Magaya Wins: Prophet Makandiwa’s ‘Daughter’ Removed From Trial Over Alleged Plot To ‘Destroy Him’
High Court Update • February 19, 2026
A Crisis of Bias. The rape trial of PHD Ministries leader Prophet Walter Magaya has careened into uncharted territory. In a stunning concession, the Prosecutor General has reportedly sidelined a top prosecutor following explosive allegations of "spiritual warfare" within the justice system. The defense’s claim—that the lead prosecutor is a high-ranking "spiritual daughter" of rival Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa—has successfully triggered a reshuffle, fueling Magaya’s narrative of a clandestine plot to orchestrate his downfall.
| Shifting Tides: Magaya scores a major victory as prosecution integrity is called into question. |
The absence of Harare Provincial Chief Director Tendai Shonhayi from the prosecution bench on Wednesday sent shockwaves through the courtroom. While the State officially maintains that the trial is impartial, the decision to remove Shonhayi follows a blistering application by Magaya's legal team. They argued that her affiliation with Makandiwa’s UFIC church created a fatal conflict of interest, transforming a criminal trial into a proxy battle between Zimbabwe’s two largest prophetic empires.
Prosecution Reshuffle
Chief Director Tendai Shonhayi has been removed from the bench after the defense exposed her alleged religious ties to Prophet Makandiwa.
Prosecution Shake-Up
In a development that has sent shockwaves through religious and legal circles, Tendai Shonhayi was removed from the bench during Wednesday’s proceedings. She has been replaced by Catherine Munyeriwa.
This signals that the Prosecutor General’s office found merit in the concerns raised by Magaya’s legal team regarding a conflict of interest.
"Doing the Bidding for Papa"
In a blistering letter dated February 17, 2026, lawyers Admire Rubaya and Everson Chatambudza stated:
“Our client instructs... that Ms Tendayi Shonhayi is a member of a rival church known as United Family International Church (UFIC), which is considered by our client to be a rival to PHD Ministries.”
The lawyers accused Shonhayi of being on a "mission of her own" to destroy Magaya for the benefit of her church.
“She is doing the bidding for her own ‘PAPA’ Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa in circumstances where she should be detached from the case.”
"A Pattern of Bias"
The most damning accusation concerns the handling of legal papers. Shonhayi allegedly attempted to serve Magaya with documents that did not include the names of the alleged victims.
“She further had to write the witness names on the typed witness statements using a blue pen,” the lawyers revealed, attaching the "defective documents" as proof.
The defence accused Shonhayi of overstepping her role, claiming she was constantly whispering instructions to the lead counsel, Clemence Chimbari, demonstrating she was "the one in charge" despite not being the lead prosecutor.
What Happens Next?
The trial remains bogged down. Magaya’s team is pushing to have the matter referred to the Constitutional Court, challenging a ruling that allows witnesses to testify via video link.
Magaya insists he has the right to face his accusers in open court. He is also scheduled to appear on March 2, 2026, regarding separate allegations.
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