By Panashe Divine Karidzagundi
A self-proclaimed church leader from Beitbridge, Daniel Chamisa (37), popularly known as Madzibaba Weslodge, has been remanded in custody to December 29 following allegations that he murdered Ashton Manga at a shrine in Eastlea suburbs.
Chamisa appeared before the Beitbridge Magistrates’ Court on Monday December 15.
He faced a charge of murder as defined in Section 47 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23].
The matter is pending referral to the High Court.
He entered the courtroom at around 12:36 hours, escorted by detectives, as relatives of both the accused and the deceased looked on.
The deceased Manga’s body was discovered near Waterworks River.
According to the State, represented by Prosecutor Olivia Chamutinya, the incident allegedly occurred on December 2, 2025.
Chamisa allegedly invited Manga to a shrine under the pretext of conducting prayers.
The hired a taxi from the Beitbridge Spar Complex to an area near Waterworks River, where he was left alone with the accused.
The State alleges that after the deceased’s death, Chamisa took US$2,500, ZAR18,000, and two mobile phones a Samsung A05 and an Oppo Reno 12.
When the deceased failed to return home, relatives filed a missing person report with ZRP Beitbridge Urban.
Investigations later revealed that Manga was last seen with Chamisa.
Police further alleged that when confronted by the deceased’s relatives, Chamisa denied knowing him before allegedly fleeing the area.
The deceased’s body was later found near the shrine, and police investigations were launched, leading to Chamisa’s arrest.
In opposing bail, investigating officer Detective Sergeant Tichona Katichu told the court that Chamisa is a flight risk.
Police allege that the accused attempted to flee by stealing a motor vehicle, which later developed a mechanical fault along the Beitbridge–Masvingo highway, forcing him to abandon it before disappearing to an unknown location.
The State further argued that Chamisa has no fixed residence, frequently moves between areas, and could interfere with witnesses if released.
Concerns were also raised about his personal safety, with police warning of possible retaliation from the community.
“The gravity of the offence and the severity of the sentence likely to be imposed upon conviction make the accused likely to abscond,” Prosecutor Chamutinya submitted.
Outside the courtroom, emotions ran high as friends and relatives of the deceased gathered alongside members of the accused’s family.
Police were deployed to maintain order.
Chamisa remains in custody and is expected to return to court on December 29, when he will be advised on the next stage of proceedings as investigations continue.