ZANU-PF Youth Activist, Prison Officer Marima in Fresh Kidnapping Storm

GWERU – A Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) officer and alleged ZANU-PF youth activist, Isheanesu  Marima, is set to appear in court facing yet another kidnapping and assault charges in a case that has exposed alleged violent extortion syndicates operating at Gokwe’s busy bus terminus.

Marima (38) is jointly charged with six other men – Alfreddy Rudende (43), Willard Koke (35), Phillimon Makumbe (52), Farai Chakauya (45), Saul Machona (49) and Thabani Nsingo (44) – following a brutal attack on a commuter omnibus operator who reportedly refused to pay an illegal “rank affiliation fee”.

According to the State outline, the complainant, Calisto Muzofa (34) of Chief Chemumvuri area in Gokwe, was confronted on March 30, 2026, at around 2PM by the accused persons and their accomplices, who are still at large.

The group allegedly demanded that Muzofa pay a fee to operate freely at Gokwe bus terminus – a practice authorities have previously condemned as extortion linked to organised groups controlling transport ranks.
When Muzofa refused, the situation reportedly turned violent.

Gokwe Prosecutor  Florance Mushanduri alleged that Marima forcibly seized the complainant’s ZTE A36 cellphone before smashing it with the butt of a pistol, damaging it beyond repair.

What makes this case particularly disturbing is the alleged repetition of a criminal pattern. Marima already has a similar pending case that was remanded at the end of April 2026, involving allegations of kidnapping a Criminal Investigations Department officer using the same modus operandi with other two co-accused  Collen Masawi aged  44 years, Wonder Gomba (43 ) and Edwin Chinongwa (33). 

The case demonstrates a coordinated and organised approach to extortion and violence, exhibiting the structured nature of the syndicate.

The accused allegedly escalated the attack by forcefully dragging Muzofa into a vehicle before driving him to a nearby forest close to Gokwe Cotton Company.

Once there, the State says the group took turns assaulting him with wooden logs in a sustained and coordinated attack.
Muzofa reportedly suffered multiple bruises across his body and later filed a police report at ZRP Gokwe. He was referred to Gokwe South District Hospital for medical examination, with a medical report expected to be produced in court as evidence.
The total value of damaged property is estimated at US$120, with nothing recovered.
Prosecutors argue that the accused acted “unlawfully and with common purpose”, highlighting the organised nature of the alleged crime.

The case is likely to intensify scrutiny on the role of politically connected individuals in violent activities at transport hubs, particularly amid growing concerns over the militarisation of commuter ranks in rural districts.

Marima’s alleged involvement is particularly controversial given his position within the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, raising questions about discipline and accountability within the security sector.

The seven accused are expected to appear in court soon, where they will answer to charges including kidnapping, assault and malicious damage to property.

Police say investigations are continuing, with efforts underway to apprehend the remaining suspects still at large.