Police have confirmed the arrest of six suspects in connection with a robbery and a case of unlawful entry into premises and theft.
In a statement, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the suspects were arrested after detectives from CID Homicide in Harare received a tip-off that one of the suspects had sustained a gunshot wound.
Further investigations revealed that the suspect had been shot by his accomplices during a robbery at a house near Dema Tollgate, Seke, Mashonaland East. Said Nyathi:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Richmore Munhundiyani alias Dovi / Halala / Sebede (42), Ropafadzo Bhero alias Ropa (24) Maxwell Tinarwo (60), James Mucheri (43), Francis Alfandika alias Africans (46) and Fungai Sithole (42) alias Bhudha for a spate of robbery cases and a case of unlawful entry into premises and theft which occurred in and around Harare between 12th September 2024 and 05th February 2025.
The arrest of the suspects follows a crime tip received by detectives from CID Homicide, Harare that one of the suspects, Richmore Munhundiyani had a gunshot wound on the right leg.
The detectives acted on the information and arrested the suspect at Forward Shopping Centre, Chitungwiza, Harare.
Investigations by the Police established that the suspect was shot by his accomplices during a robbery incident at a house near Dema Tollgate, Seke.
The suspect implicated the other suspects leading to their arrest on 09th February 2025 and recovery of a 0.38 mm Smith and Wesson Revolver with a magazine of six live rounds, two plasma television sets, solar panels, gas stoves, a car battery and car radio, among other household goods.
The suspects are being linked to four cases of robbery and a case of unlawful entry into premises and theft, including a case of robbery which occurred on 12th January 2025 at a house at Mangwende Village, Seke where a king-size bed, solar panels, four cellphones, curtains and other household goods were stolen as well as another robbery incident which occurred on 21st January 2025 at a homestead at Chanakira Village, Seke where two cellphones and USD$2 030.00 cash were stolen.
The suspects are also clearing a case of unlawful entry into premises which occurred on 12th September 2024 at a house in Glenview 3, Harare where a 32-inch television set, blankets and other household goods were stolen.
</blockquote>
Commissioner Nyathi expressed gratitude to the public for providing valuable information that led to the arrest of the suspects.
He urged the public to continue reporting suspected criminal syndicates to the police using the following contact numbers: Harare Operations (0242) 748836 or 777651, Harare Central Police (0242) 777777, 777592/4/6/8, 777626, Bulawayo Toll-Free 112, 999, Bulawayo Operations (0292) 273547 or 883930, National Complaints Desk (0242) 703631, and Police General Headquarters WhatsApp 0712 800 197.

Pindula News

Six suspects were arrested for robbery and theft. They were caught after one of them got shot during a robbery. They were linked to several crimes including stealing TVs and cellphones. The police found a gun and stolen items. The public helped in catching them. The police want people to report any crimes they know about. You can call these numbers to help: Harare Operations (0242) 748836 or 777651, Bulawayo Toll-Free 112, Police General Headquarters WhatsApp 0712 800 197.

Gunshot Wound Leads To Arrest Of Armed Robbery Gang

The United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, has denied reports that a U.S. diplomat involved in a car accident that allegedly killed a local girl in Dema in June 2024 fled the country.
In a recent interview with local radio station ZiFM Stereo, Tremont said that the embassy is fully cooperating with the investigation into the tragic incident.
She added that embassy officials have been in constant communication with local authorities, countering claims suggesting otherwise. Said Tremont:
<blockquote>
We have expressed our sincerest condolences for this extremely tragic situation… We were really happy to see local authorities put some measures to put speed humps to slow down traffic on that stretch of road…
Just to be clear, the person who was involved, who was driving the car, despite what has been claimed in the media, did not flee the scene.
He actually went to the police when he realised he could not help the girl, reported the accident and then initiated the investigation with them.
He and his colleagues were at the scene for quite a long time after the accident while the police did their investigation.
Since then, he has been in constant contact with both the family and the police to further the investigation.
Embassy representatives representatives attended the funeral and helped pay some compensation to help the family deal with funeral expenses.
So, we are extremely saddened by the loss that this family experienced and we have helped in every way possible to further the investigation.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwean government officials identified the American diplomat as Eric Kimpton from the United States Embassy in Harare.
Reports indicate that on the morning of June 3, 2024,11-year-old Ruvarashe Takamhanya was walking to Marikopo Primary School with her best friend when the tragic incident occurred as she was crossing the main road running through Dema.
Dema is a growth point located 40 km southeast of the capital, Harare.
Ruvarashe’s mother, Juliana Vito (24), told BBC that she found out about the accident from neighbours and ran to the scene.
Vito said that the driver of the vehicle was not present when she arrived at the scene. She added that the driver had not contacted the family directly since the incident.
Vito explained that the driver’s colleagues had apologised on his behalf, telling her that he had left the scene because he was “affected by the accident”.
The girl’s father, Silvester Takhamanya, told the BBC they were given US$2,000 by the US embassy to cover funeral arrangements.
Ruvarashe’s parents, who do not live together, said she lived up to her name, which means “flower of God” in the Shona language.
They told BBC that they wanted the driver of the car that killed their daughter to sit down with them and explain what happened.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The US Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, says a US diplomat did not flee after a fatal car accident in Dema. The diplomat reported the accident to the police and is cooperating with the investigation. The American diplomat, Eric Kimpton, was identified. The embassy has given money to the family for the funeral. The girl's parents want the driver to talk to them. The accident happened in Dema, injuring an 11-year-old girl. The embassy is sad about the loss and is helping with the investigation.

US Ambassador Pamela Tremont Denies Diplomat Fled After Fatal Dema Accident

The family of 11-year-old Ruvarashe Takamhanya is seeking an in-person apology from the U.S. diplomat allegedly responsible for her tragic death in a road accident in Zimbabwe in June 2024.
State officials have identified the diplomat as Eric Kimpton from the United States Embassy in Harare.
Ruvarashe is believed to have been struck and killed by a vehicle driven by Kimpton as she was on her way to Marikopo Primary School in Dema, a growth point located 40 km southeast of the capital, Harare.
Ruvarashe’s parents told the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj3510kg5xdo">BBC</a> that while they understand the U.S. diplomat has diplomatic immunity, an apology from him could help them find some sense of closure and recovery from the immense pain of losing their young daughter.
Reports indicate that on the morning of June 3, 2024, Ruvarashe was walking to school with her best friend when the tragic incident occurred as she was crossing the main road running through Dema.
Her mother, Juliana Vito (24), told BBC that she found out about the accident from neighbours and ran to the scene. She said:
<blockquote>
I thought she was going to wake up. Till now I keep thinking it’s just a dream. I’m deeply hurt.
</blockquote>
Vito said that the driver of the vehicle was not present when she arrived at the scene. She added that the driver had not contacted the family directly since the incident.
Vito explained that the driver’s colleagues had apologised on his behalf, telling her that he had left the scene because he was “affected by the accident”. Said Vito:
<blockquote>
I felt like he wasn’t really sorry. I wish he came directly so I could pour my heart out.
</blockquote>
The girl’s father, Silvester Takhamanya, told the BBC they were given US$2,000 by the US embassy to cover funeral arrangements.
A US State Department spokesperson confirmed the embassy had provided “support to the girl’s family” and said representatives attended the funeral.
Ruvarashe’s parents, who do not live together, said she lived up to her name, which means “flower of God” in the Shona language.
Vito, who said she had dropped out of school when she had become pregnant with her, said:
<blockquote>
I still can’t believe she is gone. She was my only child. I thought she was going to take care of me one day.
I’m just surviving but my life and my hope are gone. I’m dying day by day.
</blockquote>
Ruvarashe’s parents want the driver of the car that killed their daughter to sit down with them and explain what happened. Said Takamhanya:
<blockquote>
He should come back and say sorry.
</blockquote>
Her parents said she loved school and wanted to be an air hostess when she grew up.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

In June 2024, a 11-year-old girl named Ruvarashe Takamhanya died in a road accident in Zimbabwe caused by a U.S. diplomat named Eric Kimpton. Her family wants an in-person apology from him to find closure. The girl's parents are heartbroken and want the diplomat to explain what happened. The US embassy gave them money for the funeral, but the family still wants an apology. Ruvarashe loved school and wanted to be an air hostess. Her parents are struggling to cope with their daughter's tragic death.

Dema Accident: Zimbabwean Family Demands U.S. Diplomat's Apology For Daughter's Tragic Death

A senior Zimbabwean government official says foreign diplomats do not enjoy absolute diplomatic immunity as protected by the Vienna Convention.
This comes after an incident where a diplomat from the United States Embassy in Harare, Eric Kimpton, ran over and killed an 11-year-old girl in Dema in June 2024.
Speaking on a Star FM radio program, Albert Chimbindi, the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, explained that while diplomats worldwide enjoy immunity from both criminal and civil proceedings, this immunity can be revoked subject to certain laid-down procedures.
In this case, Kimpton, shielded by diplomatic immunity, left Zimbabwe with his family before the legal process was completed.
Chimbindi said the government has since engaged with the US embassy in Harare over Kimpton’s departure before the case is finalised. He said (via <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/dema-accident-no-absolute-diplomatic-immunity-for-us-embassy-official/">The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
We all share the agony and grief that the bereaved family is going through. Of course, we are dealing with a diplomat and you rightfully pointed at the Vienna Convention. But the convention does not give total immunity from some of these issues you are discussing.
Of course, there are certain processes that we have to follow in line with the Vienna Convention on diplomatic practices. So, we have engaged the US embassy and continue to do so.
One of the first duties and responsibility of a diplomat is to observe the laws of an accrediting country, so that is standard operating procedure.
Even though they enjoy diplomatic immunity, there are also responsibilities and obligations that are attendant to that immunity.
… we are pursuing the matter and as you can see it was covered widely in the press but the Ministry and the Government at large are doing everything that should be done to ensure some recourse and closure is found.
</blockquote>
Kimpton ran over and killed 11-year-old Ruvarashe Takamhanya in Dema in June 2024.
Ruvarashe was a student at Marikopo Primary School, located near the Dema Business Centre, and was staying with her grandmother, 63-year-old Gogo Beaular Machingura, at the time of the fatal accident.
Though the U.S. diplomat did contribute funds towards Ruvarashe’s funeral wake through the embassy, he did not meet with the bereaved family to offer condolences, nor did he visit the site where the young girl was laid to rest.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

An American diplomat named Eric Kimpton drove over and killed an 11-year-old girl in Zimbabwe. Diplomats usually have immunity, but it can be taken away. The Zimbabwean government is talking to the US embassy about the incident. The diplomat left the country before the legal process was finished. The government is trying to find justice for the girl's family. The diplomat did not meet with the family or visit the girl's grave. It's a sad situation that they are working to make right.

Dema Accident: American Diplomat's Immunity Not Absolute, Says Zimbabwean Official

The family of a primary school girl in Dema, a few kilometres from Chitungwiza, who was run over and killed by a top United States diplomat in June 2024, is still heartbroken and seeking closure.
Gogo Beaular Machingura (63), the victim’s grandmother, told <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/us-diplomat-killed-a-dream-family/">The Herald</a> that she is still struggling to eat after losing her granddaughter Ruvarashe Takamhanya.
The 11-year-old girl was fatally injured when she was run over by the vehicle of Eric Kimpton, the Second Secretary at the US Embassy, on June 3 around 10 AM while on her way to school.
Gogo Machingura recounted that on the fateful day, they both left their village home in Masiiwa Village in Dema around 10 AM and separated at the gate, with Ruvarashe taking her route to Marikopo Primary School while the grandmother headed to Ward Centre where she was teaching Early Childhood Development courses. Said Gogo Machingura:
<blockquote>
When she had travelled about 10 metres, she waved me goodbye… I was simply told that my granddaughter had been hit, alive but badly injured.
</blockquote>
When she arrived at the scene, the alleged killer had already left the place and the child was dead. She said:
<blockquote>
My granddaughter had already died, and the alleged killer had reportedly left to report the case to the police, we have never seen his face up to date.
</blockquote>
Although the US diplomat reportedly contributed towards the expenses for the child’s burial, the family is seeking some form of compensation.
Gogo Machingura expressed their hope that the alleged killer would come to see where the child was buried and make compensation arrangements.
However, she said he simply sent two representatives, and the family has not heard anything further from him or the representatives since the burial.
Ruvarashe’s biological father, Silvester Takamhanya, who spoke with The Herald over the phone, said that the family needs to find closure in this tragic incident. He said:
<blockquote>
I am not demanding much, but the killer should understand that this child had her own dreams.
She had a bright future and had promised her grandmother that once she got a job, she would buy her a house in Borrowdale, and she had promised me a house in Mt Pleasant, and her mother had been promised a house in Marlborough.
It all shows that our child had big plans for us, so they should at least do something so that we can feel better.
</blockquote>
Kimpton, under the shield of diplomatic immunity, left the country with his family for the United States, saying he was traumatised and needed to get counselling services.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

In Zimbabwe, a US diplomat hit and killed a schoolgirl on her way to school. The family is heartbroken and seeking closure. The diplomat left the country under diplomatic immunity. The girl's family wants compensation and closure. The girl had big dreams for her family's future. The family hopes the diplomat will come back to make things right. They are still waiting for answers and closure after the tragic incident.

Zimbabwean Family Seeks Closure After Death Of Child Struck By US Diplomat

A spokeswoman for the United States Embassy in Harare has dismissed claims by the Zimbabwean government that its diplomat is on the run after allegedly killing an 11-year-old girl in a road traffic accident in Dema, Seke District, Mashonaland East Province.
According to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/us-diplomat-runs-over-11-year-old-girl-flees-country/">The Herald</a>, Eric Kimpton, the US Embassy’s Second Secretary, allegedly ran over Ruvarashe Takamhanya in Dema on 03 June and left the country barely 24 hours after the tragic accident.
In an exclusive audio response to questions sent by <a href="https://www.voazimbabwe.com/a/america-refutes-harare-s-claim-that-its-diplomat-is-a-fugitive-from-justice-/7725567.html">VOA Zimbabwe</a> Service’s Studio 7, a spokeswoman for the embassy said:
<blockquote>
The US embassy expressed its sincere condolences and deep sadness regarding the tragic death of a school-aged girl near Dema, Zimbabwe on June 3rd, 2024.
The US embassy including the US diplomat involved in the accident transparently complied with local officials following the accident. The diplomat involved in the accident has since departed Zimbabwe.
US embassy representatives have been in communication with the family and community including attendance at the funeral and support for the girl’s family.
The US embassy recognizes the devastation of this accident for all involved and will continue to communicate and cooperate with the police and other officials as they complete their investigation.
Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones, of the girl.
</blockquote>
Reached for comment by VOA, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesman, Commissioner Paul Nyathi said:
<blockquote>
The police who attended the scene were told by senior US embassy officials that he (Kimpton) needed a period to rest but were told later he was no longer in the country.
The documentation process hasn’t been completed and the matter is still before the police because we could not proceed with the formalities in his absence.
It appears he (Kimpton) is no longer coming back to Zimbabwe. Investigations have stalled.
</blockquote>
In an earlier interview with The Herald, the Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications), George Charamba, said Zimbabwe will do everything possible to have Kimpton brought to justice. Said Charamba:
<blockquote>
No one, from whichever country or continent, is allowed to spill innocent Zimbabwean blood and get away with it.
The behaviour of diplomats must be consistent with the dignity of their profession but also with the expectations of the Vienna Convention.
When a diplomat is involved in a fatal traffic accident, uses the pretext of counselling, which he thinks is only available in his country, and then decides to stay away from the police, he or she moves from being a diplomat to a fugitive and there are adequate instruments which Zimbabwe can summon to bring that diplomat to account. We will do precisely that.
</blockquote>
Texas-based Zimbabwean human rights lawyer, Kennedy Masiye, told VOA that diplomats are protected under international law. He said:
<blockquote>
Diplomats are protected from prosecution under international law. Zimbabwe is a signatory to the Vienna Convention that protects diplomats from being prosecuted criminally or in civil court.”
</blockquote>
Masiye admitted that Zimbabwe can ask for a waiver, though he notes that it is up to the United States government to lift the immunity for the diplomat to stand trial.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A girl was killed in an accident by a US diplomat in Zimbabwe. The diplomat left the country after the accident but the US embassy says he complied with the local officials. The police in Zimbabwe are still investigating. The Zimbabwean government wants the diplomat to come back for justice. However, diplomats are protected by international law. The US government can decide whether to lift the immunity and allow the diplomat to stand trial. The situation is being closely watched by both countries.

America Refutes Zimbabwe's Claim That Its Diplomat Who Ran Over A Girl In Dema Is A "Fugitive From Justice"

A United States of America Embassy official allegedly ran over and killed an 11-year-old Zimbabwean girl in June this year and immediately fled the country.
According to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/us-diplomat-runs-over-11-year-old-girl-flees-country/">The Herald</a>, Eric Kimpton, the US Embassy’s Second Secretary, allegedly ran over Ruvarashe Takamhanya in Dema on 03 June and left the country barely 24 hours after the tragic accident.
Dema is located in the Seke District of Mashonaland East Province, about 40 kilometres from Harare on the highway which connects the capital to Marondera.
The primary schoolgirl died on the spot from the impact of the speeding vehicle and her grief-stricken parents are seeking answers.
Kimpton, under the shield of diplomatic immunity, left the country with his family, saying he was traumatised and needed to get counselling services.
In his warned and cautioned statement, he had informed the police that he would return to Zimbabwe after two weeks but he is yet to return.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi on Monday night confirmed the accident to The Herald but said there has been no progress since Kimpton is no longer in the country. Said Comm. Nyathi:
<blockquote>
The police who attended the scene were told that he needed a period to rest but were told later he was no longer in the country.
The documentation process hasn’t been completed and the matter is still before the police because we could not proceed with the formalities in his absence. It appears he is no longer coming back to Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
In a Note Verbale to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the US Embassy invoked diplomatic immunity for Kimpton to prevent his prosecution in Zimbabwe.
Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications), George Charamba, said Zimbabwe will do everything possible to have Kimpton brought to justice. Said Charamba:
<blockquote>
No one, from whichever country or continent, is allowed to spill innocent Zimbabwean blood and get away with it.
The behaviour of diplomats must be consistent with the dignity of their profession but also with the expectations of the Vienna Convention.
When a diplomat is involved in a fatal traffic accident, uses the pretext of counselling, which he thinks is only available in his country, and then decides to stay away from the police, he or she moves from being a diplomat to a fugitive and there are adequate instruments which Zimbabwe can summon to bring that diplomat to account. We will do precisely that.
</blockquote>
Under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, foreign diplomats and family members enjoy certain protections that allow them to avoid prosecution for almost any crime unless the diplomat’s home country waives immunity.
If the United States refuses to waive the diplomatic immunity, Zimbabwe could then be forced to declare Kimpton a persona non grata (an unwanted person).
Persona non grata is a diplomatic term that refers to a person who is unacceptable or unwelcome in a particular country.
When a person is declared persona non grata, it means the host country has essentially revoked or refused to recognise that individual’s diplomatic status or credibility.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

An American diplomat in Zimbabwe hit and killed an 11-year-old girl named Ruvarashe. The diplomat, Eric Kimpton, then left the country with his family. The girl's family is very sad and looking for answers. The diplomat said he needed counseling and left the country. The police can't do anything since he has diplomatic immunity. Zimbabwe is trying to bring him back to face justice. If the US doesn't cooperate, Zimbabwe may have to declare the diplomat "persona non grata," which means he is no longer welcome in the country.

American Diplomat Runs Over 11-year-old Girl In Dema, Flees Country

The Government has warned chiefs, headmen and village heads that those who are selling State land to desperate land seekers face dismissal and prosecution.
Four village heads from Dema in Mashonaland East Province have since been convicted after appearing in court for selling stands in undesignated places.
The parcelling out and selling of State land has become rampant, not only in Dema but countrywide, especially close to growth points and peri-urban areas.
The Director of Communication and Advocacy in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works Gabriel Masvora told The Sunday News that the Government is conducting capacity-building workshops within the country’s eight rural provinces to conscientise traditional leaders on their role and ensure they do not overstep their mandate.
He said the issue of land distribution in exchange for bribes was one of the major objectives of the workshops due to an unprecedented increase in “Sabhuku deals”. Said Masvora:
<blockquote>
The sale of State land is illegal. The duties of a village head are spelt out in Section 12 of the Traditional Leaders Act 29:17 and do not include land allocation.
The land is allocated by the rural district council concerned after the submission of names of those who want communal land to the council and a resolution is then made.
Our ministry carried out capacity-building workshops from May 2022 to April 2023 at all the eight rural provinces in every district and the meetings were attended by chiefs, headmen and village heads.
The duties of each traditional leader were explained and illegalities were spelt out. Chiefs and headmen supervise village heads, and where the rampant sale of land occurs, they are empowered by the law to recommend dismissal.
We continue to engage the Council of Chiefs which is an assembly of elected traditional leaders and the provincial assembly chairpersons to continue to raise awareness of the illegality of land sales and the consequences thereof.
Several village heads have been convicted of illegal land sales in the country with the recent example of Dema village heads convicted on 8 January 2024.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Council of Chiefs president Chief Mtshane Khumalo said that traditional leaders are aware that State land should not be sold and those engaging in illicit land deals should be arrested.
Early this month, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said police will arrest land barons and anyone illegally selling land in the country, regardless of their status.
ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged members of the public to verify the status of any land before being settled or made to pay for purported allocation or development.
He said the public should report criminal activities by land barons at any nearest Police Station or National Complaints Desk number on (0242) 703631 ог WhatsApp number 0712 800 197.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Village Heads Risk Dismissal, Prosecution For "Sabhuku Land Deals"

The Skyline tollgate in Zimbabwe is set to be relocated to the 36km peg along the Harare-Masvingo Road, moving it outside the urban area. This comes as part of the government’s plan to ease the financial burden on motorists living in peri-urban areas who are paying tolls twice daily on their way to and from work. The Shamva tollgate has already been moved from the Harare urban area to the Juru area and is now operational.
The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) has assured that they have enough funds to support the tollgate relocation. In addition to the relocations, there are plans to upgrade existing tollgates on major highways to accommodate the growing volumes of traffic. The tollgates listed for relocation are Skyline, Dema, Lion’s Den, Umguza, and Shamva, while those to be rehabilitated are Norton, Esigodini, Mushagashi, Mupfurudzi, and Colleen Bawn tollgates.
The tollgate relocations take into consideration traffic patterns, road safety, and the convenience of road users. Zinara will fund the reconstruction, rehabilitation, and relocation of the tollgates. The government aims to involve the people of Zimbabwe, especially women and youths, in road rehabilitation and infrastructural development to benefit from the country’s development policies.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona, along with Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province Charles Tavengwa, recently toured the rebuilt roads in Harare and Chitungwiza. Minister Mhona appealed to the people of Zimbabwe, especially women and youths, to participate in road rehabilitation and infrastructural development, aligning with the policy of “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” (the nation is built by its own people) that President Mnangagwa is promoting. He spoke to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/plans-to-relocate-tollgates-at-advanced-stage/">The Herald</a>:
<blockquote>
From Chitungwiza Road we moved to Harare-Beitbridge Road where we have opened 3km today (on Monday), passing through the tollgate and I would also like to deliver the message to the people of Zimbabwe that we are also going to relocate the tollgate. 
I have mandated ZINARA together with the Department of Roads, so that we take advantage of what we have within our ministry, the CMED, so that we start working on a new tollgate at the new site.
</blockquote>
The minister said the relocation of tollgates aims to address concerns raised by motorists regarding their locations. Many people have complained about tollgates being situated on their daily commuting routes. As a result, the government is moving the tollgates further out to accommodate the growth of nearby communities.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Plans To Relocate 5 Tollgates At Advanced Stage - ZINARA

A bar owner from Dema has been slapped with a 15-year jail term following his conviction for strangling his customer to death over unbecoming behaviour, <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200001080/bar-owner-jailed-15-years-for-murdering-customer">NewsDay Zimbabwe</a> reported.
High Court judge Justice Moses Foroma sentenced Talent Nyamombe, after a full trial during which he denied killing his client Benjamin Chandimhara. He insisted that the client committed suicide.
Chandimhara was found hanging from the ceiling in Nyamombe’s bar on December 23, 2016.
A post-mortem confirmed that he did not die from strangulation; pointing to the fact that he was killed first before he was hanged.
<h2>Allegations:</h2>
The state alleges that on December 23, 2016, Chandimhara went to Gute Nite Club in Ziko, Dema where he conducted himself in a rowdy manner and got engaged in various altercations.
Around the early hours of the morning, Chandimhara got into a physical altercation with some of the patrons in the bar during which he threw a chair and missed the target but hit a table which then broke down.
This incident prompted Nyamombe to close the bar early, complaining that Chandimhara had damaged his property. Chandimhara refused to pay for what he damaged.
The witnesses said Nyamombe vowed that Chandimhara would not get away with what he did.
Witnesses say Nyamombe dismissed everyone from the club but forced Chandimhara to remain behind. 
Chandimhara was then found hanged the following day and the court was convinced that Nyamombe killed Chandimhara.
<h2>The Accused’s Version of the story:</h2>
Nyamombe, through his lawyer Fortune Murisi, has since filed an appeal against the conviction and sentence at the Supreme Court.
Nyamombe denied the version of events and claimed that Chandimhara had asked him for a place to sleep as he was afraid of being beaten up by the people he had provoked.
He further claimed that he was also shocked to find Chandimhara hanging the following morning.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Bar Owner Jailed For 15 Years For Killing "Troublesome" Customer

A United Methodist Church pastor was allegedly robbed, drugged and gang-raped by four men from Epworth who had broken into her house in Dema in September 2021.
The accused persons are Ronald Mambo (32), Palace Gwinhi (30), Tinashe Nyamayaro (34) and Cuthbert Homakoma (32).
The suspects pleaded not guilty when they appeared before Chitungwiza regional magistrate Clever Tsikwa facing two counts of robbery and rape.
The trial is expected to continue on 4 May with the complainant giving her account.
Prosecutor Trinity Nyandebvu alleged that on 16 September 2021, at around 11 pm, the accused persons broke into the complainant’s house.
They reportedly threatened to assault her with iron bars and knobkerries if she tried to call for help.
It is further alleged that the assailants demanded valuables and they ransacked the house and robbed the complainant of US$250 cash.
The suspects also stole an Acer laptop, two Tecno cellphones, a car battery, five blankets, an exhaust sealer and groceries among other things.
The four men then ordered the complainant to drink a sour substance from a wild cat container and the complainant felt weak.
Homakoma allegedly forcefully raped the complainant twice without using protection.
The court further heard that the complainant made a report to the police and was referred to the hospital where she was medically examined.
Meanwhile, on 8 December 2021, Mambo and Gwinhi were arrested on other charges and after interrogation, they implicated the other two accomplices leading to their arrest.
On 9 December 2021, the four accused persons were placed on a formal identification parade which was recorded by a static camera.
The complainant positively identified Homakoma as the one who raped her on the day in question.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/pastor-robbed-raped-by-gang/">The Herald</a></h4>

Pastor Robbed, Drugged And Gang-raped

A man from Dema, Seke District, Mashonaland East Province, was on Thursday ordered to perform 106 hours of community service for trying to sell snakes.
The man, Hebert Gorimbo (38), was charged with violating the Parks and Wildlife Act after being found in possession of a cobra and a green mamba.
He pleaded guilty when he appeared before Harare provincial magistrate Tafadzwa Miti, who sentenced him to three months in prison.
However, Miti wholly suspended the three months imprisonment on the condition he performed the community service, starting on 10 January.
According to the State outline, on 5 January 2022, detectives from the CID Flora and Fauna section received information that Gorimbo was in possession of snakes that he intended to sell.
One of the detectives allegedly contacted Gorimbo on his mobile number pretending to be a potential buyer.
The “buyer” and Gorimbo agreed to meet in Chitungwiza where they would finalise the deal.
Gorimbo, who was in the company of one Desire Matambanadzo, emerged from the car to meet the purported buyers.
The team of detectives, who had gathered at Chitungwiza Town Centre for 30 minutes waiting for Gorimbo, agreed to buy the snakes for US$100 each and proceeded to Gorimbo’s car for viewing.
Gorimbo had stashed the black knotted cobra in white socks and placed it in the dashboard of his car, while the green mamba was in the glove compartment.
After viewing the reptiles, the detectives asked Gorimbo to produce a licence allowing him to possess the snakes.
He failed to do so and was promptly arrested.
Polite Chikiwa prosecuted.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/unpaid-work-for-selling-snakes/">H-Metro</a></h4>

Dema Snake "Vendor" To Perform 106 Hours Of Community Service

The Dema tollgate located along the Chitungwiza-Wedza Highway between Ziko and Dema Shopping Centres will be moved to Kandava, a local legislator has said.
Seke MP Munyaradzi Kashambe (ZANU PF) on Monday said the relocation of the tollgate had since been approved and the construction will commence as soon as Treasury releases the funds. Said Kashambe:
<blockquote>The Dema tollgate will be relocated to Kandava area near the Econet booster.
They were waiting for the new toll plaza design and the design is out and approved.
We are now waiting for the disbursement of the funds from the Finance ministry, otherwise, all is good to go.
We hope we won’t be delayed this time because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, most of the funds are likely to be channelled towards road rehabilitation because roads have been declared a national disaster.</blockquote>
Villagers in the Dema area of Seke district had over the years been pushing for the tollgate to be relocated as it is economically affecting their lives.
Seke Rural Development Platform secretary-general Givemore Chipere said the tollgate is inconveniencing the villagers especially those who rely on farming and travel to markets in Chitungwiza. Said Chipere:
<blockquote>It is unfair for us to pay toll fees within our area almost every day. Moreover, our schoolgoing children, especially at Besa Primary are at risk of being hit by vehicles that use a feeder road to evade paying toll fees.</blockquote>
The Dema tollgate has been reported as one of the worst revenue collection points as motorists use feeder roads to evade paying toll fees.
The Zimbabwe National Roads Administration in 2018 admitted that the toll gate was wrongly sited.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/04/villagers-renew-push-for-dema-tollgate-relocation/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">NewsDay</a></h4>

Dema Tollgate Set To Be Relocated To Kandava

Parliament has ordered ZESA Holdings to submit documents related to the controversial 200 MW Dema Diesel Power Plant by the end of this week.
The power utility was also directed to avail documents on other projects that were flagged in the 2020 forensic audit report produced by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
The directive was issued this afternoon by the Tendai Biti-chaired Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee when Zesa Holdings management led by executive board chairperson Sydney Gata appeared before it to respond to issues raised in the report.
The forensic audit report uncovered irregularities in the manner the deals were conducted.
In a post on Twitter this Monday, Biti highlighted the issues Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee is looking at. He wrote:
<blockquote>Today as Public Accounts Committee we began our work on #ZESA. We will be examining issues to do with the Gwanda Intratek solar project, the Dema Sakunda Diesel Power Plant, the #ZESA technology transfer agreement with India s PME &amp;the US$35 m Afrexim-ZESA loan among other issues.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
Today as Public Accounts Committee we began our work on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZESA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZESA</a>. We will be examining issues to do with the Gwanda Intratek solar project,the Dema Sakunda Diesel Power Plant, the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZESA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZESA</a> technology transfer agreement with India s PME &amp;the US$35 m Afrexim-ZESA loan among other issues <a href="https://t.co/gTc6KA8quA">https://t.co/gTc6KA8quA</a>
— TENDAI BITI (@BitiTendai) <a href="https://twitter.com/BitiTendai/status/1371426727608655873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> 
The tender for the Dema Emergency Power Plant project was won by United States power giant APR Energy Holdings but the company was sidelined in favour of Sakunda Holdings owned by Zanu PF benefactor Kuda Tagwirei.
The Zesa/Sakunda deal has since been cancelled due to the high cost of electricity produced at the plant.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/just-inparliament-orders-zesa-to-submit-dema-diesel-documents/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

Parliament Orders ZESA To Submit Dema Power Plant Documents

ZRP in Dema has confirmed that they arrested a 23-year-old man who killed a woman believed to be his lover and dumped her body in the bushes, The Herald reports.
Shepherd Ndemera who hails from Madoro Village under Chief Seke reportedly killed one Nokuthula Shana, of Chitungwiza and was arrested according ZRP Mashonaland East Provincial Spokesperson Inspector Tendai Mwanza who confirmed the incident and said:
<blockquote>I confirm a murder case that occurred in Dema where a female corpse was discovered in a bush. The suspect has since been arrested and is helping the police with investigations. We urge the public to exercise restraint during misunderstandings to avoid such tragic incidents.</blockquote>
According to the publication:
<blockquote>On August 16 around 7pm, the suspect reportedly asked his girlfriend to spend a night with him in a car that he was guarding along the Chirasavana-Gombe Road. The car had developed a mechanical fault.
It is understood the girlfriend proceeded to the place, but they had a misunderstanding over infidelity, which degenerated into a fight.
On realising his girlfriend had died, the suspect allegedly carried the body and dumped it in a bush about 200 metres from the broken down vehicle.
The body was discovered by a villager the following morning, who alerted Dema police, who observed that the half-naked corpse had bites all over the face and a deep cut on the head.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/tragic-end-to-tryst/">The Herald </a>

Dema Man Kills Lover And Dumps Her Body In The Bush

The construction of the 20MW Harava Solar Project in Seke Rural District is now 70 per cent complete and expected to start feeding into the national grid at Dema substation in two months time.
Speaking during a tour of the project by Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi on Thursday, Harava Solar co-founder and chief executive officer Ainos Ngadya said:
<blockquote>The project is now 70 per cent complete and we are expecting to start feeding into the national grid in the next two months.
All the equipment required to complete the project is now available, so we are sure the power plant will soon evacuate power into the national grid, feeding into the Dema substation.</blockquote>
In 2019, the government granted national project status to Harava Solar for the construction of the solar plant at a cost of almost US$25 million.
The project entails the building of a 20MW solar farm, with all the power earmarked to be fed into the national grid through the Dema 330kV substation.
A 132kV transmission line spanning 10km from the solar park to Dema substation is in the process of being set up.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/harava-solar-project-nears-completion/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

20MW Harava Solar Project 70 Per Cent Complete

The United States of America, through its embassy in Harare, has again refuted claims that it imposed ruinous sanctions on Zimbabwe leading to the economy’s implosion.
In a Twitter post on Friday afternoon, the US said that corruption is responsible for investors’ reluctance to pour their money into the country.
A case in point is the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Dema_Power_Plant" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dema Emergency Power Plan</a>t in 2016 where an American company won the tender to construct the diesel power plant with the Zimbabwean government withdrawing the contract and awarding it to <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Sakunda_Holdings" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sakunda Holdings</a> who never bid on the tender. The US embassy tweet read:
<blockquote>American firm won tender and was ready to provide top-quality construction of Dema Power Plant in 2016, but the contract was taken away and given to Sakunda, who never bid on the tender. #Corruption deters foreign business.</blockquote>

Zim Govt Blocked American Company From Building Power Station

The death toll in the Dema commuter omnibus accident which occurred on Monday has risen to 10, after two of the three survivors died on admission at Chitungwiza Central Hospital and Parirenyatwa Hospital.
Speaking to The Herald, Chitungwiza Central Hospital public relations officer Mrs Nyaradzai Tasaranarwo confirmed the death of one of the victims while indications are that one of the other two who were transferred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals for treatment of head injuries died on admission.
Police chief spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba yesterday provided names for two of the deceased who are commuter omnibus driver Nemonic Ganganje (26), and Coleen Mutsetsiwa (28). Charamba said that the rest of the names will be revealed after their next of kin has been notified.
More: <a href="http://www.herald.co.zw/dema-kombi-crash-death-toll-rises/">Herald</a>

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