By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
A once-celebrated preacher and outspoken critic of corruption, Apostle Talent Chiwenga of Jesus Revelation Ministries (JRM), now finds himself at the center of a mounting controversy that threatens to tarnish the reputation of Zimbabwe’s rapidly expanding prophetic movement.
Serious allegations ranging from adultery and financial misconduct to spiritual manipulation and abuse have emerged, igniting a fierce debate over accountability within the church.
The accusations originate from Inno Ngwaru, a former supporter and insider within JRM, who recently released an emotional Facebook video responding to a sermon in which Chiwenga attacked a former aide, Edmore Marange. Ngwaru’s explosive claims paint a disturbing picture of the preacher’s moral decline, suggesting that his spiritual authority may be compromised.
“You slept with a young woman named Trifine, whom you brought to South Africa,” Ngwaru alleged, addressing Chiwenga directly. “Someone helps you, and you end up sleeping with their daughter. Is this right?” He further accused the preacher of using church funds to buy a personal residence and of silencing dissenting voices by intimidation or exile.
Ngwaru also suggested that the passing of Chiwenga’s late wife, Rejoice, marked a turning point, allegedly giving the preacher license to pursue adulterous affairs and deepen his moral decay. “Rejoice’s death was an opportunity,” Ngwaru claimed ominously, hinting at a pattern of misconduct that has gone unchecked.
These allegations are not isolated on Zimbabwe’s religious landscape, which has been plagued by similar scandals involving prosperity gospel preachers, staged miracles, and authoritarian leadership. Critics argue that many of these churches operate with little oversight, often prioritizing wealth and power over spiritual integrity.
Chiwenga, known for his fiery sermons condemning other high-profile pastors like Passion Java and Uebert Angel, now faces questions about his own conduct. Ngwaru claims that Chiwenga received warnings from a deceased associate, Baloyi, for allegedly sleeping with another man’s wife abroad—suggesting a long-standing pattern of moral lapses.
Further disturbing are allegations of spiritual abuse. Ngwaru stated, “He can send people to kill me today,” hinting at an environment of fear within JRM. He claimed that dissent is silenced through the shutdown of WhatsApp groups and other forms of intimidation, raising concerns over the church’s internal governance.
Ngwaru also criticized Chiwenga’s recent doctrinal changes, including the endorsement of polygamy and derogatory remarks about women who cannot bear children. “The gospel has been distorted,” he lamented. “We are going back to behaviors we once left behind.”
In 2024, Chiwenga publicly expelled Edmore Marange, accusing him of “strange conduct.” However, Ngwaru argues that Marange was a victim of internal unrest and unjustified purging, further exposing underlying tensions within JRM.
As the controversy unfolds, many wonder whether Chiwenga will respond with audio disclosures or other evidence. Meanwhile, former members and critics warn that the ministry may be nearing a spiritual and moral crisis.It remains to be seen how the charismatic preacher will emerge from these damaging allegations.