Walter Magaya, a prominent Zimbabwean religious leader who founded Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries, has been taken into custody by authorities on serious criminal allegations. Police arrested the self-styled prophet during an operation conducted on Saturday, November 1, 2025, in the capital city of Harare. Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that Magaya faces accusations of rape and financial crimes involving multiple complainants whose reports date back several years. The cleric appeared before a magistrate on Monday, November 3, 2025, for proceedings related to bail while restrained in handcuffs and accompanied by legal representatives.
The controversial pastor has built a massive congregation through his charismatic ministry and high-profile events that attract thousands of attendees. His career has been marked by scandal, particularly when he falsely promoted an herbal remedy as a treatment for HIV and cancer in 2018, drawing condemnation from health officials and international organizations. Magaya later retracted those claims. The arrest has sparked intense public discussion about accountability for influential religious figures in Zimbabwe, with advocacy organizations calling for a thorough examination of similar accusations against other church leaders while ensuring victim protection.
The controversial pastor has built a massive congregation through his charismatic ministry and high-profile events that attract thousands of attendees. His career has been marked by scandal, particularly when he falsely promoted an herbal remedy as a treatment for HIV and cancer in 2018, drawing condemnation from health officials and international organizations. Magaya later retracted those claims. The arrest has sparked intense public discussion about accountability for influential religious figures in Zimbabwe, with advocacy organizations calling for a thorough examination of similar accusations against other church leaders while ensuring victim protection.
