A self-styled prophet linked to a viral audio recording involving the late businessman Wicknell Chivayo has been arrested in Goromonzi over an alleged US$12,00...
A self-styled prophet linked to a viral audio recording involving the late businessman Wicknell Chivayo has been arrested in Goromonzi over an alleged US$12,000 fraud case.
David Gozho, popularly known as Madzibaba David, was arrested on Sunday and is accused of defrauding an EcoCash agent of US$12,000, according to law enforcement sources cited by ZimLive.
The arrest comes days after an audio recording allegedly sent by Chivayo to Gozho circulated widely on social media following the businessman’s death in a helicopter crash.
Gozho was expected to appear before a magistrate in connection with the alleged offence, according to reports published on Monday.
The circumstances surrounding the arrest have attracted additional attention because of Gozho’s reported connection to Chivayo and the contents of the audio recording.
In the recording, Chivayo is heard thanking Gozho for what he described as lucky charms, which he credited with helping him gain favour with President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Chivayo was also heard discussing what he described as a final ritual at Lake Kariba involving a clay pot containing ritual objects, according to ZimLive. The publication reported that the authenticity of the recording had been established.
The audio also reportedly contained a discussion about a vehicle that Chivayo promised to give the preacher after his finances improved. ZimLive reported that Chivayo later gave Gozho a Toyota Fortuner and a bus.
The recording became a major topic of discussion online following Chivayo’s death, with social media users debating its contents and the relationship between the businessman and the prophet.
However, the reported arrest relates to a separate criminal allegation involving an EcoCash agent. There is currently no evidence in the reports reviewed that Gozho was arrested over the leaked Chivayo recording.
Gozho’s arrest was first reported by ZimLive, which identified him as David Gozho and said he was detained in Goromonzi on Sunday.
iHarare separately reported the arrest, also identifying the suspect as David Gozho, and said the case involved an allegation that an EcoCash agent lost US$12,000.
The latest development follows the death of Chivayo, who was killed in a helicopter crash in the Marondera area on September 30 alongside his wife, Lucy Muteke, and other passengers.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa confirmed Chivayo’s death following the crash, while international news organisations reported that the incident killed five people aboard the helicopter.
Chivayo’s death has since triggered renewed public interest in his business dealings, personal relationships and the public displays of wealth for which he was widely known.
The businessman had previously been publicly associated with religious figures and had made substantial gifts to various people, including church leaders and other personalities. AP reported that Chivayo was known for giving away luxury vehicles, cash and other gifts and for maintaining relationships with prominent political figures.
The viral audio has added another layer to public discussion surrounding his wealth and relationships, although claims made within the recording should not be treated as independently established facts beyond what has been verified.
For Gozho, the immediate legal issue is the alleged US$12,000 fraud case. He remains an accused person unless and until a court determines otherwise.
The arrest is therefore significant because of its timing and the attention surrounding Gozho’s association with Chivayo, but the criminal allegation should be considered separately from the contents of the viral recording.
Further developments are expected as Gozho appears before the courts and authorities provide more information about the allegations against him.
