Rogue cop remanded over shocking murder of rape victim

A Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer accused of facilitating the cold-blooded murder of a rape complainant by handing her over to her alleged attacker has been remanded in custody alongside his co-accused, as the case sends shockwaves through the Plumtree community.

Thembani Mukanyani (39), a police officer stationed in Plumtree, and Cabangani "Mike" Mathe (35), the man accused of both rape and murder, appeared before Plumtree Magistrate Mrs Ailene Munamati on 28 May 2025. The court denied the duo bail and ordered them to remain behind bars until 11 June 2025.

According to the court documents, the incident began on 22 March 2025 when Mukanyani escorted 20-year-old Benitta Tshuma to the Plumtree Police Station. Tshuma had recently filed a rape complaint against Mathe, and was placed under temporary protection at the station's Victim Friendly Unit (VFU) safe house.

Tragically, that protection proved fatal. Around 8pm that evening, in a shocking betrayal of duty, Mukanyani allegedly released Tshuma into the custody of Mathe-her alleged rapist-without any clearance or legal basis.

Investigators allege that Mathe then drove Tshuma from Plumtree through several rural areas-Maitengwe and Madlambuzi-before illegally crossing the border into Botswana. There, he is accused of savagely murdering her by bludgeoning her with an unknown object and dumping her body in the bush. The decomposing remains of the young woman were discovered on 27 March 2025.

Evidence gathered during the investigation points to coordinated communication between the two accused. Police confirmed at least eight phone calls between Mukanyani and Mathe between 5pm and 8pm on the night Tshuma was handed over. Witnesses also reported seeing Mukanyani personally delivering the complainant to Mathe that evening.

Following the discovery of the body, Mukanyani allegedly attempted suicide by ingesting poison-an act investigators say was a desperate attempt to avoid prosecution.

His bail bid was rejected on grounds that he posed a suicide risk, could interfere with witnesses, and that his release would provoke public outrage.

"This case has shaken the community. The betrayal by a trusted police officer and the gruesome death of a young woman seeking protection has left Plumtree angry and afraid," said a source close to the case.

As the investigation continues, the case has reignited calls for reform within the police force, especially regarding how vulnerable victims are handled by officers sworn to protect them.