Bishop acquitted of sexual assault charges

A Bishop from the St Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Bulawayo's Njube suburb, Joseph Munetsi, has been acquitted of sexual assault and fondling charges after the court found the State had failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Munetsi appeared before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Sibonginkosi Mkandla, who noted that the prosecution's evidence contained significant inconsistencies. The magistrate highlighted that statements from the alleged victim and a key witness were conflicting and could not be corroborated, ultimately deeming the testimonies unbelievable.

The allegations stemmed from incidents reported last year, in which Munetsi was accused of sexually assaulting an 18-year-old female congregant at the home of his junior pastor. Prosecutor Tsungirai Charmaine Mutapi detailed claims that Munetsi had allegedly fondled the young woman and conducted a ritualistic act involving water and salt. Further allegations included a second encounter where Munetsi reportedly forced the victim to lie on the floor and assaulted her.

According to the prosecution, the victim initially did not disclose the incidents out of fear of being bewitched by the Bishop. She eventually confided in hospital staff while seeking treatment for depression, which led to a police investigation and Munetsi's arrest.

Munetsi was represented in court by solicitor Task Vhiki of Task Vhiki Attorneys. Following the ruling, he was formally acquitted of all charges, with the magistrate emphasizing that the State had not met the required burden of proof.