HARARE – Tensions flared in the Zimbabwean business and entertainment circles as local entrepreneur Tinashe Mutarisi threatened to expose and take legal action against Zanu PF-linked self-proclaimed prophet Passion Java.
The dispute began with accusations of “attention-seeking behavior” and escalated into a public war of words.
Mutarisi addressed the matter in a video titled “The reply to Java,” which he shared on social media, confronting both Passion Java and gospel rapper Mudiwa Hood.
He asserted that the two individuals falsely claimed to be Zanu PF emissaries, attacking his business and himself without any legitimate authority.
“Passion Java and Mudiwa called me yesterday claiming that they were sent by higher authorities to campaign against me and my business.
“It is a lie as no one has authorized or sent them, and it is simply their attention-seeking behaviour,” Mutarisi strongly asserted in the video.
He further expressed his view that the antagonism he faced wasn’t orchestrated by the system or any higher authority but by Passion Java and his associates who engage in boasting instead of recognizing the genuine support he enjoys.
The conflict arose after Passion Java accused Mutarisi of orchestrating a fire incident at his factory in Harare’s Graniteside industrial area, claiming that Mutarisi did so in an attempt to claim an insurance payout.
Property valued at thousands of dollars was destroyed in the fire.
Java, known for his controversial preaching, even shared parts of a phone conversation he had with Mutarisi in a video where he alleged that the fire was a planned incident.
Java went on to accuse Mutarisi of “fighting power” and suggested that the entrepreneur was against the Zanu PF government.
Mutarisi’s response was resolute and featured warnings to both Passion Java and Mudiwa Hood.
“They have always desired a direct confrontation with me, despite my pleas for them to leave me alone. Unfortunately, they have continuously attacked both me and my business without any valid reason.”
Mutarisi lamented in his video, adding, “Their actions stem from jealousy, as they are unable to attain the love and respect from the people of Zimbabwe that I effortlessly receive. I am grateful to the people of Zimbabwe for their unwavering support, which has become a powerful shield against these haters.”
Mudiwa Hood, in response, challenged Mutarisi to seek an amicable resolution with Passion Java.
He conveyed his frustration, emphasizing his intention to facilitate a conversation between the parties but expressed disappointment that he was being dragged into the conflict.
“Why are you dragging me along? I repeatedly said you inspire me from the conversation, getting you guys to talk and solve issues,” Mudiwa stated.
“My greatest crime is to get you guys on the phone; you are lying to people and God knows.”
The ongoing feud has garnered attention both in Zimbabwe and beyond, raising questions about the motivations behind the accusations and the potential consequences for those involved.
