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.

A 32-year-old Harare man has appeared in court facing fraud allegations after allegedly using forged identity documents and fake payslips to secure loans from a financial institution.

John Chirine appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Michael Mafukidze on two counts of fraud and was released on US$300 bail.

According to the State, the complainant is Innbucks Microbank Limited, represented by the institution’s Head of Risk, Mr Marcos Mupingo.

Prosecutor Mr Lawrence Gangarahwe told the court that on April 26, 2026, Chirine allegedly used a counterfeit national identity card and a fake Natpack Flexibles payslip bearing the name Brandon Benhura to apply for a loan.

The court heard that Chirine allegedly visited Innbucks Microbank offices in Borrowdale, Harare, pretending to be Brandon Benhura and applied for a loan amounting to US$3 321.

It is alleged the financial institution processed the application and transferred the funds into an NMB Bank account allegedly linked to Chirine, who then reportedly withdrew the money for personal use.

In a second incident, prosecutors allege that on May 5, 2026, Chirine again attempted to secure another loan using forged documents, this time posing as Isaac Machingura.

He allegedly submitted another fake Natpack Flexibles payslip together with a counterfeit national identity card while applying for a US$6 300 loan from the same institution.

However, the alleged scam was reportedly uncovered before the funds could be released, prompting the institution to block the transaction and alert the police.

Authorities later arrested Chirine following investigations into the matter.
The court heard that Innbucks Microbank suffered a loss of US$3 321 as a result of the alleged fraud.