HARARE – Fire fighters were battling a blaze at a Harare hotel owned by Prophet Walter Magaya on Thursday evening.
The cause of the fire is unknown, but videos and pictures from the scene showed an intense blaze at the multi-million-dollar property.
There was no immediate information on any casualties.
Yadah Hotel, in Harare’s Waterfalls neighbourhood, opened its doors to the public in 2017 and has hosted some famous guests, including the senior men’s national football team.
The hotel, which hosts overseas visitors to Magaya’s church every week, features expensive hand selected materials and finishings, and is bedecked with imported ornaments.
Magaya was reported to be returning from Dubai on Thursday, and a request for comment sent to his spokesman had not been answered.
The fire comes after an intense week for the preacher, who was last week accused of raping a woman by the woman’s parents. The alleged victim later recorded a video with her husband, accusing her parents of lying and trying to extort money from Magaya whose church attracts several thousands every week.
The woman’s video has not calmed internet demands for people to march on Magaya’s church in protest. Investigators will be looking to establish if the fire is in any way connected to those behind the internet lobby.
