Munyaradzi Mashiri- Court Correspondent
The leader of the Magestic Church of God has been arraigned before the courts on allegations of raping a congregant.
Ngonidzashe Masvinhu ,51, appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court facing multiple counts of rape.
He is expected to return to court on August 18, 2025.
The complainant in the case is a 24-year-old woman who was living at the Magestic Church of God premises at the time of the alleged abuse.
According to court papers, in May 2022, the complainant was residing with her grandmother in Sakubva, Mutare, when Masvinhu, the founder of the church, visited one of the church’s branches in the city for a gathering.
During the event, Masvinhu allegedly prophesied that the complainant must relocate to Harare to begin an IT course. She complied and moved to the church’s Cold Comfort branch, where she lived in tents.
It is alleged that in September 2022, the accused invited the complainant to his room under the pretext that he had received a prophecy for her. Once inside, he reportedly read from the Bible before declaring that the Lord had revealed she was to be his wife. He allegedly warned that if she refused, she would be cursed.
Masvinhu then allegedly fondled her breasts and proceeded to have unprotected sexual intercourse with her without her consent.
After the incident, the complainant reportedly asked the accused to inform her parents about the "prophecy" and what had happened. He allegedly refused, claiming he was waiting for spiritual guidance. He is further accused of threatening her, saying she would be cursed, no man would want her, and she would never find a job.
The court heard that Masvinhu had unprotected sex with the complainant without her consent on several occasions.
When the complainant disclosed the abuse to the church’s secretary, she allegedly took no action and sided with the accused.
In 2024, the complainant was taken to South Africa by another congregant, where she disclosed the matter. She was then advised to file a police report.
Upon returning to Zimbabwe, the complainant filed a formal report, which led to Masvinhu’s arrest.
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