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Crime and Courts

US$6.34m Vanishes in Alleged ZIMRA Cyber Heist

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Two senior Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) officials have been hauled before the courts over allegations of orchestrating a cyber fraud scheme that siphoned more than US$6.3 million from the tax collector.

The accused, Shupikai Mary Nicola Marongwe (52), a database administrator, and Paradzai Mutasa (35), a systems developer, were brought before Harare magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa. They were remanded in custody until Friday while their bail application is considered.

Prosecutors allege that the pair, who were responsible for managing ZIMRA’s sensitive tax systems, abused their authority for personal enrichment.

State counsel Rufaro Chonzi told the court that during the implementation of the Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window (ZESW) project—linked to the ASYCUDA customs system—the two were asked by a United Nations consultant to create a restricted-access user account. Instead, they allegedly engineered a concealed account with full administrator privileges.

Through this hidden access, they are accused of tampering with clearing agents’ prepayment accounts by inserting fake deposits. This gave the impression that customs duties had been settled when, in fact, ZIMRA had not received any funds.

With the system showing duties as paid, goods were cleared without payment while the accused allegedly pocketed cash from the agents, later sharing the illicit proceeds.

The alleged scheme went undetected for several months. Prosecutors argued that by exploiting their positions, the two “acted against their obligations as public officers, granting undue advantage to themselves while prejudicing ZIMRA.”

Authorities confirmed that none of the millions lost through the fraud has been recovered.

The duo remains in custody as the court finalises its decision on bail.

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Crime and Courts

GOKWE MAN SENTENCED 15 YEARS FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE

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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.

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Crime and Courts

Top SA Police Chief Faces R5 Million Bribery Allegation

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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.

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Crime and Courts

Manhunt Launched After Triple Shooting in Chimanimani

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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.

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