Self styled prophet Walter Magaya and his wife, Tendai Magaya, are set to face trial in January next year on multiple charges of Fraud.

The couple’s fraud case has been postponed to  26 January, with Magaya’s rape trial set to begin on 16 January.

According to State prosecutor Clemence Chimbari, the Magayas face 78 counts of fraud related to their companies, Planet Africa Private Limited and Yadah Connect Private Limited.

The State alleges that the couple defrauded complainants of US$49,240 and R195,000 in a failed land deal, promising residential plots that were never delivered.

“The Magayas are accused of misleading potential buyers, resulting in significant financial losses for those involved,” Chimbari said.

In a separate matter, Prophet Magaya is facing five counts of rape, with his trial set to begin on January 16.

The Magayas have been granted bail, with Tendai Magaya’s bail set at US$500 and Prophet Magaya’s at US$3,000.

The Magayas’ lawyer, Admire Rubaya, has criticized the State’s investigation, calling it “megaphone investigations” and arguing that police statements issued on social media should not influence ongoing legal processes.

“Cases are not won by police statements on social media. The investigating team must take a leaf from their homicide counterparts,” Rubaya said.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has warned that anyone attempting to obstruct justice in the case will face arrest, revealing a plot to raise US$200,000 to bribe investigators, prosecutors, and judicial officers.

The Magayas’ case has sparked widespread attention, with many calling for accountability and transparency in the investigation and trial process.