Prophet claims surge in diaspora marriage 'break-up prayers'

A Chitungwiza-based prophet says he has been inundated with requests from Zimbabwean women in the diaspora seeking spiritual intervention to end their marriages and relationships.

The self-styled prophet, Madzibaba Lloyd Katogo, claims that more than 400 women based in countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia have contacted him since October last year asking for prayers to dissolve or end their relationships.

"It is actually shocking and rather feels odd. I have been getting these weird requests for prayers to dissolve marriages since late last year," he said.

Katogo said the number of requests had now reached 420 and was still rising, with the first case reportedly involving a woman in the UK who said she was experiencing abuse from her partner.

He claimed that after praying for her, the woman's husband later returned to Zimbabwe — a development that, according to him, triggered more referrals from others facing similar situations.

In another case, he said a woman requested prayers not to have her husband arrested abroad, but instead to influence his return to Zimbabwe.

Despite the growing number of requests, Katogo said he does not support divorce and often advises couples to seek reconciliation.

"I don't support divorce, it's not good for the children, family bonds… I have counselled many women to seek prayers for harmony," he said.

However, he added that many clients prefer separation rather than reconciliation, saying he has effectively become a "marriage counsellor of sorts."

A Zimbabwean woman based in Scotland, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the issue is widespread among diaspora couples.

"It's happening and it's very true… most men carry Zimbabwean attitudes here and struggle to adapt. Both partners are working, but some men still expect traditional roles," she said.

She added that these tensions have led some women to consider ending their marriages, although she personally chose counselling instead.

Concerns over strained diaspora relationships have been growing, with reports attributing breakdowns to cultural adjustment challenges, economic pressures and shifting gender roles in host countries.

Recent international reporting has also highlighted concerns around migration-related family disputes, including cases of alleged misuse of asylum claims linked to domestic conflict.