The trial of a Harare man accused of kidnapping and bashing a former work subordinate in a bid to stop the victim from becoming a whistle-blower in a fraud case, has opened at the local magistrates court.
Simbarashe Emmanuel Martin Rondozai (38) and four other unknown suspects who are still on the run, allegedly committed the offences in May 2025.
Rondozai appeared before Harare provincial magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai charged under Section 93 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
According to prosecutors, Rondozai and his alleged accomplices went to David Matanda's residence in Chitungwiza at around 2100 hours.
The suspects were allegedly travelling in a silver Honda Fit.
Two of the accused allegedly knocked on the door claiming to be police officers.
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They told Matanda, the complainant in the case, that he was under arrest for an unspecified offence.
The two bogus cops took Matanda to their vehicle where he identified Rondozai, his former manager at a local security company.
It is alleged that the group assaulted Matanda with open hands, handcuffed and blindfolded him before driving him away.
The suspects allegedly held him against his will for about eight hours during which Matanda was ordered not to implicate Rondozai in any misappropriation of funds at the security company.
The complainant was also asked to explain how the security company secured its business contracts and how it provided security to its directors.
Rondozai and company allegedly threatened to harm Matanda if he reported them to police.
Prosecutors say the suspects later dumped Matanda along new Chitungwiza Road.
Fearing for his life, Matanda fled to South Africa and only returned home in December 2025.
Matanda later reported the matter at St Mary's Police Station leading to Rondozai's arrest.
Rondozai's is being represented by Mr Oliver Marwa.
During cross examination, Marwa asked Matanda how he identified Rondozai during the night and why hr could was not remember the exact date of his alleged abduction.
Matanda said he had worked under Rondozai for a long time and managed to positively identify him as the spot where the car was parked was well lit
The state will call Matanda's brother and wife as witnesses to the abduction.
Kuhudzai deferred the matter to July 8 for continuation of trial.