Walter Magaya

Walter Magaya
Born	(1983-11-06) 6 November 1983 Zimbabwe
Nationality	Zimbabwean
Occupation(s)	Sect leader, self-proclaimed prophet
Known for	Fraudulent claims about HIV/AIDS cure, financial exploitation, sexual abuse allegations
Criminal status	Convicted of fraud

Walter Magaya is a Zimbabwean sect leader and self-proclaimed prophet known for his fraudulent claims about curing HIV/AIDS, financial exploitation, and multiple allegations of sexual abuse. He is the founder of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries (P.H.D), which he uses as a vehicle for personal enrichment rather than genuine religious or spiritual leadership.

Background

Magaya was born on 6 November 1983 in Mhondoro Ngezi, Zimbabwe, and grew up in Chitungwiza. He was previously a member of the Catholic Charismatic group Blood of the Lamb Christian Community (BLCC) before establishing his own ministry in 2012, following a visit to Nigerian preacher T. B. Joshua. Magaya claims that Joshua anointed him to become a prophet.

Establishment of P.H.D Ministries

In 2012, Magaya founded P.H.D Ministries, presenting himself as a miraculous healer capable of solving financial and health problems. His ministry rapidly gained followers, overshadowing predecessors Emmanuel Makandiwa and Uebert Angel.

Fraudulent Medical Claims

In October 2018, Magaya publicly announced that he had discovered a cure for HIV and cancer, a claim that had no scientific backing. He asserted that his herbal remedy, "Aguma," was entirely natural and could eliminate these diseases within 14 days. He asserted that the drug was "100% organic" and had no side effects.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police raided Magaya’s offices in November 2018 after government authorities dismissed his claims as fraudulent and dangerous.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Zimbabwean government condemned his claims as dangerous and fraudulent. He was prosecuted and convicted for violating the Medicines Control Act by distributing an unapproved drug. Despite facing legal consequences, Magaya continues his deceptive practices by promoting questionable products.

The Zimbabwean government denounced his claims as criminal, leading to a police raid on his offices. Authorities alleged that Magaya attempted to destroy evidence by flushing the herbal sachets down toilets and burning containers before they could be seized.

Magaya leverages his position as a "prophet" to exploit his followers financially. His organization promises miraculous healing and wealth, but skeptics argue that he is primarily concerned with enriching himself. He has marketed several dubious products, including a lipstick he claimed could regulate blood pressure.

Legal Proceedings

Magaya was charged under the Medicines Control Act for distributing an unapproved drug. In court, his lawyer, Everson Chatambudza, stated that Magaya believed in the authenticity of Aguma but acknowledged that he had breached the law by failing to secure approval from the health ministry.

In February 2019, a Zimbabwean court convicted Magaya of fraud for illegally manufacturing and marketing Aguma without government approval. He was fined $700 (£540).

Despite the legal consequences, Magaya continues to operate his religious ministry and has previously marketed other controversial products, including a lipstick which he claimed could improve blood pressure.

Sexual Allegations

2016 Rape Charges and Affair with Church Member

In August 2016, Magaya was arrested on rape charges. According to the case, he had raped an MSU student, Petronella Donhodzo Mandaza, at one of his residences in Harare, and had later given her $200. He was released on US $2,000 bail shortly afterwards to appear in court again for trial. Magaya had indicated days earlier that he was the target of extortion.

In November 2016, Donhodzo attempted to withdraw the rape charges. In withdrawal affidavits dated 8 November 2016 and 15 November 2016, that were slipped under the door at the Harare Provincial Magistrate's office, Donhodzo stated that she had been receiving death threats from unknown people who wanted her to proceed with the trial and secure Magaya's conviction.

The affidavits did not clarify why she withdrew the case despite alleged threats. The application to withdraw the rape charges was rejected.

On 1 December 2016, Donhodzo addressed a letter to Acting PG Ray Goba accompanied by an affidavit, insisting that she was never raped and that the accusations were false.

Despite her withdrawal attempt, the State decided to proceed with the trial, arguing it had jurisdiction over the matter. Magaya's lawyers later sought intervention from the constitutional court.

In January 2017, a video of Magaya admitting to an affair with Donhodzo surfaced online. Magaya did not dispute its authenticity but claimed that his confession had been extracted through extortion by a police officer demanding $500,000.

Following reports of leaked recordings, a video surfaced in which Magaya allegedly confessed to police that he had an affair with Donhodzo. He also stated that another church member, Kudakwashe, had extorted him. Shortly after, multiple phone conversations between Magaya and Donhodzo were leaked on Youtube, reportedly capturing discussions about financial transactions related to their affair. In these conversations, Donhodzo allegedly expressed frustration over Magaya’s lack of availability and requested financial compensation. One particular conversation reportedly involved Magaya agreeing to pay $100,000 in exchange for silence. Other recordings purportedly show discussions about transferring money into Donhodzo’s CBZ account, with concerns raised over potential money laundering risks. While the authenticity of these recordings has been debated, their release intensified public scrutiny over Magaya’s conduct.

In January 2018, Magaya was summoned to court again on the same matter, with the State arguing that he had coerced the complainant into withdrawing her accusations.

In an attempt to nullify a 2019 High Court ruling authorizing the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) to investigate allegations of sexual abuse, Magaya approached the Supreme Court. In October 2021, the Supreme Court dismissed Magaya's appeal, ruling that preventing the ZGC from conducting investigations would violate legal statutes. Justice Marie-Anne Gowora upheld the decision, dismissing the appeal as meritless.

2019 Sexual Abuse Allegations

In 2019, Magaya was accused of multiple cases of sexual abuse and rape:

• On 28 June, a couple, Godfrey and Molly Maenzanise, alleged that Magaya had raped their daughter when she was 17. The daughter later appeared in a video with her husband denying the claims.
• On 7 July, The Sunday Mail reported that two women, Sarah Maruta and Charity Dhlodhlo, accused Magaya of rape and claimed he had abused other young women within his congregation.

Despite some alleged victims retracting their accusations under dubious circumstances, critics believe Magaya uses intimidation tactics to silence accusers.

Controversies and Legal Issues

Stands Saga

Around July 2016, Magaya’s construction company Planet Africa signed a memorandum of agreement with the Ministry for 300ha of land. Documents indicate Planet Africa paid a deposit of US$100,000 on August 10. On August 17, Minister Saviour Kasukuwere withdrew all offer letters except for Magaya's company, Planet Africa.

It is alleged that Planet Africa was subsequently offered land reserved for Zanu-PF youths, with some quarters speaking of an “improper relationship” between the minister and the prophet.

Conversion of the Pole Dancer, Bev

In early 2014, Prophet Magaya reportedly converted popular exotic dancer Beverly Sibanda, leading many to join his church. Magaya opened a boutique for Bev to support her financially after she quit pole dancing. However, their relationship soured within three months when Bev was allegedly attacked by Magaya’s bouncers.

Killer Crusade

In November 2014, Prophet Magaya hosted a crusade in Kwekwe focused on deliverance. Due to a stampede while trying to access anointing oil, 11 people died. Some media outlets blamed the police for closing all exits except one, making it difficult for people to escape.

Attack on Vapositori

Magaya denounced Apostolic Sects (Vapositori) in his book Marine Spirits (Mweya Yemumvura Teaching), claiming they were connected to dark forces. He argued that their shrines, often surrounded by bottles of water, symbolized the marine kingdom. Despite his critique, PHD Ministries regularly uses holy water.

Government officials later intervened in the debate.

Tax Evasion

In 2019, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) garnished Magaya’s PHD Ministries accounts for $22 million in tax arrears. In 2018, Zimra raided Magaya’s businesses, including a hotel owned by the church, a tile manufacturing factory, and a farming concern.

Donations to Zimbabwe National Soccer Team

On 13 May 2015, Magaya donated $56,000 to the Zimbabwe National Soccer Team ahead of its COSAFA games after ZIFA failed to raise funds. Players were instructed to attend Magaya’s church, where they received gifts and prayers.

On 12 June 2015, Magaya again covered expenses for the men’s national soccer team, paying their outstanding allowances and travel costs for their AFCON 2017 qualifier match.

Magaya had previously donated funds to the National Women’s Soccer Team.

Political Affiliation

While Magaya has denied affiliation with Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU PF), he has stated publicly that President Robert Mugabe was "God-given" and that people should remain loyal to him.

Business Interests

In 2015, Magaya announced a USD $10 billion project, which included various partnerships and his company Yadah TV.

Magaya Swindles Mining Equipment Supplier

In 2020, Magaya’s company Yadah Connect allegedly took mining equipment worth over USD $30,000 on credit from Matabeleland Engineering. Despite multiple extensions, Magaya failed to pay, prompting the supplier to issue a seven-day ultimatum before taking legal action.

Affiliation with Gunners Football Club

In 2015, Magaya was rumored to have acquired controlling stakes in Gunners Football Club from its founder Cuthbert Chitima, a PHD Ministries Elder.

Magaya broadcast Gunners FC matches on Yadah TV, leading to the team being nicknamed "Yadah Gunners."

He also pledged financial and spiritual support for national football teams.

Talent Show Launch

In March 2018, Magaya’s company Planet Africa launched an African Talent Show with a grand prize of $1 million, aimed at promoting talent across Africa. Auditions were conducted through Yadah Television at his hotel in Waterfalls, Harare.