Disabled Shurugwi vendor fined for assaulting council cop

SHURUGWI – A wheelchair bound Shurugwi vendor has been fined U$450 after being convicted of assaulting a Shurugwi municipal officer and unlawful possession of dagga.

Simbarashe Zuva (32) of Runyararo West, Masvingo was convicted on his own plea by Magistrate Sithabile Zungula.

Magistrate Zungula spared Zu*Barna’s family ends burial drama. . . No foul play in Macheso vocalist’s death*
Kadoma has won the emotional tug-of-war over the final resting place of Orchestra Mberikwazvo’s energetic drummer and backing vocalist, Barnabas “Barna” Mandipota.

After tense family deliberations and shifting plans, Barna will now be buried today at Kadoma Hospital Cemetery — a decision that ended days of uncertainty and family conflict.

The late musician was initially set to be laid to rest in Bikita’s Chiremwaremwa Village, but elders stepped in and redirected the burial to Kadoma — the town that raised him and shaped his musical journey.

Family spokesperson and brother, Fastmove Mandipota, confirmed the turnaround, saying tradition and respect for elders ultimately guided the final call.

“Barna will be buried in Kadoma. That is the resolution we reached as a family,” he said.

“We had to respect the elders’ decision. He grew up here, this is home, and we are now focused on giving him a dignified send-off.”

The decision brings closure to what had become a tense moment for the Mandipota family, with emotions running high over where the popular performer should be laid to rest.

As the dust settles on the burial venue saga, another issue that had stirred anxiety — suspected foul play — has also been put to rest.

Barna’s sudden death had raised eyebrows after reports emerged of a deep wound around his neck, sparking whispers of possible foul play.

But the family says medical findings have now cleared the air.

According to Fastmove, doctors revealed that Barna had been battling a neglected boil on his neck for months — a condition that worsened and spread internally with devastating consequences.

“We were told the boil developed complications and affected his breathing,” he said.

“It spread through the body and ended up affecting his lungs. That is what led to his death.”

The explanation has brought relief to the grieving family, who had demanded clarity following conflicting accounts surrounding Barna’s final days.

At one point, claims of a toothache — reportedly from his wife — had added to the confusion, prompting the family to push for a post-mortem.

“It’s true his wife mentioned a toothache, but we needed professional confirmation,” Fastmove explained.

“We followed procedure so we could understand exactly what happened. Now we are satisfied with the doctors’ report.”

Even as answers emerge, the pain remains raw.

Barna leaves behind four young children — the eldest just 10 years old — and a pregnant wife, a reality that has left the family reeling.

“We are burying a young man with a young family. It’s a very painful situation,” said Fastmove.

“But we have accepted what has happened and we are moving forward.”

In life, Barna was more than just a band member — he was a livewire on stage.

Known for his striking Mohawk hairstyle and commanding presence, he became a fan favourite in Alick Macheso’s Orchestra Mberikwazvo, where he doubled as a drummer, backing vocalist and choreographer.

His journey started in Kadoma, where he hustled his way into the music scene, first making waves with Nakiso Express under the backing of local businessman Kosmas “Cossy Rules” Daka.

From there, he moved through the ranks — getting a break from Somandla “Mafia” Ndebele, linking up with Mark Ngwazi’s Njanja Express, and later returning to Denda Brothers before finding his footing at Orchestra Mberikwazvo

On stage, Barna was the spark before the storm — warming up crowds with electrifying dances and vocals before Macheso took over.

Off stage, he was described as humble, hardworking and deeply committed to his craft.
va jail because he is wheelchair bound and is not a good candidate for community service.

Zuva was arrested on March 16, 2026, at Mumvuri Bus Terminus, Shurugwi.

Circumstances are that Admire Mandima (46) who is employed as a security officer at Shurugwi Town Council was on patrol with a co-worker.

Mandima found Zuva selling at an undesignated area and directed him to pack up his wares.

Zuva began shouting at Mandima, grabbed him by the collar and assaulted him. Mandima’s co-worker refrained Zuva.

The council employees filed a Police report and Zuva hurled insults at ZRP officers when they arrived at his stall. ZRP officers arrested Zuva and took him to ZRP Shurugwi.

Zuva was searched at the Police camp and was found in possession of 0,04 grams of dagga, a catapult and a sjambok.

Matidaishe Pavazhira prosecuted.