The trial of Ishmael Chokurongerwa, the leader of an end-time faction of the Johanne Masowe Yechishanu apostolic sect, and his co-accused has been postponed to June 2024. The postponement was due to the illness of their lawyer, Purity Chikangaise.

Chokurongerwa and his co-accused, Takavengwa Gwenzi, Siribiniyo Chikunhire, Wonder Kabaya, and Shingirayi Ngavafume, appeared before the Norton Magistrates’ court on Thursday, 23 May, facing several charges. These include:

– Ill-treatment or neglect of children (involving 41 children)
– Conducting a funeral service/burial without a burial order
– Failure to give notice of the birth and death of a person

The accused persons were granted bail and are currently out of custody.

Additionally, Chokurongerwa is facing five counts of “having sexual intercourse with a minor” for allegedly engaging in sexual relations with five minors between 2018 and 2024. Chokurongerwa, Chikunhure, and Kabaya are also facing a murder charge for allegedly terminating Hazel Chikurunhe’s pregnancy, resulting in her death.