> Let's Forward this Post Everywhere ❕ *Prophet Freddy trial delays raise eyebrows* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaDkMuTFCCoNC13vvo2V _*©Eragon Online News*_ *_(Follow this channel to read more...)_* *Group Link:* https://chat.whatsapp.com/CDyzvhE1ey5H89lorhyIvn By Melinda Kusemachibi, The Standard - Self-styled prophet Tapiwa Freddy has on several occasions failed to appear at the Kadoma magistrates courts where he is the key witness in a land dispute case involving property developer Kudakwashe Taruberekera. Last Monday the Goodness and Mercy Ministries founder and other witnesses in the case were conspicuous by their absence at the trial before Kadoma magistrate Yeukai Dzuda. Dzuda moved the case to June 17. The trial, which began in February, has been postponed multiple times due to Freddy and other witnesses’ absence, sparking concerns about the efficiency of the judicial system. The case centres on a plot in Kadoma on Stand Number 7510, Mandalay of Sabonabona, District Gatooma, measuring 4000 square meters, which Freddy claims was donated to him by Taruberekera in 2016. However, Taruberekera revoked the donation in 2021, citing unfulfilled conditions. As of February 25, 2025 the market value of the stand was at US$16 000. Early this year Freddy reported the matter to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) accusing Taruberekera of corruption. The land developer denies the allegations, arguing that Freddy’s actions were an attempt to abuse the judiciary system. The matter initially appeared before the Chinhoyi magistrates court on February 7 after Taruberekera had been arrested by Zacc in the case which was initially for fraud and was given state papers for theft. The case was postponed to February 20 before it was postponed to March 6 where it was transferred to Kadoma. At the Kadoma magistrates court, the case appeared on March 20, April 4, 23 and 30 and May 19 as well as last Monday. In most instances, Freddy was in no show. Freddy’s lawyer Jivas Mudimu of Mudimu Law Chambers did not pick up calls, but at some point he told this publication that his client will appear in court once the State summons witnesses to testify on the trial dates. As such, Simon Musapatika of Danziger and Partners Legal Practitioners, who is representing Taruberekera, has written to the National Prosecuting Authority inquiring the deferrals of the trial. “We refer to the above matter and to the various postponements of the trial of this matter at the instance of the State,” wrote Musapatika in the letter dated June 4, 2025. “The matter initially appeared before the Chinhoyi magistrates court on February 7, 2025 after having been arrested by Zacc officials in the case, which was initially for fraud and was given state papers for theft. “The matter was postponed to February 20, 2025. Thereafter the matter was postponed to March 6, 2025 where it was transferred to Kadoma. “At Kadoma magistrates court the matter appeared on March 20, 2025, April 4, 2025, April 23, 2025, May 19, 2025, June 2, 2025 and is now due to appear in court on June 17, 2025. “The State has been alleging that they are waiting for a certain letter from Kadoma City Council. “How and why it has taken the state from April 2025 to June 2025 to produce that letter is beyond our clients’ comprehension. Musapatika also indicated in the letter that the trial was being deliberately postponed. “We have been instructed by our client to lodge formal complaints with your good office as well as with the National Prosecuting Authority head office against the Kadoma public prosecutor handling the matter due to the way it is being handled,” he said. “It appears the matter is being postponed deliberately to prejudice the accused persons who are always coming to court for five months now and the trial is yet to commence.” According to court documents Freddy’s statement was recorded on January 27, 2025 at his church premises in Glen View, Harare not at the Zacc offices in Chinhoyi offices like all other witnesses in the matter. It is alleged that Zacc officers travelled from Chinhoyi to Harare to accommodate the cleric, a privilege that was not extended to other parties involved in the case. The cleric also approached the High Court seeking to bar Taruberekera and his company Craft Properties from facilitating the transfer of that piece of land to someone else pending a court ruling. Taruberekera and Craft Properties, Winston Guyo, Winsten Precast (Pvt) Ltd, Liu Juan, Xiao Xiangjun, Liu Ri and City of Kadoma are cited as respondents. However, Taruberekera in his opposing affidavit claims Freddy’s move to approach Zacc was calculated to intimidate other parties. “The action taken by the applicant shows that he knew that he was not the owner and wanted to use the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission to resolve civil disputes,” Taruberekera said. “There is no legal basis for involving Zacc in circumstances explained by the applicant. “Approaching Zacc was a malicious move calculated to intimidate. Instead of approaching Zacc one would have expected the applicant to approach the donor to ascertain the correct facts. “Knowing that the donation was revoked, Zacc was deliberating to harass and intimidate other parties.” Taruberekera said Freddy had no basis for causing his arrest and detention.” Last Monday outside the court Taruberekera said he was not sure why the matter was taking time to be resolved. “This issue is before the courts and I cannot say much, but to begin with, I was arrested by Zacc, which primarily deals with corruption-related cases,” he said. “I am still unclear on how they became involved in what is essentially a civil dispute regarding the revocation of a donation we had made to Prophet Tapiwa Freddy. “This matter has already caused us to incur significant expenses. “Should we win the case, we will have no option but to seek recovery of those costs, as well as damages for the harm this issue has caused to me and our organisation, Craft Properties.” Craft Properties is an international company that has built a solid reputation over 17 years, and we cannot allow that reputation to be tarnished by this matter." Zacc communications manager Simiso Mlevu said her organisation does not comment on cases before the courts. “That case is subjudice. We do not comment on cases before the courts,” she said. This is not the first time that Freddy has been embroiled in a land dispute. In 2023 the cleric’s property in Glen View was destroyed by the City of Harare after it was illegally constructed. His church in the same area was demolished in 2020, after the council descended on Glen View high-density suburb and demolished illegal structures. The Standard