Magaya Bouncer Accused Of Silencing Rape Victim Denied Bail

 

Walter Magaya’s bodyguard, Tapiwa Felix Chikondo, has been denied bail by the Harare Magistrates Court.

 

The ruling was made on Tuesday by presiding magistrate Ruth Moyo, who said there were no changed circumstances to justify his release while awaiting trial.

 

Chikondo is facing a charge of obstructing justice. He is accused of interfering with one of Magaya’s alleged rape victims and her family during police investigations.

 

The case arises from investigations launched in November 2025 following a rape allegation against Magaya, which was reported at Braeside Police Station.

 

According to the State, Chikondo became aware of the police interest in the matter and allegedly contacted the victim.

 

The victim is said to have handed her phone to her mother, whom Chikondo allegedly pleaded with not to cooperate with the police.

 

He is further accused of passing on a message from Magaya, in which the preacher allegedly urged the mother not to assist the police and promised compensation for the alleged offence.

 

Chikondo is also accused of sending US$200 to the victim’s mother through an Ecocash agent, claiming the money was for bus fare to Harare to discuss settling the case.

 

In his bail application, Chikondo argued that he was a suitable candidate for bail because he had previously been acquitted on similar charges.

 

In that earlier case, he had been accused of assaulting police officers while allegedly trying to prevent Magaya’s arrest at his prayer mountain in Waterfalls, Harare.

 

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

 

_The Herald_