Bishop rapes an 18-year-old church member

A 38-year-old Bishop from Emmanuel Apostolic Church based in Bulawayo has appeared in court for allegedly raping an 18-year-old congregant.

Joseph Munetsi of Njube suburb briefly appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate, Mr Mark Dzira, facing indecent assault and rape charges. He was remanded in custody to October 3.

Prosecuting, Ms Hazel Ncube, said on a date not known to the courts between August and December last year, Munetsi allegedly indecently assaulted the victim by fondling her privates after finding her alone at her home.

The victim’s name has been withheld for ethical reasons. The court heard that Munetsi reportedly silenced the victim with threats spiritual attacks if she were to reveal the matter to anyone.

“The accused found complainant home alone then asked if she had any issues that require him to help her on. He stood up, lifted the complainant and forcibly kissed her whilst caressing her private parts,” said Ms Ncube.

She said after the alleged assault, Munetsi then instructed the victim to bring water and salt, prayed over them and made her drink the mixture. The complainant did not disclose the matter.

Ms Ncube said sometime last month (August) Munetsi found the victim alone at her home and raped her.
“As the complainant opened the door the accused grabbed her by the hand and dragged her to the spare room. The complainant tried to resist but the accused person spoke to her harshly threatening her,” said Ms Ncube.

The court heard that Munetsi then took a sponge, laid it on the floor and raped the victim.
“He only stopped when the complainant screamed telling him he was hurting her,” said Ms Ncube.

The court heard that Munetsi then threatened to turn the victim into a handicap if she were to tell anyone.
The matter came to light on September 11 after the victim revealed her ordeal to her cousin after she questioned her on why she was always absent-minded.

The matter was reported to Bulawayo Central Police Station and the victim was referred to hospital for medical examination.