Prophet Magaya allegedly fathered child with rape victim

Walter Magaya faces five rape charges and 78 fraud counts, with prosecutors alleging one assault resulted in a child. Case draws major public scrutiny (image source)

Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries founder Walter Magaya is facing serious criminal allegations after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) told a Harare court that one of the alleged sexual assaults resulted in the birth of a child, forming part of a case that includes multiple counts of rape and dozens of fraud charges. Prosecutors told the court the State’s case includes five counts of rape and 78 counts of fraud, and that investigators allege Magaya attempted to conceal offences by offering compensation to victims and coercing them to record statements denying assault.

Magaya was arrested in an early-morning operation by a specialised Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) unit and has since appeared in court. He was granted bail under conditions that included surrendering his passport and title deeds, and he denies the allegations, describing the charges as a “calculated ploy” by unnamed actors. Legal filings and media reports say prosecutors will present evidence that includes witness testimony and documentary material, with the NPA indicating it will pursue the matter through the criminal courts. The case has attracted intense public interest because of Magaya’s high profile and the scale of the allegations.

“It is the State’s case that the accused person collected various amounts of money from his congregants after misrepresenting that he had stands for sale in different places.”

— Prosecutor, as reported in court papers.

Magaya’s legal troubles follow earlier controversies, including allegations of misrepresentation over academic credentials and public claims about healing powers, which have already dented his public standing and raised questions about governance in faith-based organisations. Legal experts say the combination of sexual-offence and fraud allegations will require careful evidentiary work, and that the presumption of innocence remains central as the courts consider the State’s case.

The unfolding prosecution has implications for PHD Ministries’ operations and for donors and congregants who have supported Magaya’s projects. Civil-society groups and victim-support organisations have urged that investigations be thorough and victim-centred, while legal authorities stress the need for due process as the matter proceeds through the courts. The next court dates will determine the pace at which evidence is tested and whether additional charges or witnesses emerge; for now, the case remains a high-profile test of Zimbabwe’s criminal justice system and its handling of allegations against influential public figures.