By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Harare – – Zimbabwean preacher Prophet Walter Magaya is once again facing intense public scrutiny and calls for government intervention following a controversial religious practice involving what he terms “anointed apples.”
Critics argue that the ritual is a fraudulent scheme that exploits vulnerable citizens, raising concerns over accountability within Zimbabwe’s religious sector.
The controversy erupted after images circulated online showing Magaya praying over crates of apples, which he described as “prophetic mantles” during his latest spiritual event dubbed “Fruit Sunday.”
Magaya, founder of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries (PHD), claimed that the apples had been consecrated at his “Prayer Mountain” and laced with divine power to bring “fruitfulness and breakthrough” to followers.
In a post on his official Facebook page, Magaya emphasized the spiritual significance of the apples, stating:
“These are not ordinary fruits, they are anointed mantles, consecrated as prophetic points of contact, carrying the power of God for fruitfulness and breakthrough.”
He urged congregants to attend his upcoming Sunday service, encouraging them to bring others along with the promise of both spiritual and material blessings during what he called a “Season of Harvest.”
“Make sure you are in church tomorrow — and don’t come alone. Bring someone with you to receive this free blessing and encounter the power of God in this appointed season,” Magaya wrote, quoting John 15:16.
However, the spectacle was met with widespread ridicule on social media, with many users mocking the ritual as absurd and exploitative. One user on X (formerly Twitter) commented:
“Now we’ve gone from miracle pens to miracle apples? What’s next holy bananas?”
Others expressed concern over the potential for manipulation, especially targeting Zimbabwe’s economically strained population. A critic opined:
“In a normal country, someone going through bankruptcy would not be allowed to continue misleading the public unchecked. It’s dangerous and exploitative, especially in an economy like ours.”
Magaya, a well-known but polarizing figure in Zimbabwean society, has faced similar accusations in the past. While he commands a large following, critics argue that his ministry relies heavily on miracle cures, unverified healing claims, and monetized spiritual gimmicks that prey on the desperation of the poor.
Despite mounting criticism, Magaya remains defiant, continuing to promote his spiritual events and rituals. The service was a success, with thousands of people rallying to buy a single apple for $10 USD. Witness have described the sell of the annointed apples as a success with countless crates of the fruits sold within a short space as congregants rushed to lay their hands on the coveted apple.