Magaya bodyguard detained again: ‘Tried’ to bribe victim’s mother to ‘settle’ rape probe
HARARE – Prophet Walter Magaya’s bodyguard, Tapiwa Felix Chikondo (35), has been remanded in custody on allegations of obstructing justice after prosecutors accused him of attempting to influence witnesses in an ongoing rape investigation involving the church leader.
Chikondo appeared in court following his arrest on 2 December, with the State arguing that he made deliberate efforts to derail a police inquiry into a rape complaint filed against Magaya. The matter was postponed to 5 December for a bail ruling.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPA), Chikondo allegedly contacted the complainant’s mother and discouraged her from cooperating with detectives after learning that police at ZRP Braeside had begun investigating the case in November.
Prosecutors further claim that Chikondo facilitated communication between the woman and Magaya, who allegedly also urged her not to assist police.
Investigators said the bodyguard sent US$200 via EcoCash to the complainant’s mother, purportedly for transport to Harare to “settle the matter.”
A police-recovered EcoCash agent register, obtained on 1 December, reportedly confirmed the transaction and led to Chikondo’s subsequent arrest.
It is the State’s case that on 29 November, Chikondo travelled to the victim’s parents’ home to further discuss the case.
During the visit, he allegedly took the victim’s father aside until the mother intervened, reminding both men that interfering with a police investigation was unlawful.
Prosecutor Tendai Shonhayi opposed bail, stating that Chikondo had previously been ordered not to interfere with witnesses in another ongoing case, yet continued to do so.
“Even though he was ordered not to interfere with witnesses as part of his bail conditions, he proceeded to do so, demonstrating that no bail condition can prevent him from obstructing justice,” Shonhayi told the court.
Chikondo is already on remand in a separate case in which he is accused of assaulting police officers who attempted to arrest Magaya at his prayer mountain in Waterfalls.
His defence lawyers, Everson Chatambudza and Malvern Mapako, argued that Chikondo has no prior convictions and should not be treated as a flight risk.
“The accused has never been convicted of any offence by this court or any other competent court, hence under the law he has a clean record and cannot be deemed likely to commit similar offences,” Chatambudza said.
Magaya is currently on bail facing 78 counts of fraud and five counts of rape, all still before the courts.
The NPA reiterated that interference with witnesses remains a serious offence.
“No individual, regardless of social standing or affiliation, is permitted to obstruct police investigations. Attempts to influence witnesses or derail due process are serious offences, and the State will act decisively to protect the administration of justice,” the NPA stated.
