Warrant Issued for Ti Gonzi in Magaya Bodyguard's Smuggled Car Scandal
Sona Reporter | Sona Headlines | November 12, 2025
The ongoing fraud case involving Prophet Walter Magaya’s security aide took a dramatic twist in Harare today, after a regional magistrate issued a warrant of arrest for popular hip-hop artist Ti Gonzi, who is the state's key witness in the matter.
The award-winning musician, whose real name is Tinashe Gonzara, reportedly failed to appear in court to give evidence in the trial of Felix Chikondo, a security aide to Prophet Walter Magaya. Chikondo stands accused of selling Ti Gonzi a smuggled vehicle, an offence that has drawn significant public attention and media coverage across Zimbabwe’s entertainment and legal circles.
A Twist in the Courtroom
Harare regional magistrate Ms. Feresi Chakanyuka issued the arrest warrant after Ti Gonzi, the main complainant and witness, failed to attend court for the trial's commencement. His absence has stalled proceedings in a case that has drawn significant public attention due to its high-profile connections.
Anatomy of the Alleged Fraud
The state alleges that between July and August 2024, **Tapiwa Felix Chikondo**, a soldier and car dealer, acquired an ex-Japanese Toyota Mark X at Yadah Hotel in Waterfalls. The vehicle had no record of import clearance or duty payment with ZIMRA.
Chikondo allegedly identified a legally registered Toyota Mark X belonging to Dumisani Dube and used its details to fraudulently obtain a new set of number plates, **AGS 2550**, from the Central Vehicle Registry. These plates were then affixed to the smuggled vehicle, effectively giving it a false identity.
On August 29, 2024, Ti Gonzi purchased the disguised vehicle from Chikondo for **US$5,000**. However, the car was impounded by the CID Vehicle Theft Squad in Mbare on January 7, 2025. Investigations confirmed it was an undeclared vehicle, causing ZIMRA an actual prejudice of **US$3,389.55** in unpaid duty.
An Artist's Desperate Plea
Feeling that his case was being ignored, Ti Gonzi took to social media on November 4, 2025, claiming his loss was actually **US$6,000**. In an emotional plea addressed to the President, he wrote:
"Your Excellency, I write to you as a citizen who has ran out of options to be able to recover my US$6,000 I lost in the hands of that man besides Walter Magaya in handcuffs. He sold me an unregistered car with fake number plates only to start running away from me just a day after I discovered the problem."
The musician also claimed he had attempted to seek assistance directly from Prophet Magaya but was ultimately avoided after an initial meeting.
Who is Felix Chikondo?
Tapiwa Felix Chikondo is a 35-year-old corporal in the Zimbabwe National Army who also serves as a security aide for Prophet Magaya’s PHD Ministries. Represented by lawyer Malvern Mapako, he was granted **US$600 bail** for the fraud charge on November 6, 2025.
Chikondo's appearance for this case was his second in a week. He is also facing separate charges for allegedly assaulting police officers who were attempting to arrest Prophet Magaya, painting a picture of a man entangled in multiple legal challenges. The court now faces the task of untangling this complex web of allegations as both ZIMRA and Ti Gonzi seek justice.
David (Solar Sales)