Prophet Magaya rape trial begins today

The trial of Walter Magaya, founder of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries, is set to begin today at the Harare Magistrates Court, where he faces four fresh rape charges.

Court proceedings are expected to run continuously until Wednesday. The prosecution team, comprising Mr Clemence Chimbari, Ms Tendai Shonhayi and Ms Chipo Muronda, will present the State's case. Magaya is being represented by defence lawyers Admire Rubaya and Everson Chatambudza.

The allegations involve four complainants, all of whom claim they were raped by the prominent cleric at Yadah Hotel, a facility linked to his ministry.

One of the complainants, a 24-year-old Harare woman and member of the church, alleges that she was offered a voluntary position at the ministry's call centre in June 2020 and later moved to stay at the hotel. She claims that on July 26, 2020, she was invited to attend a Bible study session in a hotel suite. Upon arrival, she allegedly found Magaya watching a movie with a hotel staff member. After the staff member left, she claims she was locked inside the room and subsequently raped. The matter was later reported to the police.

Another complainant, a 22-year-old woman from Chegutu, alleges that after manifesting during a church service in 2022, she was referred to Magaya for prayer and instructed to stay at the hotel for further spiritual guidance. She claims that in 2023 she was summoned to a suite where she was raped and threatened with death if she reported the incident.

Magaya has denied the charges. He was recently granted bail of US$3,000 under strict conditions as he awaits the commencement of trial.

The case is expected to draw significant public attention given the high-profile nature of the accused and the seriousness of the allegations.