Prophet Magaya has once again ignited widespread controversy and amusement online after photos and videos surfaced showing him praying over and anointing crates of apples. The viral images sparked an avalanche of social media reactions, ranging from humor and disbelief to sharp criticism.
In a post made on his official Facebook page ahead of the Sunday service, Magaya declared the day to be a special spiritual occasion dubbed “Fruit Sunday.” He announced that congregants at his Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries (PHD) church would receive what he described as “prophetic mantles” in the form of anointed apples—fruits he claimed had been spiritually prepared to unlock “fruitfulness and breakthrough” in the lives of believers.
“These are not ordinary fruits,” the post read. “They are anointed mantles, consecrated as prophetic points of contact, carrying the power of God for fruitfulness, deliverance, and divine breakthrough.”
Prophet Magaya’s Apple Anointing Sparks Frenzy and Debate Across Zimbabwe
Magaya further explained that the apples had been taken to the sacred Prayer Mountain, placed in a “special place of prayer,” and personally consecrated by him. He urged his followers not to miss the service and to bring others along to partake in the “Season of Harvest,” promising spiritual and material blessings.
“Make sure you are in church tomorrow—and don’t come alone. Bring someone with you to receive this free blessing and encounter the power of God in this appointed season,” he wrote, referencing John 15:16 to bolster his message.
However, as images of the ritual circulated online, they triggered a tidal wave of social media commentary, mostly laced with mockery and skepticism. On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), users shared memes and humorous commentary, questioning the authenticity and purpose of the apple anointing practice.
One user joked, “We’ve moved from miracle pens to miracle apples—are miracle mangoes next?” Another quipped, “Anointed apples? This is iFruit 2.0. Next stop: spiritual smoothies!”
While some viewed the spectacle as harmless or comedic, others were more critical, accusing Prophet Magaya of manipulating desperate people seeking divine intervention in the face of poverty and hardship.
“This is spiritual exploitation disguised as ministry,” wrote one user. “People are struggling, and instead of encouraging practical solutions, you give them fruit and call it a breakthrough.”
Prophet Magaya is no stranger to controversy. Over the years, he has been in the headlines for a range of contentious claims, including offering supposed cures for incurable diseases, and other unconventional spiritual practices. His blend of prosperity gospel and prophetic performance has made him both a highly followed and heavily scrutinized figure in Zimbabwe’s religious landscape.
Critics argue that such stunts reflect a troubling trend among some charismatic churches that blur the lines between faith and spectacle. They warn that such acts can exploit emotional vulnerability and divert people from pursuing real solutions to life’s challenges.
But Prophet Magaya’s supporters see him differently. Many remain fiercely loyal and believe in the spiritual power of symbolic acts, citing personal testimonies of miracles, healing, and divine provision. For these followers, the apple anointing was not a gimmick but a legitimate extension of their faith.
“In the Bible, God used simple things—staffs, mud, water—to perform miracles. Why not apples?” said one congregant who attended the Fruit Sunday service. “I believe God can use anything to bless us.”
The incident has once again raised broader questions about the regulation of religious practices in Zimbabwe. With the rise of charismatic and Pentecostal movements, public debates around authenticity, accountability, and the commercialization of faith have intensified.
Despite the criticism, Prophet Magaya remains unfazed and continues to embrace public attention, often saying that his ministry is misunderstood by outsiders. Whether seen as a spiritual leader, a showman, or a controversial figure, one thing remains clear—Prophet Magaya knows how to command the national conversation.
As the dust settles from the apple anointing saga, Zimbabweans are once again left divided: some amused, others outraged, and many still wondering where the line lies between faith, theatrics, and manipulation in the modern religious world.
Source- Bulawayo24
