⚠WANTED⚠ | A warrant of arrest has been issued in Gweru under case number CR: 98/02/26 for James Pande, a well-known ZANU PF politician, who is accused of assault, kidnapping and extortion.
According to police, the incident took place on 22 February 2026 at around 12:30pm in Antelope Park, Gweru. The victim, Hayden Peter Warszewski, had gone out for a tour when he was allegedly taken hostage by Pande and his accomplices.
The suspects are said to have demanded that Warszewski sign a contract agreeing to pay US$425,000 to settle a financial dispute. When he refused, they allegedly threatened to kill him. Pande reportedly twisted the victim’s arms, slapped him twice on the face, and used force and threats to pressure him into signing the agreement.
Fearing for his life, the victim eventually signed the contract. He was then held for about 30 minutes before being released. A medical report confirming the assault can be presented in court.
Police investigations included checks at the suspect’s last known address at a house located along Spencer Road, Bulawayo, but he could not be located and his whereabouts remain unknown.
A warrant of arrest has since been issued, and authorities are now looking for Pande so he can be arrested and brought before a magistrate to face the charges.
