Online Reporter
A 41-YEAR-OLD unrepentant repeat offender from Zezani in Beitbridge has been sentenced to 18 years in prison by a local regional magistrate’s court for sodomising his girlfriend’s 13-year-old son.
The man, who cannot be named to protect the victim’s identity, had recently completed a 15-year jail term for a rape committed in 2009.
Beitbridge regional magistrate Charity Maphosa convicted the man of sodomising the complainant in the presence of his two brothers.
She handed down an effective 18-year prison sentence, taking into account the accused’s previous criminal record for a similar offence.
Prosecutor Willbrought Muleya told the court that the accused was the boyfriend of the complainant’s mother.
On the night of February 26, 2025, the man found the complainant sleeping between his two brothers.
Upon entering the room, he went to the boy, removed his clothes and then sexually violated him.
The court heard that the boy screamed for help, but the accused covered his mouth with one hand and threatened to kill him.
After committing the offence, he disappeared.
The incident came to light when the other brothers began to ridicule the complainant in the presence of an older individual, who then investigated the matter.
The complainant disclosed what had happened and the matter was reported to the police, who promptly arrested the accused. — Bulawayo Bureau
***************
Swarm of locusts targets chicken shop
Bulawayo city centre was recently turned into an unsettling, crawling zone when an unexpected swarm of locusts descended under the cover of darkness on the Chicken Slice building at the intersection of 9th Avenue and Fort Street.
Witnesses described the scene as “biblical”, with hundreds of insects blanketing walls, pavements and streetlights, turning the central business district into a buzzing frenzy.
While insects are a common sight in rural fields, this phenomenon in an urban area raised questions and eyebrows.
Enterprising residents seized this bizarre moment as an unexpected opportunity, scooping up the crunchy creatures into 2kg bags, with some jokingly remarking: “Sadza is sorted. God just sent the relish, too!”
However, while some saw a free meal, others considered it a dark omen.
“Locusts do not just show up in town,” one passerby whispered.
“This could mean hunger is coming . . . or something worse.”
Known locally as madhumbudla/mhashu, these bugs are usually spotted feasting on millet and sorghum in rural areas and recent reports confirm sightings on farmlands.
Yet, no one can quite explain why they have buzzed into the urban jungle.
Panic? Profit? Prophecy?
The insects have stirred up more than just wings; they have stirred the city’s superstitions. — B-Metro
***************
Son accused of mom’s murder
A 61-year-old woman from Regayivadero village in Tanda, Mayo, under Chief Makoni, was brutally murdered in a suspected domestic dispute with her 31-year-old son, who has since been identified as the primary suspect.
The cause of the argument that led to Rosemary Mapasvikwa’s death remains unknown.
Her son, Tafirenyika Musuwa, is currently on the run.
Manicaland police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka said the deceased was found lying in a pool of blood with a deep wound on the head.
“The incident occurred on April 23. Another son of the deceased, Simon Musuwa (29), who resides at the same homestead, reported that he had left early in the morning, around 5am, to plough the family field. At that time, his mother was still asleep in her bedroom, while Tafirenyika was standing in the yard,” said Asst Insp Chinyoka.
“When Simon returned home around 9am to unyoke his oxen, he was met with a horrific scene. His mother was lying lifeless on a rocky outcrop just a few metres from the homestead . . .
“Upon closer inspection, Simon discovered that his mother had sustained a deep wound on the back of her head and was lying face down in a pool of blood.”
Officers from Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Mayo and CID Rusape attended the scene.
The body was taken to the Rusape General Hospital mortuary for post-mortem.
A blood-stained axe, believed to be the weapon used in the attack, was found placed on top of a pile of firewood approximately five metres from the body.
Investigators also discovered shoe prints at the scene that matched those of Tafirenyika.
“Simon immediately alerted a neighbour, who in turn contacted the police. However, Tafirenyika had already fled.
Following the discovery, Tafirenyika left the homestead and his current whereabouts are unknown,” said the police.
A manhunt has since been launched.
“We are appealing to anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect to report it to the nearest police station. The suspect is believed to be dangerous and members of the public are advised not to approach him but to alert the authorities immediately,” Asst Insp Chinyoka urged. — Manica Post
***************
Jealous hubby bashes wife over mystery contact named Wardrobe
A Pumula North woman was bashed by her husband around 3am after he discovered a contact saved as “Wardrobe” in her phone.
Soames Ndlovu (38) appeared before magistrate Mehluli Moyo accused of assaulting his wife, Sibusiso Dube, whom he suspected of infidelity.
In the early hours of April 18, 2025, Ndlovu reportedly woke up his wife and began interrogating her about nine unfamiliar numbers he discovered in her phone.
According to court documents, Sibusiso explained eight of the contacts to her suspicious husband.
However, the ninth number, mysteriously saved as “Wardrobe”, left her unable to provide an explanation.
This silence allegedly enraged Ndlovu.
Without warning, he reportedly unleashed a barrage of fists and slaps all over her body, accusing her of being unfaithful.
Neighbours reported hearing the commotion from down the street as Dube screamed for help.
The assault was subsequently reported to the police, leading to Ndlovu’s arrest.
He has since appeared in court but was not asked to plead. — Bulawayo Bureau
Online Reporter