Outrage in Zimbabwe: Family Blames Church for Brother's Tragic Death

The family of Guide Nyachuru, a 16-year-old boy who drowned in a Christian holiday camp run by known abuser John Smyth, is demanding justice and accountability from the Church of England for their failure to intervene.

The heart-wrenching story of a 16-year-old boy, Guide Nyachuru, who tragically drowned while swimming at a Christian holiday camp in Zimbabwe, is now sparking outrage as his family blames the Church of England for his untimely death. According to his sister, Edith Nyachuru, the Church was well aware of the abusive actions of John Smyth – the camp's leader – and failed to act. “Had they stopped him, I think my brother would still be alive,” Edith stated emphatically.

John Smyth, a British barrister who relocated to Zimbabwe in 1984, had a dark history. Just two years prior, an investigation uncovered allegations of severe physical and sexual abuse he inflicted upon boys during Christian holiday camps in the UK. Despite the grim findings of the 1982 Rushton report, which detailed horrific accounts of Smyth's abusive behavior, he managed to establish a respected position within the Zimbabwean Christian community and continued his abusive practices unchecked.

Edith reminisces about her brother as bright, healthy, and beloved within their family. Just a day after arriving at the camp, the Nyachuru family received the tragic news of his death. Confusion bubbled over when attempts to see Guide's body were thwarted by authorities, citing inappropriate attire as the reason. Eyewitness accounts revealed that Smyth had incorporated a tradition of swimming naked before bed, which may have contributed to the neglect in monitoring the boys’ safety.

Former camp attendees have since recounted the disturbing atmosphere under Smyth's rule, including enforced nudity, corporal punishment, and inappropriate behavior where he would often shower with boys. The alarming details raised questions about overall safety and oversight at these camps, especially after several parents began reporting incidents of abuse. Prominent lawyer David Coltart found himself embroiled in a legal ordeal as he sought answers and accountability following Guide’s death.

Despite initial efforts to investigate Smyth, procedural shortcomings, such as missing police documents and the influence of Smyth’s legal expertise, hindered prosecutions and allowed him to evade justice. Following a report documenting the abuse presented to local church leaders and educators, Smyth’s operations faced scrutiny, effectively halting his camps in Zimbabwe.

After eluding prosecution on charges related to the abuse and Guide's death, Smyth and his family moved to South Africa, where they continued to operate with apparent impunity until the Church of England finally acknowledged the abuses in 2013. However, it wasn't until 2021 that Edith received an apology from Archbishop Justin Welby, which she criticized as insufficient.

Calls for accountability are now growing; family members and advocates urge the Church of England to recognize their failures in preventing Smyth's continued abuse and to reach out to potential victims still suffering from trauma. Coltart asserted that both the Church and other institutions in the UK share an obligation to confront their shortcomings and aid individuals grappling with the consequences of Smyth's activities in Zimbabwe and beyond.

As stories of survival and trauma continue to emerge, the echoes of negligence resonate through the halls of the Church, leaving families like the Nyachurus still grappling with devastating loss and unanswered questions.