By Religion Reporter-Information Ministery spokesperson Nick Mangwana has called for urgent measures to hold churches accountable, citing cases of abuse and deception under the guise of Christianity.
The move to regulate churches comes after growing concerns over religious scams, financial exploitation, and cult-like practices.
Mangwana, warned that while faith should provide guidance and community, many churches have become hubs for political manipulation, financial fraud, and sexual misconduct.
Fake prophets Emmanuel Makandiwa, Walter Magaya, and Uebert Angel have long been accused of using religion to amass wealth and influence—as part of the problem.
“The rise of self-proclaimed prophets, miracle money schemes, and unchecked church empires shows that religion is now a business, not a calling,” Mangwana said. “Anyone can wake up, find a rock in the bush, plant a banner, and suddenly they’re a spiritual leader controlling people’s lives and wallets.”
The push for regulation follows shocking reports from Madzibaba Ishmael’s farm, where authorities uncovered disturbing cult-like practices, reinforcing fears that some churches operate as lawless entities.
Mangwana argued that new-age evangelical, apostolic, and Pentecostal movements have created “prophetic dynasties” where leaders wield unchecked power, treating churches as family-run empires with no financial oversight.
“These churches often have a charismatic leader who is revered almost as a god,” he said. “There’s no transparency—church funds are controlled by a single family, succession is nepotistic, and gifts and callings are sometimes ‘sexually transmitted.’”
To curb abuse, Mangwana proposed:
✔ Financial transparency – Churches must submit audited financial statements.
✔ Governance structures – Independent oversight boards should replace sole control by founders.
✔ Leader vetting – Background checks to bar those with records of fraud or sexual misconduct.
Zimbabwe is not alone in seeking to regulate churches.
South Africa, Kenya, the UK, and Australia all require religious organizations to register, file financial reports, and adhere to governance standards.
Mangwana recommended similar steps in Zimbabwe, urging churches to register with ZIMRA and the Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare to ensure transparency. “If we don’t act now, the deception and exploitation in these churches will only get worse,” he warned.
With figures like Shepherd Bushiri previously accused of money laundering and sexual abuse in South Africa, the move to regulate churches is seen as a long-overdue measure to protect the public from spiritual fraudsters who exploit faith for personal gain.