Crime and Courts
Bar Fight Suspect Charged as Police Quell Serial Killer Rumours
Concerns over a possible serial killer in the town of Norton have been eased following confirmation from authorities that one of two recent murders has been solved.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that 29-year-old Pardon Jena, a resident of Maridale in Norton, has appeared in court charged with murder. The case stems from a fatal altercation that occurred in the early hours of August 25, 2025.
Prosecutors allege that Jena and the victim had been drinking at Seaways Bar and were walking together toward Kufa Garage at around 2 a.m. when an argument broke out. During the confrontation, Jena allegedly pulled out a knife and fatally stabbed the victim in the neck.
The victim’s body was later discovered by a passer-by near Kufa Garage, who promptly alerted police.
Investigators say compelling evidence links Jena to the crime, including blood-stained footwear believed to have been worn during the stabbing. He was arrested the same day near Petro Trade Garage. Due to the severity of the charge, the prosecution is opposing bail, and investigations are still ongoing.
In a public statement, the NPA reminded the public that murder is a serious offence and urged individuals to find peaceful ways to resolve personal conflicts.
Shortly after the first incident, a second body—identified as Jack Gedion—was found on August 26, 2025, near Kufa Transport. The nature of the injuries led to unverified reports of possible mutilation, prompting widespread speculation on social media that a serial killer might be active in the area.
However, law enforcement officials have moved quickly to dispel these fears. Investigators have stated that, based on current findings, there is no evidence connecting the two cases, and there is no indication of a serial offender.
With Jena now formally charged and in custody, officials have reassured Norton residents that the situation is under control. While the investigation into Gedion’s death remains open, police stress that the available evidence does not support claims of a serial killer.
The NPA has called for calm and urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information, assuring residents that all necessary steps are being taken to resolve the remaining case.
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Crime and Courts
Magaya’s Heart Stadium, Hotel Go Under the Hammer
By Everisto Zhuwao
The auction of Heart Stadium and its adjoining hotel, properties linked to Walter Magaya, is set for Friday, 27 February 2026, at Raylton Sports Club. Registration of bidders will commence at 8 a.m., with the auction expected to start at 10 a.m.
The sale follows a writ of execution issued by the High Court of Zimbabwe after creditors moved to recover outstanding debts. Court proceedings paved the way for the attachment of the stadium and hotel, which form part of property associated with Prophet Magaya and Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries. The properties are being auctioned in line with legal processes aimed at settling the obligations.
Heart Stadium, located in the Prospect area of Waterfalls, was developed as part of an ambitious sports and hospitality project spearheaded by PHD Ministries. The facility, which includes a football pitch built to modern standards and a hotel complex, was at one time presented as a contribution to the development of local sporting infrastructure. The stadium has hosted football matches and church gatherings, becoming a notable landmark within the area.
The impending auction marks a significant development in the ongoing financial and legal challenges facing the ministry’s business ventures. Creditors have sought legal recourse after efforts to recover funds reportedly failed, resulting in the court-sanctioned sale of the immovable property.
The development has drawn public interest given the prominence of the facilities and their association with one of the country’s most recognisable religious figures. Observers say the outcome of the auction could determine the future of the stadium and hotel, while also bringing closure to the debt recovery process initiated through the courts.
Crime and Courts
Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe to Remain in Custody Until March
Two men, Chatunga Mugabe and Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze, appeared before the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court facing serious allegations that have drawn public attention.
The charges laid against them include attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to proceedings in court, the firearm allegedly linked to the case has not yet been recovered, a development that has added another layer of complexity to the matter.
The court heard initial submissions as the accused stood in the dock, listening quietly while the charges were read out.
The magistrate ordered that both men remain in custody until 3 March, when they are expected to make a formal bail application.
Until then, investigations are ongoing as authorities continue searching for the missing firearm and gathering further evidence.
The case has sparked widespread discussion, with many awaiting the next court appearance to see how the matter unfolds.
Crime and Courts
Chinhoyi University Supervisor Wanted Over US$17K Fraud Case
A supervisor at Chinhoyi University of Technology is on the run after allegedly defrauding the university’s Medicinal Feed Factory of about US$17,000.
The suspect, Jairos Makasa, who is based in Chitungwiza, is accused of using an outdated receipt book to carry out the fraud.
Earlier reports had wrongly identified the fugitive as farm manager Mafaro Zengeni. However, investigations have since confirmed that Zengeni is not involved in the case. He remains at work and has not been charged.
Authorities established that Makasa falsely implicated Zengeni in a report he submitted to university management, creating confusion about who was responsible for the offence.
According to the report, Makasa allegedly admitted to defrauding the institution during sales of beef fattening feed, using receipt numbers ranging from 233130 to 233187.
Confirming the incident, Gifford Chikuya, Acting Director of Communications, Marketing and Public Relations at the university, said the suspect is still at large.
“It is true that a fraud case occurred, and the person responsible, Makasa, is currently on the run,” he said.
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