Crime and Courts

Rushwaya Faces Court as Armed Thugs Loot Tolrose Mine

Published

4 weeks ago

February 12, 2026

Editor

A group of heavily armed men allegedly led by ZANU PF member Jameson Rushwaya is accused of violently invading Tolrose Mine, where they reportedly overpowered security guards, confiscated firearms, and looted property, while police are said to have failed to act due to alleged instructions not to intervene.

The most recent incursion, which took place on Friday night, comes months after a similar unlawful takeover in August last year. Rushwaya is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday in connection with that earlier incident.

Sources at the mine allege that workers have been abducted, intimidated, and robbed of cash and mobile phones, sparking serious concerns about the growing use of political influence to override the law within Zimbabwe’s mining industry.

Rushwaya has also been accused of name-dropping senior figures, including Zimbabwe Mining Federation president Henrietta Rushwaya and Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya, in relation to the dispute. Both individuals have publicly denied any involvement, stating that their names are being used without consent.

The conflict, which has long pitted Rushwaya against Patterson Timba, was settled in court in Timba’s favour. Despite a valid court order, Rushwaya allegedly defied the ruling and entered the mine on Friday accompanied by armed individuals.

During the invasion, mine security officers were reportedly disarmed, with six firearms allegedly taken by the group.

Efforts by Timba and his management team to seek police intervention — including formal reports submitted to police headquarters as early as October last year — are said to have produced no action. Sources claim officers were instructed by the District Superintendent of Police (Dispol) not to respond, even as the alleged looting continued.

The lack of enforcement has been described by observers as deeply questionable, raising alarm over selective application of the law.

A legal expert, speaking anonymously, stressed that the law does not permit individuals to forcibly dispossess others of property, whether movable or immovable, under any circumstances.

Rushwaya is expected to appear before the Kadoma Magistrates Court on Thursday to answer charges linked to the mine invasion and alleged armed robbery.

Another source criticised the actions, saying those involved entered the mine without any legal authority.

Meanwhile, a senior government official has called for thorough investigations, warning that abuse of power and name-dropping will not be tolerated.

“There must be decisive action. Anyone found abusing influence to break the law must face the full consequences,” the official said, adding that such behaviour undermines efforts to maintain law and order.

The incident mirrors a recent case in which the Bulawayo High Court ordered several ZANU PF youths to immediately vacate Vubachikwe Mine in Matabeleland South. In a ruling issued on 2 February, Justice Bongani Ndlovu granted an urgent spoliation order, directing six individuals including provincial youth leader Moses Langa to stop illegal mining activities and leave the property.

Together, the two cases have reignited debate over political interference in the mining sector and reinforced calls for strict adherence to the rule of law.

Crime and Courts

State Moves to Compel Walter Magaya to Plead in Court

Published

15 hours ago

March 13, 2026

Editor

By Everisto Zhuwao

The State has filed an urgent application at the Harare Regional Magistrates’ Court to compel Walter Magaya to finally enter a plea in his ongoing criminal case.

The legal move, announced by the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) on Thursday, aims to stop what the government describes as intentional delays to the trial.

Prosecutors argue that Magaya has filed a series of court applications that have stalled the commencement of the trial proceedings. The State contends that these legal manoeuvres are frivolous and vexatious. According to the prosecution, the actions have frustrated the progress of the case and prolonged the wait for justice for the alleged victims and witnesses.

The application was made under Section 168 and Section 182 of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act. The State insists that the judicial process must not be unduly delayed and that victims have a legitimate expectation for trials to proceed within a reasonable timeframe.

By seeking this court order, the NPAZ hopes to bypass further delays and move the matter directly into the trial phase.

Crime and Courts

ZRP Busts Drug Syndicate, Arrests 11 Suspects

Published

2 days ago

March 12, 2026

Editor

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested 11 suspects believed to be part of a drug trafficking syndicate after intercepting a large consignment of illegal substances.

According to police, the suspects, who include both men and women, were arrested while travelling from Beitbridge carrying approximately 200 kilogrammes of dagga and other illicit substances.

The drugs had been cleverly packaged to resemble blankets in an attempt to evade detection at security checkpoints. However, police managed to intercept the suspects during an operation that led to the seizure of the contraband.

In addition to the dagga, officers also confiscated a quantity of unregistered medicines that were found in the possession of the suspects.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has reiterated that it remains committed to fighting drug trafficking and substance abuse across the country. Authorities warned that there will be no going back in the crackdown on drug-related crimes.

Police also cautioned members of the public against engaging in the illegal production, transportation and distribution of drugs, stressing that offenders will be arrested and brought before the courts.

Crime and Courts

Why Was Madzibaba Ishmael Granted Bail? High Court Decision Raises Eyebrows

Published

3 days ago

March 10, 2026

Editor

Why Was Madzibaba Ishmael Granted Bail? High Court Decision Raises Eyebrows

Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa, leader of the Johane Masowe eChishanu Gorejena Penyeranyika Apostolic Sect, has been granted US$1,000 bail pending appeal after serving part of a 20-year prison sentence for rape.

High Court Judge Justice Neville Wamambo ruled that Chokurongerwa’s appeal raises arguable points of law and fact, including concerns about the handling of DNA evidence and questions surrounding the age of the complainant, warranting his release while the appeal is being considered.

Chokurongerwa was convicted following investigations linked to a March 2024 police raid at his Lily Farm compound in Nyabira, about 30 kilometres west of Harare.

During the operation, authorities rescued 251 children, many of whom reportedly lacked birth documentation and were not attending school.

Police also discovered 16 shallow graves, including those believed to contain infant remains, on the property. Two women were arrested at the site on human trafficking charges.

In his ruling, Justice Wamambo cited irregularities in the trial proceedings, including concerns that the complainant did not make a direct rape complaint.

The court also questioned the chain of custody of DNA samples, noting that gaps in the handling of the evidence could affect its reliability.

The High Court further highlighted inconsistencies between the complainant’s testimony and an age estimation report relied upon during the trial.

As part of his bail conditions, Chokurongerwa must report to the CID Law and Order section in Harare three times a week, reside at a specified address, and remain available to the court until his appeal is determined.

The cleric’s release has sparked debate in Zimbabwe, with some critics questioning the justice system’s handling of influential religious figures while others point to the court’s duty to address potential legal flaws raised on appeal.

A date for the hearing of the appeal has not yet been announced.