Magaya Rape Trial Postponed to March 10 as Scheduling Conflict Delays Start
- State Promises Papers by March 5
By A Correspondent | ZimEye | Harare Magistrates Court — The long-awaited trial of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries leader Prophet Walter Magaya on rape charges was set to commence today before Magistrate Francis Mapfumo but was postponed to March 10 due to a scheduling clash involving the same prosecutors and defence team in another matter at Court 15.
Defence counsel Admire Rubaya, appearing alongside Chatambudza for Magaya, consented to the postponement but raised concerns over outstanding State papers. “This matter was supposed to be here for trial; however, there is another trial running in Court 15 involving the same prosecutors and defence lawyers,” Rubaya noted. He pressed the State to clarify when the necessary papers would be served, highlighting that the defence had yet to receive them despite the scheduled start.
State prosecutor Clemence Chimbari, appearing with Tendai Shonhai and another colleague, responded that the State would serve the papers by the end of this week, specifically March 5. With the postponement agreed upon by consent, Magistrate Mapfumo formally remanded the matter to March 10 for trial commencement.
The case, involving multiple complainants and drawing significant public attention due to Magaya’s prominence as a religious leader, has faced repeated delays. Today’s brief session underscored ongoing logistical challenges in the high-profile prosecution, with both sides acknowledging the need for proper preparation before evidence can begin.
Magistrate Mapfumo adjourned proceedings after confirming the new date, urging parties to ensure readiness for the rescheduled trial.
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