Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries founder, Walter Magaya, is attempting to reinvent his image as a prison philanthropist while facing an intensified Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) investigation, which has opened dedicated international communication lines after receiving a surge of global reports.

Magaya, who is currently held in Harare Remand Prison on multiple counts of rape and fraud, is reportedly engaging in what observers call a public relations stunt, paying bail and legal fees for fellow inmates.

“I got bail money from the prophet. He has assisted many people with money and even lawyers. That man is a humble servant of God,” one recently released inmate was quoted speaking.

The reports of Magaya’s prison ‘ministry’ come as ZRP escalates its investigations, confirming over the weekend that they have received numerous calls from across the world, seeking guidance on how to report allegations against the embattled preacher.

In an official statement, Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi announced the activation of dedicated channels for victims and witnesses, both local and international, to come forward.

The ZRP has specifically urged victims from South Africa, the United Kingdom, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Malawi, and Zambia to use these channels.

Victims based in South Africa have been advised to make notarised statements at local police stations and forward them through the Zimbabwean Embassy to Harare.

Commissioner Nyathi warned that any interference with the ongoing investigation constitutes a criminal offence, referencing Section 184 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns individuals and syndicates trying to interfere with investigations or threaten witnesses that they risk being arrested for defeating or obstructing the course of justice,” the statement added.

Magaya is currently in remand facing five counts of rape and 13 counts of fraud, with court documents detailing how congregants were allegedly defrauded of more than US$40,000 through bogus land and agricultural investment schemes between 2016 and 2018.

Harare regional magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa previously denied him bail due to the gravity of the rape charges and advised his to apply for bail from the high court.

The case, which follows years of allegations dating back to 2014, has been described by senior Ministry of Home Affairs officials as a turning point for how authorities handle powerful religious figures accused of serious crimes in Zimbabwe.