Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku
A SELF-STYLED prophet, Madzibaba Lenon Chidarikire (44), who allegedly planted two snakes at a former bank manager’s house before reportedly defrauding her of US$3 000, two cars including a Toyota Hilux, claiming it was payment for his services to remove evil spirits, has appeared in court.
Madzibaba Chidarikire from Entumbane suburb in Bulawayo appeared before Bulawayo magistrate, Ms Patience Madondo, on Wednesday.
He applied for bail, stating that he would reside at his home in Entumbane suburb and would not interfere with State witnesses.
He also submitted that he is not a danger to society and told the court that he had not fled but was at his farm in Bindura doing farming.
However, his application was opposed by the State, represented by Ms Brenda Ndlovu. She shot down his claim that he was farming and said there is no farming that is done in August. Ndlovu further argued that Madzibaba Chidarikire was on the run since August this year and was arrested at his hideout in
Bindura last month. She also stated that he is a flight risk. The court heard that one of his girlfriends gave the police a tip-off leading to his arrest. Madzibaba Chidarikire was remanded in custody until 23 December.
The State counsel told the court that on 22 March this year, the accused and his accomplice, identified as Madzibaba Michel, devised a plan to defraud Ms Innocentia Sekani, a former bank manager from Bulawayo’s Montrose suburb. After that, they went to her home.
“The duo performed rituals at Sekani’s home and removed two snakes from the complainant’s house, and that terrified the complainant,” said Ms Ndlovu.
“After that, he demanded US$3,000, which he said must be paid within two hours, and issued unspecified threats against her. Sekani looked for the money and gave him US$3000,” she said.
The court heard that on 28 March this year, he returned to Sekani’s house and told her that he received spiritual direction from his friend, identified as Madzibaba Mushore, informing him to instruct her and her daughter to come to his shrine in Norton.
“Sekani, in the company of her daughter and her daughter’s boyfriend, went to the shrine. Upon arrival, he ordered her to sell her Mazda Demeo car, and she complied and sold the car for US$2 200, and Chidarikire signed the agreement of sale as a witness. She gave her the money,” Ms Ndlovu.
It was heard in court that on 14 May this year, he once again went to Sekani’s house and allegedly removed a snake from one of the rooms.
“He demanded US$250 and a Toyota Aqua, saying it’s for cleansing services. The complainant complied and gave him US$250 and the Toyota Aqua.
“After that, he left for his home and returned to her house on 24 June and summoned them to his shrine, claiming that there were evil spirits that were affecting her daughter,” Ms Ndlovu said.
“She went with her daughter, paid US$20 consultation fee, and US$300 for cleansing services. The accused instructed Sekani to go and fetch her Toyota Hilux, claiming that there was an evil animal living inside.
“He then instructed her to sell the Toyota Hilux for US$10 000 within two hours. They found the buyer who paid US$9 500 and promised to pay the US$500 balance on a later date. She handed the US$9 500 to him. After a couple of days, he demanded the US$500 balance, claiming it was contaminated with evil spirits, and she gave him. He sternly told her not to disclose to anyone after that, he disappeared,” said Ms Ndlovu.
