PHD Ministries Worker Accused of Selling Smuggled Vehicle to Ti Gonzi

Tapiwa Felix Chikondo, a security aide at PHD Ministries, has appeared in court facing allegations of smuggling a vehicle and fraudulently selling it to rapper Ti Gonzi.

Chikondo, who was previously arrested alongside Prophet Walter Magaya for allegedly assaulting a police officer, appeared before Harare regional magistrate Francis Mapfumo and was released on US$600 bail.

The case was brought before the court by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), represented by Collin’s Ncube, while the State was represented by Lancelot Mutsokoti.

Prosecutors allege that between July and August 2024, Chikondo illegally brought into the country an ex-Japanese Toyota Mark X, which had not been cleared by ZIMRA and for which import duty had not been paid. The vehicle was reportedly kept at Yadah Hotel in Waterfalls, Harare.

To disguise the car’s origins, Chikondo allegedly identified another vehicle registration number ABX 7852, owned by Dumisani Dube and used its registration details to apply for a fresh set of plates.

He is said to have worked with a clearing agent, Andrew Musoni, who helped process the fraudulent documents at the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) through the CID Vehicle Theft Squad.

After acquiring the new number plates, AGS 2550, Chikondo allegedly attached them to the smuggled Toyota Mark X and later sold the car to Ti Gonzi for US$5,000.

The transaction reportedly took place at Yadah Hotel after Ti Gonzi was shown the car by a dealer named Jarmine Rubatika, whom he had met at Eastlea Car Sales while searching for a vehicle.

The vehicle was later seized by police from the Vehicle Theft Squad on January 7, 2025, after it was found being driven by the musician in Mbare. Authorities informed him that the car had fake registration plates and was smuggled.

Investigations revealed the vehicle had no customs clearance record with ZIMRA, which incurred a revenue loss of US$3,389.55 in unpaid import duty.

Chikondo, who is being represented by lawyer Malvern Mapako, is expected to return to court as investigations continue.