UK-Based Zimbabwean Pastor and Gospel Singer Convicted of Multiple Sexual Offences
In a significant legal development, a UK-based Zimbabwean pastor and gospel singer has been convicted of multiple sexual offences against children and young women following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court. Walter Chahwanda, aged 34, was found guilty of seventeen crimes after a jury deliberated on 3 February 2026.
Abuse of Trust and Position
Chahwanda, a former pastor with the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM), exploited his position of trust to target victims across the country over a four-year period. According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), he met victims through church activities before connecting with them on social media platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram. Initial conversations were quickly turned sexual in nature.
Court proceedings revealed disturbing details of his conduct. Chahwanda would comment on the girls' appearances, send unsolicited explicit pictures and videos of himself, and, in a particularly troubling escalation, reportedly goad victims into exposing him. He suggested that the risk of being caught was part of his fantasy, demonstrating a calculated and predatory approach.
Legal Proceedings and Victim Impact
Aaron Smith, a lawyer with the CPS Mersey Cheshire RASSO unit, commented on the case, stating: “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.”
Despite several victims reporting his behaviour to church authorities, Chahwanda continued his offending until the father of one victim contacted the NSPCC. This action prompted others to come forward to police, leading to his initial arrest in February 2024. He was re-interviewed in April 2025 as further potential victims were identified.
Denial and Conviction Details
Chahwanda, residing at Plemonstall Court in Chester, denied all allegations during police interviews, dismissing sexualised conversations as “naughty” role-play. He was initially charged with 22 offences relating to nine victims but was found guilty on 17 counts, 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.
He is due to be sentenced on 20 March 2026. The CPS praised the courage of the victims, emphasising that without their testimony, Chahwanda would not have been brought to justice. This case highlights the importance of victim support in prosecuting such serious crimes.
