Prophet denied bail on rape charges

A 55-year-old self-proclaimed prophet from Chief Nyajina area in Uzumba has been denied bail after being accused of raping a female member of his church. The suspect appeared before the Murewa Magistrates Court, where he was remanded in custody and will reappear on February 17, 2025.

The allegations date back to May 2023, when the suspect approached the complainant, claiming to have prophesied that she had fertility issues. He invited her to visit him for prayers, which she did two weeks later.

On the third day of her visit, the suspect allegedly told the complainant to wake up at midnight for a prayer session. During this time, he informed her that there was an unknown object in her womb, which could only be removed through intimacy with him. He reportedly threatened her with death if she did not comply before raping her.

The matter only came to light on February 1, 2025, when the suspect allegedly told the complainant's husband that he should encourage his wife to return to the shrine for further night prayers. The complainant, however, revealed to her husband that she would not return to the shrine because the suspect had raped her.

A police report was filed, and the self-proclaimed prophet was subsequently arrested.

The case has drawn widespread condemnation, and the court has yet to grant the suspect bail.