By  Pastors Toolbox (Media Desk)

On   29, 2026

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PASTORS TOOLBOX | ETHICS & CYBER CRIME

SDA Evangelist Simbarashe Marufu Arrested Over Cyberbullying Scandal Targeting Female Churchmates

Focus: Digital Ethics & Church Leadership  |  Report By: Pastors ToolBox Investigative Desk (Harare)

The intersection of faith and digital responsibility has taken center stage following the arrest of a prominent Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Evangelist, Simbarashe Marufu. Marufu was taken into police custody yesterday facing severe cyberbullying allegations after he allegedly weaponized a private video of three female congregants, posting it on social media to mock their characters and garner online "likes."

BREACH OF TRUST: SDA Evangelist Simbarashe Marufu's mobile phone has been confiscated by the Zimbabwe Republic Police as investigations into the cyberbullying of three female churchmates intensify.

The incident has ignited a fierce debate within the Zimbabwean Christian community regarding the malicious use of social media by church leaders. The three women, who had innocently recorded a video of themselves preparing to preach, were shocked to find the footage hijacked and plastered across Marufu’s platform accompanied by a derogatory and targeted caption. Following intense public backlash and a formal police report, the evangelist now faces the harsh realities of Zimbabwe's cyber laws.

The Post The Apology Police Action The Verdict

From Preaching Prep to Public Humiliation

What started as an innocent moment of spiritual preparation was quickly turned into a tool for public mockery.

Marufu allegedly used the women's video to launch a veiled attack on church leadership and their character.

"When Shepherds Have Become Wolves" The offending post was shared with a highly inflammatory caption reading: "When shepherds have become wolves you, (the) pastor’s wife, your husband has been exposed… for a woman is the glory of man. Muchavaziva nezvibereko zvavo (You shall know them by their fruits)." The post immediately attracted a barrage of negative comments targeting the women.

Refusing to be silenced, the victims took swift action against the Evangelist.

Filing the Police Report One of the women publicly urged other church members to stand against the character assassination. On Saturday, the three women escalated the matter legally, filing a formal complaint at the Marlborough Police Station under RRB number 6875200.

A Forced Apology & A History of Attacks

Faced with imminent legal consequences, Marufu sought legal counsel, resulting in a sudden change of tone.

Lawyer-Advised Damage Control After learning that a police report had been filed, Marufu reportedly consulted his lawyer, who advised him to issue an immediate retraction. He took to the same social media platform to write: "Sincere apologies to those who felt insulted or offended by my post and any inconveniences caused. Let the gospel wheels move in love. Bless you everyone."

Not an Isolated Incident? According to one of the victims who spoke on condition of anonymity, this is a recurring issue. She claimed this was not the first time Marufu has weaponized his social media platforms to demean and attack fellow church members, raising serious questions about his pastoral ethics.

ZRP Confirmation & Impending Lawsuits

The Zimbabwe Republic Police have seized digital evidence as the case moves forward.

Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the arrest and ongoing investigations.

Device Confiscated “Police are investigating a cyberbullying case involving a local church leader against his fellow churchmates," Insp. Chakanza stated. "His cellphone, which he used, is now in the hands of police as investigations continue.”

Going After the Commentators The legal battle is poised to widen. The three women announced their intention to pursue legal action not just against Marufu, but also against specific church members who took advantage of the malicious post to further insult and defame their characters in the comments section.

PASTORS TOOLBOX ETHICS DESK

The Cost of Digital Recklessness in the Pulpit

Evangelist Simbarashe Marufu’s arrest serves as a stern warning to religious leaders across Zimbabwe. The pulpit—whether physical or digital—is not a shield for defamation, cyberbullying, or character assassination. As the Zimbabwe Republic Police dissect his confiscated device, the wider church must reckon with the destructive nature of chasing online engagement at the expense of human dignity.

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