Source: Magaya released on bail in latest rape case – herald
Yeukai Karengezeka
Court Correspondent
PROPHETIC Healing and Deliverance Ministries founder, Walter Magaya, who is facing four fresh rape charges, has been granted bail by the High Court.
Justice Vivian Ndlovu handed down the bail ruling yesterday setting the amount at US$3 000 with several stringent conditions.
As part of the bail terms, Magaya is required to report to the police twice a week, surrender his passport to the clerk of court, provide the title deeds for his Mt Pleasant property as surety and reside at an address specified to the court.
Magaya was arrested on January 26 and initially appeared before Harare regional magistrate Mrs Fadzai Mthombeni.
His trial is scheduled to begin on February 16 and will run continuously until February 19 at the Harare Magistrates’ Court.
The prosecution team, comprising Mr Clemence Chimbari, Ms Tendai Shonhayi and Ms Chipo Muronda, will face off against Magaya’s defence team, led by Mr Admire Rubaya and Mr Everson Chatambudza.
The latest case involves four complainants, all of whom allege that Magaya raped them at his Yadah Hotel.
According to the State, one complainant, a 24-year-old Harare woman and member of PHD Ministries, was offered a voluntary position in the church’s call centre in June 2020 and moved to a ministry-affiliated hotel.
On July 26, 2020, she was invited by Magaya to a Bible study session at a suite in the hotel. Upon arrival, she reportedly found Magaya and a hotel staff member watching a movie.
The staff member left, locking her inside with Magaya, and the accused allegedly dragged her into the bedroom, forcibly undressed her and raped her.
The following day, she confided in her stepfather and later reported the incident to police when she learnt of Magaya’s arrest on similar charges.
In another charge, a 22-year-old woman from Chegutu claimed she attended a PHD Ministries church service in 2022, where she manifested spiritually and was referred to Magaya for prayer.
She was instructed to stay at Yadah Hotel for additional guidance.
The complainant alleges that in 2023, Magaya invited her to his Presidential Suite, where he forcibly undressed and raped her, breaking her virginity.
She claims Magaya threatened her with death and warned her against reporting the incident, boasting that his wealth made him untouchable.
The ordeal reportedly left her suffering from prolonged vaginal bleeding, which she later disclosed to her mother.
Meanwhile, Magaya is also facing another case at the same court involving five counts of rape dating back to 2013.
That case involves two complainants and was initially set to begin trial last month.
However, the State sought a postponement, citing unresolved logistical issues involving a key witness based in Ireland.
The matter has been rescheduled to March 2.
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