BREAKING NEWS: Prophet Magaya Arrested in Parking Lot Confrontation as Legal Pressure Intensifies
Topic: Crime & Justice | Person: Prophet Walter Magaya | Location: Harare Magistrate Court | Date: Jan 26, 2026
Harare, Zimbabwe — It was a day of high drama at the Harare Magistrate Court as Prophet Walter Magaya, founder of the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries, was arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) immediately after leaving the courtroom.
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| Prophet Magaya Arrested Again |
The arrest took place in the court's parking lot just moments after Magaya and his legal team believed they had secured temporary relief, having successfully argued for the postponement of his separate rape and fraud trials.
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Legal Showdown in Harare
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| The PHD Ministries leader faces a deepening legal labyrinth involving rape allegations and 78 counts of fraud. |
Parking Lot Ambush
Just as Magaya and his entourage were exiting the court grounds, believing the day's legal hurdles were behind them, detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department swooped in.
Status: The specific reasons for this fresh arrest have not yet been made public, with police sources indicating details "will be availed soon." This development adds a chaotic twist to an already complex legal saga involving the popular cleric.
Rape Trial: A False Start
Prophet Magaya is facing five counts of rape. The State alleges the incidents occurred between 2018 and 2023, involving two separate complainants, one of whom Magaya allegedly impregnated.
Complainant Withdrawal
Defense lawyer Mr. Admire Rubaya revealed that the second complainant has filed an affidavit to officially withdraw charges against the cleric.
The trial failed to commence this morning due to logistical complications regarding the first complainant, who is currently based in Ireland.
State prosecutor Ms. Tendai Shonhayi informed Presiding Magistrate Mr. Francis Mapfumo of a "communication breakdown." Critical unresolved issues include:
- Funding: A dispute over who will pay for the complainant's travel expenses to Zimbabwe.
- Documentation: The complainant has reportedly not yet signed her witness statement.
The matter was deferred to tomorrow for a ruling on whether the trial will proceed or face further delays.
78 Counts of Fraud
In a separate courtroom, Magaya and his wife, Tendai Magaya, faced Harare Regional Magistrate Mrs. Jesse Kufa regarding extensive fraud allegations.
The couple is jointly charged with 78 counts of fraud connected to their business entities:
- Planet Africa Private Limited
- Yadah Connect Private Limited
The State requested a postponement, citing ongoing investigations. The defense consented, and the matter was deferred to March 27, 2026, pending indictment by the High Court.
The Defense Strategy
Defense counsel Mr. Admire Rubaya expressed visible frustration in court regarding the rape trial delays. He strongly opposed further postponements, arguing that the State's administrative failures regarding the overseas witness should not prejudice his client.
Rubaya has demanded that Prophet Magaya be removed from remand if the State cannot get its house in order, arguing that the delays violate the accused's right to a fair and speedy trial.
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