Former Gweru Mayor Kombayi, 12 Others, in the Dock For Alleged Theft
n By Dumisani Ndlovu n nn n Gweru - Former Gweru Mayor Hamutendi Kombayi and 12 others, on Wednesday 17 December appeared before the Gweru Magistrates Court, facing charges of malicious damage to property and theft. n nn n The matter was he
anostrofy By Dumisani Ndlovu
Gweru - Former Gweru Mayor Hamutendi Kombayi and 12 others, on Wednesday 17 December appeared before the Gweru Magistrates Court, facing charges of malicious damage to property and theft.
The matter was heard by Magistrate Anorld Maburo, with the State led by Gweru Prosecutor Brandon Ndlovu.
The other accused 12 include Edwin Kuimba (22), Kundai Mabika (30), Kudzai Mukaro (23), Knowledge Muzhandamuri (28), Melody Jiri (33), Munogweyi Ncube (41), Brian Bhudha (19), Alfa Chibhoyi (21), Vee Ngwenya (21), Isheanesu Mufunda (25), Tinashe Mandawala (23) and Misheck Mudimu (36).
They are all being represented by Tatenda Zishiri of Kwande Legal Practitioners.
The state heard that the alleged offences occurred on December 10, 2025, at around 3 pm, when Kombayi (48) and his co-accused, descended on Lost Donkey Mine, located at Kombayi Farm in Ridgemond, travelling in a black twin-cab vehicle.
The complainant, Tonderai Mapuranga who is the owner of MAPS Mining Syndicate, alleges that the group destroyed three wooden residential cabins, damaged two solar panels and punctured two 5,000 litre JoJo water tanks, leaving them unusable.
In a detail that drew murmurs, in what Prosecutors say was not a routine visit but a destructive confrontation, the court heard that Kombayi allegedly produced a firearm and shot at the water tanks.
The state argued that Kombayi's actions demonstrated deliberate intent rather than accidental damage.
The estimated total value of the damaged property is pegged at US$2,225.
The state also says the allegations extend beyond property damage.
Prosecutors claim that the accused stole a range of mining equipment and personal items, including two Y-18 jackhammers, two rock drills, a black P29 bank gun, a sports bicycle, cellphones, an electric shocker, a pair of handcuffs and assorted tools.
The alleged stolen property valued is estimated at US$1,520, with nothing having been recovered so far.
All the accused, aged between 19 and 48, denied the charges, a stance that has intensified public debate given Kombayi’s former status as a former senior public office.
The thirteen were remanded out of custody to December 30, 2025, after the court granted them US$50 bail each, with the Magistrate ruling that the state had failed to present compelling reasons to continue their detention.
The case unfolds against the backdrop of persistent mining-related land disputes in Zimbabwe, often driven by contested claims between miners, farmers, communities and politically connected interests.
Weak regulation and elite capture have frequently turned such conflicts into flashpoints for destruction, displacement, prolonged insecurities and sometimes deaths.
