Disgraced Church Leader Walter Masocha Jailed in Scotland

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A former church leader who portrayed himself as a spiritual figurehead has been sentenced to 14 years for multiple sexual offences against female followers in Scotland. Walter Masocha, 57, was found guilty of rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault, with the court confirming he used his religious standing to manipulate and abuse vulnerable women.

The Zimbabwe-born founder of Agape for All Nations Church, based in Stirling, was sentenced at the High Court in Livingston to an extended term comprising 10 years behind bars and an additional four years of supervision after release. He will also remain on the sex offenders register for life and is banned from any contact with his victims through an indefinite Non-Harassment Order.

Masocha, who holds a doctorate from the University of Strathclyde, established his church in 2007 and gradually built an international following of over 2,000 members. He referred to himself by exalted titles such as “The Prophet”, “The Apostle”, and “High Commissioner”, convincing followers that he was divinely chosen.

Abusing Power

Judge Susan Craig described his crimes as a “grossest breach of trust”, adding that Masocha was an “opportunistic sexual predator” who exploited the deep religious beliefs of those under his care. She noted that he had persuaded victims they had been “given to him by God” and used phrases like “my hands and lips are holy” to justify unwanted and predatory sexual contact.

The jury heard that Masocha was convicted of four separate charges involving two women. One of the women, who considered him a father figure, was targeted on multiple occasions. A second woman, who had approached him for spiritual guidance, was also assaulted. The jury reached majority guilty verdicts in just half an hour.

The most serious charge involved an attempted rape, which Judge Craig said was not completed only because Masocha lacked the physical ability at the time. She made clear that the fact that the victim was underage made the offence particularly grave.

Although previous convictions relating to other women were overturned due to legal errors, the court permitted testimony from two further women during this trial. One was a teenager at the time of the alleged incidents, while the other was a mature adult. Their accounts mirrored the manipulative behaviour and sexual exploitation described by the key victims, providing critical context to the prosecution’s case.

Despite overwhelming evidence, Masocha denied any wrongdoing, claiming he was the victim of a conspiracy. Judge Craig dismissed these claims outright, stating there was no basis for such allegations. A pre-sentence report confirmed that he had shown no remorse, continued to deflect blame, and was still preaching while on remand.

The judge was particularly disturbed by Masocha’s ongoing attempts to use religious authority even after his arrest. She said that although he had no prior criminal record, his public image as a spiritual leader was a “carefully constructed lie” that masked years of abuse.

The extended sentence reflects both the seriousness of the crimes and the ongoing risk Masocha presents to others. Upon his release, any faith-based involvement will be tightly controlled. He will also be required to undergo rehabilitative work focused on addressing his offending behaviour.

Advocate depute Michael McIntosh said: “Walter Masocha wasn’t just a pastor and a preacher, he was a predator who thought that his power and position rendered him immune from suspicion.”

The ruling brings an end to a long-standing chapter of abuse that went unchecked within a close-knit religious community. Many of Masocha’s followers referred to him as “Dad” or “Daddy,” a sign of the deep emotional reliance he encouraged. One of his victims said he had been seen as a father figure by most members of the congregation.

Masocha’s sentence was officially backdated to July 2, 2025, marking the date he was first remanded in custody.