JOHANNE Masowe eChishanu sect leader Ishmael Chokurongerwa will know his fate on December 9 after Norton magistrate Christine Nyandoro set the judgment date for the prophet, who is facing allegations of contravening the Burial and Cremation Act and the Children’s Act.

Chokurongerwa (54), Takavengwa Gwenzi (55), Siribiniyo Chikunhire (53), Wonder Kabaya (41), Devlodge Katsande (48), Zebedia Sigudu (49), Aaron Chokurongerwa (47) and Shingirai Ngavafume (42), all from Lilly Farm in Nyabira, are facing three charges namely: ill-treatment of children, conducting a burial without a burial order and failing to give notice of the birth and death of a person.

Prosecutors Tafara Chirambira and Sheila Mupindu closed the State’s case after leading testimony from 13 witnesses.

Chokurongerwa, as the alleged ringleader, is facing allegations of orchestrating activities that placed 41 children in dire circumstances and flouting burial and registration laws.

The State argued that it had established a prima facie case.

Investigations led by a police task team uncovered shocking conditions at Chokurongerwa’s farm.

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Social welfare authorities reported finding children working during school hours. The children had no birth certificates and were not enrolled in local schools.

An inspection in loco revealed gravesites where burials were conducted without burial orders.

Witnesses, including the local village head, testified that funerals were held without adherence to legal requirements.

The State presented age estimation reports and social welfare assessments, along with statements from two of the accused, who claimed their action were motivated by their faith.

Prosecutors further highlighted the questionable attempt by the defence to introduce a birth certificate obtained during the trial, describing it as a deceptive ploy that was quickly abandoned. 

The defence had applied for discharge at the close of the State’s case, asserting that the prosecution failed to prove a prima facie case.

They maintained that the evidence presented did not substantiate the charges and called for the case to be dismissed.

Nyandoro, citing the need for further deliberation, postponed the ruling to December 9 this year.