Harare – Zimbabwe police on Saturday arrested popular controversial church pastor, Walter Magaya on charges of rape and fraud.
”The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) church leader, Walter Magaya in connection with several reports of rape and fraud. The suspect was arrested early today by a police crack team,” police spokesman Commissioner Paul Nyathi said in a statement.
Nyathi said more details will follow.
Magaya became rich from church tithes over the years. He has established a large following in Zimbabwe and in regional countries.
Once he claimed he has found a cure for HIV and AIDS, hoodwinking his followers.
Magaya has been accused of rape and fraud in the past but he has been spared arrest because of his close links to the ruling ZANU PF and top government officials.
His followers praise him as a man of God but his critics see him as a con man and criminal.
Magaya built a massive church, lodge and has been investing in several business ventures.
Magaya has been accused of bribing the police, government officials, journalists and media owners to evade arrest and stop being exposed.
Magaya was recently given a brand-new Mercedes-Benz GLS600 Maybach and US$100,000 in cash by controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
In addition, his wife,Magaya was receive a 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series VXR along with US$50,000 cash.