Prophet Walter Magaya, the founder of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries, turned 42 years old yesterday — but instead of his usual grand celebrations, he spent the day behind bars at Harare Remand Prison, marking what many have called the most difficult week of his ministry.
Magaya’s birthday came just days after his dramatic arrest on Saturday morning during a police raid at his prayer mountain in Waterfalls, Harare. According to reports, more than 30 armed police officers stormed the site while the prophet was praying and fasting. The arrest saw the once-celebrated preacher charged with five counts of rape and 13 counts of fraud involving residential stands allegedly sold through his ministry.
Since his arrest, Magaya has remained in custody, as the courts continue to deliberate on his bail application. The usually vibrant prophet, who once commanded crowds of thousands, now finds himself in a cold prison cell — a setting that contrasts sharply with his lavish lifestyle and public persona.
Despite the grim circumstances, scores of PHD congregants, relatives, and supporters flocked to Harare Remand Prison yesterday to celebrate their leader’s birthday. The prison’s car park was filled with luxury vehicles, as members took turns visiting the prophet and offering words of encouragement.
Many were seen kneeling in prayer near the prison gates, singing hymns and declaring that Magaya’s troubles were “temporary trials.” For them, the prophet’s incarceration was not a moment of defeat but a spiritual test.
“Church members and relatives have been visiting Prophet Magaya since morning,” said one PHD member who spoke to H-Metro. “Some were told he needed to rest, but we came to comfort him and celebrate his special day. We believe this is just a passing storm.”
Among those visiting was Magaya’s wife, Tendai, who was also arrested during the police raid but later released on US$500 bail. She was accompanied by their son, Walter Junior, who has been leading church services in his father’s absence. After visiting her husband, Tendai reportedly hosted some of the congregants who had come to show their support, thanking them for standing by the family during a difficult time.
Messages of Support Flood Social Media
Prominent figures, including local musicians and celebrities, joined PHD members in celebrating Magaya’s 42nd birthday online. Dancehall star Seh Calaz posted a heartfelt tribute, describing Magaya as a “true servant of God” and commending his influence on the lives of many Zimbabweans.
“Today we celebrate the life of a true servant of God — a man whose wisdom, humility, and unshakable faith have transformed countless lives,” Seh Calaz wrote. “Prophet, you are not just a leader but a father, mentor, and inspiration to many across Zimbabwe and beyond.”
The message quickly went viral among Magaya’s followers, who flooded the comments section with prayers, Bible verses, and declarations of faith.
Prophet Magaya Turns 42 Behind Bars as Followers Gather in Prayer During His Most Turbulent Week
Magaya’s latest birthday stands in stark contrast to the lavish celebrations of previous years. Known for his flair and generosity, he often used his birthdays to host grand charity galas and church events.
In 2019, Magaya famously auctioned off a tailor-made jacket designed specifically for his birthday celebration — raising US$12,000, which he donated to a women’s empowerment initiative to help buy sanitary wear. “I didn’t want to let it go,” he said at the time, “but because of the amount pledged, I donated it to Women of Valour to buy their sanitary wear.”
Those close to him say that yesterday’s quiet, sombre celebration serves as a powerful symbol of how drastically his circumstances have changed. For a man once surrounded by lights, cameras, and adoring crowds, the walls of Harare Remand Prison mark an unthinkable low point.
Magaya’s arrest has also cast a shadow over the Night of Turnaround, PHD Ministries’ biggest annual event, which begins tonight in Waterfalls. Traditionally drawing tens of thousands of attendees from across Southern Africa, the gathering has long been central to Magaya’s religious empire.
There were fears earlier this week that the event would be cancelled due to the prophet’s legal troubles. However, senior PHD officials confirmed that the show would go on. “The Night of Turnaround will proceed as planned,” one church leader said. “We believe God is still in control, and Prophet Magaya’s spirit remains with us.”
Foreign delegates from countries such as South Africa, Zambia, and Botswana have reportedly been arriving in Zimbabwe throughout the week. Many of them, unable to meet Magaya, have followed his court proceedings closely, standing by him in prayer both inside and outside the courtroom.
For Prophet Magaya, turning 42 in prison marks a defining moment — a symbolic turning point in a life and ministry marked by both adoration and controversy. As his legal battles unfold, his followers remain divided between faith in his innocence and concern over the serious nature of the allegations.
Still, for the hundreds who gathered to pray for him yesterday, the message was clear: they believe their prophet will rise again. And as PHD Ministries prepares for the Night of Turnaround, many see Magaya’s current ordeal as its own test of faith — a storm that, in their eyes, will eventually pass.
Source- Herald
