The ManicaPost
Prophet Magaya
Samuel Kadungure : Senior Reporter
THE arrest of PHD leader Prophet Walter Magaya – like that of any celebrity with powerful associates, many sympathisers and enemies alike – drew contradicting reactions with some responding emotionally, defensively, logically and incriminatingly.Magaya was arrested over allegations of raping a 25-year-old woman in July last year – a feat that also exposed that the merits of entertaining a rape case that is over a year old was not knew in the country.
While rape victims are advised to seek medical attention within 72 hours of the rape with a view to terminating possible pregnancy that ushers an unwanted baby, it is even more instructive for a victim to do so in order to have her blood tested for possible infection, with sexually transmitted diseases especially HIV and AIDS which is considered a threat to one’s health.
The case has stirred a hornet’s nest with Magaya’s legions of sympathisers waiving the ‘not guilty until proven guilty’ trump card and using what has been described by detractors as ‘threats finish the job more expeditiously than diplomacy’.
They parroted the theory that Magaya’s arrest was engineered to counter the ambitious housing project he launched recently.
His detractors had a penchant to sentence him even to hell, ahead of a prison term. They said Magaya was an abuser of women and several of such non-consensual shenanigans failed to find light of day due to criminal and repressive politics. The critics, who are members of rival prophetic ministries, sided with the victim, arguing that if proof and witnesses exist, then the justice system should get to the bottom of it.
Critics said it was undesirable for religious fanatics to exalt an accused person and at the same time condemn the victims as if they do not have a right to speak out and access justice.
Neutrals remained mum as it was sub-judice – meaning that ‘the matter should not to be discussed publicly when it is before the courts’.
Prophet Magaya’s followers, among them secular musicians and flamboyant politicians and business persons that have hogged limelight at PHD prayer sessions, have vowed to stand by their embattled leader against the circling sharks.
PHD member Mr Muchemedzi Havadi said parents should teach their children to “fear” God, giving the impression that the 25 year-old victim was used to falsely nail the famous prophet.
“Help your children not to be used by the Judas spirit especially the girls. That Jezebel spirit will cause the whole generation to be destroyed. Prophet Magaya is a touch not of God, so please don’t dare else God Himself will be against you. Let the girls go to school and learn to work for their money not to see opportunity over being used to lie to the servant of God,” he said.
PHD member Mr Wisdom Well, took to the prophetic ministry’s Facebook page to express his unshakable support for the cleric.
“All the trials and tribulations are nothing but confirmation that PWM (Prophet Walter Magaya) is truly God sent. He is carrying God’s mandate to redeem our time and ane bhora ndiye anomakwa!! We as your children are with you Prophet and we know God is with us. All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. Let the detractors play their part so that God can have a chance to set a table before your enemies (Psalm 23:5),” he said.
Another congregant Mr Samuel Machiwenyika <https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1666241052&fref=ufi&rc=p> said the church was interceding on behalf of their embattled leader.
“We will become your voice especially in times like these, l have spoken and I will continue to speak for you our father, our Prophet. We forgive them as hard as it is for God always forgive. Light will prevail over darkness,” he said.
Mr Nyika Chris Karimanzira <https://www.facebook.com/nyikachris.karimanzira.5?fref=ufi&rc=p> said it was the devil’s mission to kill, steal and destroy.
“We don’t wrestle against flesh and blood but the spirits. May God forgive whoever is being used by the devil to try and destroy His work. One thing I know is that there is nowhere in the Bible where the devil fought God and prevailed,” he said.
However, activist and lawyer Mr Lenin Tinashe Chisaira feels Prophet Magaya’s arrest has exposed the arrogance of patriarchy and religion.
He described as disturbing that while working hard to depict their leader as a perfect person the PHD members were intimidating their enemies and the victim.
“Society and fellow congregants of both the complainant and the prophet ought to give the courts room to assess and evaluate evidence. Prophet Walter Magaya and his followers are entitled to the presumption of innocence under our laws. Every accused person is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty.
“Of equal importance is societal and congregants’ duty to respect the right of rape victims to seek justice without being roasted in the fires of the courts of public opinion. Religious fanatics and nightclub lawyers need to act and comment with caution and respect until the matter is resolved,” Mr Chisarira warned.
A pastor who spoke on condition of anonymity said PHD followers should be praying for their leader instead of behaving like rag-tag guerrillas and blackmailing victims.
“They should stop shouting sexual epithets at victims with such drunken rage. The character assassination on the victims is a growing embarrassment and a campaign threat to the church and its leader.
“If you use the wrong means to achieve the right goal that is wrong. Why are they using an atomic bomb to kill a fly?” asked the clergy.
