High Court Suspends Prophet Walter Magaya Rape Trial

Harare, Zimbabwe | In a significant legal reprieve for Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries leader, Walter Magaya, the High Court of Zimbabwe has ordered a temporary halt to his ongoing rape trial at the magistrate’s court.

Justice Tawanda Chitapi granted the stay of proceedings following an urgent chamber application by the cleric’s legal team. Magaya is currently challenging a prior ruling by Magistrate Esthere Chivasa, who had directed that the matter be heard within a Victim Friendly Court (VFC).

The Prophet, who faces allegations of raping seven female congregants, has vehemently opposed the use of the VFC, insisting that his trial should be conducted in an open, transparent court setting.

The High Court Mandate

In his ruling, Justice Chitapi confirmed that all proceedings under Case Number CRB HRE R 139/26 are suspended until the High Court determines the merits of Magaya’s review application (Case Number HCH 953/26).

“The proceedings in the magistrates court… are temporarily stayed pending the determination of the application to review those proceedings,” Justice Chitapi noted.

The judge established a strict timeline for the legal process:

• Respondents’ Filings: Due by March 13, 2026.

• Applicant’s Answering Affidavit: Due by March 20, 2026.

• Heads of Argument (Applicant): Due by March 27, 2026.

• Heads of Argument (Opposition): Due by April 7, 2026.

Accusations of “Judicial Collapse”

Represented by seasoned lawyers Everson Chatambudza and Admire Rubaya, Magaya is not only seeking to overturn the VFC ruling but is also demanding the recusal of Magistrate Chivasa. He wants the trial to restart before a different magistrate, citing bias and a failure to follow due process.

In his court papers, Magaya launched a scathing critique of Chivasa’s conduct, accusing her of relying solely on the State’s narrative without independent verification.

“The respondent merely believed the mere say-so of State Counsel… That is not adjudication; that is abdication,” Magaya’s application reads. He further described the decision as a “judicial collapse into blind faith” and a “constitutionally reckless” miscarriage of justice.

This High Court intervention follows a contentious week where Magistrate Chivasa dismissed a separate application to refer the case to the Constitutional Court, labeling it “meritless.” Notably, she delivered that ruling while the High Court was simultaneously deliberating on the stay of proceedings, a move Magaya’s team viewed as a disregard for the higher court’s authority.

Magaya continues to deny all six counts of rape currently before the courts. Parallel to this case, another matter involving the cleric is pending before Magistrate Francis Mapfumo, where the defense argues that the State is unfairly pursuing charges despite some complainants purportedly withdrawing their allegations.

For now, the legal spotlight remains on the High Court as it prepares to decide whether the PHD leader will face his accusers in a public gallery or behind the shielded environment of the Victim Friendly Court.