Introduction – Key Facts
Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa (real name Ishmael Chokurongerwa), leader of the Lily Farm apostolic sect in Nyabira, was convicted on 4 December 2025 on at least 15 counts of raping underage congregants.
The victims were girls aged 13–14 at the time of the offences; some later gave birth to children fathered by the sect leader. DNA tests conducted by the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) and State experts conclusively proved Madzibaba Ishmael fathered these children.
Despite the DNA evidence, the accused and his followers continue to deny any sexual intercourse took place. Harare regional magistrate Estere Chivasa ruled that the cumulative circumstantial evidence made any innocent explanation “incapable of explanation.”
Sentencing is scheduled for today, 5 December 2025.
The Story
A Harare regional court has delivered a damning verdict against one of Zimbabwe’s most notorious apostolic sect leaders. Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa, who runs the Johane Masowe eChishanu Lily Farm shrine in Nyabira, was convicted yesterday on at least 15 counts of raping underage girls within his congregation.
The case surfaced in March 2023 when police raided the farm and rescued dozens of minors kept in conditions described by the magistrate as “modern-day slavery.” Girls as young as 13 were forced into cooking, cleaning, and manual labour, while boys were deployed as child labourers in the sect’s fields. Education was forbidden, and birth certificates were withheld.
During the trial, three victims testified they were repeatedly raped by Madzibaba Ishmael. Two girls later gave birth. Independent DNA tests by NUST and State forensic experts confirmed Madzibaba Ishmael as the biological father.
Remarkably, the accused and his followers maintained total denial, claiming the girls “are not aware of his position at church since there are a lot of congregants” and no sexual intercourse occurred. Magistrate Chivasa rejected this defence, stating the evidence formed “a chain so complete that the conclusion is inescapable.”
In her ruling, Magistrate Chivasa highlighted the stripping away of basic rights and the oppressive religious dogma amounting to slavery. She painted a harrowing picture of congregants held hostage under the guise of religion.
Madzibaba Ishmael is expected back in court today (5 December 2025) for sentencing.
Timeline of Events
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March 2023: Police raid Lily Farm in Nyabira; dozens of minors rescued; several underage girls found pregnant.
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March–April 2023: Madzibaba Ishmael and nine followers arrested on initial charges of rape and contravening the Children’s Act.
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2023–2025: Lengthy trial with multiple witnesses; DNA evidence submitted by NUST and State labs.
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4 December 2025: Harare regional magistrate Estere Chivasa convicts Madzibaba Ishmael on at least 15 counts of rape.
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5 December 2025: Sentencing hearing scheduled.
Key Players
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Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa: Leader of the Johane Masowe eChishanu Lily Farm sect; convicted rapist.
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Estere Chivasa: Harare regional magistrate who presided over the case and delivered the guilty verdict.
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The 15+ underage victims: Girls aged 13–18 at the time of offences, subjected to forced labour and sexual exploitation.
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National University of Science and Technology (NUST) & State forensic experts: Provided conclusive DNA evidence linking the accused to children born to the victims.
