WASHINGTON DC —
The leader of the RGM Independent End Time Message Church, Pastor Robert Martin Gumbura has been has been sentenced to 50 years in prison after being convicted of four counts of rape and one of possessing pornographic material.
Ten of the 50 years were suspended on condition of good behavior. Emotions were high as Gumbura’s 11 wives and some of his 30 children who were in court waited for the judgement.
His lawyer, Rekai Maphosa said her client, who had pleaded not guilty to all counts saying he had consensual sex with the women, said she was going to lodge an appeal against the sentence and conviction.
Gender activist, Jessie Majome, a former Deputy Minister of Women, Gender and Community Development said although she was happy that Gumbura has been sent to jail she was not happy with the sentence.
Ten of the 50 years were suspended on condition of good behavior. Emotions were high as Gumbura’s 11 wives and some of his 30 children who were in court waited for the judgement.
His lawyer, Rekai Maphosa said her client, who had pleaded not guilty to all counts saying he had consensual sex with the women, said she was going to lodge an appeal against the sentence and conviction.
Gender activist, Jessie Majome, a former Deputy Minister of Women, Gender and Community Development said although she was happy that Gumbura has been sent to jail she was not happy with the sentence.