Online Reporter
IF you thought faith was meant to uplift, think again. Bulawayo has lately been treated to a live masterclass in spiritual exploitation, starring two very different but equally dangerous characters: Madzibaba Lenny and Bishop
Joseph Munetsi. Both have shown that sometimes, the only miracles prophets deliver are emptier wallets and violated trust.
Take Madzibaba Lenny, who turned a simple spiritual visit into a $20 700 nightmare for 61-year-old Innocentia Sekani. Between March and August 2025, snakes, spirits, and “divine” instructions cost her cash and cars, leaving her shocked, broke, and utterly convinced that prophets can be more dangerous than actual snakes.
It began when Sekani’s daughter, Tsitsi Muketiwa, sought spiritual help through her boyfriend. Lenny spotted an opportunity and demanded Sekani herself be brought in. At her home, he and his accomplice staged a theatrical “snake cleansing,” removing live snakes from her bedroom and her daughter’s wardrobe, tying one to a fleece blanket for extra drama. Then, of course, they demanded $3 000 within two hours because who dares argue with snakes?
The demands didn’t stop there. Sekani was told to sell her Toyota Hilux, hand over $9 500, then sell a Mazda Demio for $2 200 and a Toyota Aqua worth $7 000, totalling $20 700. She even had to throw money into the Mguza River, only for someone conveniently to collect it downstream. Lenny alternated between “in spirit” proclamations and furious threats, even claiming her daughter’s ex-boyfriend was a source of family misfortune. Prayers became stressful logistics lessons on “how fast can you sell your car.”
Meanwhile, Bulawayo’s Bishop Joseph Munetsi reminded residents that spiritual authority can be weaponised in terrifying ways. The St Emmanuel Apostolic Church leader allegedly preyed on an 18-year-old congregant, turning a “shepherd and sheep” chat into sexual assault. Munetsi forced the girl to drink an “obedience water” concoction before forcibly kissing and fondling her, and even escalated to sexual intercourse under threats. The bishop’s reign of terror ended only when a concerned cousin noticed something was wrong and helped report the case.
Both cases show a dangerous pattern: false prophets and self-styled holy men exploit fear, devotion, and trust for personal gain. Some use theatrical rituals and live animals, others manipulate religious authority to abuse the vulnerable. Both leave victims traumatised, humiliated, and financially ruined.
So, what can Bulawayo residents do? First, verify your prophets. Ask questions, check credentials, and don’t hand over cash or property without evidence of legitimacy. Second, stay alert to threats or pressures disguised as spiritual mandates. Third, report any abuse immediately, whether it’s financial fraud or sexual misconduct. And finally, remember: true spirituality uplifts, it does not terrify, threaten, or empty your wallet.
Madzibaba Lenny has appeared in court facing five counts of fraud and extortion, while Bishop Munetsi has been remanded for rape and indecent assault. Their trials remind us all that faith can be hijacked, and vigilance is the only antidote to spiritual conmen.
Bulawayo, take note: not all prophets are prophets. Some are just creative criminals in robes. Lock your cars and guard your daughters.
