The two suspected fraudsters who allegedly masqueraded as
military intelligence officers before attempting to extort US$40 000 from
Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries founder Prophet Walter Magaya were
yesterday released on $300 bail each coupled with some stringent conditions.
Takesure Marisa (50), who is an ex-soldier, and Petners
Zvabva (45) allegedly demanded “protection fees” from Prophet Magaya.
Zvabva introduced herself as Lieutenant-Colonel Zvobgo
while Marisa identified himself as Major-General Dube.
The pair yesterday appeared before magistrate Mrs Vongai
Muchuchuti-Guwuriro, who granted them bail.
As part of their bail conditions, they were ordered to
report twice a week to the police, not to interfere with witnesses and to
continue residing at their given addresses until the matter is finalised.
The pair allegedly misrepresented to the man of the cloth
that the money was wanted by their superiors who had powers to protect or plot
Magaya’s downfall.
Zvabva and Marisa denied extortion and impersonation
charges when they initially appeared in court on Thursday. Though Marisa denied the charges, he further told the court
that he had only been hired.
They are both represented by Harare lawyer Mr Charles
Warara. It is the State’s case Zvabva called PHD MInistries
overseer Mr Admire Mango and claimed she was handling a case involving Prophet
Magaya and requested to meet him at Rowan Martin Building.
Mr Mango subsequently met with Zvabva who introduced
herself as Lt-Col Zvobgo and claimed she was handling a case involving Prophet
Magaya that had been brought to her attention, it is alleged.
She further alleged she was in possession of a document
from a certain group of people who wanted to demonstrate against the man of the
cloth before demanding US$40 000 for her to stop the alleged demonstration.
The next day, Zvabva called Mr Mango again and threatened
to make life difficult for Prophet Magaya if the money was not paid. On that day she demanded R2 500 which she was paid, the
court heard.
Marisa, the State alleged, later called Mr Mango and
introduced himself as Maj-Gen Dube and told him that the R2 500 was “a
pittance” little and was still expecting the US$40 000.
Mr Mango reported the matter to the police leading to the
arrest of the duo. Herald
0 comments:
Post a Comment