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Prophet Magaya's application dismissed, case remanded to March 2
2 hrs ago |
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Harare regional magistrate Francis Mapfumo has dismissed an application by Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries founder, Prophet Walter Magaya, seeking to block further postponements of his trial or to be released from remand.
The ruling, delivered in the absence of Magaya and his legal counsel, was based on the magistrate's finding that the application lacked merit.
Magaya faces five counts of rape involving two complainants, with allegations dating back to 2013. His trial, originally scheduled to start on Monday, was delayed after the State cited a lack of preparedness.
Chief Director of Prosecution, Tendai Shonhayi, explained that the delay was due to unresolved logistical issues involving a key witness based in Ireland, whose travel arrangements had not been finalised because of a funding miscommunication.
Magaya's lawyer, Admire Rubaya, strongly opposed the postponement, accusing the State of incompetence and misleading the court. Rubaya argued that the prosecution had failed to secure signed statements from critical witnesses, questioning their readiness to proceed with a case pending for over a decade.
Rubaya also revealed that one of the complainants had submitted an affidavit in November 2025 indicating their intention to withdraw the charges, which he argued rendered the case baseless and justified Magaya's removal from remand. He stressed that his client's constitutional right to a fair and timely trial was being violated.
Despite these arguments, Mr Mapfumo dismissed the application, allowing the State to continue preparations for the trial.
The case remains pending, with legal observers noting that procedural delays continue to prolong the resolution of high-profile matters in Zimbabwe's courts.
The ruling, delivered in the absence of Magaya and his legal counsel, was based on the magistrate's finding that the application lacked merit.
Magaya faces five counts of rape involving two complainants, with allegations dating back to 2013. His trial, originally scheduled to start on Monday, was delayed after the State cited a lack of preparedness.
Chief Director of Prosecution, Tendai Shonhayi, explained that the delay was due to unresolved logistical issues involving a key witness based in Ireland, whose travel arrangements had not been finalised because of a funding miscommunication.
Magaya's lawyer, Admire Rubaya, strongly opposed the postponement, accusing the State of incompetence and misleading the court. Rubaya argued that the prosecution had failed to secure signed statements from critical witnesses, questioning their readiness to proceed with a case pending for over a decade.
Rubaya also revealed that one of the complainants had submitted an affidavit in November 2025 indicating their intention to withdraw the charges, which he argued rendered the case baseless and justified Magaya's removal from remand. He stressed that his client's constitutional right to a fair and timely trial was being violated.
Despite these arguments, Mr Mapfumo dismissed the application, allowing the State to continue preparations for the trial.
The case remains pending, with legal observers noting that procedural delays continue to prolong the resolution of high-profile matters in Zimbabwe's courts.
Source - The Herald
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