Zimbabwe: New Twist to Magaya Rape Case As Another Witness Withdraws

What the report says

A new development has emerged in Zimbabwe’s rape case involving Prophetic Healing and Deliverance leader Walter Magaya, after another accuser notified prosecutors of an intention to withdraw her complaint. According to 263Chat’s report distributed by AllAfrica, the withdrawal affidavit and letter were delivered on Monday, the same day Magaya appeared for the start of the trial in Harare. The hearing was held in camera, with the State citing the need to protect witness identities.

Prosecutors reportedly said they would continue with the case despite the withdrawal, while Magaya’s lawyer, Admire Rubaya, challenged that stance and indicated the defense would seek High Court review. The report says this is the third witness to signal withdrawal of a complaint in the matter, adding to earlier disputes between the prosecution and defense over whether the case should proceed when complainants step back.

The trial is scheduled for October 26. The article also notes that Magaya and his wife face a separate fraud matter, in which they were remanded to November 26 pending indictment to the High Court. More broadly, the case highlights a recurring legal question in sexual offense prosecutions: how courts handle matters when complainants retract or withdraw, especially where the State believes it still has a basis to proceed.