A Harare magistrate has cleared Prophet Walter Magaya’s aide, Tapiwa Fellix Chikondo, of charges relating to obstruction of justice after ruling that the State failed to prove its case.
Magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai found that prosecutors could not place Chikondo at the locations where he was allegedly involved in attempts to influence witnesses. The 38-year-old bodyguard had been in custody for three weeks following claims that he approached two women and encouraged them to abandon rape allegations against Magaya.
During trial, the State’s witnesses gave conflicting testimony regarding dates and places, weakening the prosecution’s version of events. In contrast, the defence presented mobile phone records showing that Chikondo was in Bulawayo at the time the alleged incidents occurred.
In delivering judgment, Magistrate Kuhudzai said the prosecution relied largely on conjecture instead of solid proof. He cautioned law enforcement agencies against arresting suspects without sufficient evidence, warning that such practices amount to investigative fishing expeditions.
Despite the acquittal, Prophet Magaya continues to face two separate rape charges. The complainants allege they were sexually assaulted at his Mt Pleasant guesthouse in 2023.
The National Prosecuting Authority has maintained that Chikondo’s release does not undermine its case against Magaya. However, defence lawyers argue the ruling significantly weakens claims of an alleged cover-up surrounding the accusations.
