Tinotenda Hove – An evangelist with an apostolic sect in Makoni has been convicted of sexually abusing a 17-year-old congregant who was pregnant at the time, in a case that highlights ongoing concerns over religious leaders abusing positions of trust.

The matter came to light after the teenager gave birth and the infant refused to breastfeed. In some traditional beliefs, a newborn’s refusal to nurse is viewed as a sign of spiritual impurity. Village elders subsequently asked the young mother to disclose the identity of the child’s father or any wrongdoing during her pregnancy. She then revealed that Russia Muradzikwa, 62, had sexually abused her while she was heavily pregnant.

Muradzikwa appeared before Rusape provincial magistrate Tendai Mahwe charged with one count of having sexual intercourse with a young person. He pleaded not guilty and conducted his own defence. However, the court found the evidence against him overwhelming and convicted him.

Prosecutor Faith Mutukwa told the court that Muradzikwa offered the teenager US$3 in exchange for sex, which she reluctantly accepted. The offence occurred in April 2023. According to evidence presented, Muradzikwa was an ex-boyfriend of the complainant. “The accused person fell in love with the complainant sometime in April 2023,” Mutukwa said.

“Sometime in April 2023, the complainant was on her way to the grinding mill when the accused person called and asked her to sleep with him. At first, the complainant refused and later agreed to sleep with him after the accused person gave her US$3. They proceeded to the accused person’s dining room, where she was abused.”

In sentencing, Magistrate Mahwe condemned Muradzikwa’s conduct. He imposed an 18-month prison term, suspending six months for five years on condition that Muradzikwa does not commit another sexual offence. The remaining 12 months were set aside on condition that he completes 420 hours of community service at Chiduku Primary School.

Mahwe said he opted against a custodial sentence due to Muradzikwa’s advanced age and apparent ill health, but stressed that the abuse of authority and exploitation of a vulnerable congregant was reprehensible.