Judgment in Marima Kidnapping Cases Postponed again
The Gokwe Magistrates’ Court has postponed to May 6, 2026 the judgment in two high-profile cases involving a ZPCS officer and ZANU PF youth leader Isheanesu Marima and counterparts accused of kidnapping and torturing commuter operator Calisto Muzofa and CID Detective Bester Tati. All accused deny charges.
Dumisani Ndlovu 
Gokwe – The Gokwe Magistrates’ Court has postponed to Wednesday, May 6, 2026 the delivery of judgments in two high-profile cases involving Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) officer Isheanesu Marima, who is the first accused in both matters.
Marima, a National Youth Service graduate, ZANU PF Youth League member and serving ZPCS officer, together with six co-accused, faces charges of kidnapping, assault and malicious damage to property in connection with the alleged abduction of commuter omnibus operator Calisto Muzofa.
The trial was brought to finality today after the defense case was heard, with all accused persons denying the charges.
In a separate case, Marima and associates are accused of abducting and torturing Detective Constable Bester Tati during the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) public hearings in Gokwe.
The State alleges that Tati was subjected to falaka torture before being dumped at Mutora Business Centre.Gokwe Magistrate Thomas Gurajena presided over the fully contested case.
Prosecutor Florance Mushanduri argued that both cases reveal a pattern of organised criminal conduct, and the court is expected to deliver judgment in each of the matters on Wednesday.
The rulings are expected to be decisive, closing proceedings that have drawn national attention due to Marima’s dual role as a political youth leader and serving correctional officer.
All the accused were legally represented by Thomas Militao and Kwekwe based Whatmore Gandi of Mutatu Legal Practitioners.
