Apostle Talent Chiwenga discussed the sudden and turbulent breakdown of his marriage to Nyasha Vanessa Verenga in an engaging and open live broadcast on August 3, 2025. He disclosed that the union lasted only 96 hours. In the midst of a raging scandal, the Zimbabwean church leader addressed his congregation in a very personal way, asking them to remain impartial and not turn against him.
In reference to the biblical tale of King David being betrayed and attacked by those closest to him, Chiwenga started his confession by urging his supporters not to “stone David.” By using this example, he pleaded with the faithful not to respond to his own situation in a violent or harsh manner. He issued a warning that those attempting to damage his integrity and image were about to reveal embarrassing audio and video recordings that were purportedly made without his permission.
Apostle Talent Chiwenga Reveals Details of Brief Marriage in Emotional Live Broadcast
Although he formally introduced Vanessa at the Revelation Gathering in May 2024, the apostle recalled that the marriage fell apart in a matter of days because of what he called “irreparable irregularities” in her character and personal life. Four days following their public presentation, he claimed that the separation was a culturally accepted traditional annulment rather than a divorce, which is why the 96-hour timetable was used.
Chiwenga’s claim that his wife tried to poison him was one among the more shocking disclosures. He noted a prior poisoning occurrence, which he dated inconsistently, mentioning both 2006 and 2016 in different versions of his report, and voiced profound anxiety over the pattern. This anxiety led him to prohibit Vanessa from cooking for him and to travel overseas for comprehensive medical examinations.
Chiwenga further asserted that Vanessa had been sharing private family moments with unnamed third parties, including talks with his kids, personal activities, and even video of him dozing. He claimed that this betrayal of trust was one of the main reasons he had to quickly dissolve the marriage in accordance with cultural traditions.
He emphasised the timing of their brief union in his remarks: Vanessa moved into his house on December 26 after Chiwenga paid the dowry in December 2023, and by early February 2024, she had temporarily moved back in with her family. After her public debut on May 4, 2024, he sent her back permanently four days later for apparent personal irregularities.
Chiwenga demanded that the split be handled with dignity, with both families participating in attempts at mediation, trip to her family planned, and no violence. Although he expressed regret for marrying Vanessa, he was adamant that, in light of the situation, the cultural annulment was the only suitable course of action.
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The apostle underlined in his closing remarks that the split had caused continuous institutional and personal upheaval. Citing fears that Vanessa may reveal private interviews or tapes to harm his reputation, he cautioned his church to prepare for concerted smear campaigns. Chiwenga presented the developing story as an intentional attempt to damage his reputation and ministry.
Chiwenga’s revelation has sparked a social media and religious community backlash. The dramatic story, which is full with accusations of scandal, betrayal, and poisoning, has generated conjecture, especially about Vanessa’s past and intentions. There is no hard proof to back up the rumours that she is connected to the intelligence agencies.
The apostle’s live speech was a blend of warning, cultural explanation, and confession. It provided a unique look behind the pulpit into a very personal dispute, bringing to light the conflicts between private life, public ministry, and the heavy demands made on Zimbabwe’s religious leaders.
