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Why Walter Magaya was arrested
7 hrs ago |
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Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries founder Prophet Walter Magaya was arrested early yesterday morning by a Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) crack team on multiple rape and fraud charges, marking a dramatic turn in the long-running controversies surrounding the popular preacher.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest, saying investigations were underway.
"The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of church leader Walter Magaya in connection with several reports of rape and fraud. The suspect was arrested early today by a police crack team," said Nyathi.
The 41-year-old cleric has for years faced serious allegations of sexual abuse and financial misconduct, though previous investigations had not led to prosecution.
Magaya's name has been linked to multiple accusations of sexual abuse from former female congregants. Despite public outcry and several reports, police had not taken formal action until now.
In 2019, the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) launched an investigation into alleged sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) by the preacher. However, the process stalled after Magaya mounted a legal challenge that delayed the probe.
At the time, the commission said:
"The investigation which was gazetted on the 23rd of August 2019 (General Notice No.1444/2019) was halted by the legal challenge launched by the key respondent Mr Walter Magaya (Prophet Magaya)."
In 2022, the ZGC announced it was resuming its inquiry after securing court judgments in its favour (cases SC592/19, HC7347/19, and HH688/19).
"We are calling on all citizens who might have complaints of sexual exploitation and abuse involving the conduct of Walter Magaya to present particulars of their complaints to the Zimbabwe Gender Commission," it said at the time.
The commission has yet to make its findings public, and it remains unclear whether Magaya's latest arrest is directly connected to that investigation.
Apart from the sexual abuse claims, Magaya has also been accused of defrauding followers through a controversial housing scheme, in which congregants allegedly invested money for homes that were never delivered.
Some victims have over the years petitioned authorities to investigate the matter, accusing the preacher of using his spiritual influence to solicit funds under false pretences.
Before his arrest, Magaya had been reportedly fasting for 31 days at a private "prayer mountain." His church had been promoting his much-anticipated return to the public eye at an event dubbed the "Night of Turn Around", scheduled for November 7.
Promotional messages on social media had declared that Magaya would appear "full of glory" after his extended period of seclusion.
"He is coming down full of glory. He is coming down with divine instruction and remarkable anointing," one post read.
"When Moses came down from Mt. Sinai, he was carrying the presence of God. We shall experience power like never before."
Police are yet to release detailed charges or indicate when Magaya will appear in court. Legal analysts say the case could mark a critical test for law enforcement and gender justice mechanisms in Zimbabwe, given the years of unresolved allegations surrounding one of the country's most influential religious figures.
Magaya, once one of Zimbabwe's most visible prophets, commands a large following through his PHD Ministries, which operates from Waterfalls, Harare.
As of last night, neither his church officials nor his lawyers had issued a formal statement regarding his arrest.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest, saying investigations were underway.
"The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of church leader Walter Magaya in connection with several reports of rape and fraud. The suspect was arrested early today by a police crack team," said Nyathi.
The 41-year-old cleric has for years faced serious allegations of sexual abuse and financial misconduct, though previous investigations had not led to prosecution.
Magaya's name has been linked to multiple accusations of sexual abuse from former female congregants. Despite public outcry and several reports, police had not taken formal action until now.
In 2019, the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) launched an investigation into alleged sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) by the preacher. However, the process stalled after Magaya mounted a legal challenge that delayed the probe.
At the time, the commission said:
"The investigation which was gazetted on the 23rd of August 2019 (General Notice No.1444/2019) was halted by the legal challenge launched by the key respondent Mr Walter Magaya (Prophet Magaya)."
In 2022, the ZGC announced it was resuming its inquiry after securing court judgments in its favour (cases SC592/19, HC7347/19, and HH688/19).
The commission has yet to make its findings public, and it remains unclear whether Magaya's latest arrest is directly connected to that investigation.
Apart from the sexual abuse claims, Magaya has also been accused of defrauding followers through a controversial housing scheme, in which congregants allegedly invested money for homes that were never delivered.
Some victims have over the years petitioned authorities to investigate the matter, accusing the preacher of using his spiritual influence to solicit funds under false pretences.
Before his arrest, Magaya had been reportedly fasting for 31 days at a private "prayer mountain." His church had been promoting his much-anticipated return to the public eye at an event dubbed the "Night of Turn Around", scheduled for November 7.
Promotional messages on social media had declared that Magaya would appear "full of glory" after his extended period of seclusion.
"He is coming down full of glory. He is coming down with divine instruction and remarkable anointing," one post read.
"When Moses came down from Mt. Sinai, he was carrying the presence of God. We shall experience power like never before."
Police are yet to release detailed charges or indicate when Magaya will appear in court. Legal analysts say the case could mark a critical test for law enforcement and gender justice mechanisms in Zimbabwe, given the years of unresolved allegations surrounding one of the country's most influential religious figures.
Magaya, once one of Zimbabwe's most visible prophets, commands a large following through his PHD Ministries, which operates from Waterfalls, Harare.
As of last night, neither his church officials nor his lawyers had issued a formal statement regarding his arrest.
Source - The Standard
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