A 21-year-old man from Gwabalanda, Bulawayo, identified as Solomon Zireva, a self-proclaimed Johane Masowe prophet, has been arrested in connection with the rape of a 19-year-old woman.
Bulawayo police spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube, confirmed the arrest, stating that the victim had sought spiritual intervention from Zireva.
“On the 10th of October 2024, around 5 am, the complainant, a 19-year-old woman from Gwabalanda, Bulawayo, visited the accused’s residence to deliver a white cloth intended for use in a cleansing ritual. Upon arrival, the prophet informed her that they should proceed to his shrine for the cleansing,” said Inspector Ncube.
Inspector Ncube explained that when they reached a secluded area near the shrine in Magwegwe North, Zireva instructed the complainant to kneel as he prayed for her.
“He then instructed her to spread the white cloth on the ground, lie on top of it facing upwards, and pray with her eyes closed. Zireva then removed the complainant’s underwear and raped her twice without protection. After the assault, he released the complainant and told her to go home,” said Inspector Ncube.
The police spokesperson added that the complainant initially did not report the incident but eventually made a police report on the 21st of October 2024, leading to Zireva’s arrest.
Inspector Ncube emphasized that a lack of understanding of faith has enabled criminals posing as prophets to exploit and sexually abuse women.
“We urge churches to promote spiritual understanding so that people realize that God can hear their prayers without the need for intermediaries like self-proclaimed prophets. Beyond rape cases, the public often loses their hard-earned money while seeking spiritual intervention that they may not fully understand. The accused has damaged the reputation of both the church and its teachings, but he will appear in court soon,” he said.
