HARARE – A man, identified as Moses Ruvheneko, has been arrested and brought before the Harare Magistrates Court after allegedly attempting to disarm a soldier guarding President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s official residence. The incident, which occurred on November 4, 2025, has prompted serious questions about security protocols and the mental state of the accused.
Ruvheneko appeared before magistrate Ruth Moyo, where he faces charges of criminal trespass and disorderly conduct in a public place, offences under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23]. At the request of the State, Magistrate Moyo ordered that Ruvheneko undergo a mental examination to be conducted by two medical doctors. He has been remanded in custody until November 20, pending the outcome of this examination.
The details of the incident, as presented in court by the prosecution, paint a picture of a brazen and unsettling act. Prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawu stated that on the afternoon of November 4, at approximately 3pm, Ruvheneko unlawfully entered Chancellor Road, a restricted area for pedestrians situated opposite Zimbabwe House.
It is alleged that Ruvheneko then approached the main gate of Zimbabwe House, where he confronted a security guard on duty. According to the prosecution, Ruvheneko attempted to seize the guard’s SKS rifle, repeatedly shouting, “Where is ED? I want to see ED.” “ED” is widely understood to be a reference to President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
A struggle ensued between Ruvheneko and the guard. A second security officer, identified as Private Mupfumira, quickly intervened to assist in subduing and apprehending the accused. During the scuffle, Ruvheneko sustained an injury to his left hand, reportedly after grabbing the bayonet attached to the rifle he was allegedly trying to snatch.
Following the incident, Ruvheneko was taken to the police post in Leonard Brezhnev Avenue, where a formal report was filed. He is currently facing two charges: criminal trespass and disorderly conduct in a public place.
During the court proceedings, the State argued for Ruvheneko to be remanded in custody, citing concerns that he posed a flight risk and could potentially interfere with witnesses if released on bail. Investigating officer Innocent Mberi informed the court that Ruvheneko had refused to provide any personal information, including his home address, family details, or any form of identification. This lack of information has made it difficult to ascertain his background and any potential ties he may have.
The State emphasised the seriousness of the charges against Ruvheneko. “The accused was arrested while in the process of committing the offence, and there are eyewitnesses who will testify linking him to the crime,” the prosecution told the court. The State’s case rests on the testimony of these eyewitnesses and the evidence gathered during the initial investigation.
The fact that the incident occurred at State House, the official residence of the President, raises significant security concerns. Questions are being asked about how Ruvheneko was able to gain access to a restricted area and approach a security guard armed with a rifle. Security analysts are likely to review existing protocols to identify any potential weaknesses and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The order for a mental health examination also adds another layer of complexity to the case. If the examination reveals that Ruvheneko was suffering from a mental illness at the time of the incident, it could have implications for the charges he faces and the subsequent legal proceedings.
It remains unclear what motivated Ruvheneko to allegedly attempt to disarm a soldier and demand to see the President. Was it a politically motivated act, a desperate plea for attention, or the result of a mental health crisis? The answers to these questions may only emerge once the mental health examination is completed and the police investigation has progressed further.
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