Walter Masocha, a Zimbabwe-born religious leader and founder of the Agape for All Nations Church in Scotland, has been sentenced to 14 years for a string of sex offences against female followers.
The High Court in Livingston handed down a sentence of 10 years in custody and four years of community supervision for rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault.
The court found that Masocha used his religious status to exploit women who trusted him spiritually. Known to his followers as “The Prophet” and “Man of God,” the 57-year-old manipulated their beliefs to justify unwanted sexual contact, claiming divine authority over them.
Masocha was convicted on four charges—three involving a woman who regarded him as a father figure, and another concerning a parishioner who had sought spiritual guidance.
Additional testimony from two other women helped support the prosecution’s case, despite their earlier convictions being overturned.
Judge Susan Craig condemned Masocha as an “opportunistic sexual predator” and described his actions as a gross abuse of trust.
One charge involved the attempted rape of a minor, which the judge said was only not completed due to physical, not moral, limitations.
Despite the mounting evidence, Masocha denied all wrongdoing and suggested a conspiracy against him. A pre-sentencing report revealed he continued preaching while on remand and showed no remorse.
The court imposed strict conditions upon his release, including supervision, offence-focused rehabilitation, and a lifetime placement on the sex offenders register. He is also banned from contacting his victims and working with vulnerable groups.
Masocha, who founded his church in 2007 after relocating from Zimbabwe, grew it into an international movement of over 2,000 members. Prosecutors said he used his position to offend without scrutiny for years.
Advocate depute Michael McIntosh said Masocha wasn’t just a preacher, but a predator who believed his power put him above the law.
More: ZimLive
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