Pastor’s Cyberbullying Apology To Doek & Slay Echoes Past Nyaradzo Scandal

Arrested Pastor Chibanda Issues Second Major ‘Apolo-Jersey’

Firebrand Pastor Alistar Chibanda has issued a public apology for cyberbullying the women’s brand Doek & Slay following his arrest, marking a recurring pattern of aggressive online campaigns ending in humiliating public retreats and apologies. This latest forced climbdown is a stark echo of the activist pastor’s history, including his 2022 ‘Apolo-Jersey’ to Nyaradzo Funeral Services and a separate, earlier apology to a state pension chief, Arthur Manase.

Facing a criminal cyberbullying case from Doek & Slay, Chibanda posted the apology online, expressing remorse for a social media tirade where he used derogatory language about women attendees.

“I would like to unreservedly apologize for my actions… particularly for engaging in cyber bullying and for making derogatory and hurtful statements about women who attend the event. There is no excuse for cyber bullying or for language that demeans or disrespects women.”

WATCH | Preacher @alistarchibanda has reportedly been arrested in connection with allegations of spreading false and defamatory information intended to harm the reputation of Doek & Slay.

He allegedly recorded and shared a video, along with several posts, criticising the… pic.twitter.com/PB2RwW93EQ

— 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐙𝐖 (@CrimeWatchZim) December 19, 2025

A Clear Pattern of Allegation and Retreat

This situation is the third in a series of nearly identical controversies. In a rapid sequence in late 2022, Chibanda first issued a public apology to Arthur Manase, the General Manager of the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), after accusing him of corruption. That apology was sent via a formal letter, retracting what he called “factually incorrect and defaming” comments.

Just weeks later, he performed a more dramatic and public reversal regarding Nyaradzo Funeral Services. After leading a viral campaign accusing the company of fraud, he deleted all posts and published another humbling retraction and publication, claiming he had been misled by his sources. That very public, forced apology was widely branded an ‘Apolo-Jersey’ by the Zimbabwean online community.

“We regret there are people who invaded my inbox with comments against Nyaradzo Group with unfounded malicious allegations… I realized that the comments I made were factually incorrect and defaming.”

A Damaged Credibility and a New Legal Front

This repeated cycle—launching serious public accusations only to retract them and apologise fully under legal or corporate pressure—has critically damaged Chibanda’s credibility as a preacher. Each ‘Apolo-Jersey’ has been met with public scepticism and accusations that he is either easily misled or compromises his stance under pressure.

However, the Doek & Slay case represents a significant escalation. Unlike the Nyaradzo and NSSA matters, which did not result in formal court action, the women’s brand has pursued a criminal cyberbullying case, leading to his arrest.

The outcome of this new legal battle is pending. Yet Pastor Alistar Chibanda’s public persona is now conclusively defined by this consistent cycle of allegations and forced apologies, leaving observers to question the substance and veracity of his online crusades.