By Staff Reporter

A violent and reckless campaign to force his ex-wife into reconciliation culminated in a three-year and four-month jail sentence for Sadam Rutsvara (36) after pushing his ex-wife Tichayeva Mutusva into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

Delivering the sentence on Monday August 25, Masvingo magistrate Elizabeth Hanzi described the act as a potentially fatal escalation of his domestic abuse.

The Magistrate emphasized that his actions were not only reckless but a severe violation of a court order intended to protect the victim.

The incident, which occurred on August 7, 2025, near Chikato Police Station, was the final act in a two-day spree of violence triggered solely by Mutusva’s refusal to resume their relationship.

The state led by prosecutor Munyaradzi Mavhondo prosecute alleged that the chain of events began on August 6, when Rutsvara first violated an existing peace order by appearing at Mutusva’s residence.

The court heard that he had given her US$25 to help him find a room to rent. When Mutusva returned the money after failing to secure accommodation, a drunken Rutsvara reacted with extreme violence.

He subjected her to a torrent of vulgar insults, doused her in alcohol, and then physically assaulted her, grabbing her by the neck and landing two punches.

In a frantic attempt to escape, Mutusva fled the scene. Enraged, Rutsvara picked up a brick and hurled it at her.

The projectile missed its intended target but struck the couple’s minor daughter, who was present, injuring the child’s wrist.

Later that same day, the pursuit continued at Jazire Business Center in Victoria Ranch, where Rutsvara accosted Mutusva again, snatching her handbag and stealing US$27 and R80, which she reported to Vashandi Police Base.

The following day, the confrontations reached their terrifying climax. Upon encountering Mutusva near Don Bosco Primary School in Mucheke, Rutsvara issued a direct death threat.

When she once again firmly rejected his pleas to reconcile, he physically shoved her into the path of an oncoming vehicle—a moment that could have ended in tragedy.

In her ruling, Magistrate Hanzie stated that the defendant’s complete disregard for the law and for the victim’s safety warranted a sterner punishment.

The sentence serves as a stark reminder of the grave dangers of coercive control and the lethal potential of domestic violence when a survivor stands firm in their decision to leave.

By TellZim Reporter

A teacher from Shindi Secondary School in Chivi has found himself on the wrong side of the law after being arrested in a police sting operation for illegally possessing a pangolin, a critically endangered and specially protected species.

Kenias Maugara (46) of Village 1, Nyahombe Resettlement, under Chief Shindi, appeared before a Masvingo magistrate facing charges of contravening the Parks and Wildlife Act, specifically for the possession and attempted sale of a specially protected animal.

The court heard that on August 1, 2025, a police detective received a tip-off that Maugara was in possession of a pangolin trophy and was actively seeking a buyer.

The detective, posing as a potential buyer, contacted Maugara and offered him US$1,500 for the illicit commodity.

Demonstrating shrewd tactics, the detective was able to exploit the suspect’s amateur nature. When Maugara indicated he had no transport to bring the pangolin to Masvingo, the undercover officer offered him an additional US$10 for transport costs, effectively sealing the deal.

Lured by the promise of payment, Maugara agreed to meet at a public place, a decision that highlighted his inexperience in such illegal trades.

On August 2, Maugara arrived at Glow Petroleum in Masvingo carrying a brown satchel. As agreed, he met the “buyer” and unveiled the pangolin trophy, which was wrapped in a blue Barclays jersey. He was immediately arrested after presenting the evidence.

In his defense, Maugara claimed he was unaware of the satchel’s contents, stating that it belonged to a traditional healer from Binga. The pangolin trophy was valued at US$5,000.

This case is not an isolated incident in the province, where the illegal trade in protected wildlife remains a persistent challenge for authorities.

In a similar 2023 case, a Masvingo man was sentenced to nine years in prison after being caught selling a live pangolin to an undercover police officer at Mucheke Bus Terminus. The transaction was also arranged over the phone, demonstrating a common modus operandi.

In early 2024, a team of detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Masvingo busted a syndicate that was trafficking in lion bones and leopard skins. The operation, which followed a lengthy investigation, led to the arrest of three individuals in the Ngundu area, highlighting the broader issue of wildlife trafficking in the region.

The arrest of a community figure like a teacher has sent shockwaves through the Chivi community, raising concerns about the involvement of even educated individuals in the destructive poaching trade.

Pangolins are considered the world’s most trafficked mammals and are protected under stringent international and national laws.

Staff Reporter

In a shocking act of betrayal, a pastor was dragged to court on allegations of sodomising an 18-year-old man from Kwekwe at gun point.

The spiritual father who is based in Zvishavane, was recently arraigned before Kwekwe Magistrates’ Court facing charges of aggravated indecent assault.

The heinous incident allegedly occurred in Redcliff on August 11, 2025 at the victim’s home where the pastor had visited.

In a statement on its X handle, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the victim allegedly woke up to find himself being caressed by the accused person who had paid a visit to the victim’s family.

“When the victim enquired about his actions the accused person allegedly said that the victim was ‘too handsome’ and the lack of beard made him feel as if he was in bed with a woman,” reads part of the post.

The accused person is alleged to have forcibly removed the victim’s shorts and threatened to shoot him with a gun if he screamed or told anyone.

“He then allegedly forced the victim to lie on his stomach and sexually assaulted him three times. After the third assault, the accused person allegedly told the victim to perform a sexual act on him.

Out of fear the victim complied and the accused person left the victim’s home at 0630 hours. The victim disclosed his ordeal to his aunt on the same day,” reads part of the post.

The matter was reported at Redcliff Police station leading to the arrest of the accused. The pastor was remanded in custody and will be back in court on 27th of August 2025 for trial.

The recent incident has sparked widespread outrage and concern. How could someone entrusted with spiritual guidance betray that trust so egregiously? The situation raises fundamental questions about accountability, moral leadership, and the vulnerability of those seeking guidance.