Zimbabwean prophet and founder of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries, Walter Magaya, has been arrested on multiple charges, including r3pe and fraud.

 

 

 

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the arrest in a statement on Saturday, November 1, 2025.

 

 

 

Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Magaya was taken into custody during an early morning operation in Harare on Saturday by a specialised police team.

 

 

 

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Walter Magaya in connection with several reports of rape and fraud. Further details will be released in due course as investigations progress,” said Nyathi.

 

 

 

The arrest marks a dramatic turn for the high-profile cleric who rose to national fame in the early 2010s as the founder of PHD Ministries, one of Zimbabwe’s largest charismatic churches.

 

 

 

In 2018, Magaya sparked outrage after publicly claiming that he had discovered a cure for HIV and cancer, a statement that drew condemnation from health authorities and the United Nations.

 

 

 

He was later forced to apologise and retract his claims following intervention from the Ministry of Health.

 

 

 

While police have not disclosed how many complainants are involved or the full scope of the allegations, reports indicate that the charges relate to longstanding accusations of sexual misconduct and financial deceit dating back several years

 

 

 

Magaya, who commands a vast following across Zimbabwe and beyond, is known for his televised “healing” sessions and high-profile “Night of Turnaround” crusades, which draw thousands of worshippers.

 

 

 

This is not the first time the preacher has found himself at the centre of controversy. Over the years, Magaya has faced allegations of sexual abuse, questionable business dealings, and fraudulent housing schemes — all of which he has previously denied.

 

 

 

Social media was awash with reactions, with many Zimbabweans welcoming the arrest as a long-overdue step toward accountability in the country’s powerful religious sector. Others, however, said the outspoken cleric was being targeted because of his influence and popularity.

 

 

 

Over the weekend, Magaya remained in police custody. Authorities said more details, including his expected court appearance date, would be made public once investigations were complete.