Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka-Chisepo-Court Correspondent
THE trial of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries founder, Walter Magaya, on four fresh rape charges is set to begin today at the Harare Magistrates Court.
The proceedings are scheduled to run continuously until Wednesday.
The prosecution team, comprising Mr Clemence Chimbari, Ms Tendai Shonhayi and Ms Chipo Muronda, will present its case against Magaya, who is being defended by Messrs Admire Rubaya and Everson Chatambudza.
The allegations involve four complainants, all of whom claim that Magaya raped them at his Yadah Hotel.
One of the complainants, a 24-year-old Harare woman and a member of PHD Ministries, alleges that she was offered a voluntary position in the church’s call center in June 2020 and subsequently moved to a hotel affiliated with the ministry.
On July 26, 2020, she was reportedly invited by Magaya to attend a Bible study session at a suite in the hotel.
Upon arrival, she allegedly found Magaya watching a movie with a hotel staff member.
After the staff member left and locked her inside the room with Magaya, the prophet is accused of dragging her into the bedroom, forcibly undressing her, and raping her.
The complainant confided in her stepfather the following day and reported the incident to the police after learning of Magaya’s arrest on similar charges.
Another complainant, a 22-year-old woman from Chegutu, claims that in 2022, during a PHD Ministries church service, she manifested spiritually and was referred to Magaya for prayer.
She was later instructed to stay at Yadah Hotel for additional spiritual guidance.
The woman alleges that in 2023, Magaya summoned her to his Presidential Suite, where he forcibly undressed and raped her, taking her virginity.
She further claims that Magaya threatened her with death and warned her against reporting the incident, boasting about his wealth and influence.
The ordeal allegedly left her with prolonged bleeding, which she later disclosed to her mother.
Magaya, who denies the charges, was recently granted bail of US$3 000 under strict conditions.
