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Prophet arrested in Bulawayo over spiritual theft, extortion
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Bulawayo police have arrested Madzibaba Lenon Chidarikire, 44, a self-proclaimed prophet, over allegations of using snakes in spiritual rituals at the home of a former bank manager and subsequently extorting cash and vehicles from her. Chidarikire appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Patience Madondo on Wednesday.
According to the prosecution, Chidarikire, alongside an accomplice known as Madzibaba Michel, allegedly visited the victim, Innocentia Sekani, in March 2025. They reportedly performed a ritual at her home, placing two snakes inside the premises, which allegedly frightened Sekani. Following the ritual, the accused demanded US$3,000 and threatened harm if the money was not paid. Sekani complied and handed over the cash.
Further allegations indicate that Chidarikire returned to Sekani's home on 28 March, claiming that he had received spiritual instructions to summon her and her daughter to his shrine in Norton. During this visit, he allegedly coerced Sekani into selling her Mazda Demio for US$2,200, with Chidarikire signing the sale agreement as a witness.
In May, Chidarikire is accused of taking another snake from Sekani's home, demanding US$250 and a Toyota Aqua as payment for spiritual services. He later returned in June, again summoning Sekani and her daughter to his shrine, claiming that a spirit was troubling her daughter. He demanded the sale of her Toyota Hilux, initially asking for US$10,000. The vehicle was later sold for US$9,500, with Chidarikire allegedly receiving the balance after claiming the spirit had contaminated the car.
Chidarikire requested bail, promising to remain at his home in Entumbane and not interfere with witnesses. He also claimed he was not a danger to the community and that he had been working on his farm in Bindura. However, the prosecution, represented by Brenda Ndlovu, opposed bail, arguing that the accused had been evading authorities since August 2024 and was arrested in hiding last week.
The court was informed that one of Chidarikire's acquaintances tipped off police, leading to his arrest. Magistrate Madondo set the next court date for 23 December, when Chidarikire is expected to appear in custody.
The accused faces multiple charges, including extortion and unlawful possession of animals used in alleged spiritual practices, as authorities continue their investigation.
According to the prosecution, Chidarikire, alongside an accomplice known as Madzibaba Michel, allegedly visited the victim, Innocentia Sekani, in March 2025. They reportedly performed a ritual at her home, placing two snakes inside the premises, which allegedly frightened Sekani. Following the ritual, the accused demanded US$3,000 and threatened harm if the money was not paid. Sekani complied and handed over the cash.
Further allegations indicate that Chidarikire returned to Sekani's home on 28 March, claiming that he had received spiritual instructions to summon her and her daughter to his shrine in Norton. During this visit, he allegedly coerced Sekani into selling her Mazda Demio for US$2,200, with Chidarikire signing the sale agreement as a witness.
Chidarikire requested bail, promising to remain at his home in Entumbane and not interfere with witnesses. He also claimed he was not a danger to the community and that he had been working on his farm in Bindura. However, the prosecution, represented by Brenda Ndlovu, opposed bail, arguing that the accused had been evading authorities since August 2024 and was arrested in hiding last week.
The court was informed that one of Chidarikire's acquaintances tipped off police, leading to his arrest. Magistrate Madondo set the next court date for 23 December, when Chidarikire is expected to appear in custody.
The accused faces multiple charges, including extortion and unlawful possession of animals used in alleged spiritual practices, as authorities continue their investigation.
Source - The Chronicle
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