A Ruwa Local Board Municipal Police Officer, Lucia Sithole (44), was arrested on Friday, September 27, by members of the Southern Africa Regional Anti-Corruption Organisation (SARACO) for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe from a commuter omnibus driver.
According to a memo addressed to the SARACO Chief Corruption Prevention Intelligence Officer by an Assistant Deputy Director of Operations, Sithole now faces charges of criminal abuse of office as defined by Section 174 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23].
The allegations are that on September 27, 2024, at approximately 8:20 AM, Sithole and two other municipal police officers were on duty conducting traffic enforcement along the Harare-Mutare highway near the George shopping Centre in Ruwa. Reads the memo:
<blockquote>
A Nissan Caravan commuter omnibus registration No AFE 7538 travelling from Harare to Goromonzi stopped at the market Bus stop along the highway and suddenly a municipal traffic officer emerged and placed a steel bar in the wheel of the commuter omnibus.
</blockquote>
All passengers were ordered to disembark and three municipal police officers jumped inside and ordered the driver to proceed to their council yard. As this was happening the other male officer was writing a fine ticket.
It is alleged that the driver of the kombi and the three municipal police officers left for the council yard, and along the way just near the shops, Sithole asked for twenty dollars from the driver.
The driver said that he had US$10 but she rejected it and insisted on $20.
After the driver gave her two US$10 notes, Sithole then instructed him to make a U-turn and drop them off immediately. Reads the memo:
<blockquote>
The driver drove back to where he had dropped his passengers and advised the three Southern Africa Regional Anti Corruption Organisation members who had earlier on introduced themselves to him before boarding the commuter omnibus at Fourth Street.
</blockquote>
The three members of SARACO contacted their female counterpart nearby and approached the municipal police officers.
They requested that the officers empty their pockets of all cash, but Sithole refused to comply.
Subsequently, the SARACO members searched her and discovered US$45 in her shirt pockets. Two of the US$10 bills matched the photographs taken by the kombi conductor before the money was handed over to the driver.
Sithole was then arrested and taken to Ruwa Police Station, where Chief Inspector Tinarwo was informed.
A docket was opened for violating Section 174 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, registered under ZRP Ruwa RRB number 6160549.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

A police officer in Ruwa was caught taking a bribe from a driver by SARACO. The officer, Lucia Sithole, along with two others, stopped a commuter omnibus and demanded money. The driver gave them US$20, but they asked for more. SARACO members intervened and found the money on Sithole. She was arrested and charges were filed against her. The incident happened on the Harare-Mutare highway. Being caught taking bribes is against the law.

Ruwa Municipal Police Officer Caught In Bribery Sting By SARACO

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is looking into cases of armed robbery in Bulawayo and Harare, where businesspeople were specifically targeted.
In Bulawayo, an investigation is underway for a robbery that occurred on Grayville Road near Arlington Court, Ascot. An unnamed businessman lost US$29,000 cash to the robbers. In Harare, the unnamed businessman lost over US$10,000. A police report read:
<blockquote>
Police in Bulawayo are investigating a case of robbery which occurred along Grayville Road near Arlington Court, Ascot on 21/10/23. Three unknown suspects, who were travelling in a white Toyota Runx, intercepted a shop manager, who was going home driving a Toyota Belta vehicle, before stealing US$29 000 cash which was in the boot. 
Meanwhile, Police in Harare are investigating a case of robbery in which two suspects armed with a stone and a small axe pounced at a house along Nzou Crescent, Winsor, Ruwa where they stole US$10 610, 1 700 Zambian Kwacha, ZAR 2 500.00, 50 Pounds and 200 000 Tanzanian Shillings cash as well as a laptop, four cellphones, 5 pairs of tennis shoes and two school bags. 
</blockquote>
Police urged individuals with information on the cases to contact the nearest police station.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Trio Intercepts, Robs Shop Manager Of US$29,000 Cash In Bulawayo

The Harare Metropolitan provincial authorities have ordered the closure of all unlicensed and unclean food outlets in the four local authorities of Greater Harare as Harare reports 307 cases of cholera in various suburbs, ranging from overcrowded Mbare to leafy Mount Pleasant.
The metropolitan province now has the second-highest number of cholera cases since the outbreak began three months ago, with Manicaland reporting the highest number of cases. Other provinces that have reported cases include Matabeleland South, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central, and Masvingo. The province is implementing a range of prevention measures, including the closure of dubious food outlets. Harare Metropolitan Provincial and Devolution Permanent Secretary Mr Tafadzwa Muguti said:
<blockquote>
During this outbreak all local authorities have been directed to stop all unlicenced shops and unclean food outlets from operating in open spaces.
All shops, restaurants and food outlets to have clean toilets with running water. 
</blockquote>
The local authorities are Harare City Council, Chitungwiza Municipality, Epworth Local Board and Ruwa Local Board.
The Harare Metropolitan authorities have called on schools and office buildings to ensure that toilets have running water and soap. The area is facing two major problems related to water and sanitation.
The proliferation of unplanned and illegal settlements without sewers and piped water, and the run-down state of Harare City Council’s water purification plants, which operate at only half their capacity. The council is attempting to rectify these issues by closing down contaminated wells and distributing non-food items to prevent the spread of disease.
Cholera outbreaks continue to plague Zimbabwe. In Manicaland, village health workers are conducting disease surveillance and education, while officials are monitoring public gatherings to contain the spread. Mashonaland West is struggling to provide medical attention to a community rooted in religious belief, leading to resistance to scientific solutions.
Health experts are providing water samples, aqua tabs, and disinfection, and raising cholera awareness. The government has activated civil protection units, provided supplies, and offered refresher training for health workers. 
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Harare Closes Unlicensed Food Outlets As Cholera Outbreak Hits 307 Cases

A 13-year-old schoolgirl from Ruwa was allegedly raped by her teacher from Mandley Park Primary School and by her aunt’s neighbour.
The girl’s teacher has not been named but her aunt’s neighbour was identified as Simbarashe Tarisai.
The 13-year-old girl was taken for a medical examination and the results showed that she had contracted a sexually-transmitted illness (STI).
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson in Harare Province, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the development to <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/rogue-neighbour-teacher-repeatedly-rapes-girl-13/">H-Metro</a>. He said:
<blockquote>
The girl was staying with her aunt. On December 26, the girl was at home with the accused, and her aunt was away at work.
The neighbour was reported to have invited the girl to his bedroom where he raped her without protection.
She went to school and when she returned at 2 pm, the neighbour raped her twice and threatened to kill her if she told anyone.
On December 27, the neighbour fled to Debvu Village 6 in Chinhoyi.
The matter came to light when the girl filed a case of abuse against her teacher at ZRP Epworth.
A medical report indicated that the girl had an STI and, when questioned about how she got infected, she disclosed that she was sexually abused by Simbarashe Tarisai.
</blockquote>
<h2>How To Prevent Rape</h2>
According to <a href="https://www.healthyplace.com/abuse/rape/rape-prevention-how-to-prevent-rape">HealthyPlace</a>, women can learn about rape prevention and use this knowledge to help them stay safe in many situations where sexual assault could occur. Some of the tips are:
<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.</li>
<li>Don’t reveal too much on social media – Turn off the location feature of mobile apps on your cell phone before going out as would-be sexual predators can use these tools to find you.</li>
</ul>
<h2>What to Do When Being Raped</h2>
<ul>
<li>State clearly and unequivocally that you do not want to engage in sex of any kind with the person. </li>
<li>Arrange a special code word with a close friend or family member that you can say if talking on the phone to them to indicate that you are in a dangerous situation and need help.</li>
<li>Make up an excuse as to why you need to leave or that you are having your period, or even that you have a sexually transmitted disease.</li>
<li>Look for an escape route or way to get out of the room.</li>
<li>Call attention to yourself by screaming or making a scene and yelling for help.</li>
<li>If someone actually attacks you, scratch him with your fingernails and pull his hair, bite, and kick – do anything to make him let go even for a second and then run. </li>
<li>As a last resort, try to humanize yourself in the eyes of your attacker. Try to make the attacker see you as a person rather than objectify you. Talk about your family, your kids, your mother. Tell him he is better than the way he is behaving.</li>
<li>If your attacker is armed with a gun or knife, the above tactics may not work effectively… If you choose to physically attack an armed aggressor, your action must be unexpected, sudden, and intensely painful. Target his most vulnerable spots, such as testicles, eye sockets, instep, or windpipe with a lethal intention.</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

13-year-old Girl Raped By Teacher, Aunt’s Neighbour And Contracts An STI

Armed robbers pounced on Mhangami’s residence at a clause in Njiva Crescent, along Chiremba Road near Ruwa Rehab in <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Ruwa">Ruwa</a> and robbed a senior citizen who resides there.
A Ruwa resident privy to the information said the robbery took place on Thursday 13 January 2023 (today) at around 0730 hours. One resident who alerted the Ruwa community reported:
<blockquote>
The robbers accessed the residence through the main gate in Chiremba road (corner Chinamaropa road) at around 7:30am this morning.
The family put up a very brave fight and the robbers got away with $280.00 only according to gogo Mhangami who I spoke to. 
Gogo, who has a plaster on her left hand had to endure ferocious beating and insults from the robbers who only managed to get the money which was on her person. Her son, nicknamed Paweni, has emerged as the family hero because of the fight that he put up. 
</blockquote>
Gogo Mhangami’s grandchild (name provided), was shot in the leg and was ferried to the hospital with a bullet lodged in his leg. 
Another grandchild, a girl, was also rushed to the hospital with a gunshot wound on the thigh.
 The victims are stable and in the hospital.
Other family members also fought the robbers relentlessly until the robbers ran away. 
Councillor Kizito Chivafa, who is also the chairman of Ruwa Local Board and Mr Madanhi, the secretary of the Local authority came to sympathize with and give support to the Mhangami family.
ZRP Ruwa is said to have responded promptly and investigations are already underway. 
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Armed Robbers Pounce On A Ruwa Granny, Beat Her, Shoot Grandkids, Rob Her

The government has applauded the Ruwa Local Board, which is led by the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), for being corrupt-free and for creating thousands of jobs.
The Ruwa Local Board has nine councillors and they are all from CCC. The local authority does not have any pending cases before the courts.
The Ruwa Local Board won three awards at the inaugural Harare Metropolitan provincial awards, which honoured residents, businesspersons and people who excelled in the fields of arts, sports and others in 2022.
Ruwa competed with Harare City Council, Chitungwiza City Council, and Epworth Local Board.
It was voted the best Harare Metropolitan Council, its mayor Kizito Chivafa was voted the best mayor, and the board also got the top investment award.
Addressing stakeholders at the awards ceremony over the weekend, Harare Metropolitan provincial secretary Tafadzwa Muguti said:
<blockquote>
Two years ago l called all town clerks and mayors into one room and l explained the main areas to get development, and one of the major issues was to attract investment.
In a space of two years, Ruwa has attracted US$40 million in investments, has zero corruption cases before the courts, had a budget for roads, and did what other councils have failed to do — fixing roads for investments.
Ruwa has created over a thousand jobs, the mayor is very young and they have nine councillors. We want the other three local authorities to challenge the Ruwa Local Board.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200004950/govt-applauds-ccc-run-council">NewsDay</a>

Govt Applauds CCC-led Local Authority

A college in Seke, Chitungwiza was robbed of cash and fuel coupons on Tuesday around 1 am.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) say the three robbers were armed with three pistols. Read the police report seen by Pindula News reads:
<blockquote>
The ZRP is investigating an armed robbery case which occurred at a college in Seke, Chitungwiza, on 29/11/22 at around 0100 hours, where three unknown suspects, armed with three unidentified pistols, attacked a security guard who was on duty at the premise. The suspects used a pick to break into the administration block, where they blasted a safe and stole US$3 094 fuel coupons, US$8 076, and ZWL$43 100 cash.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, police in Ruwa arrested Admire Mazenge (25) and Peacemaker Samson (26) on 29 November 2022 in connection with a robbery case which was recorded in Goromonzi.
The police allege that the duo attacked a security guard who was on duty at a premise in Goromonzi on 29 November 2022 at 3 am. 
The suspects stole agrochemicals, solar lights, 75kgs of fertilizer, two knapsacks, three cellphones, and US$60 cash, all valued at US$2 500. 
Police recovered some of the stolen goods, worth US$1000, from the suspects.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

College Robbed Of Cash, Fuel Coupons

A 17-year-old was hit by a train at the 253 km peg, Ruwa on 29 October 2022 at around 0755 hours while walking along the Harare-Mutare railway line putting on earphones.
A Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) statement seen by Pindula News warns members of the public against putting on headphones or earphones while walking on the roads or crossing railway lines.
Police say this may diminish the ability to perceive or hear, thereby increasing the likelihood of being struck by a motor vehicle or train.
Meanwhile, police in Harare recorded a serious hit-and-run road traffic accident where a man (32) was run over on the left by a Toyota Sienta vehicle, registration number AFW 9839, at the intersection of Robert Mugabe and Julius Nyerere Way.
The motorist briefly stopped and sped off. The victim sustained an injury on the left foot and was referred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals for treatment. Investigations are underway.
The ZRP reiterates that motorists should stop, assist the injured, if necessary, and report all road traffic accidents to the Police within 24 hours.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Teenager Hit By Train While Walking Along The Railway Putting Earphones

Issac Mugiti has appeared before the courts for duping a home seeker of US$15 800 after lying to him that he was contracted to process the sale of residential stands in Ruwa on behalf of a certain company.
Mugiti appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court charged with fraud, <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/bogus-lawyer-in-court/">The Herald</a> reported.
<h2>What Happened:</h2>
Mugiti allegedly lied to Toddy Muchongwe that he was a lawyer contracted by Exodus and Company to sell their residential stands.
He then allegedly handed over a fake residential stand confirmation letter in the name of Vannesa Marufu and told Muchongwe that he was processing title deeds for the transfer of No. 32844 Phase 2, Mabvazuva, Township Ruwa.
Sometime in July 2022, Mugiti accompanied Muchongwe to the stand where he also allegedly made him believe that it was a genuine stand acquired from Exodus and Company.
Mugiti allegedly asked Muchongwe to pay US$ 15 800 towards the purchase of the stand.
Mugiti was not asked to plead to the charges when he appeared before magistrate Mr Dennis Mangosi.
He is expected back in court on October 24.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Fake Lawyer Dupes Home Seeker Of US$15 800

Thorncroft Primary School in <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Ruwa">Ruwa</a>, about 22 kilometres South-East of Harare, lost US$30 000 to unidentified robbers.
ZimGazette reports that five unidentified robbers stormed Thorncroft Primary School, blasted a safe and went away with US$30 000 cash.
The robbers who were armed with pistols first captured the security guard manning the premises before stealing the cash, including a Samsung TV and a Nokia Cellphone.
National police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the incident. Nyathi said:
<blockquote>_On May 1 2021, five unidentified men stormed a School in Ruwa and captured the guard before they blasted a safe and stole over US$30 000, Nokia cellphone, HP laptop and a Samsung TV._
_The ZRP reiterates that members of the public must not keep large sums of money in homes or business premises without corresponding security measures. Anyone with information to contact any nearest Police Station or call Complaints Desk on 0242 703631 or WhatsApp 0712800197._</blockquote>
The report comes after another school, <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/gateway-high-school-loses-us250-000-cash-to-burglars/">Gateway in Harare was also robbed of huge amounts of United States dollars.</a>
Cases of armed robberies in Zimbabwe have been on the rise in the recent past.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/gateway-high-school-loses-us250-000-cash-to-burglars/">Gateway High School Loses US$250 000 Cash To Burglars</a></li>
<li>
<a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/full-text-armed-robbers-blow-admin-block-strongroom-at-gateway-high-school/">FULL TEXT: Armed Robbers Blow Admin Block Strongroom At Gateway High School</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/bomb-scare-at-gateway-high-school-parents-told-not-to-bring-children-tomorrow/">Bomb Scare At Gateway High School, Parents Told Not To Bring Children Tomorrow</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/armed-robbers-get-away-with-car-us49k-r9k-zw7k-in-a-movie-style-robbery/">Armed Robbers Get Away With Car, US$49K, R9K, ZW$7K… In A Movie Style Robbery</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/watch-robbery-at-borrowdale-trauma-center/">WATCH: Robbery At Borrowdale Trauma Center</a>
</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Ruwa School Loses US$30 000 To Armed Robbers

ZETDS has announced that residential suburbs in the greater Ruwa area will lose power for 12 hours on Wednesday this week. According to the company, the blackout is so it can carry out critical maintenance work.
Here’s the full text of the statement:
<blockquote>
ZIMBABWE ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION &amp; DISTRIBUTION COMPANY
NOTICE TO OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS
The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) would like to advise its valued customers in Harare Region that there will be a power supply interruption on Wednesday 21 April 2021 from 0600 — 1800 hours for the purpose of carrying out critical maintenance works.
During this period, electricity will not be available in the following areas: Ruwa: George shops, Damafalls, Chipukutu, Riverside, Invelengus, Cranbrook, Fairview, Springvale, Ruwa farms, area around Goromoozi turn off, Zimbabwe Lodge, and Colcom Ruwa.
Customers are advised to treat all circuits as LIVE during this period as power may be restored without notice.
The inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted.
STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS 20/04/2021 
For more information contact us on: Email : pr@retdc.cazw ; marketingkt,erdc.cazw Twitter : @ZetdcOfficial Facebook : @ZetdcOfficial Website : www.zetdc.co.rw WhatsApp : +263719219977/ +263715519387/ +263715519389</blockquote>
<img alt="RUWA Blackout Notice ZESA" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-202722" decoding="async" height="1431" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1073px) 100vw, 1073px" src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ZESA-Blackout-Notice-Ruwa.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ZESA-Blackout-Notice-Ruwa.jpg 1073w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ZESA-Blackout-Notice-Ruwa-225x300.jpg 225w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ZESA-Blackout-Notice-Ruwa-768x1024.jpg 768w" width="1073"/>

12-Hour Power Blackout In Greater Ruwa As ZETDC Maintains Infrastructure

A health hazard is looming in Ruwa with the Ruwa Local Board admitting that it is discharging raw sewage into Ruwa River due to a shortage of land dedicated for treatment of sewage.
Ruwa Local Board secretary Kumbirai Madanhi said that there is an urgent need for more land to avoid a health disaster. He said:
<blockquote>We have a challenge on sewer reticulation, it is flowing into the Ruwa River and we are having a geographical challenge.
It is a potential risk area which needs to be addressed, but unfortunately, we do not have land to use for that purpose.
… We have been putting pressure on the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, as well as the Ministry of Lands on the issue.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/ruwas-health-time-bomb/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

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