Of sects and doomsday cults: Who will save us from Religious fanaticism

By Lloyd Takawira 

Religious fanaticism has been a pervasive issue in many societies, with church leaders often being viewed as gods and abusing their congregants.

 Recent events in Zimbabwe have shed light on the extent of this problem, with the arrest of Madzibaba Ishmael for abusing his congregants. 

Over the past week the police uncover unregistered graves and cases of abuse at cult leader Madzibaba Ishmael’s farm in Nyabira. 

Interestingly, Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa says his only crime is to have a good heart to take care of about 120 families housed at his Plot 6, Lily Farm, in Nyabira. Most of Madzibaba Ishmael’s followers dismissed claims they were living in captivity, saying they voluntarily followed their leader.

In 2015, Madzibaba Ishmael was sentenced to a five-year jail term for leading an attack on police officers, journalists and members of the Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe at his Budiriro shrine in 2014. 

He said: 

We do not attack people as reported by people who are fighting us. Our children, as well as our wives, are not comfortable seeing people holding guns. The team was led to a cemetery where shallow graves were dug around an anthill.

Similar allegations have been laid against prominent and charismatic church leaders such as Magaya, Makandiwa, and Sanyangore to name a few. The powerful man of cloth have been accused of abusing their congregants, taking advantage of their positions of power to manipulate and exploit vulnerable individuals.These leaders are often seen as infallible and unquestionable, with their followers believing that they have a direct line to God. 

Recently the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) says it is still pursuing a case in which PHD Ministries leader, Walter Magaya, is being accused of allegedly sexually abusing women despite indications that some of the witnesses have developed cold feet. According to the NewZimbabwe.com story on 22 October 2022, Magaya is accused of raping his female congregant in August 2015 at one of his houses in Mt Pleasant. The State alleges he went on to force the victim to terminate her pregnancy after the alleged abuse before buying her silence with $ 100,000.

Dear reader, you may recall another disturbing case in 2016, where one Prophet Sanyangore, is said to have made his congregants drink urine as a form of "holy water". The controversial man of cloth admitted  to have made his congregants drink raw sewage while clearing ground at his church stand along Seke Road. Speaking to H-Metro, the preacher said it was just a display of faith that everything is possible through the power of the Lord."It was just a demonstration of faith. We were far away from where we could get water and I just had to sprinkle salt and pray for the water.

A recent journal titled, "Religion, Women, and Girls’ Rights in Zimbabwe: the Case  of Zimbabwe’s Johanne Marange Apostolic Church” by Cornelius Dudzai, Kwashirai Zvokuomba Tarisai Gracious Mboko  Published 12 October 2023, revealed  that women and girls’ rights are compromised in religious settings and the issue goes on unreported. 

The research established that the church doctrine within the Johanne Marange Apostolic Church provides a conducive environment for the abuse of women and the girl child under the guise of 'sacredness' of the religious sect. This has been and is still going on unchecked. The study concluded that abuse cases through forced and teen marriages to older men are facilitated by both adult men and women and is highly safeguarded within religious cultism. 

This kind of extreme behaviour is not isolated to Zimbabwe, with similar cases of abuse and manipulation being reported in other countries as well.

KENYA

 In Kenya, sect leader Mackenzie was arrested for his involvement in a cult that engaged in violent and harmful practices. No fewer than 109 men, women and children are known to have died after a Kenyan charismatic church pastor encouraged his followers to fast to death to “meet Jesus” in the afterlife. Bodies of the dead were recovered from numerous mass graves on a farm at Shakahola, a village on Kenya’s south-east coast, where Pastor Paul Mackenzie had his Good News International Church. Autopsies revealed that most had starved to death. But a small number, some children, had been strangled or suffocated to death. Mackenzie now faces charges over the deaths. 

NIGERIA

In Nigeria, there have been numerous cases of extreme sect leaders who have been jailed for their abusive practices. These leaders often prey on the vulnerable and desperate, promising salvation and healing in exchange for blind obedience and financial contributions. The cycle of abuse perpetuated by these individuals is a stark reminder of the dangers of religious fanaticism.

Recently, the BBC Africa Eye investigation reveals abuse and torture by megachurch leader in Disciples: The Cult of TB Joshua. The BBC Africa Eye, alleged that it has uncovered evidence of widespread abuse and torture by the founder of one of the world’s biggest Christian evangelical churches.  The allegations of abuse in a secretive Nigerian compound span almost 30 years.

What needs to be done to prevent this from happening again?

Dear reader, it is crucial that we continue to shine a light on these abuses and hold church leaders accountable for their actions. The exploitation of vulnerable individuals in the name of religion is a grave injustice that must be addressed.

1. By speaking out against religious fanaticism and demanding transparency and accountability from church leaders, we can work towards creating a safer and more just society for all.

1. In each case, the victims are exposed to mind control by charismatic religious preachers. The only difference is in the mode and motive for death in the name of the chosen cause.  
2. Every person has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief, and opinion.
3. The journal by Cornelius  etal (2024),  recommends that the government and non-state actors need to enhance child protection services and programmes in religious settings for the purpose of protecting and removing the vulnerabilities of girls within the church by prosecuting perpetrators.
4. African governments needs an honest discussion about how regulations can safeguard the right, to prevent fake religious leaders from misusing it. 
5. Regulate Religious Organizations: The government should regulate the activities of religious organizations to prevent the rise of dangerous doomsday cults. This can include setting guidelines for registration and monitoring their activities.
6. Address Socio-economic Issues: Poverty and inequality can make individuals more vulnerable to extremist ideologies. The government should address these issues and provide opportunities for employment and economic stability.
7. Strengthen Mental Health Services: Some individuals may be drawn to doomsday cults due to mental health issues. The government should provide accessible and adequate mental health services to prevent and address such cases.
8. Provide Social Support: The government should provide social support for vulnerable individuals who may be targeted by doomsday cults. This can include providing access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

#2023hamornizedElection: To the abyss or its redemption for Zimbabwe.

By Lloyd Takawira 

As the country goes for the crunch harmonized election on the 23rd of August 2023, echoes of election euphoria are reverberating through beer halls, at market stores, at church gatherings and most intriguingly in WhatsApp groups which have become hunting grounds for politicians. 

With emotions boiling, the most important question(s) dear reader are: 

1) WHAT IS IT FOR THE COMMON MAN AFTER 2023 GOING FORWARD? 
2) WHAT IS IN STORE IF THE STATUS-QUO REMAINS?
3) WHAT WILL IT ENTAIL, IF THE ALTERNATIVE UPSTAGES THE STATUS-QUO? 
4) WILL IT NOT BE ANOTHER CYCLE OF DISPUTED ELECTION(s)?
 
5) WILL THE GHOST OF 1 AUGUST 2018 NOT STRIKE AGAIN?  

For the past two decades, Zimbabweans have endured torrid times. The political and economic situation exacerbated by a cycle of disputed elections, rampant corruption, and mismanagement of public funds, lawfare by the ruling  Zanu-PF government have all led to economic stagnation.

The blame game 

The country has faced persistent economic challenges, hyperinflation, food shortages, and widespread poverty. Citizens have lost faith in the government's ability to steer the nation towards progress, leading to mass emigration and brain drain, depriving Zimbabwe of its talented workforce.

However, the ruling Zanu-PF government has always defended itself arguing that the restrictive measures imposed by the West have been hampering development. 

It must be noted, dear reader that the notion of restrictive measures as an impediment has been hugely contested by many. Some Zimbabweans believe that restrictive measures have nothing to do with Zimbabwe's economic stagnation. 

 Despite numerous promises, the ruling party seems to be fixated on power retention. 

It must be noted that for the past 43 years, Zanu-PF policies have been nothing more than empty words on paper, leading to a lack of direction and a stagnant nation.

The political and economic Merry-Go-Round has spared the ruling elites with the majority wallowing in abject poverty.

Sensing spirited criticism, the ruling party, this election season abandoned its traditional election strategy of producing manifestos and instead said that, "its works are the manifesto" 

The statement impresses that for the past five years, the Zanu-PF government has done exceptionally well, however to the  contrary there is growing resentment as elections approach. Reality has shown that empty promises, devoid of any substantial implementation or results have failed to ameliorate the ever-ailing economy. 

Economists and political analysts have consistently questioned the government's lack of dedication in translating their rhetoric into tangible outcomes.

Dear reader as the nation goes for the polls, the common man in Buhera is reminiscing of the failed and  missed opportunities on the part of year's orchestrated by seemingly organized thuggocratic government a situation which has  cosequentially decimated livelihoods. 

For the past two decades, millions of Zimbabweans have migrated to other countries in search of greener pastures.

Political scholars and economists have long spoken out against the lack of direction and meaningful progress . Professor Steve Hanke, a renowned political economist, argues that political parties particularly, Zanu-PF's party promises serve as mere political stunts, with little concern for actual development or transformation in Zimbabwe. Acclaimed scholar Dr Ibbo critiques the government's penchant for grandiose promises, suggesting that without proper planning and implementation, these promises are destined to fail.

Dear reader, you are not alone in imaging 2023 going forward. Many hopes that the country's fortunes by whatever means must turn around otherwise ' Vanhu vachafamba vachitaura vega" in Madzibaba Veshanduko's words 

It is everyone's hope that the ghost of August 1,2018 will not haunt this nation. 

Peace-loving are we as Zimbabweans. 

Dear reader, as the nation goes for the polls, it is high time the voter demands tangible things from politicians. Vote out incompetence.  

Vote out career politician. In fact, "PASI NEMBAVHA" thunders Zanu-PF council of elders chairman CDE SEKERAMAYI. Yes pasi nembavha!!!!!!. 

Politicians must move beyond empty rhetoric and prioritize genuine and impactful actions for Zimbabwe's transformation. The nation deserves more than just the illusion of progress.

#2023TakanoVoter

Signing Out from #BUHERA 

Remembering Zimbabwe's Election Violence: The Brutality of 27 June 2008

By Lloyd Takawira 

'27 June ... Va Mugabe Mu Office ... 100% total empowerment' is the mantra that some shed tears upon+ hearing 

June 27, 2008, marks a dark chapter in Zimbabwe's history, marred by violence, bloodshed, and political oppression. The brutal rerun of the election served to remind the world of the lengths to which Zanu-PF would go to maintain its hold on power. 

On 27 June 2008, Zimbabwe experienced a bloody and controversial day that will forever stain its history. Following a stalemate in the February elections, in which the late democratic icon Dr Morgan Tsvangirayi had defeated former  President Robert Mugabe who then went on to orchestrate a solo rerun, leading to widespread violence and atrocities. The horrifying events of days leading to the rerun, shed light on the brutalities inflicted upon the citizens and the subsequent formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU). It is essential to reflect upon this dark chapter that revealed the depths of political brutality and the impact it had on Zimbabwe's political terrain even today.

The Violent Election Day:

As June 27, 2008, dawned upon Zimbabwe, fear, intimidation and violence against opposition supporters became the order of the day. Opposition supporters and activists were targeted, with many brutally assaulted or murdered for their political beliefs. Homes and businesses affiliated with the opposition were torched, instilling fear in the hearts of those brave enough to dissent against the oppressive leadership of Robert Mugabe.

Riot police, allegedly taking orders from Zanu-PF, further fueled the chaos by ruthlessly attacking opposition gatherings and rallies. The streets of Zimbabwe became battlegrounds, tearing families and communities apart, and causing deep physical and emotional wounds that still haunt survivors today.

To the international community 

As we remember this day, the international community SADC & AU must be reminded that  extreme violence unleashed during the June 27 elections garnered international attention and condemnation should never be allowed again. The world stood witness to the horrors inflicted upon innocent Zimbabweans who dared to challenge Mugabe's regime. 

The Evil of Zanu-PF:

It is important to acknowledge the role of Zanu-PF in perpetrating these acts of violence during the 2008 elections. The ruling party, which had maintained its grip on power since Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980, resorted to brutality and intimidation to protect its position.

Political analyst Malcolm Ziki had this to say

 'Even today, Zanu-PF's tactics are driven by an unrelenting desire to maintain control, even at the expense of the lives and human rights of its own citizens. Through various means, including state-sponsored violence, corruption, and suppression of free speech, Zanu-PF aimed to silence dissent and solidify its power. The events of 27 June 2008 serve as a stark reminder of the depths of their evil and the devastating consequences inflicted upon the people of Zimbabwe.

As we remember this tragic day, it is crucial to acknowledge the resilience of the Zimbabwean people who endured unimaginable hardships and violence. By shedding light on the events of 27 June 2008, we honor their struggles, reaffirm our commitment to justice, and strive for a future where democracy and human rights prevail over tyranny and violence.

Dear Politician !!!

By Lloyd Takawira
I write this letter , with so much sorrow and resentment to your flauntings . While you jostle theatrically to  have pictures taken with us and leave in your SUVs and  flamboyant vhuzis (cars) , have you thought of our predicaments.

While you leave for your state of the art flash houses in the posh low density suburbs , have you thought of our families who are struggling to put a simple meal on the table.

Deep down in the rural areas , as you leave in your posh cars , the dust from the graveled roads smoking us ,  some will be traveling over ten kilometers to and from school . Have you thought of us.

That year you visited our rural area you promised to build us a clinic alas it's been ages that promise hasn't been fulfilled yet you're here once again asking our parents to vote for you. To do what MR POLITICIAN . What evil is that .

Do you know that , the last time you visited us , Mai Jane died on her way to Chimukutu clinic which is over 20 kilometers from her village , Marutande . You never care for our basic needs because you think you're clever.

Can you imagine Mr Politician , that the same parents you're asking to vote for you , some of them were retrenched and never got a single pen owing to your actions .

Can you imagine that Mr Politician that our parents are going through serious challenges. Some of the challenges has left us destitutes . Sending us to school is nolonger an easy task , while you're kids are going overseas to learn.

Mr Politician can you self introspect!!!

Dear Politician l encourage you to read , "The cry of a child"
by  ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING

Yes Elizabeth never minced here words in her poem. She wrote a very piercing piece that l would want you to read , maybe you can change your mentality.

In case you have never come across her poem .
She said:
" Do ye hear the children weeping, O my brothers,
 Ere the sorrow comes with years ?
They are leaning their young heads against their mothers, —
  And that cannot stop their tears.

The young lambs are bleating in the meadows ;
 The young birds are chirping in the nest ;
The young fawns are playing with the shadows ;
 The young flowers are blowing toward the west—
But the young, young children, O my brothers,
They are weeping bitterly !
They are weeping in the playtime of the others,  In the country of the free."

Yes Mr Politician , l rest my case with a clarion call for you to desist from abusing us for selfie pictures . Address our plight Mr Politician.

Yours truly
The Child ( Zimbabwe)

Regime Change A Sole Privilege For Zimbabweans

Neighboring South Africa's governing party , the ANC concluded it's controversial elective congress in which cornered President Mr Cyril Ramaphosa won a controversial second term .

However, to the chagrin of most Zimbabweans has been the newly elected ANC secretary general Mr Fikile Mbalule statement that , as ANC, Fikile Mbalula said the party does not subscribe "to the idea of regime change in Zimbabwe ".

Mbalula said the ANC would intensify assisting neighbouring Zimbabwe to recover from decades of economic downturn and massive brain drain.

“We must be very much concerned about what is happening in Zimbabwe, and what role we need to play. We do not subscribe to the idea of regime change in Zimbabwe. We need to campaign very hard to get things right, because Zimbabweans are coming to our country in their numbers."

 The world over , the privilege of  effecting regime change in an county  #Zimbabwe in particular is the sole  privilege people in that nation. 

In that case no nation must push for or against regime change in an nation as that would tantamount to interference to the internal affairs of a sovereign nation.

 In this case , #Zimbabweans not any foreigner have the prerogative to effect regime change. 

Zimbabwe  being a sovereign nation and  not an appendage of  of South Africa means that . "We as Zimbabweans in our diversity return the right to effect or refuse regime change based on our preferences.

The statement by Mr Mbalula is tantamount to interference and against the best practice of non interference in other countries internal affairs. 

Is Regime Change bad 

Since the birth of multi party democracy around the world , regimes have been changed with new ones coming on board. The case Zambia , the case of Malawi speaks volumes to regime change. 

Regime Change being a privilege of citizens , means that it can't be stopped by a foreigner. 

Over the years it has proved that changing regimes is healthier as political parties who do not work to transform the lives of people whom they are governing are changed. Those that' are brought can also be changed if they don't fulfil their promises . 

For Mr Mbalula to allege that they do not subscribe to regime change in Zimbabwe is very much wrong on many fronts . 

Lloyd Takawira is a villager from  Buhera 

Dear Politician !!!

By Lloyd Takawira
I write this letter , with so much sorrow and resentment to your flauntings . While you jostle theatrically to  have pictures taken with us and leave in your SUVs and  flamboyant vhuzis (cars) , have you thought of our predicaments.

While you leave for your state of the art flash houses in the posh low density suburbs , have you thought of our families who are struggling to put a simple meal on the table.

Deep down in the rural areas , as you leave in your posh cars , the dust from the graveled roads smoking us ,  some will be traveling over ten kilometers to and from school . Have you thought of us.

That year you visited our rural area you promised to build us a clinic alas it's been ages that promise hasn't been fulfilled yet you're here once again asking our parents to vote for you. To do what MR POLITICIAN . What evil is that .

Do you know that , the last time you visited us , Mai Jane died on her way to Chimukutu clinic which is over 20 kilometers from her village , Marutande . You never care for our basic needs because you think you're clever.

Can you imagine Mr Politician , that the same parents you're asking to vote for you , some of them were retrenched and never got a single pen owing to your actions .

Can you imagine that Mr Politician that our parents are going through serious challenges. Some of the challenges has left us destitutes . Sending us to school is nolonger an easy task , while you're kids are going overseas to learn.

Mr Politician can you self introspect!!!

Dear Politician l encourage you to read , "The cry of a child"
by  ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING

Yes Elizabeth never minced here words in her poem. She wrote a very piercing piece that l would want you to read , maybe you can change your mentality.

In case you have never come across her poem .
She said:
" Do ye hear the children weeping, O my brothers,
 Ere the sorrow comes with years ?
They are leaning their young heads against their mothers, —
  And that cannot stop their tears.

The young lambs are bleating in the meadows ;
 The young birds are chirping in the nest ;
The young fawns are playing with the shadows ;
 The young flowers are blowing toward the west—
But the young, young children, O my brothers,
They are weeping bitterly !
They are weeping in the playtime of the others,  In the country of the free."

Yes Mr Politician , l rest my case with a clarion call for you to desist from abusing us for selfie pictures . Address our plight Mr Politician.

Yours truly
The Child ( Zimbabwe)

TODAY IN HISTORY: Zimbabweans Remember 27 June 2008

By Lloyd Takawira 

With a " 100% total empowerment" campaign matra and a 27 June VaMugabe muoffice !!! 

Recounts of some of the horror memories of victims of the bloodbath that preceded what was a solo run by the late nongenarian Zanu PF party leader Robert Mugabe are mournful 

 "27 June !!! VaMugabe mu office!!! . Pamberi nehondo !!! Pasi nevatengesi " thunders the late Major Svoswe .

As the major sat down , then  rose , the feared Godfrey Nyikadzino he started to sing , with thunderous voice he sang : " Hondo here , hee hondo makunakuna hwiza hondo dzataigocha ... hee hee hondo " and the whole crowd bursts into singing and dancing . 

Young girls ululating while the youthies who had suddenly became comrades grinding the soil as dust gushes to skies . 

For the new converts , it's a wish for the soil to thaw you .

Holding a sjambok  , rose Patson Nyadza" Yasvika nguva yevaya vakadzoka mugwara rechimurenga , ngavamboita slogan tione" thundered Patson who had suddenly became a war veteran . 

By that time , a defeaning sound characterize the gathering . 

A gun shot breaks the silence as women mainly the elderly breaks into ululations presumably to cheer up Major Svoswe who was firing into the air . 

On election , day the Youths resembling the famous , " Imbumbule youths " who run amok under the doctorship of the late Burundi Pierre Nkuruziza ran through the communities singing war like songs 

With a disputed  and inconclusive election of March 29 2008 , it meant  an electoral  rerun was on the cards . However the harrowing and heinous events leading up to the June 27 presidential rerun brings vivid sad memories of a bad chapter to our country .

The late , Robert Mugabe who had lost the first round of election to  opposition MDC candidate the late Morgan Tsvangirai had set his eyes on returning the Presidency at whatever cost . 

Morgan Tsvangirayi  pulled out of the race  due to violence targeted against his supporters by state security agents , and Zanu PF party youths .

Each year on the 27th of June, Zimbabweans always remember the day and the memories are not rosy in any way as they are littered with sad pictures of tortured people as Mugabe sought to reverse the March presidential election result in which he was defeated by Tsvangirai.

 Mugabe would go on to claim victory and got sworn in before flying out to an African Union summit where he was told to sit down with Tsvangirai in what culminated in a government of national unit.

Even though, Mugabe negotiated with Tsvangirai and Mutambara, Zimbabweans still remember the events leading to 27 June as thousands of people were displaced, hundreds dead as soldiers and secret service agents were deployed across the country to reverse Mugabe’s electoral defeat.

As the world is still commemorating International day Against tourture and inhumane treatment , Zimbabweans have horror memories to recount.

tllyoyd@gmail.com