Prophetic Healing and Deliverance leader Walter Magaya appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday to face four counts of rape, and the matter was remanded to Feb. 16, 2026, for a trial scheduled to run through Feb. 19, 2026.
The State alleges that in June 2020 Magaya offered a 24-year-old woman a voluntary position at the PHD call centre and later invited her to what she believed was a Bible study session. According to the prosecution, the woman was lured to a church-owned hotel and raped in July 2020.
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The complainant is reported to have told her stepfather the day after the alleged assault and subsequently went to police after learning of similar allegations against Magaya, the court was told.
Magaya, a prominent leader of the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance movement, was arrested ahead of the court appearance. The charges filed against him comprise four counts of rape; the State presented the allegations to the magistrate during the brief hearing.
The magistrates’ court set the trial dates for Feb. 16–19, 2026. No additional details about bail, conditions of remand or scheduling beyond those dates were disclosed in court at the hearing summarized by the prosecution.
The allegations add to a series of public accusations that have been reported in recent months involving the same religious organisation. Prosecutors indicated the complainant was prompted to report the alleged offence after becoming aware of similar claims, which formed part of the basis for the current police investigation.
Zimbabwe’s courts will now proceed to hear the case on the dates set, during which both the prosecution and the defence will have the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses. Under Zimbabwean law, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The case has drawn significant public attention because of Magaya’s high profile in religious circles. Further reporting is expected as the trial approaches and court documents become available.
By News-room
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
