Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. By James Muonwa, Mashonaland West Correspondent –
A CHINHOYI magistrate has issued an arrest warrant against a self-styled prophet, who allegedly duped his friend in a $1,2 million deal, and failed to pitch up at court Tuesday.
International Arena of Miracles Church leader, 36-year-old Lucky Chakanyuka of 44 Harare Drive, Marlborough, Harare, had a warrant of arrest issued after failing to appear at Chinhoyi Magistrates Court to answer theft of trust property charges.
The complainant is Kudakwashe Mashiri, of Riverside suburb, Chinhoyi.
Chakanyuka was scheduled to appear before magistrate Tamari Chibindi charged with one count of theft of trust property but was in no show.
Defaulting by the flamboyant clergyman left prosecutor Tinoziva Chipupuri with no option but ask the court to grant a warrant of arrest.
The presiding magistrate consented and ordered police to arrest Chakanyuka, a man accustomed to finer things in life such as fancy cars and clothes.
Allegations are that on July 29, 2021, at around 10am, and at Chinhoyi town centre, Chakanyuka was given complainant’s ZB Bank Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card with a balance of $1 200 000 in trust so that he could withdraw $100 000 for the payment of Machiri’s now deceased’s wife’s medical bills.
On August 5, Machiri noticed that the bank debited a total of$1 200 000 through several transactions allegedly made by Chakanyuka.
Complainant noticed the prophet betrayed the trust bestowed on him and converted the money to his own use.
The matter was reported to police, leading to Chakanyuka’s arrest.
The misappropriated money totalled $1 200 000 and $56 000 was recovered.
Chakanyuka is popularly known as Prophet Cherubim, and is also a Zanu PF party member, who was set to contest the Mashonaland West Youth League chairman post in the impending internal elections.
