Magaya rape trial to expose dark secrets of Prophetic Church

The trial of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries leader Walter Magaya on new rape charges, scheduled to run from 16 to 19 February, is expected to draw intense public scrutiny and may expose deep-seated issues within the controversial church. Insiders allege that the ministry has deteriorated into a hub where single and married women were lured under the guise of prosperity gospel sermons, healing, and prayer sessions, only to be exploited sexually and financially.

Magaya, currently in detention, faces multiple charges, including sexual coercion, abuse, and rape, with incidents reportedly spanning from 2018 to 2023. Sources within the church suggest that these new charges could be linked to long-standing allegations of sexual exploitation, with Magaya allegedly using his position of influence to coerce women by exploiting their fears of demons, promising spiritual blessings, or offering money in exchange for sexual favours.

A former member described the upcoming trial as potentially explosive, warning that it could reveal the inner workings of a ministry that allegedly operated as a "Lion's Den" for women. The insider also noted that the case may shed light on the extensive patronage network Magaya maintained across religious, political, business, and media circles, which has reportedly collapsed following financial difficulties. "Magaya's real problem is not the allegations themselves; it's money. He can no longer service his vast, unsustainable patronage network, and his grip on the situation has crumbled," the source said.

The charges come amid a long history of controversy surrounding Magaya, including a 2016 rape charge that was later withdrawn following alleged threats to the complainant, and further allegations in 2019 that prompted the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) to push for his prosecution. Reports suggest a pattern of intimidation, hush payments, and complainants withdrawing cases, although insiders note that some women may choose not to come forward due to personal reasons, such as new relationships or marriage.

In addition to the rape charges, Magaya faces 78 counts of fraud, jointly with his wife Tendai and their company, Planet Africa, over a housing scheme, with the trial set for 27 March 2026. Magaya was previously convicted in February 2019 for fraud and fined US$700 for falsely claiming to have discovered a herbal cure for HIV and AIDS.

The specific rape charges against Magaya include allegations that a 24-year-old church worker was raped at a hotel under the pretext of a Bible study in 2020; a 22-year-old woman was allegedly raped in the Presidential Suite at Yadah Hotel in 2023 while attending prayers to stop spirit manifestations; a 32-year-old woman was reportedly raped at a Borrowdale house in 2016 after being offered a job in a housing project; and a 21-year-old shop attendant was allegedly raped at a hotel after being invited as a reward for selling Magaya's books.

The state has opposed bail for Magaya, citing the gravity of the charges, risk of flight, and potential interference with witnesses. With the trial imminent, all eyes are now on the courtroom, where the allegations are expected to ignite public debate about accountability, exploitation, and the limits of religious authority in Zimbabwe.