Police Arrest Self-Proclaimed Prophet for Rape in Bulawayo
A 21-year-old self-proclaimed Johane Masowe prophet has been arrested for allegedly raping a 19-year-old woman when the victim visited his residence to deliver a white cloth intended for cleansing rituals on October 10, 2024.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the exploitation of individuals seeking spiritual guidance.
According to Bulawayo Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube, the complainant arrived at the accused’s home early in the morning, around 5:00 AM.
“Upon her arrival, the accused told her they needed to proceed to his shrine for cleansing,” stated Inspector Ncube.
Once at the shrine, located in a bushy area near Magwegwe North, the situation took a dark turn.
“He ordered her to kneel down and pray,” Ncube explained. “Then he instructed her to lie on the cloth facing upwards and to close her eyes.” In a shocking violation of trust, the accused then removed the victim’s undergarments and raped her twice without protection.
Following the assault, the accused reportedly released the victim and told her to go home. The young woman, deeply traumatised, did not disclose her ordeal to anyone immediately. It wasn’t until October 21, 2024, that she found the courage to report the crime to the police, prompting an investigation that led to Solomon’s arrest.
In light of the troubling incident, Inspector Ncube voiced concerns regarding the rise of fake prophets who prey on vulnerable individuals.
“Lack of faith in many people has led to criminals masquerading as prophets, taking advantage of and sexually abusing women,” he said. “It is our appeal as police for churches to preach the gospel of spiritual understanding so that people may be made aware that God can also hear their own prayers without the third hand from self-proclaimed false prophets.”
The police spokesperson highlights the need for increased awareness among the public about the dangers posed by individuals who exploit spiritual beliefs for personal gain.
“Apart from rape cases, members of the public are robbed of their hard-earned cash just because they are always seeking spiritual divine intervention which they don’t even understand,” Ncube added.
As the investigation continues, the accused will appear in court to face charges related to the alleged rape. The police have urged any other potential victims to come forward and report their experiences, ensuring that justice is served and that perpetrators are held accountable.
“In these challenging times, we must stand together as a community to protect one another,” Ncube emphasised.
He added, “We are committed to ensuring that justice is served, and we encourage anyone who has been a victim of similar crimes to come forward.”
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