Zimbabwe’s self-styled prophet Walter Magaya has formally requested that a senior prosecutor be removed from his ongoing rape trial, alleging bias linked to rival preacher Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa and his United Family International Church (UFIC). The move adds another dramatic chapter to Magaya’s ongoing legal troubles, which include multiple rape and fraud charges that have gripped the nation for months.
Magaya’s lawyers argue that Harare Provincial Chief Director of Public Prosecutions Tendai Shonhayi cannot be impartial because she is allegedly affiliated with UFIC, a church widely seen as a rival to Magaya’s Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries. In a letter dated 17 February 2026, legal counsel contended that this alleged connection threatens the fairness of the trial and “renders a fair hearing impossible.”
During the latest court session, Shonhayi was notably absent from the prosecution bench. Catherine Munyeriwa took her place, indicating that the Prosecutor General may have accepted Magaya’s fears of bias.
Magaya Faces Multiple Rape Charges and Legal Maze
Magaya’s legal woes stretch back years. He was initially arrested and charged with multiple counts of rape, alleged to involve congregants and employees, with incidents reported as far back as 2013 and up to 2023. The State’s charges involve at least four separate rape complaints, all of which Magaya vehemently denies.
He was granted US$3,000 bail by the High Court in early February, with strict conditions including regular police reporting and surrendering his passport and property title deeds. The next trial dates are set for March 2 and beyond, encompassing additional allegations against him.
The trial has faced multiple delays, with Magaya’s lawyers challenging remand applications and other procedural decisions, while the prosecution has also raised objections, creating a back-and-forth that has slowed the court process.
Prosecutor Removed Over Magaya, Makandiwa, PHD, UFIC, Religious Rivalry: History Of Enmity
At the centre of the latest controversy is a letter by Magaya’s lawyers claiming that Shonhayi’s religious affiliation with Makandiwa’s church creates bias. They argue she has shown partiality, including over procedural aspects such as pushing parts of the case to the Victim Friendly Unit and advocating for the recusal of other judicial figures.
Magaya’s team claims the prosecutor is “on a mission” aligned with UFIC’s interests, suggesting that her conduct reflects an agenda to “destroy” Magaya’s ministry.
The clash between Magaya and Makandiwa is not new. Makandiwa long held prominence in Zimbabwe’s charismatic Christian circles, drawing large followings and media attention through television broadcasts and high-profile events. Over the years, Magaya’s PHD Ministries emerged as a formidable competitor, attracting many followers that once gravitated to Makandiwa’s church.
This shift sparked accusations and counter-accusations of sabotage and spiritual warfare between the two camps, with supporters of each claiming divine legitimacy. While neither leader has publicly commented extensively on their rivalry’s role in Magaya’s legal defence, the recent court allegations suggest these tensions have now seeped into formal legal proceedings.
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