Magistrate orders medical tests after accused allege police assault

Southerton Business Times

Aug 8

2 min read

By Southerton Business Times | Harare, Zimbabwe | August 8, 2026

A Harare magistrate has ordered medical examinations for two accused persons who allegedly told the court they were assaulted by police during their arrest in a drug-related case.

Kelsea Tadiwa Tafirenyika and her maternal uncle, Isaac Arab Jessub, reportedly made the allegations during their court appearance after defence lawyers claimed the pair had been severely beaten by officers from the CID Drugs and Narcotics section. The alleged assault is said to have occurred during a police raid at Tafirenyika's home in Greystone Park, Harare. According to the defence, the two accused were assaulted by the officers, had their mobile phones confiscated and were allegedly forced to sign documents relating to items seized during the operation. The investigating officer, however, denied the allegations of assault.

Magistrate privately examines alleged injuries

The matter took a dramatic turn when the magistrate reportedly ordered members of the public to leave the courtroom before privately examining injuries that the accused claimed to have sustained during their arrest. Following the inspection, the magistrate ordered both Tafirenyika and Jessub to undergo medical examinations while in custody. The medical examinations could provide independent evidence regarding the alleged injuries and assist the court in determining the circumstances surrounding the accused persons' arrest and detention. The police have not, according to the information before the court, admitted to assaulting the accused. The allegations therefore remain contested between the defence and the investigating officer.

Accused face drug charges

The court also heard allegations concerning Tafirenyika's identity and business activities. She is accused of allegedly using a fake identity document in the name of Getrude Badza in connection with business activities. Tafirenyika and Jessub are also facing drug-related charges following the alleged recovery of pethidine, morphine and cannabis by police. The drugs are controlled substances, and possession or dealing in them can attract criminal charges under Zimbabwean law depending on the circumstances and applicable licences or authorisations. The accused persons have not been convicted of the offences and remain entitled to the presumption of innocence. Their defence is expected to challenge the State's case as proceedings continue.

Bail ruling expected August 12

Tafirenyika and Jessub remain in custody while the court considers their bail application. A ruling on bail is expected on August 12. The medical examination ordered by the magistrate is likely to add another important dimension to the case, particularly if medical findings support or contradict the allegations made by the accused. For now, the alleged police assault remains disputed, while the court continues to consider the drug and identity-related allegations against the two accused.

Southerton Business Times will update the story when the court delivers its bail ruling or when further evidence emerges concerning the alleged assault.