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Kidnap plot linked to ex-minister's son
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A 30-year-old woman has appeared in court accused of attempting to kidnap a Harare woman allegedly at the instruction of Batsirai Matiza, the son of the late Cabinet minister Joel Biggie Matiza.
According to court papers, the complainant, Annalisa Muguwe (29), is Matiza's ex-wife.
Elizabeth Magama (30) appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo facing a charge of attempted kidnapping. She was not asked to plead.
Prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawo told the court that on May 12, 2026, Muguwe allegedly received a call from Magama and an accomplice, Amariah Gumbo, who is currently on the run.
The pair allegedly requested to meet Muguwe at Harare Central Police Station regarding an issue involving her ex-husband, Matiza.
However, due to safety concerns, Muguwe reportedly suggested they instead meet at ZRP Rhodesville.
According to the State, during the meeting the two suspects allegedly confessed that they had been hired by Muguwe's ex-husband to assault her.
The court heard that the pair then allegedly asked to take a photograph of Muguwe appearing distressed so they could present it to Matiza as proof that they had carried out the assault. Muguwe allegedly agreed to the request.
The State further alleges that on May 14, 2026, at around 9 PM, the two suspects went to Muguwe's residence after Matiza reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the earlier photograph.
They allegedly tied Muguwe to a tree and forcibly recorded a video portraying her as being severely distressed and assaulted.
Prosecutors also allege that on May 16, 2026, the pair returned to Muguwe's home claiming they had brought US$20,000 from her ex-husband to settle a "breach of promise to marry" dispute.
After gaining entry into the house, they allegedly changed their story and informed Muguwe that they had actually come to forcibly take her to a mental institution at Matiza's instruction, claiming he was waiting outside.
The alleged plan was reportedly disrupted after Muguwe's brother intervened.
According to the State, the suspects admitted that US$20,000 was at stake after previous failed attempts to carry out Matiza's alleged instructions.
Police were called to the scene, prompting Gumbo to flee while Magama was arrested.
The matter is still before the courts.
According to court papers, the complainant, Annalisa Muguwe (29), is Matiza's ex-wife.
Elizabeth Magama (30) appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo facing a charge of attempted kidnapping. She was not asked to plead.
Prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawo told the court that on May 12, 2026, Muguwe allegedly received a call from Magama and an accomplice, Amariah Gumbo, who is currently on the run.
The pair allegedly requested to meet Muguwe at Harare Central Police Station regarding an issue involving her ex-husband, Matiza.
However, due to safety concerns, Muguwe reportedly suggested they instead meet at ZRP Rhodesville.
According to the State, during the meeting the two suspects allegedly confessed that they had been hired by Muguwe's ex-husband to assault her.
The court heard that the pair then allegedly asked to take a photograph of Muguwe appearing distressed so they could present it to Matiza as proof that they had carried out the assault. Muguwe allegedly agreed to the request.
They allegedly tied Muguwe to a tree and forcibly recorded a video portraying her as being severely distressed and assaulted.
Prosecutors also allege that on May 16, 2026, the pair returned to Muguwe's home claiming they had brought US$20,000 from her ex-husband to settle a "breach of promise to marry" dispute.
After gaining entry into the house, they allegedly changed their story and informed Muguwe that they had actually come to forcibly take her to a mental institution at Matiza's instruction, claiming he was waiting outside.
The alleged plan was reportedly disrupted after Muguwe's brother intervened.
According to the State, the suspects admitted that US$20,000 was at stake after previous failed attempts to carry out Matiza's alleged instructions.
Police were called to the scene, prompting Gumbo to flee while Magama was arrested.
The matter is still before the courts.
Source - The Herald
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