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Conflicting statements from ZIMURA leaders over 2025 royalty figures spark transparency concerns, raising questions about governance, financial reporting and trust within Zimbabwe’s music rights body HARARE — A fresh wave of scrutiny has engulfed the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) after conflicting public statements by senior officials about the organisation’s 2025 royalty collections triggered a credibility crisis and renewed questions about transparency and governance. The controversy began during an appearance on the Ollah7 Podcast, where ZIMURA Deputy Director Henry Makombe stated that the organisation collected approximately US$475,650 in royalties in 2025. Board chair Goodchild Gwenzi was present and appeared to endorse the figure. The statement was delivered as a clear and definitive account of annual collections. However, days later during an interview on Earground, Gwenzi was asked to confirm the same figure. He did not verify the amount and said he was unsure, creating confusion over the official position. The conflicting responses from two senior leaders of the same institution raised public concerns about record-keeping accuracy and internal alignment on financial reporting. The issue escalated further on ZTN’s The Chase, where Makombe was expected to address the discrepancies. He withdrew shortly before recording, citing concerns about the panel composition. Gospel musician Tembalani remained on the programme and called for dialogue and patience, positioning himself as a mediator between artists and management. His stance drew mixed reactions, particularly against reports that some musicians receive annual royalties as low as US$8. Another unresolved question relates to the status of Chipfumbu, reportedly dismissed from ZIMURA, whose name is said to still appear on official registration documents filed after his removal. No formal clarification has been issued regarding this matter. Publicly referenced historical figures also present an uneven picture. Reported collections include ZWL $1.2 million in 2019, ZWL $2.3 million in 2020, ZWL $3–4 million between 2021 and 2022, and varying figures for 2023–2024 depending on the platform cited. No recent audited financial statements have been released to reconcile the discrepancies. Governance analysts note that royalty collection bodies depend heavily on trust, transparency and consistent reporting. In the absence of audited figures and unified communication, artists and stakeholders continue to question the reliability of the numbers being presented. Until an official, audited account is provided, the debate over ZIMURA’s finances is likely to persist.

NRZ confirms successful salvage of export ferrochrome after the Odzi derailment and says rail line repairs are underway, with traffic expected to resume by Saturday ( image source ) The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has confirmed the successful recovery of export ferrochrome from wagons involved in Wednesday’s train derailment at Odzi in Mutare, minimising cargo losses along a key freight route. In a statement, NRZ said salvage operations were completed by midday on 29 January. Later that afternoon, a train carrying ballast and fines arrived at the site, allowing immediate repairs to begin on the damaged section of track. Replacement rails, sleepers and other materials were already on site, with realignment works underway. ( video source ) The rail operator reported that it was on schedule to reopen the line to traffic by Saturday afternoon, restoring movement in both directions. NRZ apologised to customers and stakeholders for the disruption and said efforts were focused on resuming normal service as quickly as possible. The derailment temporarily interrupted freight operations on an important export corridor, but NRZ said its recovery teams moved swiftly to secure cargo and stabilise the site. The incident once again underscores the pressures facing Zimbabwe’s rail network, which continues to contend with ageing infrastructure and years of underinvestment. For ferrochrome producers, the salvage is particularly significant. Ferrochrome is a major export used in stainless steel production and a key source of foreign currency earnings, making the protection and timely movement of such cargo critical to the mining and export value chain.

Trial of AMH editors and Alpha Media Holdings postponed to 25 February 2026 as defence seeks High Court review over charges linked to a satirical column ( image source ) The trial of Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) and senior editors Kholwani Nyathi and Faith Zaba has been postponed to 25 February 2026 by Harare magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai, pending the outcome of a High Court review. The two editors and the media house face charges of allegedly insulting or undermining President Emmerson Mnangagwa through a satirical Muckraker column titled “When you become a mafia state” published in June 2025. The defence team, led by lawyers Chris Mhike and Alec Muchadehama, had applied for the charges to be quashed, arguing that they were vague, disclosed no offence at law, and infringed constitutional protections of freedom of expression. However, magistrate Apolonia Marutya ruled last month that the State had adequately outlined the alleged roles of the accused and that disputed issues should be tested during trial. ( image source ) Marutya rejected the argument that the charges were defective for lacking a specific complainant, holding that the “Office of the President” could be treated as a juristic person. She found that the charges were neither embarrassing nor prejudicial to the accused. Prosecutors allege the article undermined the authority of the president, with Zaba charged for causing publication in her capacity as editor and AMH charged as the publishing entity. The defence maintains that Muckraker is a satirical opinion column protected under constitutional guarantees of free expression and that the president was not explicitly mentioned in the article. They further argue that investigators misidentified the target of the satire, referencing previous cases in which similar charges against opposition figures were dismissed. Muchadehama has filed for a High Court review of Marutya’s ruling and indicated that, if unsuccessful, the matter could be escalated to the Constitutional Court.

Andy Muridzo publicly apologises to former mentor Jah Prayzah through a new song, ending years of tension and signalling reconciliation welcomed across Zimbabwe’s music industry ( image source ) AFRO-fusion artist Andy Muridzo has issued a public apology to his former mentor Jah Prayzah, ending years of public criticism and drawing widespread praise across Zimbabwe’s music industry. The reconciliation follows a prolonged period of tension that began after Muridzo left Jah Prayzah’s Military Touch band in 2017 and later escalated into repeated verbal attacks and public jibes. Muridzo delivered the apology through a new song that doubles as a public plea, an approach observers describe as both creative and symbolic. ( Video Source ) Muridzo’s exit from Military Touch marked a major turning point in his career. While Jah Prayzah strengthened his position as one of Zimbabwe’s leading musicians, Muridzo’s path proved more uneven, with fewer commercial highs. Commentators say the contrast in fortunes contributed to lingering resentment that played out publicly over the years. In the apology track, Muridzo asks fans and the nation to support his effort to make amends and to recognise the value of mentorship and mutual respect in the arts. Jah Prayzah responded promptly on social media, accepting the apology and assuring Muridzo that there are no hard feelings. He encouraged his former protégé to embrace his talent and continue pursuing his musical ambitions. The exchange was warm and forward-looking, with both artists signalling a willingness to move on. Industry insiders say Jah Prayzah’s tone helped ease tensions and set a constructive example. ( image source ) Music commentators and cultural stakeholders have welcomed the reconciliation as a positive moment for the sector. Public feuds between established stars and former protégés can strain professional networks, divide audiences and distract from creative output. By using music itself as the medium of apology, Muridzo not only acknowledged past mistakes but also demonstrated how artistic expression can support healing. The episode also highlights the role of mentorship in Zimbabwean music. Senior artists often help emerging performers gain exposure, build industry links and access platforms. When such relationships fracture, the consequences can be both personal and professional. This reconciliation underscores the importance of repairing mentorship ties and resolving disputes in ways that strengthen the creative community. Attention now turns to whether the renewed goodwill could lead to collaboration, joint performances or mentorship initiatives. For Muridzo, the gesture may help restore industry relationships and visibility; for Jah Prayzah, the response reinforces his standing as a senior figure willing to extend grace. For the wider sector, the moment serves as a reminder that humility and reconciliation can contribute to a healthier creative ecosystem.

Zimbabwe rain-related deaths rise to 109 as heavy floods destroy homes, damage schools and strain emergency response, with thousands of households affected nationwide ( image source ) The death toll from rain-related incidents in Zimbabwe has risen to 109, up from 79 last week, as sustained heavy rains continue to affect large parts of the country. The latest Civil Protection Unit (CPU) situation report shows 8,295 households affected, 334 homes destroyed and 236 schools damaged, placing infrastructure, livelihoods and essential services under severe pressure. Manicaland recorded the highest number of fatalities at 36, followed by Mashonaland West with 19 and Matabeleland South with 16. Harare Metropolitan Province reported the largest number of affected households at 5,093, highlighting the vulnerability of urban areas to flash flooding and drainage failures. The CPU said roads, bridges, schools, health facilities, irrigation schemes and farm dams have sustained extensive damage, disrupting access to education and healthcare in several districts. Deaths have been attributed to lightning strikes, drowning and collapsing infrastructure, with emergency response efforts strained by the scale and frequency of incidents. In one of the deadliest recent events, nine people drowned in Insiza District, Matabeleland South, when their vehicle was swept away while attempting to cross the Shangamtope River at Mulula Mtshingwe Resettlement Area. Local CPU committees provided maize assistance to affected families, but officials said relief needs far exceed available resources. In Beitbridge District, heavy rains between 11 and 16 January affected at least 114 people, destroying food stocks, clothing and household items. Authorities linked much of the destruction to fragile rural infrastructure and unreinforced mud housing prone to collapse during prolonged rainfall. ( image source ) The CPU has called for intensified public education on rainfall hazards through social media, mainstream media and community radio, and urged the urgent mobilisation of tents, food and non-food items for displaced families. Funding gaps remain significant. The 2025/26 National Multi-Hazard Contingency Plan requires US$96.17 million; so far, US$3 million has been received. Provinces have been allocated US$30,000 each for emergency response and 50 metric tonnes of maize per province. Zimbabwe is also coordinating regional humanitarian assistance under ZimAid, supporting Malawi and Mozambique following severe flooding. Acting President Dr Kembo Mohadi recently handed over 300 metric tonnes of grain and other supplies to Mozambique, while the first consignment to Malawi has been dispatched. ( image source ) With the rainy season ongoing, the CPU urged communities to avoid crossing flooded rivers, take safety precautions and report emergencies quickly. The extent of damage and limited resources highlight the urgent need for immediate relief as well as long-term investment in resilient infrastructure, early-warning systems and community preparedness.

( image source ) Zimbabwe’s public discourse follows a familiar cycle. A remark goes viral, a symbolic issue ignites outrage, or a minor controversy dominates social media and talk shows. For days or weeks, the country is consumed. Then attention shifts, leaving little changed. Meanwhile, the fundamentals — productivity, service delivery, policy coherence and competitiveness — continue to struggle for sustained attention. This tendency is often described as “majoring in the minor.” The phrase may sound dismissive, but the consequences are real, particularly for business confidence and economic planning. The issue is not whether minor controversies matter at all, but whether they consistently crowd out attention to what matters most. From a business perspective, the imbalance is costly. Zimbabwe’s economic challenges are well known: currency volatility, limited access to affordable capital, infrastructure constraints and high unemployment. These factors shape pricing decisions, investment timelines and survival strategies for enterprises across sectors. Yet rigorous, continuous public engagement around solutions to these challenges is rare. Instead, national energy is frequently absorbed by debates that generate emotion but require little structural change. Economic performance is influenced not only by policy, but by the seriousness of the conversation surrounding policy. Investors observe more than official pronouncements. They watch how a country debates its priorities, how quickly attention shifts, and whether difficult issues receive sustained scrutiny. When noise dominates discourse, uncertainty deepens — and uncertainty is the enemy of investment. There are clear incentives behind this pattern. Minor controversies are safer than structural debates. It is easier to mobilise public emotion around symbols, personalities or isolated incidents than around fiscal discipline, productivity, procurement reform or state-owned enterprise efficiency. Structural issues inevitably raise uncomfortable questions about accountability and trade-offs. The minor offers intensity without consequence. There is also a social dimension. In an environment where many citizens feel excluded from meaningful economic decision-making, symbolic debates feel accessible. Commenting on a viral issue provides a sense of participation and relevance. Structural reform, by contrast, appears technical, slow and distant. Majoring in the minor becomes a way to engage when deeper levers feel out of reach. This does not mean that all “minor” issues are trivial. Culture, dignity and representation matter in any society. Small incidents often reveal deeper tensions — inequality, institutional mistrust or generational frustration. The problem arises when these signals become endpoints rather than gateways to deeper discussion. Outrage replaces analysis, and attention moves on before fundamentals are addressed. For business, the cost of this pattern accumulates quietly. Companies operate under real constraints and real timelines. They must manage inflation, exchange rate risk, regulatory uncertainty and fragile consumer confidence. Long-term planning depends on predictability and seriousness of intent. When national discourse rarely sustains focus on economic fundamentals, reform pressure weakens. Delay becomes normal. Over time, postponement hardens into policy. The media environment reinforces this drift. In the attention economy, what travels fastest is often what matters least. Social media rewards immediacy and emotion, not depth or continuity. Yet business journalism carries a different responsibility. It must repeatedly foreground issues of growth, productivity, innovation and governance, even when these lack spectacle or instant engagement. The challenge, therefore, is not passion but prioritisation. A healthy national conversation can accommodate cultural debate while maintaining relentless focus on economic fundamentals. Zimbabwe’s difficulty lies in keeping the major issues major. Ultimately, the question is not whether Zimbabweans major in the minor. It is why the pattern persists, who benefits from distraction, and what remains unresolved while attention is elsewhere. Distraction is rarely accidental, and delay has economic consequences. For a country seeking sustainable growth, business confidence and meaningful job creation, learning to major in the major may be one of the most important reforms of all — not legislated, but practiced daily in how national attention is allocated. Simbarashe Namusi is a peace, leadership and governance scholar as well as media expert writing in his personal capacity

The Office of the President and Cabinet has voided provincial river-rehabilitation deals, ordered a crackdown on illegal mining, and directed enforcement of SI 188 of 2024 nationwide ( image source ) HARARE — The Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) has ordered all provinces to immediately enforce Statutory Instrument 188 of 2024, effectively cancelling controversial private river-rehabilitation agreements and tightening control over alluvial mining operations. In a directive to Secretaries for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, the OPC declared that existing agreements between provincial authorities and private river-rehabilitation companies are null and void, stating that SI 188 does not permit such contracts without explicit Cabinet approval. Provinces have been instructed to terminate the arrangements with immediate effect. The directive outlines enforcement measures that include the arrest and removal of illegal miners, confiscation of equipment and the establishment of an Interministerial Committee to coordinate river-rehabilitation efforts nationwide. The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) will lead pilot rehabilitation projects, after which provinces may form Provincial River Rehabilitation Committees — but only with Cabinet authorisation. ( image source ) Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West and Manicaland have been specifically instructed to submit reports detailing how and why private contractors were appointed. Deadlines for submission range between 23 and 26 February 2026. The move follows controversy surrounding Prevail Group of Companies, owned by businessman Paul Tungwarara, which reportedly secured exclusive river-rehabilitation rights in Mazowe. The development is seen as a significant setback for Tungwarara, who has recently attracted political attention after publicly criticising senior ZANU-PF figures and alleging that some party financiers were positioning themselves for post-Mnangagwa leadership dynamics. Tungwarara’s public rallies in Manicaland, where he distributed cash through an Empowerment Fund, were criticised by party officials as divisive. ZANU-PF Youth League representatives Taurai Kandishaya and Tino Machakaire described his remarks as inflammatory and damaging to party unity.

Zimura vice-chair First Batani defends his election and rejects past allegations as governance disputes deepen over board elections, asset sales and leadership legitimacy ( image source ) HARARE — Newly elected Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura) vice-chairperson First Batani, popularly known as First Farai, has strongly defended his leadership position, dismissing criticism of his election as malicious, agenda-driven and rooted in personal vendettas rather than legitimate governance concerns. Batani also rejected revived allegations connected to an alleged funeral contributions embezzlement case from more than a decade ago. He described the accusations as an attempt to tarnish his reputation rather than seek accountability. “People bringing up an issue from 15 years ago are cowards who are peddling lies,” Batani said, arguing that Zimura remains a professionally run collective management organisation governed by law and constitutional processes. He maintained that both his election and that of chairperson Alexio “Goodchild” Gwenzi complied with quorum requirements and Zimura’s constitution, despite objections from a faction of directors. Batani accused Dereck Mpofu, Gift Amuli and Joseph Garakara of boycotting the elections and later launching a public relations campaign after failing to secure leadership positions. “In my capacity as acting chairperson, I personally invited them to attend the elections. They gave different excuses, then later emerged holding press conferences attacking us,” he said. ( image source ) Addressing claims that he sidelined Amuli from the vice-chair role, Batani said Amuli had been contesting the chairpersonship and that the initial vote ended in a stalemate. On the controversial sale of Zimura’s Avondale flats and allegations involving director Polisile Ncube-Chimhini, Batani insisted procedures were followed and documentation exists. “The sale was done properly, and documents are available,” he said, adding that the alleged forgery case remains before the courts. However, governance analysts argue Batani’s confrontational stance risks reinforcing perceptions that internal power struggles are overshadowing broader issues around transparency, asset disposals and leadership legitimacy. The dispute has escalated, with Zimura dismissing Mpofu, Amuli and Garakara — a move the trio has rejected as unlawful. In a 22 January statement, the three directors described the recent board elections as a “phantom process” and accused the new leadership of colluding with the secretariat to consolidate power and block investigations into asset sales and financial governance. While current leaders insist all actions are lawful, the standoff has exposed deep divisions within the artists’ rights body, with observers warning the conflict now centres on whether Zimura ultimately serves musicians or those who control its structures.

UFC fighter Themba Gorimbo criticises Wicknell Chivayo and Fadzayi Mahere after backlash over CNN remarks about cutting ties with Zimbabwe ( image source ) Zimbabwean-born UFC fighter Themba Gorimbo has sparked a heated public exchange after criticising businessman Wicknell Chivayo and former MP Fadzayi Mahere, following backlash over remarks he made during a recent CNN interview. In the interview, Gorimbo said he had severed ties with both his family and Zimbabwe, and disclosed plans to be cremated with his ashes scattered in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, saying he no longer feels connected to his country of birth. The comments quickly went viral on social media, drawing strong reactions. Chivayo responded online with a dismissive post, prompting Gorimbo to issue a lengthy rebuttal in which he accused the businessman of seeking attention and questioned his credibility. “You can bully other Zimbabweans and buy them, but not me,” Gorimbo wrote, adding that serious entrepreneurs do not focus on social-media disputes. Gorimbo also criticised Fadzayi Mahere after she posted that she would “pick Zimbabwe over and over again,” which he interpreted as an indirect response to his stance. In a strongly worded reaction, Gorimbo accused Mahere of benefiting from the same political system she criticises and questioned her impact during her short tenure as Member of Parliament for Mt Pleasant, which ended within months amid internal disputes in the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). Highlighting his own contributions, Gorimbo pointed to community projects including the drilling of a borehole in his home village. He contrasted this with what he described as performative activism, framing his position as one grounded in lived hardship rather than political rhetoric. Gorimbo remains a significant figure in Zimbabwean sport as the first Zimbabwean to win a UFC fight, holding a professional MMA record of 14 wins and 6 losses. His journey from poverty in Bikita, Masvingo — where he lost both parents by age 13 — to international recognition has been widely publicised. A notable moment in his story came when actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson gifted him a house after learning he had only US$7 before one of his fights. Despite his sporting achievements, Gorimbo’s recent statements have reignited debate around identity, belonging and the responsibilities of public figures toward their countries of origin.

ZERA set Zimbabwe’s petrol ceiling at US$1.57 per litre, but some stations are reportedly charging US$1.59, raising consumer concerns and calls for stronger enforcement ( image source ) HARARE — The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) set a maximum petrol price of US$1.57 per litre earlier this month to cushion consumers from global fuel price volatility, but field observations indicate some fuel stations may be charging US$1.59, exceeding the official ceiling. Major fuel brands including Zuva, Engen, Redan and Total have largely complied with the cap at high-traffic sites. However, reports of overcharging have raised concerns among motorists and consumer watchdogs, who say even minor deviations weaken public trust and compromise the integrity of regulated pricing. Consumer advocates stress that a price ceiling only works when enforcement is visible and consistent. They are calling on ZERA to step up monitoring and take decisive action against non-compliant retailers. While it is unclear whether the higher prices stem from pricing errors, rounding issues or deliberate margin adjustments, the ceiling is designed as an absolute maximum, not a guideline. Market analysts highlight enforcement challenges facing the regulator. The fuel retail sector is geographically dispersed, making real-time inspections difficult. Rapid price adjustments at station level and limited consumer reporting mechanisms may also allow temporary breaches to go unchecked. ( image source ) Civil-society groups are urging ZERA to clarify enforcement procedures, conduct targeted inspections and establish accessible complaint channels such as a hotline or digital reporting platform. Transparency advocates recommend the publication of periodic compliance reports detailing inspections, violations and penalties. Retailers say they operate within a complex cost environment shaped by exchange-rate pressures, international price movements and local distribution expenses. Some industry voices have called for a review of the pricing formula to better reflect operational realities while still protecting consumers. ZERA has not yet publicly addressed the specific reports of petrol being sold at US$1.59 per litre. Observers say the regulator’s response will be critical: firm enforcement would reinforce the credibility of the price cap, while inaction could encourage further non-compliance. For motorists and businesses, even a two-cent difference accumulates over time, making the issue both practical and symbolic. Consumers are encouraged to compare prices between stations and report suspected breaches as authorities work to ensure the ceiling achieves its intended consumer-protection role.

ZANU PF says it is nearing completion of processes to amend Zimbabwe’s Constitution to extend President Mnangagwa’s term to 2030, with Cabinet and Parliament stages next ( image source ) CHINHOYI — ZANU PF says its internal process to amend the Constitution in line with Resolution Number One — a proposal aimed at extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office to 2030 — is nearing completion, with formal government procedures expected to begin next month. Party Secretary for Legal Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi, who is also Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, told delegates at the party’s first Mashonaland West Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting on Saturday that the amendment principles will be submitted to Cabinet when it resumes sitting in February, following the President’s return from annual leave. If Cabinet approves the principles, Ziyambi said a Constitutional Amendment Bill will be drafted and tabled in Parliament. Should it secure the required legislative support, the bill would then be sent to the President for assent, completing the formal constitutional process. ( image source ) Ziyambi framed the proposal as procedurally lawful, emphasising that Zimbabwe’s Constitution provides mechanisms for amendment. He said the move stems from a party resolution rather than an individual initiative. “The Constitution of Zimbabwe allows for changes and amendments, and that is exactly what we are following,” he said, adding that once lawfully passed, the President would be constitutionally required to sign the bill into law. He acknowledged that the proposal may face opposition but criticised what he described as selective constitutionalism among detractors. Ziyambi also urged party members to maintain internal unity and discipline, warning that factional disputes weaken organisational effectiveness. He cautioned against the misuse of senior leaders’ names for personal leverage. Provincial chairperson Mary Mliswa-Chikoka told the meeting that Mashonaland West structures were prepared for an upcoming Cell Verification Day and expressed confidence ahead of the Chegutu Ward 1 by-election set for 21 February. The vacancy followed the death of a Citizens Coalition for Change councillor. ZANU PF selected Gift Konjana, a former MDC Alliance candidate who joined the ruling party in 2023, as its candidate. The next phase of the process involves Cabinet consideration, legislative drafting, parliamentary debate and voting. Observers say attention will focus on the bill’s wording, the parliamentary arithmetic required for constitutional change, and any legal or political challenges that could emerge as the proposal moves through formal channels.

PHD Ministries founder Walter Magaya has been remanded in custody ahead of a 16–19 February trial in Harare on four rape charges involving alleged incidents between 2016 and 2023 ( image source ) HARARE — Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries founder Walter Magaya was remanded in custody on Monday and will remain detained until 16 February, when he is scheduled to stand trial on four counts of rape. The trial is set to run on a continuous roll from 16 to 19 February before Harare magistrate Letwin Rwodzi. Magaya did not oppose being remanded. The State resisted bail, arguing the charges fall under the Third Schedule of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act, which requires bail applications for such offences to be handled by the High Court. Prosecutor Clemence Chimbari, assisted by Tendai Shonhai, told the court that the prosecution will provide trial papers to the defence by 11 February. Magaya is represented by lawyers Admire Rubaya and Everson Chatambudza. Rubaya indicated the defence would approach the High Court for bail “as soon as possible.” He also raised procedural complaints regarding the arrest, alleging that witnesses were not made available and suggesting the re-arrest was designed to keep his client in custody. Prosecutors rejected those claims, saying the arrest followed the completion of investigations and was based on reasonable suspicion. ( image source ) The State says there are four complainants, all alleged to have been congregants of Magaya, with accusations spanning 2016 to 2023 under differing circumstances. • Count One: A 24-year-old Harare woman allegedly invited to church-related activities in July 2020 was later sexually assaulted at a hotel. She reportedly disclosed the incident to a family member and later reported it to police. • Count Two: A 22-year-old woman from Chegutu allegedly travelled to Harare for prayers in 2023, was accommodated at a hotel and sexually assaulted. A medical examination was reportedly conducted. • Count Three: A 32-year-old Harare woman, said to have known Magaya as her pastor, allegedly accepted an employment-related offer in 2016 and was lured to a Borrowdale property where she was sexually assaulted. Medical evidence is expected. • Count Four: A 21-year-old woman from Chegutu who assisted with marketing a church book allegedly met Magaya at a hotel suite and was sexually assaulted. She reportedly informed relatives and later police, and underwent medical examination. The State maintains the encounters were non-consensual and that Magaya had no right to sexual intercourse with the complainants without consent. Prosecutors say medical and other supporting evidence will be presented during trial proceedings. Magaya remains in custody pending a High Court bail application and the scheduled trial dates.