Harare -Controversial Leader and founder of PHD church Walter Magaya is facing four new counts of rape. His trial is set for February 16.
In the first count in 2020 Magaya allegedly raped a 24-year-old woman after he invited her to a hotel room under the pretext of bible study.
The second charge occured in 2023 when Magaya raped a 22 year-old woman at the Yadah hotel after she duped the woman to stay at the hotel for prayers.
The third count was in 2016 when a 32 year-old woman was raped by Magaya at a house in Borrowdale. The woman says Magaya had offered her employment before he raped her.
The fourth count who date is not specified occured when Magaya invited a woman to a hotel to reward her for selling his books. Magaya raped then woman.
”The state opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the charges, risk of abscondment due to potential lengthy sentencing and concerns over witness interference,” the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe said.
Magaya was remanded to the 16th of February on Monday at the Harare Magistrates court for trial. The trial will run continuously until Thursday February 2026.
However, Magaya has applied for bail at the High Court in Harare.