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Apostolic sect leader jailed for raping congregant

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A LEADER of an apostolic sect in Budiriro, Harare, was yesterday sentenced to a 24-year jail term for raping a female congregant twice at his shrine in 2016.

A LEADER of an apostolic sect in Budiriro, Harare, was yesterday sentenced to a 24-year jail term for raping a female congregant twice at his shrine in 2016.

BY DESMOND CHINGARANDE

Herbert Senda, will serve a 20-year effective jail term after magistrate, Hosiah Mujaya conditionally suspended four years.

In passing sentence, Mujaya said several women were being taken advantage of and abused by these so-called prophets and a stiffer custodial sentence would suffice.

The court heard that sometime in August 2016, the complainant went to Senda’s shrine in Budiriro for cleansing and was invited into a secluded spot for prayers.

The convict then told the woman that her problems would disappear if she slept with him, but she protested and attempted to flee before he overpowered and raped her once.

After the incident, the complainant went to her rural home in Buhera.

The court heard that she later came back to Harare to pursue her case and approached Senda, who in turn took her to the shrine for another session of prayers and to offer her an apology.

Upon arrival at the shrine, Senda apologised to the complainant and he again raped her. The woman revealed the rape to her mother, who took her to the police to make a report, leading to Senda’s arrest. Michael Reza appeared for the State.