Four Men Jailed Seven Years For Kidnapping Police Officer During Gokwe Public Hearing

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the conviction and sentencing of four men to seven years in prison each after they kidnapped and assaulted a police officer during Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 public hearing duties in Gokwe. The convicted men are Isheunesu Benjamin Marima (30), Collin Masawi (44), Wonder Gamba (43), and Edwin Chinongwa (32).

According to a ZRP statement issued on 8 May 2026, the incident occurred on 31 March 2026 at around 10 am in Nembidziya, Gokwe. Police said the complainant, who is a serving ZRP officer deployed for security duties during Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 public hearings, was approached by Marima, who allegedly introduced himself as security personnel.

The suspect reportedly requested to speak with the officer outside the public hearing venue under the pretext of discussing issues related to the proceedings. However, once outside, police say the complainant was forcibly bundled into a vehicle where the other accused persons were waiting.

The suspects allegedly drove the complainant to the Maselukwe area in Gokwe North, where they parked in a secluded location before assaulting him. Police say the accused took turns attacking the officer before later driving him back to Mutora Business Centre and abandoning him. The suspects allegedly fled the scene at high speed. Investigations by the Criminal Investigation Department later led to the arrest of the four accused persons. Authorities also recovered two vehicles allegedly used during the kidnapping:

• A Toyota Hilux registration number AGE 0792

• A Ford Ranger registration number AGE 5681

The accused appeared before Gokwe Regional Magistrate Stanford Mambanje. State prosecutor Maluern Nzombe represented the prosecution. The four men were convicted and sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment each.

Meanwhile, the ZRP says investigations are continuing as authorities search for two remaining suspects identified as:

• Erickson Mafuratidze

• Mujudha

Police appealed to members of the public with information to report to the nearest police station or contact the National Complaints Desk. In its statement, the ZRP warned against kidnapping, assault, and politically linked violence.

“The law will take its course without fear or favour, and perpetrators of such serious offences will be decisively dealt with,” police said.

Authorities also urged Zimbabweans to resolve disputes peacefully and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to maintain peace, security, and public order.

Gokwe kidnapping case