Magaya and Wife Remanded in Custody Over Rape & Fraud
Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries leader Walter Magaya and his wife, Tendai, have been remanded in custody following a dramatic court appearance on multiple charges of rape and fraud. Their case was overshadowed by legal arguments that they were detained unlawfully beyond the constitutional 48-hour limit.
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| Inside Prophet Walter Magaya’s Arrest: Rape, Fraud Charges, and a History of Allegations |
The Arrest and Charges
Walter Magaya was arrested on Saturday, November 1, 2025, in what his lawyer described as a raid by over 30 armed police officers. The arrest took place at 5 a.m. while he was at his secluded prayer retreat in Waterfalls, Harare. His wife, Tendai Magaya, was arrested shortly after at 5:30 a.m.
Magaya faces five counts of rape and 13 counts of fraud. He is jointly charged with his wife Tendai on the fraud allegations, which involve their company, Planet Africa. The prosecution claims that between 2016 and 2018, the couple defrauded congregants in a housing scheme, collecting money for residential stands that were never delivered. The rape case was heard separately in a closed court session.
Courtroom Drama Unfolds
In court on Monday, November 3, Magaya's legal team, led by Admire Rubaya, applied for the couple's immediate and unconditional release. Rubaya argued that they were held beyond the 48-hour period permitted by law, rendering their court appearance illegal. He further alleged that the couple was held incommunicado, being denied access to their lawyers for several hours after their arrest.
The State prosecutor, Clemence Chimbari, admitted that the two had been overdetained but argued that the proper remedy was for them to sue for damages in the Constitutional Court, not to have the case thrown out. Presiding Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa ultimately remanded the couple in custody until Tuesday, when she is expected to deliver a ruling on their application for release.
Hundreds of PHD Ministries congregants gathered at the Harare Magistrates' Court in a show of support for their leader. The large crowd created a chaotic, stampede-like situation, which required police intervention to control. The courtroom was filled to capacity, with many supporters unable to gain entry.
Bodyguard Also Faces Charges
Magaya's bodyguard, Tapiwa Felix Chikondo, a member of the Zimbabwe National Army, appeared in court separately. He faces charges of defeating or obstructing the course of justice, with an alternative charge of assaulting a peace officer. The State alleges that during Magaya's arrest, Chikondo confronted the police, shouted at them, and pushed a detective to the ground before being restrained. The prosecutor opposed bail, revealing that Chikondo has another pending case for a similar offense.
Chikondo's lawyer, Stephen Chikotora, argued that his client was unfairly targeted and was simply performing his security duties at a boom gate, unaware of the arrest taking place elsewhere on the property. He stated that Chikondo never interfered and is not a flight risk, given his family and career in the army. Magistrate Gofa is set to deliver a ruling on his bail application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Walter Magaya is facing five counts of rape and 13 counts of fraud related to an alleged housing scheme scandal. His wife, Tendai, is jointly charged with him on the 13 fraud counts.
Both Walter and Tendai Magaya were remanded in custody. The magistrate is expected to rule on Tuesday on their lawyer's application for immediate release due to being detained for over 48 hours.
His bodyguard, Tapiwa Felix Chikondo, was arrested for allegedly assaulting police officers and obstructing justice while they were trying to arrest Walter Magaya. He appeared in court on separate charges.
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