Controversial Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries founder Walter Magaya was rearrested on Monday morning, moments after appearing at the Harare Magistrates’ Court on rape and fraud charges.
Magaya was taken into custody by officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in the court’s parking area shortly after leaving the building with his legal team.
The reasons for the latest arrest had not been disclosed by the time of publication.
Earlier in court, Magaya’s lawyer, Admire Rubaya, applied for the refusal of further remand, arguing that the complainants in the rape case intended to withdraw the charges. However, the State strongly opposed the application.
Presiding magistrate Francis Mapfumo reserved his ruling and said he would deliver a decision on Tuesday, when the court will determine whether Magaya should be remanded further.
During proceedings, the court heard that one of Magaya’s accusers has withdrawn her complaint, while the second complainant is now reportedly based in Ireland. This raised questions over whether the rape trial would proceed.
Meanwhile, his fraud case was postponed to 27 March, pending indictment by the High Court.
It remains unclear whether the rearrest relates to the existing cases or to new charges.
Related:
Magaya Appears In Court On Charges Of Raping Two Church Members
Magaya Files High Court Application To Have Rape And Fraud Charges Quashed