News / Local
Primonent Zimbabwean Pastor in court for raping in-law
29 Dec 2024 at 08:55hrs | Views
A prominent Chinhoyi-based cleric, 40-year-old Lloyd Kanyangarika Karuru, founder of Followers of Christ Church International, has been charged with raping one of his in-laws on multiple occasions. Karuru was arraigned before the Chinhoyi Magistrates' Court on Friday after being arrested on Christmas Day.
The prosecution, represented by Mutsai Mollen Chitsiga, argued that there was reasonable suspicion that Karuru had committed the offense and requested that the complainant undergo further medical examinations. Consequently, the court postponed the matter for further investigation.
Defense lawyer Joshua Mangeyi applied for bail, emphasizing that Karuru was a suitable candidate for release, noting that the accused was of fixed abode, had no history of absconding, and had voluntarily surrendered himself to the police. Mangeyi also contested the fairness of speculating about the complainant's medical status without concrete evidence and requested bail to be set at US$50.
The prosecution did not oppose the bail application but suggested an increase to US$100, arguing that stricter bail conditions were unnecessary as there were no concerns about the accused fleeing or tampering with witnesses.
Regional Magistrate Ignatius Mugova granted Karuru bail pending trial, remanding him on free bail to January 10, 2025, for routine remand. The decision sparked celebrations among Karuru's followers, who had packed the courtroom in support of their religious leader.
The allegations date back to 2019 when the complainant, who was staying at the Staff Quarters section of Chikonohono with Karuru's family, was reportedly sexually abused. The court heard that the accused used to engage the victim in mobile phone games, taking advantage of the situation to fondle and engage in sexual intercourse without her consent.
The complainant, it is alleged, was threatened by Karuru with unspecified consequences if she revealed the abuse, with the accused warning that exposing the assaults would destroy his marriage and career. The alleged sexual abuse is said to have continued from 2019 until September 2024, when the matter was finally reported.
The victim was referred for a medical examination at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital, and the results are expected to be presented as evidence in court. The prosecution maintains that the accused acted unlawfully.
The case has drawn significant public attention, with Karuru's supporters voicing their solidarity in the courtroom. The outcome of the trial will be closely followed as it progresses.
The prosecution, represented by Mutsai Mollen Chitsiga, argued that there was reasonable suspicion that Karuru had committed the offense and requested that the complainant undergo further medical examinations. Consequently, the court postponed the matter for further investigation.
Defense lawyer Joshua Mangeyi applied for bail, emphasizing that Karuru was a suitable candidate for release, noting that the accused was of fixed abode, had no history of absconding, and had voluntarily surrendered himself to the police. Mangeyi also contested the fairness of speculating about the complainant's medical status without concrete evidence and requested bail to be set at US$50.
The prosecution did not oppose the bail application but suggested an increase to US$100, arguing that stricter bail conditions were unnecessary as there were no concerns about the accused fleeing or tampering with witnesses.
The allegations date back to 2019 when the complainant, who was staying at the Staff Quarters section of Chikonohono with Karuru's family, was reportedly sexually abused. The court heard that the accused used to engage the victim in mobile phone games, taking advantage of the situation to fondle and engage in sexual intercourse without her consent.
The complainant, it is alleged, was threatened by Karuru with unspecified consequences if she revealed the abuse, with the accused warning that exposing the assaults would destroy his marriage and career. The alleged sexual abuse is said to have continued from 2019 until September 2024, when the matter was finally reported.
The victim was referred for a medical examination at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital, and the results are expected to be presented as evidence in court. The prosecution maintains that the accused acted unlawfully.
The case has drawn significant public attention, with Karuru's supporters voicing their solidarity in the courtroom. The outcome of the trial will be closely followed as it progresses.
Source - NewZimbabwe
