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Crime and Courts

Monkey Row Turns Deadly: 21-Year-Old Sentenced to 20 Years

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Court Awards Nearly US$49K to Farmer Shot During Patrol

A 21-year-old gold panner has been handed a 20-year jail term by the High Court after being found guilty of fatally stabbing a colleague during a drunken dispute over a monkey they had failed to sell.

Justice Kabasa, sitting with two assessors, ruled that Mlindeli Siziba repeatedly stabbed the victim in the back with a knife, piercing his lungs, after the deceased suggested that they give away the animal. His co-accused, Mthulisi Moyo, was acquitted due to insufficient evidence.

“All the victim had done was propose that the monkey be given away. For such a trivial reason, a life was lost,” Justice Kabasa said. “Stabbing a person multiple times and targeting vital organs shows an intent to kill.”

The court dismissed Siziba’s defence of self-protection, noting that the victim was running away when attacked.

“A fleeing person poses no danger. The real threat is from those in pursuit. Attacking someone from behind cannot be self-defence,” the judge said.

Justice Kabasa also expressed concern over the increasing use of knives in violent disputes among artisanal miners.

“The prevalence of knives as weapons among gold panners is troubling. People must value life—it is a gift that should never be cut short by another,” she remarked.

The court further observed that Siziba left his colleague to bleed to death by a riverbank and falsely claimed that he was “fine,” showing no remorse for his actions.

In passing sentence, Justice Kabasa stressed the need for deterrence.

“At 21, you are old enough to appreciate the consequences of your actions. There was nothing youthful about your conduct. The standard sentence is 20 years, and we see no reason to deviate from it,” she ruled.

Siziba was sentenced to 20 years in prison, while Moyo was freed after being granted the benefit of doubt.

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Crime and Courts

Illegal miner jailed 5 years for gold worth USD 12

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Asian National Nabbed with 34.6 Grammes of Gold

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.”

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Crime and Courts

Police Deploy Breathalysers and Speed Cameras Ahead of Festive Season

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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.

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Crime and Courts

Meru service station robbed 9K

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ZRP Foils Armed Robbery Syndicate

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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