Zimbabwean religious leader Walter Magaya, founder of the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries, was arrested on 1 November 2025 in connection with multiple allegations of rape and fraud. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed his detention, stating that Magaya was taken into custody early that morning by a specialized police team in Harare. The case has shocked Zimbabwe’s religious community, where Magaya holds a large following, and has raised broader questions about the accountability of influential figures in society.
Magaya’s arrest follows several reports of sexual and financial misconduct. The police have not disclosed the exact number of complainants or the timeline of the alleged offenses, but sources suggest the reports span recent years. The arrest comes amid increasing calls for justice concerning abuse of power by prominent figures. Magaya, a well-known figure in Zimbabwe’s religious scene, has faced controversy in the past, including withdrawn rape charges in 2018 and accusations of fraudulent practices related to his "anointed" products. His arrest has sparked mixed reactions, with supporters claiming it is an attack on his success, while others view it as a step toward justice.
Magaya’s arrest follows several reports of sexual and financial misconduct. The police have not disclosed the exact number of complainants or the timeline of the alleged offenses, but sources suggest the reports span recent years. The arrest comes amid increasing calls for justice concerning abuse of power by prominent figures. Magaya, a well-known figure in Zimbabwe’s religious scene, has faced controversy in the past, including withdrawn rape charges in 2018 and accusations of fraudulent practices related to his "anointed" products. His arrest has sparked mixed reactions, with supporters claiming it is an attack on his success, while others view it as a step toward justice.
