The once revered Apostle Desmond Parirewa, leader of the Fresh Fire Ministries and affectionately known as Gracefold, found himself on the other side of the law yesterday, facing charges of defrauding a desperate land-seeker. The allegations involve a botched stand deal that saw a woman part with US$10 500, only to discover the land was not his to sell.
Papa Parirewa, a charismatic figure known for his flamboyant preaching style and large following in Domboshava, appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Dennis Mangosi, facing fraud charges. He was granted bail of US$100. The complainant, Ms Monica Memory Makumbe (39), painted a picture of desperation and trust betrayed.
The allegations, which surfaced in Harare Magistrate Court yesterday, paint a stark picture of a man who, despite his position of influence, allegedly preyed on the vulnerability of a woman seeking a piece of land in the Domboshava area.
Monica Memory Makumbe, the alleged victim, was a woman seeking a commercial stand for her business. She was introduced to Parirewa by a mutual acquaintance, Patrick Mushore, who vouched for the pastor’s integrity.
Apostle Parirewa, capitalising on Makumbe’s desperation, allegedly presented a piece of land in the Parirewa area under Chief Chinamhora as his own. He assured Makumbe of its authenticity and, after she inspected the 1 400 square metre plot, she agreed to pay the asking price of US$10 500.
Trusting in Parirewa’s position and the assurances of Mushore, Makumbe paid the full amount in October 2021. To solidify the transaction, Parirewa signed an agreement of sale in the presence of Mushore, further cementing Makumbe’s belief that the deal was legitimate.
However, her hopes of securing her own piece of land were dashed when she went to Goromonzi Rural District Council in February 2024 to change ownership of the stand. To her shock, she discovered that the land belonged to the council and not to any individual.
When Makumbe confronted the man of God, Papa became evasive, prompting her to report the matter to the police.
Apostle Parirewa’s arrest on July 15 in Harare marked a dramatic fall from grace for a man who had built his ministry on the pillars of faith and integrity. The allegations against him have cast a long shadow over his ministry.
The investigation into Pastor Parirewa’s alleged fraud is ongoing, and the outcome of the case will be watched closely by the public and the religious community alike.
