News / National
Bogus prophet rapes woman
30 Dec 2012 at 19:47hrs | Views
POLICE IN Mutare last week arrested a self-proclaimed prophet of the Johane Masowe Apostolic sect who allegedly raped a city woman once under the pretext of exorcising demons.
Alfred Makurumidze (40) of 2514 Chikanga 2 had claimed that the victim, Cecilia Mangwarara (23) had so many demons and other spiritual complications that she needed all night cleansing.
Police confirmed the rape which happened around 6 pm and have urged members of the public to be wary of bogus prophets.
"A rising number of fake prophets raping unsuspecting women are becoming a cause of concern. Women should be very careful when dealing with these people. They should avoid getting into secluded places because they end up being vulnerable. As police we are leaving no stone unturned in thwarting those shameful acts. This is unacceptable," said Manicaland provincial police spokesman, Inspector Enock Chishiri.
On December 17, Mangwarara of 10 Azalia Street in Palmerstone was walking along Magamba road from Chikanga Phase 1 looking for transport to town at around 6 pm.
She met Makurumidze who was clad in Johane Masowe Apostolic church regalia. He told Mangwarara that the spirit had told him that she was having spiritual problems and demons which needed to be "exorcised". He said that he needed all night to cleanse her and make her spiritually pure. He asked the woman to accompany him to his house. She complied and went with him.
At around 7:30 pm, he gagged her mouth and pinned her to the ground. He raped her once. He set her free about 30 minutes later. She reported the matter to the police which subsequently led to his arrest.
Meanwhile, a three-year-old toddler from Chipinge was last week raped by an unknown man who vanished into the forest after the act. Police confirmed the rape which happened at Mutikwa Forest under Chief Mutema and said the juvenile (name withheld) was asleep with three other toddlers while their mother was away.
"An unidentified person sneaked into the room the children were sleeping in at around 4 am. He grabbed the three-year-old girl and ordered the other children who were now awake not to make any noise.
"He went out to Mutikwa Forest, which is about 500 metres from their homestead and raped her once. He returned the toddler to the homestead and vanished. The girl revealed the matter to her mother who made a report to the police. Anyone with information leading to the arrest the rapist should contact the nearest police station," said Insp Chishiri.
Alfred Makurumidze (40) of 2514 Chikanga 2 had claimed that the victim, Cecilia Mangwarara (23) had so many demons and other spiritual complications that she needed all night cleansing.
Police confirmed the rape which happened around 6 pm and have urged members of the public to be wary of bogus prophets.
"A rising number of fake prophets raping unsuspecting women are becoming a cause of concern. Women should be very careful when dealing with these people. They should avoid getting into secluded places because they end up being vulnerable. As police we are leaving no stone unturned in thwarting those shameful acts. This is unacceptable," said Manicaland provincial police spokesman, Inspector Enock Chishiri.
On December 17, Mangwarara of 10 Azalia Street in Palmerstone was walking along Magamba road from Chikanga Phase 1 looking for transport to town at around 6 pm.
At around 7:30 pm, he gagged her mouth and pinned her to the ground. He raped her once. He set her free about 30 minutes later. She reported the matter to the police which subsequently led to his arrest.
Meanwhile, a three-year-old toddler from Chipinge was last week raped by an unknown man who vanished into the forest after the act. Police confirmed the rape which happened at Mutikwa Forest under Chief Mutema and said the juvenile (name withheld) was asleep with three other toddlers while their mother was away.
"An unidentified person sneaked into the room the children were sleeping in at around 4 am. He grabbed the three-year-old girl and ordered the other children who were now awake not to make any noise.
"He went out to Mutikwa Forest, which is about 500 metres from their homestead and raped her once. He returned the toddler to the homestead and vanished. The girl revealed the matter to her mother who made a report to the police. Anyone with information leading to the arrest the rapist should contact the nearest police station," said Insp Chishiri.
Source - MP
