Controversial PHD Ministries leader Walter Magaya faces a prolonged period in custody after Harare magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa dismissed his application for release yesterday.
This development comes as Magaya battles serious allegations of rape and fraud, casting a long shadow over his ministry and its upcoming events. Given the high-profile nature of the case, it’s plausible that President Mnangagwa was notified before Magaya’s arrest, and may have even authorised the police action, as is often the protocol for such significant arrests.
Magaya’s legal woes took a dramatic turn following a police raid at his prayer mountain in the early hours of Saturday, resulting in his arrest. While his wife, Tendai Magaya, who was arrested on the same day, secured her freedom on US$500 bail, the prophet’s fate remains uncertain.
Magaya is expected to return to court on November 18th.
In a contrasting turn of events, Magistrate Gofa deemed Tendai Magaya a suitable candidate for bail. In her ruling, she stated that the State had failed to provide compelling reasons to deny her release. In addition to the US$500 bail, Tendai Magaya was ordered to surrender her passport, report to the nearest police station every fortnight, and refrain from interfering with any witnesses.
“The fact that the accused is facing a serious offence does not bar the court from granting her bail,” Gofa stated. “The court finds that at least the accused gave a plausible reason for the court to rule otherwise… and that the issues submitted by the State do not show compelling reasons.”
The magistrate further questioned the State’s prolonged investigation, noting that “Surely for two years the State has not finalised the investigations. Since 2023, she could have run away to the United Kingdom, so she is not a flight risk.”
Gofa emphasised the importance of thorough investigation before arrest, stating that “The law requires investigating before arrest [and] not [to] arrest and investigate. The State’s allegations against the accused person are too weak to deny her bail.” She also stated that Tendai hasn’t shown signs to interfere or flee hence she’s a good candidate for bail.
Magaya, on the other hand, opted not to apply for bail on the fraud charges at the magistrates court. Instead, his legal team intends to submit a comprehensive bail application at the High Court, encompassing both the fraud and rape allegations.
The fraud charges stem from allegations that the Magayas, as directors of Planet Africa and Yadah Connect, defrauded PHD Ministries’ congregants and other prospective homeowners. It is alleged that sometime in 2016, they misrepresented that they had acquired land for housing construction in various locations, including Chishawasha, Norton, Westgate, Fern Valley in Mutare, Bulawayo, Kwekwe, Arcturus, Ruwa, Manyame, and Nyatsime.
According to the State, the Magayas held a church service at PHD Ministries where they told congregants that there was land for development. Magaya allegedly announced that God had instructed him to assist members of the church and others to build houses, and that they were supposed to buy the land from Planet Africa.
The prosecution alleges that the Magayas produced and distributed a pamphlet with pictures of the purported land. They further misrepresented by advertising mining, farming, and beekeeping projects, claiming these would assist members in building their houses.
During 2016, complainants allegedly paid various amounts at the church offices. Memoranda of understanding were signed, in which the Magayas allegedly misrepresented that Planet Africa had been allocated land by the Local Government and Public Works ministry.
In 2017, the Magayas allegedly approached former central bank governor Gideon Gono seeking a farming contract at New Donnington Farms on a lease basis for a year. They then allegedly transported congregants to New Donnington Farm in Norton, falsely claiming ownership of the farm. The complainants later discovered that the farm belonged to Gono.
The State claims that PHD Ministries received US$1,600 and R5,000, while Planet Africa (Private) Limited received a total of US$27,300. Yadah Connect allegedly received US$21,340, R190,000, and ZWD1,000, with nothing recovered. The Magayas are accused of allegedly defrauding home seekers of US$42,000 in a non-existent stands scheme.
Meanwhile, Magaya’s aide, Tapiwa Felix Chikondo, was also granted bail yesterday. He is facing charges of obstructing the course of justice and assaulting a police officer during Magaya’s arrest.
Chikondo, a corporal in the Zimbabwe National Army stationed at Rusununguko Holdings, was released on US$300 bail. He is required to report to Waterfalls Police Station every fortnight and not to interfere with witnesses.
The court heard that on Saturday, a team of police officers arrived at the entrance of Magaya’s prayer mountain to arrest him. Chikondo allegedly drove a sky-blue Nissan Dayz at high speed, blocking the police vehicle.
He allegedly questioned the officers’ presence, claiming they did not have permission to be there. When Detective Inspector Mashizha identified himself and his team, Chikondo allegedly told them to leave, stating that it was his place.
Chikondo then allegedly pushed Detective Assistant Inspector Chifamba to the ground. Detective Inspector Mashizha intervened and arrested Chikondo.
As Magaya remains in custody, he is set to miss PHD Ministries’ Night of Turnaround, a major event scheduled for Friday at the ministry’s headquarters in Waterfalls, Harare.
The Night of Turnaround is one of PHD Ministries’ largest annual events, attracting followers from neighbouring countries such as South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique, and Namibia. It remains to be seen how Magaya’s legal challenges will impact attendance this year.
Despite the circumstances, Overseer Admire Mango, a senior figure at PHD, has affirmed that the Night of Turnaround will proceed as planned.
“The Night of Turnaround will go ahead, regardless of our leader’s current situation,” he said. “We respect the laws of our country and await the course of justice. It’s essential that we honour court proceedings. This is a phase beyond our control but we trust that God is in complete command.”
Mango urged the PHD Ministry family to remain steadfast in their faith and to pray for Magaya’s freedom.
In an audio message posted on the PHD WhatsApp group, Magaya addressed his followers, stating that the legal challenges he is facing are necessary for the benefit of his spirit and his mission as a prophet.
“I am carrying a big cross right now which is necessary for growth and deliverance of your life, come for the night of turnaround,” he said. “The trial I am facing is for the benefit of my spirit, sanctification, my uplift.”
Magaya had been fasting and praying in the days leading up to the Night of Turnaround before his arrest.
On Sunday, PHD senior leader Timothy Marasha delivered a sermon at the church, drawing inspiration from Luke 4:1.
The legal battles facing Prophet Magaya continue to unfold, raising questions about the future of his ministry and the impact on his followers.
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