Sundaymail Editor
AN 18-year-old man from Cowdray Park suburb in Bulawayo hanged himself after he was accused of impregnating his cousin.
Meluleki Sibanda was found hanging from a mango tree.
On February 21, 2025, around 8pm, the deceased’s father confronted him over the allegations.
The family decided to resolve the matter with other relatives and the police.
Around 10pm, they retired to bed.
The next day, around 6am, the deceased’s father discovered his son’s lifeless body hanging from a mango tree near the gate.
The body was subsequently taken to Mpilo Central Hospital for a post-mortem.
Bulawayo acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the incident.
“The police are investigating a case of death by hanging, which occurred in Cowdray Park suburb. We urge parents or guardians to cautiously deal with such serious issues without inducing fear in the perpetrators to avoid such incidents,” she said. — B-Metro
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Traditional healer steals from police boss
A self-proclaimed traditional healer, Petros Chiropa (35) of Matondo village in Chigodora, was sentenced to an effective 54 months in jail for theft of trust property and money laundering.
Chiropa was found guilty of stealing US$20 100 from Zimbabwe Republic Police Assistant Commissioner Florence Marume, who is based in Masvingo.
In addition to the 54-month jail term, Chiropa was ordered to restitute Asst Comm Marume US$8 100, which is the outstanding balance from the stolen amount.
Mutare provincial magistrate Annie Ndiraya presided over the matter, while Tafadzwa Zulu prosecuted.
Chiropa was found guilty on two counts of theft of trust property, as defined in Section 133 (2)(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23, as well as contravening Section 8 (1)(a)(b), as read with Section 8, Part 6, of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act, Chapter 9:23.
Initially, Chiropa absconded after being released on bail.
He was, however, later re-arrested.
The State proved that Chiropa connived with Asst Comm Marume’s househelp, Nyasha Manyawu, whom he had a romantic relationship with, to steal the US$20 100 she had been entrusted with by the top cop.
Apparently, Manyawu had been employed for eight years without incident.
Chiropa then went on a spending spree and purchased a Toyota Runx, two double beds, three wardrobes, a 55-inch Plasma TV set and a 250-watt solar panel, among other household items.
When Asst Comm asked for the money on December 16, 2023, Manyawu failed to produce it.
An investigation was launched and it was discovered that Chiropa had taken the money and converted it to his own use with Manyawu’s assistance.
Only US$12 000 was recovered.
For her part, Manyawu was also arrested and is currently serving time for the offence. — Manica Post
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Wife bashed for attending party without approval
A 35-year-old Bulawayo man, Bhekisani Maphosa of Entumbane suburb, has been fined US$300 for assaulting his wife after she attended a party without informing him and refused to let him check her mobile phone.
Maphosa pleaded guilty to physical abuse before Western Commonage magistrate Learnear Khumalo.
He was initially sentenced to 10 months in prison.
However, six months were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour.
The remaining four months were suspended on condition he pays a US$300 fine or its equivalent in the local currency by March 30.
Prosecutor Mandrela Chisiiwa told the court that the assault occurred on February 5 at their Entumbane home.
“At approximately 3pm, Maphosa confronted Shamiso George over a party she had attended the previous day in Lobengula,” said Chisiiwa.
“A misunderstanding ensued and Maphosa demanded to check George’s cellphone, claiming he wanted to confirm her faithfulness.”
When George refused, Maphosa became violent, punching her and then using a leather belt to beat her up.
The victim did not seek medical attention as she sustained no serious injuries.
In a separate but similar case, Charles Gumbo, a 30-year-old man from Pumula South suburb in Bulawayo, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for assaulting his 33-year-old girlfriend over suspected infidelity.
He was convicted by magistrate Khumalo.
Prosecutor Chisiiwa told the court that Gumbo confronted Portia Mutakiwa over allegations of unfaithfulness.
“The two had a misunderstanding which escalated, leading to Gumbo assaulting Mutakiwa with a whip and a knobkerrie,” she said.
Mutakiwa also did not seek medical attention following the assault. — Bulawayo Bureau
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Teen nabbed for raping young churchmate
WHILE the church preached righteousness and moral rectitude, one 19-year-old boy from Makokoba suburb in Bulawayo allegedly disregarded those teachings in the most egregious way.
He was arrested for allegedly raping a fellow 15-year-old congregant after a church service.
Keith Pasipanodya appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Matthew Mutiro on a rape charge.
He pleaded not guilty and the matter was remanded for trial.
He was also referred for a victim-friendly assessment.
In his defence, Pasipanodya claimed that on the day in question, the complainant sent him WhatsApp messages inviting him to a room, where they engaged in consensual sexual intercourse.
He further stated that he knew the complainant as a youth member and was unaware that she was a minor.
The alleged incident occurred on November 24, 2024, around 10am, after a church service in Makokoba.
The accused allegedly had sexual intercourse with the complainant, who is considered legally unable to consent to such an act.
They were reportedly busted during the act and the matter was reported to the police, resulting in Pasipanodya’s arrest. — B-Metro
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