Kudzai Madenga
The Bulawayo Regional Court has sentenced three men to 15 years’ imprisonment each for kidnapping.
Sakhile Ndlovu, 43, Twoboy Tshuma, 30, and Decent Ncube, 28, were convicted after the court found them guilty of abducting and assaulting a man in Ntabazinduna.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the incident occurred on 22 June 2026 at around 2100 hours at King Masuku’s homestead in Ntabazinduna.
“The three offenders armed themselves with axes and knobkerries and forcibly seized him and bundled him into their vehicle, accusing him of knowing a person they suspected of plotting to rob their shop,” NPAZ said.
The authority said the victim was subjected to violence during the night.
“Throughout the night, the offenders subjected the victim to repeated physical assault while demanding the identity of the alleged conspirator,” NPAZ said.
At about 0500 hours the following morning, the victim was released.
“At approximately 0500 hours the following morning, they released him and dropped him back at his home,” the authority said.
The matter was reported to the police, leading to the swift arrest and subsequent conviction of the three men.
The authority said the case demonstrated the seriousness of kidnapping and warned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands.
“The NPAZ remains committed to prosecuting violent crimes and ensuring perpetrators face justice. Kidnapping is a serious offence that robs victims of their freedom and endangers public safety,” NPAZ said.
The prosecuting authority added: “We warn the public against taking the law into their own hands. Those who unlawfully deprive others of their liberty will face the full force of the law.”
