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ZCC bishop flogs 2 congregants, 1 dies during 'healing' session
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A 36-year-old bishop from the ZCC Damsko church in Limpopo View, Beitbridge, has been convicted of flogging and causing the death of a church congregant after claiming she and her husband were mentally ill. The woman succumbed to the injuries inflicted by the beating, while her husband sustained severe injuries.
Crispen Gomori, who is a bishop at the church, appeared before Beitbridge resident magistrate Mr. Takudrwa Gwazemba on Tuesday and was convicted for the crime. During the trial, Gomori explained that he administered seven strokes on the male victim, claiming that it was a form of "healing" as he believed the man was "losing his mind." Gomori further argued that the couple had consented to the flogging, as they were members of his church.
In response, the State, led by prosecutor Mr. Tawanda Chigavazira, argued that regardless of the couple's consent, the severity of the assault was unacceptable. The court acknowledged the defendant's defense but noted that the severity of the injuries could not be justified by religious beliefs. However, for the assault charge, Gomori was cautioned and discharged, with the court acknowledging that he may have misunderstood religious laws in this instance.
The court heard that on March 6, 2023, at around 12 pm, the complainant and his wife attended a church service. Upon arrival at the shrine, Gomori instructed fellow congregants to shackle the couple to a tree using chains, claiming they were mentally ill. The couple was left tied to the tree for the entire night and into the next day, until 8 pm, when Gomori began to flog them with a leather whip. The woman ultimately died from the injuries at 4 am the following morning.
Upon realizing the woman had died, Gomori fled the scene, but a police report was filed, leading to his arrest. The male victim was transported to Beitbridge District Hospital for treatment, while the woman's body was also taken to the hospital for a post-mortem examination.
This disturbing case has raised significant concerns about the abuse of power within religious settings, and Gomori is expected to face sentencing in due course.
Crispen Gomori, who is a bishop at the church, appeared before Beitbridge resident magistrate Mr. Takudrwa Gwazemba on Tuesday and was convicted for the crime. During the trial, Gomori explained that he administered seven strokes on the male victim, claiming that it was a form of "healing" as he believed the man was "losing his mind." Gomori further argued that the couple had consented to the flogging, as they were members of his church.
In response, the State, led by prosecutor Mr. Tawanda Chigavazira, argued that regardless of the couple's consent, the severity of the assault was unacceptable. The court acknowledged the defendant's defense but noted that the severity of the injuries could not be justified by religious beliefs. However, for the assault charge, Gomori was cautioned and discharged, with the court acknowledging that he may have misunderstood religious laws in this instance.
The court heard that on March 6, 2023, at around 12 pm, the complainant and his wife attended a church service. Upon arrival at the shrine, Gomori instructed fellow congregants to shackle the couple to a tree using chains, claiming they were mentally ill. The couple was left tied to the tree for the entire night and into the next day, until 8 pm, when Gomori began to flog them with a leather whip. The woman ultimately died from the injuries at 4 am the following morning.
Upon realizing the woman had died, Gomori fled the scene, but a police report was filed, leading to his arrest. The male victim was transported to Beitbridge District Hospital for treatment, while the woman's body was also taken to the hospital for a post-mortem examination.
This disturbing case has raised significant concerns about the abuse of power within religious settings, and Gomori is expected to face sentencing in due course.
Source - the herald
