Magaya Faces Jail 
3 February 2025
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By Munacho GwamandaControversial preacher Walter Magaya is under investigation by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) over allegations that he submitted a fraudulent diploma from the University of South Africa (UNISA) in his bid to contest for the ZIFA presidency and in a High Court challenge.

The founder of the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries and owner of Yadah Stars Football Club, has built his empire on faith healing, miracle claims, and business ventures.

However, his credibility has often been questioned due to past scandals, ranging from fake prophecies to unfulfilled investment promises.

ZACC has written to ZIFA, requesting the documents Magaya submitted when he applied to run for president in last month’s ZIFA executive committee elections. 

The anti-corruption body has also reached out to the Judicial Service Commission for records of his High Court application, where he challenged ZIFA’s decision to bar him from contesting due to his lack of five O-Level passes.

At the heart of the probe is a purported marketing diploma from UNISA, which the South African university has categorically denied ever issuing to Magaya.

In a statement released on January 29, UNISA stated:

“We do not have Walter Magaya either as a student or a graduate. Any certificate/s he produces which he claims to be from UNISA is/are therefore fraudulent.”

Despite UNISA’s confirmation, Magaya had presented a certified copy of the diploma—verified by Waterfalls police—to ZIFA as proof that he possessed a qualification exceeding the minimum requirement of five O-Level passes.

Magaya has long been a polarising figure, frequently accused of misleading his followers through staged miracles, false prophecies, and fraudulent business schemes.

Magaya has claimed to heal people of chronic illnesses, including HIV/AIDS and cancer, through his anointed oils and prayers. 

In 2016, he was arrested and charged for allegedly falsely advertising a cure for HIV/AIDS—a claim dismissed by medical experts. 

He later retracted the statement after pressure from the government and health authorities.

In another high-profile case, Magaya predicted that Zimbabwe would experience economic prosperity within a short time, a prophecy that failed to materialise. 

His claims of foreseeing national events have often been met with skepticism, with many accusing him of fabricating or recycling vague predictions.

Magaya has also been accused of defrauding congregants and investors through dubious business ventures. 

In 2019, he launched a housing project in which thousands of people paid deposits for residential stands. 

However, years later, many complainants have yet to receive the promised properties, with some taking legal action against him.

As the owner of Yadah Stars Football Club, Magaya has positioned himself as a major figure in Zimbabwean football. 

However, he has made several exaggerated claims about transforming the local football scene—promises that have largely remained unfulfilled. 

Critics saw his attempt to contest the ZIFA presidency as another attempt to extend his influence under false pretences.

With ZACC actively pursuing the case, Magaya could face criminal charges if found guilty of forging academic qualifications. 

He could face imprisonment for fraud and misrepresentation if convicted, further tarnishing his already controversial reputation.