By  Pastors Toolbox (Media Desk)

On   1, 2026

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Fake Pastor’s Shocking Scheme:

Fake Pastor Busted After Scamming UK Woman US$25,900 With ‘Miracle Healing’ Claims

Byline: Pastors ToolBox | Court Correspondent  
  Focus: Kelvin Nyamhika | Chitungwiza Fraud Case  
  Updated: September 1, 2026

THE BIG STORY: A Chitungwiza man accused of posing as a powerful prophet allegedly used claims of spiritual healing and UK visa connections to defraud a UK-based woman of US$25,900. The case has exposed how faith, family desperation and digital communication were allegedly exploited in an elaborate fraud scheme.

Kelvin Nyamhika (33) pleaded guilty to fraud charges when he appeared before Harare magistrate Jacqueline Gara. He was remanded in custody pending sentencing after the court heard details of an elaborate scheme targeting a UK-based woman desperate to help her daughter battling cancer.

Kelvin Nyamhika allegedly posed as a powerful pastor and used claims of spiritual healing and UK visa connections to obtain US$25,900 from a UK-based woman, a Harare court heard.

Prosecutors told the court that Nyamhika allegedly built trust with Mildred Zvimbvatu through a pre-existing family connection before presenting himself as a spiritual intermediary capable of arranging prayers, healing and other forms of assistance.

The alleged deception later expanded into a second scheme involving UK visa promises, with the total amount allegedly paid reaching US$25,900. The case has since raised fresh concerns about online fraudsters exploiting religious trust, medical desperation and Zimbabwe's diaspora community.

The Setup The "Prophet" The Visa Trap Verdict

Betraying a Friend's Mother

The scam was built on a foundation of existing trust, making the victim an easy target for manipulation.

Prosecutor Kanchelskis Ropi told the court that the deceit began sometime in 2023. Nyamhika was originally a friend of the complainant’s 32-year-old son, Tinashe Zvimbvatu.

Leveraging this connection, Nyamhika contacted Mildred Zvimbvatu on WhatsApp. Over time, he developed a close friendship with her, encouraging her to confide in him about her personal struggles and family misfortunes. Even after Zvimbvatu relocated to the United Kingdom, the two remained in constant contact.

The Cancer Diagnosis Knowing that Zvimbvatu was desperate for a miracle to cure her daughter, who was battling cancer, Nyamhika hatched a ruthless plan. He claimed he could link her with a powerful man of God who possessed the spiritual gifting to heal the deadly disease.

Enter "Pastor Mugoriwe"

To execute the fraud, Nyamhika created a complete digital alter ego to extract funds from the desperate mother.

The court heard that Nyamhika purposefully acquired an unregistered Econet line. The SIM card was registered under the name "Exter Kambalame", providing him with the perfect shield of anonymity.

Using this new line, Nyamhika assumed the identity of "Pastor Mugoriwe" from a fictitious church he called the City of Truth.

Paying for Prayers As Pastor Mugoriwe, he told Zvimbvatu that through the “realm of the Holy Spirit,” he had seen the dark spiritual origins of the misfortunes affecting her family. He instructed her to send money to fund intensive prayers and spiritual cleansing.

Falling for the ruse, Zvimbvatu sent various amounts to Nyamhika’s EcoCash account through WorldRemit on several different occasions. The amounts quickly accumulated, reaching a staggering US$15,900. Yet, the "pastor" continually demanded more.

The Final US$10,000 Trap & Arrest

Not satisfied with the initial haul, the fraudster pivoted to an immigration scam before finally being caught by his digital trail.

The court further heard that Nyamhika later changed tactics. He claimed he was highly connected to officials at the United Kingdom Embassy and could guarantee visa documentation for Zvimbvatu’s sick daughter and grandchild to join her.

He demanded a flat fee of US$10,000 for this "specialised service". Desperate to reunite her family, Zvimbvatu sent US$6,250 to his EcoCash account via WorldRemit. Her US-based aunt, Babra Mugandani, stepped in to send the remaining US$3,750.

The Digital Trail Leads to Arrest Immediately after securing the final payment, Nyamhika became evasive and blocked Zvimbvatu across all social media platforms. Realising she had been scammed, she reported the matter. Police secured a search and seizure warrant for Econet Wireless, obtaining the call history and particulars that definitively identified Nyamhika.

Pastors ToolBox VERDICT

A Cruel Exploitation of Faith

The total amount prejudiced in this heartless scam stands at US$25,900, with absolutely nothing recovered. Kelvin Nyamhika's actions highlight a growing and disturbing trend where fraudsters exploit religious faith and medical desperation for financial gain.

While Nyamhika awaits his sentencing behind bars, this case serves as a harsh warning to diaspora communities and locals alike: spiritual predators operating behind unregistered SIM cards and fake pastoral titles are actively weaponising the very trust they preach about. Digital vigilance is more critical now than ever.

© Pastors ToolBox | Crime & Courts Desk

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