Inside Prophet Walter Magaya’s Decade of Controversy: From Scandals to Court Battles
The recent arrest of Walter Magaya on allegations of rape and fraud has ignited public discussion. Here, we delve into the archives from 2014 to the present, documenting the key legal, financial, and public controversies surrounding the PHD Ministries leader based on publicly available sources.
Legal & Criminal Allegations
In 2018, Magaya announced he had discovered a "cure" for HIV/AIDS and cancer using a herbal remedy called Aguma. After condemnation from health authorities and a police raid, he pleaded guilty under the Medicines Control Act in 2019 and was fined US$700.
In 2016, Magaya was arrested for rape, but the case was withdrawn. In 2019, new allegations prompted a Zimbabwe Gender Commission investigation, which Magaya legally challenged but lost. On November 1, 2025, he was arrested again in connection with multiple rape and fraud allegations.
Financial Controversies
Through his company Planet Africa, Magaya promised affordable residential stands to hundreds of congregants. Many paid deposits but never received land or refunds, leading some investors to initiate legal action.
Followers invested in a gold mining venture via Yadah Connect with promises of high returns. Years later, several investors reported receiving neither profits nor their initial capital. Formal demands for repayment were issued in 2024.
Magaya has faced numerous financial disputes, including a 2020 lawsuit over a US$30,000 equipment debt and a 2025 property auction to settle a creditor lawsuit. In 2019, ZIMRA garnished PHD Ministries’ accounts over US$22 million in suspected unpaid taxes.
Public & Media Incidents
Magaya presented his Heart Stadium as a 5,000-seater, a figure repeated by President Mnangagwa. However, a Zim Now inspection revealed the actual capacity was under 2,000. Magaya's organisation never challenged the report. Read more at Magaya's Stadium Sham.
A crusade led by Magaya in Kwekwe resulted in a tragic stampede where eleven people died due to overcrowding and closed exits, sparking national concern over safety at mass religious gatherings.
Other notable incidents include a public fallout with dancer Bev Sibanda in 2014, a dispute with Apostolic sects in 2015 over claims they were influenced by "marine spirits," and a $20 million defamation lawsuit against Alpha Media in 2014.
Football & ZIFA Bid
As the owner of Yadah FC, Magaya has been active in Zimbabwean football. In 2023, he launched a bid to become ZIFA president but was disqualified for not meeting minimum academic requirements. His legal challenge to overturn the decision was dismissed by the High Court in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
As of his arrest on November 1, 2025, Walter Magaya is facing multiple allegations of rape and fraud. Investigations are currently ongoing.
Yes. In 2019, he pleaded guilty, was convicted, and was fined US$700 for making unverified medical claims under the Medicines Control Act regarding his "Aguma" herb, which he claimed could cure HIV/AIDS.
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission is an independent body investigating allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse against Magaya. After being halted by a legal challenge, their investigation was cleared to continue by the Supreme Court in 2021, and they issued a public call for victims and witnesses to come forward.
David (Solar Sales)