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Soldiers at Mpandawana bash colleague to death
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Two Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) soldiers are appearing before the High Court in Masvingo, charged with murder following a brutal assault on a fellow soldier that led to his death two weeks later. The incident took place on April 28, 2024, at MDD Nightclub near Mpandawana Growth Point.
Prosper Ncube, 35, and Innocent Mazvuru, 36, both attached to Infantry 4/2 Brigade based in Gutu, allegedly attacked Simbarashe Albert Gama, a ZNA soldier stationed in Harare. According to court records, the assault occurred around 3 a.m. and involved the accused beating Gama until he lost consciousness. They reportedly tied him up using a shoelace after he failed to produce his military identification when asked.
The assault was followed by the theft of US$45 and a cellphone from Gama's pocket. Ncube is said to have absconded from duty that night to go drinking, while Mazvuru and Ncube reportedly confronted Gama after he refused to show his ZNA identity card. Gama had been telling club patrons about his status as a soldier, which may have contributed to tensions.
Eyewitnesses at the scene, including bar patron Hardlife Maheya and barman Cephas Mudyiwa, tried to intervene but were reportedly told by the soldiers not to interfere. Following the attack, Military Police member Tapera Mbizvo received a report, investigated the matter, and found Gama unconscious. He was rushed first to the 4/2 Camp Battalion Clinic and later transferred to Gutu Mission Hospital. Gama succumbed to his injuries two weeks after the assault at Josiah Magama Army Hospital in Harare.
The matter is currently before Justice Helena Charewa at the High Court in Masvingo. Mazvuru is represented by Omen Mafa of the law firm Mutendi, Mudisi and Shumba Legal Practitioners.
Mpandawana has a history of violence reportedly involving military personnel, and this latest case adds to growing concerns about conduct within the Zimbabwe National Army in the region. The trial continues as the court examines the circumstances that led to the tragic death of Simbarashe Gama.
Prosper Ncube, 35, and Innocent Mazvuru, 36, both attached to Infantry 4/2 Brigade based in Gutu, allegedly attacked Simbarashe Albert Gama, a ZNA soldier stationed in Harare. According to court records, the assault occurred around 3 a.m. and involved the accused beating Gama until he lost consciousness. They reportedly tied him up using a shoelace after he failed to produce his military identification when asked.
The assault was followed by the theft of US$45 and a cellphone from Gama's pocket. Ncube is said to have absconded from duty that night to go drinking, while Mazvuru and Ncube reportedly confronted Gama after he refused to show his ZNA identity card. Gama had been telling club patrons about his status as a soldier, which may have contributed to tensions.
The matter is currently before Justice Helena Charewa at the High Court in Masvingo. Mazvuru is represented by Omen Mafa of the law firm Mutendi, Mudisi and Shumba Legal Practitioners.
Mpandawana has a history of violence reportedly involving military personnel, and this latest case adds to growing concerns about conduct within the Zimbabwe National Army in the region. The trial continues as the court examines the circumstances that led to the tragic death of Simbarashe Gama.
Source - Mirror
