Harare, Zimbabwe – November 3, 2025 – In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through Zimbabwe's religious community, Walter Magaya, the charismatic founder and leader of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries, was arrested on Saturday, November 1, 2025, facing multiple charges of rape and fraud. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the high-profile detention in an official statement, marking a pivotal moment in years of unresolved accusations against one of the country's most influential spiritual figures.
The arrest unfolded during an early morning raid by a specialized police crack team at Magaya's church offices in Harare's Waterfalls suburb. Detectives arrived in several unmarked vehicles, swiftly taking the 41-year-old cleric into custody. ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, in a terse press release, stated: “The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Church Leader, Walter Magaya, in connection with several reports of rape and fraud. The suspect was arrested early today by a police crack team. Further details will be released in due course as investigations progress.”
Nyathi's announcement, signed as Chief Staff Officer for Press and Public Relations at Police General Headquarters, provided no specifics on the number of complainants or the exact timelines of the alleged offenses. However, sources close to the investigation indicate that the charges stem from complaints lodged by multiple female congregants accusing Magaya of sexual exploitation under the guise of spiritual counseling, as well as financial scams involving failed church-backed housing projects and the sale of "anointed" products promising miraculous healings.
Magaya, who remained in police custody over the weekend, made his initial court appearance on Monday, November 3, at the Harare Magistrates' Court. Dressed in a sharp blue suit but visibly restrained in handcuffs—chained to his bodyguard Tapiwa Felix Chikondo—he was flanked by lawyers and detectives amid a media frenzy. Chikondo was separately charged with assaulting officers during the arrest operation, highlighting reported resistance at the scene. Prosecutors from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) opposed bail, citing flight risk and the gravity of the allegations. The magistrate remanded Magaya in custody pending a full bail hearing, with the case adjourned to later this week. More complainants are expected to come forward as probes deepen.
This arrest caps a decade of controversy for Magaya, who rose from humble beginnings in Chitungwiza to become a Pentecostal powerhouse. Born on November 6, 1983, in Mhondoro-Ngezi, Magaya founded PHD Ministries in 2012 after breaking away from a Catholic charismatic group. His ministry exploded in popularity during the early 2010s, attracting thousands to televised healing crusades and "Night of Turnaround" events at his sprawling Yadah Hotel complex-turned-church headquarters. Magaya's sermons, broadcast on his Yadah TV, emphasized prosperity gospel, divine healing, and deliverance from poverty and illness—resonating deeply in a nation grappling with economic hardships.
Yet, fame brought scrutiny. In 2016, Magaya faced his first rape charge after a university student alleged assault during a private prayer session. The case collapsed when the complainant withdrew, citing intimidation, but it ignited public debate on power imbalances in charismatic churches. Similar accusations surfaced in subsequent years, with former members claiming Magaya exploited vulnerable women seeking spiritual intervention. In 2019, the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) launched a formal probe into sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) within PHD, inviting victims to testify. Magaya challenged the investigation in court, losing a Supreme Court appeal in 2021 that upheld the ZGC's authority. Findings remain sealed, but insiders suggest they informed the current police action.
Fraud allegations have been equally persistent. Followers accused Magaya of duping them through the Planet Africa housing scheme, where thousands paid deposits for residential stands that never materialized. Creditors pursued him for unpaid debts, leading to property auctions, including a key asset in 2025. He also sold "anointed" oils, bracelets, and lipsticks at premium prices, promising cures for ailments.
Magaya's boldest controversy erupted in October 2018 when he proclaimed "Aguma," a herbal remedy, as a 14-day cure for HIV/AIDS and cancer. The claim, made at a packed press conference, drew global condemnation. Health Minister David Parirenyatwa labeled it "fake news," while the United Nations and World Health Organization warned of dangers to public health. Police raided PHD offices, seizing products. In February 2019, Magaya pleaded guilty under the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act, fined US$700 and forced to retract his statements publicly. Destroyed evidence—flushed herbs and burnt containers—was recovered, adding to the charge sheet.
Beyond ministry, Magaya owns Yadah FC, a Premier Soccer League team, and ventures in hospitality and real estate. His influence extends regionally, with branches in South Africa, Botswana, and the UK. Supporters view him as a divinely anointed vessel for Zimbabwe's revival, seeding millions in offerings for breakthroughs.
The arrest has polarized public opinion. On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #MagayaArrested trended, with users welcoming accountability. "Finally, justice for the victims exploited in the name of God," posted one. Others decried a "witch hunt," praying for his release: "Our prophet is innocent; this is persecution!" Fellow prophets, including Uebert Angel, weighed in via videos, urging calm and faith.
Critics argue Magaya's case exposes systemic issues in Zimbabwe's unregulated charismatic sector, where leaders amass wealth and influence unchecked. The ZGC and women's rights groups have long called for oversight, noting how spiritual authority silences victims. "This arrest validates survivors' courage," said a ZGC spokesperson off-record.
As investigations continue, police urge additional complainants to report. Magaya's legal team, led by Everson Chatambudza, vows a vigorous defense, denying all charges. PHD Ministries issued no official response, but services proceeded with deputies leading prayers for their leader.
This saga underscores tensions between faith, power, and law in Zimbabwe. With court dates looming, the nation watches whether Magaya's empire withstands scrutiny—or crumbles under the weight of evidence. Updates will follow as the case unfolds.
