Former Renaissance Financial Holdings banker, Patterson Timba (59), is facing rape charges and is expected to appear before the Kadoma Magistrates’ Court this afternoon.

According to the State’s case, Timba allegedly sexually assaulted a female employee at Tolrose Mine in Kadoma, where he served as a director. The incident is said to have occurred in October 2023.

The complainant is employed as a security guard at the mine but had on the day in question been asked to carry out domestic duties at Timba’s residence in the absence of a housemaid. Court documents allege that as she was preparing to leave the house, Timba switched off the lights, forcibly removed her clothing, and raped her.

It is further alleged that the complainant did not immediately report the incident. She later confided in someone two days after the alleged offence but did not receive assistance. In September 2025, she disclosed the matter to another individual who advised her to report the case to the police.

Following the report, the complainant was referred to Kadoma General Hospital for medical examination. The medical report is expected to be produced in court as part of the evidence.

Authorities have uncovered a suspected fraud ring accused of targeting EcoCash users through fake “Free Airtime” links circulated online.

Investigations revealed that several Econet lines were allegedly used in the scheme and have since been recovered.

Police warn the public that messages or links promising “click and win airtime” are almost certainly scams designed to steal personal or financial information.

The suspects linked to the case include Mpho Ruzwidzo (22), Ishmael Muzanenhamo, Moses Shingirai Chawatama (24), Usher Forester Mubaiwa (26), Panashe Wesley Gonzo (22), Tinashe Gonzo (24), Eddington Leeroy Mazonde (21), Calvin Takudzwa Masiyandaita (23), Shawn Goodmore Chikangaidze (22), Billy Zawe (21), and Dilan Macheka (22).

Authorities say investigations are ongoing and have urged mobile money users to avoid clicking on unsolicited links and to report suspicious messages immediately.

A Harare-based businessman has lost more than US$50,000 after falling victim to an alleged scam involving a man posing as a customs clearing agent at Beitbridge Border Post.

The suspect, identified as Tichaona Mupo Mhlakaza, appeared in court over the weekend facing fraud allegations. He was not asked to enter a plea and is expected to return to court today for a bail hearing.

According to prosecutors, the complainant, Peter Sine, purchased four tipper trucks in Durban, South Africa, early last year with the intention of importing them into Zimbabwe. While seeking assistance with the customs clearance process, he was introduced to Mhlakaza, who claimed to be a registered ZIMRA clearing agent.

Mhlakaza allegedly assured Sine that he could process the clearance of the trucks at a cost of US$52,792. On 20 January, the accused reportedly sent Sine a document purporting to be proof of payment, showing that 1,626,000 ZiG had been paid to ZIMRA through a company called Globetrek Logistics.

Later that same day, the two met in Harare at the intersection of Fifth Street and Kwame Nkrumah Avenue, where Sine handed over the full amount in cash.

However, concerns arose when the trucks were not cleared. On 2 February, Sine made inquiries with ZIMRA and was informed that no duty payment had been received for the vehicles. Further checks revealed that the proof of payment he had been shown was fraudulent.

When confronted, Mhlakaza allegedly redirected Sine to a third individual, Lloyd Mawadze, raising further suspicion. Realising he had been deceived, Sine reported the matter to ZRP Fife Avenue, leading to Mhlakaza’s arrest.

Police say no money has been recovered so far, and investigations are ongoing.