By A Correspondent

Two people are feared dead following a horrific head-on collision that occurred on Friday at the Mucheke River Bridge in Masvingo City, sending shockwaves through the local community.

The accident involved a Mazda B2200 truck and a speeding Toyota GD6, which, according to police sources, was travelling from the city centre at an excessive speed.

After colliding head-on with the Mazda, the GD6 reportedly lost control and ploughed into a commuter omnibus that was ahead of it.

While authorities have not officially confirmed the number of fatalities, police at the scene believe the worst.

“We suspect that two occupants from the Mazda B2200 may have died on the spot due to the impact,” said a Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer.

“The driver of the GD6 was clearly speeding, and after hitting the Mazda, the vehicle couldn’t stop and slammed into the kombi as well.”

No official statement has been released by the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

Emergency responders quickly attended the scene, and investigations are ongoing. Authorities have urged motorists to observe speed limits and exercise caution, especially in high-traffic areas like Mucheke Bridge, which has seen several accidents in recent years.

More details are expected to emerge as the police complete their report.

By Tinashe Sambiri

A fresh wave of internal conflict has erupted within Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), after Sengezo Tshabangu, who claims to be the party’s Interim Secretary General, called for a parliamentary caucus meeting—sparking outrage and firm rejection from the party’s official leadership. The CCC has denounced Tshabangu’s legitimacy, accusing him of political opportunism and using the courts to undermine democratic processes.

In a strongly worded statement issued by the CCC Communications Department on May 3, the party dismissed Tshabangu’s authority, saying his position is based on a contested High Court default judgment and lacks any democratic or constitutional foundation.

“We note with great concern the circulating document issued by Mr. Sengezo Tshabangu, who falsely purports to be the Interim Secretary General of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and Leader of Opposition in Parliament,” the statement read.

Tshabangu’s attempt to convene a caucus, according to the CCC, is rooted in a default court ruling that the party says is currently being challenged through formal legal processes.

“A default judgment does not amount to a final determination on the substantive merits of the matter,” the CCC emphasized. “The CCC has filed a formal application for rescission of the judgment, along with applications for condonation and extension of time. Until these processes are resolved, no authority can be drawn from that judgment.”

Party spokesperson Willias Madzimure accused Tshabangu of exploiting legal technicalities to usurp power. “The laws of Zimbabwe are clear: the term of office for a legitimately elected structure of any political party does not expire arbitrarily or through unilateral declarations,” he said.

The party questioned the legitimacy of Tshabangu’s claims, highlighting that no official CCC organ had ever appointed him. “When, where, and which party organs resolved to appoint Tshabangu as Interim Secretary General?” the statement asked. “He is fully aware that he is not.”

The CCC also pointed out that Tshabangu had previously lost a High Court case against the party and has since appealed to the Supreme Court, with a hearing set for mid-May.

“We take issue with the political opportunism displayed in his call for a meeting,” Madzimure said. “His actions are not only divisive but undermine the collective struggles of the Zimbabwean people.”

Reiterating its position, the CCC said any claims to leadership or decision-making powers outside of its constitutional framework are “null and void.”

“Let it be known to all party members, citizens, stakeholders, and the international community that the CCC remains firmly guided by its Constitution, its values, and its democratic processes,” the statement concluded.

Despite ongoing turmoil, the party affirmed its commitment to democratic principles. “The CCC remains unshaken in the commitment to return power to the citizens and to resist all attempts—external or internal—to divert its democratic path.”

By A Correspondent

Zanu PF leader and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa held a closed-door meeting with former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo at State House in Harare on Friday, fueling speculation amid rising tensions within the ruling party.

The visit, which was not announced in advance, has stirred political chatter as internal disputes within Zanu PF continue to escalate. With increasing pressure from within the party, observers suggest that Mnangagwa may be seeking counsel from Obasanjo, a respected elder statesman on the African continent.

“President ED Mnangagwa met with former Nigerian President, His Excellency Olusegun Obasanjo, at State House in Harare,” Zanu PF said in a brief statement on Friday. The party, however, did not provide any details on the agenda or outcome of the meeting.

The timing of Obasanjo’s visit comes amid growing unrest in Zanu PF ranks. Prominent war veteran Blessed Geza recently called on Mnangagwa to resign, citing the president’s alleged incapacity and the unchecked looting of public funds by his inner circle.

“Mnangagwa must go. He has failed to lead and has allowed his cronies to plunder state resources with impunity,” Geza said in a strongly worded statement earlier this week.

While the meeting’s purpose remains undisclosed, its secrecy and the current political climate suggest that the Zanu PF leader may be maneuvering to address internal dissent and shore up his waning support.

By A Correspondent

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has drawn sharp criticism for remarks seen as an implicit endorsement of controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo, following a speech in which he declared that his government rewards “honest” and “hardworking” individuals. The comments, delivered at the burial of the late Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Winnie Mandeya, have sparked public outrage amid growing concerns about corruption and political patronage within the ruling Zanu PF.

“We are in control of our own future,” said Mnangagwa. “Honesty, hard work, patriotism, zeal, and dedication will always be rewarded in the Second Republic. My government will always recognise those values and virtues.”

Although Mnangagwa did not mention Chivayo by name, his refusal to condemn the businessman—who has become a symbol of alleged state capture and corruption—was widely interpreted as a tacit endorsement. Chivayo, linked to questionable multi-million-dollar government tenders, continues to flaunt his wealth on social media while enjoying proximity to high-ranking officials.

“By failing to distance himself from Chivayo and instead praising so-called ‘hardworking’ individuals, Mnangagwa effectively legitimises looting,” said one political analyst. “It sends a dangerous message: loyalty to the system, not integrity, is what gets rewarded.”

The timing of the remarks has added fuel to the fire. Mnangagwa also used the occasion to reaffirm his commitment to Vision 2030—his flagship development agenda—which he insists will transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy. But critics argue the initiative has become a political slogan detached from economic reality, especially as public frustration grows over inflation, unemployment, and elite enrichment.

The president’s use of liberation war rhetoric to defend his administration’s direction has done little to calm tensions, especially as internal Zanu PF divisions deepen and calls for leadership renewal intensify. His silence on high-profile corruption scandals, including Chivayo’s, is increasingly viewed as complicity.

As the gap widens between government rhetoric and public experience, Mnangagwa’s attempt to project strength and vision is being undercut by accusations of hypocrisy and misplaced loyalty. Whether Vision 2030 can regain credibility—or whether the president can maintain his grip on power—remains to be seen.

By A Correspondent

Despite mounting pressure from both within and outside his party, Zanu PF leader President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reaffirmed his commitment to the controversial Vision 2030 agenda—signaling his intention to remain in power amid growing calls for his resignation.

Speaking at the burial of the late Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Winnie Mandeya, also known as Cde Cabby Rujeko Rwehondo, Mnangagwa used the national platform to double down on his long-term development plan.

His remarks come at a time of rising political tension, economic instability, and deepening factionalism within Zanu PF.

“We are in control of our own future,” said Mnangagwa, asserting that the goals set under Vision 2030 remain central to his administration’s priorities. “Honesty, hard work, patriotism, zeal, and dedication will always be rewarded in the Second Republic. My government will always recognise those values and virtues.”

The president’s comments were widely seen as a strategic reaffirmation of authority, amid speculation that his leadership is under threat. Critics argue that the Vision 2030 agenda—which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy by the end of the decade—lacks transparency, measurable progress, and grassroots support.

Political analysts believe Mnangagwa’s insistence on the 2030 vision is not just about economic development, but also a calculated move to extend his political lifespan. “He’s tying national aspirations to his own leadership,” one Harare-based analyst said.

“In essence, abandoning Vision 2030 would mean admitting failure or stepping aside—neither of which he’s prepared to do.”

Meanwhile, public dissatisfaction continues to grow, driven by high inflation, unemployment, and allegations of corruption at the highest levels. The president’s speech, rooted in liberation war rhetoric, sought to remind the nation of its revolutionary origins—a frequent tactic used to invoke loyalty and distract from present crises.

As the battle over succession and leadership intensifies, Mnangagwa’s reiteration of his 2030 agenda sends a clear message to both allies and rivals: he is not ready to relinquish control. Whether the nation can be persuaded to share his long-term vision, however, remains to be seen.

By A Correspondent

Information and Communication Technology Minister Tatenda Mavetera is under scrutiny after she distributed goats to villagers in Matabeleland South on May Day, a move critics have labeled as a political bribe aimed at boosting support for the ruling party and its leader, President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Mavetera, a staunch Mnangagwa loyalist and leader of the pro-Zanu PF Young Women 4ED group, made the donation during a public event at Mhlabangubo School in Tsholotsho South, where she handed out 200 goats to community members under the guise of an “empowerment” initiative.

“Yesterday was a special day for us at Young Women for Economic Development,” Mavetera said in a statement. “We were at Mhlabangubo School in Tsholotsho South, Mat North, where we distributed 200 goats, marking the final phase of our initial nationwide empowerment program.”

She went on to praise the effort as part of a broader development initiative, noting: “During the course of the initiative we have empowered young women through sustainable livelihoods in goat rearing, pig farming, and rabbitry.”

While Mavetera framed the event as part of a legitimate economic development program, political analysts and opposition figures argue the gesture was little more than vote-buying in a region long neglected by the central government. The timing and symbolism—on Workers’ Day—only intensified the criticism.

“This Workers’ Day, we did more than just remember the workers and heroes like Benjamin Burombo and Ubaba Dr. Joshua Nkomo,” she added. “We honored hardworking young women Zimbabweans by investing in their future. Agriculture is wealth, and empowerment is freedom.”

Observers, however, say Mavetera’s gesture reflects a growing trend within Zanu PF of using state-aligned resources and politically branded groups to maintain loyalty in rural areas. “You can call it empowerment, but it’s clear this is a political transaction,” said one civil society leader in Bulawayo. “These so-called donations come with expectations of allegiance, especially in an election-sensitive climate.”

Mavetera ended her statement by expressing gratitude to those involved: “I am grateful to all who made this possible. The journey continues.”

As the economic crisis deepens and pressure mounts on Mnangagwa’s administration, critics warn that patronage-driven programs like these only entrench inequality and undermine genuine development efforts.

By A Correspondent

The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) is facing mounting criticism from its own contract workers, who claim they have gone nearly six months without receiving their promised wages despite working under harsh conditions in Masvingo Province.

More than 50 employees, contracted by the power utility in November, were deployed across rural districts to repair and maintain electricity infrastructure—particularly 9- and 12-meter poles damaged by rains and general wear. However, the workers allege that despite repeated assurances, ZESA has not paid them a single cent.

“We were promised payment in US dollars, and to this day, we have not been paid,” said one disgruntled worker at the ZESA depot in Masvingo. “We’ve been working day and night, climbing poles, fixing cables, doing everything required of us—yet we can’t even feed our families.”

Another employee expressed frustration, stating: “This is exploitation. ZESA signed contracts with us in good faith, but now they are pretending we don’t exist. They ignore our calls and inquiries. Some of us have been forced to borrow just to survive.”

The workers, many of whom have families to support, say they are now considering legal action or protest if the situation is not resolved urgently.

When approached for comment, a ZESA official at the Masvingo depot denied knowledge of the matter. “I am not aware of what you are talking about,” the officer said. “As far as I am concerned, everything is under control.”

The response has only deepened the anger among the workers, who accuse management of turning a blind eye to their plight. They are demanding immediate payment of all outstanding wages and greater transparency from the company.

The standoff raises broader concerns about labour practices at state-owned enterprises in Zimbabwe, where delayed wages and poor working conditions have become increasingly common.

By Munacho Gwamanda –The government has announced ambitious plans to demolish the dilapidated Mbare flats and construct new high-rise buildings, a move it claims will decongest the area and improve living conditions. 

However, critics say this is yet another propaganda stunt meant to mask over two decades of state failure to provide even the most basic urban services.

The pronouncements were made by National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Daniel Garwe on the sidelines of the launch of “Operation Chenesa Harare,” a hygiene campaign launched on Wednesday in response to a worsening bed bug infestation — locally known as tsikidzi — that has gripped the overcrowded suburb.

Addressing journalists at the event, Minister Garwe admitted to the dire state of urban housing in Zimbabwe’s capital.

“Not only in Mbare, but in the majority of our high-density settlements, it is overcrowded. And these buildings you are seeing here, these flats or hostels, have seen their better days,” he said.

Garwe claimed that President Emmerson Mnangagwa had instructed the government to embark on an “urgent” programme of urban regeneration under Vision 2030 — a policy which, critics argue, increasingly serves as a rhetorical shield for failed service delivery and deepening urban decay.

“Mbare will be a place to be. We want to ensure that the targets of Vision 2030 are achieved earlier, and this will be seen through the construction of new high-rise flats,” said Garwe, offering no timelines, budgets, or concrete plans for the ambitious project.

He outlined a vague two-pronged strategy — “building better backwards” by refurbishing existing flats, and “building better forward” through the construction of new units.

“We have got pieces of land here,” he said. “Build new blocks of flats so that we decongest the existing infrastructure.”

The proposed redevelopment comes amid public outcry over deteriorating sanitary conditions in Mbare, worsened by chronic underinvestment, neglect by the City of Harare, and government indifference.

The suburb, once an iconic residential hub, has become emblematic of Zimbabwe’s broader urban crisis.

The government’s sudden interest in Mbare coincides with Operation Chenesa Harare, its latest short-term campaign to deal with the tsikidzi menace that erupted three weeks ago.

While Garwe touted the multi-ministerial response involving fumigation and health checks, residents pointed out that such problems are symptoms of a broken urban system — one the ruling Zanu PF government has failed to maintain or reform since the early 2000s.

“Three weeks ago, there was an outbreak of bed bugs here in Mbare called tsikidzi. We then sat down with the City of Harare and created some teams who began fumigation,” said Garwe. 

He admitted that efforts had initially stalled due to residents resisting access, a reflection of growing mistrust between citizens and the authorities.

In a show of force, Garwe stressed that the campaign was a “whole-of-government approach” supported by multiple ministries, including Health, Women’s Affairs, and Information — a level of mobilization observers say is rarely seen when it comes to addressing longstanding infrastructure decay.

Analysts note that the timing of the housing announcements — in the middle of a public health crisis — signals a political attempt to rebrand failure as visionary leadership. 

With no delivery track record and little transparency on financing or timelines, the new flats promise risks becoming yet another lofty pledge in the regime’s growing catalogue of propaganda pronouncements.

By Munacho Gwamanda-Zanu PF’s Director for Commissariat, Dr. Davison Gomo, has retired from his position.

Gomo, who worked under four different Zanu PF national political commissars during his tenure, was honoured at a ‘retirement’ ceremony in Harare this week. 

Despite his ‘resignation’, Gomo reaffirmed his commitment to the ruling party, declaring he remained “a Zanu PF cadre for life.”

“I am retiring from my position, but I will never retire from politics,” Gomo said. “We must continue to protect our hard-won independence. We cannot allow Western-sponsored elements like Nelson Chamisa to reverse the gains of the liberation struggle.”

Zanu PF Political Commissar Munyaradzi Machacha praised Gomo’s legacy, singling him out as the architect behind the party’s network of affiliates that played a key role in voter mobilisation during the disputed August 2023 general elections.

“When I came into the commissariat, I was introduced to these affiliates and quickly realised that Dr Gomo had meticulously moulded them into powerful extensions of the party’s mobilisation machinery,” Machacha said. “He gave the commissariat strategic depth. I urge all affiliates to create updated membership registers, just as Dr Gomo had championed.”

Among the most prominent of these affiliates is the Forever Associates Zimbabwe (FAZ), a shadowy organisation aligned to the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO). 

FAZ came to prominence in 2022 and was accused of running parallel electoral structures during the 2023 elections. 

The group deployed operatives across the country’s 10 provinces, gathering intelligence on voters, intimidating opposition supporters, and manipulating community-based structures to influence electoral outcomes in favour of Zanu PF.

Another entity that emerged under Gomo’s watch was the Varakashi social media brigade, a loose coalition of online activists and trolls tasked with defending Zanu PF narratives, discrediting opposition leaders, and controlling the digital information space.

The Varakashi, reportedly linked to state security, aggressively attacked dissenting voices online and were instrumental in drowning out criticism of the government during key political moments.

Under Gomo’s coordination, these affiliates—along with dozens of others such as Teachers for ED, Pastors for ED, Young Women for ED, and Diaspora 4ED—formed an ecosystem of loyalty networks that blurred the lines between civil society and the ruling party’s political objectives.

By 2023, Zanu PF claimed more than 60 affiliate groups had registered under its umbrella.

At the farewell event, affiliate leaders and party officials hailed Gomo’s “strategic foresight.”

“We want to thank you for the journey you have walked,” said ZANU PF UK branch political commissar, Gwatidzo. “We will carry forward your legacy by mobilising diasporans to return and contribute to rebuilding Zimbabwe under Zanu PF.”

Bornface Mutize, another party loyalist and affiliate organiser, added: “As we move forward, we must remain resolute in defending the party for future generations.”

While Gomo’s retirement marks the end of an era in the commissariat, critics argue that his influence will continue to loom large, particularly through the affiliate structures he helped institutionalise.

Civil society organisations and opposition parties continue to accuse Zanu PF of using these affiliates to entrench authoritarianism, control rural communities, and undermine democratic processes under the guise of grassroots mobilisation.

By A Correspondent

A gruesome discovery was made in a field where an unidentified man’s body was found mutilated, with his head, hands, and feet severed. The brutal murder is believed to have occurred on Saturday morning, with the body being discovered later that day.

Inspector Milton Mundembe, the Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson for Mashonaland Province, described the scene: “An unknown accused person committed this callous murder… later dumped this body in a field without the head, both hands and feet.”

The body is currently being held at Bindura Hospital mortuary. Authorities are urging anyone with missing relatives to come forward and contact the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Bindura or the nearest police station.

Given the nature of the crime, authorities suspect that ritualistic practices may be involved. Inspector Mundembe’s words paint a chilling picture: the body was deliberately mutilated, sparking fears of a dark motive behind the murder.

As the investigation unfolds, the police are working to identify the victim and track down the perpetrators. Anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to the authorities.

By A Correspondent

Zanu PF’s National Political Commissar, Munyaradzi Machacha, has praised Dr. Davison Gomo for his efforts in undermining Zimbabwe’s political opposition.

Speaking at Gomo’s retirement ceremony on Friday, Machacha commended the outgoing Zanu PF Director for Commissariat for his strategic work in mobilizing support ahead of the 2023 general elections.

In an official statement, Zanu PF highlighted Gomo’s contribution to strengthening the party’s affiliate structures:

“ZANU PF National Political Commissar, Munyaradzi Machacha, has paid tribute to ruling party strategists for establishing vibrant affiliates that played a crucial role in mobilising the electorate during the August 2023 general elections.

Speaking at the retirement ceremony for ZANU PF Director for Commissariat, Dr. Davison Gomo, Machacha acknowledged Dr. Gomo’s efforts in shaping these affiliates into a vital extension of the party. Having served under four political commissars, Dr. Gomo urged party members to reject divisive tendencies and continue defending the ruling party.”

By A Correspondent

ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has placed the blame for Bulawayo’s stalled development squarely on the shoulders of the city’s mayor, David Coltart, accusing him of prioritizing political agendas over economic progress.

Speaking during a press briefing held on May 1, Mutsvangwa took aim at Coltart, saying the mayor was failing to recognize the national efforts being made to drive industrial growth—particularly those led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“His Excellency President Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa is committed to providing working capital for the people of Zimbabwe,” Mutsvangwa declared, before criticizing Coltart for being “oblivious” to the developments taking place under the president’s leadership.

Mutsvangwa pointed to the launch of a new steel plant as a major success story, saying it marked Zimbabwe’s emergence as a key player in the regional steel industry. “Zimbabwe leads Sub-Saharan Africa in this sector, with only Egypt and Morocco as our closest competitors,” he said.

He argued that steel was critical to any country’s urbanization process and stressed that the president’s efforts were laying a foundation for a modern and industrialized Zimbabwe.

Turning to the state of Bulawayo, Mutsvangwa lamented what he described as a lack of initiative from the city’s leadership. “Bulawayo should not only be celebrated as the City of Kings and Queens but must also reclaim its status as a thriving industrial hub,” he said. He urged residents to hold their mayor accountable: “We encourage citizens to ask Mayor Coltart what tangible steps he has taken to restore Bulawayo’s industrial legacy.”

The ZANU PF official further accused Coltart of being more concerned with “tribal disputes” and “politicking” than with attracting investment or driving the city’s economic recovery. He recalled a conversation in which he claims Coltart dismissed engaging with a local steel company due to its Chinese ownership.

“I posed a question to Mr. Coltart about how he plans to leverage the presence of a modern steel company, but his response was that, since it’s a Chinese-owned enterprise, he prefers not to be involved,” said Mutsvangwa. “He has an attitude against the Chinese.”

The remarks are part of a broader pattern in which Mutsvangwa has consistently shifted responsibility for local governance challenges to opposition-led councils, often portraying ZANU PF’s initiatives as being obstructed by what he frames as uncooperative or politically motivated local leaders.

Prominent human rights advocate and community activist Prosper Tiringindi met with Masvingo Mayor Councillor Aleck Tabe on Thursday in what is being described as a significant step toward addressing the concerns of local residents.

The meeting, which took place at the Masvingo Civic Centre, also included Masvingo Town Clerk Edward Mukaratirwa. Tiringindi, known for his relentless activism and repeated arrests in the course of defending human rights, welcomed the engagement as a breakthrough in fostering dialogue between local government and the community.

“It was a great experience meeting and engaging in discussion with Masvingo Town Clerk Edward Mukaratirwa and Mayor Aleck Tabe at the Masvingo Civic Centre — truly a memorable moment,” Tiringindi said.

While details of the discussions remain private, sources close to the meeting indicated that issues raised included service delivery challenges, housing concerns, and citizen participation in municipal affairs.

Tiringindi’s involvement in community issues has often placed him at odds with authorities, but the recent meeting suggests a possible shift toward more collaborative engagement.

Local observers say the meeting reflects growing pressure on municipal leaders to be more responsive to public concerns amid mounting economic and infrastructure challenges in Masvingo.

By A Correspondent

ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has placed the blame for Bulawayo’s stalled development squarely on the shoulders of the city’s mayor, David Coltart, accusing him of prioritizing political agendas over economic progress.

Speaking during a press briefing held on May 1, Mutsvangwa took aim at Coltart, saying the mayor was failing to recognize the national efforts being made to drive industrial growth—particularly those led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“His Excellency President Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa is committed to providing working capital for the people of Zimbabwe,” Mutsvangwa declared, before criticizing Coltart for being “oblivious” to the developments taking place under the president’s leadership.

Mutsvangwa pointed to the launch of a new steel plant as a major success story, saying it marked Zimbabwe’s emergence as a key player in the regional steel industry. “Zimbabwe leads Sub-Saharan Africa in this sector, with only Egypt and Morocco as our closest competitors,” he said.

He argued that steel was critical to any country’s urbanization process and stressed that the president’s efforts were laying a foundation for a modern and industrialized Zimbabwe.

Turning to the state of Bulawayo, Mutsvangwa lamented what he described as a lack of initiative from the city’s leadership. “Bulawayo should not only be celebrated as the City of Kings and Queens but must also reclaim its status as a thriving industrial hub,” he said. He urged residents to hold their mayor accountable: “We encourage citizens to ask Mayor Coltart what tangible steps he has taken to restore Bulawayo’s industrial legacy.”

The ZANU PF official further accused Coltart of being more concerned with “tribal disputes” and “politicking” than with attracting investment or driving the city’s economic recovery. He recalled a conversation in which he claims Coltart dismissed engaging with a local steel company due to its Chinese ownership.

“I posed a question to Mr. Coltart about how he plans to leverage the presence of a modern steel company, but his response was that, since it’s a Chinese-owned enterprise, he prefers not to be involved,” said Mutsvangwa. “He has an attitude against the Chinese.”

The remarks are part of a broader pattern in which Mutsvangwa has consistently shifted responsibility for local governance challenges to opposition-led councils, often portraying ZANU PF’s initiatives as being obstructed by what he frames as uncooperative or politically motivated local leaders.

By A Correspondent

Reports from Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, suggest that some people living with HIV are being asked to pay unofficial fees to access antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, as the country faces increasing pressure on its ARV supply chain.

The situation is believed to have worsened following a 90-day freeze on international aid implemented by former U.S. President Donald Trump on January 20, which disrupted the flow of crucial medical supplies, including HIV medication.

Zimbabwe has made significant progress in its HIV response. By 2023, it had become one of just five African countries to reach the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets: 95% of HIV-positive individuals knew their status, 98% of those were on treatment, and 95% had achieved viral suppression. However, recent supply disruptions now cast a shadow over those gains.

In many clinics, long lines of patients are now a daily reality, with growing fears about the future availability of ARVs. Some individuals have resorted to bribing clinic staff to receive their full six-month medication allotments.

One nurse at a Harare clinic, speaking anonymously to Health Policy Watch, confirmed that some health workers are profiting from the situation. “With our salaries being so low and ARVs becoming scarce, we’ve started charging patients a small amount under the table. It’s our chance to make a little extra,” the nurse revealed.

As of 2022, roughly 1.3 million people in Zimbabwe were living with HIV, and 1.2 million were receiving treatment. The current uncertainty places these lives at risk if the supply situation does not stabilize soon.

Despite these concerns, government officials have publicly dismissed claims of a nationwide ARV shortage. In February, during a parliamentary session, Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora assured lawmakers that “Zimbabwe has enough ARVs to last for at least the next six months,” and emphasized that treatment services would continue uninterrupted, even with international funding in flux.

A separate government spokesperson also rejected reports of a shortfall, stating, “There is no crisis. The supply of ARVs is being managed and patients will continue to receive the medication they need.”

Still, with frontline workers admitting to informal fees and patients expressing fear, many in the HIV-positive community remain unconvinced.

By Munacho Gwamanda-President Emmerson Mnangagwa has returned to the National Heroes Acre, this time to bury the country’s first female Air Force general, Retired Air Vice Marshal Winnie Cabby Mandeya.

Mandeya died on Monday, just two days before Mnangagwa presided over the burial of two other senior security officials, Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) Director Walter Basopo and Brigadier General Victor Rugani, at the same national shrine in Harare.

Mandeya, a pioneering figure in Zimbabwe’s military, passed away on 28 April at a hospital in the capital. 

She was 64.

In recognition of her historic contribution, the ruling Zanu PF party has conferred national heroine status on Mandeya, making her the first woman in the Air Force of Zimbabwe to receive this honour. 

Her rank of Air Vice Marshal is equivalent to that of a Major General in the Zimbabwe National Army.

The announcement was made by Zanu PF national political commissar Munyaradzi Machacha, who visited the family on Tuesday evening to deliver the news.

He said the government was ready to inter her at the National Heroes Acre on Thursday, 2 May, pending the family’s consent.

“The national heroine has been granted the highest recognition, and she will be laid to rest among other distinguished heroes and heroines of our country at the National Heroes Acre,” said Machacha. “If the family is comfortable with that, then the government will begin making the necessary arrangements.”

A liberation war veteran and trailblazer in military leadership, Mandeya joined the armed struggle on 29 September 1975.

She underwent military training at Nachingweya in Tanzania before being deployed to Gaza Province, where she served until 1978. 

She was later selected for a nursing course, enhancing her skills for the post-war state-building efforts.

After independence in 1980, Mandeya worked in the President’s Department, where she contributed to the 1981 Commission of Inquiry into Missing Persons. 

She officially joined the Air Force of Zimbabwe on 1 July 1984 and rose through the ranks to become one of the most respected officers in the service, eventually attaining the rank of Air Vice Marshal before retiring.

Her death adds to a growing list of senior military and intelligence figures who have died in recent years, many under circumstances that have fuelled speculation.

Since the 2017 military coup that toppled long-time ruler Robert Mugabe and ushered Mnangagwa into power with the backing of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, the country has witnessed a steady stream of high-profile deaths within the security sector.

Among them was Major General Trust Mugoba, who died in September 2019 shortly after being recalled from the African Union. 

Just weeks later, Lieutenant General Edzai Chimonyo, then commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, died of cancer in July 2021.

Another key figure from the coup era, Lieutenant General Engelbert Rugeje, was quietly retired from the army and removed from the Zanu PF politburo. 

He has since faded from public life amid reports of ill health.

The string of deaths, including several generals within a short span, has sparked whispers of a silent purge or strategic sidelining of figures central to the post-coup realignment.

While official explanations have often cited natural causes such as cancer or COVID-19, critics argue that the frequency and political relevance of the deceased point to deeper tensions and rivalries within the ruling elite and security apparatus.

In this charged context, the decision to honour AVM Mandeya as a national heroine is seen not only as a recognition of her service to Zimbabwe’s liberation and state institutions, but also as a strategic move to reinforce loyalty within the military establishment amid ongoing power shifts.

Tinotenda Hove – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially set June 14 as the date for parliamentary by-elections in Gutu East and Insiza North constituencies. This follows the expulsion of former Gutu East MP Benjamin Ganyiwa from Zanu PF for acts of indiscipline and the death of Insiza North legislator Farai Taruvinga.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) confirmed preparations are underway for the elections, with the Nomination Courts expected to sit on May 15.

Speaking to this publication, a ZEC official said, “In line with the President’s proclamation, the Commission is making all necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth electoral process in both constituencies. Nomination Courts will sit on May 15 as required by law.”

Zanu PF has already selected its candidate for Gutu East through a primary election held last month. Zvarevashe Masvingise, a former Gutu Rural District Ward 14 Councillor, emerged victorious from a field of six candidates.

In Insiza North, Zanu PF is yet to finalise its candidate. Ten aspirants are expected to contest in the party’s primary elections before the official nomination.

The ZEC official further stated, “We are guided by the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act, and all electoral processes will be conducted transparently and within the stipulated timelines.”

The by-elections are seen as a test of political strength ahead of future national polls.

By Munacho Gwamanda- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the Gutu East and Insiza North constituencies vacant following the expulsion and death of their former representatives, respectively.

The Gutu East constituency was held by Benjamin Ganyiwa, who was expelled from ZANU PF for acts of indiscipline, while Insiza North was represented by the late Farai Taruvinga, who passed away last month.

Ganyiwa was fired for resisting Mnangagwa’s 2030 Agenda.

The President’s announcement followed a formal notification from the Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda, on 17 April.

The Nomination Courts for the constituencies are scheduled to convene on 15 May.

By Munacho Gwamanda –The government has announced ambitious plans to demolish the dilapidated Mbare flats and construct new high-rise buildings, a move it claims will decongest the area and improve living conditions. 

However, critics say this is yet another propaganda stunt meant to mask over two decades of state failure to provide even the most basic urban services.

The pronouncements were made by National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Daniel Garwe on the sidelines of the launch of “Operation Chenesa Harare,” a hygiene campaign launched on Wednesday in response to a worsening bed bug infestation — locally known as tsikidzi — that has gripped the overcrowded suburb.

Addressing journalists at the event, Minister Garwe admitted to the dire state of urban housing in Zimbabwe’s capital.

“Not only in Mbare, but in the majority of our high-density settlements, it is overcrowded. And these buildings you are seeing here, these flats or hostels, have seen their better days,” he said.

Garwe claimed that President Emmerson Mnangagwa had instructed the government to embark on an “urgent” programme of urban regeneration under Vision 2030 — a policy which, critics argue, increasingly serves as a rhetorical shield for failed service delivery and deepening urban decay.

“Mbare will be a place to be. We want to ensure that the targets of Vision 2030 are achieved earlier, and this will be seen through the construction of new high-rise flats,” said Garwe, offering no timelines, budgets, or concrete plans for the ambitious project.

He outlined a vague two-pronged strategy — “building better backwards” by refurbishing existing flats, and “building better forward” through the construction of new units.

“We have got pieces of land here,” he said. “Build new blocks of flats so that we decongest the existing infrastructure.”

The proposed redevelopment comes amid public outcry over deteriorating sanitary conditions in Mbare, worsened by chronic underinvestment, neglect by the City of Harare, and government indifference.

The suburb, once an iconic residential hub, has become emblematic of Zimbabwe’s broader urban crisis.

The government’s sudden interest in Mbare coincides with Operation Chenesa Harare, its latest short-term campaign to deal with the tsikidzi menace that erupted three weeks ago.

While Garwe touted the multi-ministerial response involving fumigation and health checks, residents pointed out that such problems are symptoms of a broken urban system — one the ruling Zanu PF government has failed to maintain or reform since the early 2000s.

“Three weeks ago, there was an outbreak of bed bugs here in Mbare called tsikidzi. We then sat down with the City of Harare and created some teams who began fumigation,” said Garwe. 

He admitted that efforts had initially stalled due to residents resisting access, a reflection of growing mistrust between citizens and the authorities.

In a show of force, Garwe stressed that the campaign was a “whole-of-government approach” supported by multiple ministries, including Health, Women’s Affairs, and Information — a level of mobilization observers say is rarely seen when it comes to addressing longstanding infrastructure decay.

Analysts note that the timing of the housing announcements — in the middle of a public health crisis — signals a political attempt to rebrand failure as visionary leadership. 

With no delivery track record and little transparency on financing or timelines, the new flats promise risks becoming yet another lofty pledge in the regime’s growing catalogue of propaganda pronouncements.

By A Correspondent

Tensions are running high at Musenyereki Primary School in Zaka, Zimbabwe, over a fee hike and alleged maladministration.

School teachers have spoken out about the situation, revealing a deep-seated conflict between the school head and parents.

According to the teachers, the school head agreed to raise fees from $30 to $40 to cover additional costs such as a computer levy, security guard, and school feeding program.

However, parents are unhappy with the lack of transparency regarding the computer levy.

“Parents were furious that she kept unpaid learners in one class all day instead of sending them home,” said one teacher.

“She also allegedly failed to account for the computer levy at the AGM, angering parents.”

The situation escalated when parents threatened the school head with witchcraft over the fee hike. In a leaked audio, a parent is heard ranting, “Today, we couldn’t drink marula brew or work in our fields because of you… Don’t push us to do what we shouldn’t.” “We’re coming, and you’ll answer to our goblins at night or leave,” the parent warned.

The anonymous teachers expressed concerns about the school head’s management style, saying she struggles with diplomacy in a rural setting. “She cites statutes that parents don’t understand,” said one teacher. “She needs to balance legal requirements with community understanding.”

Another teacher revealed that the school head’s approach has strained relations with teachers, who frequently transfer due to her management style. “Teachers are involved in her clashes with parents,” the teacher said. “She runs the school like her personal shop, which frustrates teachers who collude with parents to oust her.”

One parent called for the school head’s transfer, arguing that the situation harms learners. “She should humble herself and convince parents, not impose herself,” the parent said. “If she can’t, she should transfer. Working where parents don’t want you is challenging.”

The school head was unavailable for comment, and the Zaka District Schools Inspector was not immediately available for a response.

Serious Multi-Vehicle Collision on the N1 Between Touws River and Laingsburg, Western Cape

Western Cape, South Africa – 2 May 2025

A serious road accident occurred late this evening on the N1 highway between Touws River and Laingsburg, involving four cars and one truck. Miraculously, there have been no fatalities reported, and emergency services are currently on the scene.

According to visual evidence from the crash site:

• One SUV sustained extensive front-end damage, with the entire engine compartment crushed and metal parts twisted beyond recognition. The rear of the vehicle also shows signs of severe impact.
• A white Mercedes-Benz van veered off the road into a ditch, showing side damage and deep mud tracks, likely indicating a loss of control or evasive action.
• The truck, a large articulated lorry, has visible damage to its cab and front bumper, and is currently off the road with its lights still on. Its position suggests it may have jackknifed or been struck.
• Police vehicles are securing the scene with lights flashing, ensuring that the area remains controlled and that no looting has occurred—a notable concern in past incidents.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, which occurred during nighttime hours under unclear weather conditions. Traffic in the area is being redirected while clean-up and vehicle recovery operations continue.

Motorists are advised to avoid the N1 route between Touws River and Laingsburg until further notice. No reports of looting or secondary incidents have emerged.

By Munacho Gwamanda –The ruling Zanu PF party has conferred national heroine status on Retired Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Winnie Mandeya, marking a historic moment as she becomes the first female Air Vice Marshal to be accorded such an honour in Zimbabwe.

The rank of Air Vice Marshal is equivalent to that of a Major General in the Zimbabwe National Army.

The announcement was delivered by Zanu PF national political commissar Munyaradzi Machacha, who informed her family on Tuesday evening.

He said the Government was prepared to inter her at the National Heroes Acre in Harare on Thursday, May 2, pending the family’s consent.

“The national heroine has been granted the highest recognition, and she will be laid to rest among other distinguished heroes and heroines of our country at the National Heroes Acre,” Machacha said. “If the family is comfortable with that, then Government will begin making the necessary arrangements.”

AVM Mandeya died at the age of 64. 

A liberation war veteran and a trailblazing officer, she joined the struggle for independence on September 29, 1975, undergoing military training at Nachingweya in Tanzania. 

She was later deployed to Gaza Province where she operated until 1978, before being selected to undertake a nursing course.

Following Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980, she began her post-war career in the President’s Department, where she contributed to the 1981 Commission of Inquiry into missing persons.

On July 1, 1984, she joined the Air Force of Zimbabwe and rose through the ranks to become one of its most respected officers, eventually attaining the rank of Air Vice Marshal—a position equivalent to Major General in the Zimbabwe National Army—before retiring.

AVM Mandeya’s death comes at a time when the country continues to witness the passing of numerous senior military and intelligence officials—some under circumstances that have sparked widespread speculation.

Since the 2017 military coup that ousted long-time leader Robert Mugabe and elevated Emmerson Mnangagwa to the presidency with the support of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, a string of high-profile deaths has cast a long shadow over the country’s security sector.

Among the most notable was Major General Trust Mugoba, who died in September 2019 shortly after being recalled from the African Union.

His death was followed weeks later by that of Lieutenant General Edzai Chimonyo, commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, who succumbed to cancer in July 2021.

Also on the list and yet to be eliminated is  Lieutenant General Engelbert Rugeje, a key figure in the 2017 coup, who was quietly retired from the army and removed from the Zanu PF politburo, fading from public life before his reported health complications.

Several generals also died within a short span, prompting whispers of a silent purge or targeted neglect of those once central to the post-coup power realignment.

While some of the deaths have been attributed to natural causes such as cancer and COVID-19, critics argue the sheer frequency and political significance of the deceased point to deeper undercurrents of mistrust and rivalry within the military and political elite.

In this tense environment, the conferring of national heroine status on AVM Mandeya is seen not just as a celebration of her contributions to Zimbabwe’s liberation and post-independence statecraft, but also as part of a broader effort to maintain loyalty within the security establishment.

1 May 2025 – Harare

Anti-corruption activist Comrade Blessed Geza has issued an urgent warning to the public, disowning a fraudulent Twitter account impersonating him and falsely announcing a public address scheduled for this evening.

In a post made just moments ago from his verified handle @BlessedGeza, Geza categorically denied having any scheduled appearance today and clarified that he operates no other social media accounts besides the one currently in use.

“Please ignore this fake account. I don’t have an address today. I don’t have any other channel except this one,” wrote Geza, alongside a screenshot of the impostor account’s post. The fake account, using the handle @blessedrgeza1, falsely announced a YouTube address set for 20:30hrs today, misleading thousands of followers. The post had already garnered over 13,000 views before Geza responded.

This incident comes amid heightened public interest in Geza’s anti-corruption initiatives, which have earned him both national and international attention. His growing influence appears to have made him a target for impersonation and disinformation attempts.

Geza’s team has not yet confirmed whether legal action will be taken, but the activist’s warning has reignited conversations around social media identity theft and online accountability in Zimbabwe’s political and civic discourse.

Citizens are urged to verify information only from Geza’s official channels and to report any suspicious accounts attempting to impersonate public figures.

This is a developing story.

By Tinashe Sambiri

In an embarrassing about-face, Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has publicly retracted a false claim that road construction contractors were already on site for the much-anticipated Victoria Falls project. The Ministry has since admitted that the tender process is still underway and no contractors have been deployed.

The blunder, disseminated via the Ministry’s official Twitter account on April 29 at 9:18 a.m., cited a state media report titled “Victoria Falls contractors on site” — a claim that turned out to be inaccurate. After facing swift backlash, the Ministry issued a formal apology and explanation, attributing the misinformation to a breach of internal protocol.

In its public statement, the Ministry wrote:

“The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development wishes to unreservedly apologise to members of the public and all its stakeholders for posting a twitter message containing wrong information on 29 April 2025 at 0918 Hours.”

The Ministry explained that the false information had been posted without proper verification from technical officials:

“One of the officers assigned the duty to manage the Ministry’s twitter handle conceded and acknowledged that she breached the internal Standard Operating Procedures of information verification,” the statement read.

Setting the record straight, the Ministry clarified the actual status of the project:

“The tender which was issued on 17 April 2025 closed on 29 April 2025 at 1100 Hours. After the closure of the bidding period, an evaluation committee will sit, whereupon the outcome will be sent to the Special Procurement Oversight Committee for oversight of the tender process before awarding the same to successful bidders.”

Permanent Secretary Eng. P.J. Makumbe, who signed off on the statement, reinforced the Ministry’s commitment to accurate public communication:

“The Ministry remains committed to the need for sharing correct information to members of the public.”

The incident has reignited criticism of the government’s infrastructure communication strategies, with observers raising concerns about professionalism and transparency within key departments.

By A Correspondent

Tensions are running high at Musenyereki Primary School in Zaka, Zimbabwe, over a fee hike and alleged maladministration.

School teachers have spoken out about the situation, revealing a deep-seated conflict between the school head and parents.

According to the teachers, the school head agreed to raise fees from $30 to $40 to cover additional costs such as a computer levy, security guard, and school feeding program.

However, parents are unhappy with the lack of transparency regarding the computer levy.

“Parents were furious that she kept unpaid learners in one class all day instead of sending them home,” said one teacher.

“She also allegedly failed to account for the computer levy at the AGM, angering parents.”

The situation escalated when parents threatened the school head with witchcraft over the fee hike. In a leaked audio, a parent is heard ranting, “Today, we couldn’t drink marula brew or work in our fields because of you… Don’t push us to do what we shouldn’t.” “We’re coming, and you’ll answer to our goblins at night or leave,” the parent warned.

The anonymous teachers expressed concerns about the school head’s management style, saying she struggles with diplomacy in a rural setting. “She cites statutes that parents don’t understand,” said one teacher. “She needs to balance legal requirements with community understanding.”

Another teacher revealed that the school head’s approach has strained relations with teachers, who frequently transfer due to her management style. “Teachers are involved in her clashes with parents,” the teacher said. “She runs the school like her personal shop, which frustrates teachers who collude with parents to oust her.”

One parent called for the school head’s transfer, arguing that the situation harms learners. “She should humble herself and convince parents, not impose herself,” the parent said. “If she can’t, she should transfer. Working where parents don’t want you is challenging.”

The school head was unavailable for comment, and the Zaka District Schools Inspector was not immediately available for a response.

By A Correspondent

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Workers’ Day message has been widely criticized as hollow and lacking substance, with observers accusing him of offering platitudes instead of concrete action to address the worsening conditions faced by Zimbabwean workers.

As inflation continues to erode salaries and the cost of living soars, many had expected the president to outline clear policy steps to tackle issues such as low wages, job insecurity, and deteriorating working conditions in both the public and private sectors. Instead, his brief statement made no mention of any tangible plans or interventions by his administration.

Below is the full text of Mnangagwa’s statement, posted on social media:

**”As we commemorate Workers’ Day, let us remain inspired by our national development philosophy #NyikaInovakwaNeveneVayo. Zimbabwe reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the welfare, rights, and dignity of workers. With these remarks, it is my pleasure and honour to wish you all — Zimbabweans at home and abroad — a happy Workers’ Day.”

The message, which emphasized patriotism over policy, was met with swift backlash from labour unions and civil society groups. Critics argue it reflects a continued detachment from the daily struggles of workers who face stagnant wages, high unemployment, and a weakened social safety net.

“No mention of salary reviews, pension reforms, or workplace protections — just empty slogans,” said one union leader.

Mnangagwa’s administration has come under increasing pressure to respond to widespread discontent within the workforce, particularly in the health, education, and civil service sectors, where strikes and protests have become common in recent years.

Yet, on a day meant to honour workers, the president’s silence on key labour concerns has only deepened frustration.

By A Correspondent

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has strongly rejected the government-led Workers’ Day celebrations held in Harare, accusing the Public Service Commission (PSC) of staging a symbolic event detached from the daily realities of suffering public sector employees.

In a statement issued on May 1, ARTUZ denounced the PSC-organized event — which took place at Allan Wilson High School in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) — as a tone-deaf spectacle orchestrated to mask the government’s failure to address genuine labour grievances.

Describing the gathering as elitist and insincere, the union said:
“Good to see Employer’s sweetheart Unions and the boss opting for air conditioned boardrooms for May Day commemorations coffee. Celebrating selling out for a whole year should never be taken to crowds. Enjoy the closed door romance.”

The PSC, in its promotional message ahead of the event, had framed the celebration as an inclusive occasion, stating:
“Be part of the May Day Commemorations at Allan Wilson High School in Harare where the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) and its affiliate Labor Unions in partnership with the PSC host public sector workers in Workers Day celebrations on 1 May 2025.”

However, ARTUZ maintained that the event failed to reflect the dire working conditions endured by teachers and other civil servants, particularly in rural areas, where poor pay, lack of resources, and deteriorating infrastructure remain unaddressed.

By distancing itself from what it called a “romanticized” celebration, ARTUZ underscored growing tensions between independent unions and government-aligned labour groups, with the former demanding authentic engagement and action on long-standing issues affecting public sector workers.

By Tinashe Sambiri

Harare – The ruling Zanu PF party has unexpectedly cancelled a key Politburo meeting that had been scheduled for Friday, May 2, 2025, fueling speculation of internal unrest within the party’s top leadership.

In a brief but notable statement released Thursday, party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa announced the postponement, citing instructions from the party’s Secretary General, Dr. Obert Mpofu.

“The Secretary General of ZANUPF, Cde. Dr. Obert Mpofu hereby advises all members of the postponement of the Politburo meeting announced for Friday 2nd May 2025. The meeting will be held on a later date to be advised,” read the official communication dated May 1, 2025.

While no reason was provided for the postponement, the move comes amid growing political tension and speculation about rifts within Zanu PF’s top echelons. Recent reports have hinted at factional maneuvering, particularly as the country heads into a sensitive period marked by economic instability and public dissatisfaction over governance issues.

Observers say the sudden cancellation may indicate behind-the-scenes negotiations or disagreements over key party decisions, possibly linked to leadership succession debates or ongoing realignments within the Central Committee.

The Politburo, Zanu PF’s highest decision-making body outside of Congress, plays a pivotal role in shaping national and party policy. Its postponement at such a time is likely to fuel further debate about the party’s internal dynamics and direction.

As the nation watches closely, no new date has been set for the rescheduled meeting, leaving party insiders and the public alike in anticipation of what may emerge in the coming weeks.

Would you like a timeline of recent key events in Zanu PF leading up to this?

Tinashe Sambiri

Opposition leader Advocate Nelson Chamisa has criticized President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government for creating a “living hell” for Zimbabwean workers, citing rampant corruption, low wages, and the collapse of public services.

Chamisa expressed solidarity with Zimbabwean workers on May Day, saying, “Today is Workers’ Day… a moment to thank all the workers who make the wheels of nations turn and the economies of the world tick.”

He highlighted the dire state of employment, noting that many workers are trapped in extreme poverty. “Zimbabwe is a country without work for many. Even for those with jobs, life is unbearable.”

Chamisa described current wage levels as “modern-day slavery,” saying, “Many workers are earning extremely low wages rendering them working poor, basically putting them in the poverty bracket.”

He also pointed out the collapse of the pension system and social protections, stating, “Many workers have lost their pensions and face a difficult retirement future. Zimbabwean workers literally live, work, and retire in poverty.”

Chamisa warned that the crisis is leading to a brain drain, saying, “The level of poverty in the working class has driven many professionals to seek better opportunities outside the country.”

He promised that a future government under his leadership would prioritize workers’ rights and dignity, outlining key reforms such as rebuilding the economy, protecting collective bargaining, and implementing anti-corruption measures.

Chamisa concluded, “This country has sufficient resources and potential to provide decent wages and working conditions for our suffering workers. Workers will be the happiest under the coming new government.”

He ended with a message of hope and unity, saying, “Workers of the world, unite! Salute to you all the workers. Forever and always.”

By Crime and Courts Reporter–Harare Regional Magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka has sentenced Avondale Primary School deputy headmistress Roseline Boroma to three years in prison for corruption.

Boroma was convicted after a full trial on charges of unlawfully handpicking a company to supply sports equipment to the school, bypassing the legally required procurement procedures.

Of the three-year sentence, two years will be served effectively, while one year was suspended on condition of good behaviour.

During the trial, Boroma denied the charges, claiming that the selection of the company—Framatic Engineering (Pvt) Ltd—was initiated by the end user department.

However, prosecutor Kudakwashe Muza presented evidence that proved otherwise.

As a government-run institution, Avondale Primary School is classified as a procuring entity under the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act. 

According to proper procedure, a requisition for goods or services must be initiated by the user department and submittedto both the Procurement and Finance departments.

Final approval is granted by the accounting officer, in this case, the school headmaster.

Prosecutor Muza told the court that in 2023, the school’s Sports Department required new basketball and netball goalposts.

The Head of Sports Department, Shuvai Stella Zhanje, verbally informed Boroma of the need.

Instead of initiating the formal procurement process, Boroma corruptly handpicked Framatic Engineering (Pvt) Ltd to supply and install the sports equipment without consulting the user department, Procurement Department, or the headmistress.

The company went on to install the equipment—costing US$1,780—on the school grounds, much to the surprise of the Sports Department, which had not raised a formal request.

The irregularities were reported to the headmistress and the School Development Committee, ultimately resulting in a police investigation and Boroma’s arrest.

Tinashe Sambiri

Opposition leader Advocate Nelson Chamisa has criticized President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government for creating a “living hell” for Zimbabwean workers, citing rampant corruption, low wages, and the collapse of public services.

Chamisa expressed solidarity with Zimbabwean workers on May Day, saying, “Today is Workers’ Day… a moment to thank all the workers who make the wheels of nations turn and the economies of the world tick.”

He highlighted the dire state of employment, noting that many workers are trapped in extreme poverty. “Zimbabwe is a country without work for many. Even for those with jobs, life is unbearable.”

Chamisa described current wage levels as “modern-day slavery,” saying, “Many workers are earning extremely low wages rendering them working poor, basically putting them in the poverty bracket.”

He also pointed out the collapse of the pension system and social protections, stating, “Many workers have lost their pensions and face a difficult retirement future. Zimbabwean workers literally live, work, and retire in poverty.”

Chamisa warned that the crisis is leading to a brain drain, saying, “The level of poverty in the working class has driven many professionals to seek better opportunities outside the country.”

He promised that a future government under his leadership would prioritize workers’ rights and dignity, outlining key reforms such as rebuilding the economy, protecting collective bargaining, and implementing anti-corruption measures.

Chamisa concluded, “This country has sufficient resources and potential to provide decent wages and working conditions for our suffering workers. Workers will be the happiest under the coming new government.”

He ended with a message of hope and unity, saying, “Workers of the world, unite! Salute to you all the workers. Forever and always.”

By A Correspondent

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Workers’ Day message has been widely criticized as hollow and lacking substance, with observers accusing him of offering platitudes instead of concrete action to address the worsening conditions faced by Zimbabwean workers.

As inflation continues to erode salaries and the cost of living soars, many had expected the president to outline clear policy steps to tackle issues such as low wages, job insecurity, and deteriorating working conditions in both the public and private sectors. Instead, his brief statement made no mention of any tangible plans or interventions by his administration.

Below is the full text of Mnangagwa’s statement, posted on social media:

**”As we commemorate Workers’ Day, let us remain inspired by our national development philosophy #NyikaInovakwaNeveneVayo. Zimbabwe reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the welfare, rights, and dignity of workers. With these remarks, it is my pleasure and honour to wish you all — Zimbabweans at home and abroad — a happy Workers’ Day.”

The message, which emphasized patriotism over policy, was met with swift backlash from labour unions and civil society groups. Critics argue it reflects a continued detachment from the daily struggles of workers who face stagnant wages, high unemployment, and a weakened social safety net.

“No mention of salary reviews, pension reforms, or workplace protections — just empty slogans,” said one union leader.

Mnangagwa’s administration has come under increasing pressure to respond to widespread discontent within the workforce, particularly in the health, education, and civil service sectors, where strikes and protests have become common in recent years.

Yet, on a day meant to honour workers, the president’s silence on key labour concerns has only deepened frustration.

By A Correspondent

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has strongly rejected the government-led Workers’ Day celebrations held in Harare, accusing the Public Service Commission (PSC) of staging a symbolic event detached from the daily realities of suffering public sector employees.

In a statement issued on May 1, ARTUZ denounced the PSC-organized event — which took place at Allan Wilson High School in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) — as a tone-deaf spectacle orchestrated to mask the government’s failure to address genuine labour grievances.

Describing the gathering as elitist and insincere, the union said:
“Good to see Employer’s sweetheart Unions and the boss opting for air conditioned boardrooms for May Day commemorations coffee. Celebrating selling out for a whole year should never be taken to crowds. Enjoy the closed door romance.”

The PSC, in its promotional message ahead of the event, had framed the celebration as an inclusive occasion, stating:
“Be part of the May Day Commemorations at Allan Wilson High School in Harare where the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) and its affiliate Labor Unions in partnership with the PSC host public sector workers in Workers Day celebrations on 1 May 2025.”

However, ARTUZ maintained that the event failed to reflect the dire working conditions endured by teachers and other civil servants, particularly in rural areas, where poor pay, lack of resources, and deteriorating infrastructure remain unaddressed.

By distancing itself from what it called a “romanticized” celebration, ARTUZ underscored growing tensions between independent unions and government-aligned labour groups, with the former demanding authentic engagement and action on long-standing issues affecting public sector workers.

By Municipal Reporter–The Transport Ministry has retracted its earlier claim that all companies contracted to rehabilitate the dilapidated Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road are currently on site.

On Tuesday, 29 April 2025, the Ministry announced via its official X (formerly Twitter) account that government efforts to upgrade the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road were progressing, with rehabilitation works expected to commence in May. The post further stated that eight contractors involved in the project were already deployed.

However, it subsequently emerged that the tender process for the project had only closed on the same date—29 April 2025—indicating that some companies were still in the process of submitting their bids at the time the Ministry claimed contractors had already been selected and mobilised.

In a statement issued later on Tuesday, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Mr. P.J. Makumbe, clarified that no contractors are currently on site, as the tender process is still ongoing.

Makumbe further acknowledged that an officer assigned to manage the Ministry’s social media platforms had posted the inaccurate information without first verifying it with technical officials from the Department of Roads, thereby breaching the Ministry’s Standard Operating Procedures for information verification.

Click here: Pindula WhatsApp Channel
wa.me/channel/0029Vb4GVea90x2nCSDImS1b

He explained that the tender, which was issued on 17 April 2025, officially closed on 29 April 2025 at 11 AM. 

Following the close of the bidding period, an evaluation committee is expected to assess the submissions. 

He added that the results will then be submitted to the Special Procurement Oversight Committee for final review and approval before contracts are awarded to successful bidders. Part of the statement reads:

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development wishes to unreservedly apologise to members of the public and all its stakeholders for posting a Twitter message containing wrong information on 29 April 2025 at 0918 Hours. 

The Twitter message tagged a story published on 28 April 2025 by the Herald Online, which was headlined: “Victoria Falls contractors on site.” 

The Ministry acknowledges that no contractor is on site, as the tender process is still ongoing.

One of the officers assigned the duty to manage the Ministry’s twitter handle conceded and acknowledged that she breached the internal Standard Operating Procedures of information verification, by not verifying the authenticity of the facts with the technical officials in the Department of Roads, before posting.

The Ministry wishes to set the record straight on the matter as follows: the tender which was issued on 17 April 2025 closed on 29 April 2025 at 1100 Hours. 

After the closure of the bidding period, an evaluation committee will sit, whereupon the outcome will be sent to the Special Procurement Oversight Committee for oversight of the tender process before awarding the same to successful bidders.

By A Correspondent

A South African citizen working in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, was urgently airlifted back home after falling seriously ill and reportedly being unable to access adequate medical care in Zimbabwe.

The patient was transported by road over a 280-kilometre stretch from Bulawayo to Beitbridge before being flown by helicopter to Limpopo province in South Africa.

The Limpopo Provincial Government confirmed the incident on Monday through a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account. The emergency evacuation underscores the ongoing strain placed on South Africa’s healthcare system by cross-border medical cases.

Upon landing in Limpopo, the unnamed patient was received by Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba and Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego.

Photos released by provincial authorities show the patient on a stretcher, flanked by the two officials at the helicopter landing site.

“The patient could not receive the necessary medical treatment when he fell ill in Bulawayo,” the Limpopo Government said in the official statement.

The case has reignited longstanding tensions over the burden placed on South Africa’s public hospitals by patients from neighbouring Zimbabwe. The issue continues to stir both political and public debate, as South African facilities grapple with increased demand from foreign nationals seeking medical care.

Recently, a Zimbabwean woman was chased away from Kalafong Hospital in Pretoria West by a group of South African women accusing her of straining the healthcare system. A video of the incident, which quickly went viral, shows the women shouting at the expectant mother and demanding that she return to Zimbabwe for treatment.

The confrontation sparked a public outcry and reignited discourse on xenophobia and healthcare access. The women involved claimed that Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration fails to compensate South Africa for the healthcare services utilized by Zimbabwean nationals.

This is not the first time healthcare pressures between the two countries have made headlines. In August 2022, then-Limpopo Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba drew international criticism after a video showed her confronting a Zimbabwean patient at Bela Bela Hospital. In the clip, Ramathuba told the patient, “You are killing my health system. It’s not my responsibility to care for patients from Zimbabwe.”

Ramathuba later defended her remarks, stating that the increasing number of patients from neighbouring countries puts “unsustainable pressure” on the provincial healthcare system and budgets.

The latest incident adds another chapter to the complex and emotionally charged issue of regional health migration, with calls growing louder for bilateral solutions between South Africa and Zimbabwe.

By A Correspondent

The City of Harare has called on Mbare residents to cooperate with City Health officials conducting a bedbug (tsikidzi) fumigation campaign, warning that continued resistance could lead to police-assisted access and potential eviction.

In a public health drive launched on 7 April 2025, the City Council targeted 5,450 rooms in the densely populated Mbare Flats for fumigation. As of last week, 64% of the units had been treated, but city authorities reported mounting resistance from some residents unwilling to grant access to their homes.

“We have noted with concern reports that some occupiers of Mbare flats are refusing to open their doors to City Health workers who want to fumigate their premises against bedbugs (tsikidzi),” the city said in a statement on Tuesday.

Officials further warned that continued non-compliance could have serious consequences. “We encourage the residents to allow health workers immediate access to the premises or risk enforcement using police. This will also mean cancelling the current leases since the apartments are owned by the City of Harare.”

“Residents’ health is of utmost importance and the City of Harare will use every available means to gain access for fumigation purposes to protect every resident in Harare,” the statement added.

As the tsikidzi infestation continues to spread, the matter has drawn national attention—not just because of the public health threat, but due to the controversial involvement of top government spokesperson George Charamba.

Instead of focusing on the core health issue, Charamba—Deputy Chief Secretary for Presidential Communications—took to X (formerly Twitter) under his handle Jamwanda, appearing to redirect the conversation by linking the fumigation resistance to alleged criminal activity.

“TSIKIDZI BLUES: Just to allay your fears, that vermin will be dealt with decisively soonest. Including those selling bad substances who have been refusing to open their homes to allow for a complete operation. Brace up!!!!” Charamba posted.

His remarks have drawn criticism from some quarters, with observers accusing him of attempting to shift attention away from the serious public health concerns by insinuating that those resisting fumigation are engaged in illegal dealings. Critics argue that conflating tsikidzi control with law enforcement undermines the urgency of addressing the infestation and may further erode trust between residents and authorities.

While the government spokesperson’s comments may have been aimed at encouraging compliance, they have instead highlighted deeper tensions between the state and marginalized communities, raising questions about how seriously the administration is treating the core health crisis.

The City of Harare, meanwhile, maintains that the fumigation operation will proceed—voluntarily or through enforcement—as tsikidzi continue to pose a growing threat to residents’ health.

By A Correspondent | ZimEye | Once a gleaming, high-performance Ford Ranger double cab fresh off the lot, the vehicle now lies reduced to a charred and skeletal frame — a grim monument to a cross-border criminal operation gone disastrously wrong. The bodywork is twisted and hollowed out by fire, the dashboard and interior scorched beyond recognition, and the chassis eaten away by heat and decay under a lonely tree in Beitbridge. Where once the powerful pickup might have purred across South African roads, it now sits abandoned, its fate sealed by greed and desperation.

The smugglers — Bester Moyo, Admit Moyo, Freddy Mugabe, and an accomplice still on the run — once believed themselves untouchable as they quietly ferried the stolen Ranger from Boksburg across the Limpopo River under the cover of darkness. Stripped of its accessories and hidden in the bush, the vehicle was methodically dismembered, its parts loaded onto donkey carts and sold piecemeal across Beitbridge. But the syndicate’s luck ran dry.

Beitbridge police, acting on intelligence, arrested the trio on Independence Day while they were attempting to offload the vehicle’s gearbox. According to Chief Superintendent Melusi Ncube, the suspects are now facing charges of motor vehicle theft and appeared in the regional court. Each was granted USD150 bail and will reappear before Magistrate Charity Maphosa on May 8.

The case highlights a broader crisis: a sharp rise in cross-border vehicle smuggling operations, many linked to insurance fraud rings in South Africa. Stolen rental cars are trafficked into Zimbabwe, dismantled, and sold for parts — while fraudulent owners cash in on insurance payouts.

But with intensified patrols and increasing arrests along the Limpopo, authorities warn that the river is no longer the silent accomplice it once was. The burned-out Ranger, now a shell of its former self, is proof that the trail of crime may be long — but justice is catching up.

Harare, Zimbabwe – 1 May 2025

By Dorrothy Moyo | ZimEye | The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has issued an unreserved public apology after publishing incorrect information on its Twitter account, falsely suggesting that a contractor had already been assigned for the high-profile Victoria Falls road project. The erroneous tweet, posted on 29 April 2025 at 0918 hours, quoted a Herald article which implied work had begun — a claim now confirmed as inaccurate.

In a rare show of transparency, the Ministry retracted the statement the same day and clarified that no contractor is currently on site, as the tender process remains ongoing. According to the retraction notice, a Ministry officer responsible for managing the Twitter handle breached internal verification procedures and posted the tweet without cross-checking facts with officials from the Department of Roads.

The statement, signed by Permanent Secretary Eng. P.J. Makumbe, emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to correct information and revealed that the tender had only closed on 29 April 2025 at 1100 hours. The next step involves evaluation by a committee and oversight by the Special Procurement Oversight Committee.

While some members of the public applauded the honesty, others were far more skeptical. Former Harare Mayor Ben Manyenyeni lauded the Ministry’s candor in a widely shared Facebook post:

“I can be proud of such honesty. This is twenty times better than the silence, lies and propaganda we are always fed. I can live with this sort of sincere approach to issues. Trust restored.”

However, the reactions in the comments painted a much more divided picture:

• Ethan Malibongwe Moyo responded cynically, referencing a previous false claim:
  “October last year they told us Bitumen has been given tender and is now raising funds. I will never trust these goons even with a tooth pick!”
• Tonie Vimbai added in Shona:
  “Apa vamwe tattoo pa site nemichina yedu, or maybe not, we just don’t know.”
  (Translation: “Some people were already seen on-site with machinery — or maybe not, we’re just not sure anymore.”)
• Tapiwa Zivira dismissed the statement as spin:
  “Not necessarily honesty. Damage control, and I suspect, more lies. I also worry so much about the staff member who is being the sacrificial lamb. Can’t trust.”
• Vatete Yeu expressed confusion at the praise:
  “You are proud of what? Tender process is still going on. They are writing as if they’re doing us a favour.”
• Kennedy Masiye hinted at deeper concerns:
  “Some sought of cover up for flouting tender procedures! I am sure more will come out.”

The backlash indicates a trust deficit that even a transparent correction may not easily fix. As the dust settles, observers are keenly watching whether the Ministry will follow through with cleaner processes and more proactive communication in future infrastructure projects.

– END –

The theft of fuel from fire brigade or ambulance service departments is not only plausible—it is a documented and recurring form of corruption globally. A Bulawayo case, in which an official allegedly siphoned 20,000 litres of diesel over three years, reveals how systemic loopholes, weak oversight, and internal protection can enable such crimes. Here’s a brief analysis:

How Easy Is It to Steal Fuel from a Fire Service?

1. Weak Logbook Oversight: If mileage isn’t tracked electronically or the odometer is broken (as in the Bulawayo case), it’s easy to hide extra refueling trips.
2. Internal Collusion: Fuel theft often requires more than one person, such as store clerks, supervisors, or fuel station staff to falsify records.
3. Vehicle Misuse: Using emergency vehicles for personal errands or unofficial purposes can mask excessive fuel consumption.
4. Inadequate Auditing: Periodic or absent audits allow theft to go unnoticed for years.

Plausibility

Highly plausible. Emergency services operate with public trust and urgency, which can be manipulated under the cover of essential service. Fuel allocation is usually based on expected mileage, which is easy to inflate or fake, especially if digital monitoring systems are absent.

Documented Historical Cases

Here are five notable cases globally where fuel theft in emergency or municipal services was exposed:

1. South Africa (2018) – In Durban, municipal workers were arrested for siphoning thousands of litres of diesel from city-owned vehicles. They operated a syndicate involving city ambulances and refuse trucks.
2. Mexico (2019) – Widespread “huachicolero” operations involved siphoning fuel from state-owned Pemex, including stolen supplies intended for municipal vehicles, including fire engines.
3. Russia (2020) – A fire station commander in Rostov-on-Don was arrested for illegally selling fuel intended for fire trucks, using manipulated fuel logs and fake mileage reports.
4. India (2022) – In Bihar, several government vehicles including fire brigade trucks were reported to be part of a fuel theft scam where drivers sold subsidized diesel on the black market.
5. Nigeria (2021) – In Lagos, emergency and municipal vehicle fuel allocations were fraudulently diverted to black market sales, with some implicated staff from fire services.

The Bulawayo case fits a broader pattern seen in many developing and transitional economies where institutional oversight is weak. The use of broken meters, inflated fuel claims, and opaque accountability frameworks creates a conducive environment for such thefts. These cases underscore the need for digitized tracking, transparent audits, and whistleblower protections in public service departments.

By Farai D Hove | ZimEye | Bulawayo – A massive corruption scandal has rocked the Bulawayo City Council’s Fire and Ambulance Services Department as the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) confirms it has launched an investigation into the alleged theft of over 20,000 litres of diesel—fuel meant for life-saving emergency response vehicles.

At the centre of the investigation is a senior manager in the Ambulance Services division who allegedly exploited a broken speedometer in a designated Command Vehicle—a Toyota Land Cruiser—to siphon fuel over a three-year period. Sources close to the case revealed the vehicle was routinely double-filled without mileage being logged, with fuel later decanted and sold to illegal dealers in Nketa Six suburb.

According to whistleblowers within the council, the manager filled the vehicle with up to 200 litres per week, far exceeding the consumption needs of a vehicle averaging only 40km per day. In stark contrast, fully operational ambulances covering over 300km weekly received less fuel. The discrepancy, insiders allege, was long known within internal circles but never addressed—raising suspicions of protection from high-ranking officials.

Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart, responding via X (formerly Twitter), pledged transparency, stating that the internal audit findings would be made public.

The scandal, while shocking, is far from isolated.

Experts note that fuel theft in emergency and municipal services is a recurring form of corruption across the globe. In South Africa, a similar scam in Durban saw city ambulance drivers arrested for siphoning thousands of litres of diesel. In Russia, a fire station commander manipulated fuel logs to resell fuel. From India to Nigeria and Mexico, fuel theft schemes—often involving collusion, falsified records, and broken oversight mechanisms—have siphoned millions of dollars from the public purse.

“Fuel theft from fire or ambulance departments is disturbingly plausible,” said a corruption researcher. “When logbooks are manually kept and internal audits are weak, it creates the perfect storm for long-term siphoning.”

The Bulawayo case has also revealed disturbing operational implications: only 7 of the city’s 30 ambulances remain functional amid reported fuel shortages and breakdowns, while the Command Vehicle implicated in the scam continued to consume a disproportionate share of resources.

ZACC spokesperson Simiso Mlevu confirmed the commission is awaiting the outcome of the council’s internal audit. Meanwhile, the implicated manager remains in service.

As investigations proceed, the scandal raises urgent questions about governance, accountability, and the state of emergency services in Zimbabwe’s second-largest city.- ZimEye

Video loading below

Barely 5 months after demanding that Botswana citizens must buy him a brand new car, Prophet Andrew Wutaunashe, who is Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s kingmaker, has revealed he has been deserted by large crowds of followers in Botswana — a stunning fallout following a scandal over his demands for a brand-new car from his congregation last Christmas.

Wutaunashe made the announcement during an emotional sermon on Sunday, April 27, 2025- in Francistown, admitting that not only had ordinary church members left him, but also Archbishop Kuleletse, the leading bishop of his Botswana church, had formally cut ties.
In a lengthy and prayer-laden address, Wutaunashe tried to console his remaining flock:

“Archbishop Kuleletse felt that he should leave us,” Wutaunashe said. “I personally thought that he shouldn’t, but he said that he felt that is what God wants him to do… but we might just pray for him; keep on loving him.”
The dramatic collapse in support follows a major exposé by the ZimEye news network, which revealed how Wutaunashe had demanded a brand-new vehicle from his poor Botswana congregation — to be delivered within four months — at a time when he was also condemning Western nations for supposedly lacking compassion for the needy.

In his Christmas sermon last December, Wutaunashe had declared his expectation:
“I know all the bishops love me… so at Easter camp next year, the bishops will give me a car… I won’t tell them what type, otherwise they will be in shock.”

The ZimEye exposé triggered widespread anger, particularly among Botswana citizens, who felt betrayed by a leader they once trusted. Members accused him of exploiting their loyalty while living lavishly at their expense.

Andrew Wutaunashe speaking at the weekend
A Church in Crisis
In his Sunday sermon, Wutaunashe tried to frame the mass desertions as part of a divine process:
“Don’t worry about sons who go away; they will always come back… even Jesus went away from his Father but came back.”
Despite the hopeful rhetoric, the departure of Archbishop Kuleletse is seen as a massive blow to Wutaunashe’s operations in Botswana, a country that was once a stronghold for his regional influence.
The preacher, visibly shaken, launched into a prayer asking for blessings on Kuleletse’s new path and encouraged his remaining followers to rebuild the Francistown church “to a greater later glory.”

Wutaunashe also took the opportunity to pray for the Zimbabwean government, notably for Emmerson Mnangagwa, urging divine intervention to “bring to completion” what he called Mnangagwa’s “work of peace and progress.”
Meanwhile:
Latest revelations suggest that at the time of writing another compounding scandal involving a still to be named son of a bishop who was at the time ofthe desertion having an affair with the wife of another senior church leader.

Looking Ahead
As Wutaunashe struggles to rebuild in Francistown, questions remain about his broader credibility across Southern Africa, especially amid rising scrutiny of self-styled prophets and their financial dealings. Whether he can recover from this scandal remains to be seen.

Tinashe Sambiri

ZANU PF is set to convene a Politburo meeting on Friday, May 2, 2025, as internal party conflicts continue to intensify behind the scenes.

The announcement was made by the party’s Secretary for Information and Publicity, Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa, who relayed the notice from Secretary-General Dr. Obert Mpofu.

“The secretary-general of ZANU PF Dr. Obert Mpofu hereby advises all Politburo members that there will be a Politburo meeting on Friday, 2 May 2025 at 1000hrs. The meeting will be held at the permanent home of the revolution, ZANU PF headquarters,” Mutsvangwa stated.

Members are expected to be seated by 9:45 AM. While the official agenda is to address general party business, the meeting comes at a time when factional divisions within the ruling party are reportedly growing.

By A Correspondent

Despite ongoing reports of political repression and economic instability, ZANU PF’s Secretary for Information and Publicity, Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa, boldly declared Zimbabwe a secure and promising destination for international investors.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of the 65th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo last week, Mutsvangwa praised President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership, attributing the event’s perceived global success to what he described as the President’s “forward-looking vision.”

“The 65th Edition of ZITF has been a globally successful event because of the visionary leadership of His Excellency President E.D. Mnangagwa,” Mutsvangwa stated.

He claimed Zimbabwe’s appeal to investors lies in its natural endowments and a skilled labour force. “Zimbabwe is a safe destination hub for economic development. Behind our highly productive workforce is a vast stock of natural resources,” he said.

Mutsvangwa also highlighted current partnerships with international firms, singling out U.S.-based Starlink as a symbol of confidence in Zimbabwe’s business environment. “Starlink is operating successfully in the country, providing internet as a product and bridging digital access gaps in both rural and urban areas,” he said.

His remarks, however, come amid widespread criticism of the government’s crackdown on dissent, continued political arrests, and a deteriorating economy—factors many believe undermine the very investment climate Mutsvangwa seeks to promote.

By A Correspondent

Political activist and whistleblower Blessed Geza has launched a stinging attack on Zimbabwe’s ruling elite, accusing businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei of leading a grand-scale looting operation under the protection of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

In a no-holds-barred address following the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), Geza alleged that Tagwirei’s meteoric rise to wealth was not the result of enterprise but of state-sanctioned plunder. “People must understand where Tagwirei’s riches came from. He began with one fuel station called Takunda,” Geza said. “Then came Command Agriculture. Turns out, that was public money he never gave back.”

Geza painted a picture of a corruption empire built on the backs of ordinary citizens, with military-linked companies and national assets allegedly handed over to Tagwirei. Among the state resources named were Sandawana Mine, shares in Great Dyke Investments, and firms in financial distress—transferred, according to Geza, with government approval and no accountability.

“He came back later saying he was selling off Kuvimba,” Geza recounted. “Then his own outfit, CBZ Capital, steps in and revalues it at 5.4 billion U.S. dollars. And from that cooked-up figure, he and Mnangagwa walked away with 1.9 billion dollars—corrupt money, no less—through the Mutapa Investment Fund.”

Geza also claimed that Tagwirei was trying to manipulate religious institutions, alleging that the tycoon was now targeting the Seventh-Day Adventist Church for influence through financial donations. He contrasted this with Zimbabwe’s failing education and healthcare systems. “Civil servants are surviving on crumbs,” he said. “Yet someone who never passed Grade Seven walks off with 540 million dollars just for standing next to Mnangagwa. What kind of system is that?”

The outspoken activist called for nationwide mobilization, urging citizens to back striking lecturers and students. “People of Zimbabwe, it’s time to rise,” he declared. “Shutdown the country so Mnangagwa is removed. Let’s stand together and rebuild our nation.”

Geza assured listeners that plans are already in motion to hold corrupt elites accountable. “Make no mistake—action is happening,” he insisted. “We’re moving carefully to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. Our progressive forces are already active on the ground.”

At the time of writing, neither President Mnangagwa nor Tagwirei has issued any response to the damning claims.

By A Correspondent

A congress convened by the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) was abruptly disrupted earlier this week after government agents stormed the gathering in a bid to intimidate participants and derail proceedings.

Held at St Martin Mission in Jotsholo, Lupane district, the meeting drew delegates from across the country to discuss the dire state of education and teachers’ welfare.

However, ARTUZ President Obert Masaraure revealed that plainclothes state security operatives attempted to infiltrate and block the event.

“Our congress was almost shut down by state security agents,” Masaraure told Southern Eye. “They insisted on being part of the meeting, and seven of them forced their way in.”

The situation was salvaged thanks to swift legal intervention. ARTUZ’s lawyer, Doug Coltart, filed for an urgent interdict and notified the police, allowing the congress to proceed under tight scrutiny. Despite the heavy presence of state operatives, Masaraure said the delegates remained resolute.

“Delegates were not deterred, and we hope the State agents delivered our unfiltered demands to President Emmerson Mnangagwa in real time,” he said defiantly.

During the congress, teachers from rural areas vowed to escalate their campaign for fair wages. Masaraure confirmed that educators nationwide are preparing to launch protests when schools reopen. “Rural-based teachers will picket at every school in the country on the opening day. We are demanding salaries that reflect our value,” he stated.

The attempted interference by government operatives underscores growing tensions between the state and labour unions, as frustrations mount over poor working conditions and declining education standards in Zimbabwe.

By A Correspondent

Former Chiredzi Ward 3 councillor and ZANU PF activist Tarusenga Makamba remains behind bars after being denied bail last Wednesday, facing charges of inciting public unrest.

Magistrate Tendai Mutamba ruled against releasing Makamba, who has now spent nearly two weeks in remand prison. He is scheduled to return to court next Wednesday.

The charges stem from a voice note Makamba allegedly circulated in a ZANU PF WhatsApp group named Nhakayedu, in which he is said to have urged members to brace for change—just days before activist Blessed “Bombshell” Geza had called for nationwide demonstrations.

Authorities claim the message, which included the phrase “Chikomo che Wedza chopfungaira”, carried subversive undertones and was meant to stoke political unrest. Prosecutors argue the timing and content of the voice note linked Makamba to the protest plans.

Makamba is being represented by human rights lawyer Ross Chavi from Zimbabwe Human Rights Lawyers, who has yet to comment publicly on the court’s decision.

By A Correspondent

A South African citizen working in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, was rushed back home after falling seriously ill and reportedly being unable to access adequate medical care in Zimbabwe.

The patient was transported by road over a 280-kilometre stretch from Bulawayo to Beitbridge before being flown by helicopter to Limpopo province in South Africa.

The Limpopo Provincial Government confirmed the incident on Monday through a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account.

The emergency evacuation underscores the ongoing strain placed on South Africa’s healthcare system by cross-border medical cases.

Upon arriving in Limpopo, the unnamed patient was received by Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba and Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego.

Photos released by provincial authorities show the patient on a stretcher, flanked by the two officials at the helicopter landing site.

“The patient could not receive the necessary medical treatment when he fell ill in Bulawayo,” the Limpopo Government said in the official statement.

The case has reignited longstanding tensions over the burden placed on South Africa’s public hospitals by patients from neighbouring Zimbabwe. The issue continues to stir both political and public debate, as South African facilities grapple with increased demand from foreign nationals seeking medical care.

Recently, a Zimbabwean woman was chased away from Kalafong Hospital in Pretoria West by a group of South African women accusing her of straining the healthcare system. A video of the incident, which quickly went viral, shows the women shouting at the expectant mother and demanding that she return to Zimbabwe for treatment.

The confrontation sparked a public outcry and reignited discourse on xenophobia and healthcare access. The women involved claimed that Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration fails to compensate South Africa for the healthcare services utilized by Zimbabwean nationals.

This is not the first time healthcare pressures between the two countries have made headlines. In August 2022, then-Limpopo Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba drew international criticism after a video showed her confronting a Zimbabwean patient at Bela Bela Hospital. In the clip, Ramathuba told the patient, “You are killing my health system. It’s not my responsibility to care for patients from Zimbabwe.”

Ramathuba later defended her remarks, stating that the increasing number of patients from neighbouring countries puts “unsustainable pressure” on the provincial healthcare system and budgets.

The latest incident adds another chapter to the complex and emotionally charged issue of regional health migration, with calls growing louder for bilateral solutions between South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Crime and Courts Reporter-Two police officers who were nabbed collecting bribes on Independence Day in Harare have been denied bail by Harare magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa.

The two are Rudo Chirengendure and Nyasha Mupandira, whose video, while allegedly collecting a bribe, went viral on social media.

They are being charged with criminal abuse of office.

Gofa denied the two bail, noting that they are likely to get a custodial sentence if convicted.

The magistrate also said the two were likely to interfere with witnesses and abscond because they are facing a serious offence.

Through their lawyers, the cops demanded proof to confirm that the viral video was not AI-generated.

But the Investigating Officer Munatsi Saineti said the two had a weak defence.

He nailed the two, telling the court that the two were seen releasing an offender after receiving bribe money when, by law, they were supposed to take him to the police camp.

Allegations are that on Independence Day, the two accused persons, who are all serving police officers, were deployed at Parkade rank situated at the intersection of Nelson Mandela Street and Rezende Street to patrol and arrest illegal money changers, touts and illegal vendors.

“Whilst in the exercise of their duties, accused one and accused two were captured on camera receiving money as consideration to release a suspect who was arrested and was in handcuffs.

“The two accused persons then removed handcuffs from a female suspect and released her which is contrary to their duties as public officers. “

Unless one is a foreign spy themselves, what type of a President drives in a foreign made vehicle that can be easily switched off via remote control in London? Emmerson Mnangagwa has arrived at the heroes acre in a British made vehicle to bury two top military generals who’ve died within days of each other. Their deaths, seem coincidental to a long trail of sudden departures of top personnel since 2017.

In the picture above, Mnangagwa, accompanied by his wife Auxillia Mnangagwa, officiates at the National Heroes Acre double burial. The nation lost Brigadier General (Retd) Victor Rungani and the Director (Retd) in the President’s Department, Cde Walter Basopo. The two gallant sons of the soil sacrificed their all in the fight for the liberation of our beloved motherland. After Independence, Cde Victor Rungani whose Chimurenga names were Cde Nyoka and Cde Victor Chikudo and Cde Walter Basopo whose Chimurenga name was Cde Gerry Dzasukwa joined the security sector, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and President’s Department respectively, where they distinguished themselves with honour and distinction.

Just a few days ago, Defence Forces Commander Valerio Sibanda was also caught on camera shamelessly driving foreign made brand new cars. How does Valerio Sibanda feel while driving in a hoard of 20 flashy cars that’s forcefully descending onto a (ZANU PF party-card-selling) Trade Fair @ZITF1 that has no single local product on display, in an economy that seems producing only death-certificates of top military generals since 2017? The latest two senior military generals have died one after the other in a matter of days, both of them soon after being fired by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Soon after the death of another top Valerio Sibanda colleague, a few years ago, the head of State accused by former First Lady Grace Mugabe as a mercenary, was captured on camera waving a piece of paper which he said is new evidence “discovered” on a later date that diagnoses the death of Perance Shiri as that of COVID-19. READ THE ZIMEYE 👇 ARTICLE.

By James Gwati- The ongoing strike by University of Zimbabwe (UZ) lecturers has dealt a major blow to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration, exposing its failure to address the longstanding grievances of academic staff and forcing it into a belated response.

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba acknowledged the legitimacy of the lecturers’ demands, a rare admission that signals mounting pressure on the government.

Writing on X (formerly Twitter) under his handle Jamwanda, Charamba revealed that Mnangagwa, who is the Chancellor of all state universities, had long approved a plan to improve lecturers’ conditions — but its implementation was stalled by bureaucratic inertia.

“YOU HAVE BEEN HEARD!!! Government is addressing the welfare of university lecturers. Just as well they raised the matter publicly,” Charamba wrote. “It turns out the Chancellor, Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, had long approved recommendations which should have put this matter well behind us. Inertia gathered somewhere, and the OPC [Office of the President and Cabinet] will cause movement. Thank you comrades for acting responsibly!”

Charamba’s remarks followed growing unrest at UZ, where members of the Association of University Teachers (AUT) have suspended lectures and vowed to escalate the strike to all 14 state universities within 10 days if their demands are not met.

AUT is demanding a restoration of salaries to pre-October 2018 levels, when a junior lecturer earned approximately US$2,250.

Today, they take home as little as US$230, a steep decline that has crippled their ability to survive amid Zimbabwe’s deepening economic crisis.

Professor Obvious Vengeyi, the AUT spokesperson, told New Zimbabwe that UZ management has consistently refused to engage in dialogue with lecturers, leaving them with no option but to down tools. 

The frustration boiled over when Professor Vengeyi and two colleagues were arrested on campus two weeks ago for staging a peaceful protest. 

They were detained overnight and fined US$15 each before being released.

Following the arrests, the lecturers secured a High Court order barring police from interfering with their protests. 

In response, they declared a two-day suspension of all lectures last week, intensifying pressure on both the university administration and the government.

This crisis reflects a broader pattern of neglect and underfunding in Zimbabwe’s higher education sector, where university lecturers across the country have battled declining salaries, worsening working conditions, and lack of institutional support for over a decade.

During the Government of National Unity (2009–2013), lecturers’ salaries were stabilized, often pegged in U.S. dollars, offering a brief respite. 

However, following the introduction of the local RTGS dollar and the collapse of parity with the U.S. dollar in 2019, academic salaries were severely eroded. 

Despite repeated promises by successive ministers of higher and tertiary education, and by Mnangagwa himself, conditions have continued to deteriorate.

Many experienced academics have either emigrated or left academia altogether, creating a brain drain that threatens the quality of education in Zimbabwe. 

Those who remain often moonlight in private institutions or take on consultancy work to supplement their incomes.

The current strike at UZ is not an isolated act of defiance, but part of a larger wave of discontent across the public sector, where teachers, nurses, and civil servants have also protested stagnant wages and deteriorating standards of living.

The lecturers’ bold action has publicly embarrassed the Mnangagwa administration, highlighting its failure to prioritize education despite repeated rhetoric about modernization and innovation.

By Crime and Courts Reporter- An AirForce of Zimbabwe detail has lost its car and property worth US$4500 to armed Robbers who had picked them up as passengers.

Takawira Gutu, 44, picked up five passengers, including three males and two females, at the corner of Julius Nyerere and Robert Mugabe Road in Chitungwiza.

He was driving a silver Honda Fit, registration AEJ 3435.

One female passenger disembarked at Chinhamo turn-off, and another female passenger indicated that she wanted to disembark at corner Seke Road and Delport Road bus stop.

When Takawira reached the bus stop, the female passenger disembarked and that is when the two passengers who were seated at the back seat grabbed him and pointed a knife at his neck.

They pulled him to the back seat, tied his legs and hands with a shoe lace. One of the robbers took charge of the vehicle and drove towards Epworth.

When they passed Manyame Air Base, the vehicle stopped and the accused persons took the other male passenger’s cellphone, USD$7 and then threw him out of the moving vehicle.

The vehicle stopped at a place unknown to Takawira and refuelled. The two robbers stabbed Takawira on the back and on the palms using a knife.

Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the case.
“Police are investigating a robbery and car theft cases involving a motorist who offered transport to unsuspecting passengers,” said Insp Chakanza.
“They dumped him at a secluded place along Chiremba Road near Ruwa River and drove away with complainant’s vehicle. Complainant managed to untie himself and sought help at a nearby house.
“He was assisted to make a report at ZRP Epworth by a well wisher.
“He lost his vehicle, Huawei Y7 cellphone, Samsung laptop, laptop bag, two pairs of shoes, three neck ties, a black sweater and USD$197.
“Total value stolen is USD$4500. “Complainant was referred to Chitungwiza Hospital for medical assistance,” said Insp Chakanza.

By Munacho Gwamanda-President Mnangagwa’s close ally, and Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe has found himself at the centre of a tribal controversy after reprimanding Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart for hosting a meeting with self-proclaimed Ndebele monarch, “King” Bulelani Lobhengula Khumalo, during the Easter holidays.

The meeting, which took place at the Bulawayo Mayor’s Parlour, reportedly saw Mayor Coltart formally address Bulelani as “King Bulelani”, a gesture that has triggered backlash from government officials, including Minister Garwe.

In a statement issued on 23 April 2025, Garwe reiterated the government’s longstanding position rejecting Bulelani’s claim to the throne of King Lobengula, describing it as unlawful and without constitutional basis.
“For the avoidance of doubt,” Garwe said, “the Zimbabwe Constitution does not provide for kingship. His claim is baseless, unfounded, and a legal nullity.” He cited Section 283(a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) Act of 2013, read together with Sections 3(1) and (2) of the Traditional Leaders Act [Chapter 29:17], which stipulates that the appointment, removal, and suspension of Chiefs must be done by the President on the recommendation of the Provincial Assembly of Chiefs, via the National Council of Chiefs and the responsible Minister, and in accordance with prevailing traditional customs.

Garwe warned that any engagement with Bulelani undermines constitutional processes and misleads the public.

He further condemned Bulelani as a “fraudulent impostor,” calling on both the Mayor’s office and the residents of Bulawayo to reject his claim and public appearances.

The Minister demanded an explanation from Mayor Coltart regarding the circumstances under which Bulelani was invited and received.

He also questioned whether the invitation had been sanctioned, either explicitly or implicitly, by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works or any other authorised entity.

The incident has sparked fresh debate on identity, legitimacy, and cultural recognition in Zimbabwe, once again bringing unresolved historical tensions between central government and Matabeleland into sharp focus.

South Africa- The three police officers who went missing last week have been found dead, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has confirmed.

The bodies of Constable Keamogetswe Buys, Constable Boipelo Senoge, and Constable Cebekhulu Linda were among the five bodies recovered from the Hennops River.

The three cops’ bodies were identified by their families at the Tshwane mortuary.

Speaking during a media briefing at the river on Tuesday night, Masemola said
“It has been a difficult six days for members of the South African Police Service and affected families, as we searched everywhere for our three missing police officers,” Masemola said.
The trio was last seen in the early hours of Thursday at a petrol station near the Grasmere Toll Plaza on the N1 in Gauteng. 
Their vehicle, a Volkswagen Polo hatchback with registration number JCL 401 FS, along with their cellphones and tracking device, were switched off after they left the station.

Masemola said a high-level team of investigators had worked tirelessly across Gauteng, the Free State, and Limpopo following all possible leads.
 
Their search eventually led to an area along the N1 highway, stretching from the Grasmere Toll Plaza past the Buccleuch interchange and onto John Vorster Drive in Centurion.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I am unfortunately not the bearer of good news this evening,” said Masemola. 
“We had hoped to find our three police officers safe, unharmed, and alive, but this is not the case.”
He confirmed that five bodies were found in the river, including the three missing officers and two others. One of the other victims was identified as an administrative clerk attached to the Lyttelton Police Station.
Masemola detailed how investigators, with the assistance of the SAPS drone unit, the cybercrime and crime intelligence divisions, the Hawks, Gauteng Traffic Airwing, and Bidvest Protea Coin Airwing, made the breakthrough on Monday.
“On Monday, we found vehicle parts believed to be from a VW Polo along the N1 near the Hennops River. That led us to a Renault Kangoo panel van at the riverbank,” he said.

Divers from SAPS and the City of Tshwane began searching the area, recovering two bodies—the driver of the panel van, later confirmed to be the SAPS admin clerk, and Constable Senoge. 

As night fell, the search was suspended due to the lack of visibility and safety concerns.

The following morning, the third body, believed to be that of Constable Linda, was recovered.

Later, a fourth decomposed body was found, and identification efforts are ongoing. IOL

By A Correspondent

A lion that had been terrorising villagers in the Mutsago area of Marange, Mutare District, was shot and killed by Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) rangers on Sunday night, putting an end to a wave of fear that had gripped the community.

The lion, which is believed to have strayed from the nearby Save Conservancy, had already killed four cattle over a three-week period. Villagers had been living in fear, with many avoiding moving around after dark.

ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo told State media that tracking the lion had proven difficult due to its behaviour.

“After days of trauma and panic within the community, we finally managed to eliminate the problem animal. It had killed four cattle over the past three weeks,” said Farawo.

“Lions are nocturnal, so they move at night, making it challenging for us to track and eliminate the animal quickly,” he explained.

Farawo thanked the local community and various stakeholders for their cooperation in bringing the situation under control.

“We would like to extend our gratitude to the community for collaborating with us and working closely with our team. We also appreciate the support received from the Mutare Rural District Council, the Civil Protection Unit, traditional leaders, and councillors in the area. Through our collective efforts, we have restored peace in the area,” he said.

This incident follows a string of wildlife-related dangers reported in Manicaland Province. In recent weeks, stray buffaloes in Mutare and Buhera districts injured six people, including a schoolchild. One of those buffaloes was also put down in Marange to prevent further attacks.

Spike in Gun Violence Against Police Casts Tragic Shadow Over Recovery of Missing SAPS Officers

South Africa is grappling with a disturbing surge in gun violence targeting law enforcement officers—an issue tragically underscored by the recent deaths of three police constables whose bodies were recovered from the Hennops River this week.

Since 1995, gun crime against South African Police Service (SAPS) officers has soared by over 400%, according to internal SAPS data and civil society research. In 1995, fewer than 50 police officers were fatally shot in the line of duty. Today, that figure regularly exceeds 100 annually, with officers facing increasingly militarized and coordinated criminal networks.

On Tuesday night, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola confirmed that the bodies of Constables Keamogetswe Buys, Boipelo Senoge, and Cebekhulu Linda—who disappeared last Thursday—were among five corpses recovered from the river. All three had been identified by their families at the Tshwane mortuary.

“It has been a difficult six days for members of the SAPS and the affected families,” Masemola said during a media briefing. “We searched everywhere for our three missing police officers.”

The officers were last seen at a petrol station near the Grasmere Toll Plaza on the N1 in Gauteng, just hours before their phones and vehicle tracking systems were mysteriously disabled.

A multi-provincial investigation team combed Gauteng, the Free State, and Limpopo, eventually narrowing their search to an area along the N1 highway stretching past the Buccleuch interchange and onto John Vorster Drive in Centurion. The discovery of vehicle parts near the Hennops River led officers to a panel van and a grim scene.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I am unfortunately not the bearer of good news this evening,” Masemola said. “We had hoped to find our three police officers safe, unharmed, and alive, but this is not the case.”

With assistance from SAPS drone units, cybercrime specialists, the Hawks, and airwing units from both Gauteng Traffic and Bidvest Protea Coin, search efforts recovered five bodies in total. Among them was an administrative clerk from the Lyttelton Police Station and another yet to be identified.

The violence that claimed the lives of Constables Buys, Senoge, and Linda is part of a broader, alarming trend. Police watchdogs have long warned that South Africa’s frontline officers are being targeted with impunity. Experts link the rise in police killings to growing access to illegal firearms, organized crime syndicates, and declining trust in state authority.

Masemola stressed the commitment of SAPS to hold those responsible to account: “These were not just officers—they were sons, daughters, protectors of their communities. This rise in brutal attacks on our police is a national crisis.”

Blessed Geza Exposes Alleged $1.9 Billion Corruption Scandal Tied to Kudakwashe Tagwirei and Emmerson Mnangagwa

By Farai D Hove | ZimEye | 29 April 2025

BULAWAYO – In an explosive revelation made on the aftermath of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), activist and whistleblower Cde Blessed Geza accused businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei of amassing unprecedented wealth through state-sponsored corruption, surpassing telecommunications mogul Strive Masiyiwa—despite having not a single product to showcase.

Speaking publicly on Tuesday, Geza detailed what he described as a systematic looting scheme involving military-owned companies, state assets, and debt write-offs orchestrated with the full knowledge and support of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“You need to know how Tagwirei made money. First of all, he started with one service station called Takunda,” Geza began. “Soon after that, we heard of Command Agriculture. We later discovered it wasn’t his money—it was government money he never returned.”

According to Geza, Tagwirei’s wealth ballooned through the appropriation of government and army-linked firms, including platinum interests under Great Dyke Investments (GDI), the Sandawana emerald mine, and entities under liquidation. He alleged Tagwirei accrued a staggering USD900 million in unsecured debt and later “offset” it by transferring shares in Kuvimba Mining House—an entity he claimed was fraudulently revalued and used to erase liabilities without government receiving actual cash.

By Munacho Gwamanda-Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe has found himself at the centre of a tribal controversy after reprimanding Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart for hosting a meeting with self-proclaimed Ndebele monarch, “King” Bulelani Lobhengula Khumalo, during the Easter holidays.

The meeting, which took place at the Bulawayo Mayor’s Parlour, reportedly saw Mayor Coltart formally address Bulelani as “King Bulelani”, a gesture that has triggered backlash from government officials, including Minister Garwe.

In a statement issued on 23 April 2025, Garwe reiterated the government’s longstanding position rejecting Bulelani’s claim to the throne of King Lobengula, describing it as unlawful and without constitutional basis.
“For the avoidance of doubt,” Garwe said, “the Zimbabwe Constitution does not provide for kingship. His claim is baseless, unfounded, and a legal nullity.” He cited Section 283(a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) Act of 2013, read together with Sections 3(1) and (2) of the Traditional Leaders Act [Chapter 29:17], which stipulates that the appointment, removal, and suspension of Chiefs must be done by the President on the recommendation of the Provincial Assembly of Chiefs, via the National Council of Chiefs and the responsible Minister, and in accordance with prevailing traditional customs.

Garwe warned that any engagement with Bulelani undermines constitutional processes and misleads the public.

He further condemned Bulelani as a “fraudulent impostor,” calling on both the Mayor’s office and the residents of Bulawayo to reject his claim and public appearances.

The Minister demanded an explanation from Mayor Coltart regarding the circumstances under which Bulelani was invited and received.

He also questioned whether the invitation had been sanctioned, either explicitly or implicitly, by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works or any other authorised entity.

The incident has sparked fresh debate on identity, legitimacy, and cultural recognition in Zimbabwe, once again bringing unresolved historical tensions between central government and Matabeleland into sharp focus.

By Crime and Courts Reporter-President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government has extended the mandatory retirement age for judges from 65 to 70 years, triggering fears that the move is part of a broader strategy to entrench his grip on power through a compliant judiciary.

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) announced that the extension, which comes into effect on 1 May 2025, was enacted through Statutory Instrument 42 of 2025, known as the Judicial Service (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (No. 3). The regulations were officially published last Friday.

The new rules stipulate that any judge appointed on pensionable terms before the effective date may retire at 65 but can opt to continue serving until 70 with full pension.

Those appointed after 1 May 2025 will have a fixed retirement age of 70. The Paymaster is now required to furnish the JSC annually with a list of judges nearing retirement age.

Judges may still voluntarily retire from age 60 after giving three months’ notice, and the JSC may also force retirement for permanent medical unfitness or inefficiency due to non-medical factors.

While the JSC says the move aligns with international trends and aims to retain judicial expertise, critics view it as a calculated political manoeuvre.

They argue it will allow Mnangagwa to retain loyal judges in key positions, especially as he eyes a controversial extension of his presidency beyond the constitutional limit of two terms.

The move has reignited concerns about the ruling Zanu PF party’s long-standing practice of using the judiciary to consolidate political power.

Since independence in 1980, Zimbabwe’s courts have played a controversial role in legitimising executive decisions and suppressing dissent.

Under former president Robert Mugabe and now Mnangagwa, the judiciary has often been accused of lacking independence, particularly in electoral disputes and cases involving opposition leaders and activists.

In recent years, the Constitutional Court has repeatedly dismissed challenges to Mnangagwa’s contested election victories, and government critics have frequently faced harsh sentences in politically sensitive trials.

Judicial appointments have also drawn criticism for allegedly favouring individuals with ties to the ruling elite.

Mnangagwa, who rose to power via a military-assisted transition in 2017, has faced increasing internal and external pressure over democratic backsliding and human rights abuses.

With murmurs within Zanu PF about succession and factional tension mounting, the judiciary could once again become a battleground for power retention.

The timing of the retirement age extension has therefore raised alarm bells within opposition and civil society circles, who see it as a prelude to legal manoeuvring aimed at removing constitutional barriers to a third term.