Trial Date Confirmed for Magaya in Rape Case

The trial of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries founder Prophet Walter Magaya has been scheduled for January 26 next year, marking the formal start of proceedings in a case where he is facing five counts of rape.

One of the charges includes an allegation that he fathered a child with one of the complainants.

The alleged offences were reportedly committed between 2018 and 2023 and involve two women.

During the latest court appearance, prosecutor Mr Clemence Chimbare also applied for the postponement of a separate matter in which Magaya, his wife Tendai, and two of their companies are facing fraud allegations.

The State is expected to advise the accused of the new hearing date at the High Court once it is confirmed.

Magaya and his wife are answering to 78 counts of fraud linked to their entities, Planet Africa (Pvt) Ltd and Yadah Connect (Pvt) Ltd. Prosecutors say the couple allegedly misled congregants by claiming they had residential stands available for purchase in several parts of the country.

Investigators say the complainants were prejudiced of around US$49 240 and R195 000 in the land scheme.

The pair is also accused of encouraging people to invest in different projects with the promise of a 50 percent return within six months, a commitment that was reportedly never honoured.