Story by Peter Chivhima
THE High Court has temporarily suspended the rape trial of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries leader, Walter Magaya.
The trial had been scheduled to continue at the Magistrates’ Court. However, High Court judge Tawanda Chitapi granted a temporary stay of proceedings after Magaya filed an urgent chamber application seeking to halt the trial.
Magaya is facing allegations of raping four complainants.
In his application, Magaya is challenging the court’s ruling that the matter be heard away from the public at the Victim Friendly Court.
He argues that the proceedings should instead be conducted in an open court to guarantee his right to a fair trial.
Justice Chitapi ruled that the trial must not proceed until the High Court has fully heard and determined Magaya’s review application.
The High Court is yet to set a date for the full hearing.
