Harare-Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) has called on authorities to set up a commission of inquiry in the wake of sexual abuse allegations made against Walter Magaya of the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries (PHD).

Addressing Journalists in Harare, Friday WCoZ chairperson, Ronika Mumbire said the sexual violence allegation had caused public alarm therefore an inquiry.

“WCoZ call on duty bearers with a mandate to end all forms of gender based violence to commission an inquiry on sexual abuse allegations made against Walter Magaya of PHD ministries” said Mumbire

She further added “The allegations of sexual violence in circulation on social and main stream media in the past weeks have caused public alarm resulting in the wave of anxiety, insecurities by women in church spaces, and speculations around conduct of church leaders”

What is disturbing Mumbire said were videos and images in circulation.

“Equally disturbing is the series of videos and images in circulation, where the woman who had initially reported violations are withdrawing their reports through the same platforms. This raises questions around credibility of allegations, public confusion and backlash.

“Given the fact that the Zimbabwean society is largely religious, it is of public interest that the allegations levelled against Mr. Magaya be taken with the urgency and seriousness it deserves” she said

The calls come as Magaya is facing allegations of sexually abusing a host of women most of whom were his congregants. Some have withdrawn their cases amid allegations of threats from the clergy.

Efforts to get a comment from Magaya and PHD spokesperson Admire Mango were fruitless as he was not picking calls.