Magaya and wife criticize 'social media investigations'

Lawyers for Prophet Walter Magaya and his wife have criticized the State for allegedly conducting investigations through social media, insisting that their clients are prepared to face trial.

Magaya and his wife are facing 13 fraud charges, while the cleric also faces separate rape charges. Their companies, Planet Africa and Yadah Connect, are jointly charged.

Speaking in court on Tuesday, lead counsel Admire Rubaya said:

"The accused persons are ready and the State should investigate the matter in a manner which is not prejudicial to the accused persons."

The couple appeared before Harare magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa for routine remand, and the case was postponed to December 9 to allow investigations to continue. Prosecutors requested the adjournment, stating that inquiries were still underway. Rubaya and co-counsel Malvern Mapako argued that the State should instead bring the matter to trial rather than issuing statements online.

Rubaya criticized recent police statements, including one calling for victims to come forward and another alleging a US$200,000 scheme to bribe the justice system. He argued that such remarks are prejudicial:

"They are busy issuing statements as if matters are won on social media… There is no need for megaphone investigations."

According to prosecutors, the couple allegedly misrepresented to congregants and followers that they had secured large tracts of land for residential developments in various locations, including Chishawasha, Norton, Westgate, Fern Valley (Mutare), Bulawayo, Kwekwe, Arcturus, Ruwa, Manyame, and Nyatsime. The companies allegedly collected about US$50,000 and R190,000 from prospective homeowners for stands that never materialised.

Addressing the rape allegations in his bail application, Magaya dismissed them as fabricated, claiming they were orchestrated by the Zimbabwe Gender Commission:

"They have misused their powers to force these two complainants into concocting all manner of allegations against me."

The case continues as investigations proceed, with the next court appearance set for December 9.