Award-winning journalist and government critic Hopewell Chin’ono has ignited a fierce debate on social media after questioning the priorities of Zimbabweans who reportedly scrambled to purchase “anointed apples” from controversial preacher Prophet Walter Magaya despite their steep and rising price tag.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Chin’ono alleged that the apples were initially priced at US$5 each, but the cost was later hiked to US$10 as demand surged.
According to him, ten fully loaded trucks of the fruit sold out within minutes, with many more followers reportedly left desperate for a chance to buy. Magaya allegedly promised to bring 20 more truckloads to satisfy demand.
“Magaya’s spiritual apples finished within a few minutes,” wrote Chin’ono.
“At first, the price was $5, but it changed to $10 per apple.
Ten truckloads sold out quickly, with people still clamouring for more. He [Magaya] promised them 20 more trucks.”
Chin’ono, known for his outspoken criticism of corruption and governance failures in Zimbabwe, concluded his post with a scathing remark.
“If this account is true, are these the same people you expect to remove ZANU PF?”
Prophet Walter Magaya, founder of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries (PHD), is no stranger to controversy. Over the years, he has claimed to heal HIV, cure cancer, and bring wealth to his followers through anointed items oils, soaps, and now, apples.
