HARARE - Controversial Independent End Time Message pastor Robert Martin Gumbura is set to stand a fresh rape trial on March 31.
Gumbura is currently awaiting his judgment on January 24 on other rape charges where he is accused of raping many church congregants.
His lawyer Rekai Maposa yesterday approached the High Court applying for bail on behalf of Gumbura on the pending charge.
The complainant is a 26-year-old woman who is currently resident in South Africa and failed to appear in court when Gumbura’s trial commenced on December 9 last year.
According to State papers, Gumbura started staying with the woman at his house in 2009 after forging an agreement with her parents.
It is alleged that the 57-year-old pastor literally adopted the woman as his child and was responsible for her school fees and general upkeep.
The court heard that in 2009, the woman was summoned by Tendai Ganyani to Gumbura’s office.
Upon arrival, Ganyani went out and locked the door from outside, leaving her in Gumbura’s company.
Gumbura allegedly demanded sex from the woman and she refused. He removed his clothes, before grabbing the woman and forcibly taking off her clothes. He pushed her on the floor, it is alleged.
He allegedly raped the woman, before threatening to curse her if ever she reported the matter.
After the incident, the court heard that Gumbura phoned Ganyani to return to the office and unlock the door.
The woman did not report the matter to anyone, fearing she would be cursed.
She only made a report to the police on March 18 last year after she had left the church.
Gumbura’s wives and other church women are also on trial for contravening the Censorship Act, after being found in possession of several pornographic materials.
Gumbura faces a similar charge.
Maposa claims the Gumbura family is being framed by “enemies”.