Pastor Severino Mbwende of New Creation Life Church in Zvishavane has been remanded in custody on allegations of sodomizing an 18-year-old church member.
Mbwende appeared before Kwekwe Magistrate Mildred Matuvi, facing charges of aggravated indecent assault.
According to court papers, on August 11, 2025, the pastor visited the complainant’s family in Redcliff. That night, the complainant awoke to find Mbwende caressing him.
When the complainant protested, the pastor reportedly replied that the victim was “too handsome” and that his lack of facial hair made him feel as though he were in bed with a woman.
Mbwende allegedly forced himself on the complainant, removing the victim’s shorts and threatening to shoot him if he screamed or told anyone.
He then compelled the complainant to lie on his stomach and sexually assaulted him three times.
After the third assault, the pastor instructed the complainant to perform a sexual act on him, and out of fear, the victim complied.
Mbwende left the complainant’s house at 6:30 AM, while the complainant’s family was still in bed.
The complainant disclosed the ordeal to his aunt later that same day, leading to Mbwende’s arrest.
The case has been postponed to September 4, 2025, for trial.
