KWEKWE — A 42-year-old self-proclaimed prophet from Kwekwe has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of raping a 16-year-old girl during a purported ‘cleansing ceremony’ in a secluded area.

The Kwekwe Magistrates’ Court found the prophet guilty of sexually assaulting the teenager, who had sought his help for an illness.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), on September 29 this year, the victim visited the prophet’s home seeking prayers as she was unwell.

The prophet allegedly suggested that the girl engage in sexual intercourse as a form of healing, which she refused. He then convinced her to accompany him to a secluded spot for a so-called ‘cleansing ceremony’, where he gave her a red cloth to tie around her waist and a concoction to drink.

“After drinking it, the victim felt dizzy, and the offender pushed her to the ground and raped her,” said the NPAZ.

The court heard that after the rape incident, the self-proclaimed prophet claimed to have healed the victim before leaving the scene.

The girl reported the incident to her mother the following day. A police report was filed, leading to the prophet’s arrest and subsequent prosecution.

The NPAZ says sexual violence is a grave violation of human rights and dignity.

“Communities are urged to stand against sexual violence, support survivors and report such crimes promptly to law enforcement,” the authority said.