A Zimbabwe regional magistrate, Mr Samuel Zuze, recently collapsed and died during a court session in Chiping village outside Beit Bridge, a few minutes after he had sentenced a cattle rustler.

Police said the rustler had been slapped with an effective 27-year jail term.

According to witnesses, Mr Zuze was about to sentence two other rustlers when he collapsed and began foaming at the mouth. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead on admission.

Investigations by police revealed that he had a medical record of diabetes and hypertension, though the cause of his death is yet to be established. His body was taken to the hospital’s mortuary for a post mortem. The magistrate’s death has become the main topic of discussion among locals.

“There have been rumours that the cause of his death was a result of goblins that attacked him during the court session,” a police source said. He said cases of stock theft in the area were rampant and perpetrators were being given stiffer penalties. “As you are aware, this area has a lot of people who are involved in ‘witchcraft’ activities and that is why some believe that goblins attacked the magistrate,” he said.

In a statement yesterday, secretary-general of the Magistrates Association of Zimbabwe, Mr Munamato Mutevedzi, said a post mortem had not been conducted and they were not yet sure of the cause of his death.

“The circumstances surrounding his death are that he had travelled to the Chiping village for a circuit court there. While in court, he started coughing and adjourned court. He went and sat in his car,” he said. When his colleagues later followed him, they found him seriously ill, having convulsions and foaming at the mouth before being taken to hospital.

“The entire membership of the Magistrates Association has been plunged into deep mourning. As we grieve, we pass our condolences to Mr Zuze’s family and wish them to know that we will be with them throughout this time of sorrow,” said Mutevedzi.