Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Mutare Bureau
A MAKONI Villager, who ambushed ECD pupils who were on their way home and kidnapped one of them, has been jailed for 12 months.
Earnest Kapfurutsa, 25, of Plot 40, Wensleydale, Headlands, where he is employed as a gardener, appeared before Rusape magistrate Barbra Mateko.
He was not represented and pleaded not guilty to the charge.
However, overwhelming evidence was provided in court and magistrate Mateko convicted him and sentenced him to 12 months behind bars.
Prosecutor Faith Mutukwa told the court that Kapfurutsa kidnapped an eight-year-old boy and deprived him of his freedom when he dragged him towards Nyagadzi River.
He only released the minor after a fellow villager heard him screaming for help and went out to investigate.
“On October 11 2025, at around 4 pm, at Village 2 Nyamukamani, Chiendambuya, the complainant was walking home in the company of another minor.
“The two minors met the accused person who tried to grab the complainant’s friend’s hand but missed it.
“Accused managed to grab the complainant’s hand and started to drag him towards Nyagadzi River.
“Complainant tried to break free but failed. As they were passing by Nyamukamani Gardens, the complainant shouted to Sarah Madi, who was in her garden, pleading for help.
“Madi went to investigate what was going on and the accused person released the boy and fled.”
