Walter Magaya Latest: State Gives Detailed Update On Prophet’s Case

The state has given a detailed update on the case of prominent religious leader Walter Magaya, who faces four new counts of rape spanning several years. The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe outlined the specific fresh allegations in a news bulletin, following the prophet’s dramatic arrest on 26 January.

Walter Magaya, the founder of the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries, was taken into custody outside the Harare Magistrates’ Court. He now confronts detailed allegations from four different women, with incidents said to have occurred between 2016 and 2023. The state strongly opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the charges and concerns over witness interference.

The Four Counts: A Detailed Breakdown

The NPAZ bulletin provided granular detail on each of the four counts. The allegations describe scenarios where the complainants, who were either congregants or employees linked to Magaya’s institutions, were allegedly invited to private locations under specific pretexts.

Count 1, from 2020, involves a 24-year-old ministerial worker. The bulletin states she “alleges she was invited to a hotel room under the pretext of Bible study, locked inside and raped.”

Count 2, from 2023, concerns a 22-year-old woman. The NPAZ reports she “claims she was instructed to stay at Yadah Hotel for prayers to stop spiritual manifestations, during which she was allegedly raped in the Presidential Suite.”

The third count dates back to 2016. Here, a 32-year-old woman “alleges the accused person offered her employment in a housing project, drove her to a Borrowdale house and raped her.”

For the fourth count, where a date is not specified, a 21-year-old shop attendant “alleges she was invited to a hotel as a reward for selling the accused person’s books, where she was allegedly locked in a room and forced into sexual intercourse.”

Arrest Sparks Heated Court Exchange

Magaya’s arrest on 26 January immediately sparked controversy in court. His lawyer, Admire Rubaya, protested the manner of the arrest, alleging it was a tactic to keep his client detained after an application for removal from remand on prior charges. Rubaya described the arrest scene with strong words.

“He was escorted to a commuter omnibus with no seats and was ordered to sit on the floor, as smart as he is. It’s a sad day for justice,” Rubaya told the court.

He further argued,

“What is the intention of arresting a man of God who has come to court on numerous occasions, surrendered his passport and title deeds, in such fashion?”

Prosecutors Clemence Chimbari and Tendai Shonhai dismissed these claims. Chimbari stated the arrest followed completed investigations.

“An arrest is effected where there is reasonable suspicion that a criminal offence has been committed,” Chimbari said, adding, “The timing of the arrest should not be interpreted as an attempt to torture the accused in any way.”

Bail Battle And Forthcoming Trial

With rape being a serious offence, bail can only be granted by the High Court. Magaya’s lawyers filed a bail application with the High Court on 28 January, with a hearing set for 29 January. Meanwhile, the magistrate’s court has remanded him in custody. The trial on these four new counts is scheduled to begin on 16 February 2026 and run continuously until 19 February.

The NPAZ concluded its bulletin by reaffirming its commitment to due process. It stated,