Livingston, Scotland – Zimbabwe-born religious leader Walter Masocha has been sentenced to 14 years after being convicted of rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault against vulnerable female members of his church in Scotland.
The High Court in Livingston found that Masocha, 57, used his position as founder and Archbishop of the Agape for All Nations Church to exploit women who trusted him as a spiritual figure.
He was convicted of four charges involving multiple victims, including one who viewed him as a father figure and another who turned to him for spiritual guidance.
Judge Susan Craig described Masocha as an “opportunistic sexual predator” who manipulated his followers’ deep faith by claiming his “hands and lips were holy.” She condemned his actions as “the grossest breach of trust.”
Masocha received 10 years in prison and four additional years of supervised release.
His sentence, backdated to July 2, 2025, includes lifetime registration as a sex offender, indefinite non-harassment orders, and strict supervision of any future religious activity.
Prosecutors said Masocha used his spiritual authority to hide years of abuse. Despite no previous convictions, a pre-sentencing report found he showed no remorse and continued preaching while on remand.
“Walter Masocha wasn’t just a preacher he was a predator,” said prosecutor Michael McIntosh.
The case has shocked religious communities, highlighting the dangers of unchecked power in faith-based settings.