Lower Gweru man remanded after brutal assault, kidnapping ordeal
n Lower Gweru man remanded after brutal assault, kidnapping ordeal n nn n By Dumisani Ndlovu n nn n GWERU – Message Magigwana, 39, a resident of Lower Gweru, remains in police detention following an alleged assault and kidnapping that has r
anostrofy Lower Gweru man remanded after brutal assault, kidnapping ordeal
By Dumisani Ndlovu
GWERU – Message Magigwana, 39, a resident of Lower Gweru, remains in police detention following an alleged assault and kidnapping that has rattled the neighbourhood.
The accused appeared before Magistrate Arnold Maburo on charges of assault and kidnapping; he admitted guilt to the assault count but denied involvement in the kidnapping.
Court records indicate that the alleged victim, 40 year old Kwanele Msipa of Mcedisi Village, Chief Bunina, was attacked on 1 January 2025 after a seemingly trivial dispute over alcohol escalated dramatically. Msipa had been sipping Amarula with friends when Magigwana, together with an accomplice, John Ncube (still at large), snatched a bottle and smashed it against the bonnet of Msipa’s car.
The situation escalated later that evening when Msipa was transporting his friend’s girlfriend, Tariro Musaka, and her five children to Mantiya Village. On the way, Ncube allegedly insulted Msipa, and upon arrival, the duo reportedly smashed the car’s quarter glass window with a beer bottle. Magigwana then joined the attack, slapping Msipa repeatedly and tearing his T-shirt.
The assault turned into a harrowing kidnapping as Msipa was dragged to Magigwana’s home, where he was held for three hours under threats of death. Magigwana allegedly brandished a long knife, threw a gas cylinder to the floor, and assaulted the victim repeatedly, ignoring pleas from his 76-year-old mother to stop. The accused reportedly confiscated Msipa’s car keys and smartphone before he managed to escape and report the ordeal to police.
Msipa sustained a deep cut on his nose and a swollen cheek and was examined at Gweru General Hospital.
In court, the State opposed bail, arguing that Magigwana faced serious charges that carry custodial sentences and posed a high risk of absconding.
The court agreed, and Magigwana was remanded in custody until January 8, 2026, as investigations continue, particularly into his accomplice, John Ncube, who remains at large.
