Sharon Chigwaza, a 33-year-old Zimbabwean beautician, was sentenced to 22 years of rigorous imprisonment in India on Wednesday under two sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
As reported by <a href="https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2025/01/29/kochi-airport-heroin-smuggling-case-zimbabwe.html">onmanorama</a>, Chigwaza was arrested at Kochi airport in June 2021 after being caught with 2,910 grams of heroin.
Ernakulam Additional Sessions Judge VPM Sureshbabu also imposed a fine of Rs 1.5 lakh for each of the two charges under Section 21(c) and Section 23(c) of the NDPS Act, relating to the carrying and smuggling of the narcotic drug into India.
If the fine is not paid, she will face an additional six months in prison for each charge.
Chigwaza claimed she was merely a carrier who agreed to smuggle the drugs in exchange for money to fund her treatment in Delhi.
However, the court did not consider her reasons for committing the crime, according to Special Public Prosecutor for the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Adv Sunil J.
He said five grams of heroin is a small quantity, and 250 gm is a commercial quantity, adding that “Chigwaza was caught with nearly 12 times the commercial quantity”.
Under Indian law, the minimum punishment for carrying and smuggling commercial quantities of heroin is 10 years, with a maximum of 20 years.
The court took into account her poor background and gender, sentencing her to 11 years for each offence. Said Adv Sunil:
<blockquote>
The sentences will run concurrently, so she will serve only 11 years in prison.
</blockquote>
According to her statement to investigators, Chigwaza had been living as a refugee in South Africa with her parents and two sisters.
However, officials from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) determined that her refugee certificate was fraudulent.
On June 19, 2021, Chigwaza arrived at Kochi airport from Johannesburg via Doha on a Qatar Airways flight.
While preparing to board an onward IndiGo flight to Delhi, airport security became suspicious and detained her.
They discovered 2,910 grams of heroin hidden in a secret pocket of her trolley bag. She was subsequently arrested, and the case was transferred to the NCB.
During questioning, Chigwaza claimed that she had experienced multiple miscarriages and needed money for treatment in Delhi.
She further claimed that a Nigerian friend, Ifeanyi, had offered her US$2,000 (approximately ₹1.47 lakh in June 2021) to deliver the drugs to a lodge in Delhi.
He assured her that his brother would pick up the package and provide her with the money. This was her first trip to India.
Special Public Prosecutor Adv. Sunil said the court’s sentencing underscored the message that “regardless of nationality or circumstances, drug trafficking is a crime against the nation and will be punished.”
The court also said that the three years and seven months Chigwaza spent in prison before her conviction would be deducted from her sentence.

Pindula News

A lady from Zimbabwe was caught smuggling drugs in India and got 22 years in jail. She was arrested at the airport with a lot of heroin in her bag. She said she did it for money. The court didn't care and still gave her a long sentence. The lady lied about being a refugee. She was promised money by a friend to deliver the drugs. The court said that no matter who you are, smuggling drugs is a serious crime. She will be in jail for 11 years.

Zimbabwean Beautician Sentenced To 22 Years In India For Smuggling Heroin

A 40-year-old Zimbabwean woman has been sentenced by the Thembalethu Regional Court for running a brothel in George, Western Cape, South Africa, reported <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/the-star/news/zimbabwean-woman-gets-suspended-sentenced-for-running-a-brothel-2ca22a87-0e60-4f7f-817a-478e8fd8bc9a">IOL</a>.
Nyaradzo Ellen Gewdzi was convicted for violating the Sexual Offences Act. She was also investigated for human trafficking, but the case was dropped due to insufficient evidence.
Gewdzi was arrested on May 25 after an operation led by the Hawks George Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, with help from the George Visible Police crime prevention unit. The operation focused on a known brothel.
The investigation began when a South African Police Services (SAPS) vehicle was seen at the brothel, responding to a reported assault.
Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani said the team inquired at the police station about the SAPS visit.
During the arrest, the team spoke to a 25-year-old Zimbabwean woman who had been assaulted for not following the brothel’s rules. She was found to be a victim of human trafficking. Said Hani:
<blockquote>
She was taken to George Hospital for medical care and referred to an accredited shelter, after which the Hawks team went back to the station where the suspect was still present and was immediately arrested.
</blockquote>
The accused appeared in court on several occasions and was refused bail. She has been in custody since her arrest.
Gewdzi was initially charged with five counts, but the state later withdrew three charges. These included count 1 for trafficking in persons under the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act 7 of 2013, Section 4 (1), count 3 related to the Sexual Offences Act 23 of 1957, and count 4 for debt bondage under the same act.
The court convicted her of living off the earnings of prostitution and running a brothel. Said Hani:
<blockquote>
Both counts were taken together for the purpose of sentencing. She was sentenced to two years imprisonment wholly suspended for three years. She was further declared unfit to possess a firearm.
</blockquote>

A woman from Zimbabwe got in trouble for running a brothel in South Africa. She was convicted for breaking the law about sexual offenses. The police caught her after investigating human trafficking, but they didn't have enough proof to charge her. The woman was arrested during a police operation at the brothel and has been in jail since then. She was sentenced to two years in prison, but the sentence is suspended for three years. This means she won't go to jail as long as she doesn't break the law again. The woman is also not allowed to have a gun.

Zimbabwean Woman Gets Suspended Sentenced For Running A Brothel In South Africa

The Young Nurses Indaba Trade Union (YNITU) supports the nurse featured in a controversial viral video recorded by a Zimbabwean patient at Halfway House Clinic in Midrand on Thursday, 16 January.
According to YNITU’s media statement released on Friday, the widely shared video was carefully cropped to show only part of an hour-long confrontation.
The union argued that despite the heated exchange, the patient’s constitutional right to healthcare services was not denied. The statement reads:
<blockquote>
The Nurses in South Africa through their vigorous training understands that section 27 of the Constitution provides that everyone has the right to have access to health care services.
</blockquote>
The statement states that the nurse’s reaction was prompted by being “provoked” by the patient. The union said:
<blockquote>
She reported this incident to her superior with no assistance and had no choice but to stand firm and defend herself.
</blockquote>
According to YNITU, the incident unfolded around 1 PM when the nurse, who had just completed her morning patient roster, was called back from lunch by her line manager to attend to additional patients.
Among them was a reportedly impatient individual demanding priority treatment. The situation escalated when the Zimbabwean patient, described as a regular clinic user with a history of targeting the same nurse, entered the consulting room while filming.
According to the union, witness statements gathered by the union said the patient demanded immediate attention and a referral to see a doctor at another facility, disrupting an ongoing consultation.
YNITU said its investigation revealed that the confrontation turned physical, with the patient allegedly preventing the nurse from leaving the room to seek assistance.
However, the viral video began only after the nurse had managed to exit the room and was speaking with her line manager on the phone.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.citizen.co.za/news/nurses-union-backs-healthcare-worker-in-viral-video-incident-at-midrand-clinic/">The Citizen</a>, YNITU secretary-general Lerato Mthunzi said they understand the presumption of innocence as a legal principle but support the officer as a moral principle.
Mthunzi said the South African health system is strained due to a lack of human and material resources, causing frustration in the community.
She argued that nurses, as frontline workers, often bear the brunt of this public frustration. Mthunzi said the anger directed towards nurses is misplaced, as it is the Department of Health’s responsibility to improve infrastructure and provide resources.
Mthunzi said nurse-to-patient ratios are extremely high, leading to substandard care. She said the nurse involved has pressed charges against the patient for assault.
The patient faces charges from another patient who was forced out of the consulting room during the incident.

A union in South Africa is supporting a nurse in a viral video with a Zimbabwean patient. The video only shows part of the situation. The nurse was provoked but did not deny the patient's right to healthcare. The patient was demanding priority treatment and disrupted the consultation. The situation turned physical, and the nurse pressed charges for assault. The union believes nurses face frustration due to a lack of resources in the health system. Nurses should not be blamed for this. The nurse involved also faced charges from another patient affected by the incident.

South Africa: Union Backs Nurse In Controversial Viral Video With Zimbabwean Patient

Zimbabwe’s Consul-General to Johannesburg, Eria Phiri, visited the husband of a Zimbabwean woman who was allegedly shot dead by a white farmer and her body fed to pigs at a farm in South Africa’s Limpopo province on Tuesday last week.
The woman, Kudzai Ndlovhu, her husband Mabutho Ncube, and Ndlovhu’s 45-year-old South African friend Maria Makgato were reportedly searching for discarded food at a dumpsite on Onvervaght Farm in Mankweng, outside Polokwane, when they were attacked.
Ndlovhu and Makgato were killed, while Ncube managed to escape with serious injuries and was able to recount the horrific incident. Ncube crawled to the main road, where he received assistance and was transported to the hospital.
The incident was reported, and police discovered the women’s bodies in a pigsty.
Phiri said their visit was to arrange the repatriation of Ndlovhu’s body to Manoti, Gokwe South District, Midlands Province. He stated (via <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/consul-general-visits-husband-of-murdered-zimbabwean-woman/">The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
The purpose of our visit was to arrange the repatriation of Kudzai’s body to Gokwe South in Manoti.
</blockquote>
The white farmer appeared in Mankweng Magistrate Court for a bail application, where there was a demonstration outside the courthouse.
On Thursday, South Africa’s Minister of Police, Mr. Senzo Mchunu, condemned the killing.
Farm owner Zachariah Olivier (60) and his two employees, Adriaan de Wet (19) and a Zimbabwean, William Musoro (45), have since appeared at the Mankweng Magistrates Court.
<figure class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 800px"><img alt="Zachariah Johannes Olivier, farm supervisor Andrian Rudolph De Wet and employee William Musora face charges of murder. Picture: NPA" decoding="async" height="450" loading="lazy" src="https://image-prod.iol.co.za/16x9/800/Zachariah-Johannes-Olivier-farm-supervisor-Andrian-Rudolph-De-Wet-and-employee-William-Musora-face-charges-of-murder-Picture-NPA?source=https://iol-prod.appspot.com/image/472a0ef4afe3341cf081f1af36d6b71ee8839110/2000&amp;operation=CROP&amp;offset=0x188&amp;resize=2000x1125" width="800"/><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Zachariah Johannes Olivier, farm supervisor Andrian Rudolph De Wet and employee William Musora face charges of murder. Picture: NPA</figcaption></figure>
They face two counts of premeditated murder, attempted murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Musoro faces a further charge of contravening the Immigration Act.
The matter has been postponed to September 10.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A woman from Zimbabwe was killed and fed to pigs by a white farmer in South Africa. The woman, Kudzai Ndlovhu, was with her husband and a friend when they were attacked while looking for food. The husband survived and reported the incident to the police. The Consul-General of Zimbabwe visited the husband to arrange for the woman's body to be sent home. The white farmer and his employees are facing charges for the murder. The police in South Africa are investigating the case, and the trial has been postponed to September.

Consul-General Visits Husband Of Zimbabwean Woman Killed And Fed To Pigs In South Africa

A Zimbabwean woman and her South African friend were allegedly shot dead in South Africa’s Limpopo province and their remains were fed to pigs by a local farmer.
35-year-old Locadia Ndlovhu, her husband Mabutho Ncube, and Ndlovhu’s 45-year-old friend Maria Makgato were reportedly searching for discarded food at a dumpsite on Onvervaght Farm in Sebayeng, outside Polokwane, when they were attacked.
Ndlovhu and Makgato were killed, while Ncube managed to escape with serious injuries and was able to recount the horrific incident.
The farm owner, 60-year-old Zachariah Olivier, along with two of his employees – 19-year-old Adriaan de Wet and 45-year-old Zimbabwean national William Musoro – have since been arrested and charged with murder, attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, as well as defeating the ends of justice.
Musoro faces an additional charge of contravening the Immigration Act.
The accused persons have appeared before the Mankweng Magistrates Court, and the matter has been postponed to August 30 this year for a formal bail application.
In a statement, Limpopo province police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said:
<blockquote>
The suspects were arrested after the discovery of two decomposed women’s bodies in a pigsty on a farm in Sebayeng, outside Mankweng, on August 20.
The arrests followed a thorough investigation by the Provincial Tracking Team and Murder and Robbery Unit.
The investigation began when a 45-year-old South African woman went missing after visiting the farm on August 17, accompanied by a 35-year-old foreign national woman.
Both women sustained gunshot wounds and a 47-year-old foreign national man, who was with them, was also shot and hospitalised.
</blockquote>
Capricorn District Municipality Executive Mayor Mamedupi Teffo said they are vehemently opposed to granting bail to the accused. Said Teffo:
<blockquote>
What is disturbing about this incident is that not only did the perpetrators shoot them, but they also fed them to the pigs after they killed them.
We are going to come here on August 30 when the three accused appear so that we show our dissatisfaction and so that they do not also get bail.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A woman from Zimbabwe and her friend from South Africa were killed by a farmer in South Africa. The farmer fed their remains to pigs. The woman's husband survived and told the police what happened. The farmer and his employees were arrested and charged with the murder. They appeared in court and will have a bail application on August 30th. The police found the bodies after investigating. The mayor is against giving bail to the accused because of the gruesome crime.

Zimbabwean Woman Killed In South Africa, Remains Fed To Pigs

A U.S. lawyer has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for planning to kill his Zimbabwean estranged ex-wife and the mother of his children.
According to <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/allen-gessen-attorney-hitman-murder-for-hire-ex-wife-priscilla-chigariro/">CBS</a>, Allen Gessen (49) an attorney out of Massachusetts, paid someone he thought would arrange to kill Zimbabwean model Priscilla Chigariro.
He was sentenced on Friday, 26 April, in San Francisco, according to the U.S. Department of Justice Northern District of California.
Gessen first came into contact with an undercover FBI agent when he was being investigated for money laundering in the summer of 2022.
According to prosecutors, Gessen met with the undercover agent twice, and during these meetings, he volunteered information about his years-long dispute with Chigariro, his former partner, which had resulted in contentious child custody proceedings.
During his interactions with the undercover agent posing as a criminal, Gessen initially wanted him to use the connections he thought he had to have Chigariro deported.
However, according to prosecutors, Gessen’s objectives “quickly transformed from bribing an immigration official to deport his former partner” to “hiring someone to murder her.”
Gessen had initially negotiated US$100,000 for the bribery and deportation scheme but then decided he wanted Chigariro murdered and offered to pay $50,000 for the murder.
The court heard that Gessen wanted to kill Chigariro because he said it was “cheaper to get rid of her” and was a more permanent solution, and he also wanted full custody of their children.
He told the undercover agent that he had previously tried to hire people to kill her, but that they had increased their price to $210,000.
Eventually, Gessen sent $23,000 to an undercover FBI bank account in San Francisco in hopes that the murder would be carried out.
He also sent the undercover agent an agreement to pay for fake consulting services to cover up the true nature of the funds.
He then gave the agent information about Chigariro’s whereabouts, her schedule, and her lifestyle habits.
Gessen was indicted in July 2022 and was charged with one count of murder for hire and was convicted by a jury. He was given 120 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

American Lawyer Jailed 10 Years For Hiring Hitman To Kill His Zimbabwean Ex-wife

A South African-based woman from Mutare allegedly scalded her husband with cooking oil over money meant for her lobola and fled.
Moreblessing Nyakunu (40) and her husband Moses Mtukwa (41) reportedly clashed over the money. Mtukwa succumbed to injuries sustained in the attack at a Cape Town hospital last Thursday.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/woman-kills-hubby-vanishes-with-lobola-money/">The Manica Post</a>, Mtukwa’s older brother, Davison Mtukwa, said that he was hospitalised for two weeks and was on life-support before passing on.
Davison said Moreblessing poured hot cooking oil on his brother before stealing 31 000 Rand and US$800 that her husband was saving to pay her bride price. After the attack, she fled from their home. Said Davison:
<blockquote>
My brother died due to the serious injuries he sustained after being scalded with cooking oil. What hurts most is that Nyakunu did not inform us that our brother was in hospital.
Instead, each time we called him or her, she would answer the calls and pretend as if everything was fine.
Each time my sister who is also in South Africa called looking for Moses, Nyakunu would tell her that he (Moses) was at home, while she was at work.
</blockquote>
He said they only got to know that their brother was in the hospital five days after his admission when a well-wisher who had ferried him to the hospital phoned their sister. He said:
<blockquote>
When my sister got there, she was immediately told by the hospital authorities that Moses was supposed to be put on a life-support system, and we had to run around looking for money for him to receive medical attention.
At that time, Moses was still talking, and he told our sister that he had 31,000 Rand and US$800 at home. He said the money was meant to pay for Nyakunu’s bride price.
He once told me about his savings, and we were planning to visit the Nyakunu family to settle some of the lobola arrears.
</blockquote>
Davison added that when their sister went to Moses’ home, it was deserted and the money was nowhere to be found.
<h2>Separation and then Reunion</h2>
Davison said his brother Moses, and Morebelssing separated when they were still in Zimbabwe, and they were surprised to hear that they were cohabitating in South Africa. He said:
<blockquote>
My brother and Nyakunu had a child together while they were still staying in Bvirindi Village under Chief Zimunya back then.
They, however, parted ways and we were surprised to hear that he was cohabiting with her when he migrated to South Africa. They both came back home and he paid part of the bride price for her.
Up until now, we never heard of any altercation between them. They appeared the most perfect couple to us. We were shocked to hear of this tragedy.
My brother told our sister before he was put on life support that Nyakunu had scalded him because she wanted to use the lobola money for something else.
After scalding him, neighbours rushed him to the hospital. She disappeared with the money. Up to now, South African police are looking for her because she committed a heinous crime.
</blockquote>
The family says it has in its possession WhatsApp messages and audio sent between the couple hours before the fight.
In the chats, Nyakunu said that she wanted to use the money for something else, and Moses had to give it to her and look for the lobola money later.
<h2>A Moody and Violent Person</h2>
Moreblessing’s mother, Mbuya Loveness Nyakunu, told The Manica Post that her daughter is a moody and violent person. She said:
<blockquote>
I do not want to lie, Moreblessing is a violent person and always clashed with her sisters, but we never thought that things would come to this.
We never thought she would murder her husband and I was shocked when I heard of this sad development. I passed out and had to be rushed to the clinic where I was resuscitated.
When my daughter last called me, she said she had an altercation with her husband and he was admitted to hospital.
Since then, her phones have been off and we cannot reach her. What she has done has left us in a big mess.
I do not know how we will be able to raise the money that the Mtukwa family wants for the body to be repatriated to Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
<h2>Urgent Appeal For Help</h2>
The Mutukwa family is now appealing to well-wishers to help them raise 27 000 Rand required for the repatriation of the deceased’s body for burial. Said Davison:
<blockquote>
27 000 Rand is what is needed in total, and as a family, we have managed to raise 10 000 Rand. Had she not stolen the money, we would have been able to bring back home our loved one and lay him to his final resting place.
We are unable to do that at the moment. We are appealing to Zimbabwe, family and friends to help us so that our brother’s remains are brought home.
</blockquote>
For assistance, Davison Mtukwa can be contacted at +263774411748.
Those willing to help with cash can also send money to Davison’s EcoCash US$ account on that same number.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean Woman Kills Hubby In South Africa, Vanishes With Lobola Money

A 45-year-old Zimbabwean woman who has been living in the United Kingdom (UK) since 2001 has reportedly spent £12 000 on applications to stay in the European country but she keeps getting refused.
Patience Jamela moved from Zimbabwe 23 years ago to train as a teacher in the UK. She said she was drawn to studying in England because of the “state-of-the-art” teaching.
Jamela told the <a href="https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/mum-who-lived-uk-23-9215644">Bristol Post</a> that she had planned to return to Zimbabwe but ended up making Britain her home after meeting a man.
She has reportedly applied to become a permanent citizen four times over the years – at £3k each time. She said she did not know why each time her application was turned down by the Home Office.
Jamela, a mother of three, said she wants residency as she struggles to get a mortgage and has, at points, had her travel restricted. She said:
I feel like my life is in limbo. I am a good citizen. I pay my taxes. I don’t understand why I should be penalised.
Jamela left Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, to study for a PGCE at Canterbury Christ Church University in Kent.
She had planned to return to Zimbabwe after finishing her studies, but in 2004 she met her former partner through online dating.
Jamela became pregnant and the pair went on to have three children. Charlotte, now 18, Alissa, 17, and Jaden, 11.
She initially applied for permanent residence in 2012 but was turned away by the Home Office. She reapplied in 2015, 2018, and 2021, and is now preparing to submit another application this month.
However, each time she applies she’s told she doesn’t qualify for settlement and is given temporary leave-to-remain instead – which has to be renewed every three years. Said Jamela:
<blockquote>
I have no criminal record. I don’t understand why they have not allowed me to stay. My life is on hold.
My children have never met their grandmother because she lives in Zimbabwe – we can’t afford to travel there. We have not had a holiday because of this situation. The last holiday was when the kids were small.
I can’t afford to move house because I am always thinking about the next application. My kids are anxious. They don’t know what’s going to happen.
This country’s their life. They have family, cousins and nieces here. This is all they have known.
</blockquote>
Zimbabweans face significant challenges when seeking permanent residence in Britain, mainly because the UK has implemented strict immigration policies that include high fees, lengthy application processes, and stringent eligibility criteria.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean Mother Who Has Lived In UK 23 Years Has Paid £12 000 On Bids To Stay

An Indian court on Wednesday, 21 February sentenced a 40-year-old Zimbabwean woman to 10 years of imprisonment for having 8.5kg of methamphetamine and heroin in 2022.
The special NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act court also imposed a fine of ₹2 lakh (US$200 000) on the accused Rosie Diamon.
As reported by the <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/zimbabwean-woman-gets-10-years-in-jail-for-carrying-8-5kg-of-heroin-101708541481489.html">Hindustan Times</a>, Diamon was arrested on 13 February 2022, after the Air Intelligence Unit had received information the previous day, that a passenger would be arriving with narcotics substances.
Acting on the received information, unit officers kept a watch on the passengers. They recognised Diamon through her passport and noticed she was carrying a trolley bag and a handbag.
The officers checked her trolley bag and it was found that the files and folders in the bag contained 8.486 kg of yellowish-coloured powder granules and white crystals. In convicting Diamon, special judge AV Kharkar noted:
<blockquote>
On going through the evidence in its entirety, it precipitates that the accused was found in possession of a commercial quantity of contraband methamphetamine and heroin. The evidence of the prosecution witness is trustworthy and reliable.
</blockquote>
In her written argument, Diamon said her cousin was part of a gang from Zimbabwe and that he had lured her for money, handing over a bag which she was asked to carry to India, in which the contraband was found.
She pleaded for leniency saying she was unaware of the bag’s contents and belonged to a poor family with her children dependent on her.
The court noted that the accused had neither denied that the contraband was recovered from the bag nor that the bag from which the contraband was recovered was in her possession. The court said:
<blockquote>
Rather, in her written arguments, she has submitted that the bag was handed over to her by her cousin, who is involved with a gang.
In such a case the court will have to presume that the accused was carrying the contraband and that her possession was conscious.
</blockquote>
In April 2018, another Zimbabwean woman, Betty Rame (38), was arrested by a Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) team at the IGI Airport with two concealed bags full of a crystalline substance, which tested positive for Methamphetamine.
In August 2021, Rame was convicted and sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment with a ₹1 lakh fine under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
However, in June 2023, the Delhi High Court suspended the sentence, noting that there was an alleged non-compliance with the procedure for sampling the seized substance and that the accused had already undergone over four years in custody.
Justice Anish Dayal said the standing orders issued by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Ministry of Finance ought to be respected by investigating agencies.
Dayal said the lack of compliance with these standing orders imports an element of reasonable doubt, which would also impact the issue of proving the guilt of the accused.
Rame’s lawyers had argued that the NCB did not collect the sample as per norms.
They said the contraband was admittedly seized from two separate bags and that the bags were subsequently mixed.
The lawyers also contended that as per the standing order, the contents of the bags should not have been mixed to avoid the substance “losing its identity”.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean Woman Gets 10 Years In Jail In India For Carrying 8.5kg Of Heroin

A 41-year-old Zimbabwean woman’s incarceration in a South African jail continues after her bail application was postponed to next week for further argument in court.
According to <a href="https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/trafficking-court/">SABC News</a>, the Investigating Officer in the case told the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court in the Northern Cape that the woman was a flight risk.
The woman, whose identity has not been revealed, was arrested in December 2023, alongside a 46-year-old man after they were seen travelling with 14 undocumented children on a bus from Midrand to Cape Town.
The investigating officer told the court that the accused’s travel documents did not correspond with the dates on her passport.
She further stated that the Zimbabwean woman is a flight risk as she does not have a valid home address in South Africa and might flee the country if released on bail.
The officer also testified that the 14 children would also be in danger if the woman was released.
The defence is expected to continue with their arguments next week and the accused remains in custody.
The woman, and a man also reported to be Zimbabwean, were found on a long-distance bus with undocumented minors in their company – eight boys and six girls aged six to 14 years.
They appeared in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on 7 December on charges of human trafficking.
The duo was arrested by a multi-disciplinary team comprising of Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Kimberley Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit and Kimberley Crime Prevention, according to Hawks spokesperson, Lt Col. Tebogo Thebe.
Last month, Border Management Authority (BMA), a South African law enforcement agency, said that it intercepted 42 buses carrying 443 unaccompanied minors were intercepted at Beitbridge Border Post.
However, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Kazembe Kazembe said that claims by South African officials that 42 buses carrying 443 unaccompanied minors were intercepted at Beitbridge Border Post on the SA side were false.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean Woman Accused Of Child Trafficking In South Africa Remanded In Custody

A 33-year-old Zimbabwean woman has been arrested in South Africa for allegedly killing, beheading, and dismembering her boyfriend (42) in the neighbouring country.
Tatenda Mhlanga (33) from Zimbabwe, and a South African man, Johannes Lebese (53), appeared at the Benoni Magistrates’ Court on Monday facing charges of murder and violating a corpse.
Pretoria spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, Lumka Mahanjana confirmed the arrests on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/zimbabwean-woman-teams-with-south-african-man-to-behead-boyfriend-arrested-with-chopped-up-body-in-suitcase/">She said</a>:
<blockquote>
It is alleged that on 11 November 2023, the two were stopped by the crime prevention wardens carrying a suitcase.
The wardens asked the two to open the suitcase and they found a human head and upper body of Mhlanga’s ex-boyfriend, Obert Mazadza (42), who is also a Zimbabwean national.
After discovering the body parts, it is alleged that the wardens called the police.
</blockquote>
Mahanjana said when the police arrived and were still busy on the scene, the Community Policing Forum (CPF) came and reported that they found other body parts at a nearby dumping site.
She said Lebese was arrested on the scene but Mhlanga fled while the wardens were searching the suitcase.
Mhlanga, however, handed herself to the police the following day.
Mahanjana said in court, Mhlanga abandoned her bail application, and the matter was postponed to 24 November, for Lebese’s formal bail application.
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>

Zimbabwean Woman Arrested In SA For Beheading Boyfriend And Cutting Body Into Pieces

Police in Greater Manchester, United Kingdom, have arrested a 45-year-old Zimbabwean man, Obert Moyo, in connection with the murder of Perseverance Ncube, a 35-year-old Zimbabwean woman described as a “real angel” by friends.
Ncube, known to her friends as Percy, was stabbed to death in front of her two children in Salford, England, in the early hours of Friday morning.
She was found with a single wound to the chest and was rushed to the hospital, where she died of her injuries.
In <a href="https://www.gmp.police.uk/news/greater-manchester/news/news/2023/november/a-45-year-old-man-has-been-charged-with-the-murder-of-perseverance-ncube/">a statement on Sunda</a>y, 12 November, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said Moyo had been charged with her murder and possession of an offensive weapon. The statement read in part:
<blockquote>
A 45-year-old man has been formally charged with the murder of Perseverance Ncube, who was tragically killed in front of her two children in Salford.
At around 2.40 AM on Friday 10 November 2023, officers were called to reports of a woman who had been found with serious injuries on Dukesgate Grove in Little Hulton, Worsley.
Perseverance was found with a single stab injury to the chest, she was taken to hospital where she sadly died as a result of her injuries.
Obert Moyo (28/02/1978) of Pennington Road, Bolton has also been charged with possession of an offensive weapon.
He has been remanded ahead of a court appearance at Bolton Magistrates Court on Monday 13 November 2023.
</blockquote>
GMP appealed to any motorists and residents in the area who may have information that can assist in resolving the case to contact the police. GMP said:
<blockquote>
Greater Manchester Police are appealing to any motorists and residents in the area, who may have captured anything that may be of relevance to the investigation on Dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell cameras to contact us.
Anyone with information is asked to contact GMP on 101 quoting log number 236 of 10/11/2023.
Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously to the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
</blockquote>
According <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/zimbabwean-man-arrested-in-uk-after-woman-stabbed-to-death-in-front-of-kids/">to a report</a>, Moyo was released from prison three years ago after serving half of a 10-year sentence for attacking his ex-girlfriend on 26 August 2013.
His relationship with his 25-year-old ex had ended a month earlier.
Moyo went to a care home where she worked in New Church Road, Brighton and Hove, at 1 AM.
He broke in, carrying two knives and a screwdriver and found her working alone.
While the elderly residents slept, he ripped out her hair extensions and then dragged her to the back of the building.
Moyo inflicted cuts on the woman’s face, but she managed to run away and was found on New Church Road.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean Man Arrested In UK Over The Murder Of Perseverance Ncube, A Zimbabwean Woman

Police in South Africa are searching for a 33-year-old Zimbabwean woman after the discovery of a body that had been cut in pieces and stashed in a suitcase in Wattville, Benoni, on the East Rand.
<a href="https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2023-11-11-dismembered-body-discovered-in-suitcase-in-benoni/">TimesLive</a> reported Gauteng police spokesperson Col Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi as saying crime prevention wardens discovered the mutilated body on Saturday. Said Col Nevhuhulwi on Saturday:
<blockquote>
The wardens were conducting patrols when they came across a man and woman pushing a heavy suitcase.
The pair was stopped and while searching the bag, the woman ran away and a mutilated body was found inside the bag. The man, 53, was arrested.
Further investigations by the detectives revealed the woman was the victim’s girlfriend and that they were staying together in Actonville.
The circumstances that led to the gruesome murder are unknown at this stage.
</blockquote>
SAPS requested anyone with information that can assist in tracing and locating the woman to contact their nearest police station or the Crime Stop line at 08600-10111.
Anonymous tip-offs can also be reported on the MySAPS app which can be downloaded on any smartphone. All information received will be treated as strictly confidential.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

SA: Zimbabwean Woman On The Run After Dismembered Body Found In Suitcase

A Zimbabwean healthcare worker has been awarded more than £25 000 after she was fired by bosses only days after arriving in the UK when they found out she was pregnant.
The <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12314927/Healthcare-worker-30-came-UK-Zimbabwe-better-version-awarded-25-000-employment-tribunal-sacked-pregnant.html">Daily Mail</a> reported on Wednesday, 19 July that Felicity Khupe did not tell bosses she was pregnant when offered employment.
She left Zimbabwe for Britain in 2022 while expecting her second child after a UK firm sponsored her to come.
The 30-year-old was fired after they found she was six months along on her second day.
Khupe then sued Comforting Hands Recruitment for unfair dismissal and maternity discrimination and a tribunal said she “missed out on the excitement of being a mother” and now “lives in fear of being deported”.
The company, based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, trains staff for deployment to residential homes and nursing homes across Yorkshire, East Riding and the North East.
Giving evidence to the tribunal, Khupe said when she said she was pregnant, the care coordinator said it was a bit tricky and she needed to talk to the director about it.
She said the director visited her the next day, telling her that “unfortunately” because of her pregnancy she could not continue working there. Said Khupe:
<blockquote>
[She told me] she was cancelling her Course of Sponsorship so I have to go back to Zimbabwe and I have to do it as soon as possible as I would be given 30 days by the Home Office after which my visa would be cancelled.
</blockquote>
Khupe further told the tribunal that she left company accommodation the following Saturday, just one week after arriving from Zimbabwe.
She said she would have taken six months of unpaid maternity leave if she had been able to keep her job, from October 2022 until April this year.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

UK: Zimbabwean Healthcare Worker Fired For Being Pregnant Awarded £25 000 Compensation

South African authorities said that a woman identified as a Zimbabwean who was shot dead after leaving the court and heading to the taxi rank was not a witness but an accused person who was facing a murder charge.
<a href="https://www.zimlive.com/woman-shot-outside-cape-town-court-was-zimbabwean-witness-to-murder/">ZimLive</a>, a local publication had reported that the woman, named Christine Yolanda Gumira who was 30 years old and a mother-of-one, was a witness in the trial of a man who had killed her friend.
But on Monday, 05 June, Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Nicolette Bell, told reporters that Gumira was not a witness but an accused person in a murder case.
Reports indicate that Gumira was charged with murder and was on the verge of turning State witness when she was gunned down. <a href="https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/breaking-wynberg-christine-gumera-murder-accused-three-in-court-witness-5-june/">The South African</a> quoted Bell as saying:
<blockquote>
At the time of her death, she was not a witness but an accused person who appeared in a murder matter.
The NPA regards the safety of all witnesses, its staff, court personnel, and all persons who appear in a court of paramount importance.
To this end, a voluntary witness protection service is available to witnesses.
</blockquote>
Gumira was shot dead on Thursday, 25 May after leaving the court and heading to the taxi rank.
The incident was captured on CCTV, footage that went viral on social media last week.
It is alleged that two of the accused allegedly sat in on Gumira’s case on the day of the shooting.
The suspects allegedly called the third accused and told him what Gumira looked like.
The shooter fired two shots. One fatally injured Gumira and another hit a car passing by.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean Woman Shot Outside Cape Town Court Also Faced A Murder Charge

An Australia-based Zimbabwean woman, Jennifer Ndlovu, has been nominated for two gongs at the forthcoming 2023 Women Changing the World Awards.
Ndlovu (33), from Bulawayo, works for Australia-based Agilyx under the Africa Group.
She graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in 2012.
The winners of the 2023 Women Changing the World Awards will be announced at an event in London, United Kingdom on 18 April.
From the 50 categories, Jennifer Ndlovu is a finalist in the Woman in Tech and Woman in Corporate grouping.
For the Woman in Tech award, Ndlovu is the only African nominee.
The other nominees for the award are Cara Antoine (Netherlands), Maysoon Zayid (USA), Grace Galdos (Netherlands), Katrinas Macdermid (Australia), Margaret Gabanu (Australia), Safia Augeni (Switzerland) and Yuki Aizawa (Malaysia). B-Metro quoted Ndlovu as saying:
<blockquote>
Being nominated is a big honour. I’m very much happy to make it to the finals.
This nomination is a confirmation of the positive impact that women are making all over the world.
</blockquote>
The Women Changing The World Awards is a global awards program that recognises Women changemakers globally.
Meanwhile, Ndlovu recently transitioned to Salesforce from being a driver for Plan International. She said:
<blockquote>
I have a marketing background but recently transitioned to Salesforce from being a driver for Plan International.
I call myself a Ninja woman because of what I have gone through to be where I am now. I am a Salesforce Certified Professional who has hands-on experience with the Salesforce Platform.
I am actively engaged in multiple Salesforce communities and groups to increase my Salesforce knowledge, awareness, and professional connections.
I am currently the first Salesforce women in tech group leader for Zimbabwe where I am mentoring women and not excluding men to embrace the world of technology and join the Salesforce ecosystem.
I, however, do not limit the group membership to individuals in Zimbabwe, but I welcome men and women from all over the world.
I share my story with them and guide them through their Salesforce career. To me, mentorship is my calling and I totally love it.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean Woman, Jennifer Ndlovu, Nominated For 2 Global Awards

A UK-based Zimbabwean woman who became homeless with her baby daughter and later overcame depression is now a thriving student at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom with plans to become a lecturer.
Cleopatra Kaviya (38), came back to education through the University of Bristol’s Foundation in Arts and Social Sciences – a step toward a full degree.
It is a one-year course aimed at adults who either don’t have A-Levels or equivalent or have less mainstream qualifications.
She is now studying for an Anthropology degree at Bristol.
Kaviya grew up in Zimbabwe and planned to go to university to become a teacher.
She moved to the UK as a teenager and due to her strong work ethic, she was picked by bosses to open new chain bakeries all over the country.
Kaviya was appointed to management positions in Bristol stores like Lush and River Island and gradually, her university dream faded as her career took off.
However, in 2017, when aged 31 and heavily pregnant, she unexpectedly separated from her partner.
Kaviya <a href="http://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2023/january/inspirational-student-cleopatra.html">told the University of Bristol website</a> that she couldn’t work and had to go to the council for support. She said:
<blockquote>
I was so ill throughout my pregnancy that I couldn’t work and spent hours each day on drips. Then I found out I had to do it all on my own.
I lost my house and had to go to the council for support because I didn’t have a roof over my head. I ended up in a single room in a mother-and-baby unit in Bristol.
My daughter was also quite ill at this point and I got depression because I felt I’d really let her down.
It was a bit of a horror story. Life was very trying for a while and it was all quite bleak.
But life is totally different now and I am totally different too, I’m also happier now than I ever was before.
</blockquote>
After her daughter Jahvya was born, Kaviya did not have many qualifications and struggled to find work.
She enrolled in an Access to Higher Education Course at The City of Bristol College.
Then, in 2019, she saw a poster for the University of Bristol’s Foundation in Arts and Social Sciences. She said:
<blockquote>
I didn’t think they’d take me but they were really encouraging. The course also really fitted around childcare.
They even let me bring my daughter in – she has come in so much over the last few years that she has become an honorary student!
After my foundation year, I had planned to do teacher training but they said ‘you are so inquisitive about people, we think Anthropology would really nourish your soul’.
I didn’t even know what Anthropology was! But I looked into it and realised it was for me.
</blockquote>
Now in her third and final year, Kaviya says she “absolutely loved” her Anthropology BA, particularly field trips to museums all over the country.
She is now looking at doing a master’s at Bristol, before becoming a lecturer.
Kaviya’s message to people thinking of going to university later in life is:
<blockquote>
If you’re ready, do it. You will find ways to be nurtured that you never knew were possible.
Imposter syndrome is real, but you will look back and chuckle at how far you have come.
It can be challenging, and it takes dedication, but once you do it you’ll feel great.
I feel whole now, university made me feel like I’m me again.
</blockquote>

UK: Former Homeless Zimbabwean Single Mum Now A University Student In Bristol

A Zimbabwean woman, Rutendo Zvidza, of Nkulumane suburb, Bulawayo, has opened another nursing training school in Namibia, in a city called Rundu.
Rundu is the capital of the Kavango region in north-eastern Namibia and Namibia’s second largest city.
Zvidza moved to Namibia in 2013 to work as a nurse and established her first nursing training school in Windhoek, Namibia’s capital.
Her nursing school, PMT Healthcare Institute in Windhoek, accepted its first class of students in January 2021 for a Diploma in Nursing Science and Midwifery. The students are expected to graduate early next year.
Zvidza told <a href="https://cite.org.zw/zim-nurse-opens-another-training-school-in-namibia/">CITE in an interview</a> that the new centre in Rundu will start classes in March 2023. She said:
<blockquote>
PMT Health Care Institute has expanded to another town, Rundu, which is about 800km away from Windhoek. The centre will start classes next year in March 2023. Of late, we were busy with renovations and logistics of opening the school, which has been done. An inspection of the school has also been done.
</blockquote>
Zvidza said the training centre will offer a two-year diploma programme in Enrolled Nursing in Midwifery Science. She said:
<blockquote>
On completion, nursing recruits are referred to as enrolled nurses. These are the nurses who will contribute to the improvement of Namibia’s and the world’s healthcare delivery systems.
</blockquote>
I am delighted that PMT Health Institute is expanding as a school and this is our second branch for the diploma in Enrolled Nursing in Midwifery Science.
<blockquote>
… the goal of the training centre is to produce and groom nurses who are highly competent and professional in order to positively impact the hearts of all Namibians and everyone.
</blockquote>
Zvidza also revealed that PMT Health Care Institution has a sister school, Welwitchia Health Training Centre, which has university status.
She gave God credit for all her achievements to date, saying “prayer can unlock many doors.” Said Zvidza:
<blockquote>
All this can only be through Christ that we worship. One thing for sure that I can tell you is I have managed to do this because of prayer.
I grew up in a family that was not well up, where people never thought someone like me could do something like this in life or be in a position to touch the world the way I’m doing now but by the grace of God, I never stopped praying.
I never stopped kneeling and praying to God. For real I can say that I’m an example of the wonders that God can do.
I’m still trying, little by little, to learn from the gurus who have done these things before and to follow in their footsteps.
So, at the end of the day, by grooming the best nurses, we can bring positivity to the world.
</blockquote>

Zimbabwean Nurse Opens Another Training School In Namibia

A 43-year-old Zimbabwean woman who was the treasurer of the Pretoria City Seventh-day Adventist church has been jailed for an effective three years for stealing R800 000 in tithe money in South Africa.
Memory Mutsika was convicted by the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court for 128 counts of theft which occurred over a four-year period.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mutsika’s responsibilities included transferring tithe and offering money deposited to the church account, to the Northern Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
NPA spokesperson for Pretoria, Lumka Mahanjana, said that between 2012 and 2015, Mutsika transferred more than R800 000 of the money received from the tithe and offerings to her bank account.
Mahanjana said Mutsika converted the money to her personal use and pleaded guilty to the charges.
She said Mutsika had asked for a non-custodial sentence to enable her to repay the church the money over five years. Added Mahanjana:
<blockquote>
However, the State argued that Mutsika always indicated her willingness to pay back the money and had not paid back a single cent since March 2022 after her conviction.
The magistrate agreed with the State and said Mutsika showed no remorse, and that she only stopped stealing not because of her conscience, but because she was caught.
The church placed her in a position of trust, but she betrayed that trust. He further said that he viewed Mutsika’s willingness to pay back the money, as a bargaining tool and as a ticket to keep her out of prison.
Therefore, a sentence of imprisonment was appropriate and criminal conduct has consequences.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zim-woman-jailed-in-sa-for-stealing-r800-000-tithe-money/">The Herald</a>

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