'Prophet' who once claimed to cure HIV arrested in Zimbabwe over rape and fraud charges
Zimbabwean preacher and founder of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries, self-proclaimed prophet Walter Magaya, has been arrested on multiple charges, including rape and fraud, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)
Image: Prophet Walter Magaya/ Facebook
Zimbabwean preacher and founder of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries, Prophet Walter Magaya, has been arrested on multiple charges, including rape and fraud, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed on Saturday.
Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Magaya was taken into custody during an early morning operation in Harare on Saturday, November 1, 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.
The arrest comes just days before another major PHD Ministries event was scheduled to take place in Harare, now clouded in uncertainty.
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.
Analysts say Magaya’s arrest could have far-reaching implications for Zimbabwe’s charismatic churches, many of which have faced criticism over alleged exploitation and lack of transparency.
“This case will test whether the justice system can truly hold powerful religious figures accountable,” said one Harare-based social commentator. “For years, these pastors have operated beyond scrutiny.”
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.
The PHD Ministries has not yet issued an official statement on the matter, and Magaya’s legal representatives were not immediately available for comment.
IOL News