Online Reporter
Prosper Dembedza
Herald Correspondent
Harare regional magistrate Mr Francis Mapfumo has deferred the rape trial of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries founder Walter Magaya to May 15.
The matter was postponed after both parties indicated they were not yet ready with their heads of argument, following the conclusion of the investigating officer’s testimony in the previous sitting, in which he read out a statement detailing the complainant’s fears.
Magaya is seeking referral of the matter to the Constitutional Court, arguing his rights were violated and accusing the State of pushing ahead despite some complainants withdrawing.
During the previous sitting in cross-examination, Magaya’s lawyer claimed that police altered witness statements.
The investigating officer admitted to making changes to the complainant’s affidavit, arguing that they were just clarifications.
The investigating officer said the complainant wrote the statement and sent it to him on October 23, 2025.
He told the court that he had not clarified the time or how the offence was committed.
In a passage read out in court, the complainant said she did not report the alleged rape incidents because she felt “completely unsupported and isolated.”
In the statement, the complainant described how her parents were employed by Magaya, saying this made it even harder to speak out.
The complainant further expressed fear for her life. The Investigating officer also read another part of the affidavit linking Magaya to the complainant’s pregnancy, including claims that her boyfriend relayed instructions allegedly from the man of cloth.
In the statement, the complainant told the court that her boyfriend told her that Magaya had promised that he would pay their lobola and sponsor the wedding.
