Online Reporter
AGE may just be nothing but a number, but heartbreak knows no bounds, even in Esigodini, where a grey-bearded grandfather stands accused of dumping his wife for a much younger househelp.
Tears flowed in the Bulawayo Civil Court as 56-year-old Betty Ndlovu told magistrate Challenge Mahembe that her husband, Abednico Ndlovu (63), had gone rogue after falling for their househelp earlier this year.
The househelp’s age was not disclosed in court.
According to Betty, the drama began when they hired her to assist around the house.
But instead of sweeping floors, she allegedly swept Abednico off his feet.
The elderly man reportedly packed his bags and moved in with her in Cowdray Park, leaving Betty to pick up the emotional rubble.
“Your worship, I am living in fear,” sobbed Betty.
“Last week, my husband came home, insulted me in front of the grandchildren and beat me up. He even said he would burn me alive in my bedroom hut.”
The court heard that Abednico’s visits had become a nightmare — filled with punches, insults and death threats — while his alleged new flame enjoyed her happily ever after in Cowdray Park.
When Abednico took the stand, he denied the accusations.
“I do not know what she is talking about. I do not stay with that woman. I live in Cement Siding,” he insisted.
He further accused Betty of hiding his kraal head licence to “fix” him.
“I cannot perform my kraal duties because she will not give me my papers,” he said, prompting chuckles from the courtroom gallery.
It seemed the old man thought he had found new love, but ended up getting roasted in court instead.
From kraal head to courtroom headline, his romance took a dramatic turn.
In the end, justice swung Betty’s way.
Magistrate Mahembe granted her a five-year protection order. — Bulawayo Bureau
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Gokwe man steals father’s heifer to fund beer binge
A Gokwe man has been sentenced to nine years in prison after stealing his father’s heifer and selling it to fund his drinking habits.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), 25-year-old Bhekimpilo Madzura was convicted of stock theft after he followed his father’s cattle to the grazing fields on October 7, 2025 and stole one of the animals.
Madzura’s brother later spotted him at a local business centre, leading the stolen heifer tethered to a rope.
Sensing something was amiss, he immediately informed their father, who promptly filed a police report.
Investigations led police to a neighbour, who had unknowingly purchased the stolen heifer for US$290.
The animal, valued at US$380, was recovered and returned to its rightful owner. — Midlands Bureau
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Sore loser wrecks bar over pool score
A 28-year-old man turned one of the world’s most peaceful sports into an extreme physical activity after unleashing a violent outburst that left bar property in ruins.
The bizarre incident occurred in Gwayi on October 3, 2025.
Cloudious Nyoni was playing pool with friends when a heated argument broke out over the score.
In a fit of rage, Nyoni flipped the pool table, sending balls flying and the table crashing to the floor.
As stunned patrons scattered, he grabbed a cue stick and used it as a weapon — smashing a 52-inch television set mounted to the wall.
“The offender reacted violently and turned over the pool table, which then fell to the ground and got damaged. He then used a pool stick to smash a 52-inch television which was on the wall,” read a statement from the NPAZ.
The rampage caused an estimated US$1 500 in damages.
The Hwange Magistrates’ Court sentenced Nyoni to 12 months in jail, with six months suspended for five years.
The remaining six months were also suspended on condition he pays full restitution of US$1 500 to the bar owner by November 17, 2025. — Bulawayo Bureau
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Love triangle involving two sisters turns deadly
A Bulawayo man says he is still “shaking like a leaf” after surviving a terrifying love triangle that nearly cost him his manhood — all because he thought he could juggle two sisters.
The drama erupted when Nyarai Goredema (47) of Lobengula West discovered that her boyfriend, Jonathan Ncube, had been romantically involved with both her and her younger sister.
Enraged, she unleashed a torrent of insults, chilling threats and a promise that still makes Ncube wince.
“You think you are smart? I will cut your balls and kill you!” she allegedly screamed in one of the voice notes that sent shivers down Ncube’s spine.
Prosecutor Cathrine Kuzu told the Western Commonage Court that Goredema’s fury escalated on October 12 around noon, when she sent threatening texts and voice messages promising to “finish him off”.
Gripped by fear, as his phone buzzed with increasingly menacing messages, Ncube ran to the police trembling. He then played the chilling audios to the officers.
“She meant every word. I thought she was on her way with a knife,” a traumatised Ncube later told friends.
Appearing before magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube, Goredema admitted intimidating Ncube.
He was sentenced to four months in prison, which were wholly suspended for three years on condition she controls her temper — and her knives, too.
Though justice was served, Ncube says he is still traumatised.
His nights are restless and loud knocks at the door make his heart race.
“She might be out there, watching,” he said. — Bulawayo Bureau
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Godspower’s not-so-holy hustle lands him in trouble
A man ironically named Godspower Mukanangana has landed on the wrong side of the law after being caught with a stash of unregistered sex-enhancement pills and banned herbal concoctions in Gweru.
Police arrested the 23-year-old on October 18, 2025 following a tip-off.
In a statement, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest.
“The ZRP confirms the arrest of Godspower Mukanangana (23) in connection with unlawful possession of unregistered medicines comprising sex enhancement pills — Di Sea Cucumber and Panax Ginseng Extractum, among others,” said Comm Nyathi.
Ironically, the man whose name evokes divine authority was allegedly peddling substances deemed dangerous under Zimbabwean law.
The contraband falls under illicit complementary medicines not approved by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe.
Health experts warn that such unregulated products pose serious risks, including heart complications, liver damage and addiction.
Many contain hidden chemicals or dangerously high doses of stimulants.
Mukanangana is expected to appear in court soon to face charges related to the possession and sale of unregistered medicinal products. — Midlands Bureau
