BREAKING: Zimbabwean victims of notorious sexual abuser John Smyth have launched a legal claim against the Church of England following the resignation of Justin Welby, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, over mishandling abuse allegations. The claim, filed on December 26, 2025, by seven individuals—including six men abused as teenagers at Smyth’s camps in Zimbabwe—accuses church officials of a cover-up that allowed Smyth to continue his reign of terror for decades.
The victims include Rocky Leanders and the mother of Guide Nyachuru, a 16-year-old boy whose tragic death in a swimming pool at one of Smyth’s camps in 1992 remains shrouded in unanswered questions. These claimants allege that senior clergy orchestrated a cover-up that enabled Smyth to evade justice and abuse vulnerable boys in both the UK and Africa.
The legal action follows the release of the Makin report, which revealed that Smyth, who abused over 100 boys and young men, was allowed to relocate to Zimbabwe after the Church failed to report his crimes from 1982 to 1984. This negligence directly led to further abuses in Zimbabwe, where Smyth ran Christian holiday camps.
Victims describe harrowing experiences, including forced nudity and physical beatings. Leanders stated, “The memory of the shame and humiliation I suffered to satisfy John Smyth has never left me.” He emphasized the anger felt towards the Church of England for allowing Smyth to continue his abuses unchecked.
According to the legal claim, church officials were aware of Smyth’s abusive behavior yet chose silence to protect the Church’s reputation. The claimants seek an apology, financial compensation, and an independent review of the Church’s handling of these allegations.
Edith Nyachuru, Guide’s sister, expressed the family’s frustration: “The Church of England had the power to stop Smyth before he ever came to Zimbabwe. Instead, they chose silence.”
The Church of England has acknowledged the failures in its response to Smyth’s abuse. A spokesperson stated, “We are truly sorry for the horrendous abuse carried out by John Smyth, both here and in Africa.” They have committed to working with authorities in Zimbabwe to support any potential reviews of Smyth’s actions.
As this case unfolds, survivors and their advocates call for transparency and accountability within the Church of England. They urge the current leadership to prioritize the safety of vulnerable individuals and to ensure that such failures are never repeated.
The impact of Smyth’s actions continues to resonate, with claims that the total number of victims could be significantly higher than the known cases. The victims and their legal representatives hope this legal action will bring justice and healing for those affected by Smyth’s horrific legacy.
Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent and developing story.
