Pastor accused of raping congregant
Ngonidzashe Masvinu (51), founder of the Majestic Church of God in Cold Comfort, Harare, appeared in court on Friday facing multiple charges of rape after a 24-year-old congregant accused him of sexual assault under the guise of prophecy.
The court heard that the alleged abuse began in May 2022, when Masvinu visited a church branch in Sakubva, Mutare, where the complainant lived with her grandmother.
During a service, he reportedly prophesied that she was destined to move to Harare to study IT. Trusting his spiritual authority, the young woman relocated and began staying at his church, where accommodation was provided in tents.
Months later, in September 2022, Masvinu allegedly summoned the woman to his room, claiming he had a new revelation. Opening his Bible, he declared that God had ordained her to be his wife and warned that rejecting the prophecy would bring a curse upon her.
Prosecutor Mr Rufaro Chonzi told the court that Masvinu then raped her.
The assaults allegedly continued, with Masvinu threatening that if she resisted, she would never find love, a job, or escape a divine curse. Fearful and isolated, the victim remained silent until she confided in Masvinu’s secretary, who reportedly dismissed her claims and sided with the pastor.
In 2024, the woman travelled to South Africa with another church member, Sam Chipangura, and finally revealed the abuse. Chipangura encouraged her to report the case, leading to Masvinu’s arrest upon her return to Zimbabwe. Magistrate Mrs Marehwanazvo Gofa remanded Masvinu out of custody.
Herald
