In a recent operation, authorities in Zimbabwe made a significant breakthrough by apprehending Ishmael Chokurongerwa, aged 56, the alleged mastermind behind a religious sect known as Gore Jena Penyeranyika.
This cult leader, along with seven high-ranking members, was taken into custody in a village situated in the northern region of Mashonaland West province.
According to a statement issued by police spokesperson Paul Nyathi, the operation also resulted in the rescue of numerous women and children who were under the influence of the sect.
Among the rescued individuals, 251 children were discovered on Mr. Chokurongerwa’s property in Nyabira, approximately 34 kilometres (21 miles) northwest of Harare, the capital city.
Shockingly, many of these children lacked birth certificates and were deprived of the opportunity to receive formal education.
Furthermore, during the investigation, law enforcement officials stumbled upon a disturbing revelation: a clandestine gravesite concealed within the confines of the farm.
The graves of 16 individuals, including seven infants, were unearthed, with the concerning detail that their burials had not been officially registered with the authorities.
This discovery underscores the gravity of the situation and raises profound questions about the activities and practices of the cult under Mr. Chokurongerwa’s leadership.
The rescued children “were being used to perform various physical activities for the benefit of the sect’s leadership”, the police statement said.
“Police also established that all children were subjected to abuse such as cheap labour, doing manual work in the name of being taught life skills,” it added.
Mr Chokurongerwa, who calls himself “Prophet Ishmael”, told local reporters that he was “not aware of women’s and children’s rights”.
One of the cult members told reporters that formal education in schools was not wanted by God “because what children are taught there is against the teachings of God”.
