4.0
Marange sect’s political worth helps
members get away with murder, abuse
ZIMBABWE PEACE PROJECT MONTHLY MONITORING REPORT
AUGUST 2021
We go deep into the story behind the Johane Marange
sect’s political significance, its doctrine of coercion and
abuse and its history.
The story of a 15 year old girl who died of pregnancy complications
in Marange east opened a discussion around religion, human rights
and political will to end the culture of forcing girls into marriage.
Most advocates of children’s rights have argued that the culprits
should be charged with rape and murder in the case of the late
Anna.
According to the police, Anna Machaya who had been married off
to one Hatirarami Momberume, died while giving birth and her
parents, who are members of the Johane Marange apostolic sect,
attempted to cover up the crime as it was some kind of a normal
practice that young girls get married as part of the sect’s doctrine.
The United Nations and many rights groups expressed disquiet over
the prevalence of these forced marriages within the sect.
The story of the Johane Marange sect is one that is more than what
meets the eye. The sect has been receiving preferential treatment
over the years from the ruling party resulting in their side swipes
with the law being ignored. The Johane Marange sect is believed to
boost Zanu PF’s votes as seen by the frequency with which Zanu PF
leaders visit the shrine. In this edition, we expose some of the social
and political dynamics behind one of the mysterious religious
groups in Zimbabwe and beyond.
Formed in the 1930s, the Johane Marange sect is one of the most
popular apostolic sects in Zimbabwe and is known for its strict rules
that members have to adhere to.
For its popularity and large following of hundreds of thousands, as
well as its ability to control its members, the sect is of political
significance to Zanu PF and any other political party.
This is why political leaders such as former President Robert
Mugabe, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, former Prime Minister
Morgan Tsvangirai, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, among
many others, have visited the sect’s headquarters in Bocha,
Marange.