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Caroline Mutsawu in Hwange

A 65-year-old self-proclaimed prophet has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for raping a 65-year-old woman, after claiming his angel was responsible for killings during prayers.

Ndabenkulu Ndlovu appeared before Hwange magistrate, Mr Lungile Dube, on Monday charged with rape. The court heard that Ndlovu committed the crime in October last year after soliciting US$5 from the complainant as payment for prayer services.

He was slapped with an effective 15 year sentence of which three years were suspended on condition of good behaviour.

Prosecutor, Mr Mncedisi Dube, told the court that the complainant attended Ndlovu’s prayer session in Dete on October 15 and returned the following day before she was instructed to bring US$5 as payment.

“The complainant returned on the third day, on 17 October with the US$5 and entered a room where the prophet was waiting. The accused initiated the prayer session, holding her head and back.

“He then made a disturbing claim, stating that his angel was responsible for killings during prayers. He instructed the complainant to lie down and stood between her legs,” he said.

Mr Dube said the prophet then moved the complainant’s dress upwards, mounted and raped her.

After the act, Ndlovu instructed the complainant to adjust her clothing to avoid arousing suspicion. She returned home and kept the incident secret until her daughter noticed something was amiss and enquired of her.

The complainant confided in her daughter about the rape, and subsequently reported the incident to the ZRP Dete police station, leading to his arrest.