Gideon Madzikatidze
GOKWE – A 28-year-old man, Samson Machona (28) of Bhejani Machohwa village under Chief Njelele in Gokwe south, has been arrested and is in police custody for allegedly robbing and sexually assaulting a 27-year-old man in Shurugwi on January 14, 2026.
In a statement, Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Midlands provincial spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko alleged that the victim was attacked near Nash1 Tuckshop, robbed of his phone and cash, and brutally assaulted.
Mahoko further claim (in a statement) Machona pretended to remain behind at the tuckshop but followed the victim, tripped him, and took his belongings. He then assaulted the victim with a log, forced him to remove his clothes, and had anal intimacy with him.
“Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a case of robbery and aggravated indecent assault in which a 27-year-old man was robbed of his property and sexually assaulted near Nash1 Tuckshop in Shurugwi on 14 January 2026, at around 2300 hours. The suspect, Samson Machona, aged 28 of Bhejani, Machohwa Village under Chief Njelele in Gokwe South has since been arrested and is currently in police custody,” Mahoko said in a statement.
“Preliminary police investigations established that the suspect Samson Machina and the complainant (name withheld for ethical reasons), were drinking beer together at Nash1 Tuckshop. Complainant was the one buying the beer. As they were drinking, complainant indicated that he wanted to go home,” Mahoko added.
“The suspect allegedly pretended to be remaining behind. He followed and waylaid the complainant who was walking alone and tripped him to the ground. He searched the complainant and took his cell phone and cash amounting to US$20-00,” Mahoko further said.
“The suspect demanded for more money but complainant told him that he only had the US$20-00 which suspect had already taken. The suspect went on to assault complainant using a log, ordered him to remove his trousers, pant and bend him down before forcebly having anal intimacy with him,” Mahoko added.
“It was established after the arrest that the suspect Samson Machona has been on the Police wanted persons list in connection with two murder cases committed in Filabusi area under Matebeleland South in November 2025, with an accomplice currently (only) known as Thando. He will be also referred to ZRP Filabusi for investigation in connection with the two murder cases,” Mahoko said.
The victim sustained serious injuries, including a crushed right little finger, and is receiving treatment at Shurugwi Hospital. The stolen phone (valued at USD$50) was recovered.
Machona, already wanted for two murder cases in Filabusi, will face charges of robbery and aggravated indecent assault, and be referred to Filabusi for investigation into the murder cases.