Trial glitch for Madzibaba Ishmael as cult leader falls ill

By Staff Reporter

Jailed cult leader Ishmael Chokurongerwa (54)’s trial failed to kick off at the Norton Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday after he and one of his co-accused were reported to have fallen sick.

Better known as Madzibaba Ishmael, Chokurongerewa is leader of the Johanne Masowe YeChishanu apostolic sect.

“The trial could not kick off as Madzibaba Ishmael and Takavengwa Gwenzi (55) failed to turn up for trial due to reported ill health.

“The two were said to be in hospital,” said the National Prosecuting Authority in a Tuesday statement.

Madzibaba Ishmael and six of his co-accused face charges of “Ill-treatment or neglect of children (involving 41 children)”, “conducting a funeral service/burial without a burial order” as well as “failure to give notice of the birth and death of a person”.

The trial was rescheduled to 23 and 24 May.