Zimbabwean religious leader Walter Magaya spent his 42nd birthday in Harare Remand Prison custody following his arrest last Saturday. Police detained him during a raid at his Waterfalls prayer site where he was fasting. Magaya faces multiple criminal charges including five rape allegations and thirteen fraud counts related to property sales.
Supporters and family members gathered outside the prison facility Thursday to mark his birthday. Visitors arrived in expensive automobiles filling the parking area. Many prayed publicly for his freedom. His wife Tendai, released on bail earlier this week after the same arrest operation, joined relatives at the prison. Their son Walter Junior has temporarily assumed church leadership duties during this period.
Magaya will miss his ministry's annual Night of Turnaround gathering scheduled to begin tonight in Waterfalls. Senior church officials confirmed the event would proceed despite his detention. International attendees have been present in Harare observing developments throughout Magaya's legal proceedings. This birthday celebration starkly contrasts his previous elaborate public observances including a 2019 party where a custom jacket sold for twelve thousand dollars donated to women's health supplies.
Supporters and family members gathered outside the prison facility Thursday to mark his birthday. Visitors arrived in expensive automobiles filling the parking area. Many prayed publicly for his freedom. His wife Tendai, released on bail earlier this week after the same arrest operation, joined relatives at the prison. Their son Walter Junior has temporarily assumed church leadership duties during this period.
Magaya will miss his ministry's annual Night of Turnaround gathering scheduled to begin tonight in Waterfalls. Senior church officials confirmed the event would proceed despite his detention. International attendees have been present in Harare observing developments throughout Magaya's legal proceedings. This birthday celebration starkly contrasts his previous elaborate public observances including a 2019 party where a custom jacket sold for twelve thousand dollars donated to women's health supplies.
