Crime and Courts
Mavis Java in Court Over Fresh US$75,000 Fraud Charges
HARARE — A woman identified as Mavis Java Madzivanzira, the sister of well-known preacher Prophet Passion Java, appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court yesterday facing new fraud allegations involving a total of US$75,000.
Madzivanzira, who previously worked for the City of Harare, already has several pending fraud-related cases before the same court.
According to the prosecution, sometime in December last year, the complainant was in search of a residential stand to purchase in Harare or surrounding areas. It is alleged that Madzivanzira, acting in collaboration with her accomplice Danai Mawire, who is still on the run, became aware of the complainant’s interest and offered to sell Stand Number 877 Quinnington Township of Stand 163 Quinnington Township, Harare.
The duo reportedly produced fake documents purportedly from the City of Harare, convincing the complainant that the property was legitimate. The complainant allegedly paid US$75,000 for the stand.
The matter only came to light when the buyer approached the City of Harare for building plan approval and was informed that the property in question was privately owned and not part of the city’s land portfolio.
When the complainant tried to contact Madzivanzira for clarification, she allegedly became evasive, prompting the complainant to file a police report. Madzivanzira was subsequently arrested.
She was granted US$300 bail on the condition that she does not interfere with witnesses and reports twice weekly to the CID Commercial Crimes Division until the case is concluded.
Prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawo represented the State.
Crime and Courts
GOKWE MAN SENTENCED 15 YEARS FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE
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.
Crime and Courts
Top SA Police Chief Faces R5 Million Bribery Allegation
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.
Crime and Courts
Manhunt Launched After Triple Shooting in Chimanimani
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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