Prophet Magaya's bodyguard denied bail

HARARE Magistrates Court has denied bail to Walter Magaya's bodyguard, Tapiwa Felix Chikondo, who is facing charges of obstructing justice.

Presiding magistrate Ruth Moyo made the ruling on Tuesday, stating that there were no changed circumstances to justify Chikondo's release while awaiting trial.

Chikondo is accused of interfering with one of Magaya's alleged rape victims and her family during police investigations. The case stems from allegations reported at Braeside Police Station in November 2025.

According to the prosecution, Chikondo became aware of police interest in the matter and allegedly contacted the victim. The victim is said to have handed her phone to her mother, whom Chikondo purportedly urged not to cooperate with law enforcement.

He is further accused of relaying a message from Magaya, allegedly instructing the mother not to assist police and promising compensation for the alleged offence. Chikondo is also said to have sent US$200 via Ecocash to the victim's mother, claiming it was for bus fare to Harare to discuss settling the case.

In his bail application, Chikondo argued that he was a suitable candidate for release, citing a previous acquittal on similar charges. In that earlier case, he had been accused of assaulting police officers while allegedly attempting to prevent Magaya's arrest at his prayer mountain in Waterfalls, Harare.

Walter Magaya is a religious leader, entrepreneur, and self-proclaimed prophet, best known as the founder of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries.