Widow's pain sparks Church probe

The grief of Tsitsi Marume Manhango, widow of the late Bethsaida Apostolic Church leader Archbishop Loveless Matarirano Manhango, has reportedly been overshadowed by allegations of manipulation and internal divisions within the church.

Archbishop Manhango died in November 2024 at the age of 104 following an illness, leaving leadership of the church to his son, Nyasha Manhango. He also left behind his wife, Tsitsi Manhango, 52, who has been trying to rebuild her life while coping with the loss of her husband.

However, according to multiple sources within the church, tensions emerged after a married church elder allegedly began paying unusual attention to Tsitsi under the guise of offering support and spiritual guidance.

Congregants who spoke on condition of anonymity claimed that the elder increased his visits to Tsitsi following the archbishop's burial, often meeting her when fewer church members were present. The sources allege that he offered extended private prayers and suggested, without directly proposing marriage, that she should not remain alone for long.

Some church members further alleged that the elder proposed that some of Tsitsi's children be moved out of the family home in Greystone Park, a suggestion her supporters viewed as part of a broader effort to influence or control her circumstances.

The situation reportedly reached a boiling point on June 14 following a road accident along Mazowe Road involving church members travelling to Guruve.

Tsitsi was the only person injured in the accident, which sparked speculation among some congregants, including claims linked to spiritual beliefs within the church.

Supporters of Tsitsi insist that her emotional reaction at the accident scene was not random, but the result of months of pressure, frustration and feelings of betrayal within the church community.

According to church members, the controversy has exposed divisions within the congregation, with some accusing Tsitsi of seeking attention while others have rallied to her defence, arguing that widows deserve protection and support rather than romantic pursuit, particularly from married men.

Bethsaida Apostolic Church Secretary-General Enock Mandizadza confirmed that church leadership was dealing with the matter internally and pledged that concerns raised would be handled fairly.

"Our mother was involved in a road accident along Mazowe Road and all the vehicles belong to our church members. Yes, Amai was injured because she forgot to fasten her seat belt and has since received treatment. She was emotional that she shouted on top of her voice. Church leadership is solving the issues amicably," said Mandizadza.

The church elder at the centre of the allegations denied pursuing a romantic relationship with Tsitsi, saying his actions had been motivated by a desire to assist a widow during a difficult period.

"Tsitsi's husband died nearly two years now and she is free to be married to anyone she loves. She has become a victim as some senior married church men have been approaching her several times to try and win her heart," he said.

In a statement read on her behalf by supporters, Tsitsi said she never sought attention and did not want to become a source of division within the church.

She warned against the exploitation of vulnerable people under the cover of sympathy and support.

"Support is not the same as manipulation," the statement read.

Tsitsi also called on church leaders to ensure widows are protected from emotional exploitation and to address what she described as gossip-driven conflicts threatening unity within the congregation.

As church authorities work to resolve the dispute, the controversy has reignited debate about the treatment of widows in religious communities and the responsibilities of church leaders in safeguarding vulnerable members.