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Zimbabwean Sect Leader Arrested for Child Abuse, Unlawful Burials

Ishmael Chokurongerwa, leader of the Johanne Masowe Gore Jena Penyeranyika sect, has been arrested with his aides after police found hundreds of children on his compound - most under 18 without birth certificates, being forced to work and not sent to school. 

In addition, 16 unregistered graves were discovered on the farm. Chokurongerwa's aides justified their actions, citing direct communication with God in Nyabira, Mashonaland West province.

Apostolic groups, which integrate traditional beliefs with Pentecostal doctrine, are prevalent in Zimbabwe, with about 2.5 million followers. While some refuse formal education and medical treatment, others have begun to embrace these practices due to governmental and non-governmental advocacy efforts.

Ye Jinghan / Unsplash

(File photo).

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