Online Reporter
Ronald Mpofu, [email protected]
A ROGUE cop accused of selling out a rape survivor to her alleged abuser has been dragged back into the dock, this time with his suspected partner in crime by his side.
Thembani Mukanyani (39), a serving police officer, and Cabangani Mathe (35) were both remanded in custody until 10 July 2025 when they appeared before Plumtree Magistrates’ Court in connection with the shocking murder of 20-year-old Benitta Tshuma.
Tshuma, a brave survivor who had reported Mathe for rape, was under police protection at the ZRP Plumtree’s Victim Friendly Unit when the horrifying betrayal allegedly took place.
According to court documents, Mukanyani, the very officer meant to safeguard Tshuma, allegedly smuggled her out of custody and delivered her straight into the hands of Mathe.
From there, Mathe allegedly drove Tshuma to Maitengwe, crossed illegally into Botswana and murdered her, silencing her forever.
Inside court, Magistrate Ailene Munamati remanded the pair in custody as stunned relatives watched on. Outside, emotions ran high.
Prosecutor Ruth Ncube told the court the State was not yet done with its investigations. The matter continues to shake the Plumtree community to its core, with many calling for a complete overhaul of victim protection protocols and deeper scrutiny of those entrusted to enforce the law.
The Judas Cop saga is far from over and the nation is watching.
