Suspended Inyathi magistrate Samukelisiwe Gumbo has hit yet another stumbling block after a High Court ruling set aside her conviction of a Kwekwe couple.

The judgment was handed down by Justice Ngoni Nduna, further denting her professional standing.

Gumbo has previously been at the centre of controversy. In July, she came under fire from Justice Munamato Mutevedzi, who criticised the way she handled a case involving two suspects accused of illegal gold prospecting.

Her troubles deepened when the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) suspended her, citing allegations that she had made remarks attacking government economic policies while appearing to condone corrupt practices.

The JSC confirmed it had received a leaked audio recording linked to the allegations and said investigations into the matter are ongoing. Gumbo remains on suspension while the probe continues.

A 48-year-old educator from Hopley Zone 4 has been taken into custody following allegations of s@xually assaulting a young student under his care.

Collen Banda, who was providing extra tuition to the 12-year-old Grade 4 girl, faces charges of r@pe after reportedly threatening her and assaulting her without protection while they were alone in a room. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, came to light when the victim confided in others about the abuse.

Authorities acted swiftly upon the disclosure, leading to Banda’s arrest. Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the details in a statement, noting that investigators are treating the matter as a serious case of child s@xual assault.

“The victim was promptly escorted to MSF Edith Clinic in Mbare for a comprehensive medical examination to ensure her well-being and gather necessary evidence,” said Insp Chakanza

Banda remains in custody as the probe continues, with police urging anyone with additional information to come forward. This case underscores ongoing concerns about child safety in educational settings, particularly during after-hours sessions.

Local education officials have yet to issue a formal response, but community leaders in Hopley are calling for stricter oversight of private tutoring arrangements.

The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected as proceedings advance through the courts.

Robert Mugabe Jr., the 33-year-old son of Zimbabwe’s late former president Robert Mugabe, was arrested Wednesday evening in Harare after police allegedly discovered quantities of cannabis and cocaine in his possession, sources close to the investigation confirmed.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Drugs and Narcotics unit acted on a tip-off, detaining Mugabe Jr. during a routine stop in the capital’s affluent Borrowdale suburb.

Officers reportedly recovered small packets of the substances from his vehicle, though exact quantities have not been disclosed pending forensic analysis.

No additional suspects were mentioned in initial reports.Mugabe Jr. is scheduled to appear before the Harare Magistrates Court on Thursday morning, where he is expected to face charges under Zimbabwe’s Dangerous Drugs Act, which carries penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment for possession of controlled substances like cannabis and cocaine.

Court officials have yet to release a formal docket, but legal experts anticipate a bail hearing could expedite his release given his high-profile status.

This incident marks the latest in a series of legal entanglements for Mugabe Jr., who has cultivated a reputation for brushes with the law since his father’s death in 2019.

In February 2023, he was arrested for allegedly vandalizing property worth $12,000 at a raucous party in Harare and assaulting a police officer, charges that were later suspended after a brief court appearance.

Earlier that year, he survived a high-speed car crash in the Eastern Highlands, sustaining minor injuries.

Mugabe Jr., a former national basketball player and co-founder of the xGx clothing label, has largely stayed out of the public eye in recent months, focusing on business ventures in South Africa alongside his brother, Chatunga Bellarmine.

Zimbabwean authorities have ramped up anti-drug operations in recent years amid rising concerns over narcotics trafficking through southern Africa.

Just last month, 14 foreign nationals were nabbed in a cocaine bust at a Harare lodge, highlighting the porous borders exploited by international syndicates.

Mugabe Jr.’s arrest, however, appears isolated and tied to personal use rather than broader distribution networks.Neither Mugabe Jr. nor his family has issued a public statement as of press time.

Grace Mugabe, the former first lady and his mother, could not be reached for comment.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police declined to elaborate beyond confirming the arrest, citing ongoing proceedings.This developing story will be updated as new details emerge from the courtroom.