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Senior prison officer in court over alleged unlawful release of armed robberDanisa Masuku Zimpapers Writer A senior prison officer stationed at Khami Maximum Prison Complex has found himself in legal trouble after allegedly facilitating the release of an inmate serving a 62-year sentence for six counts of armed robbery. Chamunorwa Matshalaga, a Principal Correctional Officer with the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS), appeared before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Mr Mark Dzira on Friday, facing a charge of criminal abuse of office. Matshalaga applied for bail, arguing that he posed no flight risk and would not interfere with State witnesses. He also pledged to reside at the address he had provided to the court. However, the State opposed the application, and he was remanded in custody until 2 October. Prosecutor Siphiwe Mhlanga submitted that criminal abuse of office is a serious offence and a form of corruption that undermines national well-being. She further argued that unlawfully releasing an inmate from prison is a grave violation that erodes public trust in the ZPCS and the rule of law. The court also heard concerns that Matshalaga might interfere with witnesses and, given the severity of the charge, could abscond. It is alleged that sometime in 2024, on an unspecified date, Matshalaga — who was responsible for inmate records and administration — conspired with accomplices, who are yet to be arrested, to unlawfully release Charles Nyarondo from custody. Nyarondo was serving a 62-year sentence for six counts of armed robbery committed between 2023 and 2024. The court was told that Matshalaga and his accomplices were part of the amnesty selection panel tasked with compiling a list of inmates eligible for release under the Proposed General Amnesty 2024: Clemency Order No. 1 of 2024, which was to inform the Presidential Clemency Order. It is alleged that Matshalaga and his co-accused unlawfully included Nyarondo on the list of beneficiaries, despite his ineligibility due to the nature of his convictions. They reportedly facilitated his release by misclassifying him under the “aged 60” provision, in violation of paragraph six of Clemency Order No. 1 of 2024, published in Government Gazette Vol. CII No. 32. The Gazette explicitly excludes inmates convicted under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23] from release on the basis of age.
Senior prison officer in court over alleged unlawful release of armed robberDanisa Masuku Zimpapers Writer A senior prison officer stationed at Khami Maximum Prison Complex has found himself in legal trouble after allegedly facilitating the release of an inmate serving a 62-year sentence for six counts of armed robbery. Chamunorwa Matshalaga, a Principal Correctional Officer with the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS), appeared before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Mr Mark Dzira on Friday, facing a charge of criminal abuse of office. Matshalaga applied for bail, arguing that he posed no flight risk and would not interfere with State witnesses. He also pledged to reside at the address he had provided to the court. However, the State opposed the application, and he was remanded in custody until 2 October. Prosecutor Siphiwe Mhlanga submitted that criminal abuse of office is a serious offence and a form of corruption that undermines national well-being. She further argued that unlawfully releasing an inmate from prison is a grave violation that erodes public trust in the ZPCS and the rule of law. The court also heard concerns that Matshalaga might interfere with witnesses and, given the severity of the charge, could abscond. It is alleged that sometime in 2024, on an unspecified date, Matshalaga — who was responsible for inmate records and administration — conspired with accomplices, who are yet to be arrested, to unlawfully release Charles Nyarondo from custody. Nyarondo was serving a 62-year sentence for six counts of armed robbery committed between 2023 and 2024. The court was told that Matshalaga and his accomplices were part of the amnesty selection panel tasked with compiling a list of inmates eligible for release under the Proposed General Amnesty 2024: Clemency Order No. 1 of 2024, which was to inform the Presidential Clemency Order. It is alleged that Matshalaga and his co-accused unlawfully included Nyarondo on the list of beneficiaries, despite his ineligibility due to the nature of his convictions. They reportedly facilitated his release by misclassifying him under the “aged 60” provision, in violation of paragraph six of Clemency Order No. 1 of 2024, published in Government Gazette Vol. CII No. 32. The Gazette explicitly excludes inmates convicted under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23] from release on the basis of age.

Danisa Masuku, Zimpapers Writer A senior prison officer stationed at Khami Maximum Prison Complex has found himself in legal trouble after allegedly facilitating the release of an inmate serving a…

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Huayou Cobalt investment tops US$1,1bn in Zim
Huayou Cobalt investment tops US$1,1bn in Zim

CHINESE conglomerate Huayou Cobalt has invested US$1,1 billion in Zimbabwe’s mining sector since commencing operations in 2022.

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Parly to assess fertiliser firms operations
Parly to assess fertiliser firms operations

Ahead of the summer cropping season, Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Industry and Commerce will this week visit and assess fertiliser manufacturing companies to appreciate their challenges and recommend to the Government policies to improve their operations.

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36 war heroes to be reburied
36 war heroes to be reburied

The Fallen Heroes Trust of Zimbabwe is set to rebury 36 Zipra war heroes, including 35 who have already been exhumed from Sanyati and Hurungwe.

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Australia joins UK and Canada in official recognition of Palestine
Australia joins UK and Canada in official recognition of Palestine

UK GUARDIAN — Australia has formally recognised Palestine as a sovereign and independent state, marking a significant shift in its foreign policy amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. Prime Minister Anthony…

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Bulawayo man develops platform to pay school fees using WhatsApp
Bulawayo man develops platform to pay school fees using WhatsApp

Lubelihle Mathe, Chronicle Reporter A local software developer, Mr Busani Moyo, has launched a new school management system designed to streamline school fee payments and improve communication between schools and…

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Kenya’s lead in drafting intersex protection laws
Kenya’s lead in drafting intersex protection laws

Mkhululi Ncube, Zimpapers Reporter IMAGINE being born with both male and female sex organs — a condition known as intersex — something entirely beyond your control or choice. As you…

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Gweru fire kills 2 minors, 3 nabbed
Gweru fire kills 2 minors, 3 nabbed

Patrick Chitumba , [email protected] A devastating fire incident in Gweru that claimed the lives of two minor children has led to the arrest of three individuals who allegedly started the…

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Goofy, gifted Babongile Sikhonjwa gone too soon
Goofy, gifted Babongile Sikhonjwa gone too soon

Langalakhe Mabena Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub The sudden death of popular radio personality and entertainer, Babongile Sikhonjwa has sent shockwaves through Bulawayo and the rest of the country. Sikhonjwa,…

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On a day when Bulawayo hosted its biggest football match, Sikhonjwa tapped out
On a day when Bulawayo hosted its biggest football match, Sikhonjwa tapped out

Raymond Jaravaza Online Reporter For weeks, Bulawayo had been holding its breath to host one of the biggest matches of the 2025 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season. Just as the…

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