Zimbabwean Sister Blames Church for Brother’s Death Linked to UK Child Abuse Case
A Zimbabwean woman, Edith Nyachuru, blames the Church of England for the death of her 16-year-old brother, Guide, who drowned at a Christian camp in 1992. The camp was run by John Smyth, a British lawyer exposed for abusing boys in both the UK and Zimbabwe. Edith told the BBC that if the Church had stopped Smyth earlier, her brother might still be alive.
John Smyth moved to Zimbabwe in 1984, two years after a Church report in the UK revealed he physically, psychologically, and sexually abused boys at Christian camps.
The BBC reported that despite this, the Church of England failed to take wider action, allowing Smyth to continue leading camps in Zimbabwe. At these camps, boys were subjected to severe beatings and humiliating rules, like swimming and sleeping naked, which Smyth claimed were harmless traditions.
Guide Nyachuru drowned on the first night of a camp in December 1992, but there were questions about the circumstances. Witnesses said he went swimming with others but wasn’t missed until his body was found the next morning.
Edith, speaking to the BBC, recalled her heartbreak and confusion when authorities refused to let her see her brother’s body, claiming he was “indecently dressed.” Smyth presided over Guide’s funeral the very day he died, further upsetting the family.
Smyth was known for abusing boys at his camps, with beatings so severe they left lasting scars. Zimbabwean lawyer David Coltart investigated after parents complained.
His report exposed Smyth’s abusive behavior but wasn’t widely published due to fears of legal action. The BBC highlighted how Smyth avoided accountability, using his legal skills and connections to intimidate critics and escape justice.
Years later, the Church of England admitted its failure. In 2021, Archbishop Justin Welby apologized to Edith, acknowledging the Church’s role in Smyth’s abuses and Guide’s death. Edith told the BBC the apology came “too late” and called for more leaders to take responsibility.
According to the BBC, Smyth’s abuse affected dozens of boys in Zimbabwe and other African countries. Many survivors still struggle with trauma, and Coltart urged the Church to support them. He said institutions in the UK also failed to protect children abroad and must do more to address this.
The BBC’s coverage shed light on a tragic story of neglect, abuse, and systemic failure that continues to haunt families and survivors.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62lr331lkzo