Harare – Walter Magaya, the founder of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries, was arrested Saturday on multiple charges of rape and fraud, marking a significant development in a case concerning one of Zimbabwe’s most prominent religious leaders.

According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Magaya was taken into custody during an early morning operation. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of church leader Walter Magaya in connection with several reports of rape and fraud,” said national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi . He confirmed the arrest was carried out by a police crack team .

The arrest occurred at Magaya’s church offices in Harare, where a team of detectives arrived in several unmarked vehicles to seize the 41-year-old cleric . Commissioner Nyathi indicated that while investigations are ongoing, more details will be made public in due course .

This is not Magaya’s first encounter with the law. In 2019, he was convicted for contravening the Medicines Control Act after falsely claiming he had discovered a herbal cure for HIV and AIDS . He was fined $700 for distributing the unapproved drug, named “aguma,” which he claimed could eliminate the virus within 14 days .

Earlier this year, Magaya faced further scrutiny after Zimbabwe’s anti-corruption commission investigated him for allegedly submitting fraudulent academic qualifications. The University of South Africa had denied that he ever studied or graduated from the institution .

Magaya founded PHD Ministries in 2012 and built a substantial following through promises of miracle healing and prophecy . His arrest is one of the most high-profile cases involving a religious leader in Zimbabwe in recent years and is expected to provoke significant public reaction .

Allegations of rape have followed Magaya for some time, with several female church members previously coming forward with abuse claims . The national Gender Commission had previously launched its own investigation into these allegations, though its findings were never publicly released .

As of Saturday afternoon, police had not released specific details on the number of complainants or when Magaya is scheduled to appear in court .