READERS GET THEIR WISH AS ISHMAEL IS NABBED
LAST WEEK, readers of H-Metro called for Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongera’s cult to be investigated, as a matter of urgency.
A Girl Child rights advocate also added her voice to the call.
There was agreement among the H-Metro readers who were all calling for Madzibaba Ishmael’s arrest.
Yesterday, they got their wish when Madzibaba Ishmael was arrested at a pre-dawn raid at his compound in Nyabira.
Madzibaba Ishmael created a cult at his plot in Nyabira where the followers, some of whom are said to be living in captivity at the complex, call their home ‘Canaan’.
The children, who are born out of the cult’s unions, are not allowed to acquire birth certificates and are not allowed to go to school.
The girls will only be waiting to be forced into marriage, even at the young ages of 13.
Ekenia Chifamba, of Shamwari
Yemwanasikana, said last week:
“The sad part is that no efforts are being made by the families in question to break the cycle and bring about
a difference and a change to the future generation.
“Churches are supposed to be places of worship that bring mental
sanity, safe spaces where one can find a shoulder to lean on, spaces of engagement on various initiatives including social, economic and political. “It is that space where you can learn best practices, exchange and utilise them for the best.
“The Holy Spirit itself brings sanity, peace, and coordination on how things are done.
“In church, you create families without fear of being judged, or intimidation and what is happening at this shrine, one person instilled fear into families and made them believe that there is nothing that matters in life other than to wait for God to come.”
Chifamba called for the protection of children.
“There is cholera, people are dying and these people do not even allow those who are sick to go to hospital.
“It’s a matter of being brainwashed and nobody in this situation is using their brains.”
Child rights defender, Maxim Murungweni said, there is a need for a thorough investigation.
H-Metro readers also called for the arrest of Madzibaba Ishmael.