Crime and Courts
Dagga, Hemp Farmers Nabbed
Drug law enforcement agents have intensified efforts against drug distribution following the arrest of two dagga and hemp farmers in separate operations.
National Police Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the arrests in Plumtree and Macheke.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Melusi Mapolisa of Rangemore Sewage Ponds, Plumtree. The arrest was made for cultivating and selling dagga. The suspect had planted Indian hemp in his garden and was actively processing the substance for sale to the public,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
In Macheke, on 7 October 2025, police arrested 29-year-old Ishmael Muchadenyika in connection with a case of dagga cultivation.

“Police recovered 83 dagga plants, each approximately 30 centimetres tall, from the suspect’s garden at Plot 33, Village 17, Macheke,” he added.
In a related operation, Commissioner Nyathi reported that ZRP officers at Featherstone arrested 54-year-old Clara Munyeri for unlawful possession of dagga.
“The suspect, who was a passenger on a Harare-bound bus, was arrested at the 103 km peg along the Harare-Masvingo Road on 7 October 2025. Police recovered a black suitcase containing dagga wrapped in plastic, as well as a separate plastic bag containing 86 sachets of dagga,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
The arrests highlight ongoing police efforts to curb the cultivation, distribution, and unlawful possession of illegal drugs in the country.
Crime and Courts
Five butchered in bloody weekend
Itai Mazire
In a harrowing wave of violence that has gripped the city of Bulawayo, police are investigating five separate murders, including a brutal spearing, a torture slaying, and a home invasion robbery that turned deadly.
Provincial Spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, revealed the gruesome details, confirming arrests in two cases while launching a manhunt for five suspects in another.
In the most visceral attack, a Pumula South man was stabbed through the chest with a spear following a misunderstanding.
Inspector Msebele confirmed the arrest of Nhlanhla Paulo Moyo, 49, saying the murder occurred on 10 May 2026 at around 1900 hours.
“The accused person then armed himself with a spear and stabbed him once on the left side of the chest with a spear. The deceased fell to the ground and collapsed.”
She noted that a tip-off led to the recovery of the murder weapon.
“Police received a tip off which lead to his arrest and recovery of the spear which was used.”
In a case that has horrified the community, school children discovered the body of a man after he was tortured by a vigilante mob for stealing.
Inspector Msebele stated that the third case occurred on the 09th of May 2026 at around 1400 hours where the deceased was caught stealing.
“The five accused persons started assaulting them with a hammer mill belt, knobkerrie, an electricity cable all over the body and dropping burning plastics on top of their bodies.”
“On 10 May 2026 at around 0900 hours, two female juveniles were playing in a maize field they saw the now deceased lying facing upwards,” she said.
Police arrested Ephraim Banda, 27, after the death of Ntuthuko Ndlovu.
Inspector Msebele said this case occurred on 28 April 2026 at around 0200 hours.
“The now deceased’s friend heard the accused person shouting that he was going to kill the now deceased.” The victim later passed away on 8 May 2026.
Nkosinosizo Nyathi, 40, was found bleeding outside his home.
“The fourth case happened on 09 May 2026, at around 2300 hours.
“He had a deep cut on the forehead, a swollen left eye and bruises on the chest.” He died before hospital admission.
A 21-year-old woman was tied with an electric cord as her father was beaten to death.
“Finally, on 09 May 2026 at around 2100 hours, the complainant was asleep in her bedroom when she heard her father screaming for help.”
“On 10 May 2026, the now deceased passed away while admitted.”
Inspector Msebele said a manhunt is underway for suspects identified only as Blessed, Luyando Sibanda, Zweli, Ali Muponda and Kile.
The suspects are wanted in connection with the torture slaying.
She said anyone with information is urged to report to the nearest police station.
Crime and Courts
Prison Sentences Handed Down for Kidnapping of Gokwe Police Officer
Gokwe, Zimbabwe — Four individuals have been sentenced to seven years in prison each following their conviction for the abduction and assault of a police officer during the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) public hearings.
The incident, which took place in Nembudziya, involved the suspects posing as security personnel to lure the officer into a trap.
The convicted men were identified as Isheunesu Benjamin Marima (30), Collin Masawi (44), Wonder Gamba (43), and Edwin Chinongwa (32). According to Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri, spokesperson for the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the group abducted the officer on March 31, 2026, around 10:00 AM.
The victim, a member of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) assigned to the CAB3 hearings, was approached by Marima, who falsely identified himself as a member of the security services.
Marima requested a private discussion regarding the proceedings, leading the officer outside the venue. Once isolated, the officer was forced into a vehicle—a Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger—where the other three accomplices were waiting.
The group transported the officer to a remote location in Maselukwe, Gokwe North. After subjecting him to a physical assault, the perpetrators abandoned him at the Mutora Business Centre. Subsequent police investigations led to the arrest of the four men and the recovery of the vehicles used in the crime.
The case was heard before Gokwe Regional Magistrate Stanford Mambanje, with prosecution led by Malvern Nzombe. All four defendants were convicted of kidnapping and assault
.
Authorities are still searching for two additional suspects involved in the case:
Erickson Mafuratidze
Mujudha (identified by alias only)
“Anyone with information should contact the ZRP National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631, WhatsApp 0712 800 197, or report to the nearest police station.”
Crime and Courts
Kwekwe Barber Jailed 75 Years for Serial Abuse
By Everisto Zhuwao
The Kwekwe Magistrates’ Court has sentenced Rangarirai Mutangi, a 31-year-old barber from Mbizo, to an effective 75 years in prison.
Mutangi was found guilty of eight counts of rape and aggravated indecent assault involving five different children between the ages of 9 and 11.
The court heard that Mutangi, who also served as a voluntary worker for the National AIDS Council and a modeling trainer, committed the crimes between December 2024 and April 2026.
He used various methods to lure his victims, including the pretext of playing mobile games and utilizing his professional roles to gain access to the children.
In several instances, the offender used threats of violence to silence his victims.
Evidence presented in court revealed that he threatened a 9-year-old girl with a weapon and intimidated a 10-year-old boy with the threat of being shot to facilitate the ongoing abuse.
The horrific series of events came to light in April 2026 after rumors began circulating within the Mbizo community.
Concerned parents and guardians questioned the children, leading to formal reports being filed with the ZRP Mbizo. Following a raid on Mutangi’s premises, police recovered a weapon and other evidence linking him to the crimes.
The presiding magistrate sentenced Mutangi to 15 years for each of the eight counts. While some terms will run concurrently, the total effective sentence reached 75 years behind bars.
In a statement following the sentencing, authorities emphasized that the exploitation of children will not be tolerated.
They commended the victims for their bravery and thanked the community for their vigilance in ensuring the predator was brought to justice.
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