BATSIRAI JAVA REPORTEDLY HANDED HIMSELF IN

By SBT Reporter, Harare

Apostle Batsirai Java, founder of Tabernacle of Grace Church and younger brother of preacher Prophet Passion Java, has reportedly handed himself over to police in Harare amid an investigation linked to a controversial audio recording circulating on social media.

Information received by Southerton Business Times indicates that Java presented himself at the police Law and Order section in Harare following reported searches at his church premises and residence. He is reportedly facing allegations of treason arising from an audio recording in which a voice alleged to be his is said to have discussed the removal of President Emmerson Mnangagwa from power.

Java has denied being the person speaking in the recording. He maintains that the audio is not authentic and has been described by those defending him as potentially AI-generated. The reported surrender follows months of controversy surrounding the recording, which triggered reports of police interest in the cleric and searches at properties associated with him.

In August, The SBT reported that police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi had said he was unaware of an investigation involving Java. The newspaper also reported allegations of police raids and claims that rivalries involving prominent religious figures may have influenced the matter.

Further reports published on 29 and 30 October indicated that police had renewed their search for Java, while raising questions about the status of the treason allegation, which was reportedly dropped. The authorities had not publicly clarified which charges, if any, remained active.

Java is the widower of Vimbai Tsvangirai-Java, daughter of the late former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai. He is also the brother of Prophet Passion Java.

There have been claims of longstanding tensions between Java and fellow preacher Uebert Angel, reportedly linked to disagreements involving church members who moved between their congregations. However, no independently verified evidence has established that Angel played a role in the reported police action. SBT is not presenting those claims as fact.

The latest development remains unconfirmed by an official police statement. SBT is seeking confirmation of Java's reported surrender, the exact charges being pursued, and his current status at the Law and Order section. This is a developing story. More details will follow as verified information becomes available.

Batsirai Java