Controversial businessman and ZANU PF ally Kudakwashe Tagwirei has leapt to the defence of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, painting him as a humble and hardworking leader who lives modestly and contributes significantly to the country’s food security.
Speaking recently in Harare, Tagwirei dismissed critics of the President, insisting that public perception fails to capture the true character of Mnangagwa. He described him as a down-to-earth, accessible leader with strong agricultural credentials and a simple lifestyle.
“You don’t know him, that’s why you are negative,” Tagwirei said. “President Mnangagwa owns a moderate house, a sign of simplicity.”
In an unusual attempt to showcase Mnangagwa’s personal integrity and productivity, Tagwirei claimed the President is an accomplished farmer who annually delivers 5,000 tonnes of maize to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB).
“Since 2008, he has yielded over 10 tonnes of farm produce, including soybeans, maize, potatoes, and other crops,” Tagwirei added, touting the President’s farming record as proof of his work ethic and leadership by example.
He further praised Mnangagwa’s openness and connection with ordinary citizens.
“He has an open-door policy and talks to people when he’s outside. That’s rare among leaders,” Tagwirei said.
The remarks appear to be part of a broader effort to bolster Mnangagwa’s image amid increasing public dissatisfaction over economic woes, inflation, and concerns over corruption and elite enrichment.
While critics often accuse Zimbabwe’s top leadership of extravagance and detachment from the public, Tagwirei’s statements aim to paint a contrasting picture: a president who not only leads the country but also tills the land and lives simply.
However, the comments are likely to draw mixed reactions, especially given Tagwirei’s own controversial reputation and links to state contracts and sanctions. Still, his vocal support signals a continued push by the ruling elite to shape Mnangagwa’s legacy ahead of any future leadership transitions.
Whether the public buys into this narrative of presidential humility remains to be seen.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday officially renamed the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Tomlinson Depot in Harare to Chimoio Depot, as part of his government’s ongoing efforts to decolonise state institutions and honour the country’s liberation history. But questions remain about whether symbolic gestures like these will translate into tangible improvements for the welfare of police officers.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony — which also included the unveiling of new police flats — Mnangagwa framed the renaming as part of a broader national agenda.
“The renaming of this significant facility follows the earlier renaming of Morris Depot to Mkushi Depot,” he said. “The selfless sacrifices made by our sons and daughters must never be forgotten — they should inspire a renewed commitment to defend our sovereignty.”
Mnangagwa emphasised that the renaming exercise is not merely ceremonial, but a meaningful act of reclaiming Zimbabwe’s identity.
“This renaming marks another important step in dismantling the legacy of colonialism. We are reclaiming our history by restoring names and events that connect us to the painful yet heroic journey of our liberation struggle.”
The President also addressed the broader role and challenges faced by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), reiterating his administration’s commitment to supporting the force.
“My government remains fully aware that the Zimbabwe Republic Police need adequate resources to effectively fulfill their constitutional mandate,” Mnangagwa said. “To this end, we will continue to provide the necessary support to address road traffic accidents and other critical areas of their work.”
“We are committed to ensuring that our Police Service is well-equipped. I commend the Zimbabwe Republic Police for their unwavering dedication to maintaining peace and stability in our beloved Zimbabwe.”
Mnangagwa noted that the Second Republic had prioritised the renaming of national institutions as a means to “honour our liberation struggle and the heroes who played pivotal roles in it.”
“These name changes are not only symbolic but serve as a vital means of preserving our national heritage and fostering unity among our people,” he added.
However, despite the grandeur of the ceremony and the patriotic rhetoric, many observers are skeptical. They argue that while the government continues to rename buildings and unveil plaques, the day-to-day working and living conditions for rank-and-file officers remain dire — with inadequate salaries, poor accommodation, and lack of essential resources still unresolved.
As the name “Chimoio Depot” enters the official record, the real test for the Mnangagwa administration may not lie in symbolic renaming, but in whether these gestures are matched by genuine reforms and improvements in officers’ welfare.
Veteran Zimbabwean actress Mai Jilimba has publicly appealed to controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo for a car donation, highlighting the ongoing financial struggles faced by many artists in the country.
Posting on Facebook on Thursday, the legendary performer—whose contributions to Zimbabwean arts and entertainment have spanned decades—made a heartfelt plea to Chivayo, who is known for handing out luxury cars and gifts to musicians and public figures aligned with the ruling elite.
“Ndoziva kuti nerimwe zuva rimwe chete zvaro Baba vedu vaSir Wicknell vachandiona ini neMhuri yangu. Inini handisi kuzomira kusvikira mandiropafadza neMhuri yangu. Mutumwa asingarevi nhema Baba Wicknell ❤️ NDATENDA HANGU🙏,” she wrote.
The emotional appeal comes as a sobering reminder of the dire situation facing many Zimbabwean artists, who have often been left to fend for themselves in an unforgiving economic climate. Despite her iconic status, Mai Jilimba’s request underscores the lack of structured support for artists and the increasing normalization of public begging by once-revered cultural figures.
Critics say the situation reflects the broader failure of government and cultural institutions to protect and provide for national artists who, in many cases, helped shape Zimbabwe’s identity through film, theatre, and television.
Meanwhile, Chivayo has not publicly responded to the appeal. Whether or not he grants the request, the actress’s plea adds to the growing list of public figures turning to the businessman for financial lifelines in a country where fame often fails to guarantee livelihood.
By Crime And Courts Reporter-Former Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi will spend the weekend in remand prison after his case was postponed to Monday.
Mzembi appeared before Harare magistrate Don Ndirowei facing charges of defaulting three warrants of arrests.
He was arrested this weekend by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), just days after his dramatic return from self-imposed exile.
Mzembi, who jetted into Harare earlier this week and reportedly held private meetings with President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is now in custody and undergoing vetting by ZACC officials. Sources close to the investigation confirmed that Mzembi was taken in early this morning and is expected to appear before the Harare Magistrate Court imminently.
Mzembi’s arrest marks a stunning turn of events. His low-key return had sparked widespread speculation about a possible political deal or re-entry into public life. The former G40 kingpin had fled Zimbabwe in the wake of the 2017 military coup that toppled Robert Mugabe, citing persecution and threats to his life.
Just days ago, ZimEye reported that Mzembi was seen being whisked away from the Bronte Hotel under tight security for meetings with high-level government officials. His presence had triggered backlash from opposition figures and war veterans who accused him of “selling out” and “cutting deals in the shadows.”
Now, with his sudden arrest, questions swirl around whether Mzembi’s return was sanctioned—or a miscalculated move that has landed him in the crosshairs of Zimbabwe’s anti-graft body.
By Crime and Courts Reporter- Former Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi has been arrested.
Mzembi was arrested in Harare on Friday night by members of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), just days after he reportedly met with President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The former Tourism Minister who has been a fugitive from justice since fleeing the country in the aftermath of the November 2017 military coup, was taken into custody under unclear circumstances.
His arrest follows mounting speculation that his return to Zimbabwe and recent engagements with top government officials, including a confidential meeting with Mnangagwa earlier this week, were part of a negotiated political comeback.
A former ZANU PF heavyweight and cabinet minister under the late President Robert Mugabe, Mzembi fled Zimbabwe after the coup that ended Mugabe’s 37-year rule and ushered Mnangagwa into power.
He was one of several ministers aligned to the G40 faction—loyal to former First Lady Grace Mugabe—who were purged from government and faced corruption charges shortly after the change of leadership.
Mzembi has since lived in self-imposed exile in South Africa, where he consistently denied the corruption allegations against him.
Despite an active warrant for his arrest, his movements had gone largely unchecked—until now.
His surprise reappearance in Harare earlier this week, and the reports of a closed-door meeting with President Mnangagwa, raised eyebrows both within the ruling party and among political observers.
Speculation was rife that Mzembi was exploring a political rehabilitation deal in exchange for his return, a possibility that now seems to have backfired.
Details around his arrest remain sketchy, but sources close to the matter say ZACC officials picked him up late Friday evening and detained him for questioning over unresolved corruption charges stemming from his tenure as Foreign Affairs Minister.
He was previously accused of misappropriating funds meant for a tourism conference during his time as Tourism Minister.
Mzembi’s arrest could signal internal rifts or shifting allegiances within the ruling elite. Some analysts view the move as part of a broader power play by Mnangagwa to assert dominance over former rivals and ensure that any return to the fold is strictly on his terms.
thers suggest it may be an attempt to neutralise potential threats within ZANU PF ahead of future succession battles.
ZACC spokes person Simiso Mlevu confirmed Mzembi’s arrest reporters, without giving details.
Efforts to contact Mzembi’s legal representatives were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
By Business Reporter – Zimbabwe is once again grappling with a critical shortage of local currency—this time in the form of the newly introduced Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG)—despite assurances from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) that enough cash is in circulation to meet public demand.
The current scarcity, particularly pronounced in areas outside Harare, has reignited concerns over Zimbabwe’s long-standing monetary instability, which dates back to the early 2000s.
The ongoing crisis is rooted in decades of poor economic governance, failed monetary reforms, and public distrust in the financial system.
These systemic issues have left the country trapped in a cycle of currency collapse, cash shortages, and inflationary pressures.
Since 2000, Zimbabwe has undergone numerous currency changes, each accompanied by promises of stability that failed to materialize.
From the infamous Zimbabwean dollar—once rendered worthless by hyperinflation—to the US dollar era and the later RTGS dollar experiment, each phase has been plagued by inconsistent policy decisions, political interference in monetary affairs, and lack of confidence in the central bank.
The introduction of ZiG in April 2024 was the latest attempt to restore stability through a gold-backed currency.
In a statement issued yesterday, RBZ Governor John Mushayavanhu sought to calm public anxiety, insisting that there is no shortage of ZiG in the market.
He said the usage of the local currency has “improved significantly in the economy,” citing figures that show the value of local currency settlements through the National Payment System jumped from ZiG7.86 billion (26%) in April to ZiG56.8 billion (43%) by May 30, 2025.
Mushayavanhu explained that as of June 12, total ZiG deposits in the banking sector amounted to ZiG16 billion, with over ZiG207 million held as physical cash by commercial banks. “This is sufficient to support daily deposits and withdrawals by the public,” he claimed.
However, on the ground, the story is different.
Long queues at banks, limited cash at ATMs, and rising complaints from businesses and consumers alike paint a picture of a currency system once again failing to meet everyday needs.
While the RBZ says some banks have begun disbursing ZiG through ATMs and others are in the process of reconfiguring their machines, distribution remains patchy and slow.
To address the crisis, the central bank says it is working closely with financial institutions to scale up the availability of ZiG in both physical and electronic forms.
The government also believes that current macroeconomic stability and a firm exchange rate will eventually improve public confidence in the currency.
But critics argue that until deeper structural issues are addressed—such as rampant corruption, poor fiscal discipline, and opaque policy-making—new currencies will continue to suffer the same fate.
Many Zimbabweans remain sceptical of the ZiG’s long-term viability, viewing it as just another rebranding exercise masking deeper economic rot.
Despite official reassurances, the current cash shortages serve as a sobering reminder that without genuine economic reforms, Zimbabwe’s monetary challenges are far from over.
By A Correspondent | ZimEye – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has removed Retired Lieutenant General Engelbert Rugeje—one of the key figures in the 2017 military coup that propelled him to power—from his positions on ministerial boards, in what sources describe as part of a wider purge targeting senior army officials aligned with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
Rugeje, who had been serving on the boards of the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) and the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA), was unceremoniously dropped with Mnangagwa’s full consent, according to government sources.
Four other senior retired army officers—reportedly aligned with the vice president—have also been quietly removed from influential roles within state institutions.
The dismissals mark a significant escalation in internal ZANU PF power struggles, with Mnangagwa moving swiftly to sideline senior figures perceived to be loyal to Chiwenga, his former military ally turned political rival.
Rugeje, who once served as ZANU PF’s national political commissar, played a pivotal role in Operation Restore Legacy, the November 2017 coup that ended Robert Mugabe’s 37-year rule and paved the way for Mnangagwa’s ascension.
However, relations between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga—and by extension, their respective loyalists—have steadily deteriorated since.
Sources within the Ministry of Defence and intelligence circles say the recent sackings are designed to neutralize Chiwenga’s military backing and “test his capacity to retaliate or mobilize” against Mnangagwa. The move also comes amid reports that the vice president has resisted supporting Mnangagwa’s controversial ambition to extend his presidency beyond the constitutionally allowed two terms.
“These generals are being targeted because they have refused to toe the line on the presidency extension agenda,” a senior government insider told ZimEye. “Mnangagwa is cleaning house. He’s making sure that only those fully loyal to him remain in strategic positions.”
When contacted for comment, General Rugeje declined to speak and referred all inquiries to the Ministry of Agriculture. As of publication time, the Ministry’s permanent secretary had not responded to written questions.
The purge follows growing speculation that Mnangagwa never intended to share or relinquish power, despite public pledges made in the wake of the coup that suggested a transitional arrangement involving both military and civilian leaders. Critics have accused the president of consolidating power through patronage, constitutional amendments, and institutional purges designed to isolate Chiwenga and eliminate any potential threats to his rule.
By A Correspondent – The government has announced the substantive board for the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), which will oversee the troubled state broadcaster for the next four years.
In a move widely seen as routine but contentious given the current public dissatisfaction with the national broadcaster, the new board is expected to steer ZBC through a turbulent period marked by a sharp decline in public trust and unpopular funding policies.
Announced through General Notice 1186 of 2025, issued by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere, the appointments are made in terms of the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act. Mnangagwa’s relative Helliate Rushwaya has been appointed as the new board chairperson and will be deputised by Advocate Tapson Dzvetero.
Other board members include Mr Chipo Nheta, Dr Henry Mukono, Nanette Silukhuni, Mr Charles Munganasa, Ms Precious Charandura, Mr Thandolwenkosi Nkomo, Professor Sibongile Mpofu, Dr Queen Mpofu, Mr Amon Matambo, Ms Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa, and Mr Martin Kweza.
While the appointments have brought in a diverse mix of professionals from media, law, and academia, public attention is largely focused on the board’s anticipated role in enforcing the newly implemented, widely unpopular radio licence policy.
As part of recent legal reforms, all motorists in Zimbabwe are now required to pay US$92 annually to the ZBC as a condition for renewing vehicle insurance or obtaining registration. This follows President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s signing of an amendment to the Broadcasting Services Act, which has effectively tied radio licence compliance to vehicle licensing procedures.
The regulation has triggered widespread anger, with motorists, civil society organisations, and legal experts questioning both its legality and its morality in the current economic climate.
“I don’t even use ZBC radio. Why should I be forced to pay for it just to renew my insurance?” asked a visibly frustrated motorist in central Harare, echoing the sentiment of many who view the policy as exploitative.
Government officials, however, maintain that the requirement is aimed at boosting revenue for the financially embattled state broadcaster, which has long struggled to collect licence fees from the public.
Lenon Itai Rwizi, a registered legal practitioner with the Superior Courts of Zimbabwe, said the move is designed to improve compliance and funding for the national broadcaster.
“The reason for this new requirement, it appears, is to boost funding and revenue for our radio authorities in Zimbabwe, because in most cases, people have not been complying with the payment of these licence fees,” Rwizi noted.
But critics argue the regulation is both punitive and arbitrary. Civil society groups warn that it creates an unreasonable connection between unrelated services and will disproportionately affect lower-income citizens.
By Political Reporter| The upcoming Ward 5 by-election in Mutema Musikavanhu triggered by the death of Alderman Phibeon Machuwaire has descended into chaos, with disturbing reports of political violence, intimidation, and sexual abuse rocking the rural constituency.
Local sources allege that ZANU PF supporters, led by Chipinge District Coordinating Committee (DCC) chairperson Themba Munaiwa and a group of thugs from Chipinge South, have unleashed a wave of terror on villagers in Munyokovere and Chipangayi. The victims, reportedly targeted for backing opposition candidates, say the violence escalated after Munaiwa controversially imposed Singatini Humbe as the ZANU PF candidate, sidelining the popular local favorite, Munodawafa.
Insiders claim Humbe’s candidacy was not earned on merit but was a personal reward from Munaiwa, allegedly stemming from a romantic relationship between the two. In a bid to crush dissent and shore up support, Munaiwa is said to have dispatched violent groups to intimidate and assault opposition supporters including school teachers.
Educators accused of backing the opposition have allegedly been harassed and threatened with transfers. One teacher recounted being warned, “If you want to stay here, on voting day you must say you can’t write.” Another was reportedly told, “We are watching you, and we will deal with you after this. 2008 is going to repeat itself.” Teachers not registered to vote in Ward 5 are allegedly being forced out, with names said to be compiled by the Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Mrs. Angeline Gata, who also serves as the MP for Mutema Musikavanhu. She is accused of threatening to use her ministerial authority to enforce dismissals and transfers.
Witnesses further allege that Humbe’s campaign team has deployed open threats to instill fear. One campaign member reportedly declared, “If you vote for the opposition, we will deal with you. You will feel it. We have no mercy. We’re going to use the shirtsleeves system” a chilling euphemism for amputating lower arms.
In Chipangayi, residents allege that Munaiwa and his associates broke into homes, physically assaulted villagers, and raped women. One survivor, identified only as Mai Moyo, was reportedly left for dead. Another elderly woman sustained serious injuries. At least eight other victims are receiving treatment in local hospitals for wounds inflicted with iron bars and wooden logs.
Despite several police reports being filed, there has been no visible response from law enforcement. The Chipinge District Police spokesperson stated he had not yet received reports from the ground but promised that appropriate action would be taken once they were submitted.
Meanwhile, Manicaland Province ZANU PF Chairman Mr. Nyakuedzwa initially responded to inquiries, promising a follow-up. However, he has since become unreachable, with his phone now going unanswered.
The violence and intimidation are rooted in what insiders describe as a rigged ZANU PF primary election favoring Humbe. Alderman Machuwaire, who had served the ward since 2022, died in April 2025, creating the vacancy that led to the by-election.
Today’s by-election features four candidates: Singatini Humbe of ZANU PF, Tinotenda Mukachana of the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) led by Lovemore Madhuku, Salani Godfrey (Independent), and Ndinani Zvigumi of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) led by Tshabangu Sengezo.
As political tensions boil over, residents and civil society organizations are urgently calling on the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), regional observers, and human rights groups to intervene and ensure a peaceful, free, and credible election in Ward 5.
There was a wave of relief across Zimbabwe as the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the safe recovery of an 11-month-old baby who had been reported missing following a suspected kidnapping incident in Budiriro.
The case, which gained widespread attention on social media, involved an unknown suspect who allegedly abducted the child on the 7th of June 2025. Concerned citizens shared posts online, appealing for any information that could lead to the infant’s whereabouts, as panic and fear gripped the community.
In an official statement, the Zimbabwe Republic Police said: “Reference is made to a viral social media post regarding an 11-month-old infant who went missing after being kidnapped by an unknown suspect in Budiriro on 07/06/25. The ZRP reports that the missing infant has been located and has been reunited with the parents.”
Details surrounding the circumstances of the recovery have not yet been released, but the police have assured the public that investigations are still ongoing to identify and apprehend the suspect behind the abduction.
The news has brought immense relief to the family and community, many of whom feared the worst after days of uncertainty. The ZRP also thanked members of the public for their cooperation and vigilance, which they said played a crucial role in the safe recovery of the child.
The administration of President Emmerson Mnangagwa is seriously considering a major shift in Zimbabwe’s monetary policy that could result in the removal of the US dollar as legal tender. This follows strong recommendations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the country to adopt a monocurrency regime centred on the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency.
Analysts believe the move—if implemented—would mark a turning point in Zimbabwe’s economic strategy by giving the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) full control over monetary policy, which is currently constrained by the dominance of the US dollar in everyday transactions.
“For this, there are several measures that need to be in place, but first and foremost, we would like to see a deeper forex market that would make sure that there is full price discovery in the market,” said IMF mission chief Wojciech Maliszewski during a recent visit. “Right now, we see good stability in the official market, and we also see a convergence between the parallel market rate and the official rate, but ideally and ultimately, we would like to see an elimination of this gap.”
Maliszewski, who met President Mnangagwa at State House during his Article IV Mission to Zimbabwe, commended the government for its progress in stabilising the domestic currency. He noted that the ZiG had achieved “a level of stability sufficient to become the country’s sole legal tender,” contingent on the development of a more robust and transparent foreign-exchange market.
The ZiG currently accounts for about 30 percent of all transactions in the economy, while the remainder are conducted in US dollars. Zimbabwe has been using a multicurrency system since 2019, after reintroducing a domestic currency that had previously been abandoned during the hyperinflation crisis of 2008.
Economist Gladys Shumbambiri-Mutsopotsi expressed support for the IMF’s position, arguing that a monocurrency regime would bolster Zimbabwe’s monetary policy autonomy. “Under the current system, the RBZ’s toolkit is severely limited by the coexistence of multiple currencies. A single currency would strengthen the bank’s capacity to manage inflation, interest rates, and economic growth,” she said.
While the government has not officially confirmed the phasing out of the US dollar, senior officials have indicated that discussions are underway. The shift would represent a bold and politically sensitive move, especially given the public’s longstanding preference for the US dollar due to its perceived stability.
Market watchers warn that success will hinge on restoring public confidence in the local unit, deepening the forex market, and maintaining macroeconomic stability.
As the Mnangagwa regime weighs its next steps, the nation is bracing for what could be a significant realignment in the country’s monetary and economic landscape.
Dear Editor. How are you, sir? Things are really bad. I know you do not know me but I thought that I need to come and approach you. I don’t know how you are seeing this case of Nyokayemabhunu. Is there not a way that you can intervene and also to try and get him a lawyer because these lawyers are those of Gambakwe, and this Saruwaka seems like a Chigananda.
So we allow for the young man to be abducted and taken to be killed in Zimbabwe ? Please help us as children of Zimbabwe.
The carefully stage-managed image of President Emmerson Mnangagwa as an unshakable strongman is beginning to crack — not with a dramatic explosion, but with a series of silent yet seismic tremors shaking the core of Zimbabwe’s power structure. The process to retire Mnangagwa — long whispered in backroom corridors — has now visibly begun, triggered by a formal citizens’ petition delivered on 21 May 2025, and punctuated by extraordinary events involving the very military elites who safeguard the presidency.
Military Receives Official Request To Retire President Mnangagwa.
History was struck today 21st May 2025, when the Zimbabwe Defence Forces stamped up two official requests to retire President Emmerson Mnangagwa on the grounds of incapacitation and other concerns.
The first real sign of the unravelling came on 9 May 2025, when whistleblower and ex-intelligence officer Blessed Geza issued a blunt warning to Zimbabwe’s top military generals. In his explosive video titled “Generals For Sale”, Geza accused several high-ranking officers of trading national security for personal gain. He identified Brigadier-General Fidelis Mhonda, Commander of the Presidential Guard, as the key obstacle to removing Mnangagwa, alleging he was shielding the President in exchange for illicit payoffs.
sweeping events in May
Just days later, the public made its move. On 21 May, a bold and unprecedented act saw a group of citizens successfully submit a petition to remove Mnangagwa from office with immediate effect. While the state-controlled media downplayed the action, sources confirm the document was formally received and logged — setting in motion a chain of destabilising responses.
Then came the most ominous signal yet: on 25 May, the very man Geza had singled out — Brig-Gen Mhonda — walked into his KG6 military office only to find it had been completely cleared out. Not a single document, picture, or trace of his command remained. The break-in was silent, surgical, and invisible to the official security apparatus — an unmistakable warning shot from an unseen but powerful hand.
Taken together, these events suggest that Mnangagwa’s forced exit may no longer be a matter of “if,” but “when.” The machinery is grinding into motion. And this time, it’s not just the streets talking — it’s the barracks, which development has led to Mnangagwa appointing the terror group founder Walter Tapfumaneyi to the rank of Major General or Chief Of Staff in preparation to soon make him head the army.
-Invasion of Comamnder’s Office.
A silent but stunning security breach has rocked the Zimbabwean presidency, exposing the weakening grip of President Emmerson Mnangagwa amid signs of a shifting power matrix within the country’s highest echelons. The mysterious and total removal of sensitive documents and personal effects from the office of Brigadier-General Fidelis Mhonda — commander of the Presidential Guard Brigade — has triggered alarm within military and intelligence circles.
🕵🏾 What Was Taken? Everything.
Sources within the KG6 Barracks confirmed that Brig-Gen Mhonda walked into a “completely cleared office.” Every document — including confidential memos detailing Mnangagwa’s travel itinerary, money transfers, and security staff rotations — had vanished without a trace.
“This was not a burglary. It was a calculated extraction,” a senior military officer said under strict anonymity. “There wasn’t even a scrap of paper left. His desk and chair were the only things untouched.”
Even family photographs, liberation war memorabilia, service awards, and historic portraits of Brig-Gen Mhonda were removed. Nothing was broken. Nothing was vandalised. Everything was taken cleanly and with precision.
🔹 Strategic Importance of Mhonda’s Office
As Chief of Staff and commander of the Presidential Guard, Mhonda’s office is not a mere administrative hub — it is the nerve centre of operational intelligence involving the Head of State. Whoever accessed and removed those files now holds intimate knowledge of how the president moves, who protects him, who funds what, and which factions are ascendant.
That such a breach happened inside one of the most secure military zones in Zimbabwe — KG6 Barracks, protected by multiple boom gates, elite sentries, and surveillance — points to a chilling reality: this was an inside job executed by individuals or a unit with more power than the president himself can command.
🔹 Background: Mhonda’s Role in the Shadow State
Brig-Gen Fidelis Mhonda is no minor player. He has long been associated with covert protection networks for controversial elites. In 2023, whistleblower “Comrade Bombshell” Blessed Geza publicly accused him of receiving US$25,000 per month from Zviganda (a codename used in military and journalistic circles for politically protected cartels) in exchange for private Presidential Guard deployment.
Furthermore, Mhonda’s influence underpins several politically charged campaigns: • Kuda Tagwirei’s Masvingo Mobilisation Drive • Young Women for ED rallies, where Mhonda’s wife allegedly served as chief coordinator • Protection and logistical support to KT, WC and other faction-linked tycoons
🔹 Mnangagwa’s Silence: A Deafening Signal
Mnangagwa has reportedly failed to identify who orchestrated the removal. There have been no arrests, no public statements, and most critically — no retaliation. For a man whose political legacy is built on control and command, this silence is both telling and damning.
Security analysts argue this failure is the clearest sign yet that power has shifted away from Mnangagwa, possibly to a military-intelligence cabal operating above formal state structures.
🔹 The Big Questions • Who has the power to walk into KG6 undetected and remove intelligence-grade documents? • Was this a warning, a purge, or a power transfer? • Has Mhonda been neutralised — or is he repositioning? • And most ominously, if Mnangagwa cannot protect the office that protects him, who really rules Zimbabwe?
🔹 Kumagumo Kunenyaya…
The break-in at Brig-Gen Mhonda’s office is not just a security incident — it’s a flashing red alert that the internal power dynamics of Zimbabwe are rapidly evolving. Whether it’s a prelude to a palace coup, a reconfiguration of security loyalties, or a deep-state cleansing, one thing is clear: Mnangagwa is no longer in full control.
As for who carried it out?
That question remains unanswered. But perhaps, as the old saying goes — “you don’t need to break a door when you own the keys.”- ZimEye
📅 TIMELINE OF EVENTS: The Silent Operation to Retire President Emmerson Mnangagwa
🔸
9 May 2025 – “Generals for Sale” Bombshell
Whistleblower and former CIO operative Blessed Geza publicly accuses senior military generals of being compromised, naming Brigadier-General Fidelis Mhonda as the chief obstacle to removing President Mnangagwa.
Geza alleges Mhonda is receiving US$25,000 per month from Zviganda-linked networks, and using the Presidential Guard as a private protection force for corrupt elites.
The video titled “Generals For Sale” goes viral, triggering intense behind-the-scenes panic in security circles.
🔸
21 May 2025 – Citizens’ Petition to Retire Mnangagwa
A group of citizens officially submits a petition to remove President Emmerson Mnangagwa from office “with immediate effect,” citing a collapse in public confidence, governance failures, and allegations of state capture.
The petition is formally received, logged, and acknowledged by government clerical staff — marking the first recorded civic demand for presidential retirement during Mnangagwa’s rule.
🔸
25 May 2025 – Clean Sweep of Brigadier Mhonda’s Office
Just four days after the petition, the office of Brigadier-General Fidelis Mhonda, inside KG6 Barracks, is mysteriously broken into and completely emptied.
All documents, including presidential travel records, security deployment schedules, and confidential communication logs, are removed without a trace.
Even personal effects like war medals, liberation-era photographs, family portraits, and office decorations are gone.
No official report or investigation is announced, and President Mnangagwa remains silent — a glaring indication of internal paralysis.
🔸
13 June 2025 – National Attention Peaks
Investigative reports emerge linking the May events as early signs of a coordinated operation to retire Mnangagwa, likely involving actors within the military and intelligence sectors.
Analysts describe the sequence as a “cold coup” — not declared by tanks in the streets, but by disabling key pillars of Mnangagwa’s protection infrastructure.
🔚 IMPLICATION:
This sequence suggests a power shift already underway inside Zimbabwe’s ruling establishment — led not by civilian outcry alone, but by a fracturing military elite once thought to be Mnangagwa’s unshakeable base.
By A Correspondent | ZimEye | One of the important 2017 Nov Operation, Retired General Englebert Rugeje has been removed from ministerial boards of TIMB (tobacco), and Agriculture Marketing Association, with the consent of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Sources told ZimEye, four other senior retired soldiers have been removed.
Reasons of removal are that the soldiers are against the Mnangagwa Presidency extension agenda.
Investigations suggest that the moves are part of an operation to test the capacities of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga to revolt against him.
General Rugeje was contacted for a comment and he referred questions to the ministry of Agriculture.
The permanent secretary had not responded to requests for comment at the time of writing.
The development comes accusations grew against Mnangagwa that suggest that he never meant to share power with.
By A Correspondent-Former Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) engineer, Golden Pfungwa Kapungu, has died.
Kapungu passed away on 9 June 2025, at the age of 73.
Kapungu, a respected veteran of the broadcasting industry, was remembered by former colleagues and media practitioners, who took to social media on Friday to mourn his passing.
Messages of condolence described him as a dedicated professional and a humble mentor who contributed immensely to the development of Zimbabwe’s national broadcasting infrastructure.
Born on 24 November 1951, Kapungu served during a transformative period for the national broadcaster, helping usher in the technological shifts that shaped radio and television operations at ZBC.
While the cause of his death was not immediately disclosed, tributes continue to pour in from those who worked alongside him.
A memorial programme titled Order of Service is scheduled for 12–13 June 2025, according to a notice shared with family and friends.
By A Correspondent- Tricky demands have stalled negotiations between the Zambian government and the family of the late former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu over the repatriation of his body.
Friday, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga travelled to Lusaka to mourn with the Government of Zambia.
Zambia played a pivotal role in the liberation of Zimbabwe through its support of ZAPU and ZPRA forces.
A number of Zimbabweans lost their lives on Zambian soil during the liberation struggle. During the era of Southern and Northern Rhodesia, many Zambians worked in what is now Zimbabwe.
Since independence, trade between the two countries has flourished.
The late Edgar Lungu was very close to the late President Robert Mugabe and the current President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, who assigned VP Chiwenga to pay a courtesy visit in honour of Lungu.
Sources have revealed that Tasila Lungu and her family are allegedly withholding the body of the former president until the government agrees to drop all criminal charges against them.
Lungu’s party spokesman Emmanuel Mwamba avoided answering questions regarding the money laundering cases during a phone interview with ZimEye’s Simba Chikanza, dismissing them as “partisan issues in Zimbabwe.”
The Lungu family is reportedly demanding the dropping of all charges and the restoration of property ownership papers.
An officer stationed at one of the properties told ZimEye that they are confident the family will be cleared soon.
“The matter is still in the courts, and they are fighting,” said the official, who asked not to be named for their safety.
However, the Zambian government has firmly stated that the executive cannot interfere with judicial processes, resulting in a deadlock.
Sources close to the tense negotiations say that one of the conditions being pushed by the Lungu family—before agreeing to the repatriation of the former president’s remains for a state funeral—is a blanket amnesty on all ongoing court cases involving family members.
At the forefront of the Lungu camp is Chawama Member of Parliament Tasila Lungu, accompanied by lawyers Jonas Zimba and family spokesperson Makebi Zulu.
Representing the government in the sensitive negotiations are former Vice President Enoch Kavindele, former Secretary to the Cabinet Leslie Mbula, and current Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa.
The standoff comes amid mounting legal troubles engulfing nearly every member of the former president’s immediate family.
Tasila, the political face of the family, is under investigation for alleged acquisition of properties suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Her mother, former First Lady Esther Lungu, and siblings Chiyeso and Daliso Lungu, have also come under scrutiny for alleged possession of unlawfully acquired property.
Chiyeso, a lawyer, lost two properties, including a lucrative plot in State Lodge, after the EFCC declared them proceeds of crime.
Her claim that the assets were gifts from her parents was rejected by the courts.
Esther Lungu’s name appears in multiple forfeiture proceedings, including a case where she faces charges of stealing three motor vehicles, unlawful possession of US$400,000, and illicit acquisition of land.
On 31 May 2024, she was arrested and briefly detained on money laundering charges related to 15 flats before being released on bond.
Meanwhile, Dalitso Lungu, the former president’s son, is facing possible forfeiture of over 80 vehicles, 16 properties, and an entire company—assets estimated to be worth K31 million. The EFCC’s case against him is awaiting judgment.
Following President Lungu’s death in a South African hospital last week, the Zambian government declared a seven-day national mourning period and anticipated that his body would arrive midweek for a state funeral and burial at the presidential burial site.
However, the family disrupted these plans.
At a memorial service in Pretoria on Tuesday, family spokesperson Makebi Zulu shocked mourners by announcing that the body would not arrive as planned and that a new date would be announced later.
Zulu said the family found it “difficult to engage” with the State on arrangements for mourning the former president. He added that the family had arranged private repatriation of the remains in accordance with what they say were Lungu’s final wishes—including that President Hakainde Hichilema should not be involved in any part of the funeral proceedings.
He accused the government of shifting its position during negotiations and undermining the family’s right to oversee the funeral.
By A Correspondnt-Presidential spokesperson George Charamba has sparked a political storm with a cryptic tweet that appears to mock Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, amid rising tensions within Zimbabwe’s ruling elite and frosty relations with neighbouring Zambia.
Charamba, who tweets under the handle @Jamwanda2, posted a photo of Vice President Chiwenga warmly shaking hands with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema. The caption read: “SOME DAY THE HISTORY SHALL BE WRITTEN. FOR NOW, PICTURES!!!!!🤣🤣🤣”
While the post may appear innocuous to the casual observer, political analysts and social media users quickly noted its deeper political undertones—especially considering Charamba’s recent history of publicly attacking Hichilema and other regional opposition leaders.
In previous tweets, Charamba labelled Hichilema, South African opposition leader Mmusi Maimane, and Zimbabwe’s former opposition leader Nelson Chamisa as “Zvivatengesi” — a Shona word for traitors or sell-outs. He accused them of being Western puppets pushing regime change agendas against Southern African liberation movements.
Now, with Chiwenga seen fraternizing with one of Charamba’s most vilified “traitors,” questions are being raised about whether Charamba’s tweet is a subtle jab at the Vice President.
“Charamba is using sarcasm to expose what he sees as hypocrisy or a betrayal of the Zanu PF nationalist stance,” said a Harare-based political analyst. “Remember, Hichilema has been cast by the Zimbabwean state media as hostile to the Harare administration. For Chiwenga to be pictured so comfortably with him is politically loaded.”
The meeting between Chiwenga and Hichilema is reported to have taken place during an official regional engagement, but the body language captured—friendly smiles and a firm handshake—adds to the speculation that it was more than just diplomatic protocol.
Charamba’s tweet comes at a time when the Vice President is rumoured to be consolidating power ahead of the Zanu PF elective congress, with some insiders alleging a widening rift between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy. This tweet could be interpreted as a warning shot or even an attempt to embarrass Chiwenga in the eyes of party hardliners.
Adding fuel to the fire is Charamba’s well-known penchant for cryptic messaging. As a seasoned propagandist and former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Charamba rarely tweets without purpose. His posts often blend sarcasm, coded messages, and historical allusions designed to signal deeper political currents within the state.
Although no official explanation has been given for the tweet, the timing and tone are telling—especially given the ongoing tensions between Harare and Lusaka, where Zimbabwe has accused Hichilema’s government of harbouring opposition activists and meddling in Zimbabwean affairs. Zambia denies these allegations.
For now, observers are left to read between the lines. As Charamba himself posted: “For now, pictures.” But in Zimbabwe’s charged political climate, a picture—especially one tweeted by the President’s mouthpiece—can speak volumes.
Zimbabwean football powerhouse Dynamos FC, affectionately known as DeMbare, has announced its withdrawal from the 2025 CAF Confederation Cup, citing lack of readiness for continental competition.
In a statement released on Friday, June 13, 2025, the Harare-based giants expressed regret over the decision but emphasized the importance of strategic planning and development over participation for its own sake.
“After thorough evaluation, it has been determined that the club is not yet fully prepared to compete at continental level this year,” the club said. “While it has been a painstaking decision, we believe it is in the best interest of the team and everyone associated with Dynamos to focus on strengthening its readiness for future competitions.”
The announcement underscores a shift in focus for Dynamos FC, once a dominant force in Zimbabwean and African football. Once regular participants in CAF tournaments, the club has struggled in recent years to replicate its past successes. Critics have pointed to inconsistent performances, financial constraints, and managerial instability as factors contributing to the team’s decline on the regional scene.
Despite the setback, the club remains optimistic about the future. “We remain committed to our long-term development goals and appreciate your continued support as we work towards enhancing our club’s competitiveness on both the local and continental stage,” the statement continued.
Supporters and stakeholders have been urged to stand by the team during this period of rebuilding, with club officials promising a stronger comeback in the years to come.
“We look forward to future opportunities to represent our country with honour and pride and we pledge to return to the continental stage even stronger,” concluded the statement.
Dynamos’ withdrawal leaves a gap in Zimbabwe’s continental representation for the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup, but also signals a broader conversation around club preparedness and the investment required to compete at the highest level.
All Traditional Leader from Matabeleland North and South with two rapporteurs are checking in today at the Rainbow Hotel for a Gukurahundi Genocide Outreach program. According to Sources, the one day meeting is scheduled to be held on Saturday 14 to finalize plans of the Gukurahundi outreach program that was supposed ro start on Monday but the government postponed the program due to budgetary challenges. Chiefs are going to review feedback of the awareness meetings that took place under their jurisdiction in the past three weeks. The Chiefs àre supposed to meet, approve and guide the roll out of the program and train their rapporteurs on how to capture and document testimonies.
Napoli have officially announced the stunning signing of Belgian midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne on a free transfer.
The 33-year-old departs Manchester City after a glittering career that saw him win multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and a UEFA Champions League trophy. De Bruyne, widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, brings world-class experience and creativity to the Serie A side.
His move to Napoli marks the end of a nine-year spell at City and is being hailed as one of the most high-profile free transfers in recent football history.
A new political party, Original ZAPU has been formed and is scheduled to be officially launched tomorrow in Bulawayo at the Small City Hall.
The interim President of Original ZAPU. Mathew Sibanda revealed this during Dumiso Dabengwa Memorial Service in Ntabazinduna.
”We are now registered with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and we are working hard towards reviving ZAPU following the handing over of the party to an individual who has failed to build the party,” said Sibanda.
Stylish Magida said that they are working hard to restore the gains of independence and revive the economy.
”Zimbabwe’s glory is slowly diminishing in the hands of a single person who is oppressing citizens and appointing his children to higher gvt positions,” said Magida.
Nkululeko Ndlovu, a villager in Ntabazindu Said that they no longer feel like Zimbabweans.
l stay here in Ntabazinduna but the government has neglected us.” Ndlovu said
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has reportedly approached FIFA to explore the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League (ZPSL) — a move that has sparked both curiosity and concern across the football community.
While the adoption of VAR could modernize Zimbabwean football and align it with international standards, critics argue that the country’s crumbling stadium infrastructure makes the timing questionable at best.
According to sources close to ZIFA, initial consultations with FIFA are already underway, and technical assessments are being considered to evaluate the feasibility of implementing VAR in domestic matches.
“We believe VAR can enhance fairness and decision-making in our game,” a ZIFA official who declined to be named said. “It’s about modernizing our football and protecting the integrity of matches.”
However, many have questioned the rationale behind such an ambitious technological leap when most of Zimbabwe’s stadiums fail to meet even basic international standards. Venues like Rufaro Stadium and Barbourfields Stadium have suffered years of neglect, leading to player safety concerns and repeated CAF bans.
Masvingo-based football analyst Tendai Mavhinga said the move “smacks of misplaced priorities.”
“Before we think about VAR, let’s fix our pitches, toilets, changing rooms, and even seating. VAR needs reliable power, high-speed internet, multiple camera angles — all things many of our stadiums simply cannot support,” Mavhinga said.
Fans have also weighed in on social media, with many expressing skepticism. “What use is VAR in a stadium without functioning floodlights or clean toilets?” one user posted on X.
Ironically, while the country seeks high-tech upgrades on the pitch, its top clubs often struggle to secure consistent sponsorship, and national team players frequently raise concerns.
Oyster mushroom farming is fast emerging as one of the most accessible and profitable agribusiness opportunities in Zimbabwe, offering a low-cost, high-value avenue for income generation, food security, and environmental restoration.
Unlike many traditional crops that require expensive inputs, oyster mushrooms are incredibly cheap to grow. “You can use locally available crop residues as a growing medium, such as maize stalks, wheat straw, or cotton waste,” explains Dr Trywell Muzerengi. “This makes the enterprise ideal for rural and urban farmers alike, especially those with limited resources.”
Zimbabwe currently imports over 80% of its mushroom fruit from South Africa, highlighting a massive gap in the local supply chain and a ripe opportunity for domestic producers.
Another key advantage is that mushroom farming does not require costly infrastructure. “You don’t need expensive mushroom houses,” Dr Muzerengi adds. “You can construct low-cost structures using poles and thatch grass, or even convert existing tobacco barns into mushroom houses—especially in winter.”
Oyster mushrooms can be grown year-round, giving farmers a continuous production cycle and consistent income potential. Beyond food, mushrooms are in high demand for pharmaceutical applications, including the production of pills and natural health products. Additionally, oyster mushrooms play an important role in land reclamation, particularly on land degraded by mining and cyanidation.
“The Chinese are already taking advantage of Zimbabwe’s favourable climate to grow mushroom fruits for export,” notes Dr Muzerengi. “We need to harness this potential ourselves, especially with ready export and local markets.”
The benefits of oyster mushroom farming go beyond economics. It offers a path to self-employment, food nutrition, and value addition opportunities. Entrepreneurs can venture into producing mushroom-based products such as biltong, soaps, and even cosmetics for both local and international markets.
In a time when traditional farming faces numerous challenges—from climate change to market instability—oyster mushroom farming stands out as a resilient, affordable, and scalable solution for individuals and communities looking to grow wealth and sustainability from the soil up.
Dr Trywell Muzerengi is an agricultural expert and advocate for sustainable agribusiness innovations in Zimbabwe.
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the only known survivor of the catastrophic Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad, India, has described his miraculous escape, saying, “I don’t know how I’m alive.” The British national made the chilling statement in a video call to his father moments after the crash on Thursday, June 12, 2025.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was en route to London Gatwick with 242 passengers and crew on board when it crashed into a medical hostel shortly after take-off. At least 204 bodies have been recovered, and dozens more are feared dead.
Ramesh, who was seated in seat 11A next to an emergency exit, managed to escape the wreckage by jumping out of the plane. Gujarat police official Vidhi Chaudhary confirmed, “He managed to escape by jumping out the emergency door.”
“There Were Bodies All Around Me”
Speaking to the Hindustan Times from his hospital bed, Ramesh recalled the moment of impact:
“It all happened so quickly. I heard a loud noise 30 seconds after take-off. When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran. There were pieces of the plane all around me.”
He added that someone pulled him into an ambulance and rushed him to the trauma center. He suffered injuries to his chest, eyes, and feet, but doctors have described his condition as stable.
Dr Shariq, who treated him upon arrival, told Sky News, “He was alright, had a few cuts on his hands and face. There was nothing majorly wrong. He limped a bit but was mentally shaken up.”
“Where Is My Brother?”
Ramesh’s brother, Nayan Kumar Ramesh, told Sky News that their family was thrown into turmoil after learning that both Vishwash and another sibling, Ajay, were on board the doomed flight.
“He video called my dad as he crashed and said, ‘Oh, the plane’s crashed. I don’t know where my brother is. I don’t see any other passengers. I don’t know how I’m alive—how I exited the plane,’” Nayan said.
Nayan, speaking from Leicester, revealed that Vishwash was due to be collected from Gatwick Airport that same evening.
“We had planned a family gathering this weekend. I’ve got no words to describe it. It’s a miracle that he survived—but what about the other miracle for my other brother?”
Three Britons Confirmed Dead
Among the deceased are three British nationals: Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa, and their four-year-old daughter Sara, according to a statement by the Gloucester Muslim Community.
Air India has confirmed that the plane was carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian.
Tracking service Flightradar revealed the aircraft lost signal less than a minute after take-off, before crashing into the residential quarters of a medical school in Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad.
UK and Indian Governments Respond
The UK Foreign Office has set up a support line for affected families and said it is “working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences via X (formerly Twitter):
“The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it.”
A “Miracle” Amid Tragedy
Footage shared online shows Vishwash Kumar Ramesh limping away from the crash site, bloodied but conscious. In the hospital, he was seen half-sitting on his bed, surrounded by police officers and medical staff.
Sky News correspondent Neville Lazarus, who spoke briefly with Ramesh in hospital, described the survivor as “conscious, alert, and bruised, but deeply shaken.”
Outside the hospital, the grim task of identifying the dead continues. According to staff, some bodies are “charred beyond recognition,” with DNA testing now required for confirmation.
As the world mourns the lives lost, one man’s survival stands out as a beacon of hope in the face of an unspeakable tragedy.
VP Constantino Chiwenga’s statement to Zambia’s president Hichilema on the passing on of the late President Edgar Lungu.
Your excellency I bring you greetings from your brother Dr ED Mnangagwa….
Your brother Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has sent me to … carry his condolences to you…your Excellency President Hichilema … on this loss… we are brothers and sisters, we are only separated by the Zambezi….. as you received us and kept us and second most important you are the frontline state, and with the deep history that binds our two people and our two countries; at one stage we were called by the same name… but we still remain the same; so what affects Zambia also affects Zimbabwe. The 6th president of the Republic the late President Edgar Chakwa Lungu degree for his time now he is gone and so so we have come to pay our condolences to you. Yes when everything has been done the official thing… so we have come to say as brothers and sisters we want to say we are deeply sorry and we say … we come and we go but we wish to be strong… thank you Your Excellency.
Former Kaizer Chiefs star Khama Billiat has plunged into financial turmoil, with Standard Bank South Africa dragging the Zimbabwean footballer to the Johannesburg High Court over a staggering debt of R372,066.
Court documents reveal that Billiat defaulted on an overdraft facility granted in 2020, with his last payment recorded in 2023. Initially expected to repay R80,000, interest and penalties have ballooned the debt to nearly five times the original amount.
According to the court papers, Standard Bank issued multiple notices in line with the National Credit Act, but Billiat failed to respond or engage with the bank. The institution is now seeking to attach his assets linked to the outstanding loan.
“The defendant failed to comply with the terms of the agreement. Despite demand, no payment has been received,” the bank’s legal representatives noted in the filing.
Billiat, once one of the most celebrated players in the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL), has since returned to Zimbabwe, where he now plays for Scottland FC. Sources say he is the highest-paid player at Mabviravira Stadium, but financial distress seems to have followed him across the Limpopo.
As of now, the embattled footballer has not issued any public comment on the case.
Fans and financial experts alike are questioning how a player of Billiat’s calibre and earnings could end up in such a dire financial position. The court battle is likely to shine a harsh spotlight on the often-hidden financial struggles of professional athletes after the peak of their careers.
Standard Bank’s legal move could see Billiat’s personal property seized if he fails to settle the debt or reach a payment agreement. The High Court is yet to set a hearing date.
The footballer’s fall from financial grace is a sharp contrast to his earlier days at Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, where he earned a reputation as one of the most skillful and well-compensated players in Southern African football.
This latest development raises serious questions about financial management in professional sports—and whether Billiat’s case is the exception or part of a larger, troubling pattern.
Controversial Zimbabwean businessman and tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo has announced two Zimbabwean youths will be given brand-new vehicles after they publicly praised President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s recently commissioned Trabablas Interchange.
The interchange, inaugurated two weeks ago by Mnangagwa, has faced widespread criticism for failing to meet expected construction standards. However, Chivayo chose to celebrate those who spoke positively about the project.
In a post on his social media, Chivayo wrote:
“These two boys must URGENTLY go and see Madzibaba Chipaga and collect their TOYOTA AQUA vehicles. I don’t complicate things — if your creativity impresses me, that’s it. CONGRATULATIONS to you both. The Trabablas Interchange has landed some people in bed — even in shoes — and we’re watching quietly… 🤣😂”
Chivayo has gained a reputation for doling out expensive gifts to individuals who express public support for Mnangagwa, drawing both admiration and criticism for his controversial displays of political patronage.
These two boys must URGENTLY go and see Madzibaba Chipaga and get ma TOYOTA AQUA avo…Ini handinetse ndikango nakidzwa ne creativity yako ZVAKO ZVAITA… CONGRATULATIONS to you both …Trabablas interchange yakapinza vamwe mumagumbeze ne butsu tiri kuvaona hedu… pic.twitter.com/x6ze0PqxzT
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government is reportedly considering a controversial plan to phase out the US dollar and adopt the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) as the sole legal tender—a move critics say could plunge the nation into renewed economic chaos.
The push follows strong recommendations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which argues that Zimbabwe is ready to transition to a monocurrency regime. IMF mission chief Wojciech Maliszewski, speaking during a recent Article IV consultation, said the country had made “encouraging progress” in stabilising its currency and narrowing the gap between official and parallel market rates.
But the proposal is already drawing fierce backlash from political activists and economic observers who warn that abandoning the US dollar at this stage would be catastrophic.
“This is a recipe for disaster,” said 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, reintroduced by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe earlier this year, currently accounts for only 30% of all transactions. The rest are conducted in US dollars, reflecting deep public skepticism toward the local currency after years of hyperinflation and broken monetary promises.
The IMF, however, maintains that Zimbabwe could move toward a single currency once it strengthens its foreign exchange market and ensures “full price discovery.”
“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 that the ZiG had shown “sufficient stability” to be considered for wider use.
Yet many on the ground believe the timing is reckless. Gibson Murinye, a Masvingo-based political activist, warned that Zimbabwe is nowhere near ready for a monocurrency system.
“The economic fundamentals are 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,” Murinye said. “This is not economic reform—it’s self-sabotage.”
Although the Mnangagwa administration has not formally confirmed plans to phase out the US dollar, officials have signaled that discussions are ongoing. Economists aligned with the ruling party, such as Gladys Shumbambiri-Mutsopotsi, support the IMF’s position, arguing that a single currency could enhance monetary sovereignty and help manage inflation.
“A monocurrency will give the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe more control over interest rates, inflation, and broader economic policy,” she said.
However, critics argue that economic control means little without credibility. Many Zimbabweans still bear scars from the 2008 hyperinflation crisis, when the Zimbabwean dollar became worthless and savings were wiped out overnight.
As Zimbabweans brace for potential upheaval, opposition voices are growing louder in urging Mnangagwa to proceed with caution—or risk repeating the country’s darkest economic chapter.
By Business Reporter-The country’s once largest mobile telecommunications operator, Econet Wireless, is battling to maintain reliable network services amid mounting customer frustrations and increasing competition from Elon Musk’s Starlink.
A recent public message from Econet, which reads, “We apologise for the Data challenges you may be experiencing. Our engineers are working to restore normal service. Any inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted,” highlights the persistent connectivity challenges faced by the company’s subscribers nationwide.
Over the past year, Econet has been under pressure to upgrade its infrastructure and expand its data capacity, but service quality has deteriorated drastically, especially in urban areas where demand is high. Frequent outages, slow internet speeds, and dropped calls have left subscribers frustrated and disillusioned, sparking public outcry on social media platforms.
The arrival of Starlink, a satellite internet service provider owned by SpaceX, has further shaken Econet’s dominance. Starlink, which offers high-speed, low-latency broadband internet via a constellation of low-earth orbit satellites, has already been licensed in several Southern African countries, and its underground rollout in Zimbabwe is gaining popularity—especially among businesses, rural users, and urban elites tired of inconsistent mobile internet.
Tech experts warn that if Econet fails to innovate and rapidly resolve its network issues, it risks losing significant market share. “Starlink’s model completely bypasses traditional telecom infrastructure, offering a reliable alternative to mobile data, especially in under-serviced areas,” said a telecommunications analyst based in Harare.
Customers have also expressed concerns over Econet’s rising data costs, which many say are unjustifiable given the erratic service delivery. “You buy expensive data bundles, but you can’t even send a simple WhatsApp message,” said a disgruntled user in Bulawayo.
Industry observers believe that Econet’s woes are compounded by the broader economic crisis in Zimbabwe, which has made it difficult for telecom companies to import equipment, maintain base stations, and pay international bandwidth fees. However, critics argue that Econet’s management has also failed to prioritize investment in network resilience and customer service.
While the company maintains that its engineers are working “to restore normal service,” the consistent failure to meet consumer expectations may mark the beginning of a dramatic shift in Zimbabwe’s telecommunications sector. Unless Econet acts swiftly, the future may belong to satellite-powered disruptors like Starlink—leaving traditional operators in the dust.
As consumers grow increasingly impatient, the once-mighty Econet may now face its greatest challenge yet: survival in a rapidly digitizing and liberalizing telecoms environment.
By A Correspondent-Dog attacks are spiralling out of control in Zimbabwe, with over 26,000 people bitten in just 11 months, prompting growing public concern and calls for tighter animal control laws.
According to a 2024 report from the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), 25,996 dog bites were recorded across the country between January and November 2024. In just the first week of January 2025, another 635 cases were reported—signalling a continued crisis.
Amid the alarming rise in dog-related violence, pitbulls and boerboels, two powerful dog breeds, have been at the centre of a disturbing series of fatal attacks in recent years—claiming the lives of at least 13 people since 2014.
Most recently, on June 1, 2025, 39-year-old Samuel Machara was mauled to death by pitbulls in New Bluffhill, Harare.
The dogs’ owner, Mike Mupinga, was arrested for culpable homicide. Residents had reportedly lodged several complaints over the years as Mupinga’s dogs frequently escaped through gaps in his boundary wall, chasing children, killing pets, and attacking workers. Authorities only intervened after the fatal incident.
The ZNSPCA confiscated and euthanized the animals, citing neglect and inadequate confinement.
In January 2025, Roddie Mannie was killed by his own pitbulls at his home in Sunningdale, despite attempts by neighbours to intervene.
A similarly horrific attack occurred in March 2023, when a 9-year-old girl was mauled to death by a pitbull in Whitecliffe, Harare. Just days earlier, Takawira Gift Muzvidziwa (68), a security guard, was fatally attacked by four pit bulls at a commercial property in Waterfalls.
Boerboels have also been responsible for deadly incidents. In October 2022, a 7-year-old boy in Norton was killed after entering a yard to fetch water.
The owners were acquitted on grounds that the child had entered the dog’s territory. That same month, Nakai Ngosh (6) was killed by two dogs while playing at her uncle’s homestead in Goromonzi.
In August 2022, a 6-year-old girl was mauled by boerboels in Matsheumhlophe, Bulawayo. She had merely stepped out of her family’s rented cottage to check on electricity.
In May 2022, John Gavhera (61) was savaged by his own three Boerboel-cross dogs at his home in Selbourne Park, Bulawayo after jumping his gate without alerting them. The brutal attack lasted nearly an hour.
Earlier cases include a 2018 fatality in Beitbridge, a 2016 mass attack by eight dogs in Masvingo that killed a 4-year-old and severely injured another child, and a 2014 German shepherd attack in which 6-year-old Praise Mavhiringidzewas killed and partially eaten by seven dogs in Masvingo.
The alarming frequency of such incidents has led animal welfare groups and victims’ families to call for stricter laws, improved dog ownership standards, and tougher penalties for negligence. With dog attacks continuing into 2025, the urgency for national action has never been more pressing.
By A Correspondent| Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislator Prince Dubeko Sibanda has sparked heated debate on social media after claiming that the opposition is to blame for former Zanu PF officials rejoining the ruling party.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Sibanda said the opposition’s “toxicity and intolerance” had created a hostile environment that discouraged former Zanu PF members from fully transitioning into the opposition ranks. As a result, he said, they end up returning to the party they once opposed.
Sibanda singled out former Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi, who recently made headlines after reportedly meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Sibanda argued that the opposition failed to embrace figures like Mzembi, leaving them with no viable political alternative.
“True or not, that Shumba has gone back to his rogue bro isn’t the issue,” Sibanda posted. “We take the blame as the opposition for failing to embrace those from @ZANUPF_Official who’re disgruntled. We left them with no option. We’ve to OPEN UP the struggle to EVERYONE!”
Sibanda’s remarks come amid reports by ZimEye that Mzembi had quietly returned to Zimbabwe to meet with Mnangagwa, raising speculation about his political future.
Meanwhile, former Zanu PF youth commissar Godfrey Tsenengamu, who has also been on the sidelines of mainstream politics, hinted that he and others could soon follow Mzembi’s lead in rejoining the ruling party.
Mzembi’s close ally, Saviour Kasukuwere, is also reportedly considering a return to Zanu PF — a move many analysts see as a sign that prominent former members are struggling to find political relevance outside the party.
By A Correspondent- Destiny Achievers College in Harare has been implicated in a shocking fake examination scandal after allegedly making 16 candidates sit for a counterfeit June 2024 Cambridge Ordinary Level exam, defrauding them of over US$11,000 in examination fees.
This revelation follows earlier reports that the school had embezzled examination fees meant for the November 2023 Cambridge sitting, leaving students stranded and compromising their entire academic year.
The affected learners, who were due to enrol in Lower Sixth this year, now face an uncertain academic future.
Repeated attempts to contact the college’s proprietor, Cynthia Gambiza, since early this week have been unsuccessful, with her mobile phone going unanswered. The school premises have reportedly been deserted.
Parents and guardians, some of whom paid as much as US$650 per term, were charged between US$600 and US$1,000in examination fees—funds that have now vanished.
After allegedly misappropriating the fees for the legitimate November Cambridge exams, the school had promised parents and learners that the students would instead write the exams in June 2024.
However, the so-called June exam turned out to be a sham. Learners reportedly sat for a Mathematics paper identical to a past paper they had used for revision. The only alteration was the date on the cover page.
It also emerged that the school rented a private venue to conduct the fake exams and told parents they had partnered with a Cambridge-registered centre.
“As for me, I visited the school on Thursday, but there was no staff. Then today, I went to ZDECO College, the alleged institution where our children wrote the exams, and met the deputy principal, Mr Madzimure. He said they don’t have a Cambridge centre, but confirmed that a lady came looking for a place to conduct mock exams and they leased a class to her. He had no idea it was a scam,” said Mr Piniel Nzvenga, in a message shared in a WhatsApp group for parents of the affected students.
Nzvenga added that students immediately suspected something was amiss.
“So, they went to sit for Mathematics, and surprisingly, the paper they were revising was the one that actually came on the day of the exam.”
According to Nzvenga, there were no official Cambridge invigilators present, which raised further red flags. When students alerted their teachers, they were told feedback would come from the school principal—who has since gone incommunicado.
“I paid US$800 for the exam fee. I have since reported the matter at Borrowdale Police Station, and they said they are investigating. What I want is justice—my child has been seriously disadvantaged,” he said.
Another parent, whose son Clayton Nyamagodo reportedly led the student protest after detecting the fraud, said he paid US$900 for eight subjects and US$100 in centre fees.
“I reported the incident at Borrowdale Police under case number RRB 6368544. They told me another case concerning the same issue had already been reported, and investigations are ongoing,” the parent said.
He confirmed that parents had also approached the Ministry of Education.
“We were instructed to write a brief report of what transpired, and they promised to assist. But up to now, there has been no response. Time is flying, and our children are just sitting at home doing nothing.”
Yet another parent revealed that Dr Gambiza had personally persuaded him to delay his child’s November exam to June 2024.
“My child was due to take the exam in November 2024, but Dr Gambiza convinced me to move it to June, saying the child needed more time to prepare in two subjects and that this would help him pass in one sitting. I wasn’t planning to delay, but I believed her.”
He too reported the case to Borrowdale Police and found that several other families had already lodged complaints.
“All I want is government support to ensure this matter is dealt with. We’ve done our part by reporting to the police. The school must also refund our money. It’s not easy to raise US$800 only to have it disappear without serving its intended purpose.”
By A Correspondent| Former ZANU PF Youth League Commissar Godfrey Tsenengamu has signaled his intention to rejoin the ruling party, admitting that operating from outside the political establishment is not sustainable.
Tsenengamu was expelled from ZANU PF after he and then-Secretary for Youth Affairs Lewis Matutu publicly named individuals they accused of corruption and economic sabotage. Both were subsequently removed from their leadership positions and ordered to undergo reorientation at the Chitepo School of Ideology. Tsenengamu, however, refused and chose to part ways with the party.
With exiled former Cabinet Ministers Saviour Kasukuwere and Walter Mzembi reportedly warming up to the idea of returning to ZANU PF, Tsenengamu believes their path will likely become a common one.
“I wasn’t surprised to learn about Walter Mzembi’s return and his apology to President Mnangagwa, given how hard it is to survive outside ZANU PF—especially when your business interests have long been protected by the party,” Tsenengamu said.
“Just yesterday, I spoke with Hon. Kasukuwere about the issue. Though he declined to comment, the implications are clear. ZANU PF seems to be home for everyone. At this rate, we’ll all return. Tingafe nenzara varume—it’s tough out here.”
Earlier this week, ZimEye reported exclusively that Mzembi had secretly flown into Zimbabwe for a meeting with President Mnangagwa. The report was later corroborated by credible sources within the ruling party.
Now, it appears that Kasukuwere may also be on his way back, following Tsenengamu’s revelations.
Both Kasukuwere and Mzembi were key figures in the G40 faction of ZANU PF and have been vocal critics of President Mnangagwa and the current administration.
Their political ambitions were curtailed when Kasukuwere was barred from contesting the 2023 elections on a technicality—he had not been resident in Zimbabwe for the required five-year period prior to the vote.
By Sports Reporter-Former Kaizer Chiefs midfield maestro Khama Billiat is allegedly playing a high-stakes game of hide and seek with the law.
The pint-sized footballer, once among the richest stars in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), is reportedly evading repayment of a R372,066 debt owed to Standard Bank—now seeking legal recourse through the Johannesburg High Court.
Court insiders say Billiat, currently dribbling defenders for Scottland FC in Zimbabwe after a brief stint with Yadah FC, has vanished from his registered address in Midrand. Sheriffs have been unable to locate him to serve court papers.
“Our guy has gone there several times, but the house is EMPTY,” said a source from the sheriff’s office.
According to court documents, the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Ajax Cape Town star defaulted on an overdraft facility granted in 2020. The last known repayment was made in 2023. Billiat was expected to pay between R80,000 and R90,000 monthly—but allegedly continued using the facility without settling the debt.
Standard Bank claims it issued multiple notices in line with the National Credit Act, but received no response. The bank now seeks court permission to seize movable assets linked to the loan, including any property and valuables.
To complicate matters further, Billiat’s Midrand property is reportedly the subject of a separate legal wrangle. Emerging Markets Home Loans is said to be pursuing an eviction order against alleged squatters on the premises. “We’re told he no longer stays there,” confirmed the sheriff’s source.
With Billiat still missing, sources say creditors are preparing to file an ex parte application—meaning the case could proceed in his absence.
Repeated attempts to get a comment from Billiat were unsuccessful. The player was reportedly travelling back from Morocco, where Zimbabwe’s Warriors recently played friendly matches against Burkina Faso and Niger.
Once celebrated as one of the highest-paid players in South African football, Khama Billiat now finds himself in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Zimbabwe is facing a serious digital threat as international cyber hackers intensify their attacks on government, educational and business websites. This year, several Zimbabwean websites have been defaced, disabled or used as backdoors to harvest sensitive information. This wave of cyber aggression is no longer a hypothetical threat, it is a full-blown national security concern.
Zimbabwe is a digital economy with 96% of all transactions being done online. As Zimbabwe continues to deepen its engagement with the digital economy, the country’s public and private sector entities must recognise that cyberattacks are not random. Hackers are deliberately targeting Zimbabwe’s national websites and emails to exploit weaknesses in infrastructure, outdated software and most critically, the absence of cybersecurity protocols such as SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption.
SSL is no longer optional, it is essential. It creates a secure connection between a website, email and its users, encrypting all data transmitted between them. Without SSL, every communication email, login and even database access can be intercepted, altered or stolen. For the government portals, this means sensitive citizen data is at risk. For schools, confidential student records are exposed. For businesses, customer and financial data becomes low-hanging fruit for cybercriminals.
Yet, a quick look across Zimbabwe’s web landscape reveals a seriously worrying trend, too many domains still operate without SSL. Websites load with the “Not Secure” warning, emails are hosted on vulnerable servers and databases sit exposed to unauthorised access. In this era where a single cyber breach can paralyse an institution, this level of negligence can no longer be afforded.
It is critical for all stakeholders, ministries, NGOs, parastatals, schools and private companies to immediately prioritise cybersecurity. Installing SSL is one of the most basic but powerful defences. Beyond that, organisations must also ensure that their servers are regularly updated, websites are properly maintained and staff are trained in basic cyber hygiene.
Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue it is a national resilience issue. As Zimbabwe pushes towards Vision 2030, a secure digital infrastructure will be central to sustainable growth, investor confidence, and public trust.
The cost of protection is far lower than the cost of a cyber breach. Zimbabwe must act now. Secure your website. Encrypt your emails. Protect your servers. The nation’s digital future depends on it.
For more information on ICT, cybersecurity, and data protection, please WhatsApp +263 772 278 161 or email jkmutisi@hansole.co.zw
By Kudzayi Mutisi-Zimbabwe is facing a serious digital threat as international cyber hackers intensify their attacks on government, educational, and business websites. This year, several Zimbabwean websites have been defaced, disabled, or used as backdoors to harvest sensitive information. This wave of cyber aggression is no longer a hypothetical threat—it is a full-blown national security concern.
Zimbabwe is a digital economy, with 96% of all transactions conducted online. As the country continues to deepen its engagement with the digital space, both public and private sector entities must recognise that cyberattacks are not random. Hackers are deliberately targeting Zimbabwe’s national websites and emails to exploit weaknesses in infrastructure, outdated software, and—most critically—the absence of cybersecurity protocols such as SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption.
SSL is no longer optional—it is essential. It creates a secure connection between a website or email and its users, encrypting all data transmitted between them. Without SSL, every email, login, and even database access can be intercepted, altered, or stolen. For government portals, this means sensitive citizen data is at risk. For schools, confidential student records are exposed. For businesses, customer and financial data become low-hanging fruit for cybercriminals.
Yet a quick look across Zimbabwe’s web landscape reveals a deeply worrying trend: too many domains still operate without SSL. Websites load with the “Not Secure” warning, emails are hosted on vulnerable servers, and databases remain exposed to unauthorised access. In an era where a single cyber breach can paralyse an institution, this level of negligence is no longer acceptable.
It is critical for all stakeholders—ministries, NGOs, parastatals, schools, and private companies—to immediately prioritise cybersecurity. Installing SSL is one of the most basic but powerful defences. Beyond that, organisations must ensure their servers are regularly updated, websites are properly maintained, and staff are trained in basic cyber hygiene.
Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue—it is a national resilience issue. As Zimbabwe pushes towards Vision 2030, a secure digital infrastructure will be central to sustainable growth, investor confidence, and public trust.
The cost of protection is far lower than the cost of a cyber breach. Zimbabwe must act now. Secure your website. Encrypt your emails. Protect your servers. The nation’s digital future depends on it.
For more information on ICT, cybersecurity, and data protection, please WhatsApp +263 772 278 161 or email jkmutisi@hansole.co.zw
By Business Reporter-Zimbabwe’s largest mobile telecommunications operator, Econet Wireless, is battling to maintain reliable network services amid mounting customer frustrations and increasing competition from Elon Musk’s Starlink.
A recent public message from Econet, which reads, “We apologise for the Data challenges you may be experiencing. Our engineers are working to restore normal service. Any inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted,” highlights the persistent connectivity challenges faced by the company’s subscribers nationwide.
Over the past year, Econet has been under pressure to upgrade its infrastructure and expand its data capacity, but service quality has deteriorated drastically, especially in urban areas where demand is high. Frequent outages, slow internet speeds, and dropped calls have left subscribers frustrated and disillusioned, sparking public outcry on social media platforms.
The arrival of Starlink, a satellite internet service provider owned by SpaceX, has further shaken Econet’s dominance. Starlink, which offers high-speed, low-latency broadband internet via a constellation of low-earth orbit satellites, has already been licensed in several Southern African countries, and its underground rollout in Zimbabwe is gaining popularity—especially among businesses, rural users, and urban elites tired of inconsistent mobile internet.
Tech experts warn that if Econet fails to innovate and rapidly resolve its network issues, it risks losing significant market share. “Starlink’s model completely bypasses traditional telecom infrastructure, offering a reliable alternative to mobile data, especially in under-serviced areas,” said a telecommunications analyst based in Harare.
Customers have also expressed concerns over Econet’s rising data costs, which many say are unjustifiable given the erratic service delivery. “You buy expensive data bundles, but you can’t even send a simple WhatsApp message,” said a disgruntled user in Bulawayo.
Industry observers believe that Econet’s woes are compounded by the broader economic crisis in Zimbabwe, which has made it difficult for telecom companies to import equipment, maintain base stations, and pay international bandwidth fees. However, critics argue that Econet’s management has also failed to prioritize investment in network resilience and customer service.
While the company maintains that its engineers are working “to restore normal service,” the consistent failure to meet consumer expectations may mark the beginning of a dramatic shift in Zimbabwe’s telecommunications sector. Unless Econet acts swiftly, the future may belong to satellite-powered disruptors like Starlink—leaving traditional operators in the dust.
As consumers grow increasingly impatient, the once-mighty Econet may now face its greatest challenge yet: survival in a rapidly digitizing and liberalizing telecoms environment.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched investigations into a series of alarming murder cases in Seke, with one suspect already in custody following the brutal killing of an elderly woman.
In a statement released to the media, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of 48-year-old Farai Machaka, who is being held in connection with the murder of his 67-year-old aunt, Ruth Elizabeth Kadara.
“Police in Seke are investigating a tragic case in which Ruth Elizabeth Kadara was found dead in her kitchen hut in Chounda Village on June 5th, 2025,” said Nyathi. “The body had signs of physical abuse, and preliminary investigations suggest that the suspect, Farai Machaka, allegedly sexually assaulted the victim before strangling her.”
Nyathi described the murder as deeply disturbing and appealed to the public for any information that could help in solving other similar cases that have recently emerged in the area.
“We are urging members of the public to come forward with any information that may assist in our ongoing investigations. Community cooperation is crucial in tackling violent crimes of this nature,” he said.
The police have also expressed concern over the rising number of murder cases in the district and emphasized the need for vigilance and community engagement to ensure public safety.
TARGETED CRIMINALS BACK: THE GREAT REGURGITATION OF ZIMBABWEAN POLITICS.
By Reason Wafawarova | Zimbabwean politics is not for the faint-hearted. It is a recycling plant for the unredeemable, a laundromat for reputational stains, and an endless conveyor belt of national déjà vu. Once labelled “criminals surrounding the President,” our fallen angels are back — with bleached reputations and creased suits — ready to ruin us afresh with recycled vigour.
Let’s rewind the tape.
It was May 1999 when Robert Mugabe, in a moment of delusional reformism, appointed a 400-member Constitutional Commission. Enter Jonathan Moyo, the Ford Foundation fugitive with enough verbosity to make a parrot seem reticent. By February 2000, Moyo had helped produce a draft constitution so unpalatable that Zimbabweans rejected it en masse — the first time ZANU-PF tasted electoral humiliation in a major vote.
Of course, Jonathan didn’t take the loss personally. No. He came out of that national rejection rebranded as the inventor of the term “protest vote,” cleverly recasting a devastating loss as a minor emotional tantrum by voters against their dearly beloved ZANU-PF.
After ZANU-PF barely scraped through the 2000 Parliamentary elections, Mugabe — in his usual panic mode — decided the problem wasn’t with his outdated liberation war dogma, but with the lack of technocrats. So he brought in the flamboyant Moyo and the ever-elusive Nkosana Moyo. One Moyo stayed. The other fled. Guess which is which.
Soon, Jonathan Moyo, now Information Minister, became a one-man government. He ran ZBC, controlled Zimpapers, colonised the music industry, and even ghost-wrote for other ministries. He made censorship an art, propaganda a science, and arrogance a virtue. His masterpieces? AIPPA and POSA — draconian laws that muzzled the press and gave police officers the legal right to arrest your future intentions.
But alas, power is a seductive poison. By 2004, Moyo fancied himself a kingmaker, backing Emmerson Mnangagwa in an internal succession bid. That gamble cost him his job and ZANU-PF membership. But like a politically possessed Lazarus, he returned in 2005 as an independent MP — and again in 2008 — before trading in his independence for a cushy ZANU-PF seat in 2010. Principle, you ask? Never met him.
Then came the creation of G40, a clique of Machiavellian misfits: Kasukuwere, Zhuwao, Mzembi, Chombo, and the indomitable First Shopper, Grace Mugabe. Together, they turned ZANU-PF into a dysfunctional family business with Grace as the attack dog and Bob as the dozing chairperson.
But in their quest to outsmart Mnangagwa, they forgot the army — a small oversight that saw them chased out in November 2017 by soldiers with guns and vendettas. The public was told it was merely a targeted operation to remove “criminals surrounding the President.” Turns out the targets were just competitors in the looting relay.
Fast-forward.
Chombo was the first to be rehabilitated — or rather, quietly de-radicalised and released. Jonathan Moyo, now a subtle Murakashi on X (formerly Twitter), is polishing his rhetoric and rehearsing for his second re-admission into ZANU-PF. That’s right, two-time expellee now applying for a loyalty discount.
Walter Mzembi is back too — after pretending to have cancer to dodge frivolous court charges for donating stolen TVs to Prophet Makandiwa. He has emerged healthy and re-energised, ready to dance to Mnangagwa’s drumbeats.
Grace Mugabe? Neutered, neutralised and nowhere near a microphone. Her Gucci dreams have quietly turned into Village funerals and perfunctory church donations.
Zhuwao has self-destructed, and Kasukuwere is next in line for either co-option or incarceration, depending on his mood and loyalty.
Mnangagwa’s strategy is not just political amnesia. It’s calculated tribal arithmetic. He is building a Karanga dynasty of Trababalists (translation: Tribal Balancers), marginalising Chiwenga and securing posthumous protection for his vast criminal empire. In Zimbabwe, thieves don’t retire — they strategise.
So here we are — again — watching the same rogues in a different episode, hoping for a different ending.
But we must ask, and ask boldly:
For how long shall we tolerate the rotating circus of failed politicians repackaged as saviours?
How long shall we pretend that corruption with charisma is better than corruption with crudeness?
How many times must the same chef burn our national dinner before we fire the cook?
Why are we so addicted to our own political abusers that we cheer their comebacks?
What has Zimbabwe become, if even national disgrace is a temporary condition?
Why do we allow the same recycled elites to treat exile like paid vacation, and return as “visionaries”?
Where are the new leaders? Or is politics now a family heirloom passed between cousins, uncles, and leftover cronies?
Can we not imagine a Zimbabwe that doesn’t involve Mnangagwa, Mugabe, or their political grandchildren?
Why do opposition leaders also start to look suspiciously familiar with time — more careerist than courageous?
And most importantly, what will our children say of us when they ask: “You saw the looters coming back… and you just shrugged?”
Zimbabwe deserves more than a political laundry service. We deserve leadership — not just warmed-over leftovers from yesterday’s failures.
So, dear citizen:
How long shall we keep swallowing the vomit of our own apathy?
By A Correspondent | June 13, 2025 – A receipt from a KFC outlet in Belvedere, dated October 3, 2024, has sparked intrigue after listing the location as “Salisbury Township,” a name obsolete since Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980. The receipt, from the Princess/Burton Road branch, records a $5.00 purchase of a Dunked Crunch ML burger, with a tax-inclusive total of $4.27, including 15% VAT and a tourism levy.
The Salisbury City name
Social media buzzed with reactions. Property expert Kura Chihota advised, “Read your title deeds,” suggesting a deeper issue. Amai Boy Award Winning quipped, “ly you go kwa Surveyor General its still showing Salsibury 😂,” highlighting the persistence of the old name. Just Andrew provided context, noting, “Point of fact… the deeds office still makes reference to Salisbury Township on all title deeds in most of the older suburbs of Harare, my own commercial properties, recently valued, included. There is nothing mischievous about this.”
Ranga Mataire added a local flavor, exclaiming, “Aaaaah vakuda shamu ine munyu. Vakuda kurutsiswa,” while RichardMugobo reinforced the trend, stating, “That’s how it appears kuDeads Offiee.” These comments reflect a mix of humor and acceptance that outdated records linger in official documentation.
Historians suggest this could stem from administrative inertia, as “many title deeds in Harare still reflect the city as Salisbury Township.” KFC has not yet commented, leaving the public to wonder if this is a glitch, a historical nod, or a sign of outdated systems. The receipt has become a curious blend of Harare’s colonial past and modern life.
Trade negotiations between the United States and China have entered a second day as both sides seek to reduce tensions over technology exports and the control of rare earth materials, according to a U.S. official.
The two groups met for more than six hours at Lancaster House in London, a historic 19th-century mansion located near Buckingham Palace.
Talks concluded around 8 p.m. local time, with both sides scheduled to reconvene the following morning at 10 a.m., the official confirmed.
Speaking from the White House on Monday, President Donald Trump described the talks as progressing but acknowledged the challenges. “We are doing well with China. China’s not easy,” he said. “I’m only getting good reports.”
Leading the U.S. team was Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, joined by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Lutnick’s involvement, given his background as the former CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, highlights the emphasis on export controls in the current negotiations.
After the first round of discussions, Bessent addressed reporters in London, saying they had a “good meeting,” while Lutnick described the session as “fruitful.”
WHY DID VP CHIWENGA’S WIFE YELL “CIVIL MARRIAGE”? — A LOUD DECLARATION, OR A LOADED WARNING?
By Dorrothy Moyo, 13 June 2025
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s wife, Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi, has shaken Zimbabwean social media with a thunderous public post marking her third wedding anniversary. But it’s not the celebration itself that’s caught attention — it’s her choice of words.
“Civil marriage….Today 3 years ago. Happy anniversary to us ❤️,” she wrote. But the tone was anything but calm. The emphasis — “civil marriage” — came with the weight of a statement meant to be heard beyond lovebirds and well-wishers. Many are now asking: why scream “civil marriage” into the public square?
1.
Is She Drawing a Legal Boundary?
Baloyi’s wording is not typical romantic fluff. Her use of “civil marriage” — underlined and dramatically punctuated — seems deliberately legalistic. In Zimbabwean law, a civil marriage under the Marriages Act [Chapter 5:11] offers exclusivity, legal protection, and a shield against polygamy — unlike customary unions. This may be Baloyi’s way of publicly affirming that she holds the sole legally recognized position as Chiwenga’s wife. No small statement in a political landscape where polygamy, secret lobolas, and power games in the bedroom often overlap with those in the boardroom.
2.
The Red Carpet Stumble: A Humiliation Gone Viral
This loud declaration comes just months after another viral moment: on 24 July 2024, Baloyi appeared in a now-notorious clip bowing awkwardly — some said embarrassingly — on the red carpet while accompanying Chiwenga on a foreign trip. Social media users pounced, with accusations that she was “acting like a maid, not a Vice President’s wife.”
Was the “civil marriage” post a clap-back at those mockers? Or was it a deeper retort to internal humiliation — perhaps a signal that while she may stumble in protocol, her status in law is untouchable?
3.
The Mandaza Facebook Exchange: She’s Just a Wife, or Is She?
In May, Baloyi clashed publicly with a commenter named Chapman Tavapatsa Mandaza, who questioned her role in foreign policy visits. She responded sharply:
“I don’t have a say in any ministry because I don’t have a government office nor mandate whatsoever — I’m just a wife to my husband. Period.”
But her insistence on that “just a wife” identity now sounds ironic, given today’s loud anniversary post. It seems she’s not only asserting her lack of political power, but doubling down on her marital credentials — with a legal stamp to boot.
SO, WHAT IS BALOYI SIGNALING?
To ZANU-PF power brokers: She’s not a mistress, not a girlfriend, not a ceremonial accessory. She is Chiwenga’s civil wife — the only one who can legally claim that title.
To potential rivals: This could be a pre-emptive legal positioning ahead of any succession battles or estate wrangles.
To critics and trolls: She’s shutting down speculation with a precise, lawful declaration.
Plumes of smoke inside the Chiwenga’s marriage?
And perhaps — to Chiwenga himself — it’s a message: Whatever happens politically, remember I’m the one on paper.
Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi didn’t just post a photo today — she posted a message. Her “civil marriage” anniversary post is not just a toast to love, it’s a shot across the bow in the murky waters of Zimbabwean power dynamics. Loud, proud, and legally fortified, she’s telling the world exactly where she stands — in law, in marriage, and in the narrative.
By Farai D Hove | ZimEye | The Seat That Saved a Life: How One Man Walked Away from a Fireball
In the chaos of twisted metal, flames, and the deafening silence that follows disaster, one man stood up and walked away. His name is Vishwash Kumar Ramesh—and he was sitting in Seat 11A. In a moment where 241 others perished, he became the only survivor of Air India Flight AI171.
The possible escape scenario
What made the difference? Was it fate, design, or a split-second advantage? In aviation disasters, survival is rarely simple—but sometimes, it comes down to where you sit, how fast you move, and what you do in the seconds that count.
This is the story of how one seat near an emergency exit became the line between life and death—and how that knowledge could one day save your life too.
.
Sole Survivor from the Ashes
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British–Indian passenger seated in 11A on Air India Flight AI171, is the lone survivor of the Boeing 787‑8 crash outside Ahmedabad, which claimed 241 lives and caused casualties on the ground . He sustained injuries to his chest, eyes, and feet, and remains under medical care . Authorities report he was found amid the wreckage, described as “limping amid debris” .
Seat Location & Structural Protection
Ramesh sat in 11A, an exit‑row bulkhead seat just aft of business class. This spot put him within five rows of an exit—which scholarly research identifies as a factor improving survivability in crashes . A University of Greenwich study concluded that “being within five rows of an emergency exit can also increase survival chances,” and a Time analysis of FAA data in 2015 showed the rear and wing-adjacent sections generally experience lower fatality rates .
Its structural integrity also matters: seats near wings benefit from reinforced fuselage zones. However, jet fuel proximity can raise fire risk, so survivability depends highly on crash dynamics .
Egress and Emergency Exit Use
Indian police stated Ramesh “jumped out of an emergency exit” following the crash . Academic research supports this: exit-row access plays a pivotal role not only by shielding occupants from intense structural impact but also by enabling faster evacuation before smoke or heat becomes incapacitating .
Crash Dynamics & Cabin Integrity
Every crash is unique, but survivability trends show that low vertical deceleration, cabin structure remaining mostly intact, and timely evacuation strongly influence outcomes . Experts emphasize that seat location is only one of many variables; factors like deceleration force, angle of impact, and post-crash fire behavior significantly affect survival chances .
Mixture of Chance and Design
A Harvard‑cited analysis notes that, statistically, air travel remains safe—yet once a crash occurs, survivability probabilities are heavily influenced by seat location, crash dynamics, brace positioning, and proximity to exits . A 2008 University of Greenwich study reinforces that being near an exit can be life-saving .
Expert Commentary
Aviation-safety analysts caution against overstating seat safety: “Survivability is not solely about structural damage; intense G‑forces and fire can be fatal even when the cabin structure holds” . A Reuters dispatch confirmed Ramesh used an emergency exit to escape .
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh’s singular survival is the product of factors that converged in extraordinary fashion:
Accident Mechanics: Likely lower-impact forces and limited fuselage destruction in his area.
Exit Use & Egress Time: He managed to utilize the exit before fire and smoke became lethal.
Brace Positioning & Seatbelt Use: While unconfirmed in his case, scholarly work affirms these reduce severe injury .
Divine intervention may hold personal significance for many. However, engineering analysis and peer-reviewed aviation studies paint a picture of grave happenstance shaped by physics, human behavior, and design—which together explain how one man survived when 241 others did not.- ZimEye
By A Correspondent-Two people have died after collapsing while undergoing border formalities at the Beitbridge Border Post in Matabeleland South over the weekend, authorities have confirmed.
The first victim was a 48-year-old South African truck driver transporting peas from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Beitbridge District Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Mesuli Ncube, said the driver collapsed and died on Saturday at around 4pm shortly after completing immigration procedures.
“He had just returned to his vehicle after stamping his passport at the southbound truck export yard when he suddenly collapsed,” said Chief Supt Ncube. “Preliminary investigations revealed he had complained of feeling unwell in his work WhatsApp group the previous day.”
The second incident occurred a day earlier, on Friday, when a diabetic passenger from Murehwa died during a customs inspection. The man was travelling with his 21-year-old son aboard a Best Express Logistics bus from Pretoria.
“His legs were visibly swollen when he boarded the bus in South Africa,” Chief Supt Ncube said. “The bus was recalled to the border for customs reassessment after being stopped at a checkpoint in the Chicago area near Masvingo.”
During the inspection at around 10am, the man’s son noticed his father was unresponsive. Port health officials and police were called to the scene. The body was later transferred to the Beitbridge District Mortuary.
Both cases are being treated as sudden deaths. Police are in the process of notifying the deceaseds’ next of kin, and post-mortem examinations are pending.
I am a 1 August 2018 shooting victim failing to access medical assistance because of the late President Edgar Lungu’s violations which started when he violated Zambian law and deported legislator, Tendai Biti before launching a political disinformation campaign that is still ongoing.
I was shot on false allegations that I am a political operator when I was just a civilian passing through the streets of Harare CBD.
It is because of President Lungu’s violations that I am still to get medical attention either in my country or outside. The pain from the bullet which is still lodged in my backside is getting worse as it is a foreign object, that can only be removed by specialist medical expertise.
I am appealing to the family and the estate managers of President Edgar Lungu to consider my plight as the late Haad Of State was for over 7 years approached by journalists who include Simba Chikanza but he publicly played down my plight.
I might not be the corpse of a late President getting international media sympathy, I am a wounded father whose family is struggling as a result of these violations.
I appeal to the Lungu family to also consider my plight at this difficult time I continue to endure torment and pain 7 years running.
I ask the Lungu family to fight for me the same way they are doing the man’s corpse.
Warriors head coach Michael Nees has hinted at a shake-up in future squad selections following impressive performances by emerging talent during Zimbabwe’s recent international fixtures.
The national team fielded two separate squads over the past week—one competing in the 2025 COSAFA Cup and another playing friendlies in Morocco against Burkina Faso and Niger. The COSAFA team, largely made up of U20 players, was overseen by junior national team coach Simon Marange, while Nees led a squad in Morocco composed of fringe players, returnees from injury, and new faces.
Following a 1-1 draw with Niger on Tuesday, Nees expressed satisfaction with the depth and potential he witnessed, particularly highlighting Germany-based midfielder Jonah Fabisch.
“We were looking at new options, even in the COSAFA Cup team. I think we lacked depth in central midfield, and Fabisch showed he can compete at that level,” Nees said.
The coach emphasized that several players from both squads had made a strong case for themselves and would be in contention moving forward.
“We also noticed a few standout players from the COSAFA squad. This has given us the depth we need, and now everyone must step up over the next six months,” he added. “To make the squad for AFCON, it’s going to be tough. I can’t experiment anymore.”
Zimbabwe has already secured qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which will take place in Morocco this December. With competition heating up, Nees appears ready to prioritize form and depth over reputation as the Warriors prepare for the continental showdown.
By A Correspondent-Members of the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) are growing increasingly angry and desperate, after nearly a year of being ignored by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who once championed the platform as a symbol of inclusive governance.
POLAD was controversially established in the aftermath of the disputed 2018 presidential election as Mnangagwa’s attempt to sideline the country’s main opposition, then led by Nelson Chamisa. It brought together losing presidential candidates from fringe political parties under the guise of national dialogue and policy consultation.
While initially paraded as a multi-party platform for building consensus, critics quickly saw through the façade. POLAD, they argued, was a state-sponsored charade—a smokescreen for democracy designed to create the illusion of engagement while deflecting genuine calls for electoral reform.
Excluded from the platform were real opposition leaders like Chamisa, who rejected the election results and refused to recognise Mnangagwa’s presidency. In contrast, POLAD members—mostly drawn from little-known parties with minimal electoral support—were rewarded with perks: vehicles, fuel allowances, diplomatic passports, and invitations to official functions.
But five years later, the gravy train appears to have stalled.
Following the similarly disputed 2023 elections, POLAD has all but disappeared from the political radar. Mnangagwa has gone silent—and so has the platform. No meetings have been held in months, and members are growing restless, disillusioned, and visibly hungry for both relevance and recognition.
At a rare meeting recently convened in Harare, disgruntled members vented their frustration. “It has been quite a long time since we formally met and we are very concerned with the silence and absence of POLAD in the political arena,” said Divine Hove, leader of the obscure Nationalist Alliance Party. “There is so much happening in our country. We need to reignite dialogue and engagement with the Emmerson Mnangagwa government, which started POLAD in 2018, so we can share ideas.”
Hove insisted that POLAD once played a role in shaping policy, citing committees like the economic committee that were supposedly created to advise government. But those efforts have since vanished without a trace.
Also in attendance was Welcome Shumba, POLAD’s chief of protocol and leader of the 1980 Freedom Movement, who called for a renewed focus on “nation building.” Another principal, speaking anonymously, claimed the platform contributed to national stability after 2018 and urged its revival.
But political analysts have long dismissed such claims, describing POLAD as a patronage network dressed up as dialogue. Without the participation of robust opposition voices, they argue, the platform was politically compromised from the start.
Presidential spokesperson George Charamba offered little more than vague acknowledgment when contacted for comment. “Tell them that as the Press Secretary of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, I have heard their concern and I will relay their message,” he said.
For many observers, this lukewarm response signals that Mnangagwa no longer finds POLAD useful after securing a second term through yet another contested election. The political honeymoon is over, and so are the perks.
“What’s clear is that POLAD served its purpose as a tactical distraction,” said one analyst. “Now that it’s no longer needed, the members are left hangry—starved of attention, influence, and the trappings of political proximity.”
With Mnangagwa’s silence growing louder and the political winds shifting, POLAD may soon be remembered not as a dialogue platform, but as a footnote in Zimbabwe’s long saga of democratic deception.
In a dramatic and unexpected twist, a British man has been found alive following the catastrophic crash of Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad earlier today, which was previously believed to have claimed the lives of all 242 people on board.
Authorities initially declared that “it appears there are no survivors” after the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London Gatwick, crashed in a residential area shortly after takeoff. However, hours into the rescue operation, a sole survivor was discovered.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik confirmed the extraordinary development:
“The police found one survivor in seat 11A. One survivor has been found in the hospital and is under treatment. We cannot say anything about the number of deaths yet. The death toll may increase as the flight crashed in a residential area.”
The survivor has been identified as Ramesh Vishwaskumar Bucharvada, a British national who had been seated in 11A, located near the front of the aircraft. According to Indian media outlet India Today, Bucharvada was seen walking away from the wreckage moments after the crash and was swiftly taken to a nearby hospital.
Speaking from his hospital bed to the Hindustan Times, Bucharvada recounted the terrifying experience:
“Thirty seconds after takeoff, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly. When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran. There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance.”
He reportedly sustained chest and eye injuries, but doctors say his condition is stable.
The crash site, a densely populated area near the Ahmedabad airport, is still being combed by emergency responders and forensic investigators. Air India has since confirmed that 53 British nationals were among the passengers.
The cause of the crash remains unknown, though aviation experts are pointing to a potential mechanical failure or bird strike during takeoff. India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and international teams, including Boeing representatives, are expected to conduct a joint investigation.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more details emerge.
Kaizer Chiefs have reportedly overhauled their transfer strategy in the wake of Khama Billiat’s underwhelming stint at the club, shifting away from high-profile signings like Percy Tau.
Billiat joined the Soweto giants in 2018 on a free transfer from Mamelodi Sundowns and spent five seasons at Naturena. Despite the fanfare surrounding his arrival, the club’s management felt his performance didn’t justify his hefty paycheck over the years.
According to a report by Soccer Laduma, Chiefs are now steering clear of marquee signings, having learned from the Billiat experience—along with a similar situation involving Keagan Dolly.
“The team feels they have learned a lesson from the signings of Khama Billiat and Keagan Dolly, where they paid significant salaries but believe the returns were not worth it,” an unnamed source told the publication. “That’s why they are exploring other forward players instead of Percy Tau. For now, he is not a target. However, in football, you never know what might happen in the future. But definitely not now.”
Interestingly, despite their internal disappointment, Chiefs had initially wanted to renew Billiat’s contract at the end of his tenure. The Zimbabwean international, however, declined and opted to return home, signing with Castle Lager Premier Soccer League outfit Yadah FC.
The shift signals a clear change in approach from the Soweto side, as they look to prioritize value and performance over star power in their recruitment strategy.
Artificial insemination (AI) is revolutionising livestock production in Zimbabwe and around the world, allowing farmers to improve the quality of their herds without the need for a live bull.
At its core, AI involves introducing semen—collected from genetically superior bulls—into a female animal’s reproductive tract to achieve conception. This technique offers a wide range of benefits that traditional breeding methods cannot match.
One of the biggest advantages of AI is the ability to access semen from top-tier bulls sourced globally. This allows farmers to enhance the genetic pool of their herds, boosting productivity, resilience, and overall animal quality.
Another benefit is controlled breeding. Through a process called synchronisation, female animals can be induced to go into heat at the same time. As a result, they will conceive and calve around the same period, allowing for better planning, streamlined management, and more predictable production cycles.
AI also opens the door to sexed semen—a scientific breakthrough that enables farmers to choose the gender of the offspring. This is particularly useful for dairy farmers who often prefer female calves for milk production.
Additionally, AI significantly reduces the risk of spreading sexually transmitted diseases that can be passed through natural mating. By eliminating the need to transport bulls between farms, AI also cuts down on logistics costs and reduces the risk of animal stress and injuries.
In short, artificial insemination is safer, more efficient, and far more strategic than traditional methods of breeding. It is a modern solution that puts the farmer in control—boosting productivity, protecting animal health, and helping build a stronger and more sustainable livestock industry in Zimbabwe.
Outspoken and controversial ZANU PF official Killer Zivhu has ignited political speculation after publicly suggesting that businessman and presidential advisor Kudakwashe Tagwirei could be the successor to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Zivhu made the explosive remarks on Wednesday in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), describing Tagwirei as a “wealthy, God-fearing individual” and hinting at his future political ambitions.
“Potential Presidential Candidate Alert! This wealthy, God-fearing individual has sparked interest. If given the chance, would you support him as our future president? Like if YES, Retweet if NO. Let’s gauge public opinion,” wrote Zivhu, in a post that quickly went viral and divided opinion.
His remarks come amid growing tension and factionalism within ZANU PF, with insiders alleging that Mnangagwa is grooming Tagwirei as a counterbalance to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s ambitions to take over the party leadership in 2028.
There is increasing speculation that if Mnangagwa’s controversial “2030” agenda fails, Tagwirei could be positioned as the compromise successor.
Tagwirei, a shadowy business magnate widely believed to wield enormous influence in Zimbabwe’s political and economic spheres, has long been a close ally of Mnangagwa. His name has been linked to multiple state contracts, and he remains under U.S. sanctions for alleged corruption and state capture—allegations he denies.
Despite this, Zivhu appeared to frame Tagwirei as a man of the people and a legitimate contender for national leadership. “He is God-fearing, successful and has the country at heart,” Zivhu told followers in follow-up posts, sparking criticism from both opposition figures and within the ruling party.
Political analysts say the post could be part of a broader campaign to test public reception ahead of a potential future move. “It’s clear Zivhu’s post wasn’t random. It’s likely part of a soft-launch strategy to gauge reactions and prepare the ground,” one analyst said.
Critics, however, were quick to slam the idea of a Tagwirei presidency as an attempt to formalize state capture. “Tagwirei already runs the country from the shadows. Making him president would just make the looting official,” wrote one user in response.
As factional battles intensify ahead of 2028, Zivhu’s post has added fuel to the fire, reviving longstanding fears that Zimbabwe’s future leadership could be determined not through democratic processes, but through internal party machinations and elite alliances.
Neither Tagwirei nor official ZANU PF spokespersons had responded to the claims at the time of publication.
An Air India flight en route to London’s Gatwick Airport has crashed just minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad, India, with 242 people on board, the airline and local police confirmed on Thursday.
The tragic incident occurred near a civilian area close to the airport, though details on casualties or survivors are still unknown at this time.
“An Air India aircraft operating a scheduled flight from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick has been involved in an accident shortly after takeoff,” the airline said in a brief statement. “We are working closely with authorities and emergency services.”
Local police have confirmed the crash site is in a residential area, raising concerns about possible ground casualties in addition to those on board.
The aircraft involved was identified by aviation tracking service Flightradar24 as a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, a state-of-the-art wide-body aircraft known for its fuel efficiency and advanced safety systems.
Emergency responders, including fire crews, ambulances, and disaster response units, have been deployed to the scene.
Authorities are expected to hold a press briefing soon, as investigations into the cause of the crash begin. The identities of passengers and crew members have not yet been released.
ZANU PF has intensified its campaign in Gutu East ahead of Saturday’s crucial by-election, deploying senior party figures to rally support for its candidate, Zvarevashe Masvingise, and to fend off a growing challenge from independent candidate Gift Gonese.
Leading the charge is ZANU PF deputy secretary for youth affairs and Gutu West Member of Parliament, John Paradza, popularly known as Boss Para.
Paradza addressed thousands of supporters over the weekend in what observers described as a high-octane rally infused with nationalist rhetoric and sharp attacks on opposition voices.
“We are confident of retaining the seat,” Paradza declared. “Hon. Zvarevashe Masvingise is the ZANU PF candidate for the by-election. He is not only experienced but deeply rooted in the community. The revolutionary party is ready to deliver a resounding victory.”
Masvingise has positioned himself as a loyal foot soldier of the party and a champion of the ruling party’s developmental agenda.
According to a ZANU PF provincial official who spoke at the rally, the stakes are not just local but national. “Thousands of supporters have pledged to vote resoundingly for the revolutionary party in the by-election to ensure full realization of Vision 2030 under the able leadership of President Dr. ED Mnangagwa up to 2030,” the official said.
While ZANU PF remains bullish about its prospects, the campaign has turned increasingly confrontational, with Paradza directly attacking Gift Gonese, the independent candidate who has reportedly gained traction in parts of the constituency.
Political observers say the Gutu East by-election has become a testing ground for ZANU PF’s rural dominance and an early measure of public sentiment ahead of 2028.
The party is leaving nothing to chance in the traditionally loyal constituency, pulling in party heavyweights and leveraging its grassroots structures.
One Zivanai Nzvenga of the NCA party is also eyeing the Gutu East Parliamentary seat.
ZANU PF politician Killer Zivhu has stirred up Zimbabwe’s already tense succession debate by suggesting that businessman and presidential advisor Kudakwashe Tagwirei could succeed President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
In a widely circulated post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Zivhu framed Tagwirei as a serious contender for the presidency.
“Potential Presidential Candidate Alert! This wealthy, God-fearing individual has sparked interest. If given the chance, would you support him as our future president? Like if YES, Retweet if NO. Let’s gauge public opinion,” he wrote.
Zivhu doubled down on the message in follow-up comments, saying, “He is God-fearing, successful and has the country at heart.”
The endorsement comes amid intensifying infighting within ZANU PF over who should take over when Mnangagwa eventually steps down.
Insiders claim Tagwirei is being strategically positioned by Mnangagwa to block Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s long-anticipated bid for power in 2028. If Mnangagwa’s controversial “2030 ” campaign falters, Tagwirei could reportedly emerge as a compromise successor.
Tagwirei, a powerful businessman whose influence stretches across key economic sectors, is known for his close ties to the president. Despite being under U.S. sanctions for alleged corruption and state capture—charges he denies—he remains a central figure in the country’s power matrix.
Zivhu’s public endorsement was met with backlash online, with critics accusing him of attempting to normalize political succession by business elites. “Tagwirei already runs the country from the shadows. Making him president would just make the looting official,” one user posted in response.
Although no official response has come from Tagwirei or ZANU PF, the move has fueled speculation that the ruling party is preparing the ground for a post-Mnangagwa transition that may bypass more traditional political players like Chiwenga.
Observers believe Zivhu’s post was no accident. “This looks like a calculated move to test public sentiment. It’s a soft launch of Tagwirei as a political brand,” said one analyst.
As Zimbabwe edges closer to 2028, the succession question is already dominating political discourse—and Zivhu’s comments have thrown more fuel on an already volatile fire.
War veteran and political activist Blessed Geza has strongly denounced a fake social media account on X (formerly Twitter), which he claims is being operated by State Security agents in a bid to undermine his credibility and disrupt his communication with Zimbabweans.
In a statement posted on Thursday, Geza was unequivocal in his response, calling out what he described as disinformation tactics by the regime.
“Fellow Zimbabweans, be advised that this is fake and take note, that the account which posted this is not mine, it’s run by an impostor,” Geza declared. “This here is my account and as usual, I communicate through this platform and my YouTube account.”
Geza accused state actors of running coordinated misinformation campaigns designed to confuse the public and discredit his activism. Despite the interference, he remains defiant, insisting that the regime of President Emmerson Mnangagwa is on its last legs.
“Right now our progressive security forces are at work, very soon you will see the results. We are almost there, don’t lose heart and don’t be swayed by imposters and regime enablers,” he said.
Referring to previous attempts to tarnish his reputation, Geza reminded his followers of the falsehoods that have been spread about him in the past. “Didn’t they say I was sick? Didn’t they say I was given a car?” he asked rhetorically, suggesting these were deliberate distractions meant to undermine his legitimacy.
His message was blunt and unfiltered when addressing President Mnangagwa’s political future. “ED can spin, duck and dive BUT he is going, his days are numbered and he knows it,” Geza asserted.
Closing his statement with a rallying cry to his supporters, Geza reaffirmed his belief that change is imminent: “Have a good day, Fellow Zimbabweans, our progressive security forces are at work. This Emmerson bullshit you are seeing today is ending very soon.”
The emergence of the fake X account comes amid heightened political tension and increasing frustration among citizens over Zimbabwe’s socio-economic challenges. Geza, known for his outspoken critique of the ruling elite, has recently gained a significant following online, making him a growing target of disinformation campaigns.
As the political landscape continues to shift, Geza’s bold pronouncements signal a rising tide of dissent against the Mnangagwa administration—and a struggle for control of the narrative in the digital age.
Randburg Magistrate Court, Johannesburg – Zimbabwean political activist Wellington Masiwa, widely known by his alias Nyokayemabhunu, has been denied bail by the Randburg Magistrate Court in Johannesburg.
The ruling was handed down earlier today in connection with ongoing legal proceedings involving Masiwa, who has been in custody following his arrest on allegations tied to political activism and a pending extradition request from Zimbabwean authorities.
The court confirmed that the extradition matter will resume on 27 June, while a separate but related court case is scheduled to return on 20 June.
Following the bail denial, Masiwa’s legal team has indicated that they are considering escalating the matter to the High Court in a bid to secure his release.
Speaking outside the courtroom, one of Masiwa’s lawyers said: “We are reviewing the decision and assessing our options. A High Court application for bail is very likely.”
Masiwa, a vocal critic of Zimbabwe’s political leadership, has gained a growing following online and in exile communities for his activism. His arrest and continued detention have sparked concern among human rights observers and fellow activists who view the legal actions as politically motivated.
More updates are expected as the next court dates approach.
ZANU PF has received a significant boost in its efforts to dominate online political discourse, following a donation of high-tech equipment from its UK district. The equipment, which includes laptops, multifunction printers, scanners, and other wireless-enabled devices, is expected to strengthen the ruling party’s online presence—particularly the work of its social media loyalists, popularly known as Varakashi.
The donation was officially received by ZANU PF Secretary-General Dr. Obert Mpofu during a handover ceremony in Harare. Speaking at the event, Mpofu acknowledged the role of technology in the party’s political strategy.
“This equipment will go a long way in sharpening our tools of engagement, especially in the digital space where narratives are won or lost,” said Dr. Mpofu. “Our messaging must remain strong, coordinated, and continuous.”
ZANU PF UK District Chairperson, Cde Xavier Zvavare, who led the delegation, made it clear that the intention was to empower the party’s digital communication teams.
“We’re in an era of digital warfare. Social media is a battleground. This equipment will help our comrades back home push the party’s message with precision and speed,” said Zvavare. “We felt it was important to give them the tools to counter misinformation and defend the party’s legacy.”
The UK-based members reportedly pooled resources to acquire the equipment, with a specific focus on enhancing the party’s communication machinery.
“We bought high-speed printers and laptops with Bluetooth and wireless connectivity. These will support rapid message production and distribution during mobilization drives,” Zvavare added.
Insiders say the donation is part of a broader strategy to professionalize ZANU PF’s digital propaganda arm ahead of upcoming political campaigns. The devices will likely be used to amplify the party’s narratives online, monitor dissenting voices, and circulate campaign material across digital platforms.
Critics have long accused ZANU PF of deploying Varakashi to intimidate opposition voices and flood social media with party-aligned messaging. This latest development is likely to raise further concerns about state-linked digital manipulation and shrinking civic space in Zimbabwe’s online sphere.
With the newly acquired equipment now in place, the ruling party appears set to intensify its virtual operations, blurring the lines between political messaging and state-sponsored propaganda in the digital era.
By A Correspondent-President Emmerson Mnangagwa has seemingly abandoned the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD), a platform he controversially created following the disputed 2018 presidential elections as a way of sidelining the country’s main opposition, then led by Nelson Chamisa.
POLAD, which was presented as a multi-party dialogue mechanism, brought together losing presidential candidates under the guise of inclusive governance and policy consultation.
However, critics argue that it was a political ploy designed to create a façade of democratic engagement while neutralising real opposition and undermining legitimate calls for electoral reforms.
The grouping excluded key opposition figures such as Chamisa, who rejected the 2018 election results and refused to recognise Mnangagwa’s presidency.
POLAD participants were instead drawn largely from fringe parties that had performed poorly at the polls, raising questions about their representative mandate and political relevance.
In return, these minor political actors received perks such as vehicles, fuel allowances, diplomatic passports, and invitations to official functions.
Despite initial media hype and state-sponsored praise, POLAD failed to gain traction or credibility among the general public. It was largely seen as a rubber-stamp platform for government policies, lacking the power to influence real reform.
Now, following the similarly contested 2023 elections, POLAD has gone silent—and so has Mnangagwa.
NewsDay has learned that the grouping has not convened for several months, leaving its members disillusioned and scrambling to remain politically relevant. A rare meeting was recently held in Harare, where members expressed concern over Mnangagwa’s prolonged silence and apparent abandonment of the platform.
“It has been quite a long time since we formally met and we are very concerned with the silence and absence of POLAD in the political arena,” said Divine Hove, leader of the Nationalist Alliance Party.
“There is so much that is happening in our country. We need to ignite the spirit of dialogue and engagement with the Emmerson Mnangagwa government, which started POLAD in 2018, so that we can share ideas.”
Hove insisted that POLAD had made some contributions to policy formulation, including through the formation of committees such as the economic committee, which was supposed to serve in an advisory capacity to government.
Also present at the meeting was Welcome Shumba, the POLAD chief of protocol and leader of the little-known 1980 Freedom Movement. Shumba welcomed the meeting and called for renewed focus on “nation building.”
Another POLAD principal, who declined to be named, said the platform contributed to national stability after the 2018 elections and should be revived.
“POLAD managed to create some stability in the country when it was started in 2018, this is why we have met today [Monday],” the principal said.
However, political analysts have long dismissed such claims, describing POLAD as a co-optation strategy masquerading as dialogue. They argue that the absence of robust opposition voices within the platform rendered it ineffective and politically compromised from inception.
Presidential spokesperson George Charamba, responding to reports of the meeting and the members’ concerns, said he would relay their message to Mnangagwa.
“Tell them that as the Press secretary of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, I have heard their concern and I will relay their message,” Charamba said.
While POLAD members seek to resuscitate the moribund platform, observers say its marginalisation may signal that Mnangagwa no longer finds the grouping useful after securing a second term amid yet another disputed electoral process.
Critics view this as confirmation that POLAD was never a genuine vehicle for democratic dialogue but a strategic smokescreen designed to weaken opposition voices and buy political legitimacy both locally and internationally.
BREAKING: Air India Flight to London Crashes During Takeoff in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, India – 12 June 2025
By A Correspondent | ZimEye | An Air India passenger plane bound for London Gatwick has crashed during takeoff in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad, triggering a massive emergency response and fears of significant casualties.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI171, was carrying 242 people on board — 230 passengers and 12 crew members, according to a statement released by the airline and local police officials.
“Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025,” Air India confirmed in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest.”
Television footage from the scene shows the wreckage of the aircraft engulfed in flames, with plumes of thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Emergency crews can be seen frantically working through the debris, while stretcher teams evacuate injured passengers to waiting ambulances.
Police officials confirmed the plane crashed in a civilian area near the airport, but did not immediately provide details on the number of casualties or the extent of damage to nearby structures.
“We are coordinating with fire, medical and airport authorities,” said one senior police official on the scene, who declined to be named. “Rescue operations are underway.”
It remains unclear what caused the crash, though aviation sources say the aircraft encountered trouble immediately after leaving the runway. Investigators from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are expected to arrive shortly.
Families of passengers are being directed to a crisis helpline set up by Air India, while airports across the region are reportedly increasing emergency readiness.
This is a developing story. Further updates will follow as more information becomes available.
An Air India flight bound for London has crashed in India’s western city of Ahmedabad.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, headed for Gatwick airport, was carrying 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members, the airline and police officials said on Thursday.
“Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025,” an Air India spokesman said in a statement on X.
“At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest.”
The crash occurred as the aircraft was taking off, television channels reported.
Police did not specify whether there were any casualties, saying that it crashed in a civilian area near the airport.
Visuals showed debris on fire, with thick black smoke rising up into the sky. They also showed people being moved in stretchers and being taken away in ambulances.
Twenty years on from their breakthrough success, Australian raiders will be aiming to plunder more prize money at Royal Ascot 2025 as the famous racing festival approaches.
Royal Ascot is one of the world’s biggest and most prestigious horse racing events and King Charles and royalty will be in attendance once again in June.
It is more than two decades since Choisir put Australian flat racing firmly on the map when scoring in the old King’s Stand Stakes in 2003.
Takeover Target, Miss Andretti and Scenic Blast would also land that five-furlong sprint in the late 2000s, before the wonder-mare Black Caviar travelled to Britain in 2012 and claimed a thrilling victory in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.
Following a ten-year drought, Nature Strip ended Australia’s wait for another Royal Ascot sprinting success with an emphatic triumph in the King’s Stand. That Group One proved lucky for Aussie raiders again in 2024, as Oisin Murphy guided Asfoora to victory in the inaugural running of the King Charles III Stakes.
Henry Dwyer’s mare went close on her final two outings in Britain last season, losing out to Big Evs in the King George Stakes at Goodwood, before a fourth-place finish in the Nunthorpe.
Asfoora made a successful return to action in 2025 by winning the R N Irwin Stakes at Morphettville, after which Dwyer was keen to take his top sprinter back to Royal Ascot.
“If they invite us, we’ll definitely go there.” Dwyer was quoted by horse racing site Bets.com.au. “She had four runs over there last year, she’s a six-year-old mare, seven-year-old their time, so there’s not a lot next year and it’s all about this year.”
“We’ll race her as long as she’s enjoying it and if she proves that in Adelaide and wants to hop on the plane, we’ll do that – and if not, she’s given us a good ride. If she does go, she’ll be running as much as we can.”
British racing fans can usually expect a healthy contingent of Aussie raiders at the Royal meeting. However, Asfoora’s aside, it’s hard to find any other Australian horses who’ll be making the pilgrimage to Berkshire in June.
Via Sistina, who was once trained in Britain by George Boughey, looks likely to remain on home soil after breaking Winx’s record of Group One wins in a single season. Top sprinter, Storm Boy was transferred from Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott to Aidan O’Brien at the start of the year, and the Freedman’s duo of Isthmus and Right To Party have both sustained season-ending injuries.
Mitchell Freedman sent out the mare Skybird to win the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes back in February. Nature Strip scored in that Grade Two before heading to the Royal meeting, and Coolnagatta attempted the Lightning Stakes and King’s Stand double in 2023, so Skybird could possibly follow in their footsteps.
Switzerland went into the Lightning as the firm-favourite, following an excellent three-year-old campaign. Chris Waller’s star could only finish fourth that day, and has suffered further defeats in the Canterbury Stakes and the TJ Smith since, but could still make his British debut in the six-furlong Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.
That six-furlong contest could also be an option for Briasa, who upset Switzerland when claiming a narrow victory in the TJ Smith Stakes. The Hawkens’ gelding didn’t quite see out seven furlongs when fourth in the All Aged Stakes, but a Royal invite would have been issued to connections of Briasa following the TJ Smith and he could be one of the stand-out entries on the final day at Ascot.
FATAL ROAD ACCIDENT. Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, Press and Public Relations officer, Bulawayo province in a statement has confirmed that the Police attended to a fatal road traffic accident which occurred along Vic-falls Road after Bulawayo Vic-falls tollgate, where three motor vehicles , a Public service bus Stallion and two haulage trucks, were involved in a head on collision where two people died on the spot and 18 people sustained various injuries.
Msebele said on the 11th of June 2025 at around 1830 hours, the driver of the bus who was coming from west direction, encroached into the lane of oncoming traffic after trying to overtake a Volvo haulage truck resulting in the head on collision with another Haulage truck which was coming from the opposite direction.
Prior to the head on, the bus swerved to the right side hitting the truck which was going in the same direction from rear right corner of the trailer. As result of the head on collision, one male person was thrown from the bus into truck’s front passenger seat and he died on spot and another female passenger who was in the oncoming truck also died because of the impact of the collision.
A total of eighteen passengers sustained various injuries because of the accident and were ferried to hospital for treatment. The bus sustained deformed bonnet, front fender, bumper and head lamps, damaged driver’s side door, shattered windscreen and a deflated front right tyre.
The oncoming haulage truck sustained deformed bonnet, damaged driver’s side door, shattered windscreen and a deflated front right tyre.
The cause of the accident is suspected to be speeding, overtaking error, inattention and misjudgment by the bus driver and a charge of Culpable Homicide is preferred against him
Police is appealing to motorists to exercise due care, avoid over speeding, be patient on our roads and to always follow road traffic regulations so as to avoid loss of live.
By Blessed Geza | Fellow Zimbabweans, be advised that this is fake and take note, that the account which posted this in not mine, it’s run by an impostor. This here is my account and as usual, I communicate through this platform &my YouTube account. Right now our progressive security forces are at work, very soon you will see the results. We are almost there, don’t lose heart & don’t be swayed by imposters & regime enablers. Didn’t they say I was sick? Didn’t they say I was given a car? ED can spin, duck & dive BUT he is going, his days are numbered & he knows it.
Blessed Geza exposes a fake Twitter account impersonating him and communicating conflicting messages
Have a good day, Fellow Zimbabweans, our progressive security forces are at work, this Emmerson bullshit you are seeing today is ending very soon.
By Crime and Courts Reporter-Several people are feared dead after a Stallion Cruise bus travelling from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls collided with a haulage truck (commonly known as a “gonyeti”) in the early hours of the morning.
The accident occurred approximately 5km after the Bulawayo tollgate, shortly after midnight.
Preliminary reports from the scene indicate that at least 10 people may have died, with bodies reportedly seen covered by blankets.
Four ambulances were dispatched and were seen ferrying the injured to nearby medical facilities.
Police are yet to confirm this accident whose alert about the crash was first circulated through an anti-crime advocacy platform, which read:
ROM INBOX | If you have a friend or relative who was travelling on the Stallion Cruise bus from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls, please be aware that there has been a serious accident. The crash occurred approximately 5km after the Bulawayo tollgate. The Stallion Cruise bus collided with a haulage truck (Gonyeti). Reports from the scene indicate there are casualties, possibly around 10 people, with bodies covered by blankets. At least four ambulances are currently on site, transporting the injured. Thanks.
The Victoria Falls Road, a key national highway linking Bulawayo to one of Zimbabwe’s prime tourist destinations, has become notoriously dangerous due to its poor state of repair.
Despite being one of the busiest roads—used heavily by local buses, haulage trucks ferrying goods across the region, and tourists heading to the resort town—the stretch is riddled with potholes, has minimal lighting, and lacks sufficient road signage.
Over the years, transport operators and civic society groups have raised alarm over the deteriorating condition of the road, urging authorities to prioritise rehabilitation.
Numerous accidents have been recorded along this route, especially at night when visibility is low and heavy traffic increases the risks.
Calls for urgent intervention have grown louder following the rise in fatal crashes involving buses and freight trucks.
Poor road markings, narrow lanes, and a lack of functioning emergency services in remote stretches have also contributed to delays in response and rescue efforts.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement regarding the identities of the victims and the cause of the crash.
The incident has once again cast a spotlight on Zimbabwe’s failing road infrastructure and the human cost that continues to rise in its wake.
FROM INBOX | If you have a friend or relative who was travelling on the Stallion Cruise bus from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls, please be aware that there has been a serious accident.
The crash occurred approximately 5km after the Bulawayo tollgate. The Stallion Cruise bus collided… pic.twitter.com/2x2zlA4sXW
— Crime Watch Zimbabwe (@crimewatchzw) June 11, 2025
By Showbiz Reporter-Popular gospel musician Sabastian Magacha is at the centre of a child maintenance dispute, in which he claims he can only afford to contribute US$100 monthly for the upkeep of his six-year-old daughter.
Magacha, who appeared before the courts recently, disclosed in an opposing affidavit that his monthly income averages around US$500 from his work as a gospel artist. He said this was his only source of income and that he is not formally employed.
“I furnish the State that my monthly income is plus or minus US$500,” reads part of his affidavit. “I have a wife, and we are blessed with two minor children. I pay US$250 in rent, and I spend US$70 on food and groceries. Based on my income and responsibilities, I can afford to contribute US$100 per month towards the minor child’s welfare.”
The musician also submitted a statement from the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA), showing that he received a once-off payment of US$120 in royalties for 2024.
Magacha denied claims that he has neglected his parental duties and argued that he had been supporting the child until last year. He said his former partner had repeatedly rejected his financial contributions.
The relationship between the two ended when the child’s mother was two months pregnant, according to Magacha. He claimed the dispute has more to do with lifestyle expectations than neglect.
“She has always wanted to live a flamboyant lifestyle, which I made clear from the start I could not afford,” Magacha argued. “I tried to secure a place for the child at a school where the fees were US$90 per term, but the applicant refused and instead enrolled her in a private school costing US$800 per term.”
He further accused the child’s mother of refusing to accept his contributions since April 2024 and of failing to disclose her own income, which he believes is key to ensuring a fair outcome in court.
“The maintenance of a child is a shared responsibility, and both parents must contribute based on their means,” he said. “Unlike myself, the applicant has no other children to support and is gainfully employed, yet she did not disclose her income.”
Talks to repatriate Lungu have been suspended in South Africa. The Government of Zambia officials and former Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu family are in South Africa.
After rounds of talks with Government delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe and later with Secretary to Cabinet, Mr. Patrick Kangwa.
Spme of the Family Demands;
● Request for Church Services in Ndola (place of birth and Churches have been praying for ECL the last week), Petauke (his home area) and Lusaka.
● Body to lie-in-state at ECL residence.(the State can meet its security or secure the body the entire time).
● Have a say on the Speaker’s list.
● He went as a private person, to return as a private person. State to take over at KKIA or Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport depending on agreed first point of entry.
● there was objection on the presence of some members of the Government delegation.
GOVERNMENT DEMANDS
● Body must be repatriated to Lusaka, Zambia immediately. ● State takes charge of body from Undertaker in South Africa to Lusaka.
● Family Demands may not automatically be accepted.
Zimbabwe bowed out of the 2025 COSAFA Cup on Tuesday, 10 June, despite an impressive 3-1 victory over Mozambique in their final Group A encounter at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
The win saw Zimbabwe finish level on four points with Mozambique and hosts South Africa. However, South Africa progressed to the semi-finals thanks to a superior goal difference of +1, compared to Zimbabwe’s 0 and Mozambique’s -1. Mauritius finished at the bottom of the group with three points.
Thandowenkosi Ngwenya was the standout performer for the Warriors, netting a brace in the first half. He broke the deadlock in the 26th minute and calmly converted a penalty in the 33rd minute to give Zimbabwe a 2-0 lead. Mozambique responded through Leonel Calsao in the 36th minute, but Junior Makunike sealed the result for Zimbabwe with a stoppage-time goal.
The match marked Zimbabwe’s only win of the tournament and their first goals, having drawn 0-0 with Mauritius and lost 2-0 to South Africa in earlier matches. Despite dominating the second half against Mozambique and pushing for more goals to improve their goal difference, the Warriors ultimately fell short.
With only the top team in each group advancing to the semi-finals under COSAFA rules, Zimbabwe’s campaign ends at the group stage, leaving them to rue missed opportunities in their earlier fixtures.
Harare – A 40-year-old businessman, Joseph Maruta, is counting his losses after waking up to find his loaded firearm and nearly US$185,000 in cash missing while spending the night at his girlfriend’s house in Ruwa.
The incident occurred on Saturday after Maruta had returned from Kwekwe, where he had collected US$181,000 from a client at a farm he supplies with potato seeds. Upon arrival back in Harare, Maruta briefly stopped at his home in Kambuzuma to collect his pistol before heading to his girlfriend Leoba Hunda’s residence in Springvale, Ruwa.
He brought with him a bag containing the large sum of cash and a loaded firearm, which had two magazines of 15 rounds each. According to Maruta, once he entered the house, his girlfriend locked the door and the two went to bed.
Around 2 AM, Maruta said he was awoken by the sound of an alarm. Leoba left the room to investigate and returned claiming the alarm had gone off at a neighbour’s house. However, the situation took a drastic turn when he woke up later in the morning to find the bag containing both the money and the gun missing.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has since launched an investigation into the matter. Confirming the case, Harare Province police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza said police are investigating an unlawful entry and theft case in Ruwa. He further revealed that they noticed the complainant’s rear windscreen was damaged, which could have been used as an access point. The complainant lost his firearm and a total of US$184,900, he said.
Imagine This: Zimbabwe’s Hospitals Held Hostage by Fraudulent Nurses
Imagine walking into a hospital with a loved one fighting for their life — only to discover that the person injecting medication, taking vitals, or assisting in surgery never passed a single legitimate exam.
Now picture that scene not as fiction, but as a spreading reality.
Across Zimbabwe, a silent invasion is unfolding — not with guns, but with forged papers and stolen trust. Fake nurses, armed with counterfeit certificates and unchecked ambition, are slipping through the cracks of a broken vetting system and taking over wards, clinics, and surgical units.
This is no longer a question of isolated fraud. It is a national health crisis in slow motion — and the consequences could be deadly.
Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe – 12 June 2025
In a shocking revelation that has raised serious questions about vetting procedures in public institutions, two student nurses at Chitungwiza Central Hospital have been exposed for using fake Ordinary Level certificates to enrol in the government nursing program.
Paidamoyo Samantha Muchira and Makanaka Chatikobo successfully gained admission into the nursing school and attended classes for an entire year before the fraud was uncovered through routine verification checks with the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC).
Police confirmed they are now on the hunt for the two women, who have since disappeared.
“Police are investigating a fraud case involving student nurses at a hospital. The total value defrauded is yet to be supplied. The accused persons were not arrested,” said Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza.
The exposure has sent shockwaves through both the health sector and the public service, as concerns mount over how the fake documents were able to pass through official channels undetected for such an extended period.
Chitungwiza Hospital’s Public Relations Manager, Audrey Tasaranarwo, confirmed the incident and said the authenticity of the documents initially fooled the institution.
“We had two students who supplied fake certificates. The hospital discovered the fraudulent act after verifying the certificates with ZIMSEC,” she said. “The certificates looked very genuine — that means those behind the printing must also be brought to book.”
Sources within the hospital say the case has prompted an internal review of all student files submitted in recent intakes, as authorities suspect this may not be an isolated incident.
The incident has also triggered debate over the government’s verification mechanisms in the enrolment of students into critical sectors such as healthcare.
Authorities are appealing to the public for any information that may lead to the arrest of Paidamoyo Muchira and Makanaka Chatikobo. The case has been classified as fraud, though the total prejudice to the state — including allowances, accommodation, and training costs — is still being calculated.
By WestProp Holdings- In the heart of Millennium City, where architectural ambition meets Zimbabwean heritage, the under-construction ED Block stands as a beacon of progressive urban living.
Handover of individual apartments is expected early next year.
Named in honor of His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, this distinguished six-story residential masterpiece was ground-broken in November 2023, marking a significant chapter in Harare’s evolving skyline.
It became the first six-story residential building in the northern suburbs with indications that the next block will have 10 floors.
Situated within a live, work, shop and play estate that houses the prestigious Radisson serviced hotel apartments (also under construction) and the soon-to-be-built Mall of Zimbabwe, the building is not just a residential space—it is a symbol of Zimbabwe’s commitment to modernity, sustainability, and cultural reverence.
From its foundation, the vision for ED Block was clear: to create a landmark that integrates contemporary design with ecological responsibility while embracing Zimbabwe’s architectural heritage.
The apartment building’s façade is a captivating blend of sleek, geometric precision and cascading vertical gardens, breathing life into the built environment. These living walls are more than aesthetic flourishes; they function as natural air purifiers, temperature regulators, and urban sanctuaries—echoing Zimbabwe’s rural homesteads, where courtyards foster tranquility and community. By incorporating biophilic design elements, the block stands as a pioneer of climate-responsive architecture in Zimbabwe, forging a deep connection between residents and nature.
Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic views of Harare’s dynamic cityscape while ensuring abundant natural light. This strategic glazing reduces reliance on artificial lighting and cooling systems, reinforcing the building’s sustainability objectives. Cross-ventilation enhances indoor air circulation, making each apartment a model of energy-efficient living.
Inside, the apartments embody spatial ingenuity, where intelligent layouts maximize functionality without sacrificing elegance. Open-plan designs allow fluid adaptability to diverse lifestyles, ensuring comfort and efficiency. Each residence extends outward onto generous private balconies—personal oases for relaxation, urban gardening, or communal gatherings, seamlessly blending urban vibrancy with Zimbabwe’s cultural ethos of shared living.
The architectural language of ED Block is refined minimalism, expressed through clean lines and locally sourced materials, including steel and glass. This thoughtful material selection creates continuity between Zimbabwe’s past and future, bridging ancestral craftsmanship with modern construction techniques.
More than a residential complex, ED Block is an architectural manifesto, embodying a future where city living is in balance with nature, culture, and innovation. Its dedication to sustainability, intelligent design, and cultural integration positions it as a leader in responsible urban development—not just in Harare, but across Zimbabwe and beyond.
As awards for architectural excellence and urban innovation are considered, ED Block emerges as a rightful contender, setting an unparalleled precedent for the next generation of Zimbabwean living. It is not merely a building—it is a statement of leadership, a beacon of progress, and a testament to Harare’s bright future.
Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony in November 2023 – WestProp chief executive Mr Ken Sharpe had this to say: “Today marks a very important day in our milestone achievements. We are breaking ground for the construction of Millennium Heights Block 4 luxury apartments, and we continue to move towards achieving our billion brick vision by 2050”.
By Business Reporter- The Farai Maguwu-led Natural Resources lobby grouping, Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) said the government is in a massive lithium spree.
Maguw said this is happening on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s watch, warning that the country is exporting its future for a pittance while local communities are left in ruin.
In a statement, CNRG said up to 3,000 tons of lithium ore are being extracted and exported daily—amounting to an estimated 1.62 million tons in just the past 18 months—with little to no benefit accruing to the country or its citizens.
The watchdog criticised the government’s newly announced 2027 ban on raw lithium exports as “too little, too late,” warning that by then, Zimbabwe’s most strategic resource would be depleted and sold off to foreign companies—mostly Chinese—with little value addition.
“This timeline is too distant,” said CNRG. “At current extraction and export levels, the nation will have exported millions of tons of unprocessed lithium ore by then, enriching foreign capital while eroding our chances for sustainable economic development.”
Zimbabwe, home to Africa’s largest lithium reserves and one of the world’s most strategic sources for the mineral essential to electric vehicle and battery production, is now at risk of losing control over its future.
CNRG points to a combination of weak regulation, corruption, opaque deals, and porous borders that have enabled rampant smuggling into neighboring South Africa and Mozambique.
Worse still, affected communities in lithium-rich areas such as Goromonzi, Buhera, Mutoko, and Bikita have become what CNRG terms “sacrifice zones,” plagued by water shortages, forced displacements, environmental degradation, and social instability.
Women and children are particularly vulnerable, facing heightened risk of exploitation and economic insecurity.
While President Mnangagwa’s government continues to trumpet foreign direct investment in mining as a victory for development, CNRG paints a much darker picture—one in which elite networks, foreign multinationals, and politically connected cartels are plundering national resources with impunity.
“The continued extraction without robust beneficiation and a regulatory framework is contradictory to the African Mining Vision and Zimbabwe’s own beneficiation policy,” said CNRG, which called for an immediate moratorium on lithium exports, an audit of current mining operations, and urgent reforms to the Mines and Minerals Act.
Chinese companies dominate the lithium sector in Zimbabwe, raising additional concerns over labor rights abuses, unfair compensation practices, and environmental irresponsibility.
Despite widespread community resistance, most mining contracts are negotiated behind closed doors, often without consultation or environmental assessments.
“Zimbabwe must assert control over its critical minerals, ensure just transitions for its communities, and align its natural resource governance with the aspirations of its citizens—not the short-term interests of foreign buyers and elite networks,” the statement concludes.
If no decisive action is taken, Zimbabwe risks turning one of the world’s most promising lithium booms into yet another chapter of lost opportunity, exploitation, and environmental ruin.
Brazil have officially secured their place at the upcoming FIFA World Cup after a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the South American qualifiers.
The win sees the Samba Boys join arch-rivals Argentina and Ecuador as the latest teams from the CONMEBOL region to book their tickets to the global showpiece. Brazil’s qualification continues their impressive tradition of never missing a World Cup.
In other qualifying matches, Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw by Colombia, while Ecuador battled to a goalless stalemate against Peru. Uruguay boosted their chances with a convincing 2-0 win over Venezuela, and Bolivia registered a surprise 2-0 victory against Chile.
With only a few matches remaining, the race for the remaining qualification spots intensifies as South American powerhouses fight for a place on football’s biggest stage.
Businessman Wicknell Chivayo has pledged US$250,000 in cash to Highlanders Football Club to support the team’s efforts to become more competitive.
Chivayo said the donation honours the memory of his late uncle, former Vice President John Landa Nkomo, and reflects his own deep passion for football.
In a statement, Chivayo announced: “It is my greatest pleasure to avail sponsorship worth US$250,000 in cash to Highlanders FC, as my small token to assist the club in its various administrative requirements. This is just part of a broader sponsorship package of US$1 million that will run over the next year to help the club secure new talent and cover player sign-on fees in order to foster a more competitive 2025 Premier Soccer League.”
Artificial insemination (AI) is revolutionising livestock production in Zimbabwe and around the world, allowing farmers to improve the quality of their herds without the need for a live bull.
At its core, AI involves introducing semen—collected from genetically superior bulls—into a female animal’s reproductive tract to achieve conception. This technique offers a wide range of benefits that traditional breeding methods cannot match.
One of the biggest advantages of AI is the ability to access semen from top-tier bulls sourced globally. This allows farmers to enhance the genetic pool of their herds, boosting productivity, resilience, and overall animal quality.
Another benefit is controlled breeding. Through a process called synchronisation, female animals can be induced to go into heat at the same time. As a result, they will conceive and calve around the same period, allowing for better planning, streamlined management, and more predictable production cycles.
AI also opens the door to sexed semen—a scientific breakthrough that enables farmers to choose the gender of the offspring. This is particularly useful for dairy farmers who often prefer female calves for milk production.
Additionally, AI significantly reduces the risk of spreading sexually transmitted diseases that can be passed through natural mating. By eliminating the need to transport bulls between farms, AI also cuts down on logistics costs and reduces the risk of animal stress and injuries.
In short, artificial insemination is safer, more efficient, and far more strategic than traditional methods of breeding. It is a modern solution that puts the farmer in control—boosting productivity, protecting animal health, and helping build a stronger and more sustainable livestock industry in Zimbabwe.
By A Correspondent– Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Member of Parliament for Dzivaresekwa, Edwin Mushoriwa, released a detailed report outlining how he utilised the 2024 Constituency Development Fund (CDF), reinforcing his commitment to transparency and people-driven governance.
The CDF, allocated annually through the national budget under the Parliamentary vote, is nominally set at USD $50,000 per MP. Since the end of the Government of National Unity (GNU) in 2013, the fund has been disbursed in Zimbabwean dollars at the prevailing official bank rate.
Mushoriwa a Nelson Chamisa loyalist, has remained steadfast and refused to align with the controversial Sengezo Tshabangu faction, and focuses on accountability and grassroots development.
Below is the full CDF utilisation report as presented to his constituency:
Subject: 2024 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Utilisation Report
In line with Chapter 17 of the national constitution on Public Finance, and in accordance with subsidiary legislation that promotes accountability and transparency, I hereby present the Dzivaresekwa 2024 CDF utilisation report on behalf of the Dzivaresekwa Constituency Development Fund Committee.
2024 CDF Disbursement
No CDF was released in 2023 due to the general elections.
In 2024, Dzivaresekwa Constituency received its CDF allocation in mid-April 2025, amounting to ZWL1,326,825, equivalent to USD $50,000 using the official bank rate of 1:26.53.
As many of you know, about 70% of transactions in Zimbabwe are conducted in foreign currency, while only 30% are done in local currency. However, most service providers and businesses charge using the parallel market rate, significantly diminishing the CDF’s value in real USD terms.
2024 Projects Funded Under CDF
After careful consideration of submitted proposals, the Dzivaresekwa CDF Committee resolved to prioritise projects in health, education, and infrastructure development. Three key projects were undertaken:
1. Construction of a 20-Metre Footbridge (Wards 39 & 40)
A 20-metre modern footbridge was built across the Dzivaresekwa River, linking Dzivaresekwa 3 and Dzivaresekwa Extension. This bridge provides safer and more convenient movement between the main settlement and Extension areas.
The bridge benefits schoolchildren from Dzivaresekwa Extension who attend Number 4, Number 6 Primary Schools, and even Dzivaresekwa High 1. Residents commuting to Machipisa, Westgate, and other locations will also enjoy improved accessibility.
Beyond transport, the bridge enhances social cohesion by facilitating easier family and community interactions—particularly critical during the rainy season and times of sewage overflow.
2. Construction of Public Toilets – Dzivaresekwa Extension Clinic (Ward 40)
Dzivaresekwa Extension Government Clinic, known for its affordable $1 consultations, lacked functional public toilets. Using CDF funds, we constructed modern, gender-sensitive ablution facilities. The new toilets are tiled, sewer-connected, and fitted with up-to-date sanitary hardware.
3. Solar Electrification of Gombo Primary School (Ward 39)
Responding to a request by the School Development Committee, a 12kW solar system was installed at Gombo Primary School, powering the computer lab, administration block, borehole, and the headmaster’s residence.
Key features include:
25-year warranty on solar panels
10-year warranty on batteries
The system ensures uninterrupted learning and operations. In addition, we installed an 8-camera CCTV security system, and we are now procuring interactive smartboards to further enhance the school’s digital learning capacity.
Appreciation
I would like to thank:
The national Constituency Development Committee and its staff – for their guidance and support.
Dzivaresekwa CDF Committee members – Mr. Tangai Chawora, Ms. Rebecca Chule, Mr. Elder Paul Saiti, Mr. Tapera Uranda, and Mr. Moses Chikata – for their commitment to implementing these impactful projects. Special thanks to Councillors Stephen Dhliwayo (Ward 39) and Knowledge Bote (Ward 40) for their partnership.
Fellow Parliamentarians – Hon. Ellen Shiriyedenga (PR Harare) and Senator Moses Manyengava (Senator Harare) – for their continued collaboration and support.
Contractors – for their professionalism and timely execution of the projects.
The residents of Dzivaresekwa – your oversight and participation in project selection made this a community-driven success.
Call for 2025 Project Proposals
As we submit our 2024 financial acquittals and apply for the 2025 CDF, we now invite development project suggestions from all wards in Dzivaresekwa Constituency. Deadline for submission is 20 June 2025.
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Governor Dr. John Mushayavanhu has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the newly introduced Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency, despite rising inflation figures that have sparked concern among citizens and businesses alike.
In a statement yesterday, Dr. Mushayavanhu defended the central bank’s approach and assured the public that authorities remain firmly in control of the economic situation.
Said Mushayavanhu: “Our prudent monetary policy is designed to stabilise the prices of commodities and maintain the value of the currency.”
His remarks come in response to fresh data showing an increase in annual inflation—measured in ZiG—from 85.7% in April to 92.1% in May. The spike has triggered fresh anxiety across the country, with many fearing a return to the hyperinflationary pressures of the past.
A Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe official said on Tuesday: “We are on top of the situation.The rise in inflation is being carefully monitored, and we are confident that it will not erode the purchasing power of consumers in the long run.”
The RBZ official attributed the inflationary uptick to transitional effects following the introduction of ZiG, and reiterated that the currency reform remains a cornerstone of broader efforts to stabilise Zimbabwe’s economy.
He further noted that efforts are being made to maintain the stability of both the ZiG and the prices of essential goods.
“Zimbabweans must understand that the ZiG is backed by real assets, including gold and foreign currency reserves.”
“This is not just a symbolic gesture—it is a real foundation for long-term economic confidence.”
Despite the central bank’s reassurances, economic analysts and citizens continue to watch developments closely, especially as inflationary pressures show little sign of abating.
For now, the Reserve Bank’s message is clear: the ZiG is not going anywhere.
Sports Correspondent Real Madrid City, June 11, 2025 — Real Madrid C.F. has officially announced that the presentation of their latest signing, Trent Alexander-Arnold, will take place tomorrow, Thursday, June 12, at 12:30 p.m. CEST at Real Madrid City.
The ceremony will mark the formal unveiling of the English international, who joins the club on a six-year contract. Prior to the public presentation, club president Florentino Pérez will host a signing ceremony to formally welcome Alexander-Arnold to the Spanish giants.
Following the presentation, the 26-year-old right-back is scheduled to address the media in the press room at Real Madrid City, where he is expected to share his thoughts on the move and his ambitions for the future.
This transfer marks a significant addition to Real Madrid’s squad as they continue to build for long-term success both domestically and in Europe.
Information Communication Technology (ICT) Minister and Chikomba West Member of Parliament Tatenda Mavetera has stirred debate after using church platforms to deliver politically charged messages—drawing comparisons with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s frequent use of religious gatherings to promote ZANU PF ideology.
Over the weekend, Mavetera attended two church services in Chivhu—one at Bethlehem International Church led by Archbishop Edborn, and another at Kutumwa KwaJohane, led by Bishop Munemo. At both events, the MP addressed congregants, using the opportunity to speak on unity and development in a manner critics say echoed political overtones.
However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, Mavetera pushed back against claims of political posturing, insisting her presence was rooted in genuine community engagement rather than partisan campaigning.
“I remain committed to serving my constituency as MP,” she said. “Uniting in faith across Chikomba West Constituency inspires me a lot. I was humbled to join two church services in Chivhu… Witnessing the dedication and community spirit in both congregations inspires my service as the Member of Parliament.”
She added: “Thank you for your warm embrace and for sharing your spiritual journey. Together, in faith and service, we build a stronger constituency.”
Mavetera’s remarks mirror a broader trend within ZANU PF ranks, where religious gatherings have increasingly become platforms for political messaging and voter mobilization ahead of key elections.
While some congregants reportedly welcomed her presence, others have questioned the blending of political rhetoric with spiritual forums, raising concerns about the politicisation of religious spaces in Zimbabwe.
Despite the criticism, Mavetera maintains her focus is on community development and faith-based unity.
The debate around her church appearances is likely to continue, especially as political tensions rise in the lead-up to future electoral contests in the country.
The long-awaited Gukurahundi Community Outreach Programme, which was scheduled to start on June 16 has been further postponed due to a lack of resources.
President of the National Council of Chiefs, Chief Mtshane Khumalo, confirmed that the hearings will not commence on June 16 due to the unavailability of adequate resources.
“June 16 was a proposed date, but unfortunately the hearings will not be starting on that day. Once everything is in order, we will advise,” he said.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially launched the Gukurahundi Community Outreach Programme on July 14, 2024, at Bulawayo State House, five years after the government first proposed the initiative in 2019. Last month the government launched awareness meetings in preparation of June 16 that the Sources said they were poorly attended. During Mgagao Lecture organized by lbhetshu LikaZulu Sindiso Mazibisa questioned the way the government is handling the program saying it lacks standards and legal framework. “We all know that there is no clear budget and legal framework on this project as the perpetrators are forcing the victims to do without a cleared budget and legal framework,” he said. Ibhetshu LikaZulu secretary, Mbuso Fuzwayo said the Mnangagwa and Mabiza led Gukurahundi Genocide project is meant to buy time. “Emmerson is buying time by creating false hope that he will be able to deal with this issue and that is impossible lol at the way he is handling the project.” Victims of Gukurahundi Genocide have called on Mnangagwa to apologize and have a proper national healing program that follows international standards in addressing issues of genocide.
Business mogul Kuda Tagwirei has once again thrown his weight behind President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision for Zimbabwe, warning that those who ignore the President’s guidance risk a life of poverty.
Addressing congregants at a Zion Christian Church (ZCC) event in Chegutu over the weekend, Tagwirei stressed the importance of embracing Mnangagwa’s development philosophy. He echoed the President’s well-known slogan, “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo”—translated as “A country is built by its own people”—which he described as a roadmap for economic independence and growth.
“If you don’t listen to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s advice, you will die poor,” Tagwirei said emphatically. “We are the ones who must build our country. Do you expect a white man to help you?”
His blunt message was met with a mix of applause and contemplation from the crowd, many of whom have seen firsthand the government’s push for economic empowerment and self-sufficiency since the onset of the Second Republic.
Tagwirei, a figure frequently linked to Zimbabwe’s political elite and targeted by international sanctions, credited President Mnangagwa for offering him steadfast support during difficult times. “Sekuru Mnangagwa (my uncle, the President) strengthened me when I was placed under sanctions,” he revealed, suggesting a close personal relationship alongside political alignment.
He went on to praise the President as “an oasis of wisdom,” further underscoring his admiration and trust in Mnangagwa’s leadership.
Tagwirei’s remarks echo the broader message of the administration: that Zimbabwe’s future lies in the hands of its own citizens, despite continued economic sanctions and international challenges.
BREAKING NEWS | Charges Dropped in Harare Streetlight Fraud Case: Wicknell Chivayo’s Alleged Associates Walk Free
Harare – 11 June 2025
In a development raising fresh questions about the selective application of justice in Zimbabwe, the State has withdrawn fraud charges against Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe, close alleged business associates of controversial tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo. The two men were accused of fraudulently obtaining a streetlighting tender from the Harare City Council — a case that had been pending trial for nearly a year.
The trial, scheduled to begin this week, collapsed after the State abruptly withdrew the charges without providing any reasons, effectively letting the pair off the hook for now.
“The withdrawal was sudden and unexplained,” said a court official familiar with the matter. “It’s deeply frustrating for those who expected accountability.”
A Pattern of Immunity?
Both Mpofu and Chimombe had spent over 11 months in remand prison on the allegations, but now walk free in this particular case. Their release has sparked outrage on social media, where many have accused the State of shielding politically connected individuals from the full force of the law.
The case was widely viewed as part of a broader crackdown on public sector tender fraud, with the Harare lighting contract seen as a key example of inflated pricing and irregular procurement — hallmarks of Zimbabwe’s worsening corruption crisis.
Remaining Cases Still Hanging
Despite this legal victory, Mike Chimombe still faces charges in a separate case involving an US$87 million goat tender, while Moses Mpofu is also still answering to that matter, along with another fraud case relating to a bio-gas project with the Harare City Council. Both matters are still before the courts, but insiders say the goat tender case, currently before Justice Kwenda, is also showing signs of collapse.
Legal analysts say the string of withdrawals and faltering prosecutions could suggest that either the charges were politically motivated, or that the National Prosecuting Authority is incapable — or unwilling — to pursue corruption cases involving ZANU-PF elites.
Wicknell Chivayo’s Shadow Looms
While Chivayo himself is not formally named in this case, Mpofu and Chimombe have long been associated with him in various controversial business dealings, including the failed Gwanda solar project and suspicious procurement transactions linked to the Ministry of Finance and Presidential Office.
“This decision casts a very dark cloud over Zimbabwe’s anti-corruption credentials,” said one legal observer, Gerald Hokwa “We are seeing a system that only prosecutes those without connections,” he alleged.
Calls are now growing for the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and Auditor General to release findings on all state tenders awarded to companies and individuals linked to this circle — including the recently exposed Betterbrands Petroleum deal, which saw US$4.2 million paid out of Treasury with no clarity on value delivered.
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DEVELOPING: ZimEye is tracking developments on the remaining tenders, including the goat and biogas cases, and Chivayo’s growing influence in political and business circles.
Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Advocate Nelson Chamisa has launched a scathing critique of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, accusing him of misleading the nation amid growing social and economic challenges.
Though Chamisa did not refer to Mnangagwa by name, his remarks were clearly aimed at the ZANU PF leader, whom he accused of abusing power and failing to deliver competent leadership.
In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday, Chamisa questioned the legitimacy and capability of the country’s current leadership, stating: “ARE YOU A LEADER OR A MISLEADER?… There is a huge difference between a leader and a misleader. A leader pivots on truth and a true north. A misleader pivots on propaganda, lies, misdirection and misinformation.”
Chamisa went on to challenge the rationale behind keeping underperforming leaders in power, adding: “Why is a leader who is not fit for purpose, not competent, not capable and not performing supposed to continue occupying a leadership role?”
His comments come amid growing public frustration over rising inflation, unemployment, and concerns over the erosion of democratic freedoms. Chamisa’s remarks signal mounting political pressure on Mnangagwa’s administration as citizens demand accountability and reform.
Chivayo and his circles are playing around Bosso. The relations of the above peope is beyond football.
Below is a statement by Wicknell Chivayo accompanying his donation and clearly stating that Jabulani Nkomo is the overseer of the funds. BOSSO NGENKANI 🖤🤍…Zimbabwe’s football history is certainly INCOMPLETE without mentioning the oldest club, HIGHLANDERS “BOSSO” FC. Founded in 1926 by the grandsons of King Lobengula, Albert and Rhodes Khumalo, the club has grown into a PHENOMENAL cultural icon that represents HERITAGE, PRIDE and UNITY, particularly for Bulawayo. Every game and every score at Barbourfields Stadium in particular is always ELECTRIC, and demonstrates beyond measure, how football unites a NATION, against all trials and tribulations.
A few months back i had the GREATEST honour and PRIVILEGE to attend the 65th Edition of the ZITF. Spending time in Matebeleland REKINDLED vivid childhood memories of how we grew up as PASSIONATE lovers of football in general, and Highlanders FC in particular. This heartfelt connection to the Bosso spirit reminded me once again of the UNBREAKABLE bond between culture, football, and community…a bond that transcends generations.
My love for BOSSO, however, goes much DEEPER and beyond that of an ordinary supporter. I VIVIDLY recall a significant moment in December 2012 when I visited my beloved uncle, the late Vice President JOHN LANDA NKOMO, at St Anne’s Hospital, where we had a very EMOTIONAL conversation — little did I know that it was going to be our last. He made his wishes very clear to me. Firstly, that I must FIERCELY support the ruling party, ZANU PF, as it ushered the INDEPENDENCE and liberation of our beloved country from elitist colonial rule. Secondly, he asked that to the BEST of my abilities, I should ALWAYS support his family Trust, in the event of his demise. Lastly, being the avid football supporter that he was, he asked me to assist Highlanders FC in every possible way, in order to preserve its HISTORY, shape its FUTURE, and create a lasting LEGACY of the football club in Zimbabwe, for GENERATIONS to come.
In recognition of my beloved Uncle’s last wishes and my PERSONAL love for the game of FOOTBALL, it is my GREATEST PLEASURE to avail sponsorship worth US$250,000 in cash to Highlanders FC, as my small token to assist the Club in its various administrative requirements. This is just but part of a broader SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE of US$1 MILLION that will run over the next YEAR to help the Club to secure NEW TALENT and cover player sign-on fees in order to foster a more competitive 2025 Premier Soccer League.
WITHOUT PREJUDICE to this small gesture of support, and fully MINDFUL of recent media reports regarding allegations around misappropriation of US$5,000 at the Club (matters which, respectfully, are not of immediate concern to me) I NEVERTHELESS believe it is in the best interests of Highlanders FC to enhance transparency and safeguard the POSITIVE impact intended through this sponsorship. Accordingly, I have nominated JABULANI NKOMO, a long-standing, trusted relative of mine and a successful businessman who’s a respected figure in BULAWAYO , to assist the Club in a CURATORSHIP role. His involvement will ONLY be to work closely with the leadership of Highlanders FC, ensuring that the disbursement of this sponsorship is strictly in ACCORDANCE with the Club’s budgeted expenditures to support PLAYER WELFARE and strengthen administrative excellence. I believe this will help to preserve the INTEGRITY the Club and PROMOTE its performance sustainably, for the love of the game !!!!!.
It is my humble CONVICTION, that there should be significant private-sector involvement in sports development, in order to make a NOTABLE difference to the game of FOOTBALL. This also aligns well with His Excellency, President E. D. Mnangagwa’s clarion call for PRIVATE BUSINESSES to partner with Government in developing the SOCIO-ECONOMIC aspirations of our Nation under VISION 2030.
More details to follow on the relationship of the above people in the pictures.
By A Correspondent | ZimEye | The exiled former Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi has jetted into Harare, multiple sources have reported.
“We saw Mzembi being whisked out of Bronte Hotel this morning heading to a meeting with the president,” a source told ZimEye.
Another source stated the famed G40 character was at the time of writing held up in a meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa at his private home and would head to another one later in the day.
“He is meeting his excellency right now and has been given a large crowd of security teams around him in what could be an appointment,” another source told ZimEye.
Mzembi was contacted and did not respond to requests for comment.
Two of his colleagues sounded shocked when asked for their reaction over the development.
Presidential Spikesman George Charamba was reached for comment.
The last time Mzembi was in Zimbabwe he bolted out of the country complaining of persecution following the military coup that removed the late President Robert Mugabe. He was Foreign Affairs Minister at the time.
Retail giant Pick n Pay has firmly dismissed reports that it is shutting down its outlets in Zimbabwe, labelling such claims as factually incorrect and misleading.
This follows an article published on ZimEye which pointed out that two of the company’s branches in Mutare—Dangamvura and Chikanga—had ceased operations due to Zimbabwe’s ongoing economic challenges.
In a statement issued to set the record straight, Pick n Pay said:
“We seek to address an article published on your platform titled Pick n Pay Closes Mutare Branches Due to Economic Crisis…
Please note that the information in this article is factually incorrect. These Pick n Pay stores are not closing, and Pick n Pay is not ceasing operations in Zimbabwe as the article stated.”
The company emphasized its continued commitment to serving Zimbabwean communities and sustaining its operations despite the prevailing economic difficulties.
However, sources within the retail group had initially contacted ZimEye, claiming that the Dangamvura and Chikanga branches in Mutare were closed due to worsening economic conditions, which have made operations increasingly unsustainable.
ZimEye.com acknowledges receipt of Pick n Pay’s official clarification. While sources within the company had indicated possible closures, we accept the company’s formal position and retract the earlier report suggesting the permanent shutdown of the Mutare branches.
By Business Reporter-The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) has sounded the alarm over what it describes as a “massive looting spree” of Zimbabwe’s lithium resources under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s watch, warning that the country is exporting its future for a pittance while local communities are left in ruin.
In a statement CNRG said up to 3,000 tons of lithium ore are being extracted and exported daily—amounting to an estimated 1.62 million tons in just the past 18 months—with little to no benefit accruing to the country or its citizens.
The watchdog criticised the government’s newly announced 2027 ban on raw lithium exports as “too little, too late,” warning that by then, Zimbabwe’s most strategic resource would be depleted and sold off to foreign companies—mostly Chinese—with little value addition.
“This timeline is too distant,” said CNRG. “At current extraction and export levels, the nation will have exported millions of tons of unprocessed lithium ore by then, enriching foreign capital while eroding our chances for sustainable economic development.”
Zimbabwe, home to Africa’s largest lithium reserves and one of the world’s most strategic sources for the mineral essential to electric vehicle and battery production, is now at risk of losing control over its future.
CNRG points to a combination of weak regulation, corruption, opaque deals, and porous borders that have enabled rampant smuggling into neighboring South Africa and Mozambique.
Worse still, affected communities in lithium-rich areas such as Goromonzi, Buhera, Mutoko, and Bikita have become what CNRG terms “sacrifice zones,” plagued by water shortages, forced displacements, environmental degradation, and social instability.
Women and children are particularly vulnerable, facing heightened risk of exploitation and economic insecurity.
While President Mnangagwa’s government continues to trumpet foreign direct investment in mining as a victory for development, CNRG paints a much darker picture—one in which elite networks, foreign multinationals, and politically connected cartels are plundering national resources with impunity.
“The continued extraction without robust beneficiation and a regulatory framework is contradictory to the African Mining Vision and Zimbabwe’s own beneficiation policy,” said CNRG, which called for an immediate moratorium on lithium exports, an audit of current mining operations, and urgent reforms to the Mines and Minerals Act.
Chinese companies dominate the lithium sector in Zimbabwe, raising additional concerns over labor rights abuses, unfair compensation practices, and environmental irresponsibility. Despite widespread community resistance, most mining contracts are negotiated behind closed doors, often without consultation or environmental assessments.
“Zimbabwe must assert control over its critical minerals, ensure just transitions for its communities, and align its natural resource governance with the aspirations of its citizens—not the short-term interests of foreign buyers and elite networks,” the statement concludes.
If no decisive action is taken, Zimbabwe risks turning one of the world’s most promising lithium booms into yet another chapter of lost opportunity, exploitation, and environmental ruin.
By A Correspondent-Followers of fraud-accused and controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo are familiar with his recurring message: “Go and see Victor” or “Go and collect your vehicle at FaraMatsi at the Club Chambers, Corner Nelson Mandela and 3rd Street, Harare.”
This has become a familiar instruction each time Chivayo dishes out luxury car gifts to select public personalities, raising eyebrows across the nation.
Questions continue to swirl over how Chivayo-linked car dealers repeatedly win government vehicle supply contracts.
Their close association with Chivayo—who enjoys strong ties to President Emmerson Mnangagwa—has heightened public suspicion over how state tenders are awarded, often without transparency.
On Tuesday, President Mnangagwa presided over a handover ceremony at State House, where vehicles, grain carriers, and solar kits were given to Agriculture Extension Officers, commonly known as Madhubani.
The supplier of these vehicles? FaraMatsi Motors—again bringing the controversial dealer’s name to the forefront.
The government has not disclosed the cost of these vehicles or the procurement process used, triggering fears of yet another scandal reminiscent of Chivayo’s previous state contracts—where millions were disbursed without due diligence or delivery.
Mnangagwa’s administration has long been accused of awarding tenders without public bidding, often funneled through his twin sons, Sean and Collins Mnangagwa.
The two have previously been implicated in questionable business dealings involving opaque state contracts and preferential access to lucrative government tenders.
Central to these dealings is Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga, reportedly the key facilitator of such contracts.
Sources allege Guvamatanga authorizes payments for dubious deals using public funds, allegedly receiving kickbacks in return.
A former managing director at Barclays Zimbabwe, Guvamatanga is said to have accumulated vast unexplained wealth—including multimillion-dollar properties in South Africa, held under proxies.
Despite mounting calls for lifestyle audits and investigations, no action has been taken by Zimbabwe’s state institutions.
FaraMatsi Motors owner Farai Matsika could not be reached for comment by the time of publication, though efforts to get his response are ongoing.
Matsika, a self-made multimillionaire, is also the owner of Doves Funeral Holdings and has global business interests.
He co-founded Croco Motors and served as its CEO before selling his stake to establish FaraMatsi Motors.
While Matsika is widely regarded as focused and determined, his association with Chivayo—particularly at a time of alleged state looting—has put his business dealings under public scrutiny.
Susan Mutami Asks Ex-Lover Temba Mliswa for Another Baby in Emotional Public Plea
Wednesday, 11 June 2025 – Harare, Zimbabwe
By Showbiz Reporter | Controversial socialite and whistleblower Susan Mutami has ignited fresh headlines after publicly requesting her ex-lover, former Norton Member of Parliament Temba Mliswa, to father another child with her — this time a baby girl — for the sake of their son, Tino.
Susan Mutami speaks
In a dramatic and emotional message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Mutami addressed Mliswa directly, writing:
“Your son has asked me countless times if he can have a baby sister… whatever Tino wants Tino gets, now I don’t know what to do Baba Tino.”
Mutami explained that their son had been saddened by comparisons at daycare where other children had baby sisters. Despite being told he has many sisters in Zimbabwe, the child insists he wants a baby sister “in the house.”
The message took an even more personal turn when Mutami revealed she had “unblocked” Mliswa to allow him to reconnect with their sons and extended an olive branch by requesting that former ZANU PF Minister Saviour Kasukuwere mediate peace between the estranged parents.
“I would also appreciate we have a mediator someone like @Hon_Kasukuwere… hopefully he might assist us in ironing out our differences for Tino’s sake.”
Mutami described how the boy frequently searches for Mliswa on a world map and is being taught by his older brother how to navigate back home — a poignant image of longing and loss.
The public appeal has shocked social media, given the tumultuous history between Mutami and Mliswa, who previously exchanged bitter accusations in the press and on social media. Their past feud involved explosive claims ranging from political sabotage to personal betrayals.
While Mliswa has yet to respond to the latest call, the post has already sparked widespread speculation about a possible reconciliation — or at least a co-parenting truce — between the two fiery figures.
This is not the first time Mutami has used public platforms to air private grievances or make intimate appeals.
In 2022, the ZimEye news network had to conduct a whole LIVE session with her ex lover during which she was invited to square up to him.
By Dorrothy Moyo | Flamboyant businessman and political benefactor Wicknell Chivayo has once again made headlines, this time after announcing a jaw-dropping US$1 million sponsorship deal for Highlanders Football Club — Zimbabwe’s second-most supported football team. But while fans celebrate, serious questions are being raised about the source and legitimacy of the funds behind the dramatic gesture.
Chivayo, who has faced repeated accusations of tender fraud, money laundering, and illicit enrichment, declared on Facebook this week that his love for Bosso — and a family promise to the late Vice President John Landa Nkomo — had inspired him to bankroll the club’s revival. He stated that US$250,000 has already been disbursed in cash as the first tranche of his sponsorship pledge.
“It is my greatest pleasure to avail US$250,000 in cash as part of a broader US$1 million sponsorship package to help preserve Highlanders’ history and shape its future,” wrote Chivayo.
But Where Is the Money Coming From?
While fans danced in the streets of Bulawayo and #BossoNgenkani trended online, economists and governance watchdogs have sounded the alarm.
“It’s irresponsible for any major institution — let alone a century-old football club — to accept large sums of cash without demanding audited proof of source,” said one anti-corruption analyst, Terrence Dube.
“Given Chivayo’s ongoing public controversies and links to state procurement scandals, this sponsorship risks laundering not only money but also public perception,” he added.
The Ministry of Finance recently came under fire for disbursing over US$4.2 million to a company linked to Chivayo’s business circle, Betterbrands Petroleum. That transaction, exposed via a leaked Treasury letter, sparked public outrage over alleged abuse of public funds routed through the National Budget.
The timing of the Highlanders deal — mere weeks after that revelation — has raised eyebrows. Critics argue that diverting illicit funds into popular causes is a classic soft-power strategy used by politically connected elites to sanitise their reputations and entrench influence in civil society.
Chivayo’s “Curator” and the John Landa Nkomo Connection
In a move to deflect accountability concerns, Chivayo has appointed Jabulani Nkomo, a family relative and Bulawayo businessman, to oversee the use of the funds at Highlanders. Chivayo says Nkomo will serve as a curator, ensuring compliance with the club’s budget and that “every dollar benefits the players and administrators.”
But observers note that the lack of a formal trust fund, third-party audits, or ZIFA oversight renders the arrangement vulnerable to abuse.
“There’s no framework. No audit trail. And this is the same man who previously failed to deliver on the Gwanda solar project after receiving US$5 million. Are we seriously trusting him again — with cash, and with our national football legacy?” asked one prominent supporter-turned-critic.
A Club Between Gratitude and Governance
Highlanders FC, founded in 1926 by the grandsons of King Lobengula, is one of Zimbabwe’s most revered institutions. The move has put the club in a difficult position — caught between welcoming a much-needed financial injection, and protecting its name from potential reputational harm.
ZIFA, the Premier Soccer League (PSL), and Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) have yet to comment on whether they have been consulted or have oversight over the arrangement.
As supporters chant “Bosso Ngenkani” and welcome the prospect of a title-challenging squad, the unanswered question remains: Is this football funding — or political theatre funded by the ghosts of stolen tenders?
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DEVELOPING: Investigations into the origin of the funds and Chivayo’s business dealings continue.
HARARE – Tension and heartbreak have gripped the Budiriro community in Harare following the suspected kidnapping of an 11-month-old baby boy under troubling circumstances.
Speaking to state broadcaster ZBC News, the child’s mother, Future Bonga, said the alleged abductor—known only by the nickname Chihera—had been a regular customer at the family’s tuck shop for the past three months. Although her real name was never disclosed, Bonga recounted that Chihera frequently interacted with the family.
“She came by on Saturday morning to buy something and left some change,” Bonga told ZBC News. “Later in the afternoon, she came to our house to collect it. I left her with my baby while I ran back to the shop to fetch the money.”
What started as a brief errand turned into a nightmare. Upon her return, Chihera reportedly asked to babysit the child and promised to bring him back later. Bonga agreed, asking her for a phone number and directions to her home.
“At around 5 PM, I went to collect the baby, but when I got there, no one knew her. Neighbours said they’d never seen or heard of her before. That’s when we knew something was terribly wrong and reported it to the police,” she explained. Bonga also revealed that Chihera once mentioned she had never conceived.
The child’s father, Simbarashe Basira, said the incident has left the family distressed.
“When I came home from work, I asked where the baby was. My wife said Chihera had taken him. I was shocked, as I had never met or even heard of this woman. She later went to retrieve the baby but returned without him, saying Chihera was nowhere to be found.”
The child’s grandmother, Gogo Anna Basira, who was in Mutoko at the time, expressed deep grief.
“I’m heartbroken. I had planned to bring the baby to Mutoko next month. This is devastating.”
Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the case and urged vigilance.
“We are investigating a suspected kidnapping involving an unidentified woman who requested to babysit a child and then disappeared. The woman is not known at the address she provided, nor is she known by neighbours. We urge all parents and guardians to be cautious. Always verify people’s identities and report any suspicious behavior to the nearest police station.”
The police are appealing to anyone with information that could help locate the suspect or the missing child to come forward.
HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government is facing renewed criticism amid allegations that state funds are being used to buy political loyalty under the guise of empowerment, with the latest example being a US$500,000 payout to the Children of Zimbabwe Liberation War Veterans Association.
The cash injection—branded as part of the Presidential Empowerment Initiative—was launched last week in Gweru and is allegedly being distributed among children of war veterans. However, critics say the scheme is more political than developmental.
According to internal party sources, recipients of the fund were selected based not on project merit but on political allegiance to Mnangagwa’s ZANU-PF faction. The fund, which is supposed to support income-generating projects, is seen by observers as a reward system designed to secure the loyalty of a key political constituency.
“This isn’t about uplifting lives—it’s about reinforcing power,” said a ZANU-PF youth league insider. “The Children of War Veterans have become a reliable support base, and this money is being used to keep them close.”
The association’s leadership confirmed that registration for the fund is ongoing, but concerns are growing about lack of transparency and accountability in how the money will be allocated. Sources allege that individuals critical of the party leadership or aligned with internal rivals have been sidelined from the list of beneficiaries.
A leaked internal circular reportedly instructed provincial leaders to prioritize “trusted cadres” and “politically aligned individuals” in the disbursement of the funds. This has led to frustration among some war veterans’ children, who say they are being excluded for refusing to engage in partisan politics.
Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) youth assembly spokesperson Stephen Sarkozy Chuma said the initiative is a clear case of patronage politics masked as development.
“What we are witnessing is not empowerment—it is elite capture,” Chuma said. “Mnangagwa is using state resources as political bait to buy loyalty, especially from groups like the Children of War Veterans who are now seen as mobilizing agents ahead of internal ZANU-PF contests. It’s a classic case of transactional politics that undermines democratic governance.”
As Zimbabwe grapples with deepening economic hardship, deteriorating social services, and growing public frustration, critics argue that the use of public funds for political ends is not only unethical but destabilizing.
“No audits, no transparency—just raw politics wrapped in development rhetoric,” added one civil society watchdog in Harare.
With more “empowerment packages” reportedly on the way, including tractors and agricultural equipment, concerns are mounting that the initiative could evolve into a full-scale patronage machine ahead of the next electoral cycle.