Madzibaba Gathrie finally tastes freedom

By Daniel Kachere

Self-styled prophet Gathrie Chiredzero, popularly known as Madzibaba Gathrie, has been freed by the High Court on allegations of masquerading as a Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) operative.
Madzibaba Gathrie had been jailed 16 years in 2018 for using a bogus identity to stalk President Emmerson Mnangagwa armed with a gun. The High Court finally acquitted him of two of the charges and slashed the sentences on the other three.
From 16 years, his sentence was reduced to11 months.
In December 2017 Chiredzero allegedly went near the podium with a loaded gun while Mnangagwa was making an address during a State function held to rename King George VI (KGVI) army barracks to Josiah Magama Tongogara barracks.
Harare magistrate Esteri Chivasa convicted him for possessing offensive weapons at public gatherings, forgery and impersonating a public official.
He was also found guilty of possessing articles for criminal use and driving without a valid licence before the High Court cleared Chiredzero of illegal possession of firearms at a public gathering and forgery. Nhau/Indaba