POLICE are investigating a Harare church which
claimed to be affiliated to the controversial Nigerian
preacher, TB Joshua, after scores of people
reported to have paid thousands of dollars for trips
to the West African country which never
materialised. The church, which is based in Sunridge, Mabelreign,
allegedly promised members trips to TB Joshua's
Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) which is
headquartered in Lagos. TB Joshua is reputed across Africa to have mythical
healing powers which has seen thousands of
people from around the world with various
personal problems and ailments flocking to his
church. Claiming to be operating under the express
direction and instruction of TB Joshua, the Harare
church was also selling bottles of "holy water"
allegedly used by the preacher for his healing
sessions. Dozens of desperate people seeking a quick
solution to their life problems were shelling out up
to US$50 for a bottle of the "miracle water" which
TB Joshua is said to give out for free. But the scam was exposed after TB Joshua issued a
statement distancing his organisation from the
Harare church, forcing its members to rush to the
police in a bid to recover their money.
Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector
James Sabau confirmed investigations were underway. Some arrests have been made but sources close to
the developments said the scam's masterminds – a
Dutch national known only as Eric and a local
woman, Shaleen Manhiri – fled the country when
their cover was blown after attracting huge
numbers of followers within a short period of time. TB Joshua has divided local opinion following
reports he would attend national prayer meeting
scheduled for May 25 at the invitation of MDC-T
leader and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai. Zanu-PF officials have dismissed him as a "false
prophet" with state media reports hinting he may
be blocked from entering the country.