Tensions appear to be rising between local businessman Tinashe Mutarisi and self-proclaimed prophet Passion Java. Mutarisi recently called out Java and gospel rapper Mudiwa Hood in a fiery social media video, accusing the pair of falsely claiming to be emissaries of Zimbabwe’s ruling party Zanu-PF in order to attack him and his businesses.
Mutarisi says Java and Mudiwa approached him alleging they were sent by “higher authorities” to campaign against his company. But Mutarisi insists this is a lie and simply an attempt by the two men to seek attention. He noted that no one has actually authorized them to act on behalf of Zanu-PF.
This response comes after Java posted his own video accusing Mutarisi of deliberately starting a factory fire to commit insurance fraud. Java alleged Mutarisi orchestrated the blaze at his Harare factory to collect a payout, and also claimed the businessman opposes the current government.
In his video, an obviously angry Mutarisi tells Java and Mudiwa they have always wanted a confrontation with him despite his pleas to be left alone. He says the pair continuously attack him and his business for no valid reason, stemming only from their own jealousy that he receives respect and support from Zimbabweans without boasting than they do.
Mudiwa then waded into the dispute on social media, challenging Mutarisi’s accusations and suggesting the two sides should amicably resolve issues in private conversations. However, tensions between Mutarisi and the outspoken prophet Java show no sign of easing anytime soon. Only time will tell if this war of words escalates further.
