Prophet who “unlocked” Chivayo’s riches arrested over alleged $12,000 EcoCash robbery

A self-styled prophet who allegedly leaked an audio recording in which the late businessman Wicknell Chivayo discussed performing rituals to become rich has been arrested.

David Gozho, popularly known as Madzibaba David, was arrested in Goromonzi on Sunday on a charge of armed robbery, ZimLive reported, citing law enforcement sources. An EcoCash agent is said to have lost US$12,000 in the incident.

Gozho, a Johane Masowe eChishanu preacher, is expected to appear before a regional court in Marondera on Monday.

He came to public attention after the audio message was leaked a few days after Chivayo’s death in a helicopter crash in Marondera.

In the recording, whose authenticity has been established, Chivayo is heard thanking Madzibaba David for giving him charms which he said helped him worm his way into President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s favour.

He also promises the preacher a vehicle once money starts flowing – a pledge he later fulfilled with a brand new Toyota Fortuner and a bus.

In the same conversation, Chivayo checks on Gozho’s availability to perform what he describes as one final ritual at Lake Kariba, involving lowering a clay pot containing ritual objects into the depths of the lake.

The recording sparked widespread debate on social media following Chivayo’s death.

The timing of Gozho’s arrest is likely to be linked to his dealings with Chivayo, who was connected to Zimbabwe’s political and religious establishments.