High-Profile Prophet Walter Magaya Arrested Amid Rape and Fraud Allegations
Prophet Walter Magaya, the controversial and high-profile founder of the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries, was arrested in a dramatic early morning raid. Seized by a police crack team on serious charges of rape and fraud, the arrest marks a stunning development for a religious figure whose career has long been dogged by scandal and serious allegations.
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| PHD Ministries Founder Prophet Walter Magaya was arrested in Harare. |
The Dawn Raid and Arrest
On the morning of Saturday, November 1, 2025, a specialized police crack team descended on Prophet Walter Magaya's church offices in Harare. Arriving in several unmarked vehicles, detectives swiftly took the 41-year-old cleric into custody in what sources described as a "swift and precise operation."
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the arrest in an official statement: “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.” He stated that more details would be released in due course as the investigation progresses.
A Career Dogged by Controversy
This is not Prophet Magaya's first encounter with the law regarding sexual misconduct. Rape allegations have stalked him for years:
- In 2016, he was formally charged with the rape of a 25-year-old congregant, although the case was later withdrawn under controversial circumstances.
- In 2019, a new wave of allegations emerged as several women accused him of sexual abuse, prompting an investigation by the Zimbabwe Gender Commission. The commission faced legal hurdles and a reported lack of cooperation from potential witnesses.
Magaya's career has also been marked by legal troubles related to fraud:
- The "Aguma" Cure Scandal: In 2019, Magaya was convicted and fined for contravening the Medicines Control Act. He had publicly announced that he had discovered a herbal cure for HIV/AIDS and cancer named "Aguma," a claim that was swiftly condemned by medical experts and the government. A police raid on his premises uncovered unregistered medicines.
- Fake Qualifications: In early 2025, he was investigated by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) after claiming to hold a diploma and an honorary doctorate from the University of South Africa (UNISA). The university publicly refuted this, stating he was never a student and the documents were fraudulent.
The Rise of a Self-Styled Prophet
Born on November 6, 1983, in Mhondoro Ngezi, Walter Magaya grew up in Chitungwiza and was a member of a Catholic Charismatic group before founding his own ministry. In 2012, he established Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries. His rise was meteoric, drawing inspiration and influence from his "spiritual father," the late Nigerian preacher T.B. Joshua.
PHD Ministries quickly grew into one of Zimbabwe's largest and most influential Pentecostal churches. Headquartered in Waterfalls, Harare, the ministry is known for its massive gatherings, where thousands of followers are drawn by Magaya's charismatic preaching and claims of miracle healings, prophecies, and spiritual deliverance. The church boasts a significant international following through its television broadcasts and social media presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prophet Walter Magaya was arrested on November 1, 2025, in connection with several reports of rape and fraud, as confirmed by the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
Yes, Magaya has a history of legal issues, including a 2016 rape charge that was later withdrawn and other sexual abuse allegations that the Zimbabwe Gender Commission has sought to investigate.
In 2019, he was convicted for falsely claiming to have a cure for HIV/AIDS. In early 2025, he was investigated for allegedly using fraudulent academic qualifications from the University of South Africa (UNISA), which the university denied ever issuing to him.
He is the founder of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries.
David (Solar Sales)