HARARE – It never rains but pours for Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) leader Prophet Walter Magaya, who, already facing multiple rape charges, has now been ordered by the High Court of Zimbabwe to repay US$3 million to an Israeli business partner, as the court rejected his defence that Zimbabwe’s exchange control laws invalidated the debt.
The case, filed under HC 621/23, arose from a financial arrangement in which a group of Israeli investors, facilitated by Zimbabwe’s Consul General in Israel, Ambassador Ronny Levi Musan, advanced funds to Magaya.
The money was intended to support the development of a mining project.
Magaya’s defence argued that the agreement violated sections 4 and 11 of Zimbabwe’s exchange control regulations, making it unenforceable. He further proposed repaying the debt in local currency rather than in U.S. dollars, a suggestion strongly opposed by Ambassador Musan.
During the trial, presided over by Justice Maxwell Takuva, the court heard submissions from both sides.
Advocate Garikai Sithole represented Magaya, while Ambassador Musan was represented by Advocate Tazorora Musarurwa.
Magaya’s team contended that the transaction was illegal under Zimbabwean law. But Musan’s legal team maintained that the funds were provided for a legitimate investment and that exchange control laws were not applicable to foreign nationals providing capital from abroad.
Advocate Musarurwa warned that accepting Magaya’s argument could discourage foreign investment and create a precedent allowing local businesses to evade obligations through technical legal arguments.
The Israeli business partner’s legal team has requested full repayment of the US$3 million, with interest at 3 percent per month, compounded monthly, from July 1, 2022, until the debt is settled.
The order also includes provisions to make immovable property executable to satisfy the obligation if necessary.
Magaya is also facing four counts of rape involving adult congregants from Harare and Chegutu, with allegations spanning from 2016 to 2023, which he denies.
This week, the controversial church leader dragged fellow preacher Emmanuel Makandiwa into his ongoing rape trial, alleging that the prosecutor handling the matter is acting on behalf of Makandiwa’s United Family International Church (UFIC).
In a letter filed in court on February 17, 2026, Magaya’s lawyers requested the recusal of prosecutor Tendayi Shonhayi, claiming she is affiliated with UFIC and therefore biased.
They argued that her alleged connection to Makandiwa’s church creates a conflict of interest, and accused her of pursuing the case with undue influence, including decisions on witness testimony via video link and in a Victim-Friendly Court.
The defence also raised procedural concerns, citing alleged defects in the service of charge sheets and witness statements. Magaya is scheduled to be back in court on 2 March in relation to separate rape allegations involving two other complainants.
It's not about pouring rain for dishonest living, it's seeing the seeds one sowed sprouting and bearing bitter fruit. Instead of taking heed and acknowledges what he did, he will continue to dig deep while seeds sown here and there continue to sprout and grow. And if it indeed pours, it must be the season for rain for there's a time for everything done under the sun like the 28 times in Ecclesiastes 14 against 14
לכל זמן ועת לכל חפץ תחת השמים.