HARARE - Independent End Times Message founder Robert Martin Gumbura, facing multiple rape charges, was yesterday furnished with a new judgment date.
Harare regional magistrate Hosea Mujaya remanded Gumbura to January 24 for his judgment.
The ruling, which was initially pencilled for January 8 but was deferred, following Mujaya’s request for an inspection-in-loco at Gumbura’s Marlborough mansion, where the alleged rape cases reportedly took place.
Prosecutor Jonathan Murombedzi yesterday told the court that the inspection had corroborated the witnesses’ evidence and consistence, pertaining to Gumbura’s residence and security at the premises.
He said victims were subjected to “psychological and spiritual fear.”
However, Gumbura’s lawyer Rekai Maposa said the set-up at the house could not have made it possible for a victim to be raped without attracting attention from other occupants.
She said at some instances, there were over 200 people at the premises, and victims could have easily escaped, if indeed they were forced into having sexual intercourse with his client.
Gumbura is denying the allegations, claiming to be a victim of church politics.
The controversial pastor-cum-politician told the court that he was innocent and was being persecuted for being a good man.
He said he advocates for polygamy and currently has 11 wives and 30 children. His wives have been supporting him in an amazing way, throughout the trial, while his desire is to have 100 children, he told the court.
Murombedzi closed the State’s case on December 20 last year, after leading evidence from 12 witnesses.
Before passing judgment in the matter, Mujaya asked for an inspection-in-loco of Gumbura’s Marlborough home, leading to the postponement of the judgment.
The visit revealed Gumbura’s flamboyant lifestyle, including a fleet of top-of-the-range SUVs and several apartments at his 25-bedroomed mansion.
Several accusations have been made, with claims that the pastor, who has been in the gospel ministry for the past 35 years, was allegedly involved in sex orgies and was in possession of pornographic materials.