Zimpapers Logo

Crime Reporter 

A self-styled prophet has been arrested in Budiriro on allegations of raping a 25-year-old woman while threatening her with a snake.

The prophet is still assisting police with investigations.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest.

“The ZRP confirms the arrest of a prominent Harare prophet for raping a complainant while scaring her with a snake. 

“The ZRP urges members of the public to seek guidance from church leaders or prophets while in the company of other family members or close relatives,” he said.

Recently, a 15-year-old girl in Kariba revealed to her boyfriend that she was allegedly raped several times by a self-styled prophet on several occasions at a lodge six years                      ago.

The victim, whose name was still being withheld, had been left in the company of the prophet on the pretext that he wanted to cast out evil                                                             spirits.

The girl had been threatened not to reveal the issue. 

“The victim was raped several times by the self-styled prophet in a lodge in another town after being left by the parents for prayers. 

“She was threatened not to reveal the abuse which she only did to her boyfriend six years later and the case was then reported,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.

He said investigations were now in progress and urged parents not to leave their children in the hands of strangers. 

“Parents or guardians are warned against leaving their children in the hands of prophets under the guise of spiritual healing, especially the girl child. Many children have fallen victim to dubious prophets purporting to be casting out evil spirits,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.