Prophet up for sexual assault

A MT DARWIN prophet appeared in court for allegedly sexually molesting three boys he was staying with on the pretext that he was exorcising evil spirits that were haunting them.

Shepherd Gombarashama of Mahuswa Village in Chief Dotito’s area appeared before Bindura magistrate, Ms Moreblessing Makati last week facing four counts of aggravated indecent assault and three counts of indecent assault.

He was remanded in custody to May 2.Prosecuting, Mr Brighton Korera, told the court that on March 5, Gombarashama temporarily set base at the complainants’ home in Mun’ando Village after lying to their guardian that they were being haunted by evil spirits that needed to be exorcised.

The three complainants and the accused slept in the same hut. It is alleged that Gombarashama later woke up and indecently assaulted one of the complainants aged 11.

“The complainant was awoken by the pain he felt. Gombarashama threatened the juvenile with assault if he cried for help. Gombarashama also had oral sex with the juvenile once,” said Mr Korera.

It is alleged that on March 6, Gombarashama asked the first complainant to bath with him and sexually abused him in the bathroom.

“On the same day at around 8pm, he again sexually abused the first complainant despite his pleas for him to stop,” he said.

The matter came to light on March 6 after the complainant escaped from hut they were sharing with Gombarashama and told his aunt.

A police report was made leading to Gombarashama’s arrest.

On the other charge, the court heard that on February 28, Gombarashama who was sharing the same blankets with the second complainant aged 15 allegedly kissed him while he was asleep.

“When he woke up, the accused lied that he was just playing with him since the angel, which he uses to pray for people loves playing with young children,” said Mr Kokera.

“On March 1, the accused allegedly lowered the second complainant’s pair of short and caressed his private parts.

“When the complainant asked him what he was doing, he allegedly said his angel enjoys playing with kids. The teenager also informed his aunt about the abuse.”

On the last charge, Gombarashama allegedly placed the third complainant aged 15 on his chest and kissed him several times while pinning his legs.

“The complainant wrestled with the accused until he freed himself,” said Mr Korera.

“He asked him why he was doing that and Gombarashama threatened to assault him.