Madzibaba Ishmael barred from conducting church ga...

Madzibaba Ishmael barred from conducting church gatherings

Zim Now Writer

Ishmael Chokurongerwa, 54, aka Madzibaba Ishmael, was barred from conducting any church gatherings by the High Court when he was granted bail.

The court ruled that there was no longer any risk of interference with witnesses.

Madzibaba Ishmael had spent almost two months in remand prison.

Madzibaba Ishmael who leads the Johanne Masowe Penyera Nyika sect, and seven other members of the sect, were arrested for allegedly violating the Burial and Children’s Act, respectively.

His bail conditions include to deposit US$1 000 with the clerk of court Norton Magistrates’ court, to reside at his given address until the matter is finalised.

He was also barred from conducting any church gatherings anywhere until the matter is finalised and not to interfere with witnesses directly or indirectly and to report to the police three times a week until the matter is finalised.

Chokurongerwa’s co-accused; Shingirai Ngawafune, 42, Takavengwa Gwenzi, 55, Zebedia Sigudu, 49, Devlodge Katsande, 47, Wonder Kabaya, 41, and Siribinio Chikurunhe, 53, were granted bail early this month by the Harare High Court.

The trial for all eight individuals will commence on May 7, 2024, at the Norton Magistrates’ Courts.