A 65-year-old member of a religious sect has been seized by police after boasting that he had married his first wife’s 10-year-old niece.

Suspect Johanne Muzorora is a member of the Johanne Marange Apostolic Sect in Zimbabwe, which allows male followers to have many wives.

The scandal erupted after Muzorora – who already has six wives – posted a disturbing social media picture of him clutching the girl’s arm.

As Muzorora sits in a chair by what seems to be a cornfield at his home in the town of Chiredzi he clutches the child with both arms, pulling her hand towards his lap.

Local media reported that Muzorora bought the child when his first wife selected her to become his seventh bride.

The shocking marriage was heavily criticised, with many on social media branding him a paedophile and demanding police action.

But police admit they had to release him after 48 hours while they investigate the marriage.

Police spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, told local media: “He is staying at his homestead and has been advised against leaving his village until investigations are completed.

“The girl is understood to have left the accused’s home when the task force went to the latter’s homestead to investigate.”

The girl was reportedly later located in Bocha at a religious settlement where she grew up, apparently in a bid to evade police.

Dhewa added: “She was taken to hospital for a medical examination and is at a safe house.”

The examination will reportedly be the main thing to determine if Muzorora will face rape charges among others.

Dhewa stated: “If the results show penetration, Muzorora will be our prime suspect.”

The investigation is ongoing.