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Crime and Courts

Supreme Court Upholds Dismissal of ZIMRA Officer Over P*rnographic Emails

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ZIMRA Warns Transport Operators

The Supreme Court has upheld the dismissal of former Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) officer Stanford Sithole, who was accused of using his official email to share p*rnographic material.

Sithole’s appeal against his dismissal has been rejected, ending a long legal battle that started more than a decade ago.

The judgment, delivered by Justice Alfas Chitakunye, overturned earlier decisions by the Labour Court and the National Employment Council, which had previously ruled in Sithole’s favour.

Justice Chitakunye said there was clear evidence that the offensive emails were sent from Sithole’s account, and his claims that his email had been hacked were only “speculation.”

The case began in 2010, when ZIMRA’s ICT department discovered that some employees were using company emails to share pornographic content, which was slowing down the system. Investigations linked 13 inappropriate emails to Sithole’s account.

He was suspended in January 2011 and denied the accusations, saying ZIMRA had fabricated evidence to silence him because of his union activities.

The Labour Court had initially agreed with him, saying ZIMRA had not proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. But the Supreme Court disagreed, explaining that labour disputes require proof based on “a balance of probabilities,” not criminal-level certainty.

Justice Chitakunye ruled that ZIMRA had provided enough evidence to show its version of events was the most likely one. He also dismissed claims of victimisation, noting that other employees had been fired for the same offence.

The court reinstated Sithole’s dismissal from the original suspension date and ordered him to pay the legal costs.

The ruling sends a clear message about responsible use of corporate email systems and reminds employees that they are accountable for their online activities.

As Justice Chitakunye concluded:

“The employer only needs to show that its version of events is more probable than the employee’s.”

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Crime and Courts

GOKWE MAN SENTENCED 15 YEARS FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE

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​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.

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Crime and Courts

Top SA Police Chief Faces R5 Million Bribery Allegation

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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.

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Crime and Courts

Manhunt Launched After Triple Shooting in Chimanimani

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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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