A HARARE magistrate yesterday warned the leader of the Johane Masowe Sect in Chitungwiza Godfrey Nzira that he risked being thrown into jail if he continued to interfere with witnesses.
The spiritual healer is facing trial at the magistrates' court for allegedly raping two of his followers on several occasions.
Nzira is out of custody on $10 000 bail granted him by a Chitungwiza magistrates' court.
Regional magistrate, Mrs Betty Makazhe, told Nzira that if he continued with such behaviour he might find himself in custody until the matter was finalised.
"Such behaviour may cause the court to incarcerate you," she said.
Mrs Makazhe ordered the spiritual healer to control his followers and warned the followers that they also risked being jailed if they interfered with witnesses.
The magistrate also threw out an application by Nzira's lawyer Mr Taurai Mapfunde of Manase and Manase to have the matter postponed to a later date. In dismissing the application, Mrs Makazhe said Nzira's trial should commence on October 28 this year.
Earlier, everyone in the small packed courtroom had eagerly waited for the magistrate to deliver the ruling on an inquiry held on Monday.
The court held the inquiry to investigate alleged threats of witnesses by Nzira and his followers.
Court officials including prosecutors, interpreters and members of the public jostled for seats in Court 16 where the hearing was held.
A tense Nzira, clad in a green designer suit, a matching shirt and tie, quietly sat in the dock awaiting his fate.
After the court adjourned, Nzira, who was a bit relaxed, walked out of the court building under heavy guard provided by his followers.
His followers who were gathered outside the Rotten Row court and composed of mainly women dressed in white regalia, were briefed about the outcome and then boarded buses hired by the church.
Charges against the prominent healer arose on February 17 and April 7 this year after he allegedly raped two of his followers who had sought spiritual healing from him. He is also accused of having assaulted a policewoman who is a member of his church.