Connect with us

Crime and Courts

Zanu-PF Consolidates Control in Urban Areas Following By-Election Sweep

Published

on

Zanu-PF

The ruling Zanu-PF party has strengthened its dominance over urban politics after securing a clean sweep in recent local authority by-elections, further weakening an already fragmented opposition.

In Epworth’s Ward 6, Zanu-PF candidate Bushe Civilisen emerged victorious with a commanding 3,022 votes. Her opponents, Alice Nyahunzvi of the MDC-T and independent Peter Nyapetwa, managed just 120 and 23 votes, respectively. The voter turnout stood at 25.8%, with 25 ballots rejected.

Zanu-PF also claimed victory in Chinhoyi’s Ward 14, where Solomon Bizwork received 599 votes to defeat independent candidate Hope Zimbiri, who secured 194 votes. The turnout in that ward was 34.25%.

South Africa-based Zanu-PF supporter Kudzai Mutisi attributed the Epworth win to the strategic efforts of businessman Dr. Kudakwashe Tagwirei. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Mutisi praised Tagwirei’s urban campaign approach, saying, “Dr. Tagwirei’s formula for winning in urban areas works,” and declared that Zimbabwe was now “every square inch a Zanu-PF stronghold.”

These by-election results continue a growing pattern of Zanu-PF regaining ground in urban constituencies historically dominated by the opposition. The MDC-T, under Douglas Mwonzora, failed to gain traction, while the faction aligned with Nelson Chamisa did not participate in the contests.

Crime and Courts

GOKWE MAN SENTENCED 15 YEARS FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE

Published

on

Photo Credit: Internet

​A 35-year-old man from Village Zebediah under Chief Njelele has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the attempted rape of a minor.

The Gokwe Regional Magistrates’ Court convicted Kupakwashe Hore following an incident that occurred earlier this month.

​The court heard that on April 5, 2026, at approximately 09:00 hours, Hore arrived at a local homestead and took the complainant away to a nearby field. The victim is a young girl aged between four and five years.

​While in the field, the offender undressed the child and lowered his own trousers. A local villager arrived at the scene just in time to intervene, pushing Hore away and rescuing the girl.

The witness then took the child back to her mother.

​A formal report was promptly filed at ZRP Gokwe. The victim was subsequently referred to Gokwe Hospital for a medical examination to assess any harm.

​In a statement following the sentencing, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) emphasized the importance of the ruling.

“The conviction and sentence reflect the gravity of sexual violence and the commitment of the NPAZ to ensure that those who act unlawfully face the full might of the law,” the authority stated.

​The NPAZ further noted that the safety and dignity of children within Zimbabwean communities remain paramount to the justice system.

Continue Reading

Crime and Courts

Top SA Police Chief Faces R5 Million Bribery Allegation

Published

on

By

South Africa’s National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola, has been accused of receiving a R5 million bribe from businessman and football administrator Bobby Motaung.

The allegations were made on Sunday by suspended Mpumalanga Police Commissioner Daphney Manamela during a media briefing held in Mbombela.

Manamela alleged that the payment reportedly shared with Major General Botsotso Moukangwe was intended to block her return to office and halt the reopening of fraud and corruption investigations linked to Motaung.

The cases relate to a controversial tender involving the construction of Mbombela Stadium.

She further linked the matter to the 2010 killing of whistleblower Jimmy Mohlala, who had exposed alleged irregularities in the stadium project.

According to Manamela, purported confessions from Moukangwe support her claims.

Responding to the allegations, police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe described them as serious and confirmed that they will be subjected to formal investigation.

As of now, neither Masemola nor Motaung has issued a public response. The claims have raised fresh concerns about accountability and integrity within the South African Police Service.

Continue Reading

Crime and Courts

Manhunt Launched After Triple Shooting in Chimanimani

Published

on

By

Chipinge – Police are searching for a 30-year-old suspect who fled after allegedly shooting three people in Chimanimani, triggering a nationwide appeal for information.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police identified the suspect as Francis Makuma Magirayano, who is wanted in connection with an attempted murder case linked to an incident that occurred on April 18, 2026. Authorities believe he had recently returned from South Africa.

It is alleged that Magirayano, who was driving a silver Toyota Fortuner (registration number JV 70 SM GP), opened fire following a dispute with his wife, 26-year-old Mercyline Mahembe. He reportedly shot her several times, injuring her cheek, hand, and thigh.

The suspect is also accused of shooting his sister-in-law in the leg and a shopkeeper at Kopa Business Centre during the same incident.

All three victims were rushed to hospital in Chipinge, where they are still receiving treatment.

Police say the suspect remains at large and are urging members of the public with any information on his whereabouts to contact the ZRP National Complaints Desk or report to the nearest police station.

Continue Reading

Trending