AN EPWORTH-based self-proclaimed prophet, who allegedly raped a female congregant in a bush during a prayer session, has appeared at the Harare Magistrates’ Court.
Masimba Chirayi, 41, appeared before Harare magistrate Denis Mangosi yesterday who remanded him in custody to October 13 and advised him to apply for bail at the High Court. Prosecutor Anesu Chirenje told the court that the incident took place last Monday when the 20-year-old complainant went to Chirayi’s shrine for prayers.
Chirayi allegedly told the woman that they needed to go to a bush at Muza Farm, Epworth, for the healing session.
Upon arrival at the farm, Chirayi parked his car before instructing the woman to remove her pants so that he could rub some snuff on her privates.
They reportedly went on to sit on a rock and Chirayi asked the woman to lie on her back while lifting her blouse so that he could rub more snuff on her stomach.
The woman became suspicious that Chirayi was about to rape her and resisted some of his moves, but the “prophet” told her that the task at hand was big and needed her to be brave.
Chirayi reportedly led the woman further into the bush away from the road, where he instructed her to rub snuff on his manhood while spreading her legs.
He then raped her and instructed her to wash her privates with urine before he drove to a nearby shop where he bought two bottles of beer.
Chirayi allegedly drove back to the bush where more rituals were performed.
He later dropped the woman at her homestead.
The complainant informed her husband about the rape, leading to Chirayi’s arrest.
by
Shamaine Chirimujiri
STAFF WRITER