A businessman, whose name was used in a plot to kill a seven-year-old first-grader and use his head for ritual purposes, turned to Facebook yesterday to deny the allegations and, in a bizarre twist, says he is being persecuted for believing in Jesus Christ.
John Madondo, a prominent Rusape businessman, was involved in the murder plot, for ritual purposes, with Tatenda Mudziwidar (20) being sentenced to four years in prison for his role in the plot.
Mudziwedare was convicted of the crime after he pleaded guilty to attacking the schoolboy and almost strangling him only until he was disturbed by some villagers who were passing the crime scene.
Mudziwider, who was not represented, appeared before Rusape Regional Magistrate, Francis Mapfumo.
He pleaded guilty to violating section 187 as read with section 47 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act which criminalizes attempted murder of a person.
“On 28 February 2024, at Shiringi Business Centre, Headlands, (Tatenda Mudziwidari) attempted to cause the death of Alvin Kambadza by compressing his neck with both hands after being instructed by a businessman, John Madondo, to bring a human being.” “Head for ritual,” read the indictment.
Prosecutor Tawanda Munganga said: “The complainant is a first grader.
“On 28 February 2024 at approximately 7am, Mudziwidari was at Shiringi Business Center when he saw the complainant and other learners going to Shiringi Primary School.
“Mudziwedare chased the learners and managed to grab hold of the complainant. He put pressure on the complainant’s neck with both hands.
“The accused saw some local villagers and released the complainant. The matter came to light when the complainant informed his mother about what had happened.
Mudziwidari was sentenced to seven years in prison, including three years suspended, and will serve four years.
He implicated Madondo, claiming that he was the one who ordered him to bring him a human head.
Madondo, who was in South Africa, pleaded not guilty on Facebook.
“I don’t have an arrest warrant and the police haven’t contacted me,” he said.
“This is what happens when you are persecuted for believing in Jesus Christ and trying to make an honest living through work.
“I don’t know anything, it’s just rumors I hear and also see on social media, so there are some things I can’t talk about because I honestly have no idea what’s really going on.
“The pastor told me via WhatsApp about this problem and informed me that the police came to my shop looking for me.” h metro
