Zimbabwean Church Clerk Loses US$20,000 Offering to Sports Betting on World Cup Final
Church clerk accused of betting US$20,000 church funds on 2026 World Cup final
Prophet Threatens Charges Amid Calls for Forgiveness
A Zimbabwen church clerk in Harare has allegedly lost US$20,000 of church money after betting it on the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The incident has caused tension at the church after the founder and prophet threatened to lay criminal charges against the clerk, drawing criticism from some members who say he should forgive instead.
Muchaitasei Desmond Chiweshe (42), the church clerk at Fire of Revival Ministries in Glen View, is accused of diverting accumulated church funds from the church’s mobile money wallet and placing a large bet on Argentina to win the final on Sunday evening, 19 July.
The US$20,000 was not collected in one day. Church sources say it was money raised over the past three weeks through tithes, offerings and special contributions towards buying a new church bus and completing a small hall extension. Chiweshe, who handled the church’s finances and mobile money transactions, had full access to the funds.
On Sunday night, while watching the World Cup final, Chiweshe allegedly transferred the money from the church’s EcoCash business wallet to his personal betting account and bet on Argentina to win the match.
Spain won the final 1-0 after extra time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute. Argentina played with 10 men in the closing stages after midfielder Enzo Fernández received a red card.
Chiweshe’s bet failed and the entire US$20,000 was lost.
Prophet Threatens Charges
Prophet Dr Sexmore Tungandere, founder of Fire of Revival Ministries, expressed strong anger when the missing funds were discovered on Monday morning.
“This is theft of God’s money. The funds were raised by members for the work of the church. I will not let this pass. I am prepared to lay charges against him,” Prophet Dr Tungandere told members who gathered at the church on Monday.
He said Chiweshe had been trusted for years and had no right to use the money for personal gambling.
Criticism Over Lack of Forgiveness
However, the prophet’s threat to involve the police and lay charges has drawn criticism from some congregants and observers. Several members have privately questioned why the church is rushing to criminal charges instead of following biblical teachings on forgiveness.
One senior church member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “The Bible says we should forgive seventy times seven. This man has been part of the church for a long time. Threatening to lay charges against a fellow congregant is not the way of Christ. We should pray for him and restore him, not destroy his life.”
Others have argued that while the loss of money is painful, the church should handle the matter internally through counselling and discipline rather than involving the criminal justice system.
Chiweshe reportedly confessed to the prophet and elders on Monday morning, saying he was carried away by the excitement of the World Cup final and believed Argentina would win. He has expressed regret and said he is willing to work and repay the money over time.
The incident has left the church divided, with some members supporting the prophet’s tough stance and others calling for mercy and forgiveness in line with Christian teachings.
Prophet Dr Sexmore Tungandere has not yet commented on the calls for forgiveness. The church is expected to hold further meetings to decide how to handle the matter.
Related Stories
Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon on a daily basis.
It will always be useful to read through articles from other writers and
use something from their websites.
There’s definately a great deal to find out about
this subject. I really like all of the points you have made.
Unquestionably believe that which you said. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the web the easiest thing to be aware of.
I say to you, I certainly get irked while people consider worries that they
plainly do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined
out the whole thing without having side-effects , people could take a signal.
Will likely be back to get more. Thanks
Hey! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with
Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank
for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good success.
If you know of any please share. Cheers!
Hello, i think that i saw you visited my site thus i came to “return the favor”.I’m trying to
find things to improve my web site!I suppose
its ok to use a few of your ideas!!
I always used to study post in news papers but now as I am a user of internet thus from now
I am using net for posts, thanks to web.
Your style is unique compared to other people I’ve read stuff from.
Thank you for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I’ll just bookmark
this web site.
This page definitely has all the info I wanted about this subject and didn’t
know who to ask.
Fantastic website. A lot of helpful info here.
I am sending it to a few friends ans additionally sharing in delicious.
And obviously, thanks to your effort!
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great.
I don’t know who you are but definitely you’re going to a famous
blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!
I feel this is among the so much significant information for me.
And i am satisfied reading your article. But wanna statement
on few common things, The site taste is wonderful,
the articles is actually great : D. Good process,
cheers
What’s up to all, how is the whole thing,
I think every one is getting more from this
web page, and your views are pleasant designed for new visitors.
Hi! I know this is kinda off topic but I’d figured I’d ask.
Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest writing a blog article or vice-versa?
My website covers a lot of the same subjects as yours and I think we could greatly benefit from each
other. If you’re interested feel free to shoot me an email.
I look forward to hearing from you! Excellent blog by the way!
Fine way of describing, and nice piece of writing to obtain facts
about my presentation subject matter, which i am going to deliver in academy.
What’s up to all, the contents existing at this site are
in fact remarkable for people knowledge, well, keep
up the nice work fellows.
I blog often and I really thank you for your information. The article has truly peaked my interest.
I am going to book mark your site and keep checking for new details
about once per week. I subscribed to your Feed too.
Hi, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and
i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam remarks?
If so how do you protect against it, any plugin or anything you can recommend?
I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any assistance is very much appreciated.
My spouse and I stumbled over here by a different web address and thought I should check things out.
I like what I see so now i am following you. Look forward to checking out your web page repeatedly.
This is a topic which is close to my heart… Cheers!
Where are your contact details though?
Have you ever considered creating an e-book or guest authoring on other blogs?
I have a blog based upon on the same subjects you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my viewers would appreciate your work.
If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.
Hi there, after reading this amazing post i am as well happy to share
my know-how here with colleagues.
I am extremely impressed together with your writing talents as well as with the format for your weblog.
Is this a paid topic or did you modify it your self?
Anyway stay up the excellent high quality writing, it’s
uncommon to peer a great blog like this one today..
Magnificent items from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff prior
to and you are just too fantastic. I really like what you’ve acquired right here, certainly
like what you are stating and the best way in which you say it.
You are making it enjoyable and you continue to care for to stay it sensible.
I can’t wait to learn much more from you. That is really a terrific web site.
I pay a quick visit day-to-day some web pages and websites to read posts,
except this website offers feature based posts.
It’s an amazing article in support of all the internet viewers; they will get advantage from it I am sure.
When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox
and now each time a comment is added I get several e-mails with the same comment.
Is there any way you can remove me from that service?
Thanks a lot!
Whats up this is kind of of off topic but I was wanting to
know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code
with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding expertise so I wanted to get
guidance from someone with experience. Any help would be
greatly appreciated!
Amazing things here. I am very happy to peer your post.
Thanks so much and I’m taking a look forward to contact you.
Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?
Thanks for some other informative blog. The place else may just I
get that kind of info written in such a perfect method?
I’ve a project that I am simply now operating on,
and I’ve been at the look out for such information.
Good post! We are linking to this great article on our website.
Keep up the great writing.
Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all folks you
actually know what you are speaking approximately! Bookmarked.
Kindly also discuss with my website =). We may have a hyperlink
alternate contract between us
My partner and I stumbled over here from a different website
and thought I should check things out. I like what I see
so i am just following you. Look forward to looking into your web page repeatedly.
you’re really a excellent webmaster. The web site loading pace is amazing.
It kind of feels that you are doing any unique trick.
Furthermore, The contents are masterwork. you’ve performed a
fantastic task on this subject!
I like what you guys are up too. This kind of clever work and coverage!
Keep up the terrific works guys I’ve you guys to my personal
blogroll.
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your site.
It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here
and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme?
Great work!
Incredible points. Sound arguments. Keep up the good effort.