Prophet Passion Java stands in solidarity with convicted sister

Controversial preacher Passion Java has publicly shown support for his sister, Mavis Madzivanzira, following her conviction on multiple fraud charges, as the case heads toward sentencing.

Java attended his sister's pre-sentencing hearing at the Harare Magistrates Court, marking a visible shift after previously distancing himself from her legal troubles. He was accompanied by other family members.

Madzivanzira was convicted alongside her accomplice, Pauline Gutsa, after a full trial in which the court found them guilty of nine counts of fraud involving approximately US$120,000.

The pair had initially been charged together with Harare lawyer Proud Mutuso, who was acquitted after the court found no evidence linking him to the offences. Presiding magistrate Chakanyuka ruled that the State failed to establish any connection, noting that Mutuso was in South Sudan at the time the crimes were committed.

Prosecutor Oscar Madhume told the court that Madzivanzira and Gutsa defrauded victims by selling nine non-existent residential stands through their company, Segimel Investments. The victims — Farai Chikiwa, Naledi Maunganidze and Fortune Rukara — were misled into believing the stands were located in prime areas including Milton Park, Vainona, Logan Park and Gunhill.

The court heard that the accused produced fraudulent City of Harare subdivision plans to support their claims. Acting on these representations, Chikiwa paid deposits amounting to US$97,450 for multiple stands, while Rukara paid US$20,000 for a Greendale property.

The scam unravelled when the victims sought verification from the City of Harare, which confirmed that the stands did not exist in its records. Subsequent investigations revealed that the funds had already been withdrawn from a lawyer's trust account, with the accused failing to deliver the promised documentation.

The matter was reported to police, leading to the arrests and eventual conviction of the two women.

Madzivanzira and Gutsa are expected back in court for sentencing, with the outcome likely to conclude a case that has drawn significant public attention, particularly due to Java's involvement and recent show of support.