Police in Plumtree have arrested two suspects following a major drug bust that has sent shockwaves through the border town.

The operation took place on 15 February 2026, when officers from the Zimbabwe Republic Police stopped a Toyota Quantum during routine patrols. A search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered large quantities of illegal cough syrup concealed inside.

The suspects, Msawenkosi Ndlovu (49) and Vengai Chawa (41), were immediately arrested and charged with unlawful possession of controlled substances.

Police seized a total of 9,294 bottles of illicit cough syrup, comprising 5,124 bottles of Broncleer and 4,170 bottles of Astra Pain. Authorities estimate the combined street value of the drugs at approximately US$80,000.

Fresh controversy has engulfed Gray Homes Construction, with a domestic worker accusing the company of taking her life savings and failing to deliver a kitchen project she had hoped would transform her parents’ home.

In an emotional post that has rapidly spread across Facebook, Letwin Chitemere claims she was left financially and emotionally shattered after paying a total of US$2 800 for construction work that allegedly never materialised.

According to Chitemere’s widely shared account, she spent more than a year saving money from her wages as a maid, driven by a desire to surprise her parents with a newly built kitchen. She says she approached Gray Homes after encountering the company’s services online and was assured the project could be completed within her budget.

Chitemere alleges that the company initially requested US$2 500 to commence work, with a US$1 000 balance to be settled upon completion. She further claims Gray Homes later demanded an additional US$300 for transportation costs to Kariba, where the construction was expected to take place — funds she says were paid in good faith.

However, events reportedly took a troubling turn when she attempted to settle the outstanding balance.

“They changed the agreement and said the money was no longer enough,” Chitemere said. “That is when I asked for a refund.”

What followed, she alleges, was a frustrating cycle of evasions.

Chitemere claims she made repeated efforts to engage the company, including visiting its offices on two occasions. On her most recent visit, she says, the premises appeared abandoned.

“I found no one. They had moved,” she said, appealing to members of the public for assistance in locating the firm.

Gray Homes Construction has acknowledged the dispute in a public statement, though details of the company’s position have done little to quell the growing backlash on social media.

The incident has also revived memories of the company’s previous legal troubles.

In 2024, NewZimbabwe reported that Gray Homes Construction had been dragged to court in a high-profile dispute involving funds linked to a construction project associated with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. The case, which attracted significant public attention, centred on allegations surrounding the handling of approximately US$1 million earmarked for building works.

Although that matter is legally separate from Chitemere’s claims, the recurrence of complaints involving the same company has intensified scrutiny and public debate.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that Zimbabwean musician Malloti is wanted in connection with an armed robbery case dating back to 2017.

A warrant for her arrest was issued in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court, and authorities are working to have her extradited from Zimbabwe, where she is believed to be residing.

Western Cape SAPS spokesperson Captain F.C. Van Wyk stated, “The accused is wanted on a case of robbery with a firearm after a warrant was issued.”

The case, linked to Rondebosch’s incident (case number CAS 78/11/2017), has been removed from the court roll until Malloti is located and arrested.

Investigative journalist Maynard Manyowa noted that she has been “hiding in plain sight” despite her celebrity status.

Extradition procedures will now commence, as the docket has been handed to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who will coordinate efforts for her return to South Africa to face charges.

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