Prophet Walter Magaya in Trouble: 13 Fraud Charges Rock PHD Ministries Founder!
PHD Ministries founder Prophet Walter Magaya and his wife Tendai appeared in court facing a slew of fraud charges linked to a multi-million-dollar housing project. The couple's lawyers are seeking their immediate release, arguing police violated their constitutional rights by detaining them for over 48 hours.
The Housing Scheme Fraud Allegations
The state alleges that between 2016 and 2018, Magaya, his wife, and their companies—Planet Africa (Pvt) Ltd and Yadah Connect (Pvt) Ltd—defrauded congregants by falsely claiming to have acquired land for residential stands in numerous locations, including Chishawasha, Norton, Mutare, and Ruwa.
The court heard that Magaya announced the projects during a live Yadah TV broadcast, claiming that “God had instructed him” to help believers build homes. Brochures were distributed with the Bible verse Genesis 13:9, "A vast land is out there and available to you," to market the scheme. He also allegedly promised investors a 50% return on investment in related ventures after six months.
According to prosecutors, these representations were false, as no land had actually been secured. Thirteen complainants listed in court papers allegedly paid tens of thousands of US dollars for stands or investments but never received any property or refunds for their payments.
The Legal Battle Over Detention
The defence team, led by Admire Rubaya, immediately challenged the couple's continued detention. Rubaya argued their appearance was unlawful because they were held beyond the 48-hour constitutional limit. Magaya was arrested at 5 AM on November 1 by what his lawyer described as "over 30 armed officers" while praying at his prayer mountain.
The defence claimed the couple was initially held incommunicado. "We visited CID Headquarters where we were told they were being held, but we were informed they were not there," Rubaya stated. He said they were denied access to their lawyers until after 11:30 AM, when a police officer intervened on their behalf.
Prosecutor Clemence Chimbari admitted the couple was over-detained but argued it does not nullify the charges. He suggested the proper recourse was to seek damages later. Rubaya countered, stating, "You cannot put something on nothing; it will collapse. Once the state admits over-detention, this court must release the accused unconditionally."
Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa remanded the couple in custody until Tuesday, when a judgement on their release application will be delivered. The court was also briefly cleared for a private hearing on separate, unrelated rape charges that Magaya faces.
Frequently Asked Questions
He and his wife face 13 counts of fraud related to a church housing scheme where they allegedly sold residential stands on land they did not own. He also faces separate rape charges.
His defence team argues that he and his wife were held by police for more than the 48 hours allowed by the constitution before being brought to court, making their detention illegal.
Both Walter and Tendai Magaya were remanded in custody. The magistrate is expected to rule on their application for unconditional release on Tuesday.
David (Solar Sales)