Crime and Courts
PHD Ministries Worker Accused of Selling Smuggled Vehicle to Ti Gonzi
Tapiwa Felix Chikondo, a security aide at PHD Ministries, has appeared in court facing allegations of smuggling a vehicle and fraudulently selling it to rapper Ti Gonzi.
Chikondo, who was previously arrested alongside Prophet Walter Magaya for allegedly assaulting a police officer, appeared before Harare regional magistrate Francis Mapfumo and was released on US$600 bail.
The case was brought before the court by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), represented by Collin’s Ncube, while the State was represented by Lancelot Mutsokoti.
Prosecutors allege that between July and August 2024, Chikondo illegally brought into the country an ex-Japanese Toyota Mark X, which had not been cleared by ZIMRA and for which import duty had not been paid. The vehicle was reportedly kept at Yadah Hotel in Waterfalls, Harare.
To disguise the car’s origins, Chikondo allegedly identified another vehicle registration number ABX 7852, owned by Dumisani Dube and used its registration details to apply for a fresh set of plates.
He is said to have worked with a clearing agent, Andrew Musoni, who helped process the fraudulent documents at the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) through the CID Vehicle Theft Squad.
After acquiring the new number plates, AGS 2550, Chikondo allegedly attached them to the smuggled Toyota Mark X and later sold the car to Ti Gonzi for US$5,000.
The transaction reportedly took place at Yadah Hotel after Ti Gonzi was shown the car by a dealer named Jarmine Rubatika, whom he had met at Eastlea Car Sales while searching for a vehicle.
The vehicle was later seized by police from the Vehicle Theft Squad on January 7, 2025, after it was found being driven by the musician in Mbare. Authorities informed him that the car had fake registration plates and was smuggled.
Investigations revealed the vehicle had no customs clearance record with ZIMRA, which incurred a revenue loss of US$3,389.55 in unpaid import duty.
Chikondo, who is being represented by lawyer Malvern Mapako, is expected to return to court as investigations continue.
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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