The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a dramatic warning to the public, alleging that supporters of PHD Ministries leader Prophet Walter Magaya are mobilising a US$200,000 war chest intended to bribe police officers, prosecutors and members of the judiciary. The sensational claims were outlined in an official police statement released on 15 November 2025, marking one of the strongest public accusations yet in the high-profile investigations surrounding the prominent preacher.
According to the ZRP, a coordinated and well-resourced syndicate has emerged with the specific aim of disrupting ongoing criminal probes and manipulating court processes linked to Magaya’s growing list of legal troubles. The police statement claims the operation spans multiple countries and is allegedly spearheaded by Albertina Saikonda, a South Africa-based individual described as the coordinator of the fundraising effort.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is fully aware of coordinated efforts by a team led by Albertina Saikonda, based in South Africa, to raise funds to the tune of US$200,000.00 — approximately R3.6 million — in Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Australia,” the statement reads.
While the police did not reveal documentary evidence to support the allegations, the accusations have sent shockwaves across religious, political and legal circles. The suggestion that a network of Magaya’s supporters may be gathering such a large pool of money has triggered heated debate about the integrity of high-stakes criminal cases and the vulnerability of public officials to corruption.
The ZRP statement goes further, explicitly outlining the alleged purpose of the funds. According to police, the money is intended to be used to compromise officials at every level of the justice system, thereby collapsing investigations and influencing outcomes in court.
“The money will then be used to approach and compromise the police investigators, prosecutors, magistrates and judges, among others, so as to derail the whole criminal investigations and court proceedings,” the statement alleges.
Police Allege Magaya Backers Are Raising US$200,000 for Judicial Bribery
This unambiguous accusation signals the seriousness with which the ZRP claims to be treating the matter. The force warned that any attempt to interfere with criminal justice processes will be met with swift and firm retaliation. Individuals or groups caught attempting to bribe officials, obstruct investigations or manipulate legal proceedings will face arrest and prosecution, the police insisted.
The timing of this development is notable. It comes barely days after Prophet Magaya, on 12 November 2025, petitioned the High Court seeking to have his remand placement overturned. Magaya, who is facing multiple rape and fraud charges, has argued that his constitutional rights were violated during his dramatic arrest earlier in November. His lawyers maintain that police failed to follow proper legal procedures, making the case for his immediate release from remand.
The allegations of an external bribery campaign add another layer of complexity to an already politically and socially charged legal saga. For years, Magaya has commanded a large and loyal following, and his high-profile clashes with the law have routinely sparked emotional reactions among supporters. The latest claims by the police suggest they anticipate attempts to manipulate or obstruct the case — and are determined to prevent this.
In a bid to safeguard the integrity of the investigations, the ZRP has issued a fresh appeal to witnesses and members of the public to be vigilant. The police urged anyone approached with offers of money, gifts or inducements meant to influence testimony or cooperation to report the matter immediately.
“All potential witnesses should report anyone dangling any form of offers or cash or promises to the police for swift action to be taken,” the statement emphasises.
To facilitate this, the ZRP has re-shared three dedicated contact numbers for reporting suspicious activity:
• 0776 830 226
• (0242) 703 631 — National Complaints Desk
• 0712 800 197 — WhatsApp line
These contact details were first circulated on 8 November 2025, when the police issued a global appeal encouraging victims and witnesses with information related to the Magaya investigations to come forward. By reissuing the numbers, the ZRP signalled that it is consolidating its public engagement strategy as scrutiny surrounding the case intensifies.
Legal analysts say the police’s bold allegations — whether substantiated or not — illustrate the high sensitivity of Magaya’s case. With the preacher battling for his legal freedom and the police insisting on the existence of a bribery syndicate, the stage is set for a prolonged and contentious legal fight.
For now, the police maintain they will continue investigating without fear or favour. But with tensions rising and allegations multiplying, Zimbabwe’s justice system faces yet another high-stakes test in one of the most closely watched legal battles of the year.
Source- iHarare
