Magaya Lawyers Slam Police Over Social Media Comments
Lawyers for PHD Ministries leader Walter Magaya have accused police of turning ongoing court matters into a public spectacle through social media posts, saying officers should focus on arresting suspects instead.
Walter Magaya, his wife Tendai, and their companies Planet Africa and Yadah Connect face fraud charges, with Magaya also confronting separate rape allegations.
Appearing before Harare magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa, lawyer Admire Rubaya said:
“Police issue statements in the media as if the trial is being conducted there.
“Investigations must be conducted in a manner that is not prejudicial to the accused.”
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Rubaya also criticised the police for commenting on an alleged US$200,000 fund purportedly meant to bribe court officials, saying:
“Instead of posting online, police should simply arrest suspects if they believe a crime has been committed.”
According to NewsDay, Rubaya compared the handling of the case unfavourably to the CID Homicide unit, which investigates thoroughly before making arrests.
“The accused has been under investigation since 2022, and further postponement is prejudicial,” he warned.
State prosecutor Clemence Chimbari requested a postponement to December 9, saying some statements were still outstanding.
Rubaya consented but added: “By then, the State must provide a trial date or else the defence will apply for the accused to be removed from remand.”
The fraud allegations claim the Magayas misled PHD congregants and home-seekers from 2016 by selling land they did not own and misrepresenting property ownership, including New Donnington Farm.
Rubaya added: “They issue statements in the media as if the trial is being conducted there, yet none of the alleged funds have been recovered.”
The State says PHD Ministries received US$1,600 and R5,000; Planet Africa got US$27,300; and Yadah Connect received US$21,340, R190,000, and ZWL1,000.
