Walter Masocha, a self-proclaimed Zimbabwean prophet and founder of the Agape for All Nations Church, has been sentenced to a 14-year extended sentence for rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault against female followers in Scotland.
The High Court in Livingston handed down the sentence, which includes 10 years in custody and four years under strict community supervision upon release. Masocha, known to his followers as “The Prophet,” “Apostle,” and “High Commissioner,” was convicted of multiple offences after abusing women who regarded him as a spiritual authority.
Described by the judge as an “opportunistic sexual predator,” Masocha exploited his position to carry out acts of sexual violence. He manipulated victims by claiming divine approval, saying they were “given to him by God” and asserting that his “hands and lips were holy.”
Among the convictions were charges involving a woman who considered him a father figure, and another involving a parishioner who sought spiritual guidance. Additional testimonies from other women, including a teenager, were used to show a long-standing pattern of abuse, despite previous convictions being overturned due to legal technicalities.
The court also heard that Masocha had continued preaching while in remand and showed no remorse, empathy, or acceptance of guilt insisting instead on blaming the victims and alleging a conspiracy.
In sentencing, the judge emphasized that while Masocha appeared respectable and had no prior convictions, his actions revealed a disturbing abuse of trust. The court ruled that his conduct posed an ongoing risk and warranted both incarceration and extended monitoring after release.
He has been placed on the sex offenders register for life and is banned from working with vulnerable groups. Non-harassment orders have also been imposed to protect his victims indefinitely. Any future involvement in religious activity will be subject to strict conditions.
Masocha started the Agape for All Nations Church in 2007 after relocating to Scotland from Zimbabwe. At its peak, the church had more than 2,000 followers across several countries.
His case has triggered widespread outrage within faith communities, raising serious concerns about unchecked spiritual authority and the potential for religious manipulation.
