Prophet Freddy no-show continues to stall land dispute trial

The long-running legal battle between popular preacher Tapiwa Freddy and property developer Kudakwashe Taruberekera has once again failed to proceed, as Freddy and key witnesses were absent from court on Monday, prompting yet another postponement.

The case, which is being heard at the Kadoma Magistrates Court, was scheduled to continue before Magistrate Yeukai Dzuda, but was deferred to June 17 due to the continued absence of the complainant. This marks yet another delay in a matter that has already seen numerous false starts and adjournments.

Freddy, who leads the Goodness and Mercy Ministries, filed charges against Taruberekera following the revocation of a residential stand donation. The stand was gifted to Freddy by Taruberekera's company, Craft Properties, in 2016, but the donation was withdrawn in 2021 amid claims that agreed-upon conditions had not been fulfilled.

The legal dispute began at the Chinhoyi Magistrates Court on February 7, when Taruberekera was arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) on allegations of fraud  -  charges that were later amended to theft. Since then, the case has been postponed multiple times and eventually transferred to the Kadoma court in March.

Court records show that hearings were held on March 20, April 4, April 23, April 30, and May 19, with Monday's hearing being the latest to end in a deferral due to Freddy's failure to attend. In most of these instances, Freddy has been absent, raising concerns over his willingness to see the matter through.

Freddy's legal representative, Jivas Mudimu of Mudimu Law Chambers, has previously stated that the State intended to summon witnesses, but so far, none have testified.

Taruberekera, a well-known figure in the property development sector, has maintained that the land donation was conditional and was only revoked after Freddy failed to meet the stipulated obligations. He insists the case is a civil dispute rather than a criminal matter.

Observers are beginning to question the continued delays, with some suggesting that the repeated postponements could undermine the credibility of the case. Legal analysts warn that if Freddy continues to miss court dates, the matter could be dismissed for lack of prosecution.

As the trial drags on, the public and legal community now await the June 17 court date, hoping that proceedings will finally commence  -  if all parties show up.