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Bishop rapes churchmate as wife watches
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A local church leader, Bishop Jimmy Chateerera, 45, of Zvidozvavashe Apostolic Unity Church in Waterfalls, has been arrested following allegations of rape and sexual abuse. The incident, which occurred in August, has shocked the community, as it is reported to have taken place in the presence of the bishop's wife, who allegedly watched the sexual assault.
According to the victim, Bishop Chateerera invited her to his house under the pretext of offering spiritual healing for stomach pains. The bishop, claiming to be possessed by a spirit, spoke in different voices and convinced the victim that engaging in sexual intercourse would heal her. The woman was invited to the bishop's home by his wife, and during the alleged attack, she was sexually assaulted while the wife reportedly remained silent.
After the assault, Bishop Chateerera is said to have threatened the victim, warning her that if she told anyone about the attack, she would face infertility or suffer from cancer. The victim, fearing for her future, kept the incident a secret and later married another man.
However, after becoming pregnant and experiencing severe stomach pains, the victim returned to Bishop Chateerera for help. He reportedly gave her a drink containing unknown substances, which resulted in a miscarriage. This incident prompted the victim to suspect that the bishop may have been responsible for her loss and led her to confide in her husband about the earlier rape. She subsequently filed a police report, and Bishop Chateerera was arrested.
Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the case, stating that Bishop Chateerera had already been in police custody for another charge of indecent assault. He was subsequently charged with rape in connection with the alleged assault.
"The accused person, who is already in police custody for another case of indecent assault, was further charged for rape," said Insp Chakanza. "He raped the complainant once with protection. All this happened in the presence of the accused person's wife, who remained quiet. After the abuse, the accused threatened the complainant not to tell anyone or else she would become barren and suffer from a cancerous disease."
The case has raised concerns about the abuse of power within religious institutions, particularly involving vulnerable congregants, and is currently under investigation by the police.
According to the victim, Bishop Chateerera invited her to his house under the pretext of offering spiritual healing for stomach pains. The bishop, claiming to be possessed by a spirit, spoke in different voices and convinced the victim that engaging in sexual intercourse would heal her. The woman was invited to the bishop's home by his wife, and during the alleged attack, she was sexually assaulted while the wife reportedly remained silent.
After the assault, Bishop Chateerera is said to have threatened the victim, warning her that if she told anyone about the attack, she would face infertility or suffer from cancer. The victim, fearing for her future, kept the incident a secret and later married another man.
Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the case, stating that Bishop Chateerera had already been in police custody for another charge of indecent assault. He was subsequently charged with rape in connection with the alleged assault.
"The accused person, who is already in police custody for another case of indecent assault, was further charged for rape," said Insp Chakanza. "He raped the complainant once with protection. All this happened in the presence of the accused person's wife, who remained quiet. After the abuse, the accused threatened the complainant not to tell anyone or else she would become barren and suffer from a cancerous disease."
The case has raised concerns about the abuse of power within religious institutions, particularly involving vulnerable congregants, and is currently under investigation by the police.
Source - hmetro
