Man hires thugs to kidnap ex-wife, court told

A Harare man has appeared in court accused of hiring thugs to intimidate and abduct his former wife in a dispute that allegedly escalated into a criminal conspiracy involving staged photographs and videos.

According to court papers, Batsai Joe Matiza allegedly enlisted Elizabeth Magama and another suspect, Amaritha Gumbo, who remains at large, to target his ex-wife, Annalisa Muguwe.

Prosecutors allege that Matiza initially lured Muguwe to a police station under false pretences before coercing her into posing for a staged photograph appearing distressed.

The court heard that Matiza was allegedly unhappy with the outcome, prompting the suspects to intensify the scheme.

On May 14, Magama and Gumbo allegedly recorded a video showing Muguwe tied to a tree and pretending to have been assaulted in an attempt to convince Matiza that his instructions had been carried out.

The matter allegedly escalated further on May 16 when the two suspects reportedly attempted to abduct Muguwe from her residence while claiming they were taking her to a mental institution.

The alleged kidnapping attempt was thwarted after Muguwe's brother intervened and alerted police.

Gumbo allegedly fled from the scene while Magama was arrested.

Magama is now facing attempted kidnapping charges under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

The State alleges that Matiza unlawfully and intentionally sought to deprive Muguwe of her freedom of movement.

Prosecutors further claim the operation was financially motivated, with US$20 000 allegedly promised for carrying out the plan.

Police investigations are continuing, and authorities are still searching for Gumbo.