Fighting O-Level requirement in court in January, facing rape and fraud charges in November: The story of Walter Magaya

HARARE – In January, Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries leader Walter Magaya was in court battling the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) over his disqualification from contesting in the association’s executive committee elections.

Magaya had been barred by the ZIFA Electoral Committee for failing to submit a required “O” Level certificate, a mandatory qualification for eligibility.

Represented by prominent lawyer Thabani Mpofu, Magaya challenged the decision at the High Court, arguing that his other qualifications should suffice.

However, Justice Tawanda Chitapi dismissed the case, ruling that Magaya had not provided adequate proof of holding an “O” Level certificate.

“It is my view that it is not clear whether the applicant holds any O Level. He did not provide evidence that his diplomas are equivalent to O Level. The issue cannot just be resolved by prayer,” said Justice Chitapi in his judgment.

Fast forward to November, Magaya once again finds himself before the courts, this time facing serious rape and fraud charges.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest:

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Church leader, Walter Magaya, in connection with several reports of rape and fraud. The suspect was arrested early today by a police crack team. More details will be released in due course.”

Since 2014, Magaya has faced a string of controversies and allegations, including rape, fraud, murder, sexual abuse, and claims of curing HIV/AIDS and cancer using a herbal remedy known as Aguma.