Prophet Cleared in US$20,000 ‘Snake Cleansing’ Fraud Case

Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court, where the fraud case ruling was delivered

A self-proclaimed prophet accused of orchestrating an elaborate “snake cleansing” scheme that allegedly cost a retired bank manager more than US$20,000 and three vehicles has been acquitted of fraud charges by a Bulawayo court. Lenon Chidarikire, also known as Madzibaba Lenon Chidarikire, walked free on Thursday after Bulawayo magistrate Themba Chimiso ruled that the State had failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Chidarikire had been facing four counts of fraud and was represented by Simbarashe Innocent Madzivire of Mashayamombe Company and Attorneys.

In his ruling, Magistrate Chimiso found that the prosecution had failed to demonstrate that Chidarikire made false representations to the complainant, Innocencia Sekani, or that he personally received the money allegedly lost in the scheme. The court noted that Sekani consistently referred to the accused as “Madzibaba Chidarikire,” indicating that she understood him to be a prophet who prays for people, rather than someone formally registered as a traditional healer or offering guaranteed supernatural services.

“The complainant did not hand the money to the accused,” Magistrate Chimiso ruled. “She handed it to Madzibaba Mushore and Michael. She also testified that she threw some of the money into a river on the instructions of Madzibaba Mushonga.” The court further ruled that there was no evidence showing Chidarikire misrepresented his abilities or directly benefited from the funds in a manner that met the legal threshold for fraud.

Allegations Detailed by the State

Prosecutor Samuel Mpofu told the court that the alleged scheme began on March 22 last year, when Chidarikire and an alleged accomplice, Madzibaba Michael, visited Sekani’s home and claimed to have removed two snakes through rituals. Sekani was allegedly warned of dire spiritual consequences and instructed to pay US$3,000 within two hours, which she did.

The court heard that Chidarikire later advised Sekani to visit a shrine in Norton, where she was allegedly instructed to sell her Mazda Demio for US$2,200. Chidarikire signed the sale agreement as a witness.

Further allegations included demands for cash payments, ritual “cleansing” fees, and the surrender of a Toyota Aqua and Toyota Hilux, which Sekani was allegedly told were contaminated by evil spirits. At one point, Sekani and her daughter were instructed to throw money into the Umguza River as part of a ritual.

By the time the matter was reported, Sekani claimed to have lost US$20,700 and three vehicles, with only the Mazda Demio later recovered. However, the court concluded that the evidence did not establish criminal misrepresentation or direct receipt of funds by Chidarikire, leading to his acquittal.

Prophet Cleared; Snake Cleansing; fraud