Police Raid Yadah Hotel: Walter Magaya Under Investigation for Unregistered Medicines
Harare • February 26, 2026
The Widening Regulatory Scandal: The founder of PHD Ministries, Prophet Walter Magaya, is facing a deepening controversy following a high-profile operation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the Yadah Hotel. Detectives uncovered a substantial stash of unregistered medicines, a discovery that has triggered urgent criminal proceedings against the establishment for violating the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act [Chapter 15:03]. By bypassing the mandatory safety evaluations required by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ), the possession of these unapproved pharmaceutical products has placed the cleric at the center of a critical debate regarding public health safety, corporate accountability, and the illegal distribution of medicinal substances.
| Legal woes mount for Prophet Walter Magaya as Yadah Hotel faces criminal charges over unregistered drugs. |
Beyond the immediate legal fallout, this incident highlights the severe risks associated with the trade of non-compliant medical supplies outside of regulated channels. Under Zimbabwean law, the sale or possession of medicines that have not undergone clinical validation poses a significant threat, as these substances lack the guaranteed safety, quality, and efficacy profiles required for human consumption. As authorities continue to probe the origin, importation, and intended administration of these drugs, the case serves as a stern reminder that all institutions—regardless of their stature—must strictly adhere to pharmaceutical regulatory frameworks. For observers and legal analysts, this episode underscores the government’s commitment to enforcing drug control standards to protect the public from the dangers of substandard and falsified medicines in the Zimbabwean market.
The Charge
"Possessing unregistered and unapproved complementary medicines without regulatory clearance."
CID Operation Details
According to court papers, the investigation was triggered on November 15 last year. Detectives from CID Headquarters in Harare received sensitive information regarding suspected illegal activities within the hotel.
Intelligence suggested that illegal medicines were being clandestinely stored in one of the hotel rooms, prompting an immediate tactical response.
Upon arrival, officers identified themselves and executed a detailed search of the premises. The operation yielded significant results, confirming the intelligence report.
Detectives uncovered a large quantity of various pharmaceutical products, none of which had the necessary regulatory clearance from the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ).
The Illegal Inventory
The stash included a wide range of potent medical treatments. Among the items seized and listed in the state's evidence are:
- Antibiotics: Metronidazole, Cotrimoxazole pills.
- Antifungals: Clotrimazole, Fluconazole tablets, Miconazole nitrate vaginal cream.
- Antivirals: Acyclovir topical cream.
- Supplements & Injections: CO Q10 vascular care, Sodium bicarbonate injections, Stillen Aupatillin injections.
Legal Proceedings
Representing Yadah Hotel, director Donald Makuvaza appeared before Harare magistrate Lisa Mutendereki.
In a damaging blow to the establishment's defense, Makuvaza admitted to the charges of possessing unregistered and unapproved complementary medicines. The admission confirms the state's allegations that the hotel operated without lawful authority.
Following the admission, the magistrate postponed the matter to March 10 for the formal recording of the plea and potential sentencing.
This delay leaves the hotel and its leadership in a precarious legal position as they await the court's final determination.
Unanswered Questions
Deepening the mystery, investigators seized Compounded Prescription Weekly forms during the raid.
These documents allegedly indicated that the stash of medicines was intended for an individual identified as Happiness Mavindire. The identity and role of this individual remain a key point of interest in the ongoing investigation.
This latest development marks yet another legal challenge for Prophet Walter Magaya, whose name has repeatedly surfaced in controversy in recent months.
From land disputes to regulatory clashes, the PHD Ministries leader continues to face intense scrutiny from state authorities.
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