Self-Styled Prophet Linked To Chivayo Leaked Audio Arrested Over US$12,000 Armed Robbery
HARARE — A self-styled prophet linked to a leaked audio recording in which the late businessman Wicknell Chivayo discussed allegedly bewitching President Emmerson Mnangagwa and performing a ritual at Lake Kariba has been arrested on armed robbery charges, law enforcement sources told ZimLive.
David Gozho, popularly known as Madzibaba David, was arrested in Goromonzi on Sunday after an EcoCash agent reported losing US$12,000. He is expected to appear before a regional court in Marondera on Monday.
Gozho, a preacher with the Johane Masowe eChishanu apostolic sect, was previously credited by Chivayo with providing “lucky charms” which the businessman claimed helped him gain favour with President Mnangagwa and other African presidents.
In a widely circulated audio recording whose authenticity has not been independently verified, Chivayo is heard thanking Gozho for the charms and promising him a vehicle once his business dealings prospered.
Chivayo later gifted Gozho a brand-new Toyota Fortuner and a bus.
The same recording also captures Chivayo purportedly checking Gozho’s availability to perform what he described as a final ritual at Lake Kariba, involving the lowering of a clay pot containing ritual objects into the water.
97 people later died in a ferry disaster on Lake Kariba.
Chivayo died in a helicopter crash in Marondera last Wednesday.
The leak of the audio after his death has sparked intense discussion on social media.
Sources noted that the timing of Gozho’s arrest will inevitably draw attention to his past association with the influential businessman.