Prophet Walter Magaya, the controversial founder of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries, is facing what many describe as the most serious crisis of his career. His once-glittering religious empire is teetering on the edge of collapse after his recent arrest and detention on rape and fraud charges, casting doubt over the future of his flagship event — the Night of Turnaround.
For years, the Night of Turnaround has been one of Zimbabwe’s largest annual religious gatherings, attracting tens of thousands of followers from across the region, including South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique, and Namibia. The event has long served as the cornerstone of Magaya’s ministry, symbolizing faith, miracles, and prosperity for his followers. But with its leader now behind bars and facing grave criminal charges, the once-thriving spectacle may struggle to survive.
According to investigations by ZimEye, the Night of Turnaround was not merely a spiritual gathering — it was the financial heartbeat of Magaya’s empire. The event reportedly generated millions through the sale of “anointed” merchandise such as oils, wristbands, and water bottles marketed as possessing divine healing powers or spiritual protection. These items, often priced beyond the reach of poor congregants, were presented as essential tokens of faith.
Former insiders say that Magaya also conducted exclusive one-on-one prophetic sessions with selected believers, charging exorbitant fees for personal consultations. Staff were allegedly instructed to prioritize “financially able” members, effectively turning faith into a pay-to-pray enterprise. “The Night of Turnaround was less about salvation and more about sales,” one former church aide told investigators. “Everything had a price tag — healing, prophecy, and even access to the prophet himself.”
Critics and former congregants have long accused Magaya of running what they call a “spiritual business operation disguised as a revival crusade,” designed to sustain his opulent lifestyle and fund ventures ranging from property to media projects.
Prophet Walter Magaya’s Empire on the Brink as Arrest Threatens Night of Turnaround Event
Despite widespread speculation that this year’s Night of Turnaround might be canceled, senior church officials insist that the event will go ahead. Overseer Admire Mango, one of Magaya’s top aides, confirmed the church’s decision to proceed in a statement to ZimEye.
“The Night of Turnaround will continue, regardless of our leader’s current situation,” Mango declared. “We respect the laws of our country and await the course of justice, trusting that God is in control.”
Meanwhile, from his remand cell, Magaya released an audio message circulated in PHD church groups. In it, he portrayed his arrest as a divine test. “I am carrying a big cross right now,” he said. “This is necessary for my spiritual growth and for your deliverance. Every trial has a purpose in God’s plan.”
Magaya was arrested following a dramatic police raid at his prayer mountain in Prospect last Saturday. He was subsequently charged with five counts of rape and 13 counts of fraud. His wife, Tendai Magaya, also faces related fraud allegations but was granted US$500 bail, while the prophet remains in custody.
According to court documents, Magaya and his associates allegedly defrauded congregants of more than US$40,000 between 2016 and 2018 through bogus land and farming investment schemes in Chishawasha, Norton, Mutare, Bulawayo, and Kwekwe. Using biblical verses such as Genesis 13:9 — “A vast land is out there and available to you” — Magaya is accused of misleading followers into believing that PHD Ministries owned the properties.
Investigations have further revealed that he falsely claimed ownership of former Reserve Bank governor Gideon Gono’s New Donnington Farm, where he allegedly sold residential stands without any legal authority. Gono has since confirmed that the land was never for sale.
Two of Magaya’s aides were also arrested for obstructing justice and resisting arrest during the police operation.
At Monday’s court appearance, Harare regional magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa ruled that Magaya had a case to answer and dismissed defense arguments that his detention exceeded the 48-hour constitutional limit. The courtroom was packed with hundreds of PHD followers, many singing hymns and praying for his release. The magistrate ordered that the rape bail proceedings be conducted in camera due to the sensitive nature of the allegations.
Legal experts say the case could reshape how Zimbabwean law enforcement deals with influential church figures, who for years have operated beyond scrutiny. A senior official from the Ministry of Home Affairs told ZimEye that Magaya’s prosecution marks “a turning point in holding religious leaders accountable for abuse of trust.”
Magaya’s downfall comes after years of controversy. Since 2015, ZimEye has published exposés detailing allegations of sexual exploitation, psychological manipulation, and financial deception within PHD Ministries. One leaked recording featured his late mentor, Nigerian televangelist TB Joshua, warning him that “the anointed can fall if he ignores accountability.”
In 2018, Magaya sparked international outrage after falsely claiming to have discovered a cure for HIV and cancer, a statement he later withdrew under government pressure. His attempt to run for the ZIFA presidency in 2025 was also blocked due to a lack of qualifications.
Now, with his freedom, reputation, and ministry on the line, Walter Magaya’s empire faces its most defining test yet. What was once hailed as the “Night of Turnaround” may instead become the night his fortunes turned in the opposite direction.
Source- ZimEye
