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A man accused of murder nine years ago recently stirred emotions in his community when he returned to the scene of the crime under police guard for a reconstruction exercise.
The incident took place in Bilingoma Village, Ward 5, Matjinge, Plumtree, Matabeleland South Province.
According to <a href="https://cite.org.zw/haunted-by-victims-ghost-murder-suspect-returns-to-crime-scene-nine-years-later/">CITE</a>, the accused, Costine Moyo, allegedly killed and buried his victim in that very location in 2015.
A local villager, speaking to CITE, revealed that Moyo had been jailed for the crime but was released in 2014. Added the villager:
<blockquote>
In 2016, he raped two women in Matjinge and Gambo, then evaded police by hiding in the Tsholotsho bush, where he committed another rape before being caught.
</blockquote>
Witnesses told CITE that Moyo arrived in the village under police escort, who announced that he was there to assist in locating the remains of a person allegedly murdered near the Big Bite shops in 2015.
According to local sources, a woman named Loveness Dube played a role in the incident by allegedly helping Moyo lure the victim, claiming she had arranged a job for him in Lupane. Said a villager:
<blockquote>
The victim, unaware, travelled with Dube to Bulawayo, where he was met by Moyo and others at Big Bite shops.
They gave him alcohol and killed him later that night. Moyo confessed that Big Bite took parts of the victim’s body – including his head, hand, foot and private parts – and burned the remains with 10 litres of petrol.
</blockquote>
Villagers claimed that the morning after the murder, Dube discovered bones, a satchel, and a birth certificate at the site.
Unable to read, Moyo began using the birth certificate without realising it revealed the identity of the deceased.
During his conversations with the villagers, Moyo disclosed that four people were involved in the murder: Big Bite, Loveness, Tendai, and another unnamed individual.
He claimed that he had been haunted by the victim, who appeared in his dreams demanding to be taken home.
The villagers also said Moyo confessed that Big Bite had promised him R20 000 but did not pay it.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

A man named Costine Moyo was accused of a murder nine years ago. Recently, he returned to the scene of the crime with police. He allegedly killed and buried his victim in Bilingoma Village. Moyo had been jailed but released in 2014. He was accused of more crimes after that. Villagers say Moyo confessed to killing the victim with help from others. Moyo claims he was haunted by the victim's ghost. The victim's remains were never found. Moyo also said he was not paid promised money for the crime.

Murder Suspect Returns To Crime Scene 9 Years Later, Claims Harassment By Victim's Ghost

A 22-year-old woman from Plumtree is emotionally shattered after her seven-day-old baby was allegedly kidnapped on Monday at Plumtree Hospital by a female stranger she met while going for a routine check-up.
CITE reported that the accused is a woman who claimed to the baby’s mother that she too, had a child who was admitted at the hospital.
The name of the mother of the missing child has been withheld as Police investigations are ongoing.
In an interview with CITE’s <a href="https://cite.org.zw/author/senzeni/">Senzeni Ncube</a>, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson in Matabeleland South Province, Inspector Loveness Mangena confirmed the incident. She said:
<blockquote>
On 6 May 2024 around 2 pm, the complainant went with her seven-day-old baby to Plumtree Hospital for routine checkups. She met the unknown woman and suspects that the accused can be around 26 years old.
The mother said the description of the woman is (she looked) clean, brown in complexion, height of about 1.6 metres. The woman was wearing a green top and a pink skirt
</blockquote>
Inspector Mangena said as the two women conversed, the accused claimed she also had a child who was admitted at Plumtree Hospital. Added Insp. Mangena:
<blockquote>
She then asked the complainant to buy her some bananas and some soft drinks at the hospital gate, the complainant went to buy them, leaving the baby in the custody of the accused. When she returned, this accused person was nowhere to be found.
</blockquote>
Insp. Mangena has appealed to members of the public who might have information that can lead to the arrest of this person to report to any nearest police station.
The grandfather of the missing baby told CITE that his daughter first met up with the accused by the gate when she was going to collect some lunch money from her grandmother. He said:
<blockquote>
My daughter had gone to hospital with her mother (my wife) who then had to leave her at the hospital as she had to prepare for another child going to school.
My daughter then asked for lunch money from her mother who then sent someone to go and give her.
It was on my daughter’s way to fetch that money that she first met up with the accused person who asked her the age of her baby before parting ways.
When my daughter returned to the queue she found the accused also in the queue without a baby claiming her child was admitted at the hospital, and then they started chatting.
</blockquote>
The grandfather explained that as time went by, the woman told his daughter that she was hungry and wanted bananas so she asked her to go and buy the bananas at the gate. He said:
<blockquote>
My daughter then left this woman with the baby together with the baby’s cards. When she came back she found the woman together with the baby gone.
She told the nurses about the incident, and they searched all the wards but couldn’t locate her. They then reported the matter to the police.
</blockquote>
In Zimbabwe, cases where individuals, including maids, have kidnapped babies or stolen them from their homes are not uncommon.
In March this year, the wife of a retired senior police officer from Gweru was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for kidnapping an infant aged two months.
Sakhile Tanyanyiwa (34), who is the wife of former Police Commissioner Mekia Tanyanyiwa, appeared before the Gweru Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 12 March facing charges of kidnapping.
Tanyanyiwa will, however, serve an effective 12 months in prison after the court conditionally suspended 6 months for 5 years.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Stranger Steals Newborn From A Trusting Mother At Plumtree Hospital

A Plumtree woman reportedly escaped from being raped by pulling the attacker’s manhood and screaming.
<a href="https://bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-regional-byo-238595.html">Bulawayo24</a> reported that the accused person, Khulekani Maphosa(23), appeared before Magistrate Joshua Nembaware at the Plumtree Magistrates Courts on Thursday.
Maphosa was remanded in custody to 03 January 2024 and advised to apply for Bail at the High Court.
The state led by Voster Makuwerere alleged on 03 December 2023, the accused came to the complainant’s house wearing a yellow t-shirt only.
It is further alleged that the accused saw the complainant coming from a bath and upon arrival, he held the complainant’s shoulder and tried to push her down.
The complainant pulled Maphosa’s manhood and he bit the complainant’s thigh.
The complainant screamed for help and neighbours came out to her rescue but Mphosa escaped.
A police report was filed leading to his arrest.
The <a href="https://www.healthyplace.com/abuse/rape/rape-prevention-how-to-prevent-rape">HealthyPlace</a> has shared several tips on how women can prevent rape:
<ul>
<li>Listen to your intuition when alone – Stay aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated public areas, walk with determination even if you’re lost, trust your gut, keep your cell phone charged and with you, avoid going somewhere alone with a person you don’t know well, don’t use music headphones when walking alone.</li>
<li>Reduce risk in social situations – Go to parties and social events with a group of friends and stay with the group. Do not leave your drink unattended. Do not accept drinks from a stranger or someone you just met.</li>
<li>Don’t reveal too much on social media.</li>
</ul>
According to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2000/aug/17/gender.uk1">a report</a>, a U.S. study of 1.5 million rape convictions over a decade found that women who fought back tripled their chances of escape.
Scott Lindquist, author of The Date Rape Prevention Book tells women to defend themselves, saying they should “outsmart” their attacker, to “take a risk and fight him off”, and to “trust your instincts – if one tactic isn’t working, try another”.
Some women when attacked by strangers, resist by screaming, fighting and biting, running away, refusing to cooperate, pretending they were pregnant or had Aids and attempting to reason.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Woman Pulls Attacker's Manhood To Avoid Being Raped

The ZANU PF candidate for Ward 2 in Plumtree in the 23-24 August 2023 general elections, Richard Khumalo, has been accused of demanding goal posts which he donated to a school in the area after he lost to Zanele Ndlovu of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).
According to a message posted on a community WhatsApp group, Khumalo wants to uproot the goalposts he donated to Matiwaza Primary School. Read the text:
<blockquote>
A losing Plumtree councilor, who contested on a ZANU PF ticket in the just ended August 23 harmonised plebiscite has gone on a rampage demanding all his donations from the public…
</blockquote>
The text also said Khumalo demanded to be reimbursed for the money, which he used to transport the goalposts to the school.
When contacted for a comment by the <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200019771/losing-zanu-pf-candidate-reclaims-donation">Southern Eye</a>, Khumalo did not deny the charges but claimed that the facts had been distorted.
He said the school approached him seeking assistance to purchase the goalposts. Said Khumalo:
<blockquote>
I agreed to their request but told them my goalposts were far out of town and needed transport to ferry them to the school.
We then made an arrangement that they provide their own transport to get them.
A meeting organised by the school development committee was held where it was agreed that each parent would contribute US$1 towards hiring a vehicle to ferry the material.
</blockquote>
Khumalo said that he hired one of his friends for US$150 to transport the material on condition that he would be paid upon delivery. He said:
<blockquote>
Three months down the line, they have not paid for the transport. They influenced each other that I was campaigning under a ZANU PF ticket, leading to some parents not paying for the transport fare as previously agreed.
</blockquote>
He said that as there was no official handover, he remained the owner of the goalposts. Said Khumalo:
<blockquote>
They need to pay the money so that there will be an official handover.
</blockquote>
They should not mix the issue of goalposts and our politics… they should just pay the person, who ferried the goalposts his money.
Khumalo is not the first ZANU PF losing candidate seeking to reclaim a donation since the 2023 Harmonised Elections.
ZANU PF candidate for Chinhoyi Constituency,<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/08/26/zimbabwe-2023-elections-zanu-pf-candidate-dismantles-community-borehole-after-losing/"> Thomas Chidzomba, dismantled the equipment for a borehole</a> he had drilled for the community after losing to a CCC candidate.
Less than three days after the results of the August 2023 elections were announced, Chidzomba took the surprising step of dismantling the borehole.
Initially, he had locked the borehole, but later he made the decision to remove the equipment altogether.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/18/president-mnangagwa-reverses-the-appointment-of-general-valerio-sibanda-to-zanu-pf-politburo/">Pindula News</a>

Losing ZANU PF Council Candidate Reclaims Donation

A Zimbabwe National Army officer, Arnold Nyoni (29), allegedly robbed a pedestrian of US$90 earlier this month.
Nyoni appeared at the Plumtree Magistrates Court on Wednesday facing robbery charges.
Plumtree magistrate, Joshua Nembaware, granted Nyoni ZWL$50 000 bail and remanded the matter to tomorrow for trial continuation.
Prosecuting, Arnold Mudekunye said that on 04 August 2023, at around 4 AM, Nyoni accosted Alphonse Nkomo (35) who was walking along a footpath.
Nkomo tried to resist but was overpowered and robbed of his wallet containing US$90.
When Nkomo sought to find out the identity of his attacker, he was told that the robber was a soldier at the 1.3 infantry battalion, Plumtree.
He then went to the army base where he identified the suspect.
Nkomo filed a police report, leading to Nyoni’s arrest.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Soldier Robs Pedestrian Of US$90

Some <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Plumtree">Plumtree</a> residents were stung by bees on 20 March at Dingumuzi shopping centre resulting in some sustaining serious injuries.
Authorities in the town have dismissed social media reports that someone died as the bees rampaged through the shopping centre.
A woman is admitted to Plumtree Hospital while over 15 people were treated and discharged on the same day, according to the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/angry-bees-sting-residents-and-rescue-workers/">Chronicle</a>.
It is alleged that the swarm of bees emerged at one of the shops’ roof trusses.
Plumtree District Hospital acting medical officer Dr Joe Nganunu told the Chronicle that they treated 17 people on Monday. Nganunu added: 
<blockquote>
Of the 17, one person who is an elderly person is still admitted while the rest were treated and discharged the same day. We therefore denounce rumours circulating on social media which reports that two people stung by the bees have succumbed to injuries. It’s entirely false.
</blockquote>
Plumtree Town Council acting secretary Mr Thembalami Nyoni said they suspect the bees were spooked and started attacking. Nyoni added:
<blockquote>
The fire brigade team attended to the scene and doused a lady with water to clear the area and they also used smoke. The fire brigade team and rescue members from the community were also stung.
</blockquote>
Remedies that can help alleviate the pain and swelling:
<blockquote>
i). Remove the stinger: Use a flat object, such as a credit card, to scrape the stinger out of your skin. Do not use tweezers or pinch the stinger, as this may squeeze more venom into your skin.
ii). Wash the area: Use soap and water to clean the area around the sting.
iii). Apply ice: Applying ice to the sting can help reduce swelling and numb the area to relieve pain. Wrap the ice in a towel or cloth before applying it to your skin.
iv). Use a topical cream: Over-the-counter creams such as hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or a baking soda paste can help relieve itching and swelling.
v). Take pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve pain and reduce swelling.
vi). If you experience an allergic reaction or have difficulty breathing after a bee sting, seek medical attention immediately.
</blockquote>
Here are some ways to avoid getting stung by bees:
<blockquote>
a). Wear light-coloured clothes.
b). Avoid using scented products.
c). Stay calm and still if a bee is near you.
d). Keep away from beehives or nests.
e). Use insect repellent if needed.
f). Cover your food and drinks when outside.
</blockquote>
When a bee stings you, it can cause pain, swelling, and itching at the site of the sting. Some people may have an allergic reaction which can cause more serious symptoms like difficulty breathing. In rare cases, bee stings can cause systemic effects like fever or nausea. 
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 220 000 people die every year from bee stings, mostly due to allergic reactions.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Residents Stung By Bees At Shopping Centre

A Christmas day wedding in Madlambuzi in Plumtree’s village 4, Senganyondo, under Chief Mpini degenerated into chaos after one of the guests shot and killed another guest.
It is alleged that one Vusumuzi Maphosa had a misunderstanding with one Ndumiso Sibanda over an undisclosed matter.
Maphosa is said to have gone to his young brother’s car to take the pellet gun which he used to shoot Sibanda on the left side of his chest, <a href="https://cite.org.zw/wedding-ceremony-ends-in-tragedy/">Cite</a> reported quoting Matabeleland South Police. An unnamed police official is cited as saying:
<blockquote>
The two were attending a wedding ceremony and had a misunderstanding over a disclosed issue.
</blockquote>
Sibanda was taken to Plumtree District hospital where he died on arrival.
The suspect, Maphosa, is said to be on the run. 
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Wedding Guest Shot Dead

An alleged notorious robber, popularly known as Toba or Small, who used to terrorise Plumtree villagers, was shot dead by South African police, a fortnight ago, <a href="https://cite.org.zw/notorious-plumtree-robber-shot-dead-in-sa/">reported CITE</a>.
Toba reportedly committed multiple robberies in Zimbabwe and South Africa before he was gunned down by members of SAPS.
He was shot and killed by South African police after robbing a jewellery store in Plettenberg Bay, in the Western Cape area on 6 December.
Reports claim that Toba was part of a three-member gang that robbed the jewellery shop before fleeing in a BMW vehicle.
The gang was intercepted by the police and a shootout ensued. One of the suspects was shot while the other two escaped.
The two suspects later hijacked another car but the police managed to track them down and fatally shot Toba.
Toba’s demise was met with jubilation by some social media users, who said the man from Ntoli in Plumtree was ruthless. Said one social media user:
<blockquote>
Toba is a man who would phone you to take your wife to him. Have sex with her and tell you to go back with her thereafter.
Toba would find you building your house, ask you to load all the cement, and drop it at his home.
Toba is the man who when his grandmother was telling him to stop doing all these bad things, pulled out a gun, shot a cock and said to his grandmother, next time nguwe (it’s you).
Toba is a man who when you join his gang and you think of pulling out, you are dead.
He is the most feared man in Ntoli, Plumtree.
</blockquote>
Another person described him as a cold-blooded murderer who killed many people both in Zimbabwe and South Africa. He said:
<blockquote>
There are many people who died at the hands of this man. If you crossed his path, he would travel to Plumtree and hunt down your family.
</blockquote>

Notorious Plumtree Robber Shot Dead In South Africa

A 33-year-old man from Tjolambe Village, Plumtree has been arrested for allegedly <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/school-girl-found-dead-in-suspected-rape-and-murder-case/">raping and killing a 16-year-old girl</a> as a way of “fixing” his former employer who fired him for laziness.
The accused, Andrew Qubekani Ncube, was employed by the deceased’s guardian, Vusumuzi Nkomo.
It is alleged that on October 10, 2022, Ncube was fired for being a lazy worker.
The state alleges that Ncube was not happy about losing his job and decided to get back at his employer. Read court papers:
<blockquote>
On the 24th of October 2022, the accused waylaid the deceased on her way to school along a footpath.
He hit her with a stone, and she fell down. The accused then raped her before strangling her to death using a pair of trousers.
The deceased was later found in the bush with the pair of trousers still around her neck. The accused also abandoned a bag full of his clothes at the scene of the crime.
</blockquote>
Ncube has been remanded in custody.
He is scheduled to appear at the Plumtree Magistrates’ Court on November 16, 2022.
Pindula News reported earlier that <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/school-girl-found-dead-in-suspected-rape-and-murder-case/">the girl, Tahana Sibanda, was a learner at Gwambe High School</a> in Plumtree.
Tahana, born in 2006, was from Masendu but was staying in Diba, Plumtree at her brother-in-law’s homestead.
On Monday, 24 October 2022, Tahana left in the morning to go to school, which is approximately one hour from home but did not come back. 
The community started searching for her on the following day after the school had confirmed that she did not pitch for school. 
Her body was found and police were informed about the incident and started investigations.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

More Details Emerge On Raped And Murdered 16-year-old School Girl

A Toyota Hilux GD6 that was stolen from Botswana was found parked at a homestead in Mbambanyika Village in Mphoengs in Plumtree.
Police in Plumtree have launched a manhunt for three suspects who outpaced a team of investigating officers and disappeared into a thicket after stealing the vehicle with P6 000 in Botswana’s Francistown.
The vehicle was left parked at an unsuspecting villager’s homestead saying it had run out of fuel, according to <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/stolen-botswana-vehicle-dumped-at-plumtree-homestead/">The Sunday News</a>. 
The three suspects have been identified as Kwanele Phuti, Prince Dube and Austin Gumbo. 
They smuggled the Toyota Hilux GD6, 2.4 litres single-cab vehicle into Zimbabwe through the Ngwanyana area which is an illegal crossing point.
What happened:
Police say they received information on 31 October and around 6 am from Matsikoje Police Station in Botswana, that the vehicle had been stolen from a vehicle spare parts shop in Francistown in Botswana.
Botswana police also said the tracker was indicating that the vehicle had crossed into Zimbabwe through the Ngwanyana area, Madabe, Plumtree.
The vehicle had money amounting to P6 000, spare parts of another motor vehicle, a small air compressor and three car batteries. 
A team comprising Zimbabwean police officers and Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) officers was then deployed at Mphoengs Border Post to make follow-ups along Mphoengs-Plumtree and with the help of four Botswana police officers.
The team tracked the vehicle to where it was parked at Eunice Moyo’s homestand in Mbambanyika, Mphoengs.
They found two men who worked at the homestead who they interrogated on who had brought the vehicle to the homestead where they were told that Phuti and his colleagues had left the vehicle.
They pursued the suspects up to Mkgambo Business Centre.
When the suspects realised that they were being pursued, they disembarked from the vehicle they were travelling in and fled into the bush where they outpaced the officers.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More: Pindula News</a></h2>

Toyota Hilux GD6 Stolen From Botswana Found Parked At A Plumtree Homestead

A 16-year-old Plumtree school girl was found dead last week after leaving for school and never returned home.
A source who spoke to Pindula News said the girl, Tahana Sibanda, was a learner at Gwambe High School in Plumtree.
Tahana, born in 2006, was from Masendu but was staying in Diba, Plumtree.
A Pindula News source said last Monday, Tahana left in the morning of 24 October 2022 intending to go to school, which is approximately one hour from home, but did not come back. The source added:
<blockquote>
The community started searching for her on Tuesday after the school had confirmed that she did not pitch for school on Monday. Her body was found on Tuesday and it is suspected that she was raped before she was killed. Police were informed about the incident and are now handling the case. 
</blockquote>
The source added that Tahana was staying with her South Africa-based brother-in-law (sister’s husband), who is in Zimbabwe on leave. He stays in South Africa with Tahana’s biological sister.
Tahana’s brother-in-law informed the girl’s father on Monday, the day she didn’t return from school.
The father went to the school on Tuesday morning and gathered that Tahana was dating her schoolmate and they decided to pay him a visit thinking she could have eloped. 
The boy’s parents admitted that the two were friends but she had not eloped. 
They started searching and the boy noticed Tahanas satchel in the bushes! The source added:
<blockquote>
After they found the satchel I’m sure the community called some constabulary who came and saw the pane body. It’s so graphic whenever my wife describes she cries. Her school tie was used to tie her leg, hand and neck. Her tights and panties were pulled down. She was raped. Then probably choked to death. Her head was badly hurt. It is suspected that she was dragged, anga akasvuuka musoro kusvika pamhanza [she had bruises on the head].
</blockquote>
The source added that Tahana’s body was found in a ditch. 
On the crime scene, there was an ID, trousers and shoes belonging to a gardener who had been fired on Saturday by Thana’s brother-in-law for stealing groceries, the source told Pindula News. The gardener is said to be still on the run.
The source said police were not doing enough to ensure justice for Tahana. 
Asked about post-mortem results, the source said the family was yet to receive the results. The source spoke to this reporter:
<blockquote>
No results, they pestered baba Tahana and mkwasha to “come collect and bury the body!” She was actually buried late into the afternoon of 28 October 2022. I questioned the rush to bury.
</blockquote>
This reporter got in touch with the officer handling the case and he said he does not have the authority to speak to the press. 
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the incident adding that the case was still being investigated. He said:
<blockquote>
The case is being investigated by Plumtree Police, therefore, I’m not in a position to give finer details until the investigations have been concluded. 
</blockquote>
He said they will allow investigating officers to do their job without interference.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

School Girl Found Dead In Suspected Rape And Murder Case

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Plumtree is investigating a robbery case in which a couple running an unregistered money transfer business was robbed of ZAR20 000.
Police say the robbery occurred on 17 October 2022 at MW5 Madubes.
It is alleged that two unknown assailants, armed with a suspected pistol, attacked a couple and stole three cell phones.
The suspects allegedly forced the wife to drive to Medium Density where ZAR20 000 cash and a cellphone were stolen from a 19-year-old woman who was safekeeping the couple’s money.
The couple is involved in an unregistered business of receiving and sending money from South Africa to Zimbabwe.
In a related case, two unknown suspects armed with a black toy gun together with a flick knife pounced on a woman involved in a money transfer business before stealing US$2 000 and ZAR 40 000 cash at Dulibadzimu, Beitbridge.
The robbery also happened on 17 October 2022.
Police say the toy gun, knife and a black satchel were recovered at the scene. 
Investigations are underway.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Couple Running An Unregistered Money Transfer Business Robbed

Police in Plumtree, Matabeleland South Province, arrested 55 drivers and impounded at least 29 vehicles during a seven-day operation code name “i-number plate ingaphi/ number plate iripi” (where is the vehicle number plate?).
The operation, which covered both rural and urban areas, business centres and highways and ended on Tuesday, was aimed at curbing traffic lawlessness thereby reducing road traffic accidents.
Police said they noted that unregistered vehicles were being used to commit crimes such as armed robbery, murder, kidnapping and smuggling. Police said in a statement:
<blockquote>
It has also been observed that the mushikashika vehicles and kombis that are being contracted to ZUPCO were carrying passengers across the district and these have removed number plates to avoid being identified.
The seven-day operation which was conducted in the district resulted in 55 arrests and 29 vehicles were impounded for infringing the temporary identification card facility.
The operation led to the confiscation of those vehicles without relevant papers.
</blockquote>
Police said some motorists had become so rogue that they were defying police signals to stop at roadblocks and checkpoints.
Others were allegedly so daring that if a police officer stood in their way, they were prepared to knock them down. | <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/55-arrested-29-plumtree-vehicles-impounded/">The Sunday News</a>

Police Impound 29 Vehicles, Arrest 55 Drivers In Plumtree

The Methodist Church in Zimbabwe (MCZ) has been cleared on allegations of misappropriating funds by the community at Matjinge High School in Plumtree.
The Matjinge community wanted the office of the principal to be abolished at the MCZ-run school as they accused him of running down the school.
It wanted the school to be handed over to the local council and School Development Committee (SDC).
The parents even petitioned the government, alleging that school authorities were misappropriating school funds among other issues.
Last year the parents had a meeting with representatives from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and Methodist church Bulawayo District Bishop over the issues.
MCZ denied abusing funds and it later emerged that the person who was stealing the money from the school was a community member who was employed as an accounts clerk.
CITE’s <a href="https://cite.org.zw/author/senzeni/">Senzeni Ncube</a> reported a source as saying that the School Development Committee (SDC) unearthed the fraud by the employee. Said the source:
<blockquote>
After being elected into the SDC as a treasurer, we then discovered the fraud that was done by the clerk. She would issue the correct receipts to the parent for example if someone paid R360 she would go on to write R60 on the duplicate receipt.
</blockquote>
The matter was reported to the police and the clerk was dismissed from the school.
Methodist Church Education Secretary, Bishop Wilfred Dimingu told CITE that the situation at the school was back to normal. He said:
<blockquote>
It’s an account clerk who resides in the community, she stayed in the community and was engaged by the primary school to work as an account clerk, it was the issue of embezzlement of funds by the employee.
As a church, we are happy that we managed to resolve misunderstandings that were there, everything is now in order, the parents understood how things are done, the ministry explained to them and everything is in order now.
</blockquote>

Methodist Church Cleared In Missing School Funds Saga

A 33-year-old man allegedly committed suicide in a holding cell at a Plumtree police station on 30 December last year but his relatives suspect foul play.
Conscious Sibanda was found lying face up with the rope around his neck still intact, suggesting that he might have been strangled.
His relatives are not convinced with claims that he took his own life since the rope that he is alleged to have used to hang himself was not broken.
The deceased’s friends and relatives believe he was murdered and are waiting for the results of a post-mortem, which was conducted at United Bulawayo Hospitals on Tuesday. Talent Sibanda, a relative of the deceased said:
<blockquote>
There was some kind of foul play in the whole exercise. Something is not adding up and this is very worrisome. Apparently, they are hiding something from us.
</blockquote>
Sibanda had been arrested for shoplifting. He allegedly tried to sodomise a man he was sharing a cell with.
He reportedly killed himself after charges of sodomy were laid against him.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the case is under police investigation. Said Nyathi:
<blockquote>
We are investigating the death of the suspect in police cells. There are reports that he tried to sodomise his cellmates. We are also investigating those allegations.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.bmetro.co.zw/suspect-hangs-self-at-police-station/">B-Metro</a>

"Shoplifter" Hangs Self At Police Station

Police in Plumtree last week intercepted two South African registered vehicles in Plumtree, Matabeleland South that were carrying smuggled goods.
The goods were then impounded by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).
In a recent statement, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said the two vehicles were intercepted at Madlambuzi and Mbimba business centres in Plumtree. The statement read:
<blockquote>On 16 May, police in Madlambuzi intercepted a grey Toyota D4D twin cab FF20 HP GP with trailer FH19PM GP laden with smuggled goods at Madlambuzi Business Centre and nabbed Mqondisi Dube, Reason Ncube and Butholezwe Mkwanazi for smuggling.
Police also recovered an abandoned Toyota GD6 vehicle GIMM74 with trailer 002GIF GP at Mbimba Business Centre. Meanwhile, the recovered goods were taken to Zimra.
The ZRP reiterates that members of the public must follow all immigration procedures when entering or exiting the country.</blockquote>
Speaking to NewsDay Tuesday, an economic commentator Reginald Shoko called on police to double its fight against the smuggling of goods to protect local industry and jobs.
Shoko said there is a need for a long term plan to deal with the issue of smuggled goods, especially commercial goods as the scourge negatively impact economic development.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe recently said various State security organs were involved in joint border patrols to curb illegal migration and the movement of contraband.
Kazembe also revealed that drones will be deployed at the country’s borders to curb smuggling, with reports suggesting that smuggling costs Treasury nearly US$1 billion a year in unpaid customs duty.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/05/plumtree-police-intercept-smuggled-goods/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">NewsDay</a></h4>

Police Intercept Truckloads Of Smuggled Goods In Plumtree

ZBC News has posted pictures of some state of the art houses that are being erected in rural Plumtree and captioned “the future is rural”.
The state broadcaster says individuals who are building the houses are in the diaspora. They have transformed the cultural mud and thatch dwellings which have traditionally been the common set up for most rural families by investing in modern homes.
This is happening when some are still stampeding to have houses in urban areas causing overpopulation and shortage of land.
See pictures below.
More: <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/modern-houses-in-rural-plumtree-prove-future-is-rural/">ZBC News</a>

PICTURES That Suggest The Future Is Rural - ZBC

A 26-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl as she was going home after attending a New Year’s Eve party in Mlampapele Village, Plumtree.
The alleged rapist followed the girls who were coming from the party at around 1 AM and raped one of them. He had been at the same party.
The incident was confirmed by Matabeleland South Police spokesperson Inspector Loveness Mangena. She said:
<blockquote>After attending a party where the accused was a patron, the complainant left the party going back home in the company of other children.
The accused then followed them and he raped the complainant. Fortunately, the accused was arrested soon after a police report was made.</blockquote>
Insp Mangema urged parents to take responsibility for their children by closely monitoring them always. She added:
<blockquote>We have been conducting crime awareness campaigns using loud hailers and influential local traditional leaders in a drive to curb crimes in the province but it seems as if people are not listening.
We urge members of the public to take responsibility for their children by monitoring wherever they are playing and they must never expose them to criminals.</blockquote>
In a related incident, Insp Mangena said a man believed to be aged 39 is on the run after raping a 13-year-old after being hired for a menial job by the victim’s grandmother at Sheet Farm in Gwanda on 1 January around 11 AM.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/girl-raped-after-new-years-eve-party/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chronicle</a></h4>

Girl (12) Raped After New Year's Eve Gig

A former ZIMRA employee who was convicted of defrauding the taxman of over US530 000 through a car smuggling racket will rue the day she decided to engage in the illegal venture as she will spend 14 years behind bars, ZBC News reports.
Semkelwe Maphosa was convicted of forging clearance certificates for different vehicles worth millions of dollars in the 6 months between January and July last year.
Plumtree Regional Magistrate Bishard Chineke, suspended 5 years on her initial sentence of 14 years on condition that she won’t commit a similar crime within that period and 3 years were suspended on condition that she restitutes to Zimra $1 305 345,68 by December 30 this year.
In passing the sentence Chineke said;
<blockquote>Fraud is a very serious crime and what makes this offence even more serious is the number of counts, which are just too much and it shows that it was carefully planned. The amount of level of prejudice is high, which means she benefited immensely
Accused defrauded her employer on several occasions showing more of greed than necessity. Corruption is a cancer in Zimbabwe and those who commit such offenses deserve lengthy custodial sentences</blockquote>
In her defence, Maphosa said she was raising money for medication since she is suffering from an undisclosed ailment.
More: <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/fourteen-years-in-jail-for-zimra-official/">ZBC News</a>

ZIMRA Employee Jailed For 14 Year For Defrauding The Revenue Collector

Plumtree town has gone for a week without running water after a ZESA power line broke down.
When taps initially ran dry, local authorities said that Plumtree was embarking on a two-day pipe maintenance programme.
However, after the two-day period had elapsed, the council blamed a faulty ZESA power line.
The development has forced residents to fetch water from unsafe water sources as the town has no boreholes.
Town secretary Davies Dumezweni Luthe explained to Newsday the cause of the water crisis being experienced in Plumtree. He said:
<blockquote>A Zesa power line is down at Mhlanga Dam. Zesa authorities are working on it.
Firstly, it was a planned maintenance programme and electricity also contributed to the problem, but now it’s vandalism of pipes coming from the dam to the town.</blockquote>
However, a ZESA official dismissed the council’s version of events, saying that the water crisis had nothing to do with power cuts.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2019/06/plumtree-runs-dry/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Newsday</a></h4>

Plumtree Town Council, ZESA Blame Each Other For Water Crisis

The High Court has quashed a police officer accused of molesting primary school girls’ bid for freedom after it dismissed his application for bail pending trial.
The Plumtree police officer, Constable Peter Muzulu (35), is accused of sexually molesting 20 pupils at Bulu Primary school in Mphoengs.
He reportedly thrust his fingers into 20 pupils’ private parts and fondled their breasts on March 26.
The polygamous constable’s victims are in Grades 6 and 7 whose ages range from between 11 and 16-years-old.
The cop is facing 20 counts of aggravated indecent assault.
<h4>Related:</h4>
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<h4><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/05/02/zimbabwean-student-on-raping-spree-in-namibia-first-lady-pledges-action/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwean Student On Raping Spree In Namibia, First Lady Pledges Action</a></h4>
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<h4><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/03/30/policeman-molests-21-pupils-while-investigating-sexual-abuse-at-primary-school/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Policeman Molests 21 Pupils While Investigating Sexual Abuse At Primary School</a></h4>
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<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/latest-20-pupils-sexual-abuse-cop-to-remain-in-lock-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chronicle</a></h4>

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