Fake prophet jailed for robbing followers on ‘spiritual’ retreat

A 29-year-old man, Hillary Rambakupetwa from Bindura, has been sentenced to five years in prison for robbing three people on a spiritual retreat, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is reporting.

The incident occurred on April 10, 2024, when the three victims, who wished to remain anonymous, traveled to Dandarecha Mountain, Guruve, for prayers in their Toyota Hilux. The following day, Rambakupetwa, dressed in religious garb and posing as a prophet, approached the victims. He convinced them to purchase items for a cleansing ritual.

Later that day, Rambakupetwa fabricated a story about Chief Negomo summoning everyone to another mountain to assist with a snakebite victim. During the drive, he threatened the victims with a knife and stole their belongings and cash totaling USD750.

He then forced one victim to lie down while he marched another to the vehicle. He demanded she teach him how to drive before tying her hands and gagging her. Police tracked down the stolen vehicle on April 13, leading to Rambakupetwa’s arrest.