Prophet Walter Magaya’s security aide, Tapiwa Felix Chikondo, has been arrested after allegedly sending a secret US$200 EcoCash payment to the mother of a key witness in a rape case involving the popular preacher.

The arrest comes barely weeks after police warned that supporters of the PHD Ministries founder were mobilising a US$200,000 fund to bribe officials and derail investigations.

Chikondo, a 35-year-old soldier, appeared in court on December 2, 2025, facing charges of obstructing the course of justice. He was remanded in custody, pending a bail ruling on December 5.

Alleged Interference With Witness

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Chikondo contacted the complainant’s mother in November and allegedly urged her not to cooperate with the police. He is also accused of facilitating communication between her and Magaya.

Investigators say Chikondo sent the woman US$200 through EcoCash, supposedly to cover her transport to Harare so the matter could be “settled.”

Police later recovered an EcoCash agent’s register on December 1, linking Chikondo to the transaction. He also reportedly visited the complainant’s home on November 28, where he was warned that interfering with an active investigation constitutes a criminal offence.

These developments closely follow an explosive police statement issued on November 15, alleging that a syndicate was raising a US$200,000 fund to bribe police, prosecutors, and judges handling cases involving Magaya.

State Issues Stern Warning

The NPA condemned the alleged attempt to influence a witness, saying:

“No individual, regardless of social standing or affiliation, is permitted to obstruct police investigations. Attempts to influence witnesses or derail due process are serious offences, and the State will act decisively to protect the administration of justice.”

Growing Legal Troubles

Chikondo is already battling separate fraud charges from an earlier case in which he allegedly sold a smuggled Toyota Mark X to rapper Ti Gonzi for US$5,000. He was granted US$600 bail in that matter.

Prophet Magaya also faces ongoing rape allegations and fraud charges, the latter involving his wife, Tendai. During a November 18 court appearance, Magaya’s lawyer Admire Rubaya dismissed police claims of a bribery fund as “megaphone investigations,” accusing authorities of making public statements instead of making arrests.

The fraud case is set to resume on December 9.

Chikondo’s arrest over the alleged US$200 EcoCash payment now gives weight to the police’s earlier warnings of a coordinated effort to interfere with the justice process surrounding Magaya’s cases.