The trial of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries founder, Prophet Walter Magaya who is facing five counts of rape, failed to commence this morning as the State is still working on resolving some issues. It is said the rape incidents involving two complainants occurred between 2018 and 2023, with Magaya allegedly impregnating one of the victims. Appearing on behalf of the State, Ms Tendai Shonhayi informed the presiding magistrate, Mr Francis Mapfumo, that there had been a communication breakdown between the State and the first complainant, who is based in Ireland.
The issue concerns who will fund the complainant’s travel expenses to Zimbabwe. Additionally, the complainant is yet to sign her statement. The defence lawyer, Mr Admire Rubaya, expressed frustration in court and opposed any further postponements of the matter.
He argued that the State must first resolve the said issues and demanded that his client, Prophet Magaya, be removed from remand. Furthermore, Mr Rubaya said the second complainant in the case has since filed an affidavit withdrawing the charges against Magaya. Submissions have been made by both parties, and Magistrate Mapfumo is expected to deliver a ruling on the matter tomorrow.
