In a dramatic and heartfelt appeal, award-winning Zimbabwean rapper Ti Gonzi has accused a bodyguard for Prophet Walter Magaya of defrauding him of US$6 000 (around R108 000) in a car sale that went disastrously wrong. The musician, whose real name is Tinashe Gonzara, took to social media on 4 November 2025, publishing an open letter addressed to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, outlining what he described as a year-long struggle to reclaim his money and expressing frustration at repeated inaction.
According to Ti Gonzi, the saga began when he purchased a vehicle from Yadah Hotel, the headquarters of Magaya’s ministry. Shortly after the transaction, he discovered that the car was unregistered and displayed fake number plates, making it illegal for road use. What followed, he claims, was a year-long ordeal filled with threats, broken promises, and evasions from the seller.
“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 in the letter.
The rapper identified the alleged perpetrator as Tapiwa Felix Chikondo, a 34-year-old serving soldier in the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), who reportedly works as a bodyguard for Magaya. Ti Gonzi claims Chikondo initially promised to reverse the deal and refund the money but disappeared 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. Authorities later impounded the vehicle after discovering it was unregistered and potentially linked to fraudulent activity.
Despite repeated attempts to reach Prophet Magaya directly, Ti Gonzi says his efforts were largely ignored. He received a small token of US$30 for fuel initially, but subsequent attempts to resolve the matter with the prophet failed.
“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 his pursuit of justice, the rapper reported the matter to both Waterfalls Police Station and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC). However, he claims that six months after the anti-corruption authorities completed their investigations, the case remains unresolved.
Ti Gonzi Accuses Prophet Magaya’s Bodyguard of US$6 000 Fraud in Emotional Public Plea
“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.
Throughout his letter, Ti Gonzi expressed a mix of frustration and vulnerability, sharing that he felt unsafe 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 plea 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 attempting to arrest Magaya at his 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.
Ti Gonzi’s public appeal quickly attracted attention online, sparking lively debate. Some social media users sympathised with the rapper’s plight, while others questioned the wisdom of appealing directly to the president.
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 the rapper’s complaint.
Despite these challenges, Ti Gonzi remains resolute. He insists he has all relevant documents proving the transaction and vows to continue pursuing justice.
“I know justice will prevail one day. I just need help to be heard,” he said.
This unfolding saga highlights not only allegations of fraud involving a prominent religious figure’s entourage, but also broader issues of consumer protection, accountability, and transparency in Zimbabwe’s informal business sector. For Ti Gonzi, the fight is personal, yet it resonates with many Zimbabweans facing similar struggles in seeking redress for financial disputes.
The case continues to unfold, underscoring the challenges ordinary citizens encounter when trying to hold influential figures and their associates accountable, and reinforcing calls for stronger enforcement of consumer rights and justice in Zimbabwe.
Source- iHarare
