CHESTER, UK – June 11, 2025 — A church pastor and male model from Chester has been hit with 10 additional charges in connection with a widening police investigation into alleged child sexual offences.
Walter Chahwanda, 33, of Plemonstall Court, was initially arrested on February 27, 2024 and first charged in March with 11 serious offences, including rape, blackmail, and sexual activity with minors. Now, Merseyside Police has confirmed that the number of charges has risen to 21, involving multiple alleged victims.
A police spokesperson told the Liverpool ECHO on Monday, June 9, that the latest charges were part of the same complex investigation and involve serious online and offline misconduct.
Who Is Walter Chahwanda?
Chahwanda presents himself online as a gospel singer, pastor, and male model. According to public posts on social media, he previously served as a spiritual leader at Sound of Dominion Ministries in Speke and claims to have a growing presence in both the faith and fashion communities.
The ECHO understands he is originally from Zimbabwe.
Summary of Initial Charges (Filed March 2024):
- Rape
- Assault by penetration
- Cyber flashing
- Five counts of sexual activity with a female aged 13 to 15
- Sexual communication with a child
- Causing a child to watch an image of sexual activity
- Blackmail
New Charges Announced (June 2025):
- Blackmail (additional count)
- Two counts of engaging in sexual communications with a child
- Six counts of malicious communications
- Causing a child to view a sexual act
Merseyside Police confirmed that the alleged offences involve multiple children, and that the investigation is ongoing.
“We take all allegations of sexual offences against children extremely seriously and encourage any victims or individuals with information to come forward,” a police spokesperson said.
Community Reaction and Next Steps
The charges have sent shockwaves through the Chester and Speke communities, particularly within faith groups familiar with Chahwanda’s public role as a spiritual leader. His social media presence — once showcasing music, faith, and fashion — has since gone silent.
Police have urged potential victims or witnesses to contact them directly or reach out to Crimestoppers anonymously.
Chahwanda is expected to appear in court in the coming weeks to face the expanded list of charges.
