Walter Magaya arrested for rape and fraud
A prominent Zimbabwean preacher, Walter Magaya, founder of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries, has been arrested by the Zimbabwe Republic Police on multiple charges of rape and fraud. The arrest took place on the morning of 1 November 2025 in Harare, after a specialized police operation.
Magaya rose to fame as a charismatic figure in the Zimbabwean religious scene, claiming miracle healings and at one point asserting that he had discovered a cure for HIV and cancer claims which drew strong condemnation from health authorities and international bodies. The police statement has so far not disclosed full details of the charges, including the number of complainants or the precise nature of victims’ allegations.
Analysts say the arrest marks a significant moment in Zimbabwe’s religious sector, where powerful figures have often operated with little public accountability. The case is expected to test whether the justice system can apply scrutiny to influential religious leaders.
