Evangelist reports fellow preacher to police

Renowned Zimbabwean evangelist Trymore Muparinga has filed a police report against fellow preacher Dickson Nhumwa, accusing him of cyberbullying following a series of allegations posted on social media.

The dispute erupted after Apostle Nhumwa released a video online accusing Muparinga of allegedly misusing church offerings for personal indulgences, including seducing women and purchasing alcohol.

Muparinga has strongly denied the accusations, describing them as malicious and unfounded. He claims the claims stem from a personal dispute between the two ministers over money he received from businessman Wicknell Chivayo.

"I have never misused money for personal pleasures or to buy alcohol, as claimed," Muparinga said.

"We once worked together in ministry and he seemed to believe he was entitled to my earnings. He is simply a bitter man and this time I have decided to take the matter to the police."

Muparinga said he has engaged a lawyer to assist with the case, adding that the latest incident was not the first time he had faced public attacks.

In the video that triggered the dispute, Nhumwa reflected on their years ministering together since 2007 along First Street in Harare before he later relocated to Masvingo. He said he was concerned about Muparinga's conduct and suggested the evangelist needed intervention from the broader Christian community.

"Mukomana (Muparinga), akunyanya kuti pese paaenda kunoparidza apihwa mari dzepa altar odzishandisa kudhakwa ne kukecha," Nhumwa alleged in the clip, claiming that Muparinga misused altar offerings for drinking and relationships.

Muparinga, who has built a following for his articulate preaching and biblical teachings, has previously faced scrutiny within Christian circles after a photograph circulated online showing him holding a brown bottle believed to contain alcohol.

The matter is now expected to be handled by police as investigations into the cyberbullying complaint proceed.