CHIHOTA — A Zaoga church pastor is suspected to be on the run after he allegedly raped and impregnated a 25-year-old disabled woman from his church. REPORT BY SOFIA MAPURANGA The pastor, who could not be named for legal reasons, was confronted by elder women from the church in Chitandara Circuit in ward 18 under Chief Chihota. He allegedly acknowledged responsibility for the pregnancy before vanishing from the area.
Police said they were keen to interview the pastor, so he could assist them with investigations.
Narrating her ordeal to Standardcommunity, the visibly pregnant woman alleged she was raped by the man of cloth on March 10 this year but that he convinced her not to report the case to the police.
“He had become part of our family because he was a pastor in my church and stayed close by,” she said. “Sometimes he would volunteer to come and push my wheelchair whenever I was coming from Chitungwiza or when I had been dropped off at a bus-stop, about one and a half hour walk from my home.”
On the fateful day, she alleged, the pastor asked her to escort him to the shops but diverted the route and went with her into the bush where he forced himself on her.
“His attitude changed in the split of a second and I watched helplessly as he lifted me from my wheelchair and placed me on the ground before raping me,” said the woman.
After the incident, the pastor took her home and confessed to her sister what he had done.
The trio agreed to keep the matter under wraps, she said. Her parents later quizzed her after they noticed signs of pregnancy.
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Elders in the community tried to resolve the matter through a traditional court held on July 31 this year.
Her father told Standardcommunity when he was summoned to the traditional court the accused acknowledged that he was responsible for the pregnancy. “My appeal is that he should come forward and take care of his unborn child because her condition needs special attention and I am not in a position to foot her bills,” said the father.
The matter was reported at Dema Police Station, but the case was later transferred to Mahusekwa Police Station for further investigation.
Mashonaland East police spokesperson, Inspector Bulisani Bhebhe confirmed receiving the report.
“I urge the public to report such matters urgently to avoid unnecessary obstruction of the course of justice,” said Bhebhe.
He said the police were working flat out to assist the woman and investigations were underway to establish the pastor’s whereabouts.
