Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
Prophetic Healing and Deliverance founder Walter Magaya’s bodyguard, Tapiwa Felix Chikondo, was back in court yesterday facing fresh charges of obstructing the course of justice.
He allegedly interfered with one of his boss’ alleged rape victims and her family.
Chikondo, who did not plead when he appeared before Harare magistrate Ms Ruth Moyo, was remanded in custody until tomorrow.
He is on remand for another case of obstructing justice, where he allegedly assaulted police officers who sought to arrest Magaya at his prayer mountain in Waterfalls.
Prosecutors allege that in November, police began investigating a rape case against Magaya at ZRP Braeside.
During these investigations, Chikondo, acting as Magaya’s bodyguard, discovered that police were looking into the case.
He allegedly phoned the victim and spoke to her mother, urging her not to cooperate with the police.
Chikondo then passed the phone to Magaya, who also pleaded with her not to assist the police, promising to cover for the alleged offence.
Chikondo reportedly sent US$200 to the victim’s mother through an EcoCash agent and told her the money was for bus fare to Harare to discuss settling the case.
On November 29, Chikondo travelled to the victim’s parents’ home, where he alleged he was there to discuss the issue pertaining to the rape case. He was informed that the case was under police investigation.
The State alleges that he then took the victim’s father to another room, prompting the mother to knock and remind them that interfering with police investigations was unlawful.
On December 1, police recovered the EcoCash agent’s register, leading to Chikondo’s arrest the following day.
Prosecutor Tendai Shonhayi opposed bail, arguing that Chikondo is not a suitable candidate, as he would go to any lengths to protect his principal, Magaya.
“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,” Mr Shonhayi said.
Chikondo’s lawyers, Messrs Everson Chatambudza and Malvern Mapako, contended that their client has never been convicted by a competent court and should therefore be considered for bail.
“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 offenses,” argued Chatambudza.
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