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.”

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.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has launched a major enforcement operation in Mazowe’s mining areas, resulting in the arrest of 79 suspects linked to illegal mining and other criminal activities.

The sweeping operation, conducted in hotspot areas including Storeys and Jumbo Mine, was aimed at curbing a rise in violent crimes such as murder, robbery and stock theft, while also addressing widespread environmental destruction caused by unregulated mining activities.

Police said the crackdown targeted illegal alluvial mining operations that have contributed to severe land degradation, soil erosion and the destruction of water sources and agricultural infrastructure in the area.

Among those arrested were four suspects accused of vandalising critical railway infrastructure. Both Zimbabwean nationals and foreign citizens were also apprehended for allegedly participating in illegal mining activities.

During the operation, police recovered a significant amount of heavy machinery and mining equipment believed to have been used in the illicit extraction of minerals. The seized equipment included 30 excavators, 10 generators, seven hammer mills, six winders, water tanks and several submersible pumps.

Authorities said the illegal mining operations have caused extensive ecological damage, particularly through the destruction of river systems and surrounding farmland.

The ZRP said the operation forms part of ongoing nationwide efforts to restore order in mining communities, protect public infrastructure and combat organised criminal syndicates operating in the sector.

Police also warned individuals involved in illegal mining and related criminal activities that law enforcement agencies will continue intensifying operations across the country to safeguard communities and the environment.