A 32-year-old Harare man has appeared before the Mbare Magistrates Court facing allegations of swindling his girlfriend out of US$500 after allegedly masquerading as a pastor.
John Mushayavudzi is accused of deceiving Enteetes Ashley Musamirapamwe by convincing her that the money she gave him would be spiritually “blessed” and multiply. He has denied the fraud charges and was released from custody on remand pending trial.
According to the State, the alleged offence dates back to June 2025 when Mushayavudzi asked Musamirapamwe for US$200, claiming he urgently needed the money to recover his vehicle from the border. When she later demanded repayment, he reportedly avoided her calls and messages.
Prosecutors allege that Mushayavudzi then escalated the scheme by contacting Musamirapamwe using a different phone number, posing as a pastor from their church. Through text messages, the supposed cleric allegedly persuaded her to regard the money as “seed” that would bring financial rewards through faith rather than repayment.
The court heard that by September 2025, the messages had become more persistent and coercive, instructing both Musamirapamwe and Mushayavudzi to make monthly contributions of US$100, with assurances of spiritual favour and financial breakthroughs.
The matter is still under investigation, and Mushayavudzi is expected to return to court on a date to be advised.
