By Patience Gondo
A bodyguard to Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries founder Walter Magaya has been placed back on remand on fresh allegations of obstructing justice.
In a statement on Thursday National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said Tapiwa Felix Chikondo (35) is accused of attempting to influence an alleged rape victim and her family during ongoing police investigations into a complaint reported against the church leader.
NPAZ said police began probing the matter in November, leading to allegations that Chikondo contacted the victim’s mother, discouraged cooperation with investigators, and facilitated communication with Magaya.
Background reports published by local media indicate that Chikondo allegedly passed his phone to Magaya during one of the calls, with the clergyman reportedly pleading with the family not to assist law enforcement.
The NPA further said Chikondo sent US$200 via EcoCash to the complainant’s mother, purportedly for travel to Harare to settle the matter.
Additional reporting shows that on November 29, Chikondo travelled to the family’s home, where he is alleged to have attempted further discussions regarding the ongoing police inquiry.
NPA said the mother reminded both men that interfering with police processes is unlawful.
NPA said investigators later recovered an EcoCash agent’s register linking Chikondo to the transaction, resulting in his arrest on December 2.
Prosecutor Tendai Shonhayi, quoted in other published reports, opposed bail on the basis that Chikondo had previously been cautioned not to interfere with witnesses but allegedly went on to do so.
Chikondo is already on remand in an unrelated case, where he is accused of obstructing justice during Magaya’s attempted arrest in Waterfalls earlier this year.
His lawyers said he has no prior convictions and should be considered for bail under the presumption of innocence.
The matter has been postponed to tomorrow, December 5, 2025, for a bail ruling.