Tendai Rupapa Senior Court Reporter
Six police officers who allegedly assaulted a city businessman who owns commuter omnibuses after he filmed them beating up one of his drivers, were yesterday strongly warned by the court not to interfere with witnesses or risk being locked up.

The kombi owner, Mr Gift Muusha, sustained various injuries all over the body and was hospitalised. As part of their bail conditions, the six were ordered not to interfere with witnesses, but they went to the complainant’s house pleading for mercy.

Munyaradzi Bvukumbwe (23), Vivian Kapaso (25), Herbert Tsiga (25), Erlswort Gazimbi (27), Nkululekani Daze (27) and Prize Mpofu (27) — all from the force’s traffic section, even sent Kapaso to call Mr Muusha pleading with him to drop the charges.

The six appeared before Ms Barbara Chimboza yesterday for their routine remand and Mr Muusha then made the complaints against them. In her ruling, Ms Chimboza found the six guilty of breaching the bail conditions, adding that it was clear that they wanted to intimidate the complainant.

She then warned them against such behaviour, saying if they continued doing that, the court would revoke bail and remand them in custody. Their trial has been set for June 7.

Mr Muusha said: “Your Worship, Kapaso called me pretending to be a friend to the accused persons not knowing it was actually him. He pleaded for mercy on their behalf asking me to forgive them.

“He asked for my residential address and later came to my house where he continued with his appeals, that is when we identified him with my wife as one of the culprits.

“He later came back in the evening in the company of all the accused persons. They all pleaded with me to forgive them.”

During cross-examination, the gang’s lawyer Mr Stephen Chikotora, accused Muusha of fabricating a story against his clients.

He dismissed Muusha’s claims, saying that he did not have evidence to substantiate his claims. The prosecutor Miss Audrey Chogumaira alleged that the six police officers arrested the kombi driver and took him to VID Eastlea.

 The court heard that Mr Muusha followed and saw the officers assaulting his driver and he started to record everything with his phone. It is the State’s case that Bvukumbwe then hit Mr Muusha’s phone with a baton, forcing it to fall to the ground.

While he was trying to retrieve his phone, the police officers allegedly turned on him and assaulted him with batons all over his body. They also clapped, punched and kicked him, the court heard.

Fungai Lupande Court Reporter
OK Zimbabwe reportedly lost $70 000 to two suspected conmen, who hacked into their credit facility system called Money Wave.

Leonard Marange (33) and Philip Maverevedze allegedly spent the money by swiping for groceries in various supermarkets. The pair appeared before Harare magistrate Ms Barbara Chimboza. They are facing fraud charges and their trial date was set as May 9.

The complainant, OK Zimbabwe, is represented by its Queensdale branch accountant Ms Dorris Gurupira. The court heard that OK Zimbabwe has a credit facility called Money Wave which is managed by the Central African Building Society (CABS).

The facility allows OK Zimbabwe customers to open accounts with the supermarket and they can either deposit or withdraw money using the Money Wave card in OK Zimbabwe outlets or Zimswitch.

The prosecutor, Ms Audrey Chogumaira, alleged that on Christmas Day last year, Isaiah Marange opened a Money Wave account number 5888920700342889 at OK Mart branch. He made an initial deposit of $5 using the name Kundai Liberty Musamba.

On Boxing Day last year, Isaiah hacked into the Money Wave system and created account number 5888920700342889 with $35 000. He purported to have used OK Queensdale till point number 5 when in actual fact no cash was deposited into that account.

The fake transaction, however, reflected in the OK Zimbabwe Money Wave system. It is alleged that Isaiah then connived with the pair to start a business involving cash transactions in exchange for money wave swiping facility. The trio allegedly transacted using the fraudulent Money Wave cards in various supermarkets.

On December 28, 2016 Isaiah allegedly hacked into the Money Wave system for the second time. He credited the same account with another $35 000 and the trio went to various supermarkets asking people for cash in exchange for swiping their goods.

 The offence came to light when OK Zimbabwe received a bank statement. The transactions were not matching OK Zimbabwe’s reconciliation statement. A report was made to the police leading to the arrest of the trio. Isaiah has already appeared in court on fraud charges.

Minister Chikwinya

Collen Murahwa Herald Reporter
Government has appointed an Anti-Domestic Violence Council to stop the scourge of domestic violence through monitoring and implementing the Domestic Violence Act.

The 12-member council includes traditional leaders, Government officials and members of the civil society.

Minister of Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development, Nyasha Eunice Chikwinya said the appointments were precipitated by the increase in cases of domestic violence which has seen families disintegrate.

“Each day I read gruesome stories of spouses dying in the hands of their loved ones, and a lot of many other sad experiences which could have been avoided,” she said.

“I was eagerly waiting for this day to have a council in place to assist my ministry to address the scourge of domestic violence.”

“The members that I am appointing today have a huge task to ensure that the Domestic Violence Act is not just a piece of paper but its provisions are translated to action,” she added.

Speaking at the same occasion, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative Mr Cheikh Cisse said issues of domestic violence have significantly increased, hence the need for vigorous action.

“The Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey for 2015 confirms that violence against women and girls remains a huge problem,” he said.

“We know that for example at least one in every three women have experienced physical violence since the age of 15.

“I would like to greatly encourage the council to boldly take its coordinating role in dealing with domestic violence issues with a vision to eliminate it in Zimbabwe.”

Members of the commission are; Assistant Commissioner Dadela Bonongwe, Air Commodore Ivan Dumba, Ekenia Chifamba, George Nyathi, Virginia Muwanigwa, Eunice Njovana, Mable Msika, Agnes Mufukare, Grace Maramba, Caleb Mutandwa, Leobah Chiperesa and a Dr B Madzima.

Chief Pashu (George Nyathi) added that society suffers from cultural vices such that it is taboo for a woman to stand against man’s domination.

“We need to invigorate our culture in order to eradicate violence that is imposed on women all in the name of culture,” he said.

“Even in education, society has created systematic violence in the sense that there are inferior jobs certified for women.”

Tendai Rupapa Senior Court Reporter
Two police officers yesterday appeared in court charged with criminal abuse of office after they allegedly stole more than $30 000 from a Zambian man they had “arrested” at a city hotel, before ordering him to return to his country.

The pair – Assistant Inspector Evidence Hanya (31) and Constable Walter Ziuchi (26), both stationed at Minerals and Border Control Unit in Harare – are said to have forced their entry into a hotel room where Voster Hampako was sleeping and forced him to check out.

They allegedly took his money amounting to $31 000 and ordered him to leave the country or risk being jailed for money laundering.

It is, however, not clear how they became aware of Hampako’s visit to the country.

The duo appeared before Ms Barbra Chimboza charged with criminal abuse of office and were remanded in custody to tomorrow for bail ruling.

Prosecutor Miss Audrey Chogumaira opposed bail.

The duo’s alleged accomplice, Clever Gadzikwa, also a police officer, is still at large. He is on suspension pending finalisation of another case which is before the courts.

The police officers were being represented by Mr Musindo Hungwe.

It is the State’s case that on April 2 this year at around 10pm, Hanya, Ziuchi and Gadzikwa went to N1 Hotel where Hampako was booked.

Upon their arrival, Gadzikwa remained in the car, while Hanya and Ziuchi went inside and asked the authorities if they could see Hampako in his room, but they were denied access.

The two cops are said to have forced their way and went to Hampako’s room, the court heard. While in Hampako’s room, the pair searched his bags and reportedly took $700, 400 Zambian kwacha and $300 in bond notes.

It is alleged that the two cops recorded only $700 in their notebooks and ordered Hampako to declare any other cash he had.

Hampako told them that he had $30 000 in his car and the pair forced him to check out of the hotel and drove to their offices.

It is further alleged that Hanya and Ziuchi took the $30 000 and threatened Hampako with a lengthy prison term if he remained in the country. He was allegedly given back 400 kwacha.

They told him he would be charged with money laundering, before asking him to sign a fake warned and cautioned statement purporting he was being charged of fraud.

They released him the following morning around 6am and gave him back his 400 Kwacha and remained with all the cash, the State alleged.

The police officers ordered Hampako to return to his country.

In a bid to conceal the crime, the officers, it is alleged, did not record Hampako’s arrest in their occurrence book.

Hampako is said to have lodged a complaint against the pair at Police General Headquarters.

Upon getting wind that a report had been made, Hanya and Ziuchi opened an enquiry reference.

Hanya then took up the case without involving the Officer-in-Charge as is the procedure, the court heard.

Tendai Rupapa Senior Court Reporter
Two daring criminals broke into Harare Central Police Station and stole payslips for police officers, before forging identification particulars which they used to secure loans from money lending institutions.

Edwin Ruzvidzo (29) and Timothy Machingauta (31) also accessed payslips for teachers and, using the same modus operandi, forged identity particulars and borrowed money from money lenders.

The duo’s luck ran out after they were arrested while trying to process a loan.

They had already pocketed over $16 000 through their fraudulent scheme.

The affected civil servants were surprised to find deductions on their salaries.

Machingauta and Ruzvidzo appeared before Ms Barbara Chimboza charged with several counts of fraud.

They were remanded in custody after Ms Chimboza ruled that they were not proper candidates for bail, considering that there was overwhelming evidence against them.

Prosecutor Mr Sebastian Mutizirwa opposed bail.

It is the State’s case that between January and March this year, Machingauta and Ruzvidzo went to Harare Central Police Station and stole payslips belonging to different police officers.

It is not clear how they managed to gain entry into the offices where the payslips were kept.

They allegedly forged identity particulars of the affected police officers using the details on their payslips.

The pair allegedly took the payslips and the fake documents to various agents of Coverlink Financial Holdings and applied for loans.

It is the State’s case that they applied for loans ranging between $750 and $1 250 per person.

The duo also accessed payslips for several teachers and obtained loans from Coverlink Financial Holdings using the same method.

The matter came to light when the loan repayments were deducted from the victim’s salaries by the SSB and they stormed Coverlink Financial Holdings offices to seek explanations.

Machingauta and Ruzvidzo also took the payslips to Lic Micro Finance in Chitungwiza where they also applied for loans.

The pair fraudulently received $7 050 which they allegedly shared.

Machingauta is also facing an dditional 10 counts of fraud in his individual capacity.

According to the State, after accessing payslips for various police officers and teachers, Machingauta forged their identity particulars and approached another financial institution and applied for loans on different occasions.

In total, Machingauta applied for and received $9 950.

He was arrested while attempting to make another loan application using fake documents.

An alert employee scrutinised the documents and noticed that they were fake, and alerted his superiors.

Paidamoyo Chipunza Senior Health Reporter
Government has given medical aid society Cimas and hosptial group Corporate 24 two weeks to resolve their differences following the release of a forensic audit instigated by the medical aid society.

The audit implicates the emerging hospital group in different forms of fraud.

Speaking to The Herald yesterday, Secretary for Health and Child Care Dr Gerald Gwinji said an amicable solution to the rift between Corporate 24 and Cimas was long overdue, considering that it continued to affect patients.

“We created a platform for amicable resolution of the longstanding matter and agreed on a framework for bilateral resolution and I expect feedback in a week or two,” said Dr Gwinji.

He said Government was using the “Cimas-Corp 24” rift as a case study in the medical aid/service provider relationship.

“In essence, we used this as a learning experience in the provider-insurer relationship and their common obligation to the patient,” said Dr Gwinji.

If the parties fail to agree, the matter will be referred to the Attorney-General for final determination.

Although Cimas managing director Mr Vulindlela Ndlovu refused to comment saying he was not at liberty to discuss the rift in the media, the Association of Health Care Funders of Zimbabwe (AHFoZ) said the majority of service providers made legitimate claims and were professionals of integrity.

AHFoZ said some service providers were in the habit of abusing and misusing medical aid funds.

“Generally, patients are expected to be treated by their general practitioners and to use emergency units only for emergencies,” said AHFoZ chief executive officer Mrs Shylet Sanyanga.

“The follow-up care even after an emergency visit should be the family doctor.”

Corporate 24 CEO Dr Mike Joka refused to shed more light on the allegations leveled against his hospital.

He said there was another process taking place, which was being spearheaded by the regulator.

Dr Joka said the forensic audit instigaetd by Cimas was incomplete.

“We cannot comment on the allegations in the forensic audit, but what we can say is that the audit itself is incomplete,” he said.

Fungai Lupande Court reporter
National People’s Party (NPP) leader Dr Joice Mujuru’s spokesperson Mr Gift Nyandoro appeared at the courts yesterday with his right leg in plaster and walking with the aid of crutches to prove that he was injured and could not represent his client.

Mr Nyandoro, who is a lawyer, emerged the worst from a public fistfight with former NPP national spokesperson Mr Jealousy Mawarire outside Bronte Hotel in Harare recently.

He is representing Ronald Madhara, an accountant for gold operations at Fidelity Printers and Refiners (Pvt) Ltd, in an $800 000 fraud case.

The presiding magistrate, Mr Noel Mupeiwa, had turned down an application of postponement on Wednesday and requested proof that Mr Nyandoro was indeed injured.

Mr Nyandoro decided to come to court in person and addressed the court, saying he did not know when he would be fit to start work.

He addressed the court while clad in a pair of shorts and walking with the aid of crutches.

His right leg was in a plaster.

“I am going for review today (yesterday) so, I will be able to get an indication of when I can be able to resume work,” said Mr Nyandoro.

Prosecutor Mr Michael Reza told the court that it was unfortunate that Madhara’s lawyer was injured and did not know when he would be fit to represent him.

“However, in the interest of justice, there has to be finality to this matter,” he said. “I suggest that the accused find another lawyer to represent him.”

Mr Mupeiwa postponed the trial to April 20 pending Mr Nyandoro’s review.

Madhara, who is giving evidence in his defence case, is jointly charged with Tinashe Mumbengegwi, James Munemo and Swisspack Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd.

It is alleged that Mumbengegwi and Madhara transferred $780 565 from their employer’s account to Munemo’s bank account.

The pair allegedly lied that Munemo had supplied gold to Fidelity Printers and Refiners.

It is alleged that Munemo would withdraw the money and share it with the quartet.

The quartet pleaded not guilty to 11 counts of fraud and 11 counts of money laundering.

Mr Reza alleged that sometime in 2008, Munemo opened a shelf company that was in the business of selling and fitting electrical gadgets.

During the period extending from October 2013 to September last year, Mumbengegwi and Madhara, who are the signatories to Fidelity Printers and Refiners bank account held at Stanbic, allegedly transferred $579 042 from their employer’s account into Swisspack Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd bank account also held at Stanbic.

It is further alleged that between December last year and April this year, a further $201 518 was transferred into Swisspack Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd’s account.

Noah Pito in Hurungwe
Police in Mashonaland West are investigating a case in which a Hurungwe woman was electrocuted after a Zesa cable fell on her.

Edinah Mbwana (33) of Plot 50, Tavoy Farm met her fate on April 1 this year while picking vegetables to prepare lunch for members of her family who were grading tobacco at their homestead.

One of the live wires from a Zesa grid passing over the field electrocuted her.

Mashonaland West Police spokesperson Inspector Clemence Mabgweazara, said both police and Zesa were carrying out investigations to establish the cause of the incident.

“From the facts available at the moment, it’s difficult to determine what really caused the wire to fall on the woman. In fact both the ZRP and Zesa are carrying out investigations to establish what really caused the mishap,” he said.

The incident happened near Katsaka Bus Stop along the Karoi-Binga Highway and attracted several travellers who thronged the scene to view Mbwana’s lifeless body awaiting the arrival of Zesa technicians and the police.

Meanwhile, Insp Mabgweazara has warned members of the public to desist from touching or tampering with naked Zesa cables as this posed the danger of electrocution.

Takudzwa Matambura Herald Reporter
A Waterfalls man was last week fined $50 by a Mbare magistrate for bashing his wife claiming that he had smelt a used condom in their matrimonial bedroom.

Steven Gatsi (42) appeared before Mbare magistrate Ms Gladys Moyo charged with physically abusing his wife Charity Chawangoma.

Gatsi told the court that when he returned home he smelt used condoms, which made him to search the house, only to find them stashed in his wife’s handbag.

He indicated that he was angered and bashed the woman.

Chawangomba rubbished the used condom claims indicating that she was assaulted because she had denied Gatsi sex.

She told the court that Gatsi entered the house when she had already retired to bed and wanted to have intercourse with her without approval.

Prosecuting Mr Lawrence Gangarahwe told the court that on April 9 around midnight, Gatsi returned home and requested to have intercourse with Chawangomba who refused.

The woman left the bedroom to sleep in the lounge.

The court heard that Gatsi followed the woman where he punched and kicked her all over the body.

Fungai Lupande Court Reporter
A 32-year-old man who slept with a knife under his pillow allegedly stabbed his wife in the eye, back and chest following a domestic dispute.

Moregood Mverechena of Mudzimu Village under Chief Chinamhora in Domboshava appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Noel Mupeiwa charged with attempted murder.

He was remanded in custody to April 19 for trial.

The prosecutor Mr Michael Reza, alleged that on January 28 this year around 5am, Mverechena, who was staying with his wife Fungai Soko in Hatcliffe suggested that they relocate to Domboshava.

Soko refused and a heated quarrel ensued.

The court heard that Mverechena reached for the kitchen knife under his pillow and stabbed Soko once on the left eye, thrice on her back and once on her chest.

It is alleged that afterwards Mverechena slashed himself on his stomach with the same knife.

The couple was rushed to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals for treatment.

The knife was not found, the court heard.

Freeman Razemba Crime Reporter
Zimbabwe Republic Police has applauded members of the public for their support and taking heed on the force’s drive to ban the possession of dangerous weapons.

Since last month, police have been issuing prohibition bans on carrying of weapons such as axes, knobkerries, swords, knives and traditional weapons in some parts of the country following an upsurge in murder and robberies, among other criminal activities.

Police acting Commissioner-General Levie Sibanda, who is the Deputy Commissioner-General responsible for human resources, recently said the banning of the possession of dangerous weapons was in terms of Section 14 (1) (a) of the Public Order and Security Act Chapter 11:17.

The section provides that: “Without derogation from Section 13, if a regulating authority believes that the carrying in public (whether openly or by concealment in a public place or public thoroughfare) or public display of any of the following weapons or items capable of use as weapons: (a) catapults, machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords, knives or daggers, (b) any traditional weapon whatsoever is likely to occasion public disorder or a breach of the peace, he may within his police district prohibit for a specified period of time not exceeding three months the carrying in public or public display of any such weapons or items capable of use as weapons as he shall specify.”

Deputy Comm-Gen Sibanda was addressing 13 police officers who returned from United Nations Department of Peacekeeping operations in South Sudan, Liberia and Sudan.

At least 40 others are set to leave Zimbabwe for South Sudan and Abyei, Sudan on a similar mission.

Deputy Comm-Gen Sibanda said the force considered it a humble privilege to join other nations in peace building efforts across the world.

He said the preservation of peace and protection of life was the force’s constitutional mandate.

“May I mostly sincerely applaud our officers for the wonderful work they have been doing and continue to do in support of peacekeeping efforts across the globe,” said Deputy Comm-Gen Sibanda.

“Indeed, our efforts have individually, severally and collectively proved to be faithful and distinguished ambassadors of both the organisation and the country.”

Deputy Comm-Gen Sibanda said the force continued to receive commendation from the UN of the high pedigree of the professionalism reposed in their officers.

Deputy Comm-Gen Sibanda urged the nation to continue taking heed of President Mugabe’s call to uphold peace in the country.

He said the use of violence in resolving disputes and disagreements was a stain on the national fabric.

Two unidentified men riding a motorcycle without helmets, oblivious of the danger and breaking road rules, in Gokwe recently. — Picture by Innocent Makawa

Takudzwa Matambura Herald Reporter
At least 17 people were killed, while 78 others were injured in 120 separate road traffic accidents recorded countrywide during the Easter Holiday at the time of going to print, making it one of the bloodiest holidays.

Police said during the same period last year, nine people were killed and 43 were injured in 140 traffic accidents.

About 33 unroadworthy vehicles were impounded this year, compared to 221 last year. Although this year’s Easter Holiday was one of the bloodiest, the number of arrests declined from 13 932 last year, to 12 503 this year.

Eight fatal accidents were recorded both last year and this year.

Police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi, said in a statement yesterday that the major causes of accidents so far recorded were speeding, inattention, misjudgement, overtaking errors and failure to give way.

He said the high death toll was triggered by the Chinhoyi accident that claimed six passengers.

“The (high) death toll has been contributed by the Chinhoyi accident which killed six people, then Chipinge accident where three people perished, the Masvingo accident where two people died as well as Rusape tragedy where two people also died,” he said.

Chief Sup Nyathi urged all motorists and road users to observe road rules.

“Police are urging motorists to be observant, cautious and ensure they do not speed, overtake in dangerous situations and above all safeguard lives on the road.”

“Let us all drive to arrive alive and contribute towards safety on the roads. Drivers should not be reckless and where possible avoid travelling at night,” he said.

The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe said 220 deaths were recorded during Easter Holidays in the last six years.

Daniel Nemukuyu Senior Court Reporter
CO-HABITING for decades without any payment of lobola does not upgrade a relationship to a legitimate marriage for purposes of inheritance, the High Court has ruled.

A perception had filtered the country that if a woman stays with a man for years, the lengthy period of stay with the man would qualify her as the surviving spouse in the event of death.

Some lower courts were even swayed into upgrading girlfriends to the status of surviving spouses in estate cases, but High Court judge Justice Happias Zhou, dispelled the claims.

Justice Zhou stripped the surviving spouse’s status off a Harare woman Ms Easter Dzwowa in the estate of the late former Zimbabwe Electoral Commission chief elections officer Lovemore Sekeramayi after evidence of payment of lobola was not produced before the Master of High Court or a magistrate who had dealt with the case.

Ms Dzwowa was staying with Sekeramayi at the time of his death at his Chisipite house, but no proof of lobola payment was produced.

However, Sekeramayi’s legitimate wife Faith and her children engaged the services of Harare lawyer Mr Norman Tsarwe of Tadiwa and Associates in the legal battle.

The family contested the decision and the matter spilled into the High Court.

Justice Zhou set aside the Master of High Court’s decision recognising Ms Dzwowa as a surviving spouse.

The Court also reversed the decision of allocating Ms Dzwowa the Chisipite house in the distribution of the estate of the late Lovemore Sekeramayi.

“It is ordered that the decision of first respondent (Master) declaring that the third respondent (Ms Dzwowa) was a surviving spouse of the deceased Lovemore Chipunza Sekeramayi be and is hereby set aside.

“The allocation of the immovable property located at Number 31 Hindhead Avenue, Chisipite, Harare to the third respondent be and is hereby set aside . . .”

Justice Zhou ordered the Master of High Court to reconvene and call evidence from witnesses regarding the status of the relationship between Ms Dzwowa and the late Sekeramayi.

The judge held that the mere fact that lovers are living together was not proof of a legitimate marriage.

“Living together is not the same as being married . . . the conclusion by the first respondent that the deceased had two wives is therefore not based on any evidence which was placed before him.

“To disinherit a woman who is legally married to the deceased on the basis that she did not live in the house without considering where she would live, is in my view, grossly irregular,” ruled Justice Zhou.

Mr Sekeramayi died of suspected heart failure in his hotel room in Lesotho in 2014.

He was attending a meeting of chief elections officers for electoral management bodies from the SADC region.

Fungai Lupande Court Reporter
Two Harare men allegedly connived with an official at the Department of Social Welfare and stole 30 tonnes of maize for the drought relief programme.

The pair, Victor Madzivanyika (35) and Maruva Zvavamhari (34) on Thursday appeared before Harare magistrate Ms Barbara Chimboza.

They were facing theft charges and were remanded out of custody to May 16.

Prosecutor, Mr Sebastian Mutizirwa alleged that on January 23 this year at 9am, Madzivanyika, Zvavamhari and their accomplice, who is a Department of Social Welfare employee, connived to steal maize from the Grain Marketing Board.

The employee, whose name was not mentioned in State papers raised a requisition under the drought relief programme purporting that Ward 2 in Chegutu was in need of maize.

The requisition was tendered to GMB.

On January 23 at around 9am, Madzivanyika and Zvavamhari loaded 30 tonnes of maize into a truck number ADS 1154.

The truck allegedly belonged to Zvavamhari.

The consignment was to be delivered to Ward 2 in Chegutu, but the trio diverted the load to Parrogate Zimbabwe located in the Workington industrial area.

They allegedly sold the maize consignment valued at $11 700 and nothing was recovered.

From Noah Pito in Hurungwe
A 38-year-old man from Chief Kazangarare’s area here is facing rape charges after he allegedly raped a Grade Three pupil whom he later bribed with $8 dollars to cover up the offence.

The man was not asked to plead when he appeared before Karoi magistrate Ms Sheila Nazombe recently.

The prosecutor Mr Webster Dimingu said during the night of March 24 this year, the man allegedly went to the girl’s home where he forced his way into the hut in which she was sleeping.

It is also alleged that while inside, the man, who is not related to the girl, tripped the frightened girl onto the ground before raping her.

To ensure the girl did not disclose the assault, he allegedly bribed her with $8 before leaving the scene.

The matter came to light two days later after the girl’s friend demanded to know why she was limping.

The girl implicated the man and the friend reported to their teacher, who in turn took the matter to the girl’s parents.

Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has started acquiring electric seals for transit break bulk cargo, mostly being carried in flat bed trailers in a move set to reduce incidents of transit fraud, an official has said.

Zimra board secretary and director of Legal and Corporate Services Ms Florence Jambwa confirmed the developments yesterday.

She said transit fraud resulted in situations where importers declared that goods were in transit (removal in transit — RIT) to neighbouring countries, yet they would be offloaded in Zimbabwe.

Ms Jambwa said as a result of such activities, the country was losing a lot of potential revenue to criminals.

Under the customs laws, specified goods attract excise duty during importation into the country.

Said Mrs Jambwa: “The Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) was rolled out early this year to curb transit fraud and to safeguard revenue in line with our mandate.

“Processes are under way to enhance the system through several means, which include procurement of gadgets to monitor break bulk cargo as you have alluded to in your questions. These enhancements are ongoing processes.

“We introduced the ECTS to combat fraudulent activities associated with the movement of transit cargo, particularly situations where importers declare that goods are in transit to neighbouring countries, yet the cargo is offloaded in Zimbabwe”.

Ms Jambwa said the system involved the tracking of transiting cargo in real time throughout the entire route from point of entry to point of exit.

She said the ECT system was one of the best under the World Customs Organisation (WCO).

The ECT, she said, gave instant alarms on any violations and this triggered the intervention of the dedicated reaction teams.

In most cases, commercial goods are transported in tankers, containers and flat bed trailers covered with tents (break bulk).

At the moment, Zimra has seals for tankers and containers and this has seen criminals preferring to transport goods as break bulk to evade the seals.

Most of the controlled goods which are finding their way to the local market through transit fraud include cooking oil, washing powder, assorted groceries, genetically modified goods and banned medicines.

Ms Jambwa said Beitbridge Border Post handled an average of 200 transit vehicles per day destined for countries north of the Zambezi River, including Zambia, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

It is reported that ZIMRA collects 30 percent of Government revenue and out of that, 70 percent of it is collected at Beitbridge.

During a visit to Beitbridge late last year, Home Affairs Minister, Dr Ignatius Chombo, said Zimra was netting $800 000 per day against a potential of $2 million.

He said the parastatal could not collect enough due to increased rampant smuggling of controlled goods.

Recently, Zimra intercepted four tankers at Chirundu which were carrying 140 000 litres of water purported to be diesel that was in transit to DRC.

The state lost close to $55 000 after the fuel which entered the country through Forbes Border Post under the RIT facility was emptied in Chitungwiza and replaced with water.

Chief Supt Nyathi

Herald Reporter
THREE people on Saturday sustained varying degrees of injuries following violent clashes between Zanu-PF supporters sympathetic to Harare provincial commissar Cde Shadreck Mashayamombe and secretary for Administration George Mashavave, respectively.

Skirmishes started when Cde Mashayamombe reportedly got wind that Cde Mashavave and other provincial executive committee members wanted to pass a vote of no confidence on him and national political commissar Cde Saviour Kasukuwere at the party’s provincial offices.

Reports say Cde Mashayamombe then bused his sympathisers to the party headquarters, resulting in skirmishes that also hurt innocent passengers who use Simon Vengai Muzenda (formerly Fourth Street) bus terminus.

Police had to be called in to quell the disturbances.

Police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident, saying a report was made at Harare Central Police Station alleging that two groups clashed at the Harare provincial Zanu-PF offices.

Chief Supt Nyathi said investigations were underway.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police would like to confirm that a report was made at Harare Central Police yesterday (Saturday) where it is alleged that two groups, one allegedly for Cde Mashayamombe and one for Cde Mashavave all from Harare Province, clashed at the Harare provincial Zanu-PF offices and so far investigations are in progress,” said Chief Supt Nyathi.

Narrating their ordeal during an interview with ZBC News, some of the victims said they were bused to the provincial party offices without being aware of divisions that existed within the party leadership.

“I did not know that there were divisions in the leadership with some people showing their allegiance to certain individuals. So when we arrived, some of our colleagues from our neighbourhood who had arrived earlier approached us questioning why we had also come to the provincial headquarters. They said a lot of stuff including obscenities before they started throwing stones at us,” said one of the victims whose hand was injured in the skirmishes, Ms Rumbidzai Chibaya (34).

Another victim, Ms Tambudzai Marungira whose child was also injured in the clashes, said they had come to attend the meeting just like anyone else in good faith before they were attacked.

“We had come for a meeting as women with our babies on our backs and we did not know that there are divisions at this meeting. So when we approached them, they quickly shouted that we were not part of them and they started attacking us,” said Ms Murungira.

Another supporter only identified as David who suffered a head injury, said he was only made aware of the attack by fellow supporters who alerted him of a stone thrown directly at him.

He said by the time he looked back, it was already too late as the stone hit him on the head.

Tendai Rupapa Senior Court Reporter
A maid who caused the death of a minor after she left a bucket full of boiling water unattended resulting in it spilling and scalding the child, was yesterday jailed for an effective three years. Vaida Nzanga (20) was convicted of culpable homicide by magistrate Mr Hosea Mujaya.

She was sentenced to five years behind bars but two years were set aside on condition of good behaviour.

She will serve three years in prison.

In passing the sentence, Mr Mujaya said the degree of negligence was high, which he said was gross negligence.

“A non-custodial sentence would send a wrong message to the society,” he said.

In mitigation, Nzanga pleaded for the court’s leniency and prayed for a non-custodial sentence.

She also asked for forgiveness from the minor’s parents.

Fungai Lupande Court Reporter
Two suspected robbers allegedly used two women to draw travellers into a private car along Harare-Bulawayo Road before robbing them of cash and valuables. Gaillah Muroyi (25), Carlos Bhundi (26), Yvonne Chashaya (27) and Garisanayi Dube (36) yesterday appeared before Harare magistrate Ms Barbara Chimboza charged with robbery. They were represented by Mr Stephen Chikotora and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Ms Chimboza is expected to rule on bail today after prosecutor Mr Sebastian Mutizirwa raised objections.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Arnold Dzwova told the court that a fifth suspect was still on the run.

“Muroyi is the brains behind the offence, while Bhundi was the bouncer (who) used to subdue the victims,” he said.

“Chashaya was used as a bait, while Dube provided the getaway car.

“We have the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footage at Total Service Station where the accused went to buy groceries.”

In the bail application, Mr Chikotora told the court that his client had an alibi.

The court heard that on March 20 this year, the quartet was travelling in a silver Honda Fit (registration number ABE 0655) along the Harare-Bulawayo highway.

They stopped at Warren Park bus stop at around 7pm and offered transport to Joshua Gombingo, who was going to Kwekwe.

It is alleged that after driving past the National Sports Stadium, they turned into a road that connects the highway and Kirkman Road.

They proceeded into Harare Drive and turned left after Maranatha School.

They demanded cash and valuables from Gombingo before stealing two cell- phones, $20, a laptop and his particulars.

They dumped Gombingo and sped away.

Two days later, along the same highway, the four offered Ngoni Muzona a lift to Kuwadzana Extension at around 8pm.

It is alleged that after driving along the highway for a while, the quartet turned into the Warren Park area.

They allegedly robbed Muzona of $70, R500 and a cellphone.

The court heard that the accused realised that Muzona was an EcoCash agent and they demanded his personal identity number.

The quartet transferred $150 from Muzona’s sim card and went to Total Service Station where they bought groceries, it is alleged.

Tendai Rupapa Senior Court Reporter
A Mabvuku man and his alleged accomplices reportedly approached a security guard manning the premises of his former employer and gave him a $50 bribe to allow them to break into the warehouse and steal, a court heard yesterday. However, after receiving the bribe money, the guard -Upenyu Kanonge – alerted his bosses. A trap was then set. Trymore Guta (24) of New Mabvuku recently appeared before magistrate, Ms Barbra Chimboza, charged with unlawful entry in aggravating circumstances.

His alleged accomplice, Nixon Mangwende, is already on remand while another one only identified as Amos is at large.

They allegedly stole groceries worth $15 000 and part of the loot worth $8 000 was recovered.

According to the State, Guta was formerly employed by a company called Dynamaster.

Prosecutor Ms Linda Gadzikwa alleged that on March 19 this year at around 12 noon, Guta in the company of Mangwende, proceeded to the company premises in Msasa.

They looked for the security guard Kanonge who was manning the premises.

It is alleged they gave him a $50 bribe so that he would allow them to break into the warehouse.

The pair advised Kanonge that they would return during the night to carry out their mission.

After receiving the money, Kanonge, the court heard, quickly alerted his superiors and a trap was set.

Guta and Mangwende reportedly returned during the night in the company of Amos.

They allegedly broke into the warehouse where they stole various groceries worth $15 000.

While they were still packing their loot, security guards emerged from their hiding places and confronted them.

Guta and Amos managed to escape with goods valued at $7 000 while Mangwende was apprehended.

He then implicated Guta and Amos.

Some of the stolen goods were recovered from people who had bought them from Guta, the State alleged.

Meanwhile, a suspected armed robber who pounced on Chishawasha Primary School in Goromonzi and stole various goods at gunpoint yesterday appeared in court, writes Fungai Lupande.

Edson Murambidzi (23) is also accused of a spate of other robberies.

He appeared before Harare magistrate Ms Barbara Chimboza who remanded him to May 3.

Ms Chimboza advised Murambidzi to apply for bail at the High Court.

Prosecutor Mr Sebastian Mutizirwa alleged that on March 12 this year at around 1am, Murambidzi and his accomplices armed themselves with iron bars, picks and a pistol.

They went to Chishawasha Primary School and confronted two security guards, threatened them with the pistol, before assaulting them with the pick and sticks.

The court heard that the security guards’ hands and legs were tied and they were forced to lie on their stomachs.

It is alleged that Murambidzi and his accomplices used a crowbar to open the administration block and stole various goods.

They fled after loading their loot into a BMW vehicle.

It is alleged that on March 20 this year, Murambidzi and his accomplices went to Engen Service Station at Murombedzi Business Centre in Zvimba.

They masqueraded as police officers and advised five security guards that they were under arrest for stocktheft.

The security guards were assaulted and bundled into a Toyota Raum.

The accused drove 2km away from the service station with the security guards and palced them under hostage.

The court heard that the other accused drove back to the service station and stole a safe with $17 420,26.

It is alleged that on August 28, 2016, Murambidzi connived with Talent Madzima, Munyaradzi Chikarara, Alous Nyamadzawo and Shadreck Madzima to steal from CAG Travellers in Tynwald, Harare.

It is alleged that the accused ransacked all offices at the premises, but did not find any valuables.

They went away with a grinder and a 14-pound hammer.