Pastor in court over alleged assault

Harare-based preacher Pastor Dumisani Mawoyo, popularly known as Pastor Dumi, appeared before the Harare Magistrates' Court on Friday facing charges of physically assaulting and threatening to kill his wife.

Mawoyo (50), who is affiliated with ZAOGA and Forward In Ministries (US), was recently in the news over a separate court dispute involving a US$80 000 loan.

He appeared before magistrate Kudzanayi Kapurura charged with physical abuse and intimidation. He was granted US$50 bail and ordered not to interfere with State witnesses or change his residential address until the case is concluded. The matter was remanded to November 7, 2025.

According to the State, represented by Eurita Masunda, the incident occurred at around 6:30 AM on October 24, 2025, at the couple's home, 2563 Hetherington, Chishawasha, Harare.

The complainant, Collen Chitanda (42), allegedly asked Mawoyo for money to pay school fees for their three children. The request is said to have angered the pastor, who then allegedly grabbed her by the shoulders, shoved her to the floor, and dragged her across the tiled floor.

When Chitanda managed to get up, Mawoyo allegedly grabbed her by the neck and choked her while threatening to kill her. The court heard that he later went to the bedroom, retrieved a Tokarev pistol, and threatened to shoot her.

Fearing for her life, Chitanda reportedly called ZRP Highlands and fled the house for two hours. Upon returning, she went to the children's room, where another altercation ensued over the issue of their housemaid receiving old clothes.

Mawoyo allegedly pushed her toward a staircase, causing her to fall and injure her right hand, before punching her repeatedly on the right shoulder.

The matter is under investigation, and the State has indicated it will call witnesses when the trial begins next week.