Merchant Services Manager (Harare)

Library Technical Assistant

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Research, Innovation and Industry Linkage Officer (RIILO)

Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) Officer

Procurement Officer

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Innovation Lead (Engineering)

Innovation Lead (Arts & Creative Industries)

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Public Health Specialist: Prevention, Care & Treatment (Harare)

Driver (Kariba)

Relief Drivers x8

Business Intelligence Analyst (Harare)

Contact Centre Agent-1 (Harare)

Switchboard Operator (OMAO) (Harare)

Procurement Manager (Bulawayo)

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Legal Officer (Harare)

Auditor (Harare)

Director General (Harare)

A 22-year-old man from Zhombe in Midlands Province is on the run after allegedly killing his brother during a row over an English Premier League match on Sunday.
Police say the suspect, Peter Mhike, of Hotera Village in Zhombe, murdered his 26-year-old brother Edmore Mhike during a quarrel about which was the dominant team between Liverpool and Manchester City when the two rivals clashed at Anfield on Sunday.
The match ended 1-1 after Argentine midfielder Alexis Mac Allister equalised from the penalty spot. Manchester City had taken the lead through John Stones.
Peter allegedly struck Edmore with a wooden bench and then finished him off with a stone after he tried to stop him from assaulting another man.
The incident took place at around 7 PM at Nganunu Bar in Zhombe on Sunday, shortly after the two teams drew 1-1 at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool.
According to an internal police memo of the incident seen by <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/man-killed-in-row-over-dominant-team-in-liverpool-and-manchester-city-game/">ZimLive</a>, Peter Mhike had a “misunderstanding with 29-year-old Joakim Moyo of Mashavave Village… as he was disputing that Liverpool had the upper hand to win the game.”
<blockquote>
Peter Mhike, who is a Manchester City supporter, started throwing stones at Joakim Moyo. The now-deceased Edmore Mhike rebuked and restrained his young brother from assaulting Moyo. This did not go well with the accused person who then turned on his brother.
Peter picked up a wooden bench and hit his elder brother. He then picked up a stone and struck the now-deceased on his head and he died on the spot.
</blockquote>
Peter fled from the scene and police were yet to arrest him on Tuesday.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Manchester City Supporter From Zhombe Kills Elder Brother In Clash Over Liverpool Match

The wife of a retired senior police officer from Gweru has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for kidnapping an infant aged two months.
Sakhile Tanyanyiwa (34), who is the wife of former Police Commissioner Mekia Tanyanyiwa, appeared before the Gweru Magistrates Court this Tuesday, 12 March facing charges of kidnapping.
Tanyanyiwa will, however, serve an effective 12 months in prison after the court conditionally suspended 6 months for 5 years.
The court heard that on 08 March 2024, the infant’s mother went to Gweru Provincial Hospital to collect her baby’s birth record.
On her way back she was offered a lift into town by Tanyanyiwa who was in the company of another man and woman.
The three were in a white Toyota Aqua registration number AFW 6208.
One of the occupants in the vehicle advised the complainant that they would be making a stopover in South View on the way to Gweru Central Business District.
When they got to 6247 South View, the Tanyanyiwa asked the infant’s mother to assist the woman with a “newly born” to disembark from the vehicle. Said the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA):
<blockquote>
As the complainant got out of the vehicle the car sped off headed towards the Gweru – Bulawayo highway with the 3 people and her baby. She reported the matter to the Police.
The accused took the child home and misrepresented to her husband that she had given birth.
Her husband did not believe that the child was a newborn infant and doubted her story all the more when he heard that a baby had been snatched in Gweru.
</blockquote>
The retired top cop took his wife and the baby to CID Gweru. Tanyanyiwa was positively identified by the infant’s mother at a formal identification parade.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Wife Of Retired Top Cop Jailed For Stealing A Baby

A 46-year-old man from Victoria Falls has been found guilty of fraud by a Victoria Falls Magistrate after he sold a residential stand twice.
Controller Daka was sentenced to 36 months imprisonment of which 8 months was suspended for 5 years on condition of good behavior.
The court also suspended 16 months imprisonment on the condition that Daka completes 560 hours of community service.
A further 12 months imprisonment was suspended on condition that he restitute the complainant the sum of US$3 000 by 02 April 2024.
Prosecutors proved in court that on 11 February 2024 at Monde Village, Victoria Falls, Daka intentionally made a misrepresentation to one Munashe Chizhou that he was selling his residential stand. Chizhou paid the full price for the stand.
However, on 03 March 2024, when Chizhou contacted the village head for a change of ownership, he was informed that the stand had been sold to one Wellington Muzhuzha sometime in January 2024.
Chizhou reported the matter to the Police leading to Daka’s arrest. The total value prejudiced was US$3 000 and nothing was recovered.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Victoria Falls Man Sells Residential Stand Twice

Three hundred (300) former Air Zimbabwe employees who were dismissed several years ago, have lost their appeal against their retrenchment at the Labour Court, reported <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/300-former-air-zimbabwe-employees-lose-labour-court-appeal-for-reinstatement/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>.
The former Air Zimbabwe employees were fired following the infamous Zuva Petroleum Private Limited 2015 judgement which led to the termination of over 6 000 jobs in a week.
The judgment (SC 43/15) established that an employment contract can be terminated by either party after giving notice.
The former Air Zimbabwe workers challenged their dismissal at the Supreme Court wherein it ordered a reinstatement of the employees and payment of damages in lieu thereof.
On 12 December 2020, the first respondent reinstated the appellants, paid them all their dues, and placed them on unpaid leave.
While they were on forced leave, Air Zimbabwe was placed under administration in terms of the Reconstruction of State Indebted Insolvent Companies Act Chapter 24:27.
Sometime in March 2021, Air Zimbabwe initiated a retrenchment process for the appellants and paid them the minimum terminal benefits in terms of the Labour Act. They received and consumed the benefits.
After that, they complained that Air Zimbabwe had not complied with the Supreme Court order to reinstate and that in any case, the retrenchment exercise was flawed.
The matter then spilled to the National Employment Council (NEC) which concluded that the Supreme Court order had been complied with.
NEC representative Ellen Nyamanhindi further found that by taking and consuming the retrenchment package the appellants had waived their right to challenge the process.
The former Air Zimbabwe employees argued that NEC grossly erred on a question of law by failing to appreciate that a retrenchment is not alternative relief for reinstatement ordered by the Supreme Court and Labour Court.
However, Labour Court judge Justice Custom Kachambwa ruled in favour of Air Zimbabwe. Part of the judgement reads:
<blockquote>
Termination of employment on notice is acceptable under common law whether the reason is economic or otherwise.
Given the facts of the case, one can safely say that the appellants knew of and accepted the retrenchment when they accepted the back pay which was more than they were owed.
They cannot then cry foul saying that they did not know that the back pay included their retrenchment package. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse.
The appellants received and acknowledged receipt of retrenchment letters…
The appellants were reinstated and waived their right to the procedure for retrenchment. The appeal has no merit in the circumstances.
It is accordingly held that the appeal be and is hereby dismissed with costs.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

300 Former Air Zimbabwe Employees Lose Court Appeal For Reinstatement

Two armed robbers attacked a traditional healer after they posed as patients who needed spiritual services, getting away with R3 000.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Jerry Wonder Siziba (28) and Cohen Muleya (whose age was not given) were arraigned at the Beitbridge Magistrates’ Court facing two counts of robbery. The NPA said:
<blockquote>
It was the State’s case that on the 11th of January 2024, the accused persons pounced on the complainant, a traditional healer who was in the company of her male relative, pretending to be seeking spiritual healing services.
They demanded cash from the complainant and assaulted her all over the body. One of the accused persons pointed a gun at the complainant whereupon surrendered ZAR3 000.
</blockquote>
The robbers then took a cellphone belonging to the witch doctor’s relative and fled the scene when they noticed a neighbour approaching the homestead. Said the NPA:
<blockquote>
The following day, the complainants who were making a follow-up on the accused persons positively identified Siziba at Mutetengwe Business Centre and reported him to the police, leading to his arrest.
A spot search on Siziba led to the recovery of the complainant’s Mobicel phone from his pocket. He implicated the second accused person.
</blockquote>
Siziba was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment while Muleya was acquitted.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Witchdoctor Robbed Of R3 000 By Robbers Disguised As Patients

A Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) officer is accused of extorting US$1 900 from a trucker whom he caught smuggling fuel.
As reported by <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/zimra-officer-in-court-for-extorting-us1900-from-trucker/">ZimLive</a>, Kespa Chabata (57), appeared before Harare magistrate, Stanford Mambanje facing criminal abuse of office charges.
He was granted US$200 bail.
The court heard that on 09 March 2024, Chabata allegedly demanded US$3 000 so he could not confiscate a truck that was carrying wrong cargo.
He allegedly extorted the money from a fuel tanker driver, Given Alcapony Nhamo who was parked and resting at Zindoga truck stop in Waterfalls, Harare.
Chabata, who was on night duty and drove by the truck stop while on his way home, spotted the truck, went over to Nhamo and asked to see the truck’s importation documentation. Prosecutors alleged:
<blockquote>
Upon inspection of the documents, the accused noted that the declaration documents indicated that the tanker was carrying Butanone.
However, upon inquiry from the driver, what he was carrying was diesel and Chabata noted the anomaly.
The accused then asked who was in charge and the driver indicated that Lennon Chenga was the one in charge.
The accused asked the driver to contact Chenga to come to the scene.
The driver also informed one Kessie, the supervisor of Dinotic Energy in Sandton South Africa who had instructed him to transport the diesel to Zimbabwe.
Contrary to his duties, the accused did not contact his ZIMRA office or notify his supervisors of the development.
Rather, he went to extort US$3 000 from the driver and kept on holding on to the importation documents and indicated that Chenga should bring the money so that he does not confiscate the truck.
</blockquote>
Kessie is said to have managed to raise US$1 900 which he sent and delivered to Chabata.
After receiving the money, Chabata reportedly gave back the truck’s documents, telling them the importation documents were fraudulent.
However, despite knowing of the offence, Chabata still did not confiscate the truck and instead allowed Nhamo to go.
Prosecutors argued that Chabata’s actions showed undue favour to the trucker as he should have placed the truck under seizure.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMRA Officer Extorts US$1 900 From Trucker

Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) candidate for Chirumhanzi South Constituency in the 2023 harmonised elections, Patrick Cheza has appealed to the Supreme Court against a ruling by the High Court giving the Government permission to evict him from his farm.
The Mirror reported that Cheza is the only one among 61 farmers allocated the land who is being evicted.
The prominent Gweru businessman is represented by Nyasha Maguranyanga of Mutendi, Mudisi and Shumba. In his appeal at the Supreme Court, Cheza said:
<blockquote>
1. The court a quo erred in holding that the Appellant’s confirmation of land occupation did not confer a prima facie right to the farm In question whereas the same legally confer a right of land occupation in favour of the Appellant.
2. The court a quo erred in making a finding that the Appellant had no right to be consulted and heard by the 19 Respondent before being evicted from the farm in question as an illegal settler, whereas the Appellant at law is entitled to be consulted and heard before any adverse decision is taken against him.
3. The Court a quo erred at law in making a finding that Appellant’s eviction from the farm was legal whereas the same was unconstitutional.
</blockquote>
Cheza is being evicted from his 250-hectare farm by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development.
According to The Mirror, Cheza was allocated the farm which is located near Mvuma under the land redistribution programme. He is now losing investments worth US$200 000.
His farm is said to be one of the most developed under the scheme with greenhouses, boreholes, solar power systems, 105 herd of cattle, 56 high-breed goats, and sheep and 50 full-time workers.
The farm is already being subdivided into smaller plots and the beneficiaries are members of the Joint Operations Command (JOC).
Cheza’s appeal was thrown out by High Court Judge, Justice Mawadze who said the courts have no power over the matter and told him to plead with the Minister.
Justice Mawadze however, conceded in his opening remarks that land issues in Zimbabwe are very emotive and vexing.
The Minister of Lands’s Permanent Secretary Obert Jiri was reported as saying Cheza will not be compensated for developments he made on the farm.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

CCC Candidate, Patrick Cheza, Fights For His Farm In The Supreme Court

Two security guards who were part of the response team at Quest Financial Services in Belgravia during the US$720 000 robbery on 25 February, on Monday, 11 March pleaded guilty to the theft of US$53 000.
They will be back in court this Tuesday for sentencing.
As reported by <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/us720k-heist-two-guards-plead-guilty/">The Herald</a>, Cornelius Muchikange (35) and Nesbert Kachungwe (35) of J and P Security Company appeared before Harare magistrate Ethel Chichera.
They were charged for illegally pocketing US$53 000 which had been dropped by robbers fleeing from the crime scene.
The two guards shared the money, with Muchikange buying a Nissan Sylphy sedan for US$3 700 and a residential stand for US$6 000 in Eastview, Harare.
He also used US$2 500 to pay lobola to his in-laws.
Kachungwe bought a Nissan AD van for US$6 100 using his share of the spoils as well as building materials valued US$1 000.
The complainant in this matter is Daniel Mandizvidza (54), the head of operations at Quest Financial Services.
Prosecutor Zebediah Bofu told the court that on 25 February, at around 1.30 AM, 12 robbers who were armed with a pistol, a drill, an iron bar, a bolt cutter and explosives approached Mandizvidza after breaking down the door to his bedroom in one of the buildings at his workplace.
They tied him before ransacking several offices.
The suspects used detonators to blast open a safe in the operations manager’s office and stole cash amounting to US$720 000, 120 Euros, 10 500 rand which they loaded into plastic bags and a cardboard box.
The robbers were disturbed by the arrival of reaction teams from Safeguard Security Company and J and P Security Service.
The court heard that the duo parked at the front of the premises.
It was further alleged that during their escape, the robbers left a grinder, some fuse detonators, a bag with two laptops and dropped cash amounting to US$5 000 in the premises before escaping using the back of the premises.
Whilst outside the premises, one of the plastic bags the robbers were carrying was torn and all the cash dropped to the ground.
The robbers fled without picking up the money.
Muchikange and Kachungwe found the cash amounting to approximately US$53 000 and shared it.
On 08 March, detectives from CID Homicide Harare received information that the pair had stolen the cash which was dropped by robbers at the crime scene and arrested the two in central Harare.
On 07 March, Muchikange was allegedly approached by six male adults purporting to be police officers and they took the remainder of the money he had which amounted to US$15 000.
The same fake CID officers stole US$7 000 from Kachungwe.
Of the stolen US$53 000, only US$15 700 was recovered.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

US$720k Armed Robbery: Two Security Guards Plead Guilty

A 35-year-old armed robber was arrested after the Police tracked one of the complainant’s Samsung cellphones, which was stolen during the robbery, through a call log supplied by Econet Wireless.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Tafadzwa Kamandiyapa of Epworth Suburb in Harare will spend 15 years in prison after he was found guilty of robbery by the Chinhoyi Magistrates’ Court.
The court heard that on 16 April 2022 at around 01:30 AM, Kamandiyapa (35), McDonald Chaka and 5 others who are still at large, broke into the complainant’s house at Shipton Farm in Banket.
The suspects used a bolt cutter to cut off the burglar bars on the dining room window.
They struck the complainant several times all over the body using a small axe and threatened to shoot him if he failed to comply with their demands.
The robbers demanded money and other valuables and the complainant complied and surrendered US$1 195.
The gang ransacked the house and loaded the complainant’s property onto their 3-tonne truck.
They also ordered the complainant to surrender 2 Samsung cellphones and the keys to his Ford Ranger vehicle and fled from the scene.
Police recovered the complainant’s vehicle on the same day dumped along Mapinga-Trelawney road.
The small axe which was used to assault the complainant was also recovered in the vehicle.
The Police tracked one of the complainant’s Samsung cellphones through a call log supplied by Econet Wireless, leading to its recovery from McDonald Chaka on 15 January 2024.
Further police investigations led to the recovery of several other items which included two laptops and a generator leading to the arrest of Kamandiyapa.
Kamandiyapa was sentenced to 20 years of which 5 years were suspended.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Call Log Helps Police Arrest Armed Robber

A couple has been arrested for allegedly kidnapping a two-month-old baby in Gweru from its mother, who was provided a lift from the hospital to the Central Business District (CBD).
According to a police memorandum seen by <a href="https://cite.org.zw/gweru-couple-nabbed-for-kidnapping-two-month-old-baby-from-mother-leaving-hospital/">CITE</a>, Sakhile Tanyanyiwa (34), a student at Midlands State University and her husband Mekia Tanyanyiwa (59), a retired Zimbabwe Republic Police commissioner who is now self-employed, have been charged with kidnapping as defined in Section 93(1) (b) (i) (ii) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23.
The informant in this case is the 31-year-old mother of the two-month-old baby, who is recorded as the complainant in the police memo.
The police memo said on 08 March 2024, the mother had taken her daughter (whose names have been withheld to protect their identity) to the hospital to obtain her birth record. Read the memo:
As (she) arrived at Gweru Provincial Hospital main gate, she met Sakhile Tanyanyiwa, a female adult, light in complexion, medium built, appearing to be in the early 30s of age and was wearing a red and blue floral dress.
Sakhile inquired about the directions to the maternity ward and (the mother) gave her the directions and proceeded with her mission to obtain the birth record.
After she was served, the mother returned to the main gate where she wanted to look for transport to the Gweru Central Business District.
Sakhile emerged from the hospital direction driving a Toyota Aqua and offered her a lift. Reads the memo:
<blockquote>
(The mother) got inside the car and while inside she discovered that there were two more ladies whose body appearance and dressing she did not notice.
One was seated at the front passenger’s seat and the other was seated at the right back while Sakhile was driving. Loreen sat on the left side of the back seat.
The one seated in the front passenger’s seat was holding what appeared like a newlyborn baby wrapped in nappies and she looked as if she was from giving birth. All the way she was behaving like she was in birth pain.
</blockquote>
On the way to town, Sakhile told the mother that she wanted to pass through Southview, to drop her sister before proceeding. Said the memo:
<blockquote>
While in Southview, the vehicle was parked by the gate at an unknown address purporting to drop her sister and (the mother) was asked to assist a female passenger who was holding a newly born baby.
(The mother) put her child on the seat and disembarked from the vehicle to go and offer help as requested.
</blockquote>
It is at that time that the vehicle sped off at high speed towards the Gweru to Bulawayo road together with two month old and the mother’s belongings that included an Itel A56 cellphone.
The mother screamed for help and a male adult managed to record the vehicle registration’s number and proceeded to make a report at ZRP Gweru Central.
The Police established that the vehicle registered under Glandina Nhamo’s name, had changed hands multiple times before ending up with Mekia, who was found with the baby. Reads the report:
<blockquote>
Mekia was interviewed and he implicated his wife Sakhile Tanyanyiwa nee Tshuma as the one who was in possession of the motor vehicle in question.
</blockquote>
He added that the vehicle was brought to Harare whilst being driven by an unknown female who later escaped into the darkness.
When police contacted the mother, she positively identified her child, her bag with baby clothes and the child’s birth record. Says the memo:
<blockquote>
(The baby) was taken to Gweru Provincial Hospital for examination and was found to be stable. She was later reunited with her mother.
The motor vehicle Toyota Aqua registration number (number withheld) was seized and is held at the station as an exhibit.
</blockquote>
The police memo says when Sakhile was lured to CID Gweru for interviews, she implicated her friend Soneni Nyoni as the one whom she left with the vehicle in question whilst she was going to Masvingo.
Police said investigations continue, with efforts to locate Nyoni while the Tanyanyiwa couple will proceed to court.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Two-month-old Baby Kidnapped In Gweru Reunited With Mum

A 20-year-old Headlands man, Tatenda Mudziwedare of Village 5B, Sherenje who was arrested for attempting to murder a seven-year-old Grade One learner, has been sentenced to seven years in prison, of which 3 years were suspended.
Mudziwedare pleaded guilty to charges of attempted murder when he was arraigned before the Rusape Magistrates’ Court.
Allegations were that on 28 February 2024, Mudziwedare was instructed by John Madondo, who operates shops at the Eagle Nest area at Sherenje Business Centre to bring him a human head.
Acting on the instruction, Mudziwedare chased a group of learners who were on their way to school at Sherenje Business Centre.
He managed to grab the complainant who is a 7-year-old Grade 1 pupil and squeezed the minor’s neck using both hands.
Mudziwedare only stopped after he saw some villagers approaching at a distance.
The learner narrated his ordeal to his mother who reported the matter to the Police, leading to Mudziwedare’s arrest.
Ritual killings are common in Zimbabwe, and the murderers usually target defenceless children.
Some witch doctors and traditional healers in Zimbabwe propagate the notion that the blood of young children is pure and can bring blessings and good luck.
These beliefs lead desperate individuals to commit heinous acts, believing that body parts from children can be used in rituals to create wealth.
One of the high-profile ritual murders in recent years was that of Tapiwa Makore, a seven-year-old boy from Murehwa, Mashonaland East province.
Tapiwa’s murder in September 2020 shocked the nation and sparked widespread outrage.
Two individuals, Tafadzwa Shamba and Tapiwa Makore Senior, were sentenced to death for their involvement in Tapiwa’s gruesome ritual murder.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Man Jailed 4 Years For Attempted Ritual Murder Of Boy (7)

A Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) member, Forward Mashonganyika, and Tendai Muswe who trafficked three women to Oman were on Thursday, 07 March, sentenced to 20 years imprisonment each at the Harare Magistrates’ Court.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said sometime between 02 February and 31 August 2022, Mashonganyika and Muswe acting in cahoots with Mohammed Ali Al Shihhi lured three unsuspecting women via WhatsApp to Oman for forced labour and sexual exploitation.
The accused persons created a WhatsApp group through which they misrepresented to the complainants that they were employment agents recruiting people who wished to work in Dubai.
The women only realised that they had been tricked when they arrived in Oman instead of being taken to Dubai as promised.
They were received by Mohammed Ali Al Shihhi who took away their passports and forced them to work as housemaids.
The women were subjected to sexual exploitation, and domestic servitude and were fed on leftovers. They were also not permitted to go outside the house.
The matter came to light when the complainants managed to report their situation to their families back home. The matter was reported to the Police.
Investigations revealed that Mashonganyika and Muswe received US$74, US$200 and US$500 for the role they played in the trafficking of the three women.
The women were repatriated back to Zimbabwe on 15 August 2022 following intervention by the Government of Zimbabwe.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Police Officer Jailed 20 Years For Trafficking 3 Women To Oman

A Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) captain Foster Nyasha, who allegedly robbed Chinese national Yao Jingjie of US$60 000, was denied bail by Mutare magistrate Tendai Mahwe, reported <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200024215/army-captain-remanded-in-custody">NewsDay</a>.
Foster, who is facing a robbery charge, was advised to apply for bail at the High Court.
His co-accused, who are all police officers, Albert Machona (42), a sergeant, and constables Charles Musiiwa (33) and Tanyaradzwa Mhondiwa (30) were each granted US$150 bail.
Machona, Musiiwa and Mhondiwa are stationed at Mutare Central Police Station while Nyasha is attached to 3 Infantry Battalion headquarters in the same town.
Allegations are that on 28 February, at around 7 PM, Yao arrived home by taxi from a business trip in Harare.
She was accompanied by her driver Kalim Mukwamba who left with the taxi as the Chinese national was entering her home in Morningside.
But before she could enter her house, Yao saw an intruder who turned out to be Foster wearing a black mask.
He allegedly assaulted Yao, fracturing her hands before robbing her of a satchel containing the cash.
Yao’s screams attracted neighbours who pursued Foster and recovered the bag which they handed to the three police officers — Machona, Musiiwa and Mhondiwa.
The cops allegedly took Foster to the Police Station where they connived to steal part of the recovered cash.
They then booked Foster as an informant and not as a suspect before allegedly releasing him.
The three police officers allegedly went to Ireland Private Hospital where the complainant who had been robbed was admitted and misrepresented to her that US$26 000 was all the cash that had been recovered.
However, the complainant raised the alarm leading to the arrest of the accused persons.
Foster was re-arrested on robbery charges.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Army Captain Accused Of Robbing Chinese National Of US$60 000 Denied Bail

The Bulawayo Division of the High Court has reserved judgement in a case involving CCC and Sengezo Tshabangu posing as its Interim Secretary General seeking spoliation damages from Nelson Chamisa.
As reported by <a href="https://cite.org.zw/high-court-reserves-judgement-in-tshabangu-and-chamisa-battle-over-ccc-party-offices/">CITE</a>, Tshabangu is suing Chamisa after the party’s office in Bulawayo, named the Gertrude Mthombeni House, was repainted from yellow to blue by youths allegedly aligned with the former CCC leader.
In its application, CCC claimed Chamisa’s supporters forcibly took “control, occupation and possession” of the building and painted the whole offices and precast wall, which was “unlawful, prejudicial and amounts to spoliation.”
The case was heard on Thursday before Bulawayo High Court Judge, Justice David Mangota, with Tshabangu represented by Nqobani Sithole and Chamisa represented by Obey Shava.
In his founding affidavit that accompanied CCC’s application, Tshabangu said following Chamisa’s resignation, there was an expectation to have been a “smooth handover takeover process” and such were being undertaken.”
He said a group of “unknown people” about 25 to 30, who allegedly made it clear that they were sent by Chamisa, forcibly took control of the office.
However, in his opposing affidavit, Chamisa reiterated that he is not currently part of any political organisation, claiming his image and name have been misappropriated by many people who have no connection to him.
He stated in his affidavit that he had “absolutely” nothing to do with the takeover of the offices.
Chamisa said that if Tshabangu, as the applicant, knew the people who had repainted the CCC party premises, he should sue them.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

High Court Reserves Judgement In CCC Factions' Battle For Party Offices

A “Call Me Back” text message resulted in the brutal murder of Happymore Zimunya (43) of Chitiyo Village under Chief Zimunya by Zvanaka Zengera (40), the husband of the woman he had sent the message to.
The acting spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Manicaland Province, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the murder to <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/murdered-over-text-message/">The Manica Post</a>.
Asst Insp Chinyoka said Zengera’s wife, only identified as Natasha (20) had a secret affair with Zimunya, resulting in the death of the latter. He said:
<blockquote>
On March 2, Zengera was with his wife when she received a please call message on her cellphone. Zengera saw the message and asked his wife who had sent the message.
The wife claimed that she did not know the number. She insisted that she had never seen that number on her cellphone. Zengera was not convinced and ordered his wife to call back the number in question.
Zimunya did not answer the call. Zengera texted Zimunya pretending to be Natasha and asked him to meet her later that night at her place since there was a funeral in the village and most people would be in attendance. She said her husband would be attending the funeral.
</blockquote>
Asst Insp Chinyoka said Zimunya took the bait and went to Zengera’s homestead later that night. He added:
<blockquote>
He went to Zengera’s homestead and stood at the kitchen door while chatting with Natasha.
Zengera who was hiding nearby pounced on Zimunya and struck him with a piece of wood at the back of his head. Zimunya tried to run away but fell on a rock surface.
Zengera pursued him and attacked Zimunya who was lying down. He hit him several times on the back of the head. Zimunya was rescued by a neighbour, Nisson Zireni who heard his distress call.
Zimunya later proceeded home and slept on a bench in his kitchen hut since the bedroom keys were with his wife who was attending the funeral.
</blockquote>
When Zimunya’s wife returned home the following morning, she found her husband bleeding. Said Asst Insp Chinyoka:
<blockquote>
Zimunya’s wife asked him what had happened and he lied that he had fallen on a rock on his way from the funeral.
Zimunya’s wife rushed back to the funeral wake to get a vehicle to ferry her husband to the hospital.
It was at the hospital where Zimunya confessed that he was assaulted after he was caught with a married woman.
</blockquote>
Zimunya later succumbed to the injuries he sustained when he was bashed by Zengera.
His wife advised his brother, Edmore Zimunya who reported the matter at Zimunya Police Base.
Police attended the scene and discovered that the late Zimunya had a deep cut on the back of his head.
Zimunya’s body was conveyed to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem, while Zengera was arrested.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"Call Me Back" Text Message Results In Death Of Philanderer

A 51-year-old man employed by Zimsend Bulawayo as a driver, Bongani Matshazi, lost US$7 000 and ZAR10 000 to a traditional healer and then reported a case of robbery to the Police to cover the theft.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) alleges that on 29 February 2024, Matshazi, whose duties include delivering cash to Zimsend money transfer outlets, was instructed to deliver US$7 000 and ZAR10 000 to an outlet in Plumtree.
But before he left Bulawayo for Plumtree, Matshazi went to see his traditional healer, Dr Musa who had previously instructed him to bring money from his workplace for a ritual for him to get promoted.
Matshazi allegedly handed over US$7 000 and ZAR10 000 for the ritual. Musa wrapped the money in a black cloth and performed the ritual.
When Matshazi got home to perform the last part of the ritual he realized that Musa had swapped the money for ZWL$100 notes and paper cuttings.
He then reported a case of robbery to the Police to cover the theft. Matshazi claimed he was robbed at Khami Bridge on his way to Plumtree.
However, during investigations, the vehicle tracker revealed that he never stopped at Khami Bridge, instead he had stopped for a considerable time at the location where he met Musa. He had no choice but to come clean to the Police.
Matshazi was arraigned before the Plumtree Magistrates Court facing charges of making a false report to the Police.
He did not waste the court’s time and pleaded guilty to the charge wherein he was sentenced to a fine of US$200 or 5 months imprisonment.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Traditional Healer Steals US$7 000, ZAR10 000 From Client

A convicted burglar who was performing community service at Mutare Magistrates’ Court stole a magistrate’s phone and was later caught shoplifting from Pick n Pay Supermarket.
As reported by <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/unrepentant-thief-steals-magistrates-phone/">The Manica Post</a>, Tanaka Svosve of Chikanga Phase Two in Mutare was convicted of unlawful entry into premises when he appeared before Mutare provincial magistrate, Tendai Mahwe recently.
Prosecutor Mazvita Kadenha told the court that on 20 February 2024, at Mutare Magistrates’ Court, Svosve who was doing community service there, broke into the regional magistrate’s office and stole a cellphone.
Svosve allegedly took advantage of regional magistrate, Phatekhile Msipa’s absence and stole from her office.
Msipa was in court when Svosve stole the cellphone. Said Kadenha:
<blockquote>
Svosve opened the main entrance door which led to the reception and entered the reception area.
While inside, Svosve opened another closed door which was not locked and entered into the regional magistrate’s office.
He stole a Samsung S10 Plus cellphone which was on the table and went away unnoticed.
</blockquote>
Msipa later discovered the offence and reported the matter at Mutare Central Police Station.
It is further alleged that on that same day, Svosve was arrested by security guards at Pick n Pay Supermarket for shoplifting and was brought to Mutare Central Police Station.
Upon detention, Svosve was searched and Msipa’s cellphone was recovered in his socks.
Police officers asked Svosve to unlock the phone but failed and Sergeant Arizona who was on duty became suspicious.
She checked her records and noticed that Magistrate Msipa had made a report of a stolen phone earlier on.
Sergeant Arizona invited Msipa to the police station and she positively identified her stolen phone.
The total value of the stolen phone is US$130 and it was recovered.
Svosve was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment for stealing from the regional magistrate’s office and 20 days imprisonment for shoplifting from TM Supermarket.
The four months that had been suspended earlier on in a case that saw him doing community service were then brought into effect.
He is now serving an effective 34 months and 20 days in jail.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Unrepentant Thief Steals Magistrate’s Phone, Caught Shoplifting At A Supermarket

Three police officers, Albert Machona (42), Charles Musiiwa (33) and Tanyaradzwa Mhondiwa (30) were recently arraigned before the Mutare Magistrates Court facing charges of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer.
It is alleged that on 28 February 2024 at around, 7.40 PM, the accused persons who are Police Officers received a call that members of the public in Morningside, Mutare had apprehended Nyasha Foster after he had robbed a certain complainant of US$60 000 at her home.
The accused persons allegedly took Foster to the Police Station where they connived to steal part of the recovered cash.
They then booked Foster as an informant and not as a suspect before allegedly releasing him.
The three police officers allegedly went to Ireland Private Hospital where the complainant who had been robbed was admitted and misrepresented to her that US$26 000 was all the cash that had been recovered.
However, the complainant raised the alarm leading to the arrest of the accused persons.
The accused were remanded in custody and were set to appear in court today, 8 March 2024 for their bail ruling.
Foster was re-arrested on robbery charges. He will appear in court on 13 March 2024.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Three Police Officers Arrested For Sharing Loot With Robber

A businessman from Headlands, Manicaland Province, John Madondo, who operates shops at Eagle Nest area, is accused of hiring a hitman to kill a person and bring to him the head to perform money-making rituals.
As reported by <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/businessman-hires-hitman-to-kill-child/">The Manica Post</a>, the allegations emerged during the trial of Tatenda Mudziwedare (20) of Village 5B, Sherenje who pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to murder a seven-year-old Grade One learner on the alleged instruction of Madondo.
Madondo is reported to be in South Africa and was allegedly communicating with Mudziwedare over the phone, giving him instructions.
Mudziwedare was not represented when he appeared before Rusape regional magistrate, Francis Mapfumo.
He pleaded guilty to violating Section 187 as read with Section 47 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act which criminalises attempts to kill a person. The charge sheet reads:
<blockquote>
Tatenda Mudziwedare is charged with the crime of attempted murder as defined in Section 187, as read with Section 47 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9.23 in that on February 28, 2024, and at Sherenje Business Centre, Headlands, he (Tatenda Mudziwedare) attempted to cause the death of Alvin Kambadza by squeezing his neck with both hands after having been instructed by a businessman, John Madondo, to bring a human head for rituals.
</blockquote>
Mapfumo convicted Mudziwedare of the offence and was expected to sentence him yesterday (Thursday).
Tawanda Munjanja, representing the state, said Mudziwedare tried to kill the boy by strangling his neck, and only aborted the mission after he saw some villagers approaching. Said Munjanja:
<blockquote>
The complainant is a Grade One learner. On February 28, 2024, at around 7 am, Mudziwedare was at Sherenje Business Centre when he saw the complainant and other learners going to Sherenje Primary School.
Mudziwedare chased the learners and managed to grab the complainant. He squeezed the complainant on the neck using both hands.
The accused person saw some local villagers at a distance and let go of the complainant.
The matter came to light when the complainant reported what happened to his mother.
</blockquote>
Ritual killings are common in Zimbabwe, and the murderers usually target defenceless children.
Some witch doctors and traditional healers in Zimbabwe propagate the notion that the blood of young children is pure and can bring blessings and good luck.
These beliefs lead desperate individuals to commit heinous acts, believing that body parts from children can be used in rituals to create wealth.
One of the high-profile ritual murders in recent years was that of Tapiwa Makore, a seven-year-old boy from Murehwa, Mashonaland East province.
Tapiwa’s murder in September 2020 shocked the nation and sparked widespread outrage.
Two individuals, Tafadzwa Shamba and Tapiwa Makore Senior, were sentenced to death for their involvement in Tapiwa’s gruesome ritual murder.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Headlands Businessman Allegedly Hires Hitman To Kill Grade One Learner For Rituals

The Supreme Court has indefinitely reserved its judgement in a matter the jailed former Finance Deputy Minister Terrence Mukupe was appealing against a High Court ruling dismissing his appeal against conviction and imprisonment for fuel smuggling, reported<a href="https://www.zimlive.com/supreme-court-hears-jailed-mukupes-bail-appeal/"> ZimLive</a>.
High Court judge Benjamin Chikowero slapped Mukupe and his accomplices Same Kapisoriso, Joseph Taderera and Leonard Mudzuto with three-year jail sentences each last year following their conviction for smuggling 138 979 litres of diesel in 2017.
The four were initially jailed three and half years each but six months were set aside on condition that they do not commit a similar offence in the next five years.
They were also each fined US$2,780 with the alternative of an additional two-year prison sentence if they failed to pay the fine.
The four were facing fraud charges and an alternative charge of contravening section 174(1) of the Customs and Excise Act (false declaration).
They filed an appeal which was thrown out by the High Court earlier this year.
The four then approached the Supreme Court where their appeal was heard by a three-panel bench comprising Justices Hlekani Mwayera, Felistus Chatukuta and Nicholas Mathonsi.
Through their lawyer, Lewis Uriri, the four argued that charges against them ought to have been quashed. Said Uriri on their behalf:
<blockquote>
The state could not prove fraud which was the predominant issue before the court.
They then focused on the alternative charge. So, it did not apply its mind to the main charge.
If you are found guilty of the alternative charge, it means you are not guilty of the main charge.
</blockquote>
Uriri argued that Mukupe and the three drivers cannot be treated the same as the other three were only driving and did not know what they were transporting. He said:
<blockquote>
A non-custodial sentence would have justified the matter.
</blockquote>
In response, the prosecutor, Witness Mabhaudhi, said the charge should not fall. He said:
<blockquote>
Fraud is one of the means of committing the alternative charge. The aforesaid section 174 of the Customs and Excise Act supports that the importation of goods without payment of duty is illegal.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Supreme Court Reserves Judgement In Terrence Mukupe’s Appeal

A woman from Darwendale was arrested and charged with concealing a child after she gave birth under a tree and threw the infant into a dip tank.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Irene Chisora of Darwendale secretly delivered a baby boy on 27 February 2024 under a tree.
Chisora then threw the newborn into a dip tank that was partially filled with water and lied to her husband that she had suffered a miscarriage.
The crime came to light on 03 March when the body of the now-deceased baby was discovered floating in the dip tank.
Chisora appeared before the Chinhoyi Magistrates’ Court and was found guilty of concealing a child. She will be sentenced this Friday, 08 March, 2024.
Concealing the birth of a child is a serious offence with legal consequences. The Concealment of Birth Act (Chapter 9:04) outlines the legal provisions related to this crime.
According to section 106(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, any person who disposes of the body of a newly born child with the intent to conceal the fact of their birth commits an offence.
This applies whether the child died before, during, or after birth. Upon conviction, the offender can face a fine or imprisonment for up to three years.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Woman Gives Birth Secretly, Throws Newborn Into A Dip Tank

An armed robber died in a car accident, while his three accomplices sustained serious injuries after their gate-away vehicle hit a tree during a high-speed chase with vigilant residents of the Palmerston suburb in Mutare last week.
As reported by <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/fleeing-armed-robber-dies-in-accident/">The Manica Post</a>, the gun-toting and machete-wielding gang comprising Tonderai Mukoroko, Tafadzwa Manyengavana, Brian Badza and Griven Chipande had pounced on a Palmerstone family but abandoned the robbery mission in a huff.
The victim, Calvin Munyu alerted neighbours who started honking their cars, forcing the robbers to retreat.
They jumped into their getaway Honda Fit vehicle and sped off towards Grants Service Station near Mutare Polytechnic with Munyu and two neighbours in hot pursuit.
The robber who was behind the wheel lost control of the vehicle before it veered off the road and rammed into a tree.
One of the robbers, Griven Chipande, died on admission to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital.
Acting spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Manicaland Province, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the incident saying:
<blockquote>
Mr William Matizha of Chikanga was parked in Fairbridge Extension where he wanted to see a friend when the robbers pounced on him.
While at the gate, the four suspects appeared in a Honda Fit, Registration Number, AFV3555.
One of the accused got out of the vehicle wielding a gun. He grabbed a bag and US$50 from Mr Matizha before bolting from the scene.
On the same night, at around midnight, the four proceeded to Independence Close in Palmerstone where they jumped over a perimeter fence and pounced on the complainant, Mr Calvin Munyu, intending to rob him.
They were wielding a pistol and a machete. Mr Munyu called for help and neighbours started honking their cars to alert the neighbourhood of the intruders.
The accused persons retreated and sped off along Josiah Tongogara Road towards Grants Service Station. Mr Munyu and two neighbours gave chase using their vehicles. Police were also alerted.
The suspects were involved in a road accident before Grants Service Station, at corner Josiah Tongogara and Longmore Crescent in Palmerstone after the driver lost control of the vehicle before it rammed into a tree.
</blockquote>
Three of the robbers were arrested at the scene and were taken to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital under police guard.
Mukoroko was later arrested in the Tashinga area of Marondera a day after the incident.
Mukoroko, Manyengavana and Badza were not asked to plead when they recently appeared before Mutare magistrate, Annie Ndiraya, facing armed robbery charges.
They were remanded in custody to 13 March.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Fleeing Armed Robber Killed As Getaway Car Crashes Into A Tree

Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) vice president Tendai Biti has filed an appeal at the High Court challenging his recent conviction and sentence, reported <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/former-finance-minister-biti-appeals-against-assault-conviction-sentencing/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>.
Biti was recently convicted of verbally assaulting a Russian national, Tatiana Aleshina by Harare magistrate, Vongai Guwuriro Muchuchuti after a full trial.
He was given a wholly suspended six-month prison sentence and also ordered to pay a US$300 fine.
Biti also apologised to Aleshina stating that he never meant to hurt her.
He, however, insisted on his innocence arguing that allegations against him were not criminal and should have been warned and cautioned. Reads part of his notice of appeal:
<blockquote>
The court a quo grossly misdirected itself in convicting the appellant on a charge which was invalid regard being had to the definition of assault in section 88 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform Act) more particularly in that a charge of assault by word or gesture had been outlawed by Section 88 of the Act.
The court a quo also grossly erred and misdirected itself in convicting the appellant of assault as defined in section 89(1) (b) of the Act when the section is unlawful and invalid it being couched in too wide, vague and unclear and impressible language and there being no limits to what words or gestures are prohibited so as to constitute an offence…
The court a quo erred and misdirected itself in imposing on the appellant a fine of US$300 in a matter that was de minimus and in which the appellant should have been cautioned and discharged.
In the circumstances, the sentence ought to be quashed and set aside.
Second alternative; the accused be and is hereby found not guilty and acquitted.
</blockquote>
Biti is also asking that should his conviction be upheld, the High Court should order him to pay a fine of US$100 or Zimbabwe dollar equivalent.
The matter is yet to be heard.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Biti Appeals Against Verbal Assault Conviction, Sentencing

Five armed robbers pounced on a house in Greendale, Harare on Wednesday, 06 March and robbed mourners who were attending a funeral.
Police confirmed the armed robbery, saying the assailants seized US$800 cash and 300 Euros from one of the mourners before looting gold and silver rings valued at US$41 800 from the house. The ZRP posted on X:
<blockquote>
Police in Highlands are investigating a case of robbery which occurred at a house in Greendale, Harare on 06/03/24 in which five unidentified male suspects who were armed with a bolt cutter, catapults and wooden sticks, attacked 10 victims who were attending a funeral.
The suspects stole US$800.00 cash and 300 Euros from one of the victims before they ransacked the house and stole 30 assorted gold and silver rings valued at US$41 800.00.
</blockquote>
In an unrelated incident, Police said six male suspects who were armed with sticks, attacked three farm workers at Tsapato Farm before stealing 36 goats and 11 sheep. The incident occurred at around 11 PM on Tuesday.
The suspects allegedly loaded the animals in an unregistered white Mitsubishi motor vehicle and drove off.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Armed Robbers Pounce On Mourners At A Funeral In Harare

A Malaysian national who was arrested at Victoria Falls International Airport on Saturday after one live bullet was found in her baggage has been acquitted.
In a brief statement, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said that Lucy Kabethi Wanjiku (36), who appeared before the Victoria Falls Magistrates Court on charges of unlawful possession of ammunition was acquitted on Wednesday. It said:
<blockquote>
The 36-year-old Malaysian national, Lucy Kabethi Wanjiku who was appearing before the Victoria Falls Magistrates Court on charges of unlawful possession of ammunition was yesterday acquitted.
The charges were emanating from an incident that took place on the 2nd of March 2024 at the Victoria Falls International Airport where one live 9mm round of ammunition was detected by the baggage scanner as part of the accused person’s luggage.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Malaysian Woman Caught With A Live Bullet At Victoria Falls Airport Acquitted

Two men accused of receiving 30 guns smuggled from South Africa faced lesser charges on Thursday after the pistols which police said were worth US$14 750 turned out to be toy guns with a value of R2 000, reported <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/30-smuggled-pistols-on-bus-from-joburg-to-harare-were-toy-guns-court-hears/">ZimLive</a>.
Douglas Emmanuel Jekanyika (44) of Belvedere in Harare and Godknows Gunda (31) in Harare were facing illegal possession of firearms and smuggling charges.
However, as they were taken to the Harare Magistrates Court on Thursday, the charges had been reduced to just smuggling.
Jekanyika was arrested at 10 AM on 05 March when he turned up at High Glen Bus Terminus in Glen Norah to pick up two boxes sent from South Africa with a Tems Logistics bus.
Police said they had been tipped off about guns and ammunition on the bus immediately arrested him and found what they initially thought were 10 Blow F92 pistols and 20 Blow P29 pistols with empty magazines. There were also 1 700 rounds of ammunition.
On Thursday, 07 March, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the guns were toy guns and the ammunition was blanks. Prosecuting, Rufaro Chonzi said:
<blockquote>
The accused were asked to produce the declaration papers and they had nothing. It was established that they were not firearms but toys which can fire blank ammunition.
</blockquote>
Blank ammunition is a type of firearm cartridge that, when fired, does not shoot a projectile like a bullet or pellet. Instead, it generates a muzzle flash and an explosive sound (muzzle report) similar to a regular gunshot.
Lawyers for the two suspects will tell the court that the toy guns were for the training of security guards. Gunda is a manager at Gemak Security Company in Harare. Defence lawyer Rene Kuchidza said:
<blockquote>
My clients will plead not guilty to the charge. CID Homicide has compiled a ballistics report which revealed that the guns were toys.
So the matter remains that of smuggling. However, the accused were nowhere near the border so they could not have smuggled the toys.
</blockquote>
Magistrate Dennis Mangosi remanded Jekanyika and Gunda to Friday for a bail hearing.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

30 "Pistols" Smuggled From SA Were Toy Guns, Court Hears

A Nyanga woman was fined two chickens and ordered to apologise by Chief Saunyama’s community court for allegedly taking a bath in a river.
In Nyanga’s Saunyama area, it is a punishable offence to bathe in a river.
Violet Pabvu was accused of contaminating the water that is used for drinking and cooking downstream after she was caught while in her underwear in the river.
According to <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/fined-for-bathing-in-river/">The Manica Post</a>, Pabvu denied that she took a bath in the river when she appeared before Chief Saunyama’s community court. She said:
<blockquote>
I was coming from the clinic with my baby who was not feeling well. The child threw up on me and I went to the river to wash my soiled clothes.
I was not bathing in the river because I knew that it was taboo in this area. I was not naked when I was caught. I had my skin tight and brassiere on.
</blockquote>
Chief Saunyama warned Pabvu that by washing off vomit in the river, she exposed a lot of people to waterborne diseases. He said:
<blockquote>
That water is used by people downstream to cook and drink. It is unhygienic for you to wash your clothes in the river. By washing your dirty clothes in the river, you will be exposing a lot of people to waterborne diseases.
There is a cholera outbreak and that is how it spreads. If any cholera case is recorded from this day henceforth in areas downstream from where you were doing your laundry, I will hold you responsible and you will be brought back to this court where you will be severely punished.
</blockquote>
Chief Saunyama fined Pabvu two chickens for the offence and she publicly apologised for her act.
The chief said Pabvu should have used a bucket or dish to fetch water from the river and wash her dirty clothes a few metres away from the water source to avoid any contamination of the water body.
The traditional leader urged his subjects to uphold local customs and traditions, saying some of them protect them from unforeseen dangers like the cholera outbreak. He said:
<blockquote>
It is essential to be aware of cultural norms and values when interacting with different communities.
In this case, we the Saunyama people have strong beliefs surrounding river water usage and should take such matters seriously.
</blockquote>
He said going forward, anyone found bathing in any river in his area of jurisdiction would be fined a cow.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Woman Fined For Bathing In A River

A suspended police officer and his niece have been convicted of trafficking three women to Oman where they were turned into sex slaves.
According to <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/suspended-cop-jailed-for-trafficking-women-to-oman/">H-Metro</a>, Forward Mashonganyika and his niece, Tendai Muswe, were convicted after a full trial by Harare regional magistrate Estere Chivasa on Wednesday, 06 March.
Muswe is currently serving three years in prison for a similar offence.
In her ruling, magistrate Chivasa said the State had proved their case beyond reasonable doubt.
The magistrate said the three women proved to be credible witnesses. She said:
<blockquote>
Besides facilitating the trafficking from Zimbabwe to Oman, the other issue is that there must be evidence of deceitfulness. Several things aren’t in dispute.
According to their defence, the three women stayed at Mashonganyika’s place of residence once and it’s not in dispute that they travelled to Oman.
They were excited to fly for the first time and, when they flew, they believed they were flying to Dubai to work in hotels and restaurants. It’s not in dispute that they went to Oman, not Dubai.
</blockquote>
The magistrate said the trafficked women were enslaved, assaulted, denied food and salaries, denied rest, and sexually assaulted in Oman before being deported to Zimbabwe. She said:
<blockquote>
It’s not in dispute that they were allocated to work as slaves and none of the two is denying that they were enslaved, assaulted, denied food and salaries, denied rest, sexually assaulted and deported back to Zimbabwe.
The only thing in dispute is whether they facilitated their trafficking to Oman and they denied any involvement, but the State led evidence from several witnesses and I listened carefully to how they were linking the duo to the trafficking.
The evidence was cemented by that of the investigating officer through whom documents of money they received from Mohamed Ali in Oman were tendered.
</blockquote>
There are several harrowing tales of Zimbabwean women who were trafficked to Oman after being promised a brighter future in the Middle East.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Suspended Police Officer Jailed For Trafficking Women To Oman

A 43-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly smuggling 30 pistols, 30 empty magazines and 1 700 rounds of ammunition from South Africa into Zimbabwe.
The guns and ammunition were found on a cross-border bus at the High Glen Bus Terminus in Harare on Monday afternoon.
The suspect has been identified by the police as Douglas Emmanuel Jekanyika (43), and his accomplice identified as Godknows Gunda, is still at large.
Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson for Harare Province, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, told <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/man-smuggles-30-guns-1-700-rounds-of-ammunition-from-sa/">The Herald</a> on Wednesday that the guns and ammunition were stashed in two boxes. He said:
<blockquote>
On March 5, 2024, at around 1000 hours, information was received to the effect that there was a cross-border bus, Tems Logistics, that was transporting firearms and ammunition from South Africa to High Glen bus terminus, Glen Norah, Harare. A team of operatives reacted to the information. The bus arrived at around 1300 hours.
After the arrival of the bus, operatives waited for the receiver of the consignment and after about 45 minutes, accused Douglas Emmanuel Jekanyika, aged 43, arrived at the scene of the crime to collect his consignment from South Africa.
The officers rounded up the accused person who had collected his two boxes that were wrapped in black plastic bags. The parcels were marked “Thandie”. The team arrested the accused person and recovered the two boxes.
The boxes contained 30 Blow pistol firearms with 30 empty magazines and 1 700 rounds of ammunition. The 30 firearms included 10 x Blow F92,9mm calibre pistols, 20 x Blow P29,9mm pistols and 34 boxes with 50 rounds of 9mm ammunition each.
Investigations revealed that the firearms were being transported in a white Terms Logistics Bus (registration number KT25LSGP), which was towing a trailer with registration number KT68YLGP.
</blockquote>
Jekanyika told the investigators that the parcels (two boxes) were not his and that he had been sent to collect them by his friend known as Godknows Gunda who was out of town.
The suspect was then taken to ZRP Southerton Police Station.
Further investigations by the police revealed that each firearm is valued at around US$350 while the rounds of ammunition are valued at US$250 all totalling US$14 750.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

30 Guns, 1 700 Founds Of Ammunition Found On Cross-border Bus

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings, has been fined US$200 for culpable homicide.
ZETDC was hauled before the Murambinda Magistrates’ Court, accused of causing the death of Havatendi Kangetsambo (52) who was electrocuted by exposed wire cables at a farm paddock in March 2022.
The National Prosecuting Authority considers the US$200 fine too lenient and has vowed to appeal the sentence. The NPA said:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) was arraigned before the Murambinda Magistrates’ Court on culpable homicide charges.
The charges emanated from an incident which happened on the 3rd of March 2022 at around 1500 hours wherein the now deceased Havatendi Kangetsambo (52) was electrocuted by exposed wire cables at a farm paddock. He succumbed to injuries and died on the spot.
ZETDC was ordered to pay a fine of USD200.
</blockquote>
Culpable homicide refers to the unlawful act of causing a person’s death, but it is held not to amount to murder.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Crime and Courts News (4)

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