Prophet Walter Magaya drags rival Makandiwa into controversial rape case

HARARE – Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries leader Walter Magaya has implicated fellow preacher Emmanuel Makandiwa in his ongoing rape trial, alleging that the prosecutor handling the case is acting on behalf of the founder and leader of the United Family International Church (UFIC).

Magaya is facing four counts of rape involving adult congregants from Harare and Chegutu, with allegations dating from 2016 to 2023. He denies the charges.

In a letter dated February 17, 2026, addressed to the Prosecutor-General and filed in court, Magaya’s lawyers from Rubaya and Chatambudza Legal Practitioners applied for the recusal of prosecutor Tendayi Shonhayi.

The defence alleged that Shonhayi is a member of Makandiwa’s UFIC, which they described as a rival to PHD Ministries.

“Our client instructs, and has it on good authority, that Ms Tendayi Shonhayi is a member of a rival church known as United Family International Church (UFIC), which is considered by our client as a rival church to Magaya’s church, PHD Ministries, as well as to Magaya himself,” the lawyers noted.

“It is our client’s considered view that Ms Tendayi Shonhayi is on a mission of her own to try and persecute him on the basis that she wants to destroy our client’s church for the benefit of UFIC, which is a competing rival church.

“She is doing the bidding for her own ‘PAPA’ Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa in circumstances where she should be detached from the case.”

The lawyers argued that the alleged affiliation creates a conflict of interest and claimed the prosecutor is pursuing the case with bias.

They further contended that her conduct in court, including her role in seeking to have some witnesses testify in a Victim-Friendly Court and via video link, demonstrated undue influence over the direction of proceedings.

The application also raised concerns about procedural issues, including the initial service of charge sheets and witness statements, which the defence claimed were defective.

The trial has faced delays after the defence indicated its intention to approach the Constitutional Court, challenging a ruling permitting certain witnesses to testify virtually.

Magistrate Esthere Chivasa granted the defence time to file its application, with the State expected to respond to submissions on the open court application.

Magaya is scheduled to return to court on March 2, 2026, in connection with separate rape allegations involving two other complainants.