Prophet Magaya seeks Constitutional Court intervention

Walter Magaya, leader of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries, is set to appear in court this Monday seeking to have his rape cases referred to the Constitutional Court. Magaya is challenging the decision to hear the matter in the Victim-Friendly Court.

The religious leader faces four counts of rape. His legal team argues that proceeding in the Victim-Friendly Court infringes on his constitutional rights, while the State maintains that the hearings should continue in that forum to safeguard the alleged victims, whom prosecutors describe as vulnerable witnesses.

Earlier objections by Magaya were dismissed, with the court ruling that holding the matter in the Victim-Friendly Court best protects the complainants and ensures the integrity of proceedings.

In addition to this application, Magaya is expected to appear separately for the commencement of trial in another case where he is accused of raping two congregants. Court documents indicate that one of the cases dates back to 2013. Prosecutors allege that Magaya met one complainant when she was seriously ill and later invited her to a hotel, where he allegedly raped her. The State claims the abuse involving the same complainant occurred on two further occasions.

In a separate matter dating to 2018 in South Africa, prosecutors allege that Magaya traveled with a complainant under the guise of business activities and later sexually assaulted her.

Magaya has consistently denied the allegations, and all matters remain before the courts.