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Crime and Courts

Constitutional Court Nullifies UZ Appeal in Labour Dispute with Former Bursar

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The Constitutional Court has dismissed an appeal by the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) in a protracted labour dispute involving former bursar Vengai Mugabe, ruling that earlier court proceedings were fundamentally flawed and legally void.

In the judgment delivered by Justice Anne-Mary Gowora, the court found that both the Labour Court and the Supreme Court had acted outside their jurisdiction in previously adjudicating the matter.

“There must be strict adherence to statutory procedures for a court to lawfully exercise jurisdiction,” said Justice Gowora. “The failure to observe these legal requirements rendered the prior rulings null and void.”

Mugabe, who served as UZ’s bursar under a fixed-term contract from July 2017 to June 2021, was dismissed following disputes with the institution’s leadership. A labour officer later ruled in his favour, awarding him US$323,036 for wrongful dismissal—a decision the university attempted to challenge through successive appeals.

Representing Mugabe, lawyer Tawanda Zhuwarara argued that the earlier court decisions infringed on his client’s constitutional rights, particularly those related to equality before the law and protection of property, as outlined in sections 56 and 71 of the Constitution. He described the Supreme Court’s ruling as an “arbitrary deprivation of property.”

In response, UZ’s counsel, G. Madzoka, maintained that Mugabe’s application was effectively a disguised appeal, contending that the core legal issues had already been conclusively addressed.

Justice Rita Makarau, concurring with the final ruling, criticised the lower courts for failing to address key preliminary issues that were essential to ensuring procedural fairness.

The Constitutional Court ultimately declared all prior judgments in the matter invalid, concluding that the earlier proceedings were riddled with legal irregularities and could not stand.

ALSO READ : Matanda-Moyo Charts a Bold New Path for Justice at NPAZ Strategic Review

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Crime and Courts

GOKWE MAN SENTENCED 15 YEARS FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE

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Photo Credit: Internet

​A 35-year-old man from Village Zebediah under Chief Njelele has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the attempted rape of a minor.

The Gokwe Regional Magistrates’ Court convicted Kupakwashe Hore following an incident that occurred earlier this month.

​The court heard that on April 5, 2026, at approximately 09:00 hours, Hore arrived at a local homestead and took the complainant away to a nearby field. The victim is a young girl aged between four and five years.

​While in the field, the offender undressed the child and lowered his own trousers. A local villager arrived at the scene just in time to intervene, pushing Hore away and rescuing the girl.

The witness then took the child back to her mother.

​A formal report was promptly filed at ZRP Gokwe. The victim was subsequently referred to Gokwe Hospital for a medical examination to assess any harm.

​In a statement following the sentencing, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) emphasized the importance of the ruling.

“The conviction and sentence reflect the gravity of sexual violence and the commitment of the NPAZ to ensure that those who act unlawfully face the full might of the law,” the authority stated.

​The NPAZ further noted that the safety and dignity of children within Zimbabwean communities remain paramount to the justice system.

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Crime and Courts

Top SA Police Chief Faces R5 Million Bribery Allegation

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South Africa’s National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola, has been accused of receiving a R5 million bribe from businessman and football administrator Bobby Motaung.

The allegations were made on Sunday by suspended Mpumalanga Police Commissioner Daphney Manamela during a media briefing held in Mbombela.

Manamela alleged that the payment reportedly shared with Major General Botsotso Moukangwe was intended to block her return to office and halt the reopening of fraud and corruption investigations linked to Motaung.

The cases relate to a controversial tender involving the construction of Mbombela Stadium.

She further linked the matter to the 2010 killing of whistleblower Jimmy Mohlala, who had exposed alleged irregularities in the stadium project.

According to Manamela, purported confessions from Moukangwe support her claims.

Responding to the allegations, police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe described them as serious and confirmed that they will be subjected to formal investigation.

As of now, neither Masemola nor Motaung has issued a public response. The claims have raised fresh concerns about accountability and integrity within the South African Police Service.

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Crime and Courts

Manhunt Launched After Triple Shooting in Chimanimani

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Chipinge – Police are searching for a 30-year-old suspect who fled after allegedly shooting three people in Chimanimani, triggering a nationwide appeal for information.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police identified the suspect as Francis Makuma Magirayano, who is wanted in connection with an attempted murder case linked to an incident that occurred on April 18, 2026. Authorities believe he had recently returned from South Africa.

It is alleged that Magirayano, who was driving a silver Toyota Fortuner (registration number JV 70 SM GP), opened fire following a dispute with his wife, 26-year-old Mercyline Mahembe. He reportedly shot her several times, injuring her cheek, hand, and thigh.

The suspect is also accused of shooting his sister-in-law in the leg and a shopkeeper at Kopa Business Centre during the same incident.

All three victims were rushed to hospital in Chipinge, where they are still receiving treatment.

Police say the suspect remains at large and are urging members of the public with any information on his whereabouts to contact the ZRP National Complaints Desk or report to the nearest police station.

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