Online Reporter
Court Correspondent
The founder of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries, Prophet Walter Magaya, and his wife Tendai Magaya are scheduled to appear in court tomorrow for routine remand proceedings.
The couple is currently out on bail, with Magaya having paid US$3 000 and his wife US$500.
The Magayas face fraud charges linked to their companies, Planet Africa Private Limited and Yadah Connect Private Limited.
They are accused of defrauding 13 complainants of a combined total of US$49 240 and R195 000 in a botched land deal.
According to the State, the Magayas misrepresented to congregants that they had residential stands for sale in various locations across Zimbabwe.
Additionally, they allegedly solicited investments in various business ventures, promising a 50 percent return within six months. Many congregants fell victim to these promises, losing substantial amounts of money in the process.
In a related development, the National Prosecuting Authority has disclosed that Prophet Magaya is now facing a total of 78 counts of fraud.
Furthermore, he has been charged with five counts of rape, one of which involves allegedly fathering a child with one of the victims. These incidents reportedly occurred between 2018 and 2023, involving two complainants.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has placed Magaya under close surveillance due to allegations of interference with ongoing investigations and judicial proceedings. Over the weekend, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi revealed that individuals and syndicates were attempting to derail the legal process.
“The ZRP warns individuals and syndicates who have intensified efforts to interfere with and obstruct the course of justice in the ongoing investigations and court appearances of PHD Ministries leader, Walter Magaya,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He further stated that a syndicate, reportedly led by Albertina Saikonda and operating from South Africa, is allegedly raising more than US$200 000 in Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Australia to bribe investigators, prosecutors, and judicial officers.
Commissioner Nyathi warned that anyone found obstructing justice would face arrest.
