Crime and Courts
‘Untouchable’ Bla Matsotsi: Chitungwiza’s Most Feared Man Back Behind Bars — For Now
Fear and frustration grip residents of St Mary’s, Chitungwiza, as a man known only as Bla Matsotsi continues to evade justice despite a long trail of alleged crimes ranging from robbery and theft to violent assaults.
Locals say the notorious figure has terrorised the community for years, with many questioning how he repeatedly secures bail despite facing more than 50 criminal charges.
Bla Matsotsi’s notoriety reached new heights after a dramatic confrontation with police in which a Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) special unit had to be deployed to apprehend him.
According to witnesses who spoke on Star FM with Tilda Moyo, he overpowered local officers, injuring several during the scuffle before being subdued.
“He fights the police like he is not human. They had to call in a team from Harare to capture him,” said one of the residents.
Bla Matsotsi has been released multiple times after similar arrests. Residents allege that each time he is detained, his family conducts all-night traditional ceremonies, locally known as biras, involving beer brewing and rituals believed to protect him from prosecution.
“When he gets arrested, his relatives spend the night performing rituals. After a few days, he is released, and the person who reported him is never even called to court,” the resident added.
In one bizarre incident, police officers reportedly raided his home after receiving a tip-off that he was hiding inside. Witnesses claim that moments before police entered, a dog calmly walked out of the room, and when officers went in, Bla Matsotsi had vanished.
The mysterious disappearance has fuelled speculation that the suspect may be using supernatural means to evade arrest a belief that has divided the community between those who blame corruption and those convinced of witchcraft.
Now, Bla Matsotsi has once again been arrested, this time for allegedly stabbing a pregnant woman while attempting to steal her cellphone. The victim survived the attack and managed to file a report leading to his latest detention.
“We have lost faith in the system. Whether it’s corruption or something spiritual, one thing is clear we are not safe,” another resident added.
Police have made a breakthrough in the case of the silver Toyota Aqua (registration AFW 2593) that disappeared in late November after its owner, Rumbidzai Mandaza, hired a driver through the InDrive service. The vehicle has been found in Masvingo, although the man suspected of taking it, Humphreys Anotida Chanyau, is still on the run.
Investigators from the Masvingo CID reportedly tracked down the car on Friday after receiving tips that it had been sold to a local resident. The alleged buyer whose identity is being withheld has since been arrested for purchasing a vehicle without full paperwork. He has already appeared in court, where his case was deferred to 19 December. He was released on US$100 bail.
Meanwhile, the key suspect, Humphreys Anotida Chanyau, who was hired as Mandaza’s driver and later vanished with the vehicle, has not yet been located. Police say he is now wanted in connection with the theft and are appealing to the public for information that could lead to his arrest.
Mandaza praised officers from Marimba Police Station, the Masvingo CID, and other ZRP units for their coordinated efforts in recovering the car across provincial boundaries. The vehicle is now being held as evidence while investigations continue.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen or can identify Humphreys Anotida Chanyau to report immediately to any police station. They stressed that public assistance remains vital in ensuring all those involved are brought to justice.
Zimbabwe Republic Police in Esigodini have arrested two men in connection with a stock theft case which occurred in Nsthamathe.
According to a police statement, on 3 December 2025 they arrested Nation Moyo (31) and Josam Mukwananzi after they stole a cow.
“The suspects stole a cow from the grazing lands and slaughtered it. Police tracked the suspects’ getaway vehicle, a Toyota Rav 4, leading to the arrest of Nation Moyo who was driving the vehicle.
“Police interviewed him and he led them to the scene where Josam Mukwananzi was apprehended. The suspect fled and police recovered the carcass and the vehicle,” said the police statement.
Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa, 56, the leader of an Apostolic sect, has been found guilty of rape and of impregnating an underage girl from his congregation.
The conviction followed a full trial in which the court carefully examined all the evidence.
Although Chokurongerwa was convicted on this main charge, he was cleared of two other related charges.
The case has caused serious concern in the community, with many calling for stronger protection for vulnerable people.
Missing Toyota Aqua Recovered in Masvingo, Suspect Still at Large
Manicaland Co-opts Dr Tungwarara Into Central Committee
Pfumvudza: President Demands Fair Distribution, Warns Offenders
Operation restore order
Masasi High School Abuse Scandal Sparks Public Outcry
Kuwadzana Man Jailed for Reckless Driving and Driving Without a Licence
-
Current Affairs4 weeks agoOperation restore order
-
Crime and Courts2 months agoMasasi High School Abuse Scandal Sparks Public Outcry
-
Crime and Courts2 months agoKuwadzana Man Jailed for Reckless Driving and Driving Without a Licence
-
Current Affairs4 months agoBreaking: ZIMSEC June 2025 Exam Results Now Available Online
-
Current Affairs3 months agoMunhumutapa Day: Zimbabwe’s Newest Public Holiday Set for Annual Observance
-
Current Affairs2 months agoBREAKING NEWS: ZANU PF Director General Ezekiel Zabanyana Fired
-
Current Affairs3 months agoGovernment Bans Tinted Car Windows in Nationwide Crime Crackdown
-
Current Affairs4 months agoNo Racism in Our Cricket: Government