By Breaking Belize News Staff: Pastor Kevin Tzib, founder of Dunamis Ministries in San Ignacio, has been remanded to the Belize Central Prison after being formally charged with six counts of sexual assault and one count of unnatural crime.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Stacy Smith, Staff Officer of the Belize Police Department, confirmed during Thursday’s press briefing that the 33-year-old pastor of Santa Elena pleaded not guilty when he appeared before the San Ignacio Magistrate’s Court.
The prosecution objected to bail, which was denied, and his case was adjourned until January 21, 2027.
According to Smith, the allegations involve four male complainants and span more than five years, from February 2021 to July 2026.
During the briefing, journalists questioned Smith about allegations that some complainants had previously raised concerns with church officials but reportedly received no satisfactory response.
Smith explained that while she could not confirm the circumstances surrounding those claims, anyone found to have deliberately obstructed an investigation or interfered with the course of justice could potentially face criminal consequences.
She specifically referenced the offence of perverting the course of justice, explaining that institutions or individuals who become aware of criminal allegations must ensure their actions do not obstruct the administration of justice.
Smith also issued a broader warning to religious institutions, schools and other organizations that allegations of sexual abuse should be reported to police rather than handled exclusively through internal procedures.
She emphasized that police officers investigating sexual offences receive training in trauma-informed approaches designed to protect complainants from further victimization.
“It is always concerning whenever there are allegations of sexual offences against persons who hold positions of trust,” Smith stated, referring to teachers, religious leaders and other authority figures entrusted with the care and protection of vulnerable persons.
“No position, no title, no standing in the community places anyone above the law,” she stressed.
Dunamis Ministries previously issued a statement indicating that it would take appropriate administrative measures while respecting the judicial process and the presumption of innocence.
The allegations against Tzib remain before the court.
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