Prophet Magaya re-arrested after court appearance as rape trial delayed

HARARE – Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries leader Walter Magaya was re-arrested under unclear circumstances on Monday shortly after appearing at the Harare Magistrates Court, where he is facing an ongoing rape trial.

Magaya had been remanded to March, when his case is expected to proceed before the High Court.

Proceedings in the rape matter failed to commence after the State revealed that one of the complainants, who is currently in Ireland, was unable to travel to Zimbabwe due to what prosecutors described as a communication breakdown.

According to Magaya’s lawyer, Admire Rubaya, the second complainant is also considering withdrawing from the case. Rubaya further indicated that police were seeking Magaya’s arrest even before he left the court premises.

Moments after stepping outside the courthouse, Magaya was taken into custody by police officers. Authorities have not yet disclosed the reason for his re-arrest.

Magaya is currently facing 78 counts of fraud and five counts of rape, according to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

He was granted bail in November last year on conditions that included surrendering his passport, residing at a specified address, and avoiding any interference with witnesses.

Prosecutors allege that Magaya misled members of his congregation by claiming to sell residential stands and operate business ventures that promised a 50 percent return within six months, resulting in financial losses for several complainants.

He is also accused of sexually assaulting two women on multiple occasions between 2018 and 2023. The State further claims he attempted to suppress the allegations by offering compensation and persuading the complainants to record statements denying the alleged offences.