Cult Leader Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa and Seven Accomplices Await Trial, Seek Bail
The trial for Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa, a cult leader, and his seven associates is scheduled to commence today after they were denied bail last month by Norton Magistrate Christine Nyandoro. Currently, they have petitioned the High Court for bail, with Justice Rodgers Manyangadze presiding over the case and expected to render a decision.
Their bail was initially denied by the magistrate’s court citing concerns over potential public outcry due to the gravity of the charges they face.
Madzibaba Ishmael and his cohorts are accused of violating Section 3(1) and (2) of the Burial and Cremation Act 5:03, as well as Section 7(1) and (5) of the Children’s Act 5:06.
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The co-accused include Takavengwa Gwenzi (55), Siribiniyo Chikunire (53), Wonder Kabaya (41), Devlodge Katsande (47), Zebediah Sigudu (49), Aaron Chokurongerwa (47), and Shingirai Ngavafume (42).
According to the prosecution, Madzibaba Ishmael and his associates allegedly conducted burials for Hazel Chikunhire and Winlet Kabaya in November 2023 without proper burial orders, thus violating the Burial and Cremation Act.
Moreover, since 2019, they are accused of neglecting, abandoning, and exposing their children to various ailments, leading to unnecessary suffering. This negligence has severely impacted the health of the children involved.
