Pastor is facing public scrutiny and legal proceedings after being accused of engaging in an adulterous relationship with a church member’s wife, which allegedly resulted in the birth of a child.
Reverend Douglas Mulongoti, 58, of the Pentecostal Holiness Church under Joyful Assembly in Chelston, has been taken to the Boma Local Court by Omedi Musonda, 38, who accuses him of committing adultery with his wife, Ruth Musonda, 23.
According to court testimony, Ruth admitted to initiating a romantic relationship with Reverend Mulongoti in June 2019, shortly after she and her husband moved from Mpika to live on the church premises. She revealed that the affair was confined to the pastor’s church office, where they engaged in multiple encounters. During this period, Ruth withheld intimacy from her husband.
Ruth further confessed that when she became pregnant, she informed Reverend Mulongoti, who acknowledged responsibility for the child.
Omedi, in his account, said he learned about the affair after overhearing a phone conversation between his wife and the pastor. He claimed that Reverend Mulongoti admitted to the relationship and pleaded with him to keep the matter private. In an attempt to settle the scandal, the pastor allegedly offered financial compensation, and Omedi demanded K35,500. While Reverend Mulongoti initially agreed, he later denied any wrongdoing and retracted his promise to pay.
The shocking revelations have stirred heated debate within the congregation, with many questioning the moral conduct of church leaders and the abuse of spiritual trust. The case has also highlighted the vulnerability of young couples living under the direct influence of clergy, raising concerns about the blurred boundaries between mentorship and exploitation.
The court is expected to determine whether Reverend Mulongoti bears responsibility, both morally and legally, for his actions, while the scandal continues to send shockwaves through the church community.
