In a dramatic and emotional public appeal, award-winning Zimbabwean rapper Ti Gonzi has accused a bodyguard for Prophet Walter Magaya of defrauding him of US$6 000 (approximately R108 000) in a car sale gone wrong. The musician, whose real name is Tinashe Gonzara, went public with the allegations in an open letter addressed to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, expressing frustration over what he described as a year-long battle to recover his money.
The incident, according to Ti Gonzi, began when he purchased a vehicle from Yadah Hotel, the base of Prophet Magaya’s ministry. Soon after the purchase, he discovered that the car was unregistered and bore fake number plates, rendering it illegal to drive. What followed, he claims, was a frustrating year marked by threats, broken promises, and failed attempts to resolve the matter.
“Your Excellency, I write to you as a citizen who has run out of options to be able to recover my US$6 000 I lost in the hands of that man besides Walter Magaya in handcuffs. He sold me an unregistered car with fake number plates only to start running away from me just a day after I discovered the problem,” Ti Gonzi wrote.
The rapper identified the alleged perpetrator as Tapiwa Felix Chikondo, a 34-year-old serving soldier in the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), who is reportedly employed as a bodyguard for Magaya. According to Ti Gonzi, Chikondo initially promised to reverse the deal and refund the money but vanished shortly afterward.
“He told me he was gonna return my money and take his car back and he ran away from me for over a year now. VTS took my car,” Ti Gonzi explained. The vehicle was impounded by authorities after it was discovered to be unregistered and potentially linked to fraudulent activities.
Despite repeated attempts to reach Prophet Magaya directly, the rapper claims he was largely ignored. Initially, he received a small token of US$30 for fuel, but subsequent attempts to discuss the matter with the prophet were unsuccessful.
“I tried to reach out to Walter Magaya for help, but he asked me to come the next day and avoided me since then,” Ti Gonzi said.
In pursuit of justice, the musician reported the matter to both Waterfalls Police Station and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC). However, he says the case remains unresolved.
Rapper Ti Gonzi Accuses Prophet Magaya’s Bodyguard of Defrauding Him of US$6 000
“The anti-corruption commission told me they were done with the investigations six months ago, but up to this day I have no idea what to do,” Ti Gonzi lamented.
The rapper’s tone throughout the letter reflected a deep sense of vulnerability and urgency. He expressed feeling threatened but maintained faith in the president and the justice system.
“I have been threatened, but I have always believed, and I know we have a great president and Nyika inovakwa nevanavayo (a country is built by its citizens). I have my agreements of sale and everything. Please help, Mr President,” he pleaded.
Interestingly, Tapiwa Chikondo appeared in Harare court on 3 November 2025, a day before Ti Gonzi’s open letter went viral. During the hearing, Chikondo was reportedly handcuffed alongside Prophet Magaya. He faces charges of assaulting police officers and obstructing justice, after allegedly attacking detectives at Magaya’s Waterfalls prayer mountain.A police report detailed the incident:
“He shouted that we had no permission to be where we were since the place was his. He then charged towards Detective Assistant Inspector Chifamba and pushed him to the ground before we managed to restrain and handcuff him.”
Prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti opposed bail, citing Chikondo’s “propensity to commit violent offences” and noting another pending case at Waterfalls Police Station for defeating the course of justice.
The case and Ti Gonzi’s open plea quickly captured public attention, sparking lively debate online. Some social media users sympathised with the rapper, while others questioned the wisdom of involving the president in a private dispute.
One X user commented: “It’s not funny — he’s desperate.”
Another added: “Welcome to the teapot-shaped country where a whole President can be asked to help settle a private matter.”
As of now, neither the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) nor ZACC has issued a public update on Ti Gonzi’s complaint.
Despite the challenges, Ti Gonzi remains determined to see justice done. He says he has retained all relevant documents proving the transaction and insists he will continue pursuing the matter.
“I know justice will prevail one day. I just need help to be heard,” he concluded.
The unfolding saga has placed a spotlight not only on allegations of fraud involving a prominent religious figure’s entourage but also on broader issues of consumer protection and accountability in Zimbabwe’s informal transactions. For Ti Gonzi, the fight is personal, but it has also resonated with many who view his struggle as emblematic of the difficulties ordinary citizens face when seeking redress.
Source- iHarare
