Cop to spend festive season in jail for attempted murder

A Masvingo police officer, Costa Dhlamini (21), has been remanded in custody until January 6, 2026, over allegations that he violently assaulted a pastor and his friend and damaged their Mercedes-Benz during a dispute involving a girlfriend.

The incident occurred on Monday around midnight in Mucheke, Masvingo. The pastor, Ephraim Masiyandima of Evangelical Divine Affirmation Ministries, required three surgeries to his right eye, while Blessing Urayayi sustained multiple stitches to his head and face. Masiyandima's Mercedes-Benz suffered extensive damage, including smashed windshields, windows, headlights, and dashboard, estimated at US$1,500.

Court documents indicate that the confrontation arose after both Dhlamini and the victims, along with Chimonyo, had been drinking at San Siro. Urayayi attempted to speak with Chimonyo, leading to a dispute with Dhlamini. Dhlamini reportedly hired a taxi with Chimonyo, which was intercepted by Urayayi driving Masiyandima's Mercedes.

During the confrontation, Urayayi allegedly pulled Chimonyo from the taxi. Dhlamini then struck Urayayi several times on the head with an empty beer bottle, while Masiyandima was hit once in the eye as he tried to intervene.

Dhlamini faces three charges: attempted murder, assault, and malicious damage to property. Nothing from the damaged vehicle was recovered. The case remains before Masvingo Regional Magistrate Innocent Bepura.