Teen Disputes DNA Results Linking Madzibaba Ishmael to Her Child

In Harare, the trial of Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa commenced with heated allegations. The first complainant, just 14 years old when she became pregnant, outrightly rejected DNA results implicating Madzibaba Ishmael. She insisted the father was someone else—Tinashe.

Despite DNA findings showing otherwise, the young girl stood firm in her testimony, adamantly claiming she had no sexual involvement with the accused. Her denial added tension to the unfolding legal battle.

The complainants were all members of the Johane Masowe eChishanu Gorejena Penyeranyika Sect, living at Lily Farm in Nyabira. The prosecution alleged that the accused leveraged his religious influence to victimize the girls.

It was revealed that the first complainant gave birth to a baby girl on January 27, allegedly conceived due to sexual abuse spanning from February 2022 to March 2023. The allegations only came to light this March.

Police intervened and rescued the victim from Mufakose, relocating her to a safe house. Reports suggested indoctrination within the religious sect discouraged victims from accusing male leaders, complicating the investigation.

In court, Madzibaba Ishmael pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape. Represented by lawyer Musindo Hungwe, he vehemently denied the allegations. His defense argued that the complainants had named other individuals as responsible for their pregnancies.

The defense maintained that no valid complaints were lodged, asserting inconsistencies in the accusations. It was claimed that the complainants had earlier excluded the accused from any wrongdoing in their statements to the police.

Prosecutors, led by Oscar Madhume and Chido Gohori, presented DNA results as key evidence. The National University of Science and Technology conducted the tests, confirming paternity for the children born to the victims.

One complainant alleged abuse dating back to 2018, leading to the birth of her son in 2022. Another stated her ordeal began in 2020, resulting in a child born earlier this year. Both victims’ accounts tied the accused to years-long patterns of abuse.

The defense described the trial as a “witch-hunt,” questioning the credibility of the medical evidence. They emphasized discrepancies in the victims’ accounts, arguing these weakened the State’s case.

Meanwhile, the State remained resolute, focusing on the DNA paternity results and the gravity of the allegations. The DNA certificates, central to the trial, were submitted as exhibits.

As proceedings continue, the case draws public attention to issues of power, religious influence, and justice. It also highlights the broader challenges of navigating such allegations within tightly knit religious communities.

The trial progresses with both sides presenting conflicting narratives, leaving much at stake for the accused, the victims, and the pursuit of justice.