Former Pentecostal church leader Walter Masocha has been found guilty of a series of sexual offenses against two women during his time as head of an international religious ministry.

The 61-year-old founder of Agape for All Nations Church International was convicted at Scotland’s High Court in Livingston of attempted rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault following incidents that took place over a six-year period, The Christian Post reported.

Masocha, originally from Zimbabwe, established the Agape church in 2007, growing it into a ministry with more than 2,000 followers across the United Kingdom, North America, and parts of Africa. At the height of his influence, he styled himself as a prophet and was frequently referred to by members as "the apostle" or "a man of God."

The allegations stem from incidents spanning January 2006 to July 2012, when Masocha was living in Stirling, Scotland, and leading a life of frequent international travel, visiting pastors and congregations abroad. Before founding the church, he worked as an accounting lecturer at Stirling University.

The first victim, now 39 years old, testified that the abuse began when she was just 20 and living in Stirling. She recalled being subjected to various forms of unwanted contact, including being kissed, slapped, and groped by Masocha. She said she had trusted him for spiritual guidance and felt confused by his actions.

Allegations Surface from Multiple Victims

One incident she described involved Masocha pulling down her trousers and underwear before attempting to rape her. She explained that she froze during the assault but eventually escaped. The woman also said he once forced her to touch him sexually over his clothing while in his £500,000 mansion in Sauchieburn.

Masocha allegedly told her that she had been "given" to him by God and did not need a boyfriend. She added that during sessions he called "surgeries," he claimed that God had instructed him to love her however she wished to be loved. Her husband testified they later confronted Masocha, following cultural procedures from Zimbabwe, and Masocha responded by asking them to pray for him.

The second woman, now 58, testified that the abuse happened around two decades ago. She approached Masocha at the time to pray for help with her husband’s immigration issues. During their encounter, she said he groped her while claiming to be casting out demons from her body.

Court Hears of “Blessings” and Prayer Manipulation

In her testimony, the second woman said Masocha ordered her to kiss him and told her she was a gift from God. He said she was "receiving blessings" through his physical actions, according to her account. The abuse took place under the pretense of religious deliverance, leaving her feeling manipulated and humiliated.

Prosecutor Michael MacIntosh stated during closing arguments that Masocha capitalized on the trust his followers placed in him as a spiritual leader. He described Masocha's actions as targeting vulnerable women seeking guidance, and using his religious authority to control them.

The jury convicted Masocha by majority verdict on the attempted rape charge and returned unanimous verdicts on all other sexual assault counts. Judge Susan Craig ordered that he be placed in custody immediately after the verdict was read and confirmed that a sentencing hearing will take place on July 28.

History of Prior Case Resurfaces During Trial

Though Masocha had no prior convictions listed at the time of this new trial, the court was informed that he had previously faced legal trouble in 2015. That case involved allegations that he groped a church deaconess and touched a schoolgirl during another claimed exorcism.

In 2015, Masocha received community service and was registered as a sex offender following those charges. However, that earlier conviction was later overturned and ruled a miscarriage of justice. The resurfacing of that case during the current proceedings served to illustrate the pattern of alleged behavior.

Judge Craig noted that due to the extent and nature of the offenses, Masocha’s name is likely to be placed on the sex offenders register for life. She also ordered that background and risk assessment reports be prepared ahead of sentencing to determine his future risk to the public.

Sentencing to Determine Future Consequences

The church leader’s lifestyle came under scrutiny during the trial, including his self-declared salary, which he claimed was equivalent to that of the Archbishop of Canterbury. His jet-set schedule and international preaching work added to concerns about his reach and influence over followers.

Masocha has not yet publicly commented on the verdict. The Agape for All Nations Church had not responded to press inquiries as of Tuesday morning.

With sentencing set later this month, the court is expected to assess the risk Masocha may pose going forward. His placement on the sex offenders register is permanent unless otherwise decided during that process.