“Thirsty” Hwange man breaks community tap for a gulp, fined ZiG405

Thokozani Ndlovu appeared before Victoria Falls magistrate Bentone Matope last week, facing a charge of malicious damage to property. The complainant in the case was the Chenje Community, represented by its chairperson, Simeon Ngwenya.

Prosecuting, Cynthia Mayibongwe Makhaya told the court that Ndlovu had gone to a community water tap at Chenje Village B, Chief Shana, Jambezi, at around 6am on 6 September 2026.

Finding the tap, which supplies water to the community, locked, he forcibly twisted it, breaking its metal neck. The damage was later discovered by Ngwenya, who reported the matter to police, leading to Ndlovu’s arrest.

Court papers put the value of the damaged property at US$15, equivalent to ZWG405 at the time.

In his defence, Ndlovu said he had been thirsty and needed water to drink, and had unlocked the tap simply to access it.

He was nonetheless charged with contravening Section 140 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23, which covers malicious damage to property.