A sophisticated extortion plot against prominent Pentecostal leaders has been uncovered, following the near-arrest of self-styled prophet Jay Israel, also known as Jacob Dube, in Harare.

The scheme, which involved spreading false and defamatory allegations against respected Harare clergyman Apostle B. Java and UFI leader Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa, was allegedly orchestrated by controversial preacher Uebert Angel (born Mudzanire), who has a history of feuds with other Pentecostal leaders.

Dube, who had previously traveled to Nigeria, ten months ago, to seek forgiveness from Pastor Amoto for similar extortion attempts, appears to have resumed his nefarious activities.

Insiders say, the scheme aimed at discrediting Java through vile accusations, including the ritual sacrifice of his wife who tragically died from injuries suffered in a vehicle collision. Dube aimed to extort US$50,000 from Java in exchange for suppressing the defamatory allegations.

However, the plot was foiled in Harare when Dube, expecting to collect the US$50,000 ransom, was instead met with the possibility of arrest by CID officers. During the confrontation, Dube implicated Angel, revealing that his involvement was motivated by financial gain, while Angel’s intentions were to settle personal scores and enhance his stature within the Pentecostal community by discrediting Java.

In an audio, Dube can be heard begging Java for mercy, calling him father, before naming a string of individuals linked to the plot, including Angel. Angel reportedly accuses Java of insulting him by attending a conference held at 7 Arts hosted by a hostile preacher. Java was further offended after failing to invite the controversial preacher to the opening of his new church building.

According to Dube’s confession, Angel had directed him to spearhead a campaign of scandalous allegations against Java, employing social media personalities in the process. Angel’s strategy included plans to publicly defend Java after the allegations, ostensibly to rehabilitate his own image and align himself with the respected preacher.

The incident reportedly happened some four weeks ago and Java appears not to have pressed charges. Makandiwa Up Next UFI leader Prophet E. Makandiwa was also reportedly on Angel’s hit list. Dube, volunteering information in a bid to secure his freedom, told Java, “After you, they are coming after Romelous Makandiwa.” This seemingly refers to Makandiwa’s younger brother, a UFIC pastor in South Africa, who Dube said was to be accused of gold smuggling for Makandiwa.

Dube identified several individuals involved in the syndicate including an ‘Apostle Charles’ based in South Africa. Sources familiar with the situation suggest Dube was not enlisted to extort Java for money but to discredit him. However, Dube allegedly deviated from his initial assignment, attempting to exploit Java financially before proceeding with his intended task. This story continues to develop.

Source: Crime Watch Zimbabwe- https://twitter.com/crimewatchzw/status/1761299843828322620