National

Nkayi police inspector arrested for concealing evidence against rape, theft offender

Published

2 years ago

February 16, 2023

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A Gwelutshena Assistant Inspector from Nkayi District has been arrested after he allegedly concealed a criminal investigation docket against a man who was wanted for crimes including rape and theft.

Matabeleland North Province police in a memorandum said the officer identified as Khuzani Moyo (35) of Fontaine Bleau Dzivarasekwa in Harare concealed evidence against Tafadzwa Mukurunyorova who was supposed to appear in Nkayi court for the crimes.

According to police background, Mukurunyorova who was an accused of a case of unlawful entry and theft was arrested and was detained at ZRP Gwelutshena (DB no 131/22) on 30 December last year.

A docket was opened and Moyo allocated the docket to himself as the investigating officer.

He then indicated in the detention book that Mukurunyorova was released to court, but did not take accused to court, instead set him free.

Police said the accused officer went on to falsely indicate on the docket that Mukurunyorova was convicted at court and sentenced to nine months imprisonment wholly suspended for 5 years on condition of good behavior on 20 January.

He further endorsed a false filing reference, C 07/23.

The matter came to light while, Superintendent Musemwa was carrying out a pre-annual inspection at ZRP Gwelutshena where noticed that the unlawful entry docket had been filed complete, but did not have neither the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) date stamp nor signature, prompting him to open an investigation against the officer.

A docket was then opened and referred to Criminal Investigations Department in Lupane for investigations and the findings were that: “On 01 January 2023, at 0900hours Tafadzwa was released to court authorised by Assistant Inspector Moyo but was not taken to court,”police findings read.

” On 02 January 2023, Assistant Inspector Moyo addressed the docket to the Prosecutor in Charge Nkayi Magistrate Court for prosecution without the accused (Tafadzwa).

“On 17 January 2023, NPA in Nkayi addressed the docket back to station querying why the docket was referred to court without the accused while it was indicated to be a plea case.

” Tafadzwa was also wanted at ZRP Gwelutshena for a case of Rape (C.R 20/12/21) which was filed INCB 14/22 but accused person did not re-open the case and take him to court as required but allowed him to go instead.

” There was no Court Record Book (CRB) that was opened at court relating to Tafadzwa . He did not appear in court and was neither convicted nor sentenced in court.”

Further investigations confirmed that confirmed that Tafadzwa was not taken to court due to transport and logistical problems.

The officer was immediately arrested and has been charged with criminal abuse of duty.

Accused was arrested and is detained at ZRP Nkayi DB No 65 /23 refers.

Police said they are currently trying to locate Mukunyorova and record a statement.

National

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

Published

6 days ago

April 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) locomotive suffered significant damage after catching fire while transporting export coal to Zambi. The incident occurred between Kalala and Matetsi sidings, resulting in the explosion of the locomotive’s fuel tanks.

According to the NRZ press statement on Monday, “A National Railways of Zimbabwe locomotive suffered some damages after it caught fire this afternoon while transporting export coal to Zambia.” Fortunately, the crew members on board managed to escape unharmed.

The NRZ responded swiftly to the incident, dispatching a rescue train with crews to the site. The team successfully extinguished the fire, preventing further damage. However, the locomotive itself sustained considerable damage.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, with investigations currently underway. “Investigations are already underway to establish the cause of the fire and the amount of damage to the locomotive,” the NRZ statement read.

National

Ranger killed by elephant in Kariba

Published

1 month ago

March 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A 62-year-old ranger, Josphat Mandishara, was tragically killed by an elephant in Kariba yesterday.

Mandishara, who worked for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), was on patrol in the Gatche-gatche area with fellow rangers and police officers.

At around 10 pm, Mandishara returned to the harbor where their boat was docked, and that’s when he encountered the elephant. The elephant charged at him, causing fatal injuries. His colleagues were nearby, resupplying at the Gatche-gatche Irrigation Scheme.

Mandishara’s body was taken to Kariba District Hospital for a post-mortem, and the incident was reported to the police.

ZimParks has sent a team to manage the problem elephant and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Director General of ZimParks, Prof. Edson Gandiwa, and his team have sent condolences to Mandishara’s family, friends, and colleagues. Mandishara will be remembered for his dedication to wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe.

National

ZIMRA customs officer appears in court for criminal abuse of office

Published

3 months ago

February 3, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) customs officer, Phillip Kuvenga, has been accused of criminal abuse of office for allegedly assisting in the importation of banned motor vehicles.

Kuvenga, 28, who is stationed at Victoria Falls, allegedly received documents from clients, completed valuation sheets, and carried out the valuation process. However, he is accused of endorsing different chassis numbers to deceive his supervisors during the validation and approval process.

After obtaining approval, Kuvenga would capture the correct chassis numbers in the ASYCUDA World System. He would then alter or replace the documents submitted earlier to his supervisors.

The offense came to light when a motor vehicle that had not yet arrived in Zimbabwe was found to have been already registered. A thorough check by ZIMRA led to Kuvenga’s arrest.

Kuvenga appeared in court on February 1, where he was denied bail by Magistrate Gift Manyka. He is expected to appear in court again today for another bail hearing.