Popular pastor gets 12-year jail term for raping, impregnating 27-year-old woman

A 36-year-old Zimbabwean apostolic sect leader, Kingstone Taengwa, from Chitungwiza, has been slammed a 12-year jail term by regional magistrate, Clever Tsikwa after he was convicted of raping a Wedza woman.

According to Newsday, Taengwa of Kukunda Kwavapostori, also known as Bishop Garayedenga, pleaded not guilty to the charges of raping and impregnating of the 27-year-old woman, but was convicted due to overwhelming evidence against him.

He will, however, serve an effective 10-year term after two years were suspended on condition of good behaviour.

According to the court, sometime in July 2016, the complainant went to Shadaya Village in Wedza, where her sister resides, so that she could get spiritual healing from the man of God.

Taengwa was said to have arrived at the homestead on August 4 to administer the healing session and was camped there.

On August 6 at around 5pm, the accused entered the room where the complainant was sleeping and told her that he wanted to “taste” her.

Taengwa grabbed her by the neck, lifted her skirt and tried to pull down her panties without success.

A scuffle erupted, and the lady’s panties were torn before Taengwa stripped her and she fell onto the floor.

The complainant tried to scream, but the man choked and raped her once.

After the act, Taengwa threatened the complainant with death saying he had powers to make her lose her life.

The complainant kept quiet until August 8 when she left the homestead.

On October 22, the complainant went to Mutare, where her uncle stays, and told him what had transpired.

The matter was reported to the police, resulting in the arrest of Taengwa.

The woman was medically examined and was found to be pregnant.

Shingirayi Nyengere represented the State.