JOHANE Masowe eChishanu Vadzidzi VaJesu Church founder, Aaron Mhukuta Gomo, commonly known as Madzibaba Wimbo, died yesterday morning at Arundel Hospital in Harare after succumbing to pneumonia.
He was 96.
Madzibaba Wimbo, also known as Mudzidzi Majinesta, was born on December 25, 1922.
Madzibaba Wimbo is famed for his 1957 prophecy where he predicted that a man with the name of an angel Gabriel would be independent Zimbabwe’s first leader, which came to pass in 1980.
Last year, Mnangagwa visited the same Wimbo at his shrine and got involved in a bizarre church rite, with the popular prophet telling the gathering that the then VP needed help if he were to ascend to the presidency. The army intervention was interpreted by many as the help that Wimbo had prophesied.
In March President Emmerson Mnangagwa donated over 200 laptops to Centre for Zimbabwe Africa school run by Madzibaba Wimbo. The computers were handed over to the school by ICT and Cyber Security Minister Supa Mandiwanzira.
Minister of State for Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs, Advocate Martin Dinha, Provincial Administrator, Mr Cosmos Chiringa and Zanu-PF candidate for Shamva South, Cde Oscar Gorerino visited the Centre Zimbabwe Africa headquarters and the family homestead in Goora area of Madziwa to pay their condolences yesterday.
“We have lost a strong man of God who supported the Government and Zanu-PF. African Independent Churches, especially Madzibaba Wimbo, fought colonialism and the Smith regime. They stood for black emancipation. During the liberation struggle he prophesied that former president Robert Mugabe would rule this country,” said Adv Dinha.
Madzibaba Wimbo’s son, Professor Gomo said they heard of the death from the grapevine.
“For three years we were not allowed to see our father. I hope we will be allowed to view his body. I stay 10 minutes away from the hospital where he died but I was not informed. I do not know how we will co-operate with such people. We appeal to Government to assist us,” he said.
He is survived by two wives, 18 children and several grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements will be advised in due course.