UK-Based Zimbabwean AFM Pastor & Gospel Singer Found Guilty Of 17 Sexual Offences Against Children & Young Women

Zimbabwean AFM Pastor Found Guilty Of 17 Child Sex Offences In UK

A respected UK-based pastor and gospel singer has been convicted of a string of shocking sexual offences. Walter Chahwanda, a former pastor with the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM), was found guilty of seventeen crimes against children and young women following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court. The 34-year-old, who also performed as a gospel singer, used his position of trust to target victims across the country.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) detailed a predatory pattern that lasted around four years. Chahwanda met his victims through church activities, often adding them on social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram. Initial conversations would quickly turn sexual before he sent explicit pictures and videos of himself.

A Twisted Method Of Grooming

Court proceedings revealed Chahwanda’s disturbing method. After making contact through the church, he would sexualise online chats, commenting on the girls’ appearances. He would then send unsolicited intimate media. Aaron Smith, a lawyer with the CPS Mersey Cheshire RASSO unit, outlined the impact.

“Walter Chahwanda used his position as a respected Pastor to abuse a 14-year-old child and cause distress to multiple young women and children. He had no regard for their wellbeing or vulnerability and was solely focused on his own sexual gratification.”

The CPS further reported a bizarre element to his crimes: he would goad victims to expose him, suggesting the thought of being caught was part of his fantasy.

Escalating Offences And Eventual Arrest

Despite several women reporting him to church authorities, Chahwanda refused to stop. His offending escalated over time. The breakthrough came when the father of one victim contacted the NSPCC. Other victims then came forward to police.

Chahwanda was first arrested in February 2024 and interviewed again in April 2025 as more potential victims were identified. He denied all allegations during questioning, dismissing sexualised chats as mere “naughty” role-play.

“He told them he was risking everything by his actions, but it was the women and girls who were the ones who felt trapped and disgusted by what he was doing,” said Aaron Smith.

The Verdict And Awaiting Sentence

Initially charged with 22 counts relating to nine victims, Chahwanda pleaded not guilty to all. On 3 February 2026, a jury found him guilty of seventeen offences, including sexual activity with a child and sending indecent images. He was acquitted on three counts, including rape, and two blackmail charges were not pursued.

Walter Chahwanda, of Plemonstall Court in Chester, awaits his fate. He is scheduled to be sentenced on 20 March 2026. The CPS praised the courage of the victims who came forward.