Mashonaland West | The community established by self-proclaimed prophet Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongera at his plot in Nyabira has attracted attention due to reports of questionable activities occurring there.
Residents of the community, referred to as “Canaan,” adhere to strict rules and regulations set by Madzibaba Ishmael, whom they address as Mambo. Among these rules, members are prohibited from owning money or worldly possessions.
There are reports of underage girls being married off, with marriages occurring as early as ages 14 to 15. Children born within the community are denied birth certificates and education, and attempts to leave the community are met with resistance.
Also read: Madzibaba Attempts Suicide After Being dumped!
According to sources, deceased members are buried on the same day without informing their relatives or seeking any consultation. It is reported that Madzibaba Ishmael has over 100 families working under him at the compound, with all proceeds going to him.
Memory Mukanairi, whose daughter died under mysterious circumstances at the plot, expressed frustration over the lack of information surrounding her daughter’s death and burial. She described a culture of fear within the community, where residents are hesitant to speak out or seek help from authorities.
Family members of the deceased girl also expressed their concerns, citing irregularities in the burial process and the shallow nature of the graves. They highlighted the lack of transparency and accountability within the community, with decisions being made without consultation or proper procedures.
Sources revealed that Madzibaba Ishmael established the cult after his release from prison, convincing followers to join him at his farm in Nyabira under the guise of seeking refuge from the impending end of the world. Members are isolated from the outside world, denied access to education, and coerced into following strict rules dictated by Madzibaba Ishmael.
The disturbing revelations shed light on the exploitation and manipulation occurring within the community, raising questions about the welfare and rights of its members.
Also read: Six Arrested After Beating Up Madzibaba For Allegedly Stealing a Cellphone!
In 2014, Madzibaba Made Headlines After Assaulting the Police
Chokurongerwa made the headlines for leading his congregants in a violent assault on members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) after they were asked to disperse from a gathering at his shrine in Harare in May 2014.
He was later arrested by the police in January 2015 after having been a fugitive for almost eight months.
Chokurongerwa was convicted for public violence and jailed five years in April 2015.
There are many lions in sheep’s clothing and blind or dumb lost sheep everywhere. How did they know the people are dead and bury them without the good “overworked ” police knowledge. NO burial order from highly “dedicted” government officials to give them a go ahead. This is so sad.