Police Protection Unit (PPU) officer is facing legal scrutiny after accidentally shooting himself in the knee while on duty at State House in Bulawayo.
Dubani Munkuli, 36, appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Challenge Mahembe, charged with negligently discharging a firearm. He pleaded not guilty to the allegation.
Through his lawyer, Munkuli insisted that he did not intentionally fire the CZ pistol and suggested the weapon may have discharged due to poor maintenance. “We do not know the service history of this pistol. It could have misfired on its own, and that should not be considered negligence on my client’s part,” his lawyer told the court.
However, a ballistic expert disagreed, testifying that firearms cannot discharge without the trigger being pulled. “A gun cannot fire by itself. It requires someone to engage the trigger mechanism,” the expert said.
The court also heard that the shooting occurred on 15 May while Munkuli was on duty alongside fellow officer Simbarashe Manombe. Around 11:20pm, Munkuli allegedly stood up from his seat while holding the pistol with both hands to go to the toilet. In the process, a round was discharged, hitting him in the knee.
During proceedings, Munkuli’s lawyer questioned the last maintenance date of the weapon, highlighting that improper servicing could have contributed to the mishap. The expert admitted that he did not have records of the gun’s servicing history, allowing the defence to raise doubts about equipment reliability.
Munkuli was remanded out of custody and will return to court on 25 August for the continuation of his trial.
The bizarre incident has sparked chatter across Bulawayo, with some locals joking, “Instead of stopping criminals, the cop caught himself.” Others noted that poorly maintained firearms in service could be dangerous, potentially endangering more officers if left unaddressed.
Info News
E-Commerce Growth Continues Transforming Global Retail Markets
E-commerce has completely changed the way consumers shop and businesses operate worldwide. Online marketplaces, mobile shopping apps, and social media platforms have made it easier than ever for businesses to reach customers across different countries and regions. Consumers increasingly prefer online shopping because of convenience, competitive pricing, and fast delivery services.
Small businesses and entrepreneurs are benefiting significantly from digital commerce opportunities. Sellers can now launch online stores with minimal startup costs while reaching international audiences through social media marketing and search engine optimization strategies. Platforms such as Shopify, Amazon, TikTok Shop, and Facebook Marketplace continue driving global online sales growth.
Digital payment systems and mobile banking technology have also contributed to the expansion of e-commerce. Consumers can securely complete transactions using smartphones, digital wallets, and online banking apps. Businesses are investing heavily in secure payment systems and customer data protection to maintain consumer trust.
Logistics and delivery infrastructure remain essential for successful e-commerce operations. Fast shipping, efficient inventory management, and strong customer support help businesses remain competitive in crowded online markets. Many companies are also using artificial intelligence to personalize shopping experiences and improve customer recommendations.
Experts predict e-commerce will continue expanding rapidly as internet access improves and mobile technology adoption increases globally. Businesses that prioritize digital marketing, customer experience, and reliable delivery systems are expected to achieve long-term success in the evolving retail industry.
Viral “2026 Is the New 2016” Trend Takes Over Social Media
A growing social media movement known as “2026 Is the New 2016” has become one of the most talked-about trends online. Millions of users across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are recreating the music, fashion, and internet culture that defined 2016, bringing nostalgia-driven content back into the spotlight.
Creators are posting videos featuring old Snapchat-style filters, popular dances, throwback music playlists, and fashion trends that dominated social media nearly a decade ago. Songs that were major hits in 2016 are also climbing streaming charts again as younger audiences rediscover older internet trends. Hashtags connected to the movement are generating millions of views daily.
Marketing experts believe nostalgia content performs especially well during uncertain economic and political times because it provides audiences with a sense of comfort and familiarity. Fashion brands and influencers are quickly adapting by promoting styles inspired by mid-2010s culture, including oversized clothing, vintage sneakers, and retro smartphone aesthetics.
The trend has also sparked debates about how quickly internet culture evolves and recycles itself. Social media analysts predict nostalgia-based content will remain highly popular throughout 2026 as creators continue reviving trends from earlier digital eras.
