HARARE – Two Harare men posing as Military Intelligence officers allegedly tried to extort US$40,000 from Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries founder, Prophet Walter Magaya.

Petners Zvabva from Crawhill West and Takesure Marisa told an official from Magaya’s church that they could prevent a demonstration against the preacher planned by unidentified individuals for a fee.

Zvabva and Marisa were not asked to plead to extortion charges when they appeared before Harare magistrate Vongai Guuriro who remanded them in custody pending a bail hearing.

Prosecutors say on September 2, Zvabva and Marisa hatched a plan to extort Magaya and proceeded to PHD Ministries’ headquarters in Waterfalls.

It is alleged that upon arrival, Zvabva introduced herself to the receptionist Sharon Mupeti as a Military Intelligence officer before asking to see the prophet, who was not available.

She allegedly left two mobile phone numbers with Mupeti on which Magaya was to call.

A day later, it is alleged that the duo visited PHD ministries offices again and Zvabva allegedly left another number and ordered the receptionist to advise Magaya to call her.

The court heard that later that day, Zvabva called PHD “senior overseer” Admire Mango and informed him that she was handling a case involving Magaya and requested to meet him at Rowan Martin Complex.

Mango went to Rowan Martin Complex where Zvabva introduced herself as Lieutenant Colonel Zvobgo from Military Intelligence.

She allegedly reiterated that a matter against Magaya had been brought to her attention and that she was in possession of a document containing a list of people who wanted to demonstrate against Magaya’s church.

Prosecutors said Zvabva demanded a US$40,000 bribe, and in return she would ensure the planned protest was not approved.

On September 4, the court heard that Zvabva phoned Mango and set up another meeting at Rowan Martin Complex. Mango drove there and met the duo in a silver Honda Fit.

The pair allegedly demanded cash from Mango before threatening to “make life difficult for the church.” Mango handed over R2,500 to the two and they left.

Prosecutors say Marisa later called Mango and introduced himself as Major General Dube from the Military Intelligence and told him that R2,500 was too little before indicating that he was expecting US$40,000.

Marisa allegedly called again on September 10, ordering Mango to bring US$40,000 to the complex. Mango alerted detectives leading to Zvabva’s arrest.

Zvabva was interviewed and led detectives to Marisa, the court heard.

Investigators later established that the pair are not Military Intelligence Officers and are now employed by the Zimbabwe National Army.