In what many observers describe as a desperate attempt to regain public sympathy, controversial preacher and Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries founder Walter Magaya is reportedly recasting himself as a “prison messiah” — praying for inmates and paying bail for those who cannot afford it while awaiting trial on multiple rape and fraud charges.
Sources at Harare Remand Prison confirmed that Magaya, who has been in custody for several weeks, has been offering financial help to fellow inmates, assisting some with legal representation and others with bail money. Several prisoners have described him as humble and generous, though critics view his gestures as an elaborate public relations strategy designed to soften public perception.
“I got bail money from the prophet. He has assisted many people with money and even lawyers. That man is a humble servant of God,” said one recently released inmate.
Another prisoner added that he had been detained for over five months on armed robbery allegations before Magaya stepped in to help him secure release.
“I made several attempts to get bail but failed. The prophet helped me,” he said.
While these testimonies have earned Magaya brief admiration behind bars, legal experts and victims’ advocates warn that his prison benevolence could be part of a broader effort to manipulate public sentiment as police tighten their investigations into his alleged crimes.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has intensified its probe into the embattled preacher, who faces five counts of rape and 13 counts of fraud. Over the weekend, the ZRP released official contact numbers for victims and witnesses wishing to report cases of sexual abuse, fraud, or intimidation linked to Magaya and his associates.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has availed cellphone number 0776 830 226, National Complaints number (0242) 703 631, and WhatsApp number 0712 800 197 for anyone to freely report and allow the ZRP to conduct investigations,” read part of a police statement.
The police confirmed receiving numerous calls “from people all over the world” seeking clarification on how to report offences related to the PHD Ministries leader. Authorities also urged victims and witnesses based in South Africa, the United Kingdom, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Malawi, and Zambia to use the same channels to submit reports.
Victims residing in South Africa were specifically advised to lodge notarised statements at local police stations and forward them through the Zimbabwean Embassy for official transmission to Harare.
The ZRP also issued a stern warning against anyone attempting to intimidate witnesses or obstruct justice, noting that such conduct would lead to immediate arrest under Section 184 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23].
“Individuals or syndicates trying to interfere with investigations or threaten witnesses risk being arrested for defeating or obstructing the course of justice,” police said.
Magaya’s ‘Prison Charity’ Sparks Debate as Police Intensify Rape and Fraud Investigations
Magaya’s latest troubles mark yet another chapter in a long and controversial ministry that has often attracted both adoration and scandal. Allegations against him — ranging from sexual exploitation to fraudulent business schemes — date back to 2014.
Investigative outlet ZimEye has, over the years, published numerous exposés and leaked recordings that suggest a pattern of deception, manipulation, and abuse within the preacher’s empire. In one leaked audio, Magaya’s late mentor, Nigerian televangelist TB Joshua, is heard warning him of “the fall of the anointed” should he fail to uphold accountability and integrity.
In 2018, Magaya sparked global outrage when he falsely claimed to have discovered a cure for HIV and cancer, a statement he later retracted following pressure from the Ministry of Health. Subsequent investigations also revealed that Magaya had allegedly misrepresented property ownership to lure followers into bogus land and agricultural investment projects — including claims over former Reserve Bank Governor Gideon Gono’s New Donnington Farm.
Court documents show that Magaya allegedly defrauded congregants of over US$40,000 between 2016 and 2018 through fake land schemes in Norton, Mutare, Bulawayo, Kwekwe, and Chishawasha.
Pamphlets distributed by PHD Ministries quoted Genesis 13:9 — “A vast land is out there and available to you” — to persuade believers that the church had acquired legally recognized plots. However, the land was never delivered, leaving hundreds of investors stranded.
Magaya’s wife, Tendai Magaya, who faces related fraud charges, was granted US$500 bail, while two of his aides were arrested for resisting arrest and obstructing justice during a police raid at the church’s Prospect prayer mountain.
During his last court appearance, Harare regional magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa denied Magaya bail, citing the gravity of the rape allegations — which fall under Third Schedule offences and carry lengthy prison sentences upon conviction. The courtroom was packed with emotional congregants singing and praying for his release, forcing the magistrate to order that bail proceedings be held in camera to protect the identities of the victims.
Despite his efforts to portray himself as a charitable and repentant figure within prison walls, critics insist that Magaya’s new “ministry of mercy” cannot erase a history of deception and alleged abuse.
As investigations continue, law enforcement authorities are under growing pressure to ensure justice is not derailed by the preacher’s influence or his attempts to rehabilitate his image.
For now, Magaya’s future — once gilded by fame and wealth — remains uncertain, as both his freedom and reputation hang precariously in the balance.
Source- ZimEye
