Two women associated with a religious group led by Ishmael Chokurongerwa faced legal action on Thursday due to allegations of trafficking. The individuals, Danai Tigere, aged 56, and Veronica Chitanda, aged 40, were apprehended for sheltering nine females suspected to be significant witnesses in a recent case resulting in their leader’s incarceration.

Appearing before Harare magistrate Donald Ndirowei, they refrained from entering a plea and were granted bail of US$50. The subsequent day, they returned to court for a bail hearing concerning another matter.

According to State prosecutor Anesu Chirenje, on March 13, Chokurongerwa and seven others were arrested for violating the Burial and Cremation Act and Children’s Act at Lily Farm in Nyabira. Subsequently, on March 28, law enforcement received information about Tigere and Chitanda harboring individuals believed to be affiliated with Chokurongerwa’s group at a residence in Mufakose, Harare.

“On March 29, at 3AM, a police raid was conducted at Tigere’s residence, resulting in the rescue of Previous Zogara, 20, Precious Tichaona, 20, Memory Matanga, 19, Rulendo Chimuti, 24, Vimbai Mufani, 21, Melody Chirinda, 20, Nomusa Tichaona, 18, and two minors,” stated the prosecutor.

Upon interrogation, the accused failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for harboring the nine individuals.