By a Correspondent
A self-styled prophet at the centre of a leaked audio recording in which the late businessman Wicknell Chivayo spoke about rituals he believed could help him gain access to President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been arrested in Goromonzi.
David Gozho, popularly known as Madzibaba David, was arrested on Sunday and is accused of armed robbery in a case involving an EcoCash agent who allegedly lost US$12,000.. He was expected to appear before a regional court in Marondera on Monday.
Gozho came under the spotlight following the circulation of an audio recording purportedly sent to him by Chivayo, who died in a helicopter crash in the Marondera area last Wednesday.
In the recording, Chivayo is heard thanking Madzibaba David for what he describes as lucky charms, which he credited with helping him gain favour with President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Chivayo also appears to discuss carrying out what he describes as a final ritual at Lake Kariba. The alleged ritual involved lowering a clay pot containing ritual objects into the depths of the lake.
The recording has attracted widespread attention on social media since Chivayo’s death, with debate centring on its contents and the nature of his reported relationship with the Johane Masowe eChishanu preacher.
According to reports, Chivayo had also promised Madzibaba David a vehicle once his business fortunes improved. He subsequently gave him a new Toyota Fortuner and a bus.
Gozho’s arrest has inevitably attracted heightened interest because of his reported association with Chivayo, who was a prominent and controversial figure with connections across Zimbabwe’s business, political and religious circles.
Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke, two pilots and a security officer died when their helicopter crashed in the Marondera area last Wednesday.
