At times it is difficult to understand the intense attraction between incompatible couples. Such relationships often persist until tragedy strikes. The frequency and intensity of the altercations between Rachel Gomba (the accused) and Paddy Mangisa Mlambo (the deceased) were well documented highlighting the viciousness with which the deceased routinely attacked the accused. These patterns of violence were clear precursors to this tragedy which not only them but their families also, must have seen coming. Their tumultuous cycle of violent confrontations came to a conclusion on 24 October 2022, three years into their relationship, when the accused allegedly killed the deceased. More
Both accused pleaded not guilty to a charge of murder as defined in s 47 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23]. The state alleges that on 29 December 2017 and at Jambaya Store, Chief Muusha the accused persons did each or one or more of them unlawfully and with intent to kill or realising the real risk or possibility that their conduct may cause death and continuing to engage in that conduct despite the risk or possibility struck Moses Gwenzi with a log and machete all over the body thereby inflicting injuries from which the said... More
This is an automatic review of the proceedings before a magistrate. The learned magistrate in response to a query why the record of proceedings did not reflect that the court had explained to the accused her right to cross examine State witnesses and the consequences of failing to cross examine the witnesses on aspects of the witness evidence which the accused did not agree with or putting to the witness accused’s version of the events that the State relied upon for the contention that accused had committed an offence responded as follows: “the right of the accused to cross-examination were... More
The accused is charged with various counts involving terrorism, sabotage and illegal possession of firearms in contravention of the Public Order and Security Act [Cap11:17] and the Firearms Act [Cap10:09]. More
The accused is charged with various counts involving terrorism, sabotage and illegal possession of firearms in contravention of the Public Order and Security Act [Cap11:17] and the Firearms Act [Cap10:09]. More
In this review judgment, I decided to write a single judgment since the same Magistrate dealt with the matter, the accused face the same offence and the same misdirection is evident from the proceedings. In sentencing the accused persons the learned Magistrate exceeded her jurisdiction.
Under case number CHN 1547/22 the accused was convicted on two counts of domestic violence in contravention of s4 as read with section 3 of the Domestic Violence Act (Chapter 5:16). On the first count he was sentenced to pay a fine of ZWL $50 000 in default of payment 3 months imprisonment. In addition... More
In this family feud, which resulted in the death of the deceased, the accused took all the blame which led to the acquittal of his co accused. The accused appeared before us facing a charge of murder in contravention of s47 (1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23]. He stabbed the deceased several times leading to his death. The deceased and the accused were cousins. The two families have an acrimonious relationship inundated with violence. We were told the deceased had, prior to this offence stabbed one of his cousin brothers’ son. The deceased and the... More
This record was referred to this court by the Regional Magistrate who raised queries on scrutiny of the proceedings presided over by a junior magistrate. The Regional Magistrate’s minute reads as follows:
“STATE v SAMUEL AGERE CRB 120/17
May the record of proceedings be placed before a Judge of the High Court with the following comments from the scrutinizing Regional Magistrate: More
On the 20th of August 2024 Nyikadzino Matanhire, the deceased was said to be in a jovial mood, drinking beer with his friends including the deceased and singing gospel music at Jupiter Bar Norton. Unbeknown to him, these were the last beautiful memories he left his beloved friends with. When the merrymakers left the bar, each to their place, the accused stabbed the deceased once on the throat and once on the back. He died on the spot. More
The applicant Sekai Ndoro is the natural mother of Samatha Ruhukwa. She applied to the Mutare Juvenile Court for an order granting her guardianship, and custody of Samatha. The application cites her as the applicant. No respondent was cited though Samatha’s father’s identity is revealed in the applicant’s founding affidavit. More
In this case the deceased Bvumai Luke Sarupango lost his life over allegations of alleged witchcraft. It is alleged by the state that on 17 May 2019 and at Mutunduve Village Chief Saunyama, Nyanga, the accused persons and one or both or more of them unlawfully caused the death of Bvumayi Luke Sarupango by tying him against poles of a shed and assaulting him several times on the buttocks and feet using an iron rod and a sjambock intending to kill him or realising that there was a real risk or possibility that their conduct might cause death and continued... More
The now 24 year old accused person is facing a murder charge, it being alleged by the state that on 29 August 2017 at Imbizo Inn Night Club, in Kwekwe the accused unlawfully caused the death of Nqabutho Ndlovu by stabbing him once on the neck and once on the back with a knife intending to kill him or realizing the real risk or possibility that his conduct may cause death but continued to engage in that conduct nonetheless. More
On the 27th of October 2023 a 6-year-old an innocent child was brutally murdered. The author of this atrocious crime was merciless, he stripped her naked and probably raped her. There was no direct evidence of who committed the offence. Such cases leave the investigators and prosecutors struggling to link criminals to crimes. It is an indictment for the investigators to think outside the box and identify sources of scientific ways to link criminals to crimes where possible. More
This matter proceeded as a stated case. The defence had brokered a limited plea which the State accepted. The plea bargaining reduced the charge of murder to culpable homicide. The court found the plea bargaining proper as the State did not have any eye witness to the offence. More
The accused faces a charge of murder as defined in s 47 (1) ( a) or (b) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act [Chapter 9: 23], it being alleged that on the 4th of May 2013 at Odzi Service Station and in the company of one Lucky Ncube, who is still at large, and with intent to kill or realizing that there was a real risk or possibility that his conduct might cause death and continued to engage in that conduct despite the risk or possibility by stabbing Bernard Nyika with a knife on the right side of... More
