Gokwe Prophet Arrested For Beitbridge Rape
A 33-year-old self-styled prophet and traditional healer from Gokwe has appeared before local Regional Magistrate Charity Maphosa for allegedly raping a 15-year-old girl in Beitbridge.
Ngonidzashe Tamanikwa was arrested on October 31, 2026 after being lured back to Lutumba, where he stayed with the complainant’s family.
It is the State’s case that Tamanikwa was offered accommodation by the complainant’s family around 2020-2021 after providing spiritual assistance.
In October 2025, Tamanikwa remained at the house with the complainant and a sister after her mother had travelled to Chivi.
On October 16, 2025 at around 4pm, Tamanikwa entered the juvenile’s bedroom and had sexual intercourse with her without her consent. The matter went unreported after Tamanikwa reportedly returned to Gokwe.
The complainant fell pregnant and gave birth to a baby boy in July 2026. The pregnancy was discovered by her sister in December 2025, but the complainant only disclosed the alleged perpetrator in August 2026.
To facilitate his arrest, the complainant allegedly contacted Tamanikwa and told him there was a client in Beitbridge who needed his services. Tamanikwa was arrested upon arrival in Lutumba on October 31, and taken to ZRP Beitbridge Rural.
The complainant was referred to Beitbridge District Hospital for medical examination. Police say a medical affidavit has been compiled and will be produced in court as evidence.
Tawanda Chigavazira prosecuted. *TwoNations*
