By Cordillia Ncube

A shocking confession has emerged in Zhombe, where Panashe Nyabanda (37) admitted to stealing 45 ladies’ pants after being hired by a local businessman who allegedly intended to use them for rituals. Nyabanda made the startling revelation when he appeared before Magistrate Mildred Mutuvi on 10 January 2025 facing charges of theft.

According to Nyabanda, the businessman (name withheld) promised him $500 for stealing 200 pairs of underwear, and he had already received a $20 deposit.

His crime spree began on 12 December 2024, when he broke into Rudo Tembo’s house while she was out shopping at Sidhakeni shops, taking a single pair of underwear. Over the next few weeks, he targeted six other women, Dadirai Ndungu, Mavis Phiri, Esnath Chabata, Gloria Gonera and  Anna Rugare stealing a total of 45 pairs of underwear leading to his arrest on 7 January 2025.

Nyabanda on 2 January 2025 allegedly broke into Fortune Munetsi’s wardrobe and took four pairs of underwear. The stolen items are believed to have been intended for rituals, further fueling local concerns about safety and security.

His luck ran out on 7 January 2025 when he stole from Ndungu and was apprehended. The stolen pants were discovered under a rock at his gate and the women identified their pants.

“I used a stick and wire to hook the pants from different houses. I was promised money by the businessman upon delivery of 200 pairs of women’s pants. The businessman said there is a ritual he wanted to perform using the pants,” he explained, detailing his method of theft.

The case has sent shockwaves through the community, raising fears about the increasing prevalence of ritual-related crimes.