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The Johane Marange sect story
Preachers use derogatory words for things that they believe are not
in conformity with their practices. For example, when one fails to
attend sect, it is defined as “kun’ora” (dirty and sinful) and nonmembers are called “vanhu vekunyika vakan’ora” (sinful outsiders).
ZIMBABWE PEACE PROJECT MONTHLY MONITORING REPORT
AUGUST 2021
The Johane Marange sect’s strategic importance to ZanuPF means
that the sect leaders will get away with leading a cult-like sect that
is known for abusing the rights of women and children.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
ZPP strongly calls on government to do the right thing, and that is
to call out the sect’s abusive doctrines, and to publicly engage the
sect leaders to make sweeping changes to the practices.
Police should be empowered and capacitated to deal with any cases
of abuse of women and children.
Police can play a leading role in educating the sect members on the
rights of children and women and they should be able to
apprehend any of those found on the wrong side of the law.
The sect leaders should open up their sect sessions to the police so
that they impart education to members on the rights of women and
children.
The case of Anna Machaya is neither the first nor will it be the last
unless girls are protected and allowed to be the children that they
are, and not brides.