News / International
Zim bishop faces sex charges in Scotland
07 Feb 2014 at 05:38hrs | Views
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A Zimbabwean Archbishop of a church based in Stirling, Scotland, appeared in court this week charged with two sexual assaults.
Walter Masocha (49), leader of the Agape for All Nations Ministries International church, which has its head office in Stirling appeared in private and on petition at Stirling Sheriff Court on Monday.
Masocha, of Coseyneuk House, Sauchieburn, is accused of two charges of sexual assault - one on a child and one on an adult. Both are alleged to have taken place at his home. The case was heard in private because one involved a child.
Appearing from custody before Sheriff Wyllie Robertson on Monday afternoon, Masocha made no plea or declaration and the case was continued for further examination. He was released on bail and will return to court again in relation to the charges on a date yet to be determined.
Up to 40 members and former members of the church attended at the court building this week and a number packed into the courtroom itself prior to his appearance. But they were all ushered out.
Masocha has temporarily stepped down from his role in the church to fight the case.
A statement from the church said "Archbishop was taken for questioning on Thursday. The police have to carry out this as part of their legal duties. He is due to appear in court on Monday 3 February 2014.
"We recognise that many people will be affected by this and we are fully supportive of the family and saints in the ministry. The National Executive Board has accepted the offer from the Archbishop to take leave of absence from his role to protect the name of the Ministry and also to concentrate on legal proceedings.
"An Apostolic Advisory Board (AAB) will be set up which will carry out the Apostolic Role. We will continue to update you of any further developments. All official communication will be channeled through Board Members Julius Gayakaya and Ian McHardy," the statement read.
Masocha had a very public spat with one of his congregats, Jean Gasho, who accused the bishop of breaking her marriage and leaving her homeless with three children. She has launched a campaign through her blog He was my Daddy to expose the rot in Agape.
Walter Masocha (49), leader of the Agape for All Nations Ministries International church, which has its head office in Stirling appeared in private and on petition at Stirling Sheriff Court on Monday.
Masocha, of Coseyneuk House, Sauchieburn, is accused of two charges of sexual assault - one on a child and one on an adult. Both are alleged to have taken place at his home. The case was heard in private because one involved a child.
Appearing from custody before Sheriff Wyllie Robertson on Monday afternoon, Masocha made no plea or declaration and the case was continued for further examination. He was released on bail and will return to court again in relation to the charges on a date yet to be determined.
Up to 40 members and former members of the church attended at the court building this week and a number packed into the courtroom itself prior to his appearance. But they were all ushered out.
Masocha has temporarily stepped down from his role in the church to fight the case.
A statement from the church said "Archbishop was taken for questioning on Thursday. The police have to carry out this as part of their legal duties. He is due to appear in court on Monday 3 February 2014.
"We recognise that many people will be affected by this and we are fully supportive of the family and saints in the ministry. The National Executive Board has accepted the offer from the Archbishop to take leave of absence from his role to protect the name of the Ministry and also to concentrate on legal proceedings.
"An Apostolic Advisory Board (AAB) will be set up which will carry out the Apostolic Role. We will continue to update you of any further developments. All official communication will be channeled through Board Members Julius Gayakaya and Ian McHardy," the statement read.
Masocha had a very public spat with one of his congregats, Jean Gasho, who accused the bishop of breaking her marriage and leaving her homeless with three children. She has launched a campaign through her blog He was my Daddy to expose the rot in Agape.
Source - Stirling Observer
