Preachers In Fierce Fight Over Chivayo Loot – Eduzim News

By A Correspondent-A bitter fallout between two Zimbabwean preachers has erupted into a public spectacle amid accusations that the dispute is linked to money and gifts distributed by controversial businessman Sir Wicknell Chivayo.

Popular street evangelist Trymore Muparinga has filed a police report accusing fellow cleric Apostle Dickson Nhumwa of cyberbullying after the latter posted a video on social media alleging that Muparinga was abusing church offerings.

Muparinga, who is widely known for his comic street-style sermons that blend humour, drama and social commentary to draw crowds in townships and city centres, said the accusations were false and malicious.

In the widely circulated video, Nhumwa alleged that Muparinga was misusing money collected during his preaching sessions to pursue women and buy alcohol.

“Mukomana (Muparinga), akunyanya kuti pese paaenda kunoparidza apihwa mari dzepa altar odzishandisa kudhakwa ne kukecha,” Nhumwa claimed, accusing the evangelist of diverting altar offerings for personal indulgence.

However, Muparinga dismissed the claims, arguing that the row began after he reportedly received financial assistance from Chivayo, triggering jealousy among fellow preachers.

Muparinga alleged that Nhumwa demanded a share of the money he received from the businessman and turned hostile when he refused.

Chivayo, a flamboyant businessman who has courted both admiration and controversy, has in recent years become known for distributing expensive gifts — including vehicles, cash and other luxury items — to musicians, church leaders, social media personalities and public figures.

His high-profile giveaways, often publicised on social media, have sparked debate in Zimbabwe about the influence of wealthy benefactors in religious and entertainment circles, with critics questioning the motives behind the largesse.

Muparinga himself has built a strong following through an unconventional preaching style that mixes comedy, satire and gospel messages. His sermons often resemble stand-up comedy performances, delivered in colloquial township language and punctuated with jokes and exaggerated storytelling designed to captivate passers-by before delivering biblical messages.

Supporters say the approach helps attract young audiences who might otherwise ignore traditional preaching, while critics argue that the theatrics blur the line between ministry and entertainment.

Police sources confirmed that Muparinga had filed a report over the alleged cyberbullying, although no arrests had been made at the time of publication.

The public spat has ignited heated debate on social media about accountability among charismatic preachers and the growing intersection of religion, money and celebrity culture in Zimbabwe’s expanding Pentecostal movement.

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