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Madzibaba dismisses 'tainted’ DNA results in rape trial
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Apostolic sect leader Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa has dismissed DNA results presented in court, arguing that the tests are flawed and should not be admitted as evidence.
Chokurongerwa, who is facing charges of raping and impregnating three minor girls at his Nyabira shrine, appeared before Harare magistrate Estere Chivasa on Wednesday. The DNA tests, conducted by the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), allegedly link him to the pregnancies, but Chokurongerwa insists the process lacked integrity.
He contends that the DNA samples were collected in violation of a High Court order, which had set specific conditions for the time, place, and supervision of the sampling process. "A tainted process cannot produce an untainted result. The DNA results are tainted and ought not to be admitted into evidence," he argued.
The sect leader further claimed that procedural safeguards to ensure the authenticity of the samples were not followed, thereby compromising the entire forensic process.
Additionally, Chokurongerwa denied the rape allegations, asserting that he never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with the complainants. He also claimed that the alleged victims did not voluntarily file complaints with the police, suggesting indoctrination may have influenced their silence during initial interviews.
The State alleges that Chokurongerwa abused his position of power within the church to exploit the minors. Investigators say the victims, owing to religious indoctrination, were reluctant to disclose the identity of their abuser when initially questioned by police.
Magistrate Chivasa has postponed the trial to January 16, 2025, to allow for further proceedings.
The case has sparked widespread public interest, with many calling for justice for the victims while others question the transparency of evidence collection processes in sensitive cases like this.
Chokurongerwa, who is facing charges of raping and impregnating three minor girls at his Nyabira shrine, appeared before Harare magistrate Estere Chivasa on Wednesday. The DNA tests, conducted by the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), allegedly link him to the pregnancies, but Chokurongerwa insists the process lacked integrity.
He contends that the DNA samples were collected in violation of a High Court order, which had set specific conditions for the time, place, and supervision of the sampling process. "A tainted process cannot produce an untainted result. The DNA results are tainted and ought not to be admitted into evidence," he argued.
The sect leader further claimed that procedural safeguards to ensure the authenticity of the samples were not followed, thereby compromising the entire forensic process.
Additionally, Chokurongerwa denied the rape allegations, asserting that he never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with the complainants. He also claimed that the alleged victims did not voluntarily file complaints with the police, suggesting indoctrination may have influenced their silence during initial interviews.
The State alleges that Chokurongerwa abused his position of power within the church to exploit the minors. Investigators say the victims, owing to religious indoctrination, were reluctant to disclose the identity of their abuser when initially questioned by police.
Magistrate Chivasa has postponed the trial to January 16, 2025, to allow for further proceedings.
The case has sparked widespread public interest, with many calling for justice for the victims while others question the transparency of evidence collection processes in sensitive cases like this.
Source - newsday
