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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.

ALSO READ : Zimbabwe Suffers Biggest Fall as Spain Tops Latest FIFA Rankings

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  1. Pingback: Econet Trio, Accomplice in Court Over US$4,485 SIM Swap Fraud

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Crime and Courts

Mugabe Jr. Nabbed in Harare Drug Bust

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Mugabe Jr. Nabbed in Harare Drug Bust

Robert Mugabe Jr., the 33-year-old son of Zimbabwe’s late former president Robert Mugabe, was arrested Wednesday evening in Harare after police allegedly discovered quantities of cannabis and cocaine in his possession, sources close to the investigation confirmed.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Drugs and Narcotics unit acted on a tip-off, detaining Mugabe Jr. during a routine stop in the capital’s affluent Borrowdale suburb.

Officers reportedly recovered small packets of the substances from his vehicle, though exact quantities have not been disclosed pending forensic analysis.

No additional suspects were mentioned in initial reports.Mugabe Jr. is scheduled to appear before the Harare Magistrates Court on Thursday morning, where he is expected to face charges under Zimbabwe’s Dangerous Drugs Act, which carries penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment for possession of controlled substances like cannabis and cocaine.

Court officials have yet to release a formal docket, but legal experts anticipate a bail hearing could expedite his release given his high-profile status.

This incident marks the latest in a series of legal entanglements for Mugabe Jr., who has cultivated a reputation for brushes with the law since his father’s death in 2019.

In February 2023, he was arrested for allegedly vandalizing property worth $12,000 at a raucous party in Harare and assaulting a police officer, charges that were later suspended after a brief court appearance.

Earlier that year, he survived a high-speed car crash in the Eastern Highlands, sustaining minor injuries.

Mugabe Jr., a former national basketball player and co-founder of the xGx clothing label, has largely stayed out of the public eye in recent months, focusing on business ventures in South Africa alongside his brother, Chatunga Bellarmine.

Zimbabwean authorities have ramped up anti-drug operations in recent years amid rising concerns over narcotics trafficking through southern Africa.

Just last month, 14 foreign nationals were nabbed in a cocaine bust at a Harare lodge, highlighting the porous borders exploited by international syndicates.

Mugabe Jr.’s arrest, however, appears isolated and tied to personal use rather than broader distribution networks.Neither Mugabe Jr. nor his family has issued a public statement as of press time.

Grace Mugabe, the former first lady and his mother, could not be reached for comment.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police declined to elaborate beyond confirming the arrest, citing ongoing proceedings.This developing story will be updated as new details emerge from the courtroom.

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Crime and Courts

Silobela Teen Sentenced for Assaulting S@x Worker Over USD$5 Dispute

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An 18-year-old man from Silobela has been convicted by the Kwekwe Magistrates’ Court for assaulting a s@x worker during a payment dispute.

According to the statement released by the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, the incident occurred at Springvest Night Club on September 21, 2025, at around 9 PM.

“On  21 September 2025, around 21:00 hours at Springvest night club, the offender engaged the victim for her services and agreed on a fee of USD5 for a short time. After the act, the offender demanded his money back, citing the victim’s failure to give him value for the money.

“When the victim refused, the offender picked up an empty bottle and struck the victim on the forehead before hitting her several times with clenched fists whilst pulling her dreadlocks,” said the NPAZ.

The court sentenced him to 12 months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended on the condition that he completes 315 hours of community service.

In response to the case, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) urged members of the public to resolve disputes peacefully and avoid resorting to violence, emphasizing the importance of third-party mediation in handling disagreements.

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Crime and Courts

Grade Seven Pupil Mauled to Death by Dogs in Norton

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Heartbreaking news has emerged from Norton, where a Grade Seven pupil, who was preparing to sit for her upcoming exams, was tragically mauled to death by dogs.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the community and raised urgent concerns about dog attacks in residential areas.

Police National Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the distressing event, emphasizing that investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Over the years, several similar cases have been reported, highlighting recurring issues with stray or uncontrolled dogs in various communities.

In 2021, a young child in Harare suffered severe injuries after being attacked by a pack of dogs, prompting authorities to call for stricter enforcement of animal control laws.

There have been reports of residents living in fear due to aggressive stray dogs roaming neighborhoods.

The Norton incident has reignited calls from community leaders and animal welfare organizations for more robust measures to manage and control dog populations, including vaccination, licensing, and proper containment by owners.

As Zimbabweans mourn the loss of the young girl, the broader conversation about public safety and responsible pet ownership has taken center stage, with hopes that such tragedies can be prevented in the future.

Authorities have appealed to the public to report any dangerous animals and urged dog owners to ensure their pets are securely restrained to avoid further heartbreak.

The investigation into the Norton attack continues, with the community seeking answers and justice for the young victim.

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