KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa – 17 June 2025

By A Correspondent | Twelve supporters of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have tragically died in a devastating road accident on the R34 near Vryheid, KwaZulu-Natal. The group was returning from the EFF’s Youth Day rally held on June 16 in Umlazi, Durban, when their bus collided with a truck late Monday night.

The EFF confirmed the heartbreaking news in an official statement issued Tuesday morning, expressing profound grief over the loss of its members. “These Fighters lost their lives following a show of support for the revolution they belonged to and must be remembered as heroes to whom we owe a great debt,” the statement read.

The party hailed the deceased as “committed Fighters” who had gathered in remembrance of the 1976 Soweto youth uprisings and to reaffirm the ongoing struggle for economic liberation. “They died in the line of duty, and their lives will never be forgotten,” the EFF emphasized.

Several others sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical care. Authorities are in the process of identifying the deceased, and efforts are underway to inform and support the affected families.

EFF leadership has called for a full investigation into the cause of the crash and urged all supporters to keep the families of the victims in their thoughts during this time of mourning.

Further updates on the injured and arrangements for memorial services are expected in the coming days.

In a shocking incident in Gwayi, a 45-year-old man has been fined by the Hwange Magistrates’ Court after he burned his wife’s clothes and other belongings in anger over her attending church and leaving their children unattended.

The court heard that the incident occurred on March 2, 2025, around 2 PM. The man returned home to discover that his 44-year-old wife had gone to church, leaving their children alone. Furious, he took her clothes, some baby clothing, and 20 kilograms of wheat from the kitchen, piled them in the yard, and set them on fire before leaving for work.

When the wife returned home at about 4 PM, their daughter informed her of what had happened. She reported the matter to the police, resulting in her husband’s arrest. The total value of the destroyed property was estimated at USD 60.

The court sentenced the man to pay a fine of USD 100 or face three months in prison if he fails to pay. An additional one-month sentence was suspended on the condition that he restitutes the USD 60 worth of damaged property.

By A Correspondent

Four people died on the spot while 15 others were seriously injured in a tragic road traffic accident along the Karoi-Binga Road on the evening of June 15, 2025.

According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the crash occurred around 6:30 PM at the 25km peg along the Karoi-Binga Road.

A Ford Ranger carrying seven passengers collided head-on with a Honda Fit which had 12 passengers on board.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a fatal road traffic accident which occurred on 15th June 2025 at 1830 hours at the 25 kilometre peg along Karoi-Binga Road, where a Ford Ranger vehicle with seven passengers on board collided head-on with a Honda Fit vehicle carrying 12 passengers. As a result, four people died on the spot, while 15 others were seriously injured,” police said in a statement.

The deceased were identified as Eunice Matonde (13), Debra Matonde (8), Letwin Matonde (3), and Juliet Matonde (32), all from Dixie Farm in Magunje.

The injured were taken to Karoi District Hospital for treatment, and the bodies of the deceased were transported to the same hospital’s mortuary for post-mortem examinations.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police implores motorists to exercise caution on the roads and avoid overloading vehicles to safeguard human lives,” police said in a statement.

By A Correspondent-A Woodlands Resettlement Area near Victoria Falls has survived a savage lion attack over the weekend.

Metrod Tshuma (29) said heard people shouting, dogs barking, and the unmistakable roar of a lion near the village cattle grazing area.

“I heard people shouting and dogs barking. I ran out and heard a lion roaring where our cattle graze, so I ran to meet my colleagues to try and scare it away,” Tshuma recounted.

But before he could act, disaster struck.

“The lion had gone into a thicket close to where I was, with my colleagues behind me. It came from behind and attacked me,” he said.

The lion bit off his thumb and clawed his head and hand, leaving him seriously injured. 

Tshuma managed to push the animal away and crawl to safety, screaming for help until others rushed to his aid.

He was rushed to Victoria Falls Hospital, where he remains admitted and is receiving treatment for deep wounds.

“I thank the Almighty God for protecting me because I could have been killed by that lion,” said Tshuma from his hospital bed.

The same lion is believed to have killed a neighbour’s cow the previous day, and shortly after attacking Tshuma, it went on to maul two donkeys.

Residents in the Woodlands area say they are living in fear, with wild animals frequently invading their communities. 

Over 50 cattle have reportedly been lost to wildlife this year alone.

“I am appealing to the authorities to help us. Some of these lions are even collared. School children walk long distances to school and they are in danger,” said a concerned resident.

The attack on Tshuma underscores a broader problem facing communities on the edge of wildlife conservation areas.

As animal habitats shrink and climate conditions worsen, encounters between humans and wildlife are becoming more frequent—and often deadly.

Local leaders and residents continue to call for urgent intervention by wildlife authorities to ensure community safety while balancing conservation efforts.

-ZBC

By Crime and Courts Reporter– Former Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi has been denied bail and remanded in custody until July 1, when his long-delayed trial is expected to commence.

Harare magistrate Don Ndirowei made the ruling on Monday, citing Mzembi’s continued presence on social media while in self-imposed exile as a key reason for rejecting his bail application.

Mzembi was arrested last Friday by officers from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), shortly after quietly returning to Zimbabwe and meeting President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House. 

He is accused of defaulting on court appearances dating back to 2019 and failing to comply with three outstanding warrants of arrest.

His lawyer, Mr. Killian Mandiki, submitted that Mzembi had not willfully absconded, arguing that his client had received court permission to temporarily retain his passport in late 2018 to seek emergency medical treatment in South Africa.

Diagnosed with advanced rectal cancer, Mzembi reportedly underwent surgery there before relocating to Zambia in early 2024 due to travel document complications.

Mandiki told the court that upon arriving in Zambia, Mzembi’s condition deteriorated sharply, requiring urgent hospitalization, oxygen support, and close medical monitoring for over 10 days. Medical records were tendered to support his claim.

However, the State—represented by Acting Deputy Prosecutor-General Ms. Tendai Shonhayi—argued that Mzembi failed to make any effort to return and cancel his arrest warrants after his alleged recovery in Zambia in 2024.

The prosecution further noted that despite his medical claims, Mzembi actively campaigned on social media for Saviour Kasukuwere during the 2023 presidential elections.

In his ruling, Magistrate Ndirowei said, “There is a gap as to what transpired with his medical condition. The attached reports could have been useful had he presented himself in 2019, not in 2025.” He further noted that after his reported discharge in 2024, Mzembi made no effort to regularize his legal status or surrender to the courts.

“He was not sick to the extent he wants the court to believe. He was active on social media and politically involved,” Ndirowei stated. He concluded that the State had proven, on a balance of probabilities, that Mzembi had defaulted willfully.

Consequently, Ndirowei confirmed the warrants of arrest, revoked bail, and committed Mzembi to remand prison pending trial.

Apart from the issue of absconding, Mzembi also faces charges of criminal abuse of office. 

Prosecutors allege that as Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, he misappropriated television sets worth US$2 million that were procured for fan parks during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. 

He is also accused of failing to return his passport by November 19, 2018, and missing a scheduled court appearance on January 18, 2019.

Harare – June 17, 2025

Former Cabinet Minister Walter Mzembi has had his bail revoked after the Harare Magistrates Court ruled that he willfully defaulted court proceedings without a valid explanation.

Presiding over the matter, Magistrate Donald Ndirowei said Mzembi failed to justify his prolonged absence from court, despite submitting medical records. The court found that the attached documents could have only been relevant had he availed himself in 2019 — not six years later in 2025.

“There is a gap regarding what transpired with his medical report. The attached medical records would have sufficed if he had presented himself in 2019, not now,” Magistrate Ndirowei noted.

He further observed that Mzembi made no attempt to return to Zimbabwe and cancel the outstanding warrants of arrest after being discharged from medical care in Zambia in 2024.

“The court is not convinced he was as sick as he wants us to believe. He was, in fact, actively campaigning for Saviour Kasukuwere during the 2023 elections and was visibly present on social media,” the magistrate said.

Magistrate Ndirowei concluded that the State had successfully demonstrated, on a balance of probabilities, that Mzembi’s default was deliberate. “The accused’s submissions fall far short. The warrants of arrest are hereby confirmed, bail is revoked, and he is committed to prison pending trial,” he ruled.

Mzembi will now remain in custody as legal proceedings continue.

By A Correspondent

A confidential list leaked from within Parliament has revealed that several Members of Parliament — from both Zanu PF and the opposition — were quietly notified to collect brand new vehicles, allegedly as part of a strategy by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to silence critical voices within the legislature.

According to a source within Parliament who spoke on condition of anonymity, the distribution of the vehicles was communicated on Tuesday directly from the Office of the President. The source claimed, “Mnangagwa wants to silence Parliamentarians who lead key Portfolio Committees. Remember there is 2030,” referencing the President’s Vision 2030 agenda. “Also, Mnangagwa fraudulently endorsed the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals refurbishment tender. Therefore, he has strategically thrown the dice to silence Parliamentarians thought to be influential in making noise.”

The legislators reportedly receiving vehicles include:

Hon J. Chuma

Hon C. Moyo

Hon Senator S.T. Muzenda

Hon T. Matangira

Hon S. Maburutse

Hon C. Chiduwa

Hon G. Mutandi

Hon I.D. Jere

Hon S. Matema

Hon C. Matewu

Hon Hwende

Hon Mlotshwa

Hon Senator M. Mupfumira

The inclusion of opposition MPs such as Hon C. Matewu has raised eyebrows, with observers questioning whether bipartisan silence is being bought ahead of potentially controversial government initiatives.

Critics argue that the timing and secrecy of the distribution raise serious ethical concerns. Civil society watchdogs have called for transparency and accountability, warning that such covert incentives erode the independence of Parliament.

“If legislators are being rewarded in the dark, how can they be expected to hold the executive to account?” asked one political analyst.

As of now, neither the President’s Office nor Parliament has issued a formal statement in response to the leaked list.

The said Parliamentarians are yet to respond to the their involvement in the said ploy.

By A Correspondent

Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera has reaffirmed her commitment to digitalising education across Zimbabwe—but questions remain over whether that promise includes learners in remote and under-resourced areas, many of whom are still learning on makeshift benches and under trees.

On Tuesday, Minister Mavetera delivered a passionate statement following her appearance as guest of honour at the Sandton Group of Schools Awards Ceremony.

She praised the school’s use of cutting-edge educational technology and vowed to bring similar innovations to every school across the country.

“I was truly inspired by their advanced tech interactive boards, digital tools and seamless integration,” she said in a statement.

“As Minister of ICTPCS, I’m committed to accelerating efforts so EVERY school in Zimbabwe accesses this transformative technology.”

She added, “The future of education is digital, and we are making it a reality. As your Minister of ICTPCS, I reaffirm our government’s commitment: We WILL cascade this level of technology to ALL schools. No child will be left behind in the digital transformation of our schools.

This is the standard we are bringing to EVERY school. As Minister of ICTPCS, I will not rest until all students have these opportunities.”

While the minister’s vision has been widely welcomed, observers have raised concerns about the practicality of rolling out digital tools to areas where learners lack even basic infrastructure.

“How will computers and digital boards be used in schools that have no electricity, no roofs, and no desks?” one education rights activist asked on social media.

As the digitalisation agenda gains momentum, many are watching to see whether it will also address deep-rooted infrastructure gaps that continue to disadvantage rural learners.

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi has been denied bail and will remain in custody until July 1, when his trial is set to begin.

Mzembi was arrested last Friday by officers from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), just days after quietly returning to Zimbabwe and holding a private meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House.He is accused of defaulting on court appearances and failing to comply with three outstanding warrants of arrest. Mzembi’s lawyer, Mr. Killian Mandiki, had earlier filed written submissions arguing that his client’s absence from court was not deliberate. He explained that Mzembi had been granted the temporary release of his passport to seek emergency medical treatment in South Africa after being diagnosed with advanced rectal cancer, for which he underwent surgery.According to Mandiki, Mzembi later relocated to Zambia in early 2024 after he was unable to continue his treatment in South Africa due to travel documentation issues. Upon arrival in Zambia, his condition had reportedly deteriorated significantly. He was immediately admitted to hospital, placed on oxygen support, and closely monitored for over 10 days. Medical records substantiating his condition were submitted to the court as part of his defence.Acting Deputy Prosecutor-General Ms. Tendai Shonhayi, representing the State, submitted written arguments in response.In addition to the charge of failing to comply with arrest warrants, Mzembi faces allegations of theft of trust property. Prosecutors claim he failed to return his passport by November 19, 2018, and missed a scheduled court appearance on January 18, 2019, to answer charges of criminal abuse of office.The criminal abuse charges relate to allegations that Mzembi converted for personal use television sets worth US$2 million.he equipment had originally been purchased for fan parks during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa when he was Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry.

By A Correspondent

In an unusual turn of events on Monday, a large truck accidentally blocked the private motorcade of the President near the Southerton Post Office in Harare. The incident occurred as the motorcade was en route from State House to Sally Mugabe Central Hospital.

Presidential spokesman Mr. George Charamba confirmed the incident in a statement released to the press. “The truck driver was unaware of who he had blocked, as the Presidential Security Team kept a low but watchful profile,” he said.

The disruption was brief, and no harm or escalation occurred. Mr. Charamba emphasized that the President’s convoy maintained strict adherence to all traffic regulations throughout the journey. “The President’s motorcade obeyed all traffic rules. There were no Police outriders, and the security team stayed discreet during the entire unplanned visit,” he explained.

Sources indicate that the President was making an unannounced stop at the hospital, possibly for a routine inspection or private engagement.

The Office of the President did not comment further on the nature of the hospital visit, maintaining that it was a private matter. The truck driver, who was reportedly shocked to learn whom he had inadvertently delayed, faced no charges or reprimand, according to early reports.

The incident has sparked conversation on social media about the growing efforts by the Presidency to adopt a more modest and low-profile approach during some public and private movements.

Controversial Zanu PF businessman and self-styled tycoon Wicknell Munodaani Chivayo has sparked outrage after a video surfaced showing him boasting about plans to acquire a luxurious Gulfstream G700 private jet—allegedly using looted state funds.

Chivayo, known for flaunting his wealth and close ties to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is widely accused of benefiting from inflated government contracts and diverting public money for personal gain.

In the viral footage, Chivayo can be heard bragging about his intended purchase, claiming the new aircraft will be branded with his initials: “WMC 777.” The Gulfstream G700 is one of the most advanced and expensive business jets in the world, with a price tag reportedly ranging between US$75 million and US$83.5 million depending on customization and model year, according to Guardian Jet.

The businessman, who already owns a US$12 million private jet, shows no signs of slowing down his lavish lifestyle—despite mounting public criticism and growing questions about the origins of his fortune.

Chivayo’s flamboyant display has reignited debate around corruption, abuse of public funds, and the widening gap between Zimbabwe’s elite and its struggling citizens. As calls for accountability grow louder, many are demanding a full investigation into how government-linked contracts have enriched individuals like Chivayo at the expense of the nation.

By A Correspondent

Masvingo – Former Helen McGhie Primary School headmaster, Hebert Horuno Zengeya, caused a stir after openly criticising the ruling Zanu PF party, calling it “demonic” during a traditional leadership installation ceremony.

Speaking at the recent installation of his cousin, Togara Masunda, as Chief Nyamandi, Zengeya directly addressed Zanu PF Senator Lovemore Matuke, accusing the ruling party of sowing division and destabilising traditional leadership structures for political gain.

“Your Zanu PF government is like an evil spirit,” Zengeya declared. “It is wrecking our chieftainships by spreading hate, dividing families, and setting heirs on each other’s throats for its own political convenience.”

Zengeya also blasted the delay in appointing the new chief, saying, “Mnangagwa took seven years to approve this installation when the law clearly states the process must be completed within two years. The Nyamandi chieftainship has never been resolved through courts or family wrangles—but because of Zanu PF, that’s exactly what’s happening now.”

Government officials reportedly attempted to block Zengeya from speaking as a family representative during the event, but he proceeded to deliver his address to the gathered community and dignitaries.

The bold remarks have sparked conversation on social media, with many Zimbabweans praising Zengeya for voicing frustrations that they say reflect the lived reality of many citizens affected by partisan interference in traditional structures.

Video credit: Masvingo Mirror

By A Correspondent

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is facing a wave of public criticism following his surprise visit to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Sally Mugabe Central Hospital on Monday—a visit that coincided with the immediate commencement of refurbishment work the same evening.

In official photographs released on Monday, Mnangagwa is seen engaging with patients, medical staff, and inspecting facilities.

He also toured NATPHARM, the country’s state-run medical supplies distributor.

Soon after his departure, renovations began under what has been described as the Presidential Hospital Refurbishment Programme.

However, the rapid timing of the developments has triggered widespread concern and suspicion about transparency in the awarding of the project.

Citizens took to social media to demand answers.

“Mnangagwa comes in the afternoon, in the evening work begins. Who got the tenders and how were they issued?” asked one user, Taurai (@Uncle_Tau).

Another, Tapera ES, queried: “When was the tender issued???”

Health activist and X user @DrNom added, “The company is Prevail Group at a cost of 300 million.” This figure, however, has not been officially confirmed by government sources.

To date, authorities have not disclosed which company was awarded the refurbishment contract, how much the project will cost, or what criteria were used for tender selection.

Critics argue the sudden launch of renovations just hours after the president’s visit appears coordinated, raising further questions about due process.

While the improvements to the country’s largest public hospital have been broadly welcomed, many Zimbabweans insist the government must operate with greater accountability and transparency—especially when large sums of taxpayer money and public services are involved.

As one citizen posted: “We need hospitals refurbished, yes—but we also need to know who is being paid to do it, how they got the job, and if they are qualified.”

By A Correspondent

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is facing a wave of public criticism following his surprise visit to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Sally Mugabe Central Hospital on Monday—a visit that coincided with the immediate commencement of refurbishment work the same evening.

In official photographs released on Monday, Mnangagwa is seen engaging with patients, medical staff, and inspecting facilities.

He also toured NATPHARM, the country’s state-run medical supplies distributor.

Soon after his departure, renovations began under what has been described as the Presidential Hospital Refurbishment Programme.

However, the rapid timing of the developments has triggered widespread concern and suspicion about transparency in the awarding of the project.

Citizens took to social media to demand answers.

“Mnangagwa comes in the afternoon, in the evening work begins. Who got the tenders and how were they issued?” asked one user, Taurai (@Uncle_Tau).

Another, Tapera ES, queried: “When was the tender issued???”

Health activist and X user @DrNom added, “The company is Prevail Group at a cost of 300 million.” This figure, however, has not been officially confirmed by government sources.

To date, authorities have not disclosed which company was awarded the refurbishment contract, how much the project will cost, or what criteria were used for tender selection.

Critics argue the sudden launch of renovations just hours after the president’s visit appears coordinated, raising further questions about due process.

While the improvements to the country’s largest public hospital have been broadly welcomed, many Zimbabweans insist the government must operate with greater accountability and transparency—especially when large sums of taxpayer money and public services are involved.

As one citizen posted: “We need hospitals refurbished, yes—but we also need to know who is being paid to do it, how they got the job, and if they are qualified.”

By A Correspondent

Two police officers and two passengers were critically injured on Saturday night when a Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Ford 4×4 patrol vehicle was struck by a Mercedes-Benz at the Lewisam Business Centre along the Harare-Mutoko Highway.

The ZRP confirmed the incident, stating that the officers were on routine patrol at the time of the collision. All injured parties were rushed to a local hospital, where they are receiving medical attention.

HE President ED Mnangagwa has officially handed over a second tranche of tipper trucks and front-end loaders under the auspices of the Presidential Youth Fund.

The initiative reaffirms the Government’s commitment to empowering young people through the provision of productive assets, thereby fostering sustainable livelihoods and inclusive economic participation, ZANU PF party reports saying.

By A Correspondent

Despite bold proclamations from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), the government’s latest attempt to dress up the ZiG currency as a success appears to be more rhetoric than reality. In a statement released Monday, the RBZ claimed that local currency transactions on the National Payments System had jumped from 26 percent in April 2023 to 43 percent in 2024—a 17 percent rise since ZiG was launched.

The central bank lauded this as a sign of growing confidence in the local currency. “The ZiG continues to experience widespread usage in the economy,” the RBZ said, painting a rosy picture of acceptance that sharply contrasts with the real experiences of Zimbabwean citizens still battling volatile prices and limited access to basic goods.

Further amplifying its upbeat tone, the RBZ reported that the country’s foreign currency reserves now exceed US$700 million, presenting it as a buffer that will supposedly stabilize the ZiG. The Bank also projected a six percent economic growth rate for 2025, attributing it largely to a strong agricultural season.

But behind the statistics lies a different truth: ordinary Zimbabweans remain unconvinced. Trust in government-backed currencies has been eroded by decades of hyperinflation, policy failures, and abrupt monetary shifts. While the RBZ hails numeric gains, many citizens see a familiar pattern of inflated optimism used to mask deeper structural economic problems.

In reality, the so-called resurgence of the ZiG may be little more than a forced adaptation, driven more by limited alternatives than genuine confidence. As the government doubles down on its narrative, the public continues to ask: can rhetoric feed families—or is this just another currency experiment doomed to fail?

By Jane Mlambo| Political activist Jealousy Mawarire has accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa of using his unannounced visits to public hospitals as a smokescreen to justify an allegedly corrupt multi-million-dollar medical equipment deal involving a South African company.

President Mnangagwa on Monday made surprise inspections at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, with state media reporting that the visits were meant to help the President “gain a clearer understanding of the challenges facing the country’s public health institutions.”

But Mawarire, a longtime critic of the Zanu PF-led administration, dismissed the visits as a public relations stunt designed to legitimize what he claims is a murky US$439 million contract with TTM Global Medical Exports, which was allegedly signed without going to tender.

“You didn’t visit the hospitals to gain a clearer understanding of anything,” Mawarire said in a scathing statement posted on X (formerly Twitter). “You visited in order to justify, as usual, the monetization of our problems.”

The outspoken activist further alleged that Mnangagwa’s office has already approved a dubious scheme spearheaded by what he described as the President’s “obese proxy,” whom he claims is pushing a controversial “presidential scheme for the provision of cancer treatment equipment.”

Mawarire also questioned the use of public funds collected through the recently introduced sugar tax, suggesting that the levy is now being abused to finance the opaque deal.

“Zvichapera hazvo manje manje,” he wrote, a Shona phrase meaning “This will come to an end soon.”

While the government has yet to respond to the allegations, the claims have sparked renewed scrutiny over transparency in government procurement and the management of public health resources in a country battling economic collapse and a crumbling healthcare system.

If confirmed, the alleged no-tender deal with TTM Global could further tarnish Mnangagwa’s administration, which has previously faced accusations of mismanaging COVID-19 funds and other healthcare-related tenders.

Mines Minister answers Senate questions over why it is that every time gold is discovered, the ministry brings in different people to take over the mine.

Minister responds as follows- Minister: Our ministry gives licenses to explore which are called EPO’s to women and youth the number, I will give you later but I might as well tell you that in Hwange there are four women who are shareholders, who have got 15 mines but I am hearing what you’re saying Senate President that there are other people who are being given backdated certificates. I was asking Senate President that can the honourable Senator tell me who exactly has been given that so that I know them-why did I ask for these? The reason is that each province has got a mining director in each province who inspect everything. The mining director is the one who investigates disputes.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18LL7uBCpJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

What I was asking for is if the honourable member knows people who have received such treatment he must disclose them right now so that I may attend to them. We do not want people to get backdated permits. We want to stop that; we want to fix it. I thank you.

Whenever claims arise on the validation of certificates the commissioner where the parties choose; should try to resolve the dispute and in many cases there is inadequate recording of the proceedings so that at the end of the day what transpires before the commissioners is not properly recorded what steps are being taken or what steps may be taken to ensure that those disputes are a bit more formal than they are at the present moment?

By Crime and Courts Reporter — Police have confirmed the tragic deaths of four members of the same family, including a three-year-old girl, following a horrific head-on collision between a Ford Ranger and a Honda Fit along the Karoi-Binga Road on Sunday evening.

The accident, which occurred around 6:30pm at the 25km peg, involved a total of 19 passengers — seven in the Ford Ranger and 12 in the Honda Fit.

The victims, all from the Matonde family of Dixie Farm in Magunje, were identified as:

• Juliet Matonde (32)
• Eunice Matonde (13)
• Debra Matonde (8)
• Letwin Matonde (3)

All four died on the spot.

The overloaded Honda Fit — a vehicle increasingly associated with unsafe mushikashika operations — has once again brought road safety enforcement into question. Concerns continue to mount over the lax regulation of these vehicles, which are often used for public transport despite not being fit for purpose.

National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the details in a statement.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a fatal road accident which occurred on 15 June 2025 at 18:30hrs at the 25km peg along the Karoi-Binga Road where a Ford Ranger vehicle with seven passengers on board collided with a Honda Fit vehicle carrying 12 passengers,” he said.

“As a result, four people died on the spot while 15 others were seriously injured.”

The bodies were taken to Karoi District Hospital mortuary for post-mortem, and the injured were also admitted there for treatment.

Police say investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.

By A Correspondent – A water-heating kettle that may have been left on in one of the rooms is suspected to have caused the fire that gutted part of the historic Midlands Hotel in Gweru on Friday evening, leaving a trail of destruction but no injuries or fatalities.

According to preliminary investigations by the Gweru City Council Fire Department, the blaze was likely sparked by a water-heating kettle that may have been left on in one of the rooms.

“When we received the SOS around 7pm, we rushed to the scene.

The stairway doors were locked, so we had to use ladders to access the first floor,” said Mr Felix Muguti, Chief Fire Officer for Gweru City Council. “We broke through the ceiling to contain the fire, which was already spreading.

Unfortunately, all property in the affected room — including beds and tenants’ clothing — was destroyed. But we managed to stop the fire from spreading further.”

The swift response of the fire brigade earned praise from residents and tenants at the hotel, many of whom feared the worst.

“I am a tenant here. The whole incident really got me worried. I was afraid for my possessions, but I’m happy the fire was dealt with quickly,” said one tenant who spoke to ZBC News. “Had it not been for the swift reaction of the team, we could be telling a different story now.”

Another tenant added: “For a moment I was really frightened, but I’m relieved now that it’s over and the damage was contained.”

While the fire was successfully brought under control before it could engulf more sections of the hotel, the incident has reignited concerns about electrical safety, especially during the winter months when use of heating appliances increases.

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In response, the Civil Protection Department has issued a warning urging citizens to be vigilant when using electrical gadgets and heating devices.

“We urge members of the public to exercise extreme caution when operating electrical appliances, particularly during the cold season,” said a spokesperson.

The Midlands Hotel, one of the oldest hospitality establishments in Gweru, is expected to undergo repairs following assessments of the damage.

By A Correspondent

Chiredzi Central MP Ropafadzo Makumire has raised alarm over Chiredzi Town Council’s decision to fund a US$50,000 trip to the 2025 International Youth World Camp in Busan, South Korea, despite mounting financial woes and unpaid staff salaries.

The trip, set for July 4–16, will include two junior councillors, one focal person, and Mayor Jameson Charumbira. Makumire condemned the expenditure, calling it irresponsible under the current circumstances.

“Our council workers haven’t been paid for months, yet resources are being channelled into foreign trips,” said Makumire in a letter addressed to council officials. “I strongly urge the cancellation of this trip until the council has met its obligations to employees.”

Makumire warned that public trust was eroding as service delivery continues to deteriorate. “There are service vehicles that are grounded, garbage collection is irregular, and yet we have US$50,000 to spend on travel?”

Council insiders confirmed that funds for the trip have already been allocated, with airfares reportedly paid in advance. One employee, who spoke anonymously, revealed that “contract staff haven’t been paid for almost two months, and permanent staff haven’t seen salaries since February.”

Despite growing public backlash and Makumire’s appeal, a source within the council stated, “The programme is going ahead as planned.”

By A Correspondent

Kudakwashe Tagwirei, the controversial businessman and founder of the Bridging Gaps Foundation, has once again made headlines — this time for an expansive donation campaign in Nyanga North constituency.

Tagwirei is also the man behind Sakunda Energy…

On Sunday, his foundation distributed grocery hampers to over 3,000 households, commissioned several boreholes, and handed over medical equipment to local clinics.

Tagwirei has maintained that the initiative is purely philanthropic. “This is a goodwill gesture, nothing more,” he said during the handover ceremony. “Our role as citizens is to step in where we can, to bridge the gap and help uplift communities.”

But not everyone is convinced. Political analysts argue the scale and visibility of the donations suggest a calculated political strategy rather than simple generosity.

“You don’t donate at this scale — boreholes, food, medical supplies — in a politically strategic rural constituency without a bigger plan,” said a Harare-based analyst. “This is nation-building optics. He’s not just giving — he’s positioning.”

Tagwirei’s close ties to the ruling elite and his dominance in the energy and mining sectors have long raised questions about his political ambitions. While he has never held public office, his influence behind the scenes is widely acknowledged — and now, his public visibility is escalating.

Critics warn that such philanthropic acts often function as informal campaign tools, especially in rural constituencies where material needs are high and state support is limited. The line between charity and political mobilization, they argue, is increasingly blurred.

“Let’s not pretend this is apolitical,” said another analyst. “Philanthropy in Zimbabwe has historically served as a launchpad for political projects. Tagwirei is following a well-worn path.”

While Tagwirei has dismissed speculation that he is eyeing public office, his moves are fueling broader debates about wealth, influence, and the future of leadership in Zimbabwe.

For now, the question lingers: is Dr Tagwirei bridging gaps — or building a political base?

17 June 2025 — Bulawayo

The Zimbabwean government has pledged to begin compensating victims of the Gukurahundi massacres, a significant but controversial announcement made Tuesday by Deputy President of the National Council of Chiefs, Chief Fortune Charumbira — even as families of victims of more recent atrocities, including the August 2018 and January 2019 army shootings, remain uncompensated.

Speaking at a press conference in Bulawayo, Chief Charumbira said community hearings into the 1980s genocide will commence on June 26, 2025, across Matabeleland North and South. The hearings will be presided over by traditional leaders, supported by local panels and counsellors. He said the state is “ready to compensate” victims on a case-by-case basis, with reparations tailored to each individual’s loss.

“Cases which come out well and legitimately so, that require compensation — the government is ready to compensate,” Charumbira told reporters.
“The quantum can’t be predetermined… We can’t give the same amount. It depends on each case.”

Yet, the announcement has immediately triggered fresh outrage and accusations of selective justice. Victims’ families from the 2018 post-election shootings — including the family of slain activist Tinashe Choto, who was shot in the head by security forces in Harare — have still not received any compensation, nearly seven years on.

The government has also failed to deliver reparations to families of those killed during the January 2019 fuel protests, when the military and police unleashed a brutal crackdown on unarmed civilians, leaving at least 17 people dead and dozens injured.

Critics say the timing and political choreography of the Gukurahundi reparations announcement — less than two weeks before the hearings — is a tactical maneuver by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to sanitise his image while ignoring contemporary human rights abuses perpetrated under his leadership.

“This is a hollow promise wrapped in cultural theater,” said one human rights lawyer, who asked not to be named. “The same state that is refusing to acknowledge liability or pay reparations to the families of 2018 and 2019 victims now wants to play redeemer on Gukurahundi. It’s not justice — it’s political opportunism.”

While Chief Charumbira insisted that the programme was endorsed “at the highest level of government” and backed by President Mnangagwa himself, the mechanisms for compensation remain vague. He declined to provide any financial benchmarks, saying it was up to the chiefs and victims to negotiate terms based on “merit.”

The traditional leaders will be assisted by 14-member community panels and two rapporteurs each, with all records captured digitally and stored under the custody of the chiefs. Diaspora victims were told to travel to Zimbabwe if they wish to participate, as no hearings will be held outside the country.

“This is a quasi-judicial process,” said Charumbira. “If you have a good case, come and talk to the chief. They will give you a date in September.”

The outreach is expected to last no more than six months, with hearings held confidentially to protect victim identities. Despite its intentions, the programme risks being overshadowed by the state’s refusal to engage with other unresolved atrocities — especially those committed under Mnangagwa’s own administration.

For the family of Tinashe Choto and others still seeking closure, the government’s silence has been deafening.

“Justice delayed is justice denied,” said a family friend of Choto. “You can’t build peace on a foundation of hypocrisy.”

⸻

Karoi | 16 June 2025 — A devastating road accident has claimed the lives of four members of the Matonde family — including three young girls — after a head-on collision between a Ford Ranger and a Honda Fit along the Karoi-Binga Road on Sunday evening.

The tragedy struck at the 25-kilometre peg around 6:30pm, when the two vehicles — carrying a shocking total of 19 people — collided with fatal force. The impact killed four family members from Dixie Farm in Magunje instantly: Juliet Matonde (32), Letwin Matonde (3), Debra Matonde (8), and Eunice Matonde (13).

Police say the Ford Ranger was carrying 7 people, while the Honda Fit — notorious across Zimbabwe for being dangerously overloaded as part of the illegal mushikashika transport system — was packed with 12 passengers.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident:

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a fatal road accident which occurred on 15 June 2025 at 18:30hrs at the 25km peg along the Karoi-Binga Road where a Ford Ranger vehicle with seven passengers on board collided with a Honda Fit vehicle carrying 12 passengers. As a result, four people died on the spot while 15 were seriously injured.”

The injured have been admitted to Karoi District Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment. The deceased were also transported to the same hospital for post-mortem examinations.

This latest carnage is certain to reignite debate over the enforcement of traffic regulations, especially the reckless use of small private vehicles like Honda Fits as pirate taxis. Despite numerous warnings and public awareness campaigns, overloaded mushikashikas continue to dominate Zimbabwe’s roads, putting lives at risk daily.

Police are investigating the circumstances of the collision.

By A Correspondent | Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – Two years after his initial arrest for impersonating a medical doctor and running a fake visa facilitation scheme, Nyasha William Gwazemba is once again at the centre of a fresh Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) scam involving thousands of dollars.

A new victim has emerged, sharing a message (attached) that details how Gwazemba (pictured) allegedly received £700 in the UK and an additional US$1,700 in Zimbabwe from a family seeking a UK work visa. The money, the complainant claims, was sent to Gwazemba’s mother at his instruction. The payments were made under the promise that he would facilitate a CoS for the victim’s daughter — a legal requirement for employment in the UK.

This fresh allegation mirrors a pattern from 2022, when Gwazemba was arrested after duping dozens across Bulawayo, Harare, and other towns. At the time, he posed as a UK-based doctor, charging victims up to US$600 each while claiming he could process UK work visas. One woman was conned out of US$500, prompting her family to contact this publication. In a sting operation, private investigators apprehended Gwazemba at a fuel station in Gwabalanda, after he tried to collect a passport and deposit from an undercover agent.

At that time, Gwazemba boasted that he had police connections and would never see the inside of a jail cell. He was detained at Luveve Police Station, but there is no public record of a successful conviction.

Now, evidence has emerged showing bank transfers linked to Gwazemba’s account, implicating him once more in what appears to be a repeated and deliberate pattern of fraud.

When contacted for comment regarding the latest allegations, Gwazemba initially denied any knowledge, saying:

“I don’t know that person.”

However, once presented with evidence of the bank transfer bearing his account details, he abruptly dropped the call and failed to respond to subsequent messages or calls aimed at completing the interview.

This silence has only intensified public outrage, with renewed calls for police to reopen the case and investigate whether he is part of a larger syndicate targeting Zimbabweans desperate to escape economic hardship.

Authorities have repeatedly urged citizens not to trust individuals claiming to offer UK visas or job placements, and to verify all recruitment offers through licensed and accredited agencies only.

“No individual can help you get a UK visa or Certificate of Sponsorship. Always use official government channels,” stressed a source close to the investigators.

Anyone who may have fallen victim to Gwazemba is encouraged to report their case at Luveve Police Station or contact immigration fraud hotlines.

This incident highlights a disturbing trend in Zimbabwe’s job placement sector, where fraudulent agents continue to exploit the hopes and savings of struggling families seeking a better life abroad.- ZimEye

🔴 BREAKING NEWS: ZRP Probes Shocking US$500K Armed Heist in Harare CBD as Public Questions Source and Storage of Cash

Harare, Zimbabwe – 16 June 2025

A brazen broad daylight robbery has rocked Harare’s central business district after four armed suspects stormed a mall at the corner of Cameron and Albion Street and vanished with a staggering USD 500,000 in cash.

In a public alert posted by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the incident occurred around 10:00 AM on Sunday, the 16th of June. The suspects, described only as “four unknown individuals armed with an unknown pistol,” reportedly pounced on a business premise before fleeing with the massive sum of money.

While authorities have not yet disclosed the name of the business involved or provided further investigative updates, the announcement has ignited a wave of confusion, skepticism, and outrage among the public online.

💬 Public Shock and Suspicion

The news has triggered a flood of questions across social media platforms, with citizens demanding to know why such a vast amount of cash was being held on-site instead of in a bank.

“Why keep such a large amount of money and not bank it?” asked @tonderayi_m, echoing the sentiments of many who speculated the stash may be linked to illicit dealings or internal collusion.

Others like @wkays2 suggested insider involvement, noting, “Also believe there are some insiders. Anyway let’s leave homicide to dream.”

Fanwell Zvigumbu expressed disbelief in Shona, “Whr was the money? This is nonsense. Keeping all that money in a cashbox… regai matsotsi atore zvavo – mari inopinda mu circulation.” (“Let the robbers take it – at least the money enters circulation.”)

🏦 A Reflection of a Broken Banking System?

The incident has once again spotlighted Zimbabwe’s complex and cash-heavy economy, where many businesses avoid the formal banking system due to high transaction costs, fear of account seizures, or lack of trust in financial institutions.

“In a country where individuals have millions in cash, banks seem to have nothing,” said @gideonvic300.

Multiple users questioned why such an amount was even present in the CBD, while others mocked the situation with humour and disbelief. “Half a million USD???” exclaimed @farai_mccloud with shock emojis, while another simply said, “Damn I wish I was part of them.”

🚨 Police Investigation Underway

ZRP says investigations are in full swing and promised that “more details will be released in due course.” However, the lack of surveillance footage, suspect identities, or traceable leads as of now has cast doubt on how quickly justice will be served.

Speculation about the real motive and backstory behind the incident is growing rapidly online, with some questioning whether this is a genuine robbery or a cover-up for a deeper financial crime.

As the nation reels from this incident, pressure mounts on law enforcement and financial regulators to explain how such risky cash handling practices remain unchecked — and whether Zimbabwe’s criminal underworld is now more organized than ever.

⸻

This story is developing.

By A Correspondent | ZimEye | British Police police bunked the arrival function of First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa.

Mrs Mnangagwa was scheduled to arrive aboard a chartered flight today 1030am, at Gatwick Airport.

She however did not arrive.

A group of men believed to be London embassy officials were spotted pacing around the airport in the early hours of the morning.

Her movements were still not clear at the time of writing, and no statement issued by government over her attendance at an Annual Flair Summit meant for African First Ladies.

An audit conducted by ZimEye reveals meeting is being graced by predominantly the wives of Nigerian governors.

It was at the time offering believed that the reason why Mrs Mnangagwa’s movements are unclear is she’s avoiding being embarrassed by protesters who have threatened to demonstrate against her.

This is a developing story

This is former Chamisa right hand man Caston Matewu in 2021, and the same person today (16 June 2025), 4 years after joining the ZANU imposter Sengezo Tshabangu- in a very short time many are mistaking his countenance for that of the convicted fraudster Wicknell Chivayo. In 2021, Matewu’s father Jaison, publicly instructed journalists to help divert Nelson Chamisa’s party money to his private bank accounts in UK. He was confronted over this, while his son was secretly chopping the money and contracting Emmerson Mnangagwa. The son, Caston, today, 16 June 2025, has written promising “to ensure your money is put to good use.” Do you believe he will do this?

By Tinashe Sambiri

Zanu PF activist Levison Chambati, who leads the Varakashi4ED movement in Mashonaland West, has sparked fresh debate after claiming President Emmerson Mnangagwa has “delivered everything the people asked for” — and should now extend his rule beyond 2028.

In a statement at the weekend,Chambati heaped praise on what he described as “undeniable milestones” achieved under the Second Republic, framing the President as a responsive and action-driven leader.

“President @edmnangagwa is the true embodiment of a listening leader,” Chambati said. “Whatever the people ask for — he delivers.”

He pointed to a list of so-called achievements under Mnangagwa’s leadership, including infrastructure development, food security, and emergency health services.

“You asked for spaghetti roads — he delivered the iconic Trabablas Interchange,” Chambati said.
“You wanted the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road fixed — he responded with a sophisticated rehabilitation project.
“We faced a fuel crisis — today, there are service stations in every corner.
“People were hungry — now Pfumvudza has made Zimbabwe food secure.
“You needed air ambulances — he went to Russia and brought them back.”

However, it was Chambati’s closing remarks that raised eyebrows.

The public endorsement of a third term — a constitutional impossibility under current laws — echoes growing murmurs within Zanu PF structures where some party loyalists have floated the idea of amending term limits.

Critics argue such talk is dangerous and undermines constitutional democracy.

“This is how dictatorship is normalised — with loyalists romanticising authoritarianism in the name of development,” one political analyst said.

While the official party position remains that Mnangagwa will step down at the end of his second term, the Varakashi4ED call for “Vision 2030 with ED” appears to be laying groundwork for a broader narrative shift.

By Farai D Hove |

”We shall rule you till the donkeys have horns,” was the loudest statement during a public meeting between the Zimbabwe Military General Anselem Sanyatwe last week.

Sanyatwe who was recently shafted from the army back to government, was speaking during a meeting that the Geza-condemned- tenderpreneur Kudakwashe Tagwirei donated groceries to households in his (Sanyatwe) wife’s constituency.

The statement was made as part of a speech celebrating the donations to Sanyatwe constituents. The handouts come at a time Tagwirei has been singled out by the war veteran Blessed Geza and accused of being the cancer causing institutional corruption in government. Geza and many members of the military accuse Tagwirei of ill treating servicemen by raiding companies which provide food and other needs to the Defence Forces.

While Sanyatwe’s statement could sound arrogant, it might be a veiled message to Tagwirei.

”Brains hapana that’s why he was demoted by mnangagwa from being an army commander to being a useless Minister,” wrote Simbarashe Mandiona.

But “Arikumira semusoja Sanyatwe,” – he is simply standing up to Tagwirei as a soldier, tweeted @ChazingwaThree.

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By A Correspondent

A dramatic armed robbery unfolded in the heart of Harare, sending shockwaves through the local business community. A prominent Indian businessman fell victim to the heist, which saw an estimated US$500,000 in cash and high-end electronic items stolen in broad daylight.

The incident occurred at Steve’s Mall on Cameroon Street, a normally bustling hub of commercial activity. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos and confusion as gun-wielding robbers swiftly executed their operation before vanishing without a trace.

According to initial reports, the businessman was ambushed unexpectedly by the armed group, who appeared to have planned the attack meticulously. The robbers quickly made away with the large sum of money and valuable electronic devices, leaving behind a shaken crowd of onlookers and distraught shop owners.

Local businesses were forced to temporarily shut down as police cordoned off the area to begin investigations. Authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage and collecting statements in an effort to track down the suspects.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the robbery and urged members of the public with any relevant information to come forward. “This is a serious incident, and we are treating it as a top priority,” a police spokesperson said.

No arrests had been made at the time of writing, and investigations are ongoing.

The brazen nature of the robbery has raised concerns about rising insecurity in commercial zones, with calls growing louder for increased police patrols and enhanced surveillance in key business districts.

By Tinashe Sambiri

A Kadoma woman has been convicted and sentenced after stealing nearly US$30,000 from her employer, Delta Beverages, and attempting to destroy the evidence by setting some of the stolen money on fire.

Evelyn Mkwananzi (38), employed as a cashier at the beverage company, was handed a 38-month prison sentence by the Kadoma Magistrates’ Court after she absconded with US$29,896 in sales revenue on May 4, 2023, instead of depositing the funds as required.

In a desperate bid to cover her tracks, Mkwananzi tried to burn a portion of the cash before fleeing. Her attempt was captured on CCTV, showing her setting the blaze and escaping the scene.

Thanks to the swift response of the company’s security team, US$12,500 of the stolen money was recovered, though US$470 and ZWL$900 were partially destroyed in the fire.

Magistrates sentenced Mkwananzi to 38 months in prison, structured with suspensions: 10 months were suspended for five years, 12 months upon full restitution of the stolen amount, and the remaining 16 months replaced by 560 hours of community service at Rutendo Primary School in Kwekwe.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) condemned the act, emphasizing the importance of professional integrity. “This case serves as a reminder that integrity is paramount. Attempts to hide wrongdoing only worsen the consequences. The justice system remains firm on accountability,” the NPA said in a statement.

Today is the 3rd day since these damning viral allegations were made, that have resulted in a reconciliation meeting between the CIO DG and Rumbidzai Kanhukamwe Rusere today.

Why are you @nickmangwana @Jamwanda2 silent?

If this audio was AI generated, as said by Rumbidzai Kanhukamwe Rusere, what was the reconciliation with the DG about, an AI clip or the truth leaked by a CIO DG sympathiser? | This matter is a follow up to the handing in of a retirement request to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces on 21 May 2025, which triggered the abduction of one of the petitioners Gifford Gomwe’s mother.

Within days, the Commander of the Presidential Guard Fidelis Mhonda’s office was invaded and wiped clean of every document found in there. Mhonda had received a warning from the war veteran Blessed Geza who had announced earlier (9 May) that he feel pity for Mhonda because the day mentions his name, he’s going to be hit by the soldiers. And that is exactly what transpired less than 14 days later. 3 weeks after the 21 May military petition, an audio has gone viral containing details linked to the abduction plus the alleged hunt down for the war veteran Blessed Geza.

The entire development might be a confirmation of state capture and presidential incapacity that the 21 May petitioners raise accusations against President Emmerson Mnangagwa over. They have requested the military to invoke Section 212 of the Zimbabwe Constitution which mandates the defence forces powers of intervention.

The other petitioners of the 21 May military stamped document are: Rose Chirenje, Tawanda Jena, and Sarudzai Rushwaya. – READ THE FULL STORY HERE

By A Correspondent

Masvingo Provincial Education Director (PED) Shylatte Mhike, who was recently arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) on corruption-related charges, has had her case postponed to July 1, 2025.

Mhike appeared before Magistrate Elizabeth Hanzi at the Masvingo Magistrates Court last week.

The matter was deferred to allow further investigations, which are still ongoing.

Mhike is being jointly charged with the Provincial Finance Director, Liniah Chinoda. The pair faces allegations of criminal abuse of office in their capacities as public officials.

According to ZACC, the charges arise from accusations that the two submitted fraudulent claims for travel and subsistence allowances.

Both Mhike and Chinoda are being represented by legal practitioner Yolander Chandata of H. Tafa and Associates.

By A Correspondent

Allegations of voter intimidation and electoral malpractice have once again surfaced in Zimbabwe, this time in Gutu East, where a Zanu PF district chairperson was reportedly caught orchestrating illegal campaign activities near a polling station during the June 14 by-election.

According to an independent election watchdog that was monitoring the Gutu East by-election, the Zanu PF official was seen instructing and threatening voters gathered at a dip tank just outside Dambara Primary School Polling Station in Nyazvidzi.

The incident occurred within the no-campaigning zone legally enforced on election day.

“We witnessed the Zanu PF district chairperson gathering villagers and coaching them on how to vote,” the monitoring team said in a report.

“When we attempted to intervene, he became aggressive and threatened to assault us.”

The situation escalated when the official allegedly contacted state security personnel.

“He made a phone call and shortly after, a vehicle with no number plates—believed to belong to the CIO—arrived at the scene. They assessed the situation and left without taking action,” the monitors added.

The organization confirmed that a formal complaint was submitted to both the police and the presiding officer at the polling station. “We filed a report with the Polling Officer and the police regarding intimidation and campaigning within the restricted radius. No arrests were made.”

Despite the reported irregularities, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission proceeded with the count. Zanu PF’s candidate, Masvingise, was later declared the winner of the contested seat.

Critics argue that such incidents highlight the persistent culture of fear and manipulation that undermines the credibility of elections in Zimbabwe. “This is exactly the kind of coercion that keeps free and fair elections out of reach,” said a member of the election watchdog, who requested anonymity for safety reasons.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has not issued a public statement regarding the reported incident.

By A Correspondent

Critics blast government’s “archives showcase” as disconnected from Zimbabwe’s everyday realities

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to officially open the 2025 Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Council on Archives (ESARBICA) Conference in Victoria Falls this Wednesday — a high-level event that critics say reflects government misaligned priorities at a time of deepening domestic crises.

The 28th edition of the regional gathering, which began on Sunday and runs through next week, brings together archival professionals from across Eastern and Southern Africa. While officials tout the event as a platform to “strengthen international relations” and promote Zimbabwe as a “leading tourism destination,” observers argue that it amounts to little more than a ceremonial distraction from pressing socio-economic challenges.

“The irony is hard to miss,” said a Harare-based historian. “We’re hosting a lavish archives conference while our own institutions are crumbling under years of underfunding, neglect, and politicisation. This is not a triumph — it’s a façade.”

Although the conference agenda includes discussions on digitisation, sustainability, and artificial intelligence in archives management, critics point out the stark disconnect between the event’s ambitious themes and the state of public information systems in Zimbabwe, many of which remain paper-based, under-resourced, and inaccessible to the public.

“There’s a lot of talk about modernising archives, but the average Zimbabwean can’t even access basic public records,” said an NGO official who monitors information transparency. “This is yet another elite event staged for optics while the public service continues to deteriorate.”

President Mnangagwa is expected to deliver a keynote speech focused on digital transformation and governance — themes that stand in contrast to his administration’s poor record on transparency, freedom of information, and digital rights. Under his rule, journalists and researchers continue to face barriers in accessing official documents, while whistleblowers are routinely harassed.

“Talking about AI and digitisation is laughable when journalists still have to fight for birth records or court files,” said a media rights advocate. “It’s not about archives — it’s about control.”

Analysts also question the real economic impact of the conference, which government sources claim could boost tourism and attract investment. However, such claims remain unverified, and critics argue that the cost of hosting high-profile delegates — likely funded through strained public resources — offers little benefit to ordinary citizens.

“Victoria Falls will shine for a week, but what happens after the cameras leave?” asked one economist. “This is state-sponsored theatre, not sustainable development.”

While the conference may offer professional value to archivists, for many Zimbabweans, it’s yet another example of a government more invested in international image-making than real reforms. As the ruling elite gathers in luxury, ordinary citizens continue to face power cuts, unpaid wages, and eroded public services — archived, perhaps, for future study in how not to govern.

By A Correspondent| Zanu PF is celebrating a disputed victory in the Chipinge Rural District Council (RDC) Ward 5 by-election, where an unusually high number of voters — over 1,200 out of 2,236 — were assisted to cast their ballots, raising fresh concerns about electoral integrity.

Zimbabwe, often lauded as one of Africa’s most literate nations, has once again found itself under scrutiny as political observers question how so many citizens required assistance to vote — a process typically reserved for the illiterate, disabled, or elderly.

Critics argue that Zanu PF has turned assisted voting into a political tool, allegedly coercing voters into declaring false illiteracy to enable party agents to influence their choices behind the curtain. The ruling party has been accused of exploiting this tactic in previous elections, with little accountability from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).

According to a report circulating from election observers, out of the 2,236 votes cast in Ward 5, an alarming 1,279 were assisted. The breakdown of assisted voters per polling station is as follows:

• Kondo Primary School – 193
• Musapingura – 196
• Chipangayi High School – 180
• Nemadzadza Village – 270
• Tongogara – 100
• Stage 3B – 180
• Sabi Valley Primary School – 190

Opposition parties and civil society organisations have condemned the practice, describing it as a form of “institutionalised rigging” that mocks Zimbabwe’s democratic processes.

“This is not a genuine victory,” said one opposition activist who requested anonymity. “When you win through manipulation, it is a celebration of deceit, not democracy.”

Despite these concerns, Zanu PF has been quick to trumpet the win, with senior party officials in Chipinge holding rallies and processions in what they described as a “landslide victory.”

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has not yet commented on the unusually high number of assisted voters in this by-election.

By Crime and Courts Reporter-Former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa was Sunday arrested by a team of armed Chinhoyi police officers from the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Law and Order section, after confronting local Police boss.

The outspoken politician announced his arrest on Sunday afternoon via his X (formerly Twitter) account, claiming the operation was linked to his recent allegations of corruption involving high-ranking officials in Mashonaland West.

“Breaking News! Today, I was arrested by a formidable contingent of 12 armed Law and Order Officers from the ZRP in Chinhoyi, all orchestrated by the Officer Commanding Mash West, Commissioner Tawonei Nyazema, who is clearly scurrying around to clean his criminal trail,” Mliswa posted.

Mliswa alleges his arrest stems from a series of tweets in which he accused both Commissioner Nyazema and the Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Marian Chombo, of being part of a “clandestine criminal cartel” involving illegal Chinese mining operations in the Sanyati area.

Police Spokesperson Paul Nyathi could not be reached for comment.

Washington D.C. – The administration of former US President Donald Trump has placed Zimbabwe under a renewed travel restriction order, citing concerns over governance and human rights abuses. 

Zimbabwe is among 36 countries flagged in a new State Department memo for failing to meet strict U.S. immigration, security, and diplomatic benchmarks, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government under specific scrutiny.

This development marks yet another escalation in the strained relations between Harare and Washington that began in 2002, when the United States first imposed targeted sanctions on Zimbabwean officials under the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZDERA). 

ZDERA has since been lifted.

Those initial sanctions—prompted by allegations of election rigging, media repression, and land seizures—have evolved over the years into a complex regime of restrictions, targeting individuals and entities associated with rights violations and corruption.

In the latest iteration of the U.S. crackdown, Zimbabwe joins 25 African nations and other countries in the Caribbean, Central Asia, and the Pacific Islands facing possible visa bans or entry suspensions. 

The list, which includes long-time U.S. allies like Egypt and Ghana, was part of a memo signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to The Washington Post, the memo outlines a 60-day compliance window during which countries must provide an actionable plan to address U.S. concerns.

Key concerns listed in the memo include Zimbabwe’s failure to issue reliable identity documents, widespread corruption, and a lack of cooperation on deportation cases. 

The Trump administration also cited “government fraud” and “unreliable vetting and screening mechanisms” as justification for considering expanded sanctions.

This is not the first time Zimbabwe has been hit with travel bans. 

During Trump’s first term in office, several African and Muslim-majority countries were affected by controversial travel restrictions, which critics labeled xenophobic. 

Although President Joe Biden rescinded those measures in 2021, Trump—now seeking another term—has vowed to reinstate and expand the bans “bigger than before.”

Under the new order issued June 4, full travel restrictions were already applied to 13 countries including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, and Yemen. 

Zimbabwe’s addition to the expanded list signals renewed pressure on Mnangagwa’s regime, especially after recent reports by international watchdogs pointing to continued repression, electoral fraud, and abuse of opposition members in the post-2023 election period.

The United States has long maintained that its sanctions on Zimbabwe are not aimed at the general population but are targeted at those undermining democratic institutions. 

However, Mnangagwa and his ZANU-PF administration continue to blame sanctions for the country’s prolonged economic crisis, claiming they are unjust and politically motivated.

The Trump memo states that if countries on the list agree to accept deported nationals from the U.S. or sign “safe third country” agreements, they may be spared full implementation of the travel restrictions. It remains unclear whether Harare will comply.

If implemented, the restrictions could further isolate Zimbabwe on the global stage and deepen the rift between Harare and Washington—a relationship already burdened by two decades of mutual distrust and accusations.

By A Correspondent | 15 June 2025

As public frustration grows over the scarcity of Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) cash, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has assured the nation that measures are being implemented to ensure the widespread availability of the local currency across the country.

In a press statement issued on 13 June 2025, RBZ Governor Dr. John Mushayavanhu acknowledged the concerns raised by citizens—especially those outside Harare—regarding limited access to ZiG in physical form.

“The Reserve Bank has noted concerns coming from the transacting public relating to the availability of ZiG cash and its usage, particularly from areas outside Harare,” said Dr. Mushayavanhu.

According to the RBZ, the usage of ZiG in the economy has improved significantly over the past year. Local currency settlements on the National Payment System jumped from ZiG7.86 billion (26%) in April 2024 to ZiG56.8 billion (43%) by 30 May 2025.

Dr. Mushayavanhu emphasized that there is sufficient ZiG liquidity in the system to meet public demand.

“As at 12 June 2025, the total ZiG deposits in the economy amounted to about ZiG16 billion, of which over ZiG207 million was cash held by banks,” he noted. “This meets optimal requirements and is sufficient to support daily deposits and withdrawals by the public.”

In response to continued pressure over the absence of physical cash in many provinces, the RBZ revealed that it is working with financial institutions to increase the distribution of ZiG through banking halls and ATMs. Some banks have already started dispensing ZiG through ATMs, while others are said to be in the process of configuring their machines.

“The Reserve Bank, in collaboration with banking institutions, has put in place measures to ensure the wider availability and distribution of ZiG cash,” the Governor stated.

Despite public skepticism, the RBZ insists that the currency and exchange rate stability currently being experienced will support the broader use of ZiG both electronically and physically.

“The Reserve Bank also remains strongly committed to maintaining the prevailing price and currency stability to safeguard the current and future ZiG purchasing power at all costs,” Dr. Mushayavanhu declared.

However, the statement comes amid growing economic anxiety, with citizens and businesses alike expressing concern over the usability and reliability of the new currency. Long queues, limited ATM functionality, and continued dollarisation in informal markets have left many questioning the practicality of ZiG in everyday transactions.

As the government pushes for wider adoption of the currency, all eyes remain on the RBZ’s ability to translate these assurances into tangible improvements on the ground.

By A Correspondent | 15 June 2025

Police detectives in Murewa have arrested two individuals accused of supplying dangerous drugs to high school learners, following an incident where students were caught smoking dagga (mbanje) on school grounds.

The suspects, Hazvinei Time (51) and Blessing Tembo (26), were apprehended after five learners — three in Form 6 and two in Form 4 — were discovered using the illicit substance at a Murewa school on 11 June 2025.

During a follow-up search at Tembo’s residence, officers recovered 23 sachets of dagga hidden in a bedroom, pointing to an organised distribution operation targeting school children.

Authorities believe the increasing exposure of students to drug use on social media may be contributing to the trend. This concern follows the circulation of a viral video under police investigation, which shows a schoolgirl smoking what is believed to be dagga while her peers sing “Happy Birthday” in the background.

Commenting on the incident, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the investigation:

“The ZRP has taken note of a viral video in which a schoolgirl, dressed in school uniform, is seen smoking what appears to be dagga during a purported birthday celebration, with other students in the background singing a happy birthday song. Investigations are in progress.”

The case has raised alarm over the growing availability of narcotics among school-aged children and the role of adults in facilitating access.

Police say investigations are ongoing, and further arrests may follow as they work to dismantle drug distribution networks targeting schools.

By A Correspondent

ZANU PF has secured a contested victory in the Gutu East Constituency by-election held on June 14, with its candidate Zvarevashe Masvingise declared the new Member of Parliament — despite widespread reports of voter intimidation and alleged vote buying.

Masvingise emerged with a commanding lead, polling 9,321 votes, while independent candidate Gift Gonese trailed behind with 2,269 votes. Zivanai Nzvenga of the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) managed only 173 votes, placing a distant third.

The official announcement was made on Saturday evening by Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) constituency officer Ernest Mukwidzwa, who read the formal declaration at the district collation centre.

“Declaration of Result of Poll – Constituency,” Mukwidzwa stated.
“Being the constituency elections officer for Gutu East, I do hereby declare that I have, in accordance with the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13], and the regulations made thereunder, ascertained the result of the poll for the said constituency… and that there have been given to: Masvingise Zvarevashe of ZANU PF – 9,321 votes; Gift Gonese, Independent – 2,269 votes; and Nzvenga Zivanai of the NCA – 173 votes.”

He added that 194 ballot papers were rejected, with a voter turnout of 48.3%.

“I therefore declare the said Masvingise duly elected this day as Member of the National Assembly for Gutu East Constituency,” Mukwidzwa concluded.

However, the result has been overshadowed by mounting allegations from civil society organisations and local observers who claim the electoral process was marred by irregularities. Voters in several wards reportedly faced intimidation, while reports also surfaced of groceries and cash handouts being distributed by ZANU PF activists in the days leading up to the poll.

An observer affiliated with a local watchdog group, speaking on condition of anonymity, said:

“What we witnessed was not a free and fair election. People were threatened with food aid withdrawal if they didn’t vote for ZANU PF, and some villagers said they received maize and cooking oil in exchange for their vote.”

Gift Gonese, the independent candidate, has not yet issued a formal statement, but his campaign team described the atmosphere as “hostile” and “heavily compromised.”

The by-election was triggered by the recall of the previous ZANU PF MP, Benjamin Ganyiwa, and was seen as a crucial test of the ruling party’s grip on rural constituencies following growing public discontent.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has not responded to allegations of misconduct.

By A Correspondent | 15 June 2025

As public frustration grows over the scarcity of Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) cash, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has assured the nation that measures are being implemented to ensure the widespread availability of the local currency across the country.

In a press statement issued on 13 June 2025, RBZ Governor Dr. John Mushayavanhu acknowledged the concerns raised by citizens—especially those outside Harare—regarding limited access to ZiG in physical form.

“The Reserve Bank has noted concerns coming from the transacting public relating to the availability of ZiG cash and its usage, particularly from areas outside Harare,” said Dr. Mushayavanhu.

According to the RBZ, the usage of ZiG in the economy has improved significantly over the past year. Local currency settlements on the National Payment System jumped from ZiG7.86 billion (26%) in April 2024 to ZiG56.8 billion (43%) by 30 May 2025.

Dr. Mushayavanhu emphasized that there is sufficient ZiG liquidity in the system to meet public demand.

“As at 12 June 2025, the total ZiG deposits in the economy amounted to about ZiG16 billion, of which over ZiG207 million was cash held by banks,” he noted. “This meets optimal requirements and is sufficient to support daily deposits and withdrawals by the public.”

In response to continued pressure over the absence of physical cash in many provinces, the RBZ revealed that it is working with financial institutions to increase the distribution of ZiG through banking halls and ATMs. Some banks have already started dispensing ZiG through ATMs, while others are said to be in the process of configuring their machines.

“The Reserve Bank, in collaboration with banking institutions, has put in place measures to ensure the wider availability and distribution of ZiG cash,” the Governor stated.

Despite public skepticism, the RBZ insists that the currency and exchange rate stability currently being experienced will support the broader use of ZiG both electronically and physically.

“The Reserve Bank also remains strongly committed to maintaining the prevailing price and currency stability to safeguard the current and future ZiG purchasing power at all costs,” Dr. Mushayavanhu declared.

However, the statement comes amid growing economic anxiety, with citizens and businesses alike expressing concern over the usability and reliability of the new currency. Long queues, limited ATM functionality, and continued dollarisation in informal markets have left many questioning the practicality of ZiG in everyday transactions.

As the government pushes for wider adoption of the currency, all eyes remain on the RBZ’s ability to translate these assurances into tangible improvements on the ground.

By Crime and Courts Reporter– Former Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi was swarmed by more than ten plain-clothed state security agents as he appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court on Saturday, creating a dramatic scene that looked more like the escort of a dangerous fugitive than a former cabinet minister.

Dressed in civilian clothes but moving in coordinated formation, the secret police surrounded Mzembi from all sides, shielding him from the public and media as if he were a high-risk criminal.

The heavy security presence shocked onlookers and highlighted the high stakes surrounding Mzembi’s sensational return from self-imposed exile.

Mzembi appeared before magistrate Don Ndirowei, facing charges related to three outstanding warrants of arrest.

Ndirowei remanded him in custody and postponed the case to Monday, while the tight-lipped security detail hustled Mzembi back into holding cells under watchful eyes.

Mzembi, a former G40 stalwart who fled Zimbabwe in the aftermath of the 2017 military coup that toppled Robert Mugabe, had returned to the country earlier this week under mysterious circumstances.

His quiet arrival and reports of private meetings with President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the Bronte Hotel triggered speculation of a potential political comeback—or a negotiated immunity deal.

But his dramatic arrest by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) over the weekend has poured cold water on that narrative.

Sources say Mzembi was picked up early Saturday morning and handed over to ZACC investigators, who are now vetting his role in unresolved corruption cases dating back to his tenure in government.

Mzembi’s surprise return had already drawn sharp criticism from war veterans and opposition figures, who accused him of “cutting secret deals in the shadows” and betraying the victims of past political purges. His arrest has now raised fresh questions: Was he lured back under false pretenses? Or did a backroom deal go sour?

Observers say the overwhelming security detail escorting Mzembi to court was not just for protection—but a message.

It signals a high-level power play, possibly orchestrated from within the ruling elite itself, and underscores the volatility of Zimbabwe’s post-coup political landscape.

More developments are expected as Mzembi’s court case unfolds on Monday.

By A Correspondent-ZANU PF has retained its grip on two parliamentary constituencies—Gutu East and Insiza North—following controversial by-elections held on June 14, with political observers noting that in Insiza North, the ruling party effectively contested against itself.

In Insiza North, Delani Moyo of ZANU PF was declared the duly elected Member of Parliament after garnering 1,131 votes, ahead of Thabani Mlotshwa of the ZAPU Party with 714 votes. However, what raised eyebrows was the presence of two other candidates: Mbongeni Moyo of the ZNR Party and Leslie Dube, an Independent, who polled 131 and 1,187 votes respectively.

Leslie Dube, a known ZANU PF affiliate, ran as an independent after being controversially barred from contesting under the party banner during internal selection processes. This effectively turned the race into an intra-party showdown, with ZANU PF splitting its vote between its official candidate and a disgruntled member, while opposition parties struggled to make an impact.

The official declaration form, signed by Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) constituency elections officer Dube Ivaini Zelemeyi, confirmed Delani Moyo as the winner. The document showed 84 rejected ballots and a voter turnout of 35.8%.

Meanwhile, in Gutu East, ZANU PF’s Zvarevashe Masvingise clinched a sweeping victory with 9,321 votes, far ahead of Independent candidate Gift Gonese, who received 2,269 votes. The NCA’s Zivanai Nzvenga came a distant third with 173 votes. The results were announced by ZEC constituency officer Ernest Mukwidzwa, who also reported 194 rejected ballots and a 48.3% turnout.

Both by-elections were triggered by recalls of sitting MPs—Benjamin Ganyiwa in Gutu East and an internal leadership dispute in Insiza North.

The developments point to growing internal rifts within ZANU PF, especially in rural constituencies where party loyalists are increasingly defying official endorsements by contesting as independents. In Insiza North, this split vote between two ZANU PF-aligned candidates nearly cost the ruling party the seat, with Leslie Dube actually polling more votes than the official opposition candidate.

Observers say the by-elections, far from demonstrating national democratic competition, expose a dangerous pattern of authoritarian consolidation, intra-party purges, and political exclusion even within ZANU PF’s own ranks.

ENDS.

By A Correspondent

ZANU PF has retained its stronghold in the Gutu East Constituency following a controversial victory in the June 14 by-election, with party candidate Zvarevashe Masvingise declared the new Member of Parliament.

Masvingise secured a commanding lead, garnering 9,321 votes, ahead of independent candidate Gift Gonese, who received 2,269 votes.

The National Constitutional Assembly’s (NCA) Zivanai Nzvenga came a distant third, managing only 173 votes.

The results were officially announced on Saturday evening by Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) constituency officer Ernest Mukwidzwa.

“Declaration of Result of Poll – Constituency,” Mukwidzwa read from the official notice.
“Being the constituency elections officer for Gutu East, I do hereby declare that I have, in accordance with the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13], and the regulations made thereunder, ascertained the result of the poll for the said constituency… and that there have been given to: Masvingise Zvarevashe of ZANU PF – 9,321 votes; Gift Gonese, Independent – 2,269 votes; and Nzvenga Zivanai of the NCA – 173 votes.”

Mukwidzwa further confirmed that 194 ballots were rejected, and voter turnout was 48.3%.

“I therefore declare the said Masvingise duly elected this day as Member of the National Assembly for Gutu East Constituency,” he concluded.

The by-election followed the vacancy created after the recalling of the former ZANU PF MP Benjamin Ganyiwa.

By A Correspondent

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government is reportedly weighing a risky shift in Zimbabwe’s monetary policy—phasing out the US dollar in favor of the recently reintroduced Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) as the country’s sole legal tender. But analysts, political activists, and economists warn the move could trigger economic collapse, fuel black market activity, and spark public outrage.

The proposal, reportedly driven by recommendations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), suggests Zimbabwe is ready to embrace a monocurrency system. IMF mission chief Wojciech Maliszewski praised Zimbabwe’s monetary progress during a recent Article IV consultation, noting “encouraging progress” in stabilising the local currency and narrowing the gap between official and parallel market rates.

“We would like to see a deeper forex market… and ideally, an elimination of the gap between parallel and official rates,” Maliszewski said. He added the ZiG had shown “sufficient stability” for wider adoption.

However, critics on the ground are not convinced. The US dollar currently dominates over 70% of transactions in Zimbabwe, with citizens relying on its relative stability amid lingering distrust of local currency.

“This is a recipe for disaster,” warned Stephen Sarkozy Chuma, former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) youth assembly spokesperson. “The government is trying to force economic patriotism on a public that has no confidence in its own institutions. People trust the US dollar because it’s stable and reliable. Removing it will not restore trust in the ZiG—it will fuel black market chaos, inflation, and public resentment.”

The ZiG, introduced by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe earlier this year, has struggled to gain widespread public acceptance. Many workers are still paid in US dollars, and most businesses quote prices in the greenback—signs that confidence in the local currency remains fragile.

Gibson Murinye, a political activist based in Masvingo, warned that the fundamentals for a monocurrency regime are simply not in place.

“Wages are still being paid in USD because no one trusts the ZiG. Shops are quoting prices in US dollars. The moment they remove the dollar, inflation will explode overnight. People will suffer,” he said. “This is not economic reform—it’s self-sabotage.”

Despite public concerns, some economists close to the ruling party support the idea. Gladys Shumbambiri-Mutsopotsi argued that adopting a single currency could strengthen the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s control over economic levers such as interest rates and inflation.

“A monocurrency will give the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe more control over interest rates, inflation, and broader economic policy,” she said.

But for many Zimbabweans, monetary control means little without credibility. The trauma of the 2008 hyperinflation crisis—when the Zimbabwean dollar became worthless and life savings were wiped out—still casts a long shadow.

While the Mnangagwa administration has yet to officially announce the phasing out of the US dollar, signals from government insiders and financial institutions suggest momentum is building. Opposition voices, however, are calling on the president to hit pause.

“You cannot build a currency on slogans and hope,” said Chuma. “You build it on trust, and right now, the people trust the dollar—not the ZiG.”

As the debate intensifies, Zimbabwe’s economic future hangs in the balance.

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi emerges from the shadows flanked by a formidable entourage—suited men, dark shades, coffee cups in hand, and all eyes locked forward. At the center, Mzembi strides with face masked and guarded posture, a fallen statesman returning to court not as a diplomat but as a detainee. This image, captured just moments before his appearance at the Harare Magistrates Court, paints a powerful portrait of a man once in power now encircled by legal jeopardy and political uncertainty.

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi was led by a stern entourage into court where he faced charges for defaulting on his court appearances. Mzembi, seen in the image flanked by a mix of suited and casual security aides, wore a face mask and dark glasses, visibly subdued as he was marched under heavy escort.

The once-exiled G40 stalwart will spend the weekend behind bars after Magistrate Donald Ndirowei remanded him in custody until Monday. The charges stem from Mzembi’s failure to attend court on three separate occasions, prompting the issuance of warrants for his arrest.

During the brief court sitting, the State, represented by prosecutor Tendai Shonhayi, said the hearing could not proceed as they needed time to assess medical documents provided by Mzembi’s legal team, which reportedly explain his previous absences. His lawyer, Killian Mandike of Chiturumani Law Chambers, told the court they intend to furnish additional supporting documentation to justify the no-shows.

Mzembi had recently made headlines following his return to Zimbabwe after years in self-imposed exile. His reappearance sparked intense speculation about political deals behind the scenes, especially after he was seen in meetings with senior state officials. But the dramatic turn of events this weekend has cast a shadow over any hopes of a smooth reintegration.

Mzembi will now remain in custody at Harare Remand Prison as the court prepares to hear arguments on the validity of his excuses this coming Monday.

CHIWESHE MOTORBIKE THIEF JAILED 4 YEARS, 6 MONTHS

Bindura, Zimbabwe – June 15, 2025

By A Correspondent | ZimEye | A 40-year-old man from Muchirikuenda Village under Chief Negomo in Chiweshe will spend the next four years and six months behind bars after being convicted of motorcycle theft by the Bindura Magistrates’ Court.

Terrence Phiri was sentenced this week following a cunning theft that took place nearly a year ago. On June 7, 2024, Phiri and an unidentified accomplice, who is still at large, posed as stranded passengers and approached local farmer Tapiwa Chigora. Chigora was riding his red Senke motorbike along the Musweswenedi-Nzvimbo Road when the pair flagged him down, requesting a lift to Nzvimbo Business Centre.

According to court proceedings, the suspects claimed they needed to buy petrol from a homestead in Forester J, Mvurwi, and offered the farmer US$4 for the ride. Upon arrival, they persuaded Chigora to walk a short distance to fetch more fuel. While he was out of sight, the duo vanished with the motorcycle, which was valued at US$1,500.

The stolen motorbike resurfaced months later in Nyatsime, Chitungwiza. On April 10, 2025, detectives tracked it down to Chibhanguza Shopping Centre, where it was recovered and positively identified by the victim.

Phiri was arrested on April 19, 2025, and charged with theft. Magistrate’s Court handed him a 5-year prison sentence, with 6 months suspended for 5 years, effectively jailing him for 4 years and 6 months.

Police are still searching for Phiri’s accomplice, and investigations remain ongoing. Authorities have urged members of the public to be cautious when offering transport to strangers, especially in isolated rural areas.-ZimEye

By A Correspondent

The City of Harare has launched a city-wide enforcement blitz targeting unlicensed and non-compliant businesses, warning of water disconnections, closures, and penalties for those in violation of municipal regulations.

In a strongly worded notice issued by Acting Town Clerk Engineer Phakamile Moyo, the city announced a crackdown on what it termed “lawlessness and illegal business operations” in and around the capital.

“The City of Harare is clamping down on lawlessness and illegal business operations in and around the city,” Moyo declared.

As part of the enforcement effort, the city will disconnect water supplies to all commercial and industrial properties that are in arrears and lack valid business licenses. The move is aimed at compelling businesses to regularize their operations and comply with city by-laws.

Moyo further stated that the City Health Department will conduct inspections and shut down premises operating without running water, citing violations of the Public Health Act Chapter 15.17 and the Harare Licensed Premises By-Law.

“The City Health Department shall inspect premises and close down those operating without running water in contravention of the Public Health Act,” he said.

Businesses currently operating without proper documentation have been urged to urgently visit the Rowan Martin Building to settle outstanding arrears and secure the necessary licenses.

“Those without valid business licenses are urged to urgently visit our Rowan Martin Building to regularise their operations and settle their arrears,” Moyo emphasized.