News / National
Rogue cop and 'killer' businessman remanded over brutal murder
6 hrs ago | Views
A shocking betrayal has plunged the Plumtree community into outrage as a serving police officer, Thembani Mukanyani (39), and his alleged accomplice, Cabangani Mathe (35), were remanded in custody on charges connected to the brutal murder of 20-year-old rape survivor Benitta Tshuma.
Tshuma, who courageously reported Mathe for rape and was under police protection at the Zimbabwe Republic Police's (ZRP) Victim Friendly Unit in Plumtree, reportedly became a victim once more - this time at the hands of those sworn to protect her.
Court documents allege that Mukanyani, instead of safeguarding Tshuma, smuggled her out of police custody and handed her over to Mathe. It is further claimed that Mathe then transported Tshuma to Maitengwe, where they illegally crossed into Botswana, and there, he murdered her.
The grim details sent shockwaves through the courtroom at Plumtree Magistrates' Court where Magistrate Ailene Munamati remanded both accused in custody pending further investigations, set for 10 July 2025.
The brutal murder has sparked deep concerns in Plumtree about the integrity and reliability of victim protection mechanisms, with calls growing louder for urgent reforms and stricter oversight of law enforcement officers entrusted with vulnerable survivors.
State prosecutor Ruth Ncube emphasized that investigations are ongoing, pledging that justice will be pursued relentlessly.
As relatives and the community grapple with this heartbreaking case, many have labelled Mukanyani's actions a betrayal of public trust, dubbing him the "Judas Cop."
This tragic saga continues to unfold, with the nation watching closely as the wheels of justice turn.
Tshuma, who courageously reported Mathe for rape and was under police protection at the Zimbabwe Republic Police's (ZRP) Victim Friendly Unit in Plumtree, reportedly became a victim once more - this time at the hands of those sworn to protect her.
Court documents allege that Mukanyani, instead of safeguarding Tshuma, smuggled her out of police custody and handed her over to Mathe. It is further claimed that Mathe then transported Tshuma to Maitengwe, where they illegally crossed into Botswana, and there, he murdered her.
The grim details sent shockwaves through the courtroom at Plumtree Magistrates' Court where Magistrate Ailene Munamati remanded both accused in custody pending further investigations, set for 10 July 2025.
State prosecutor Ruth Ncube emphasized that investigations are ongoing, pledging that justice will be pursued relentlessly.
As relatives and the community grapple with this heartbreaking case, many have labelled Mukanyani's actions a betrayal of public trust, dubbing him the "Judas Cop."
This tragic saga continues to unfold, with the nation watching closely as the wheels of justice turn.
Source - bmetro
