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Healer jailed 15 years for raping, impregnating client
2 hrs ago |
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A 45-year-old self-proclaimed traditional healer from Mvuma has been sentenced to an effective 15-year prison term after being convicted of repeatedly raping and impregnating a 22-year-old woman under the guise of spiritual healing.
Innocent Chikovo denied the rape charges when he appeared before the Gweru Regional Court but was convicted following a full trial.
The court heard that in August 2023, the complainant (name withheld) was taken to Chikovo by her mother to seek spiritual assistance. The visits reportedly continued until January 2024, when the accused instructed that the complainant remain at his home, claiming that the "treatment" required her to stay under his care.
During this period, prosecutors told the court that Chikovo exploited the arrangement, falsely claiming that sexual acts were necessary as part of administering "medicine" for her healing.
The abuse continued until March 19, 2024, when the complainant fell pregnant and her health began to deteriorate.
The court further heard that the accused allegedly attempted to deflect suspicion by encouraging the complainant to elope with another man who was also seeking spiritual assistance from him.
However, the matter came to light after the complainant disclosed her ordeal to her mother. She was subsequently advised to report the case to police on May 28, 2024, leading to Chikovo's arrest and prosecution.
In passing sentence, the court emphasised the seriousness of the offence and the abuse of trust involved.
Innocent Chikovo denied the rape charges when he appeared before the Gweru Regional Court but was convicted following a full trial.
The court heard that in August 2023, the complainant (name withheld) was taken to Chikovo by her mother to seek spiritual assistance. The visits reportedly continued until January 2024, when the accused instructed that the complainant remain at his home, claiming that the "treatment" required her to stay under his care.
During this period, prosecutors told the court that Chikovo exploited the arrangement, falsely claiming that sexual acts were necessary as part of administering "medicine" for her healing.
The court further heard that the accused allegedly attempted to deflect suspicion by encouraging the complainant to elope with another man who was also seeking spiritual assistance from him.
However, the matter came to light after the complainant disclosed her ordeal to her mother. She was subsequently advised to report the case to police on May 28, 2024, leading to Chikovo's arrest and prosecution.
In passing sentence, the court emphasised the seriousness of the offence and the abuse of trust involved.
Source - Midweek Watch
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