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Crime and Courts

Court Awards Nearly US$49K to Farmer Shot During Patrol

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Court Awards Nearly US$49K to Farmer Shot During Patrol

The High Court has ordered a security guard and his employer, Javelin Trading (Pvt) Ltd, to jointly pay nearly US$49,000 in damages to a Nyabira-based police officer and farmer who was left disabled after being shot during a farm patrol.

Justice Gladys Mhuri found guard Casten Suwedi negligent when he shot Calisto Mujera in the back at Gwebi South Farm on April 26, 2020, leaving him partially paralysed. The court also held Javelin Trading vicariously liable, having armed Suwedi despite his lack of proper firearms training.

“The second defendant did not issue any warning to stop. He fired directly at the vehicle without confirming whether anyone was inside. A reasonable person would have foreseen the risk of injuring someone,” Justice Mhuri ruled.

Mujera had initially demanded US$331,590 in compensation for medical bills, lost income, destroyed farming operations, and future care costs. However, the court reduced the award to US$48,920.66, covering verified medical and transport expenses, lost farm income, as well as damages for pain, suffering, and loss of life’s amenities.

According to evidence presented, Mujera had been driving with his son when his car overheated near Javelin Farm. As he stepped out to check the engine, Suwedi—on patrol—shone a torchlight from the maize field and fired a shot, striking him in the back.

“I shouted that I was a police officer. No warning was given. I only saw a light, then heard a bang,” Mujera testified.

The bullet left shrapnel embedded in his spine, resulting in permanent lower-body damage. He spent weeks at Parirenyatwa Hospital and months at Chikurubi Police Hospital undergoing treatment and physiotherapy. Medical reports confirmed he will suffer chronic pain and permanent disability.

Mujera told the court the injuries ruined his farming business, cost him his formal employment, and left him socially humiliated after media reports falsely suggested he had been caught stealing maize. He and his son were later acquitted of theft charges at the Norton Magistrates’ Court.

Suwedi, however, insisted he had found Mujera stealing maize and fired only after giving a warning. Justice Mhuri rejected his testimony, describing him as “not a truthful witness” who gave conflicting accounts. Javelin Trading, for its part, did not present any defence.

In her ruling, Justice Mhuri stressed that damages were meant to compensate the victim, not punish the wrongdoer. She awarded Mujera US$33,920.66 in special damages (medical bills, transport, and lost farm income), US$10,000 for pain and permanent disability, and US$5,000 for loss of amenities.

The final award of US$48,920.66 is to be paid jointly by Javelin Trading and Suwedi, with payment by one absolving the other.

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Crime and Courts

Illegal miner jailed 5 years for gold worth USD 12

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Asian National Nabbed with 34.6 Grammes of Gold

A Ruwa man will rue the day after he defied the cultural day (Chisi) and went on to illegally pan gold at a mine shaft after he was sentenced to five years imprisonment for unlawful possession of 0.096 grammes of the metal.

According to court records Tafadzwa Matsika (45) was sentenced to five years in prison for the illegal possession of gold.

NPA said Matsika was arrested on the 20 August 2025 at Greencroft mining compound mine after officials received information that someone was illegally panning for gold on cultural day of rest known as (Chisi).

“Mine officials tracked his spoor from a mining shaft to a nearby compound where they confronted the offender.

“Matsika produced a sachet of toasted gold weighing 0.096 grammes from his pocket but could not produce a mining license or permit.”

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Crime and Courts

Police Deploy Breathalysers and Speed Cameras Ahead of Festive Season

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The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) will this weekend begin deploying breathalysers and speed cameras on major highways as part of a nationwide campaign to curb drunk driving and speeding, two leading causes of road fatalities.

 

Transport Minister Felix Mhona said the new technology will allow officers to deal “directly and scientifically” with reckless drivers. “This is about restoring discipline on our roads,” Mhona said. “These measures will reduce accidents and enhance public safety.”

 

The rollout marks Zimbabwe’s first large-scale use of modern road enforcement tools. It coincides with the introduction of a new fleet of Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) vehicles, which will strengthen inspections and ensure vehicles are certified fit for the road.

 

Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged motorists to exercise caution, drive responsibly, and avoid unnecessary risks. “Road safety is a collective responsibility. Vehicles must be serviced and certified fit to be on the road,” he said.

 

The initiative comes as authorities brace for increased travel and festive season traffic, a period historically associated with high accident rates.

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Crime and Courts

Meru service station robbed 9K

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ZRP Foils Armed Robbery Syndicate

Four armed robbers outfoxed security personnel manning Kwekwe Meru service station before they blew up a safe and fled with over USD 9 000.

National Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident saying investigations are underway.

He said the robbery occurred on 17 November 2025 at Meru service station Kwekwe. “Four armed men approached a Fawcett officer who was on duty and forced him to lie on the ground.

“They tied his hands and legs before dragging him into the building.

“A second Fawcett officer ran into the building and was also caught while attempting to notify the Fawcett Reaction Team,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

He said the suspects tied his hands and legs. and dragged him into the same room where the other Fawcett officer was being held.

“The suspects then forced their way into the second room, where three officers were asleep and tied the officers as well.

“They blasted a wall-mounted safe and seized USD 9 700.”

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