Prophet Walter Magaya, founder of the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries, was arrested in dramatic fashion while praying at a mountain, in an operation that reportedly involved more than 30 police officers. His wife, Tendai Magaya, was also taken into custody during the incident, sparking widespread debate on social media about the nature of the charges and the manner of their arrest.
The case is being presided over by Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa, with prominent defence attorney A. Mubaya representing the Magaya couple. According to court reports, Prophet Magaya and his wife were supposed to be released by 5 p.m. yesterday, but were instead held from 5:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on November 1 — a move their lawyer says violates their constitutional rights to legal access and fair treatment.
Speaking outside the courtroom, Mubaya expressed frustration, saying the detention was “not only unnecessary but a direct assault on due process.” He added that the couple had been denied contact with their legal team for several hours, a situation he described as “deeply concerning for a democratic society.”
Meanwhile, the State is reportedly pushing for the imposition of fines, while the defence is seeking the couple’s immediate release on remand, arguing that the allegations are exaggerated and politically motivated.
Public opinion remains divided, with some of Magaya’s followers calling it “persecution of a man of God,” while others demand that justice take its course. The matter continues to unfold as thousands of supporters have gathered outside the Harare Magistrates’ Court, praying for the release of their spiritual leaders.
