Prophet Walter Magaya in Court Over Alleged Fraud Scheme Involving Gono’s Farm
Explosive details of how PHD Ministries founder Walter Magaya allegedly used former RBZ governor Gideon Gono’s farm in an elaborate scheme to defraud congregants emerged in court. The cleric and his wife, Tendai, were remanded in custody after appearing on 18 criminal charges, including 13 counts of fraud and five counts of rape, sparking a fierce legal battle over the legality of their detention.
The Governor's Farm Fraud Scheme
Central to the State's fraud case is the alleged misuse of former Reserve Bank Governor Dr. Gideon Gono’s New Donnington Farm. Prosecutors told the court that Prophet Magaya secured a limited farming contract for only a single season. He then allegedly presented himself as the outright owner of the property and orchestrated a tour for potential investors, falsely claiming the farm was ready for the allocation of residential stands.
The State contends that through their companies, Planet Africa (Pvt) Ltd and Yadah Connect, the Magayas systematically deceived congregants into paying for land they did not own. Alleged victims, including Feddie Manyange and Martha Dongo, paid approximately US$49,000 and R195,000 for stands in Chishawasha, Norton, Mutare, and on the Gono farm, only to later discover the truth after investigating the property’s ownership.
Court documents claim that Tendai Magaya was present during the contract negotiations with Dr. Gono. The State alleges that she remained silent and failed to correct the false impression her husband was giving to hopeful homeowners during the farm tour, thereby making her complicit in the deception.
The Courtroom Battle
The defence team, led by Admire Rubaya, launched a robust application for their clients' immediate and unconditional release. They argued that the Magayas' constitutional rights were violated as they were held beyond the 48-hour legal limit. Magaya was arrested at 5 a.m. on Saturday by what Rubaya described as "over 30 armed police officers" at his prayer mountain, while his wife was arrested at 5:30 a.m. at their Yadah Hotel. The defence insisted they should have been released by 5 a.m. on Monday and were thus before the court illegally.
Prosecutor Clemence Chimbari admitted the couple was overdetained. However, he fiercely opposed their release, arguing that the infringement does not nullify the serious criminal charges. He stated that the law does not absolve them of wrongdoing and suggested their proper recourse was to seek damages from the Constitutional Court later. He argued that releasing them would be the court "overstepping" its judicial powers.
Before the legal arguments began, prosecutors successfully applied to have the five sensitive rape cases heard in-camera. This led to journalists and members of the public being expelled from the proceedings for that portion of the hearing. The couple was ultimately remanded in custody, with Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa set to rule on the over-detention application on Tuesday.
Bodyguard Also Faces Charges
In a related case, 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 and assaulting a peace officer. The State alleges that during Magaya's arrest, Chikondo confronted the police, shouted, “‘Makapinda papi? (Where did you enter?)’," 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 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
The State alleges that Walter Magaya, despite having only a one-season farming contract for Gideon Gono's farm, misrepresented himself as the owner to congregants and sold them residential stands on land he did not own.
His lawyers argued that he and his wife were detained for more than the 48 hours allowed by the constitution before being brought to court. They claim this makes their continued detention and prosecution illegal.
Both Walter and Tendai Magaya were remanded in custody. The magistrate will deliver a ruling on their application for unconditional release on Tuesday.
David (Solar Sales)