Harare’s self-styled “Heaven Army Commander,” Prophet Talent Madungwe, has found himself in hot water, not with demonic forces as he previously claimed, but with the law.
The prominent Hatfield spiritual leader, known for his pronouncements of divine intervention, recently appeared before the Epworth Magistrates’ Court on charges stemming from a traffic accident. The charges highlight a stark contrast between his public image and his recent actions.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) issued a statement on X, detailing the incident.
“Prophet Talent Madungwe (38) from Hatfield, in Harare, was brought before the Epworth Magistrates’ Court facing 2 counts of contravening the Road Traffic Act i.e. driving without a valid licence and negligent driving. On the 6th of August 2024, at around 1020 hours, the accused person was driving a Toyota Aqua out of his home turning right and he side-swiped a Nissan NP300 single cab along a strip road next to Airport road coming from the south heading towards Harare CBD. The vehicle sustained minor damage on the load box. The accused person was driving without a valid licence. Madungwe was remanded to the 9th of October for sentencing,” the statement read.
The accident involved Madungwe’s Toyota Aqua, a vehicle gifted to him earlier this year by controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo as part of a much-publicised car giveaway. The gift, presented alongside fellow celebrity Jah Bob in February, came with a condition: Madungwe was to obtain a driver’s licence before taking possession of the vehicle.
However, the court revealed that Madungwe was driving without a valid licence at the time of the accident, contradicting earlier reports suggesting he had obtained one. This revelation casts doubt on his adherence to the conditions set by Chivayo.
This incident is only the latest in a series of controversies surrounding the prophet. Just months after receiving the Aqua, Madungwe faced another challenge: unpaid rent. His landlady, Gogo Manyonga, expressed her frustration with his failure to pay four months’ rent, eventually issuing an eviction notice.
Madungwe’s explanation for his financial difficulties was unconventional, to say the least. “Things have not been well for me since September last year,” he stated. “Ukaona wakushaya mari yekubhadhara rent ziva kuti nevana varikutofa nenzara. I am being attacked by the Devil because of preaching the Word, and a number of enemies are after my downfall, but I will not give up.” He attributed his financial woes to spiritual attacks, claiming that his preaching had incurred the wrath of unseen forces.
Despite his dramatic appeal, a well-wisher eventually intervened to settle his outstanding rent. However, the recent court appearance underscores a more immediate and earthly challenge: the consequences of driving without a licence and causing an accident. The court case highlights the disparity between Madungwe’s self-proclaimed spiritual authority and his failure to comply with basic legal requirements. The sentencing on October 9th will determine the consequences of his actions.
