The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has agreed to Walter Magaya’s request to remove prosecutor Tendayi Shonhayi from his rape trial, following allegations of bias on religious grounds.
In an urgent letter to the Prosecutor General on Tuesday, Walter Magaya claimed that Shonhayi was biased against him because she is a member of a rival church, UFIC, led by controversial preacher Emmanuel Makandiwa.
Magaya’s church, PHD Ministries, is located in Waterfalls, a few kilometres away from Makandiwa’s church, which is situated in Chitungwiza.
Magaya alleged that Shonhayi was seeking to persecute him and undermine his church to benefit UFIC, a competing religious organisation.
NPA did not issue a formal response, Shonhayi did not appear in court on Wednesday as part of the team representing the State.
NPA spokesperson, Angeline Munyeriwa has joined the prosecution team alongside Clemence Chimbare, Kudakwashe Chigwedere, and Foelane Muronda.
