Goodness and Mercy Ministries church leader Tapiwa Freddy has pleaded not guilty to the rape charges when his trial opened at the Harare Magistrates Court on Thursday morning.
Freddy is accused of raping and physically abusing his ex-girlfriend, Rutendo Makuti known as Sisi Ruru, who is a radio presenter.
Tapiwa Freddy, popularly known as Prophet T Freddy, told the court that he had consensual sexual intercourse with the woman in question.
He claims that the accusations arose after he sought to terminate their love relationship.
The Herald reports that the man of cloth also denied assaulting the woman at Moja Shopping Centre saying they never visited the place during the time they were in a relationship.
Regional magistrate Gloria Takundwa presided over the matter.
The State alleges that the victim claims that the clergyman forced himself on her on several occasions after her husband died.
She alleged that a couple of months after her husband died, Prophet T Freddy proposed love to her, but she declined as she was still mourning her husband.
However, on one particular occasion, Prophet T Freddy is alleged to have raped her after he asked to stay the night on the basis that it was late.
That night, Freddy allegedly slept on Rutendo’s bed while she sat on a chair before he raped her moments later without using protection.
Prophet T Freddy is alleged to have repeated the visits to the victim’s place of residence and raped her each time.
After she filed the report, she was referred to Parirenyatwa Hospital for medical examination.
It has also emerged that Chief Chikwaka fined the popular Harare preacher three goats for allegedly raping the 33-year-old Makuti. The traditional leader expressed shock when Freddy reported Makuti for trying to extort him of money.
More: The Herald