A Zimbabwean self-styled prophet linked to a controversial audio recording involving the late businessman Wicknell Chivayo has been detained, with his family insisting the charges against him have nothing to do with any crime.
Christopher Guzha, better known by his popular name Madzibaba DVD, was arrested by police in Goromonzi on Sunday.
Authorities say he faces an armed robbery charge following a complaint from an EcoCash agent who reportedly lost KSh 1.5 million (GHS 135,929).
According to ZimLive reports, his phone was confiscated the moment he was taken into custody, a detail his wife Bridget confirmed to the publication.
Guzha's son-in-law, who declined to be named, pushed back sharply on the official version of events.
Speaking to reporters, he dismissed the robbery accusation entirely, saying the detention had a far more politically charged explanation.
Guzha was due to appear before a regional court in Marondera on Monday.
The recording at the heart of this controversy features Wicknell Chivayo, who died in a helicopter crash at 43 with his wife and others in Marondera last Wednesday, in conversation with an unnamed cleric from the Johane Masowe eChishanu sect.
In the audio, the late Zimbabwean businessman can be heard thanking the Madzibaba for supplying him with lucky charms, which he credited with helping him win favour with President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Chivayo also spoke about plans for one final ritual at Lake Kariba, describing an intention to submerge a clay pot filled with ritual objects into the lake's depths.
As a gesture of gratitude, he promised the cleric a vehicle once his finances were in a stronger position.
The authenticity of the recording has since been confirmed, and it set off a wave of debate across social media in the immediate aftermath of the tycoon's death.
Chivayo had long been a polarising figure in Zimbabwe, having secured numerous large government contracts over the course of his career.
Guzha's arrest arrives at a particularly charged moment, while public grief and curiosity surrounding Chivayo's sudden death remain intensely felt.
Whether the robbery charge is upheld in court is expected to attract close scrutiny, especially from those who suspect the prophet is facing consequences for making the recording public.
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported facts about Wicknell Chivayo’s family and its plans for his estate following the businessman’s death in a helicopter crash.
His uncle said the deceased had wanted his children to inherit most of his wealth, and the family had ruled out competing for their share.
- Zimbabwean prophet Christopher Guzha, known as Madzibaba DVD, was arrested in Goromonzi on Sunday over an alleged armed robbery
- Police seized his phone immediately upon arrest, and he was expected to appear before a regional court in Marondera on Monday
- Guzha's son-in-law rejected the robbery allegation, insisting the arrest is connected to the leaked Wicknell Chivayo audio recording
Source: YEN.com.gh
