HARARE – The legal woes of Prophet Walter Magaya have deepened significantly, with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of Zimbabwe confirming he now faces a staggering 78 counts of fraud. This marks a dramatic escalation from the initial 13 counts detailed in earlier court documents.
In a statement, the NPA outlined the state’s case, accusing the leader of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries of two primary fraudulent schemes. Firstly, it’s alleged that he collected “various amounts of money from his congregants after misrepresenting that he had stands for sale” in various locations across Zimbabwe. Secondly, he is accused of misrepresenting “various business ventures for congregants to invest in,” where he allegedly purported “they would get a 50% return in 6 months.” The NPA bulletin states that, as a direct result of these alleged misrepresentations, “the complainants lost various amounts of money.”
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has stated it has uncovered a coordinated international scheme to derail the criminal cases facing Magaya. National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi issued a strong warning that anyone attempting to tamper with witnesses or investigations would face arrest.
Comm Nyathi said authorities were tracking a team allegedly led by South Africa based Albertina Saikonda which is reportedly mobilising huge sums of cash to derail court processes.
He said: “The Zimbabwe Republic Police is fully aware of coordinated efforts by a team led by Albertina Saikonda based in South Africa to raise funds to the tune of US$200 000 or more. The money will then be used to approach and compromise the Police investigators, prosecutors, magistrates and judges so as to derail the whole criminal investigations and court proceedings.”
He warned that the law would come down hard on anyone who attempts to bribe officials or silence witnesses. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police therefore warns individuals, groups and associates that they will be arrested as the law will definitely take effect without fear or favour,” said Comm Nyathi.
Police have also reported receiving calls from across the world from alleged victims of Magaya who want to formally report rape and fraud allegations.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has availed cellphone number +263 776 830 226, National Complaints number+263 (0242) 703 631 and WhatsApp number +263 712 800 197 for anyone to freely report and allow the Zimbabwe Republic Police to conduct investigations.”
Alleged victims in Zimbabwe, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia or “any country” were urged to come forward. “For those victims in South Africa, please feel free to go to the local Police Station to report and have your statement notarized and formally submitted to the Zimbabwean Embassy,” said Comm Nyathi.
With allegations now stretching across borders, police say they are monitoring the situation with “keen interest” and urged anyone approached with cash, offers or intimidation to immediately report. “All potential witnesses should report anyone dangling any form of offers or cash or promises to the police for swift action to be taken,” Comm Nyathi said.
Concerns have also been raised by the police regarding the leaking of private numbers of investigators. Last week, Comm Nyathi cautioned, “Individuals and groups, including social media platforms such as COZWA and Crime Watch Zimbabwe, are cautioned against publishing individual officers’ and investigators’ personal cellphone numbers or contact details.”
The crack team that arrested Magaya in a pre-dawn raid in Waterfalls, Harare, included senior police officers drawn from various parts of the country. National Police Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the composition of the crack team adding that it is the prerogative of the Commissioner General to deploy officers on different tasks.
Notably, Superintendent Elizabeth Chipfakacha, who was under investigation for allegedly demanding bribes, was part of the arresting team. Sources indicate that the practice of tasking officers on missions outside their provinces is common because officers in the locality of a wanted suspect could be compromised. The same happened when officers from Harare were brought in to arrest Masvingo’s top land barons Ephraim Gwanongodza and Godhati Dunira
It was revealed by Detective Constable Brighton Gwadzoka of CID headquarters, Police Anti-Corruption Unit that cops from Harare were brought in because the Officer-in-Charge at Chikato Police Station and Masvingo CID Law and order had ignored a report against the land barons.
Chipfakacha was reported to then Commissioner General Godwin Matanga on October 4, 2024, on various allegations including soliciting protection fees and illegal mining in the Hillside hills in Masvingo.
Mutamba said investigations against Chipfakacha were being carried out and he promised to make the findings public.
There were only two officers from outside Harare and these are Chipfakacha and a Superintendent Ndhlovu. Ten cops from Harare were on the mission plus a contingent from Police Support Unit.
Chipfakacha who according to sources has served around 20 years at one station in Masvingo, led the team together with Ndhlovu.
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