Zimbabwe police have made a significant arrest at a shrine where disturbing discoveries were made. The authorities found 16 unregistered graves, including those of infants, and over 250 children being exploited as cheap labor. The man in question, a 56-year-old self-proclaimed prophet named Ishmael Chokurongerwa, led a sect with more than 1,000 members on a farm near Harare.
The children, most of whom lacked birth certificates, were forced to engage in physical labor instead of receiving a formal education. This exploitation was carried out under the guise of teaching them life skills. The police raid on the shrine resulted in the arrest of Chokurongerwa and seven of his aides for various criminal activities, including the abuse of minors.
Further investigations are ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge. The state-run tabloid, H-Metro, documented the raid, showing police officers clashing with female believers who were adamant about keeping the children with them. The compound, described by followers as their promised land, was the center of the sect's activities.
The aide of Chokurongerwa defended their beliefs, stating that their doctrine came directly from God and discouraged formal education. Some Apostolic groups in Zimbabwe hold similar beliefs, rejecting education and modern medical practices in favor of faith-based healing methods.
While Apostolic churches are prevalent in Zimbabwe, detailed research on their practices is limited. UNICEF estimates that these churches have around 2.5 million followers in a country of 15 million. The government and NGOs have been working to encourage these groups to embrace education and modern healthcare practices.
This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers of extreme beliefs and exploitation within religious sects. The arrest of the prophet and his aides sheds light on the need for greater oversight and protection of vulnerable individuals, especially children, who may fall victim to such practices.
