Judicial Crisis in Mutare: Dismissed DANET Manager Employs “Mafia Tactics” to Defy High Court Order

MUTARE – The rule of law in Manicaland is currently under siege as Wilson Masokowere, the former Projects Manager of Destiny of Afrika Network (DANET), stands accused of orchestrating a violent campaign to obstruct the execution of a High Court Order. The standoff, which has devolved into scenes of armed intimidation, marks a significant challenge to the authority of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the sanctity of judicial mandates. A Master-Servant Dispute IgnoredThe conflict originated from Masokowere’s refusal to submit to internal accountability and forensic audits.

Following his suspension and subsequent failure to attend a mandatory disciplinary hearing, Masokowere was summarily dismissed in accordance with the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01]. Under Zimbabwean law, specifically Statutory Instrument 15 of 2006, an employee’s failure to challenge a dismissal through the proper appellate channels renders the termination final and enforceable.Despite his dismissal, Masokowere refused to vacate the DANET premises, prompting the organization to seek relief from the High Court. On February 11, 2026, a judgment and interdict were granted, effectively barring him from the office.

“HELD AT Harare | Case No. R-HCH6454/25Before Honourable Mr Justice Manzunzu, J​IT IS ORDERED THAT:​The Application for a final interdict be and is hereby granted.​The Respondent is hereby interdicted from entering or approaching the Applicants’ Mutare business premises, including but not limited to, Number 29, 5th Avenue, Mutare.​The Respondent is hereby interdicted and prohibited from interfering, in any manner whatsoever, with the Applicants in the performance of their duties, ” reads the HighCourt Order. Contempt of Court and Obstruction of Justice The enforcement of this order has exposed a harrowing disregard for judicial authority.

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On Friday, February 13, Masokowere was served with the order but allegedly utilized “bouncers” to block entrance. When the ZRP and DANET team led by Gerald Mabika DANet’s National Executive Secretary arrived to take possession of the keys, Masokowere engaged in “lawfare” and stalling tactics. This culminated in a terrifying display of force as the former manager allegedly hired two trucks filled with approximately 60 armed hooligans brandishing machetes and other lethal weapons to intimidate the five police officers on site.

The bouncers later increased in numbers who where transported in two trucks. “Masokowere and his bouncers stopped the Messenger of Court and five(5) Police officers who accompanied our team to enter our Offices. This is because he believes that he has political connections across Manicaland Province.

He thinks he is untouchable and cannot face arrest because he has done everything to bribe everyone in the police and judiciary to evade arrest.” The Call for ZACC Intervention The leadership of DANET, represented by Dr. Musindo, asserts that Masokowere is leveraging perceived “political connections” and his influence over illegally allocated stands to shield himself from justice. There are now mounting calls for the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) to investigate Masokowere for money laundering and the illicit transfer of corporate funds into personal accounts.

“He regards himself as a mafia in Manicaland,” a representative noted, highlighting that the respondent only responds to the law when “cornered.” Sometime ago the same Masokowere victimized a team of forensic auditors with the assistance of his bouncers leading to the crew getting injured. Despite the horrible incident, none of the bouncers were arrested.

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