Online Reporter
Ronald Mpofu
THE UNTHINKABLE BETRAYAL! A cop sworn to serve and protect is now at the centre of a gruesome rape and murder case…
Cabangani Mathe (35), aka “Mike”, and his alleged accomplice Thembelani Mukanyani a police officer stationed at Matjinge, appeared in a tense court session at Plumtree Magistrates Court yesterday, charged in connection with the rape and killing of a woman Mukanyani allegedly handed over to her abusive boyfriend — who later ended her life!
Magistrate Ailene Munamati remanded the pair in custody to May 14, 2025, as Mathe awaits a second mental health evaluation. State prosecutor Ruth Ncube told the court only one of the two ordered assessments had been conducted so far.
“We humbly request a postponement until the second psychiatric report is submitted,” said Ms Ncube.
But as legal procedures dragged, emotion outside the courtroom boiled over.
The court gallery was packed to the rafters, mostly with furious women from Plumtree, some of whom claim to have had chilling encounters with the cop now branded “Judas in Uniform.”
“If you’ve been assaulted by Mike, please don’t hesitate to testify. We have him in custody and your safety is guaranteed,” a police appeal reportedly broadcast earlier had declared — sparking the rush to the courtroom.
Meanwhile, the family of the deceased woman — identified as Benitta Tshuma — was not in attendance, but a close relative told B-Metro they were “watching the case closely.”
With allegations of abuse stacking up, whispers in the community suggest “Mike” could have a trail of silent victims, too afraid to speak out — until now.
As the case unfolds, residents are bracing for more bombshells. One court official was overheard saying: “This is just the tip of the iceberg.”
