TSHOLOTSHO – A 36-year-old man from Dugwi Line, Chefunye in Tsholotsho, Matabeleland North Province, has been sentenced after pleading guilty to a charge of bestiality involving a female goat. Leonard Moyo appeared before the Tsholotsho Magistrates' Court, where he admitted to the offence.

HARARE – A sharp increase in drug-related and cybercrime cases is placing growing pressure on Zimbabwe's magistrates' courts, forcing the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to accelerate the recruitment of magistrates and expand court services to reduce a mounting case backlog.

MASVINGO – A 47-year-old Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer stationed at Chikuku Police Base in Bikita has been acquitted of rape after the Masvingo Magistrates' Court ruled that the evidence presented did not prove the offence beyond a reasonable doubt. Magistrate Archie Wochiungwa delivered the judgment on 2 July 2026, finding that the complainant and the accused were in a consensual relationship at the time of the alleged incident.

BEITBRIDGE – A 35-year-old man from Beitbridge has been sentenced to an effective 15 years in prison after raping a woman before falling asleep in her home, giving the victim time to escape and alert neighbours. Adam Sibanda, of Malala Village under Chief Sitaudze, was convicted of rape by the Beitbridge Magistrates' Court.

BINDURA – A 32-year-old man from Avoca Farm in Bindura has appeared before the courts facing a domestic violence charge after allegedly seriously assaulting his wife during a dispute over suspected infidelity. Bernard Mutara appeared before a Bindura magistrate following an incident that allegedly occurred on 21 June 2026.

A 42-year-old Bulawayo man has appeared before the courts facing four rape charges after allegedly preying on women who were stranded at night by pretending to help them find transport home. Alphios Chitsa appeared before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Taurai Manuwere on Tuesday, where he was remanded in custody until July 6, 2026. He was not asked to plead as the matter is still before the court.