Full-time score: Chitown Residents 1; Magaya 0

Gilbert Munetsi

Zim Now Writer

Chitungwiza residents have secured a significant legal victory against Prophetic Healing and Deliverance clergyman Walter Magaya after the High Court issued an interdict on Tuesday to stop his unauthorized development projects in the city.

The ruling followed a June 2024 application by the Chitungwiza Residents Trust which sought to halt Magaya’s company, Wistmer Investments (Pvt) Ltd, from proceeding with a 10-year "smart and green city" project without municipal approval.

Magaya allegedly circumvented the Chitungwiza municipality and relied on central government authorization instead. CHITREST contended that the development lacked proper approval and violated legal processes. The court’s decision now prevents Wistmer Investments from initiating any further projects in Chitungwiza without adhering to the necessary legal procedures.

Innocent Simba Nderere, a lawyer representing CHITREST from Scanlen and Holderness Legal Practitioners, confirmed that the interdict had been granted. He clarified that the court order prohibits Magaya’s company from undertaking any developments without the required approvals.

The case had been delayed significantly since last year, with suspicions that court officials may have been influenced to stall the proceedings. On January 13, 2025, CHITREST’s legal team sent a letter to High Court registrar Joseph Mundondo, expressing concern about the delays. The pressure led to the hearing being set for February 5, 2025.

CHITREST director Alice Kuvheya expressed her relief at the ruling, calling it a "great day" for residents. She emphasized that although they were frustrated by the delay, the favorable judgment provided satisfaction.

The application also highlighted that Wistmer Investments had continued with developments despite the Chitungwiza municipality rejecting its master plan proposal in April 2024. All 33 councilors had opposed the plan, citing unfavorable terms in the memorandum of agreement. Kuvheya’s affidavit further accused the company of initiating an aquifer project in Jonasi Village, Seke, without municipal approval.

This ruling adds to Magaya’s growing list of legal troubles. He is also facing allegations of fraud in Bulawayo, where he is accused of swindling congregants in a failed residential stands scheme. Launched in 2016, the scheme promised 1,000 residential stands at Danglasedale farm. Magaya, through his company Planet Africa, sold plots for US$4,000 each, with the promise of constructing houses for the beneficiaries. However, the housing project has yet to materialize, leaving many contributors dissatisfied.

In addition, Magaya was recently disqualified from contesting for the presidency of the Zimbabwe Football Association for failing to provide his Ordinary Level certificate. He challenged the disqualification in court but lost.

This loss led to an investigation by UK-based journalist Maynard Manyowa, who uncovered that Magaya had falsely claimed to possess a marketing diploma and an honorary doctorate. Manyowa’s investigation was conducted through Dug Up, a UK-based documentary and podcast start-up.

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission has also launched investigations into the fraud allegations against Magaya.