but during the month of April 2015, the girl proceeded to the accused person's place of residence to show him her school report as was the norm.

"During prayer, Nerwande touched the complainant's shoulders, fondled her breasts and inserted his hands into the girl's skirt and carassed her private parts without her consent. Nerwande allegedly threatened the complainant with dismissal if ever she disclosed what had happened to anyone.

"In August and November 2015, Nerwande allegedly repeated the same method in abusing the girl again," said Chawatama.

Nerwande is alleged to have repeated the same offence on January 14.

"At around 9am, Nerwande allegedly told Charity Nyarukoko a caregiver at the home that he wanted to do some counseling sessions with individual children at the home including the 14-year-old complainant.

"Nerwande invited the complainant to the library where he wanted to do counseling sessions.

"As he was praying for the girl he caressed her shoulders, waist and licked her ears without her consent. Nerwande allegedly indicated to the complainant that it was their way of praying for people.

"After the incident, the girl reported the case to Elisha Nyamuzuwe a caretaker at the home. On the same day the girl proceeded to the Department of Child Welfare and Probation Services in Nyanga and the matter was reported to the police resulting in Nerwande's arrest," said Mr Chawatama.

Rusape provincial magistrate, Shingi Mutiro, adjourned the matter to April 29 for continuation of trial.