Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka-Chisepo
Court Correspondent
A SELF-STYLED prophet from Glen View 7, Harare, yesterday appeared in court facing two counts of extortion after allegedly defrauding victims of more than US$12 000 through fear-inducing prophecies.
Osward Kadatoma appeared before Harare magistrate Ms Jacqueline Gara accused of targeting members of the Nyamukondiwa family with claims of impending death.
The State alleges that in February 2023, Kadatoma visited the family’s home uninvited and claimed he had received a vision from the Holy Spirit involving a coffin leading to their residence.
He allegedly identified 47-year-old Searchmore Nyamukondiwa, who works in South Africa, as the person whose name was inscribed on the coffin, warning he was facing imminent death.
Kadatoma reportedly assured the family he had spiritual powers to stop the tragedy and initially offered his assistance for free.
However, prosecutors allege the matter escalated when he produced a snake from the complainant’s bag, claiming it was the source of the family’s misfortunes.
The court heard that he then allegedly demanded US$1 500 to conduct rituals to neutralise the threat.
When the complainant said he could not afford the amount, Kadatoma allegedly threatened to leave the snake in the house, claiming it had transformed from a “spiritual” to a real and dangerous snake.
Fearing for his life, the complainant allegedly handed over the money.
Prosecutors say Kadatoma continued contacting the complainant in South Africa, demanding more payments while claiming he was conducting prayers to ward off death. Through repeated threats and coercion, he allegedly received US$10 955.
The matter came to light when Kadatoma allegedly used a different phone number to pose as a traditional healer and tried to solicit more money, raising suspicion.
The complainant confronted him and demanded a refund, which he allegedly refused.
The case was reported to Zimbabwe Republic Police Budiriro in March 2024, leading to his arrest.
In the second count, Kadatoma is accused of similarly extorting Chengetai Norest Nyamukondiwa using the same “coffin prophecy”, claiming Searchmore was in danger and that goblins were causing misfortunes in the family.
He allegedly demanded money for rituals to protect the complainant’s life and marriage, receiving US$1 125.
The matter was also reported to ZRP Budiriro, culminating in his recent arrest.
