The High Court of Zimbabwe has temporarily halted the r@pe trial of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries founder Walter Magaya.
The trial had been scheduled to proceed at the magistrates court but was stopped following an urgent chamber application filed by the cleric.
High Court judge Tawanda Chitapi granted the order pending a review of a decision by magistrate Esthere Chivasa to conduct the proceedings in a Victim Friendly Court.
Trial paused pending review
In his ruling, Justice Chitapi ordered that the lower court proceedings be suspended until the High Court determines the review application.
“The proceedings in the magistrates court in Case Number CRB HRE R 139/26 are temporarily stayed pending the determination of the application to review those proceedings,” the judge said.
The review application was filed before the High Court on 27 February 2026.
The judge also outlined timelines for the submission of legal papers by both parties in the case.
Legal challenge against magistrate
Magaya, through his lawyers Everson Chatambudza and Admire Rubaya, is challenging the decision to hold the trial in a Victim Friendly Court.
He is also seeking the removal of magistrate Chivasa from presiding over the case and wants the proceedings to begin afresh before a different magistrate.
In his application, Magaya cited Chivasa and the Prosecutor General of Zimbabwe as respondents.
He argued that the magistrate relied solely on the State’s outline when deciding to move the trial to a Victim Friendly Court.
Allegations denied
Magaya is facing multiple r@pe allegations involving women from his church, claims he has consistently denied.
One of the matters is also before Harare magistrate Francis Mapfumo where Magaya is seeking referral of the case to the Constitutional Court.
He argues that prosecutors are continuing with the case despite some complainants allegedly withdrawing their allegations.
A determination in that application is still pending.
The High Court’s decision means the trial will remain suspended until the review application is heard and determined.
By The Granite Post Reporter
