Court defers ruling on Magaya overdetention case

The Harare Magistrates Court has postponed its ruling on whether Prophet Walter Magaya and his wife, Tendai, will be placed on remand or released unconditionally following claims of overdetention.

The ruling, initially expected today, was deferred to tomorrow by Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa, who is presiding over the matter. The couple’s lawyer, Admire Mubaya, argued that the two had been detained beyond the constitutionally permitted period, amounting to a violation of their basic human rights.

The State has since agreed to have the couple placed on remand out of custody.

Meanwhile, Magaya’s bail hearing on separate rape charges continued behind closed doors after the court ordered journalists and members of the public to leave the courtroom. The hearing is expected to resume at 0830hrs on Tuesday.

In addition to the rape allegations, Prophet Magaya and his wife are facing a separate fraud charge. The couple will remain in custody for another night as the court prepares to deliver its decision on the overdetention issue tomorrow.