Prophet Walter Magaya’s Legal Battle to Halt ZIFA Executive Elections Continues

Prophet Walter Magaya’s quest to prevent the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) executive elections from proceeding on January 25, 2025, is far from over, following a crucial decision by the High Court. Magaya, a prominent figure in Zimbabwean football and the president of Yadah FC, filed an urgent High Court application to stop the elections, citing his disqualification from the race.

Magaya’s disqualification stems from his failure to meet the eligibility criteria set by the ZIFA Electoral Committee. He was disqualified due to alleged pending court cases and his prior conviction in the Aguma medication case, which raised concerns about his fitness to run for the presidency.

On January 14, 2025, High Court Judge Tawanda Chitapi ruled that the matter would be treated as urgent, deferring the case for a hearing scheduled for Friday, January 17, 2025. This decision gives Magaya a chance to present his case, challenging the disqualification that has left him dissatisfied.

Through his legal representative, lawyer Everson Chatambudza of Chatambudza and Rubaya Legal Practitioners, Magaya seeks an interdict to halt the upcoming election. A notice from his legal team reads: “Take notice that the above urgent chamber application for interdict will be heard and determined by the High Court of Zimbabwe at Harare before Honourable Mr. Justice Chitapi T on Tuesday the 14th of January 2025 at 0900 or soon thereafter as counsel may be heard.”

This application is not Magaya’s only avenue for redress. In addition to seeking legal recourse from the High Court, he has also taken the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), further prolonging the uncertainty surrounding the election.

As the case progresses, football fans and stakeholders alike will be keeping a close eye on the outcome, with Magaya’s fate and the future of ZIFA’s leadership hanging in the balance. The outcome of the court hearings may set a significant precedent for the administration of Zimbabwean football and the credibility of its leadership election process.