Madzibaba jailed 16 years for rape

A 40-YEAR-OLD self-styled Mabvuku prophet was yesterday jailed for 16 years after being convicted of raping a client who wanted to be "cleansed" so that she could find someone who could marry her.

Prince Muzira, who pleaded not guilty to the charge, will serve a 12-year effective jail term after Harare regional magistrate Noel Mupeiwa suspended four years on condition of good behaviour.

According to State prosecutor, on January 15 this year, the 15-year-old complainant went to Muzira, a self-styled prophet of the Nguwotsvuku apostolic sect, for a cleansing ritual of evil spirits as she was hunting for a future husband.

Muzira took the complainant to a swampy area near a river.

The convict then took out some oil and smeared it on the complainant's knees and thighs before raping her once.

After the abuse, the complainant went home and told her mother and a report was made to the police, leading to the arrest of the rapist.

A medical affidavit produced in court proved the complainant was indeed abused.