A senior figure within the Zaoga FIF church, Overseer Joel Chinhema, has been dismissed following allegations of adultery and financial misconduct.
The scandal, which has rocked the Bindura congregation, involves the fathering of two children with two different female congregants, as well as accusations of embezzlement and sexual harassment, H-Metro has reported.
Chinhema’s dismissal came last week, following a disciplinary hearing conducted by the church’s board of Bishops, a ten-member committee based at the church’s headquarters in Waterfalls, Harare. The board, acting as a disciplinary committee, heard evidence of Chinhema’s extramarital affairs.
A source close to the investigation detailed the findings: “It’s actually disheartening that a man who many looked up to as a father failed to lead an exemplary life. Baba Chinhema has been dismissed from the church after he confessed to impregnating two women from the church. He is married and, as a leader he, failed to uphold his duties under the confines of the church’s motto ‘Fear Not, Sin Not’ and to resist the temptations from women and the church’s money.”
The allegations extend beyond adultery. Chinhema is also accused of financial impropriety, facing charges of fraud and embezzlement of church funds. The source elaborated on the further accusations against Chinhema: “The church also received a report from a single lady who claimed she was being sexually harassed after Chinhema sent her his nude pictures in an attempt to lure her into bed. He has been asked to vacate the church’s property in Bindura and leave the vehicle he was using, a GD6, behind.”
The source also highlighted Chinhema’s alleged exploitation of vulnerable individuals within the congregation. “Despite his status in the church, Chinhema has been failing to meet his other children’s needs and the women came forward to expose him.
The source said Chinhema was also being accused of child neglect and preying on widows. He is also being accused of preying on divorced women and young girls who came to him for advice and prayers.” The allegations suggest a pattern of abuse of power and trust, targeting those seeking spiritual guidance.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the source claimed that Chinhema enjoyed protection from certain church leaders who allegedly covered up his actions for years, from his time as a junior pastor until his promotion to overseer. This alleged complicity raises serious questions about accountability and oversight within the church’s leadership structure.
Attempts to obtain comment from the church’s leadership proved unsuccessful. The church secretary-general, Apostle Mishael Nyambo, referred inquiries to his deputy, Apostle Steve Simukai, whose phone remained unanswered. Chinhema himself was unavailable for comment.
The Zaoga FIF church, now spanning over 160 nations, faces a significant challenge in addressing this high-profile scandal. The dismissal of Overseer Chinhema, while a decisive action, does not fully address the wider concerns raised by the allegations. The alleged complicity of other church leaders demands a thorough investigation to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.
