Authorities in Harare took the leader of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries into custody early on Saturday morning after years of accusations related to sexual assault and financial misconduct. Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that Walter Magaya, 41, was detained by investigators who arrived at his religious headquarters using vehicles without official markings.
Multiple women from his congregation have alleged abuse over nearly a decade, though formal action had been delayed. The Zimbabwe Gender Commission began examining these claims in 2019 but faced legal obstacles from Magaya that halted progress until court rulings in his case allowed the inquiry to continue. Members also reported losses from a residential development scheme that failed to deliver properties despite payment.
Before his detention, Magaya had announced a 31-day spiritual retreat and planned a major gathering for November 7 that his organization promoted as a transformative occasion following his seclusion. The arrest occurred days ahead of this scheduled appearance. Police indicated their probe remains active with potential additional complainants expected to provide testimony. Magaya faces court proceedings after formal charges are prepared, though connections to the commission investigation remain unclear.
Multiple women from his congregation have alleged abuse over nearly a decade, though formal action had been delayed. The Zimbabwe Gender Commission began examining these claims in 2019 but faced legal obstacles from Magaya that halted progress until court rulings in his case allowed the inquiry to continue. Members also reported losses from a residential development scheme that failed to deliver properties despite payment.
Before his detention, Magaya had announced a 31-day spiritual retreat and planned a major gathering for November 7 that his organization promoted as a transformative occasion following his seclusion. The arrest occurred days ahead of this scheduled appearance. Police indicated their probe remains active with potential additional complainants expected to provide testimony. Magaya faces court proceedings after formal charges are prepared, though connections to the commission investigation remain unclear.
