Prophet Walter Magaya, the founder of the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries, is reportedly refusing to comply with a court order to settle a debt of US$420,140.72 owed to GetBucks Microfinance Bank Limited.
Allegedly obstructing the Sheriff of Zimbabwe from accessing his properties, Magaya’s actions have led the bank to seek the involvement of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner-General.
The dispute centers around a High Court judgment involving Planet Africa (Private) Limited, Walter Magaya, and his wife Tendai Magaya. GetBucks is attempting to enforce this ruling, and the bank claims that police assistance is crucial for carrying out the court order.
According to GetBucks, the police have failed to provide necessary escort services to the Sheriff of Zimbabwe, which has hindered efforts to enforce the debt recovery.
The High Court’s Commercial Division in Harare issued a ruling on October 9, 2024, ordering the defendants to pay the outstanding amount along with a 10% monthly interest from September 11, 2024.
Additionally, the court declared that a plot of land belonging to Planet Africa, which houses Magaya’s Heart Stadium and hotel, could be seized to satisfy the debt.
GetBucks directed the Sheriff to execute the writ of execution at the Planet Africa property in Prospect, Waterfalls, and at the Magayas’ residence in Mount Pleasant in November 2024. However, the Sheriff’s officers were allegedly denied entry to both locations.
As part of the procedure, the Sheriff requested police escorts from Waterfalls and Marlborough Police Stations. Although Waterfalls Police initially agreed to provide the requested assistance on January 10, 2025, they later delayed it to January 16, 2025, and eventually failed to send officers.
The bank alleges that despite multiple follow-ups, the Officer in Charge at Waterfalls Police did not release the necessary police details and that the request was forwarded to District Headquarters, which has not yet taken action.
GetBucks, through its legal representatives, Danziger and Partners, argues that the inaction of the ZRP makes it impossible to enforce the court order, undermining the authority of the High Court. The bank has formally requested the ZRP Commissioner-General’s intervention to ensure the rule of law is upheld and to protect the Sheriff’s officers.
In addition, GetBucks has attached supporting documents, including the court order, writ of execution, and communication between the bank, Sheriff, ZRP, and legal representatives. Copies of the request have been sent to various legal and government bodies, including the High Court Registrar and the Ministries of Justice and Home Affairs.
GetBucks has also indicated it will consider filing urgent mandamus proceedings against those neglecting their duties and contempt of court actions against the defendants. The bank has raised concerns about the obstruction of the Sheriff, which they argue constitutes a violation of Section 184(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, which criminalizes hindering or obstructing court officers.
The bank further stated, “If the ZRP cannot assist, this could prompt law reform to allow the Sheriff to use private security designated by the judgment creditors. We hope such steps will not be necessary.”
The Heart Stadium, which was inaugurated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in December 2024, has been lauded as a state-of-the-art facility.
Magaya, however, has faced other legal issues, including allegations of rape and fraud. The Zimbabwe Gender Commission is currently investigating him for sexual abuse claims.
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