0
0
Walter Magaya, the founder of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries in Zimbabwe, has been arrested on multiple charges, including alleged rape and fraud.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the arrest on Saturday, November 1, 2025. According to Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, Magaya was taken into custody during an early morning operation in Harare by a specialised police unit.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Walter Magaya in connection with several reports of rape and fraud. Further details will be released in due course as investigations progress,” Nyathi said.
Magaya, a high-profile cleric who gained national fame in the early 2010s, has built one of Zimbabwe’s largest charismatic churches. He previously stirred controversy in 2018 after claiming to have discovered cures for HIV and cancer—statements that drew international condemnation and forced him to retract his claims following intervention from the Ministry of Health.
While authorities have not disclosed the number of complainants or the full scope of allegations, reports suggest the charges stem from longstanding accusations of sexual misconduct and financial deceit dating back several years.
Known for his televised “healing” sessions and large-scale “Night of Turnaround” crusades, Magaya commands a vast following in Zimbabwe and beyond. This is not his first brush with controversy, as he has faced prior allegations involving sexual abuse, questionable business dealings, and fraudulent housing schemes—all of which he has denied.
The news of his arrest quickly spread across social media, sparking mixed reactions. Many Zimbabweans welcomed the move as a step toward accountability in the country’s religious sector, while some voiced concerns that Magaya’s influence may have made him a target.
Magaya remains in police custody, and authorities have stated that more information, including his expected court appearance, will be released as investigations continue.
