Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries founder Walter Magaya is expected back in court in May after the High Court temporarily stopped his ongoing rape t...
Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries founder Walter Magaya is expected back in court in May after the High Court temporarily stopped his ongoing rape trial pending determination of a legal challenge filed by his lawyers.
The High Court in Harare granted a stay of proceedings after Magaya’s legal team challenged a magistrate’s decision to conduct part of the case in a Victim Friendly Court. The matter has now been set down for hearing on May 14.
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Magaya is facing multiple rape charges involving adult complainants. He has denied the allegations.
The latest development means proceedings before the magistrates court cannot continue until the High Court rules on the application.
According to court reports, Magaya’s lawyers argued that moving sections of the trial to a Victim Friendly Court could affect his right to a fair and public hearing.
They also sought review of the decision made by regional magistrate Estere Chivasa, who has been presiding over the lower court matter.
The State opposed efforts to halt the case and has maintained that the criminal trial should proceed.
Before the stay was granted, the rape trial had already suffered several postponements this year.
In early March, the matter was delayed again and rescheduled, adding to a series of court appearances linked to the high-profile prosecution.
The High Court order now places focus on the May hearing, where judges are expected to decide whether the magistrate’s ruling should stand or whether the case must be handled differently.
If the review application fails, the criminal trial is likely to resume in the magistrates court.
If Magaya succeeds, the lower court proceedings could be altered or restarted under revised conditions.
Magaya, one of Zimbabwe’s most prominent church leaders, has remained in the public spotlight due to both his religious profile and past legal controversies.
The case has drawn significant public attention because of the seriousness of the charges and Magaya’s national profile.
Legal observers say the May ruling may shape how sensitive criminal matters involving adult complainants are managed in future.
For now, Magaya remains free while awaiting the High Court outcome, unless any separate court order changes his status.
No final determination has yet been made on the rape allegations, and the charges remain before the courts.
The next major date in the matter is May 14, when the High Court is expected to hear arguments from both the defence and prosecutors.
