The Kicukiro Primary Court will begin pre-detention hearings in the case against Pastor Jean-Bosco Harerimana of Zeraphat Holy Church and his wife Jeanne Nsengiyumva on Thursday, October 24.

Harerimana and his wife, who face, charges of fraud, blackmail, and the distribution of pornographic material through digital means, were arrested on October 9 by Rwanda Investigation Bureau 9 (RIB).

ALSO READ: RGB revokes legal personality of Zeraphat Holy church

Their case was handed over to the National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA) on October 14.

According to RIB spokesperson Thierry Murangira, the charges against Harerimana and Nsengiyuva stem from a case filed by a former member of their church, who accused the pastor of soliciting Rwf10 million with the promise of curing a long-term illness.

His wife is accused of blackmail using explicit images, with Harerimana reportedly acting as an accomplice.

ALSO READ: Zeraphat Holy Church pastor, wife arrested over fraud, blackmail

If found guilty of fraud, the couple could face prison sentences ranging between two and three years and Rwf3 million to Rwf5 million in fines.

For blackmail, penalties could include one to three years in prison and fines ranging between Rwf100,000 and Rwf300,000.

Recently, the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) revoked the legal status of Zeraphat Holy Church.

In a statement released on October 18, RGB cited the church’s failure to comply with legal regulations, adding that its activities were deemed detrimental to the peace, security, public order, and morals of Rwandan society.