Prophet Walter Magaya Arrested on Rape, Fraud Charges After Years of Allegations
In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves across Zimbabwe, Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries founder Prophet Walter Magaya has been arrested in Harare on multiple charges of rape and fraud. The high-profile arrest, confirmed by police, comes after years of swirling allegations and just days before a major, highly-publicized church event, marking a dramatic climax to a decade of controversy.
A Dramatic Dawn Raid
The 41-year-old cleric was taken into custody in the early hours of Saturday, November 1, 2025. According to reports, detectives from a specialized police "crack team" stormed his church offices in Harare using several unmarked vehicles, indicating a coordinated and serious operation. Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the development in a statement, saying:
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of church leader Walter Magaya in connection with several reports of rape and fraud. The suspect was arrested early today by a police crack team.”
A Shadow of Controversy
Allegations of Sexual Abuse
For nearly a decade, Magaya has been dogged by accusations of sexual abuse from multiple female members of his congregation. While these allegations were widely reported, this arrest marks the first time authorities have taken decisive action on this front. The Zimbabwe Gender Commission had previously announced an investigation in 2019, which was stalled by a legal challenge from Magaya. The investigation was later revived in 2022, with the commission inviting victims to come forward. However, its findings were never made public, and it remains unclear if this arrest is a direct result of that probe.
Allegations of Fraud
Alongside the sexual abuse claims, Magaya has also faced allegations of fraud. Several followers have claimed they were defrauded through a failed housing project run by his ministry, alleging that they paid substantial amounts for residential stands that were never delivered. These long-standing complaints form the basis of the fraud charges he now faces.
A Prophetic Night Derailed
The timing of the arrest is particularly dramatic. Magaya had claimed to be on a 31-day fasting and prayer retreat on a mountain, and his ministry was heavily promoting a major event called the “Night of Turn Around,” scheduled for November 7, 2025. This was set to be his first public appearance after weeks of seclusion.
A promotional post on his Facebook page declared: “He is coming down with divine instruction and remarkable anointing... This is not just another church gathering — it is a prophetic night of change, healing, deliverance, and breakthrough.”
The arrest just days before this highly anticipated event has stunned both his followers and the public, overshadowing what was meant to be a triumphant return.
What Comes Next?
Following the arrest, Prophet Magaya is expected to appear in court in Harare once formal charges are processed. Police sources have indicated that investigations are ongoing, and more complainants may be called to provide statements. Legal analysts will be watching closely to see whether the charges are based on the old Gender Commission probe or on fresh complaints.
Meanwhile, PHD Ministries has yet to issue an official statement, but many of Magaya’s followers have taken to social media to express shock and call for prayers. The case is set to dominate national headlines as the justice system determines the next steps for one of Zimbabwe's most powerful and controversial religious figures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prophet Walter Magaya’s Arrest
Prophet Walter Magaya was arrested on Saturday, November 1, 2025, by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on multiple allegations of rape and fraud. The operation was conducted by a specialized police crack team at his Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries offices in Harare. Authorities stated that the arrest follows ongoing investigations into serious complaints lodged against him.
The arrest took place in the early hours of Saturday, November 1, 2025, at PHD Ministries headquarters in Harare. Witnesses described a heavy police presence during the operation. The Zimbabwe Republic Police later confirmed the arrest in a public statement issued by spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed that investigations into the rape and fraud allegations are ongoing. Commissioner Paul Nyathi emphasized that more information will be released as the case develops. Police sources suggest that some allegations may be linked to previous probes, including the Zimbabwe Gender Commission investigation from earlier years.
Law enforcement officials have confirmed that several complaints were filed, but victim identities are being withheld for safety and privacy reasons. The police are reportedly contacting additional potential complainants as part of their extended investigation into Magaya’s alleged misconduct.
As of early November 2025, PHD Ministries has not issued an official public statement regarding the arrest. However, many of Prophet Magaya’s followers have taken to social media to express disbelief and solidarity, calling for prayers and urging calm. Historically, the ministry has denied wrongdoing in previous controversies.
Yes, Prophet Magaya has faced multiple legal challenges over the years. In 2016, he was arrested for rape, but the case was withdrawn after the complainant reportedly faced intimidation. In 2019, he was convicted of fraud and fined for falsely claiming to have found an HIV/AIDS herbal cure named “Aguma.” His business ventures have also faced scrutiny over alleged financial irregularities and failed housing schemes.
Prophet Walter Magaya is a self-proclaimed prophet and the founder of the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries, one of Zimbabwe’s largest Pentecostal churches. Known for his high-profile healing crusades and charitable initiatives, Magaya is also a businessman involved in real estate, mining, and sports administration. He is a polarizing figure, admired by many followers but often criticized for his controversial statements and opulent lifestyle.
Prophet Magaya has business interests in housing development, mining, and energy projects through his company, Planet Africa. However, several of his ventures have been marred by controversy, including allegations of unfulfilled housing stands, unpaid debts, and tax disputes with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).
As of November 2, 2025, Prophet Walter Magaya remains in police custody awaiting a formal court appearance in Harare. Bail proceedings are pending. The case has attracted widespread media attention and is expected to be one of Zimbabwe’s most closely followed trials of the decade.
David (Solar Sales)