Walter Magaya, the leader of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries (PHD Ministries), has approached the High Court seeking bail while facing four counts of rape, in a case that has drawn national attention.
Magaya appeared before the High Court, where the matter was postponed to a later date by Justice Gibson Mandaza. The prominent cleric was initially arraigned at the Harare Magistrates’ Court on January 26, following his re-arrest after prosecutors added new rape and fraud charges.
Details of the Allegations
According to court documents, the fresh charges relate to alleged incidents that occurred between 2016 and 2023, involving four different complainants. Prosecutors allege that all the women were either congregants or employees connected to institutions linked to Magaya.
First count (2020): A 24-year-old woman alleges she was invited to a hotel room under the pretext of a Bible study session. The State claims she was locked inside the room and raped.
Second count (2023): A 22-year-old woman alleges she was instructed to stay at Yadah Hotel for prayers intended to address alleged spiritual manifestations. Prosecutors say the alleged rape occurred in the hotel’s Presidential Suite.
Third count (2016): A 32-year-old complainant claims Magaya offered her employment in a housing project before taking her to a house in Borrowdale, where she was allegedly raped.
Fourth count: A 21-year-old shop attendant alleges she was invited to a hotel as a reward for selling Magaya’s books, then locked in a room and raped.
Trial Date Set
The trial is expected to commence on February 16, as the High Court considers Magaya’s bail application. The case continues to spark widespread debate in Zimbabwe, particularly given Magaya’s high-profile status as a religious leader and founder of one of the country’s most influential Pentecostal ministries.
As proceedings continue, the court has emphasized that the allegations remain claims before the law, pending full trial and determination.
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