The wife of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries founder, Walter Magaya, Tendai Magaya, has been granted bail after the court ruled there were no compelling reasons to deny her release. The decision comes amid ongoing investigations into allegations that have been under scrutiny since 2023.
During proceedings, magistrate Mrs Marehwanazvo Gofa acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations against Tendai but stressed that the gravity of the charges alone is insufficient to justify denying bail.
“In this case, the court finds the explanations provided by the accused to be plausible,” Magistrate Gofa stated.
“There are no compelling reasons submitted by the State to deny her bail. The accused is not a flight risk.”
The magistrate highlighted that Tendai had been under investigation for over two years. Had she intended to evade justice, she would have had ample opportunity to leave the country during this period. Her continued presence in Zimbabwe, the court noted, signaled a willingness to face the charges against her.
“Denying her bail under these circumstances would amount to a travesty of justice,” Magistrate Gofa added.
“It defies common sense to assume she would flee now when she has had ample opportunity to do so previously.”
The court also observed that the State’s case against Tendai appeared weak. The concerns raised by the prosecution could be mitigated through strict bail conditions rather than pretrial detention.
Tendai was therefore granted bail under several conditions aimed at ensuring compliance and preventing interference with the legal process. She was ordered to deposit US$500, surrender her passport to authorities, and report once every two weeks at the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Waterfalls Station. Additionally, she must continue residing at her registered address and is prohibited from interfering with witnesses involved in the case.
The magistrate’s ruling underscores the court’s commitment to balancing the seriousness of criminal allegations with the rights of the accused. In her ruling, Magistrate Gofa emphasized that bail is a right unless the State can provide compelling reasons to justify pretrial detention.
Both Tendai and her husband, Walter Magaya, are expected to appear in court again on 18 November 2025. The State is represented by Mr Clemence Chimbare, while the accused are represented by Mr Admire Rubaya and Mr Everson Chatambudza
Magaya’s Wife Granted Bail After Court Overrules State Objections
The case has attracted considerable public attention given Walter Magaya’s high profile as a religious leader and the couple’s prominence in Zimbabwean society. Legal analysts note that the granting of bail reflects the judiciary’s adherence to principles of justice, even in cases involving well-known figures, ensuring that detention is not used arbitrarily.
Observers also point out that Tendai’s compliance with the bail conditions will be closely monitored. Her regular check-ins with law enforcement and restrictions on movement are designed to safeguard the integrity of the ongoing investigation. Failure to adhere to these conditions could result in her bail being revoked and further legal action taken.
The ruling has sparked discussion about the broader legal processes for high-profile individuals in Zimbabwe, emphasizing that access to bail is not contingent on social status but on legal principles and the merits of the case. Magistrate Gofa’s ruling reiterates that even individuals facing serious charges have a right to liberty unless there is demonstrable evidence that they pose a flight risk or may obstruct justice.
As the case progresses, attention will now shift to the next court appearance on 18 November, when both Tendai and Walter Magaya are expected to answer further to the charges against them. The proceedings will continue to be closely watched by legal observers, media, and the public, given the profile of the accused and the public interest surrounding PHD Ministries.
In summary, Tendai Magaya’s bail grant reflects a measured judicial decision, balancing the seriousness of the charges against her with her demonstrated willingness to cooperate with the investigation. The case continues to unfold, highlighting the careful scrutiny the courts apply in high-profile matters while upholding the rights of accused individuals.
Source- Herald
