Crime and Courts
Gweru Couple released on Bail Amidst Forgery Charges

Itai Mazire
A Gweru businessman and his wife, Charles and Zodwa Simbi, have been granted bail by the Masvingo High Court. The couple was convicted of forgery and using a forged document, related to a disputed land ownership case, and initially sentenced to 12 months in prison and a US$400 fine. They appealed the decision, and Justice Sunsley Zisengwe granted them bail pending the appeal, with each required to deposit US$100 or its equivalent in ZiG.
The pair, represented by lawyer Esau Mandipa of Mandipa Makwara and Chikukwa Legal Practice, filed their notice of appeal under case number CRB GWP 319–19/25, arguing that the trial court erred in law and fact when it convicted them on November 3 and sentenced them on November 11, 2025.
Magistrate Dube sentenced the two to 18 months’ imprisonment each for forgery, with six months suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour.This left them with an effective 12 months behind bars.
In a turn of events, today morning , Justice Zisengwe ordered the couple to deposit USD 100 or its equivalent in ZiG as bail deposit.
The judge further ordered the couple to remain residing at their given residential address until their appeal is finalized.
The judge further held that the couple’s appeal is full of merit since the Magistrate erred in convicting them holding that their offer letter for a resettlement plot in Kanuck Farm was forged when apparently there was no evidence that the two forged the offer letter in question.
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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