Prophet Magaya spends 42nd birthday behind bars

Prophet Walter Magaya spent his 42nd birthday behind bars on Thursday, marking the occasion from Harare Remand Prison in what has been one of the most difficult weeks of his life and ministry.

The Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries leader was arrested on Saturday morning during a police raid at his prayer mountain in Waterfalls, where he had been fasting and praying. The operation, reportedly involving 30 armed officers, led to his detention on five counts of rape and 13 counts of fraud relating to the alleged illegal sale of residential stands.

Since his arrest, Magaya has remained in custody, with scores of church members, relatives, and supporters gathering outside Harare Remand Prison on Thursday to celebrate his birthday and pray for his release.

"Church members and relatives have been visiting Prophet Magaya since morning," said one PHD member. "Some were told to allow him to rest. We are here to comfort him and celebrate his special day."

The prison car park was filled with luxury vehicles as congregants took turns to visit the prophet. His wife, Tendai, who was arrested alongside him but later granted bail, was also seen at the facility with their son, Walter Junior, who has been leading services in his father's absence.

Musician Seh Calaz joined many others in paying tribute to Magaya on social media, describing him as a "true servant of God".

"Today we celebrate the life of a true servant of God - a man whose wisdom, humility, and unshakable faith have transformed countless lives," Seh Calaz wrote.

The sombre scenes were a far cry from Magaya's previous lavish birthday celebrations. In 2019, a tailor-made jacket designed for his birthday was auctioned for US$12,000, with proceeds donated to the Women of Valour group to buy sanitary wear.

Magaya's incarceration also means he will miss his ministry's flagship annual event, the Night of Turnaround, which begins this evening in Waterfalls. Despite concerns over its possible cancellation, senior PHD officials confirmed that the gathering will proceed as planned.

Foreign delegates who arrived earlier in the week are expected to attend the event, many having followed Magaya's legal troubles closely from Harare's courts.