Crime and Courts
Groundnut Smugglers Foiled
A routine border patrol operation led to the apprehension of a Mozambican national and a Mutare-based groundnut smuggler along Beira Road, seizing over 480 sacks of the valuable legume.
Court records state that duo appeared Willard Obete Luis (37) of Manica, Mozambique and Oscar Makawi (37) of Dangamvura, Mutare, for smuggling 458 sacks of groundnuts into Zimbabwe in violation of the Customs and Excise Act.
NPA said on 23August 2025, police officers on patrol along Beira Road intercepted a truck driven by Luis. “Upon inspection, the truck was found loaded with groundnuts belonging to Makawi.
“The driver failed to produce any declaration forms for the consignment.
“The truck and goods were escorted to ZRP Mutare Central and later handed over to ZIMRA, which confirmed the consignment was smuggled.”
The potential prejudice was USD 2 500.
“The goods were forfeited to the state.
“Both offenders were sentenced to pay a fine of USD 1,000 each, or face 12 months in prison if they default. The recovered groundnuts were forfeited to ZIMRA,” said NPA
Crime and Courts
Illegal miner jailed 5 years for gold worth USD 12
A Ruwa man will rue the day after he defied the cultural day (Chisi) and went on to illegally pan gold at a mine shaft after he was sentenced to five years imprisonment for unlawful possession of 0.096 grammes of the metal.
According to court records Tafadzwa Matsika (45) was sentenced to five years in prison for the illegal possession of gold.
NPA said Matsika was arrested on the 20 August 2025 at Greencroft mining compound mine after officials received information that someone was illegally panning for gold on cultural day of rest known as (Chisi).
“Mine officials tracked his spoor from a mining shaft to a nearby compound where they confronted the offender.
“Matsika produced a sachet of toasted gold weighing 0.096 grammes from his pocket but could not produce a mining license or permit.”
Crime and Courts
Police Deploy Breathalysers and Speed Cameras Ahead of Festive Season
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) will this weekend begin deploying breathalysers and speed cameras on major highways as part of a nationwide campaign to curb drunk driving and speeding, two leading causes of road fatalities.
Transport Minister Felix Mhona said the new technology will allow officers to deal “directly and scientifically” with reckless drivers. “This is about restoring discipline on our roads,” Mhona said. “These measures will reduce accidents and enhance public safety.”
The rollout marks Zimbabwe’s first large-scale use of modern road enforcement tools. It coincides with the introduction of a new fleet of Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) vehicles, which will strengthen inspections and ensure vehicles are certified fit for the road.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged motorists to exercise caution, drive responsibly, and avoid unnecessary risks. “Road safety is a collective responsibility. Vehicles must be serviced and certified fit to be on the road,” he said.
The initiative comes as authorities brace for increased travel and festive season traffic, a period historically associated with high accident rates.
Crime and Courts
Meru service station robbed 9K
Four armed robbers outfoxed security personnel manning Kwekwe Meru service station before they blew up a safe and fled with over USD 9 000.
National Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident saying investigations are underway.
He said the robbery occurred on 17 November 2025 at Meru service station Kwekwe. “Four armed men approached a Fawcett officer who was on duty and forced him to lie on the ground.
“They tied his hands and legs before dragging him into the building.
“A second Fawcett officer ran into the building and was also caught while attempting to notify the Fawcett Reaction Team,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He said the suspects tied his hands and legs. and dragged him into the same room where the other Fawcett officer was being held.
“The suspects then forced their way into the second room, where three officers were asleep and tied the officers as well.
“They blasted a wall-mounted safe and seized USD 9 700.”
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