Crime and Courts
Epworth Duo Jailed for kidnapping Teenage Girl in Alleged “Manjuzu” Cult Initiation
A 15-year-old girl from Epworth has been rescued from two residents who kidnapped and attempted to initiate her into a suspected spiritual cult in a chilling case that has shocked the community.
The pair — Fortunate Anesu Nyandoro (30) and Tadiwanashe Benjamin (25), both from the Green Valley area — were each sentenced to nine months in prison after being convicted of kidnapping by the Epworth Magistrates Court on October 7, 2025.
According to court records, the incident began on September 25, 2025, when the teenage girl, who lived with her aunt in Epworth, went missing after allegedly fleeing from home. She reportedly told the duo that her aunt had forced her to drink some traditional herbs.
Instead of assisting the minor or alerting her guardians, Nyandoro and Benjamin kept her hidden at their residence and allegedly tried to initiate her into a “manjuzu” spirit cult, a ritual believed to involve possession by water spirits.
When the girl’s family began searching for her, the pair denied any knowledge of her whereabouts, misleading both relatives and neighbours.
However, their deception unraveled after an anonymous tip-off led police to their home on October 3, where the missing girl was found unconscious and drugged. She was immediately taken for medical attention, while the suspects were arrested and charged.
During the trial, prosecutors described the ordeal as a “disturbing abuse of trust and manipulation of cultural beliefs,” arguing that the offenders took advantage of the girl’s vulnerability under the guise of spirituality.
Magistrate [insert name if known] condemned the pair’s conduct, stating that such acts endangered the safety and psychological well-being of a minor. The court noted that the sentence should serve as a deterrent to others exploiting religion or traditional practices to commit crimes.
The young victim has since been reunited with her family, while authorities have urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant against individuals exploiting cultural or spiritual claims for harmful purposes.
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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