MIKE CHIMOMBE JAILED FOR 12 YEARS

 

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BANK EMPLOYEE STEALS US$96K

A Crown Bank employee has been hauled before the Harare Magistrates' Court on allegations of defrauding Dairibord group finance director Mr Leonard Mutunga of US$96 000 in a loan scam involving a property allegedly belonging to a deceased person.

The accused, Susan Shamiso Charewa of Aspindale Park, is facing fraud charges after she reportedly misrepresented the ownership of a residential property she offered as loan security. She appeared before magistrate Ms Ruth Moyo last week and was remanded in custody. Her bail ruling is expected today.

According to the State, represented by prosecutor Mr Takudzwa Jambawu, the incident occurred in November 2024 when Charewa allegedly approached Mutunga seeking financial assistance, claiming she urgently needed a US$96 000 loan.

She is said to have been accompanied by two men, whom she introduced as her father, Kennedy Chatambudza Chinyowa, and her son, Shingirirai Maruta. To secure the loan, Charewa allegedly claimed that her father had agreed to cede Stand Number 1879, Mutoko Road, New Marlborough, Harare as collateral.

Trusting her representations, Mutunga handed over the money on December 5, 2024, in the presence of a witness, Wadzanayi Manyika. A written loan agreement was reportedly signed, stipulating repayment in three equal monthly instalments of US$32 000.

However, by March 2025, Charewa had allegedly failed to repay the money despite repeated efforts by Mutunga to recover it. He later sought a High Court order to auction the pledged property.

Subsequent investigations revealed that the stand in question was part of a deceased estate and not registered in Charewa's name. It was further established that the person she presented as her father - Kennedy Chinyowa - died on June 19, 2021, long before the loan transaction took place.

Following the alleged deception, Mutunga reported the matter to ZRP Milton Park, leading to Charewa's arrest at her workplace on December 3, 2025. No funds have been recovered.

Charewa is expected back in court today for continuation of bail proceedings. Herald

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2030 LEGAL PROCESS IMMINENT, SAYS ZANU PF

 

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TUNGWARARA BUYS CENTRAL COMMITTEE SEAT

Presidential adviser Paul Tungwarara was co-opted into Zanu-PF's Central Committee on Sunday morning at an extraordinary Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting in Mutare, filling a seat left vacant by former Chipinge representative Dorothy Mabika, who was recently elected provincial Women's League chairperson.

According to the party's constitution, the position is traditionally reserved for a Women's League representative from Chipinge. However, Tungwarara secured the slot with the backing of several party wings and amid reports that donations of vehicles, cash and other resources were used to tilt the nomination in his favour.

Insiders alleged that Tungwarara, through the little-known Presidential Constituency Development Empowerment Fund, distributed vehicles and funds to key provincial party structures in the days leading up to the meeting - a move described as a coordinated push to guarantee his elevation. On Saturday, youths in the province were reportedly given US$200 each by his supporters to lobby for his appointment.

The PCC meeting, held at Mutare Girls High School, proceeded swiftly once Zanu-PF Manicaland chairperson Tawanda Mukodza announced the agenda. Nominations were initiated by provincial youth member Victor Saunyama and Makoni District Coordinating Committee chairperson Kudzi Chipanga, triggering loud chants from the packed hall as delegates signalled support for Tungwarara.

"This is an important meeting; this meeting is going to change Manicaland province, and this meeting should unite us as Manicaland province," Mukodza said. "We have one agenda today: the co-option of a Central Committee member."

Former Chipinge South MP Enock Porusingazi endorsed Tungwarara, saying the two shared roots in Chipinge. "I grew up with Tungwarara in Chipinge before he went to Buhera, and we used to herd cattle together. We are happy that we have such people in the province; it's a blessing to us."

Provincial secretary for Legal Affairs Innocent Benza defended the process, insisting the appointment was constitutional, while Central Committee member Esau Mupfumi said Tungwarara's entry would bring development to the province.

Addressing the gathering after his confirmation, Tungwarara said he was humbled by the endorsement. "This is the work of God, and I am happy that you have shown confidence in me. I will continue to carry out my empowerment projects," he said.

Tungwarara's appointment follows a similar pattern seen in October, when Harare businessman and party benefactor Kudakwashe Tagwirei - who has also funded vehicles and party programmes - was co-opted into the Central Committee. Newsday

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BUSINESSMAN WHO HIRED ROBBERS JAILED

Harare businessman Paul Zhou hired a Toyota Fortuner and a lodge for slain armed robber Godknows Machingura and his gang to help them rob another businessman Paul Chimbodza.

Zhou, who was also kept abreast of the operation through text messages he received from Machingura, will now spend eight years in jail for his role in conspiring to rob Chimbodza. He was facing two counts of conspiracy to commit armed robbery and was convicted on both by Harare regional magistrate Taurai Manuwere.

He sentenced him to six years in prison on each count.

Magistrate Manuwere, however, suspended four years on condition that he doesn’t commit a similar offence in the next five years.

Eight years are effective.

Zhou, 55 was being charged together with some South African nationals – Ndiafhi Makhado 39, Andrew Masubelele 38, and Emmanuel Makamo 22.

Magistrate Manuwere cleared the South Africans of any wrongdoing

He said the evidence produced showed that Zhou conspired with slain armed robber Machingura to try and rob Chimbodza.

“Zhou played a significant role, together with slain armed robber Godknows Machingura, and the State has managed to prove that Machingura wanted to rob the complainant.

“Zhou booked a lodge for Machingura on November 6, 2022, and on November 22, he  hired a gold Fortuner for Godknows Machingura.

“This is the car that the complainant saw as he was exercising in the morning, which was then chased by detectives.

“The same car was driven once again around the complainant’s residence and on December 19, Machingura sent Zhou a WhatsApp message about the complainant’s vehicle, a Toyota GD6, which was at his mine in Shamva.

“All this shows Machingura wanted to rob the complainant and Zhou played active participation.

“Zhou’s defence was dubious because his association with Machingura wasn’t clear. Why would he hire a vehicle for them when they had theirs with South African plates?

“There’s proof beyond reasonable doubt that he connived with Machingura.

“Makamo was in South Africa and it’s not in dispute that no one saw him in Harare or at the scene.

“Makhado and Masubelele were in Zimbabwe as shown on their passports but no one saw them in Harare or at the scene or with Machingura and their alibi that they were in Beitbridge and Bulawayo is reasonable.”

The gang was arrested after the police was tipped off that they were planning to rob Chimbodza.

The police raided a guest house that they had booked and a shoot-out occurred.

Machingura and Jabulani Ngobeni were shot dead. H Metro

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MURDER COVER UP BY COPS : WOMAN DEMANDS DNA TEST

A woman from Mushandike Resettlement Area near Masvingo who suspects a plot by Police to cover-up the murder of her husband by alleged Chief Fortune Charumbira’s 11 bodyguards has engaged a lawyer to pursue the matter through the courts.

Martin Mureri of Matutu and Mureri Legal Practitioners wrote a letter on November 7, 2025 to Officer-in-Charge Law and Order Masvingo and gave him seven days to release DNA results of the deceased or face legal action.

The body of Taurayi Lovemore Takawira (38) who was Tendai Chisoko’s husband is said to be at Masvingo Provincial Hospital Mortuary for the last three years because of a dispute over the actual identity. Suspected Chief Charumbira bodyguards claim that Takawira who they allegedly abducted and assaulted before he disappeared in September 2022, ran away to South Africa and is alive and living there.

Takawira was allegedly abducted over a boundary dispute between Chief Bere and Chief Charumbira.

Chisoko and her family insists that the body which was found in nearby bushes on November 2, 2022 belongs to her husband and accuse Police of acting in cohorts with the Charumbiras to cover up a murder case. Police support Chief Charumbira bodyguards’ position and at one time allegedly attempted to release the body for pauper’s burial.

Police tried to close the case of murder after it declared that the body found in a state of advanced decomposition did not belong to Takawira. The Takawira family had to appeal to the High Court to stop the pauper’s burial. Disposal of the body without positive identification would expunge the murder case against Chief Charumbira’s bodyguards which is before the High Court in Masvingo.

In 2024, the poor widow and her family mobilised US$1 050 and demanded DNA tests for the body in a bid to stop Police from going ahead with the pauper’s burial. The tests were carried out by Police through the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) on March 24, 2024. Family members including the deceased’s brothers participated in the DNA tests but the results have for more than a year-and-half now not been released to the family.

Mureri confirmed to Masvingo  Mirror that he was engaged by the family to pursue the case.

“I was instructed by the late Taurayi Takawira’s relatives. They told me that he went missing on September 30, 2022 in Mushandike Resettlement area. His body was found on November 2, the same year. It appeared it was burnt and therefore difficult to identify. There are however, features that pointed that it was him. They disputed with Police until DNA samples were taken from the deceased and his siblings and verified at NUST. The samples were taken to NUST in 2024 up to now they are not yet out.

“They family instructed me to write a letter to Police which I addressed to the Officer in Charge, Law and Order. Police responded notifying me that the results are not yet out. I am going to write to them enquiring why it is taking long to release the results,” said Mureri.

Masvingo Mirror is in possession of the letter written by Mureri demanding the results within 7 days.

“We were instructed by the family of the late Taurai Takawira to demand his DNA results from your good office. They told us that the now late Takawira went missing on September 30, 2022 in the Mushandike Resettlement area. His body was then found on November 2, 2022. However, a dispute arose as to whether the body belongs to Takawira or not. This led to his samples and that of his siblings being taken to NUST for DNA tests.

“The samples were taken on March 24, last year to NUST for examinations by your office but to date the results are not yet out. They have further instructed us to demand as we hereby do that you give them the DNA results through your office within 7 days of this letter failure which we have further instructions to proceed with legal action without giving you another notice and you will pay the costs of the process,” reads the letter.

Police in their response to the letter said the Officer in Charge CID Law and Order is still waiting for DNA results from NUST.

“The last engagement with NUST officials in August 2025 indicated that the results were not yet available. Once the results are received, you will be duly informed,” reads the response signed by Inspector Tshuma, Masvingo Provincial Legal Officer dated November 20, 2025. 
Some of the reasons why the family believes that the body belongs to Takawira is that they positively identified his phone which was with the body and the clothes he was wearing on the day that he was abducted.


The family blocked Police from giving Takawira’s suspected corpse a pauper’s burial after appealing to the High Court for DNA tests.
The wrangle between Chief Bere and Chief Charumbira arose following the re-establishment of Bere chieftainship abolished over 125 years ago.
The bodyguards allegedly attacked Takawira and two other village heads, Mike Wengedzai Matambanadzo and Luckson Sinamai (all under Chief Bere) who were clearing a piece of land allocated to Sinamai by Chief Bere at village 17A Mushandike Resettlement Area, Masvingo.


Sinamai and Matambanadzo escaped, leaving Takawira who was not feeling well behind. Takawira was not seen again until November 2, 2022 when his decomposing body was discovered by a man looking for his cattle. The matter was reported to Police leading to the arrest of the suspects.

One of the suspected bodyguards implicated in the murder had just been released from prison after serving more than 20 years for killing an MDC supporter. Masvinngo Mirror

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TWO SISTERS DROWN IN A DAM

Two sisters, including a Grade Seven pupil who had passed with flying colours, drowned while swimming at St Irves dam in Chinhoyi.

Two other juveniles were struck and killed by lightning in Banket last week.

The sisters, Chipo (13) and Sharmaine (14) died on Friday.

Sharmaine had just completed her Grade 7 studies at Mhanyame Primary School here in Chinhoyi and had passed with flying colours.

Chipo was a Grade 6 pupil at Chinhoyi Primary School. They were swimming together with Shallome Munuka (8).

Sharmaine is said to have drowned while trying to save her sister.

Mashonaland West provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Ian Kohwera, told H-Metro, Shallome rushed home and alerted her cousin, Blessed Muungani, about the incident.

He then advised other members of the community and they rushed to the scene of the tragedy.

“Two men managed to retrieve the sisters bodies which were stuck in the mud in the dam,” said Insp Kohwera.

He said the bodies were taken to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital. Insp Kohwera urged members of the public to encourage minors not to swim in undesignated or swampy places, especially during the rainy season.

“Parents must keep a close eye on children,” said Insp Kohwera. On the same day, Tinotenda Singano (14) and Millicent Bviri (12) of Peranpoth Farm compound in Banket, were struck and killed by lightning while playing.

They were at the local shops when tragedy struck.

“Members are urged to avoid open areas, tall grass and metal objects.

“They should seek shelter in buildings and stay indoors until the storm passes.” H Metro

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CHIMOMBE SENTENCE TODAY

A 529-day legal drama, stretching over 18 months, which captured the attention of the entire country and transformed two men from high-flying businessmen into convicted fraudsters, will come to a conclusion at the High Court today.

Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, whose names are now as familiar as their faces after a trial which played out live on television, are expected back in court today for sentencing after completing all pre-sentencing inquiries on Friday.

The two were convicted after a full trial by Justice Pisirayi Kwenda.

Prosecutor Whisper Mabhaudhi has urged the court to impose a stiff custodial sentence of up to 35 years because the scale of the US$7m fraud was unprecedented and disadvantaged vulnerable communities.

“They stole from the poorest of the poor,” Mabhaudhi said.

He warned that a lenient penalty will weaken public confidence in the justice system.

He insisted that sentencing below the presumptive term would “be a betrayal of justice”.

The duo’s lawyers pleaded for leniency and willingness to make amends through restitution.

This was dismissed as insincere by prosecutor Mabhaudhi who argued that previous attempts to recover the money under the Money Laundering Act were met with resistance from the pair.

The two were convicted for defrauding the Presidential Goat Scheme of US$7.7 million, a programme designed to uplift rural communities.

Relatives, friends, and business associates are awaiting the final decision as Justice Kwenda, alongside assessors Margaret Chitsiga and Temba Kuwanda, determine the outcome.

Mpofu and Chimombe were found guilty of using forged documents, including fake tax clearance and NSSA compliance certificates, to secure the tender through their company, Blackdeck Pvt Ltd.

The tender involved supplying 85,000 goats to rural communities under the government initiative.

However, only 4,000 goats were delivered, leaving the majority of beneficiaries without the promised support.

The court ruled that the duo defrauded the government of over US$7 million.

In pre-sentencing arguments, Mpofu extended an apology to President Mnangagwa and the nation, acknowledging the stain left on the scheme.

Chimombe offered to reimburse the Government for funds received and pleaded for leniency, arguing his role as a co-perpetrator rather than the principal figure in the fraud.

Defence lawyer Professor Lovemore Madhuku urged the court to consider the failure of State officials to detect the fraud early, highlighting systemic flaws in the tender process.

The defence has requested the court to exercise its discretion with compassion, urging a departure from the presumptive 20-year penalty.

Chimombe and Mpofu told the court they have 24 children, and a combined net worth of about US$3 million. Chimombe has three wives and 15 children, who are all minors, and depend on him for everything they need in their lives.

Mpofu has nine children.

In football terms, the two businessmen could even stage a friendly match featuring their children, on holiday, and even have the luxury of having one substitute on either side.

Chimombe claims he only managed to get as far as O-Level, in terms of his education, before joining politics and owning several businesses.

He submitted that he used to earn an average of US$15,000 to US$20,000 per month and is a person who would never hatch a plan to commit an offence of such a magnitude.

Chimombe said he owns two houses, one in Borrowdale worth US$800,000 and another in Chinhoyi, with an estimated value of US$120,000.

Some of his personal circumstances include his diabetic condition and that he suffers from High Blood pressure

The two said they have responsibilities over various enterprises and two dozen children to take care of. The case has drawn significant attention, not only for the staggering financial loss but also for the betrayal of trust in a programme meant to alleviate poverty.

As the court convenes, the weight of the judgment hangs heavily, with the fate of Mpofu and Chimombe set to serve as a precedent in addressing high-level fraud.

The sentence will determine whether justice tilts toward retribution or rehabilitation. H Metro

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BUSINESSWOMAN LOSES US$500K IN FAKE CHROME DEAL

A Harare businesswoman has reportedly lost US$500,000 in an elaborate scam after fraudsters masquerading as senior executives from Kuvimba Mining House (KMH) lured her into a fake chrome trading deal.

The victim, Precious Mabuza, who operates in the chrome industry, told reporters that she was contacted by individuals who introduced themselves as high-profile KMH officials seeking a partnership on mineral projects along the Great Dyke.

"I received a message from individuals pretending to be executives from Kuvimba Mining House," she said. "They claimed they were looking to collaborate with me on a report mandated by the Minister of Mines regarding chrome on the Great Dyke."

She said the proposal appeared credible, especially given the company's standing in the mining sector, leading her to engage her team and enter negotiations. The scammers reportedly projected authority, professionalism and influence, presenting the deal as a lucrative and state-sanctioned opportunity.

As trust grew, the fraudsters allegedly convinced Mabuza to make a "routine business payment" to facilitate chrome deliveries. Believing the transaction to be genuine and aligned with her usual trade operations, she transferred US$500,000 to a South African account provided by the suspects.

"Since this is part of my regular business dealings, I didn't think twice," she said.

It was only after the payment was made that communication ceased. Calls were ignored, messages went unanswered, and Mabuza realised she had been deceived.

"I tried to call them, but they didn't answer. That's when I started to suspect something was off," she said.

In an effort to prolong the deception, the scammers allegedly sent AI-generated voice messages to simulate continued engagement. Mabuza has since forwarded the audio files to authorities as part of an ongoing investigation.

Kuvimba Mining House has distanced itself from the incident, issuing a public warning against fraudulent individuals exploiting its corporate identity.

"Certain unscrupulous individuals may attempt to mimic or impersonate company executives in negotiating non-existent transactions purportedly on behalf of Kuvimba Mining House. Such actions are fraudulent, illegal, and not sanctioned by our company in any form," the company said in a statement.

KMH stressed that official dealings are conducted strictly through verified communication platforms and formal corporate procedures, adding that it would not be liable for transactions done outside those channels.

Law enforcement authorities are now handling the matter as investigations continue. Standard

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TWO ZIMBAS NABBED WITH R1,2M MBANJE IN SA

 

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DIVISIVE CAR DONATIONS : ZANU PF ACTS

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is now the only ZANU-PF official authorised to hand over vehicle donations, following a new party directive aimed at curbing internal power contests and the growing influence of wealthy benefactors linked to succession speculation, party insiders have revealed.

The directive — reportedly endorsed during a series of high-level meetings in Harare between Wednesday and Friday last week — is meant to centralise political philanthropy under one authority and stem what senior figures view as factional mobilization disguised as generosity.

The decision follows months of extravagant vehicle donations to ZANU-PF members by powerful business figures and political elites, a trend that had begun to shape internal rivalries, particularly around the race to succeed the 83-year-old Mnangagwa.

Party sources told The Standard that President Mnangagwa instructed that all future vehicle donations to party structures must be processed through his office alone. The move followed a proposal tabled by ZANU-PF chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri during the politburo meeting.

Muchinguri-Kashiri is said to have expressed concern that some individuals were using resources to buy influence and position themselves for advancement, effectively turning philanthropy into a political bargaining tool.

"The politburo affirmed that there is one centre of power in ZANU-PF and it is President ED Mnangagwa," a senior official said.

"Vehicle and money donations were becoming divisive. From now on, any support must be channelled through the president, who will deploy resources fairly and in line with party needs."

The directive appears to close the door on independent car-donation initiatives, which in recent months have seen businessmen such as Kudakwashe Tagwirei and Wicknell Chivayo hand out vehicles to politburo members, women's league structures and provincial officials.

The clampdown also follows Vice President Constantino Chiwenga's public call last month for the arrest of businessmen accused of donating cars allegedly purchased using state or party funds. Some within ZANU-PF viewed the donations as part of a wider attempt to court loyalties ahead of an anticipated leadership transition.

Sources say Mnangagwa used last week's meetings to reprimand new and ambitious party members whom he accused of disregarding protocol and positioning themselves above party procedures.

A politburo member said Mnangagwa warned against the rise of what he termed nherwamukono — individuals who, once elevated into central structures, behave as power centres in their own right.

"New members must learn decorum and proper conduct," the insider quoted him saying.

"Those joining the central committee should not bring outside agendas."

ZANU-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa recently hinted that the president was concerned about shadow-campaigning for leadership positions, in what many interpreted as a veiled message to Tagwirei, who has denied harbouring presidential ambitions.

Mnangagwa is constitutionally expected to leave office in 2028, but senior party members are mulling a two-year extension — a proposal reportedly opposed by factions aligned to Chiwenga.

Tagwirei is viewed by some as a rising power broker within ZANU-PF, and his philanthropy-driven outreach has fed speculation of an alternative succession path. With Mnangagwa now assuming full control of party donations, observers say resource mobilisation may increasingly become a test of loyalty alignment.

During Friday's National Consultative Assembly session, Mnangagwa reportedly surprised delegates by chanting "Pasi neZviganda" — a slogan previously popularised by Chiwenga to denounce individuals accused of accumulating wealth through state contracts.

The remark has already stirred debate over the president's target and intent.

Contacted for comment yesterday, ZANU-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa declined to confirm or deny the donation ban, saying he would address the media at a press briefing.

For now, the message from party leadership appears clear: Mnangagwa remains the singular authority over political largesse, and ZANU-PF is moving to rein in parallel power networks as succession undercurrents intensify.

Whether the new rule will restore party cohesion — or simply deepen internal rivalry — remains to be seen as Zimbabwe edges closer to its next leadership transition. Standard

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AIRFORCE BOSS PLOUGHS OPPOSITION POLITICIAN'S MAIZE CROP

In a scary form of abuse of power, a senior member of the Air Force of Zimbabwe and the Midlands Officer Commanding of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services allegedly went to a prominent opposition politician, Patrick Cheza’s farm in Mvuma on Saturday and ploughed down over two hectares of maize crop that was two weeks old.

Cheza has since reported the case under RRB 5909845 at Mvuma Police Station and investigations are underway. He also vowed to sue the senior security officers for the loss of the crop.

“We cannot stand by and watch individuals of this ilk making themselves more special than others. I have vowed to stand up for the voiceless and defend our people, particularly in rural areas against abusive elements like these,” said Cheza in an interview with Masvingo Mirror.

Stanford Ncube, Josiah Magama Tongogara Airbase senior officer and the ZPCS Officer Commanding Midlands Province Commissioner Somemore Gate allegedly drove two unmarked Ford Rangers, other vehicles and a tractor to the farm. They used the tractor to plough down maize a crop that was already 5 centimetres high. Presidential Spokesperson, George Charamba recently castigated the use of unregistered vehicles on the roads, emphasising that they are used to commit crime.

Efforts to get a comment from Air Force of Zimbabwe spokesperson were futile.

ZPCS Deputy Commissioner General Social Ndanga said he has read some posting on the issue but he is yet to get facts on the matter. “I have read some articles about the case but I am yet to get the facts on the ground as to what actually happened,” said Ndanga.

The farm has been at the centre of a wrangle between the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development and Cheza. However, records released to the High Court in Masvingo by the Ministry of Lands show that Cheza was allocated the farm by Government.

Last Saturday’s incident happened when he had already approached the High Court for a declaratory to confirm his ownership of the farm.

At the time of writing the story, Cheza’s lawyer, Leopold Mudisi of Mutendi was preparing an urgent chamber court application to interdict the securocrats from interfering with activities at his farm.

Cheza said that on Saturday he was called on his mobile phone by a worker at the farm and told that there was a group of men who were ploughing down his crop. He immediately drove from Chirumhanzu to the farm and on the way met Ncube who allegedly sped off at high speed after recognising him. He proceeded to the farm where Gate and company were still there and he called Ncube back.

They had an argument for sometime before the securocrats drove off.

“They think because they work for the army therefore they can scare people. I am not afraid of them and I will stand up to them anytime they think they are more special than everyone else,” said Chirwa. Masvingo Mirror

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