Presidential spokesperson George Charamba denies f...

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba denies faked release order for religious leader

Zim Now Writer

Zimbabwe’s presidential spokesperson, George Charamba, has dismissed a circulating statement purporting to be a directive from President Emmerson Mnangagwa for the release of religious leader Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa and his co-accused.

Charamba, who is also the Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, took to social media to denounce the fabricated document. He emphasised that the writing style and formatting clearly differed from official presidential communications.

The fake statement claimed that President Mnangagwa, under his constitutional authority, ordered the immediate release of Chokurongerwa and his associates. It further stated that the Presidency believed the charges against them lacked merit and downplayed the seriousness of the accusations.

Chokurongerwa and accomplices stand accused of violating the Burial and Cremation Act and the Children’s Act. These charges stem from the discovery of 251 school-aged children subjected to manual labour on a church-run farm, along with the presence of 16 unregistered graves.

A court hearing presided over by magistrate Christine Nyandoro denied bail to Chokurongerwa and his co-accused. They will remain in custody until their next court appearance on April 4.

The State alleges that Chokurongerwa and his associates conducted unlicensed burials and neglected the welfare of children residing at the church compound. Authorities also found 246 children without birth certificates, raising concerns about their legal status. The investigation further uncovered 16 graves on the property, and the circumstances surrounding these burials are under investigation.

This incident has sparked public outcry and drawn attention to potential abuses within religious sects. While President Mnangagwa has emphasized religious tolerance, his administration maintains its commitment to upholding the law and protecting the vulnerable, including children.