Two jailed for life for the murder of a Mutare police officer

The Mutare High Court building, where life sentences were handed down

By Staff Reporter — Mutare, Zimbabwe

The Mutare High Court has sentenced two men to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of an off‑duty Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Support Unit member, Travor Mudinda. The ruling was delivered by Justice Isaac Muzenda following a trial that established the defendants’ roles in the September 2024 ambush along the Mutare–Harare railway line.

Prosecutor Marlven Musarurwa: “On September 10, 2024 and along Mutare‑Harare Railway Line… Makono and Mahachi, in the company of Timothy Charles, who is still at large… unlawfully caused the death of Travor Mundida by stabbing him multiple times.”

Convictions and sentence

• Convicted: Sanele Simbarashe Makono (23) — Zimbabwean; Sterio Joao Mahachi — Mozambican.

• Charge: Murder of Travor Mudinda, a member of the ZRP Support Unit.

• Sentence: Life imprisonment handed down by Justice Isaac Muzenda.

The court found that Makono and Mahachi stabbed Mudinda multiple times during an ambush in Mutare in September 2024. The two fled to Mozambique after the attack and sold the victim’s cellphone, evidence that formed part of the prosecution’s case.

Incident summary and evidence presented

Prosecutor Marlven Musarurwa told the court the attack occurred between 6 PM and 7 PM as Mudinda was walking home. The prosecution described multiple stab wounds to the back, rib cage, and lower body. Mudinda’s body was discovered the following day, about 20 metres from the railway line, and reported to Mutare Central Police Station.

During investigations, Makono admitted that he, Mahachi, and an accomplice, Timothy Charles (now declared a fugitive), attacked Mudinda, searched his body, and took his wallet, a Samsung cellphone, and a pair of shoes. Makono later admitted to selling the cellphone while in Mozambique. Police recovered evidence linking the suspects to the crime.

Outstanding suspect and next steps

Timothy Charles, alleged to have acted with Makono and Mahachi, remains at large and has been declared a fugitive from justice. Authorities continue efforts to locate and arrest him. Further procedural steps will follow as required by the criminal justice process.

  Two jailed for life; murder of a Mutare police officer