A self-styled Budiriro prophet and leader of Johanne Masowe Wechishanu yeNyenyedzi, Herbert Senda (35), walked out of court a free man after Harare Magistrate Morgen Nemadire found charges against him as unconvincing.
Prosecutor Lawrence Gangarahwe appeared on behalf of the state.
According to the state, Senda had a land dispute with members of his church Clifford Chimusoro, Muchineripi Utete, Blessing Chimbadzo, Wellington Kadzutu and Taurai Munyika.
The court heard that on June 15, Senda went to Blessing Chimbadzo’s house in Waterfalls at around 0100 hours with his two alleged accomplices.
When Chimbadzo opened the door, the trio, armed with a knife and an axe and allegedly threatened him with death before blindfolding and bundling him into their vehicle.
They drove off to Southlea Park Dam, where they allegedly tied Chimbadzo’s hands and legs, wrapped him in a fishing net and tied a rock weighing 43 kilogrammes on his back before throwing him into the dam.
The land in question originally belonged to Johane Masowe yechishanu nyenyedzi nomwe housing cooperative led by Senda, also known as Madzibaba Enock.
Chimbadzo’s five accomplices were senior members of Madzibaba Enock before deciding to change ownership of the land in question.
