A leaked audio recording purportedly from the late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has gone viral, revealing his alleged dealings with self-styled prophet Christopher Guzha, widely known as Madzibaba DVD. The recording, whose authenticity has been confirmed, features a voice identified as Chivayo's speaking to Madzibaba DVD. Chivayo expresses gratitude to the prophet, claiming that lucky charms provided by Madzibaba DVD helped him earn the favour of Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The recording also reveals Chivayo's interest in arranging a final ritual to be conducted at Lake Kariba. The ceremony reportedly centred on lowering a clay pot filled with ritual objects into the lake's depths. Chivayo pledged a vehicle to Madzibaba DVD as part of their arrangement, contingent on his business dealings yielding results. He followed through on that promise, delivering a brand-new Toyota Fortuner and a bus to the prophet.
Madzibaba DVD, believed to be the source behind the recording's circulation, was arrested in Goromonzi on Sunday, October 4, 2026. The charges against him relate to armed robbery, specifically a case in which an EcoCash agent reportedly lost USD 12,000. He was expected to appear before a regional court in Marondera on Monday, October 5, 2026.
The timing of Madzibaba DVD's arrest has attracted considerable scrutiny, given his known association with Chivayo, a figure with close ties to Zimbabwe's political and business establishment. Observers have pointed out that the proximity of the arrest to the leaked recording will inevitably raise questions about whether the two events are connected.
Wicknell Chivayo died in a helicopter crash near Marondera on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, along with his wife, Lucy "Lulu" Muteke, and three others. Zimbabwean authorities confirmed that the helicopter carrying the prominent businessman and others went down in Marondera Rural, with no survivors.
Chivayo, widely known as Sir Wicknell, had cultivated unusual cross-border relationships in East African political life. His relationships with prominent figures, including Kenyan President William Ruto, had been the subject of controversy and media attention.
The leaked audio recording has sparked a heated debate in Zimbabwe, with many questioning the extent of Chivayo's dealings with spiritualists and the potential implications for his business and political relationships. The incident has also raised concerns about the influence of spiritualists in Zimbabwe's business and politics.
Key points
- The leaked audio recording allegedly from Wicknell Chivayo reveals his dealings with self-styled prophet Madzibaba DVD.
- Madzibaba DVD was arrested in connection with armed robbery charges.
- The timing of Madzibaba DVD's arrest has raised questions about a potential connection to the leaked recording.
