…Hides under spiritual upliftment
Harare — A junior branch pastor based in Bulawayo aligned to a prominent Malawi-based church is at the centre of serious allegations involving the exploitation of young women who had sought spiritual and economic breakthrough.
One of the most disturbing cases involves a young woman from Bulawayo—whose identity remains protected—who claims she was promised a personal meeting with a revered prophet (name withheld).
The meeting, touted as a gateway to “economic deliverance,” allegedly never occurred.
Instead, the woman says she was manipulated into a series of sexual encounters by the branch pastor in her area, who cited the need for “sacrifice” to unlock divine favour.
“He told her that spiritual breakthrough often requires personal sacrifice,” revealed a source close to the incident.
“She believed him because she was desperate for help in her business.”
After realising she had been misled, the woman allegedly tried to escalate the matter to higher-ranking church authorities based in Johannesburg, but her efforts were reportedly dismissed.
There was no accountability,” another insider claimed.
Concerns are mounting that this incident may not be isolated.
Former congregants have come forward with troubling accounts suggesting a pattern of similar abuses.
Several are now collaborating on a petition to be submitted to the church’s international leadership, calling for a formal inquiry and disciplinary action against the pastor in question.
Beyond the alleged sexual misconduct, the pastor is also said to be under quiet investigation for fraud and theft by false pretences.
Multiple former members accuse him of soliciting money under the promise of jobs, healing, or privileged access within the church, only to disappear with no delivery on those promises.
“He plays on people’s desperation—offering hope in exchange for money or personal compromise,” said a former church member.
“But it’s always a dead end.”
Disturbingly, insiders claim the pastor enjoys protection from certain influential political and security circles in Zimbabwe, which has made accountability elusive.
“Complaints keep disappearing. He seems to be untouchable,” a source within the church’s southern Africa network said.
At the time of publication, efforts to reach the accused pastor for comment had not been successful.
Senior leadership of the church has also remained silent, though growing pressure from congregants and the broader public may soon force a response.
As the story circulates widely online and within religious communities, many are now asking: how many more women have suffered in silence, and will there finally be consequences?
