Yadah Football Club owner and Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries founder Walter Magaya has appeared in court after his arrest on Saturday morning by detectives in unmarked vehicles following a raid at his church offices in Harare.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the arrest in an official statement released later that day, saying Magaya was detained in connection with multiple reports of rape and fraud. The operation was carried out by a special police crack team, with authorities promising to release further details “in due course.”
Court Appearance:
Magaya appeared in court this morning (Monday), handcuffed to one of his security aides, who was also reportedly taken into custody. It remains unclear why the aide was arrested, though police sources say he could be facing related charges tied to the ongoing investigation.
The 41-year-old self-styled prophet has been one of the most prominent figures in Zimbabwean football through his ownership of Yadah FC, a club currently in crisis both on and off the pitch.
Yadah FC on the Brink of Relegation
Yadah FC are staring at relegation from the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, sitting 17th on 34 points with just two matches left. The club’s survival chances appear slim as they remain in the drop zone alongside Triangle United, GreenFuel FC, and already relegated Kwekwe United FC.
Originally formed as Gunners FC in 2005 by Cuthbert Chitima, the club was later bought by Magaya in 2014 and renamed Yadah Gunners, before being shortened to Yadah FC. The team re-entered the Premier League in 2016 after winning the ZIFA Eastern Region Division One under coach Kuda Masaraure, later appointing Jairos Tapera in 2017.
Once celebrated for blending faith and football, Yadah FC’s journey has been a rollercoaster of ambition, controversy, and survival. With Magaya’s legal troubles now unfolding, the club faces its toughest chapter yet — fighting for both reputation and a place in the top flight.
ZRP PRESS STATEMENT (01 November 2025)
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Church Leader, Walter Magaya, in connection with several reports of rape and fraud. The suspect was arrested early today by a police crack team. More details will be released in due course.”
— Commissioner P. Nyathi, Chief Staff Officer [Press and Public Relations], ZRP
Magaya’s dual crisis — legal and sporting — has dominated headlines across the country. As he faces the courts, Yadah FC now face an equally uncertain fate on the field, their once bright future dimmed by turmoil at the top.
