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Prophet Freddy fails to appear in court again
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Self-proclaimed prophet Tapiwa Freddy has, for the tenth time, failed to appear at the Kadoma Magistrate's Court, where he is a key witness in a legal battle over a disputed land donation involving prominent property developer Kudakwashe Taruberekera.
The case, centred on Stand Number 7510, Mandalay of Sabonabona in Kadoma — a 4,000 square metre plot — was once again postponed last Tuesday by Magistrate Yeukai Dzuda to July 4. Notably, Taruberekera was the only party present in court.
Freddy, the complainant, alleges that Taruberekera donated the property to him in 2016. However, the developer revoked the deed of donation in 2021, citing the prophet's failure to meet certain conditions attached to the agreement.
Despite launching the complaint, Freddy has never attended a single court session since the matter began in February 2025, prompting speculation about his commitment to the case and raising concerns over the prolonged legal process.
"It appears the matter is being strategically dragged to wear down our client, who has consistently complied with court appearances, while the complainant has shown complete disregard for the legal process," said Simon Musapatika, Taruberekera's lawyer from Danziger and Partners Legal Practitioners.
Musapatika also criticised the delay in acquiring a letter from the Kadoma City Council, which the state insists is crucial for moving forward with the trial.
"How it takes over two months to get a simple letter is beyond comprehension," he added.
Taruberekera, who is the founder of Craft Properties, insists the issue is a civil matter and believes Freddy's decision to involve the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) was a deliberate attempt to intimidate him.
In an affidavit, Taruberekera stated, "The involvement of ZACC was an act of malice. If the donation was truly valid, the complainant should have approached Craft Properties directly instead of escalating it through anti-corruption authorities."
He further expressed frustration over the drawn-out process, saying the continued postponements are financially and operationally crippling his business.
"Our operations are being disrupted and we are incurring unnecessary legal and logistical costs," he said.
As the case drags into its fifth month without substantial progress, legal observers say the repeated absences of the complainant could undermine the integrity of the proceedings and cast doubt on the seriousness of the allegations.
The case, centred on Stand Number 7510, Mandalay of Sabonabona in Kadoma — a 4,000 square metre plot — was once again postponed last Tuesday by Magistrate Yeukai Dzuda to July 4. Notably, Taruberekera was the only party present in court.
Freddy, the complainant, alleges that Taruberekera donated the property to him in 2016. However, the developer revoked the deed of donation in 2021, citing the prophet's failure to meet certain conditions attached to the agreement.
Despite launching the complaint, Freddy has never attended a single court session since the matter began in February 2025, prompting speculation about his commitment to the case and raising concerns over the prolonged legal process.
"It appears the matter is being strategically dragged to wear down our client, who has consistently complied with court appearances, while the complainant has shown complete disregard for the legal process," said Simon Musapatika, Taruberekera's lawyer from Danziger and Partners Legal Practitioners.
Musapatika also criticised the delay in acquiring a letter from the Kadoma City Council, which the state insists is crucial for moving forward with the trial.
Taruberekera, who is the founder of Craft Properties, insists the issue is a civil matter and believes Freddy's decision to involve the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) was a deliberate attempt to intimidate him.
In an affidavit, Taruberekera stated, "The involvement of ZACC was an act of malice. If the donation was truly valid, the complainant should have approached Craft Properties directly instead of escalating it through anti-corruption authorities."
He further expressed frustration over the drawn-out process, saying the continued postponements are financially and operationally crippling his business.
"Our operations are being disrupted and we are incurring unnecessary legal and logistical costs," he said.
As the case drags into its fifth month without substantial progress, legal observers say the repeated absences of the complainant could undermine the integrity of the proceedings and cast doubt on the seriousness of the allegations.
Source - The Standard
