Full statement by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa at the launch of Zimbabwe media policy, Harare May 28, 2025
SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT, HIS EXCELLENCY, DR E. D. MNANGAGWA AT THE LAUNCH OF THE ZIMBABWE MEDIA POLICY STATE HOUSE -HARARE 28 MAY 2025
Director of Ceremonies; Vice President, Hon. Gen. (Rtd) Dr. C. G. D. N. Chiwenga; Vice President, Hon. Col. (Rtd) K. C. D. Mohadi; National Chairman of ZANU PF and Minister of Defence, Hon. O. C. Z. Muchinguri-Kashiri; Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province, Hon. C. Z. Tawengwa; Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Hon. Dr. J. Muswere; Chief Secretary Dr. M. Rushwaya; to the Senior Government Officials; Distinguished Guests; Ladies and Gentlemen.
I am honoured to officiate at this occasion, marking the launch of the Zimbabwe Media Policy.
This policy comes at a time, when both the global and local media ecosystems are witnessing an unprecedented transformation, ushered by emerging technologies.
Additionally, Artificial Intelligence is undoubtedly revolutionising all aspects of our social and economic sectors, with the media industry being no exception.
Artificial Intelligence has reshaped information gathering, analysis, production, and dissemination.
This and other related innovations in science and technologyhave collectively increased the speed, interactivity and reach of journalism, while also presenting new opportunities and challenges.
These relate to accuracy, ethics and information overload, among others.
The extensive and multi-pronged implications of these developments, especially on the global South, Africa and us in Zimbabwe have the danger of challenging our respective national sovereignty and democracy.
Through the promulgation of the National Media Policy, we are launching today, my Government is strengthening and guaranteeing that our citizens will have access to factual, verified, accurate, and reliable information.
These are all important ingredients to accelerate our country’s national development agenda.
Further, our philosophy ‘Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhu-le-kelwe ngabanikazi balo,’ demands that we deploy, information in our reach in the context of the unique rich history, culture and vision of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe.
Through this policy, my Government seeks to ensure protection against the significant ever looming threats to facts, ethics, diversity and cultural plurality by the global tech infrastructure.
Hence our regulatory efforts, content and platform accountability, as well as support for Zimbabwe’s independent content ecosystem, will be enhanced.
Addressing issues related to market dominance, privacy, misinformation, disinformation and user rights are areas that are encapsulated in this Policy.
In this regard, there must be ripple benefits from regulating Big-Tech services, including through taxation and fair payment.
Digital taxes and fair revenue sharing from all media players should contribute to local economies and content creators.
The need and importance of protecting users from exploitative practices and promoting digital literacy so that users safely navigate online environments cannot be over emphasised.
It is pleasing to note that the formulation and subsequent launch of the Media Policy is in keeping with Sections 61 and 62 of our national constitution, which sets out fundamental principles guiding our media, practitioners in the sector and access to information.
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen; My Government regards both our public and privatemedia as strategic cogs towards achieving our national development aspirations and Vision 2030.
It is my expectation that the sector functions as the symbolic ‘eye’ and ‘mirror’ of society, providing an honest and grounded reflection of our realities.
This role should never be taken lightly. As the media industry and media practitioners informs, scrutinises and influences socio-economic developments, for the betterment of our country, you must be vigilant.
Your responsible operations should also foster an informed, engaged, constitutional and democratic Zimbabwe.
The past trends where media practitioners competed for prominence on the degree to which they demonised our country, has no place in the Zimbabwe we fought for, we are building and we all want.
The role of the media towards mobilising resources, fostering innovation and creating an environment conducive for investors to set up business as we march forward, towards an upper middle-income economy is also applauded.
However, I challenge the media fraternity, along with other stakeholders, to scale up our ongoing quest to shape a positive image, about our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe.
On their part, citizens must use various media platformsto accelerate progress, as well as galvanise the nation towards production and productivity across all sectors as well as inclusive growth and the attainment of our national development goals.
No one and no place must be left behind. Ladies and Gentlemen; Under my leadership, the media will continue to be our cornerstone for promoting unity, peace, social cohesion, harmony and the love for our country.
The Media Policy we are launching is an important cog that must help realise an intricate balance between freedom of expression and the need for content and platform accountability.
We are a nation strongly rooted in our value systems, dignity and integrity. These cardinal values must result in ethical journalism.
Content that harms our country and fellow citizens has no space in our constitutional democracy.
The law and justice system will take its course on all those who infringe on the rights of others on media platforms. The values of Ubuntu/Hunhu, must always inspire us to balance our individual and collective rights.
Ladies and Gentlemen; To date, my Government continues to implement several development programmes and projects to consolidate the gains of democratising the media space and environment.
Community Radio Stations have been licenced, which have proved crucial in revitalising the indigenous languages and cultures of our great motherland, Zimbabwe.
By sharing traditional knowledge and fostering community participation, Community Radio Stations are helping to preserve and promote our rich heritage and identity.
Capacity-building programmes to guarantee the efficacy of these and other stations, will be supported by my administration.
It is commendable that the modernisation of Zimpapers is now at an advanced stage.
The project aims to make Zimpapers more competitive in the digital age, improve news delivery speed and meet the ever-evolving needs of our audience.
Under the 2nd phase of the Zim-Digital Programme, the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation studios in Bulawayo at Montrose have been digitalised.
Funds have also been set aside to develop content creation hubs, which will result in modern media organisations andempower our creatives to produce diverse, high-quality content for a competitive local media industry.
Fellow Zimbabweans; We are the custodians of our own stories and narratives. For far too long, our narrative has been deconstructed, distorted and misrepresented.
As we implement the Media Policy, let us reclaim and correct this anomaly. A truthful, coherent and positive story of Zimbabwe will consolidate our national peace, unity and accelerate our development.
The time has come for the world to hear the authentic story of who we are and what we stand for, from our own eyes, from our own mouths and from our own media and the people of our motherland.
The Zimbabwean story is one of hard work and resilience amid adversity, such as the illegal sanctions and climate change.
It is a narrative of the people’s victory, for our Independence, and sovereignty, as well exposing and shaming our country’s detractors. The true and undiluted Zimbabwean story is about us the people who are masters of our own destiny.
The media must influence Zimbabwe’s national brand and strategic image in manner that reflects these core characteristics.
Further, I challenge our media to be also aware of the role it plays in advancing our national interests within the comity of nations through purposeful and focused engagements, guided by our Foreign Policy.
I call upon our content creators and all the stakeholders in the sector to help create and showcase our natural and cultural treasures.
Riding on modern technologies, as well as leveraging digital platforms, I urge you to craft appealing messaging and imagery that attracts both local and foreign capital, investments and tourism, among other socio-economic benefits.
Let us, therefore, move forward with determination and unity, empowering our media industry to be a shining beacon for inclusivity and national pride, that advances our national interests and celebrates being Zimbabwean.
In conclusion, I reiterate that a responsible, modern and accountable media is vital for a vibrant constitutional democracy, nation-building and the promotion of people-centred development.
Through this Zimbabwe Media Policy, we have taken a bold decision to ensurethat the sector remains a source of enlightenment, empowerment, progress, unity and the sustainable of development of our motherland, Zimbabwe.
With these remarks, it is now my singular honour and privilege to declare the Zimbabwe Media Policy officially launched.
God bless you all.God bless Zimbabwe. I thank you.
By Farai D Hove | ZimEye | Bulawayo-based preacher Prophet Ian Ndlovu of Divine Kingdom Baptist Ministries is under fire after asking his congregants to fork out an additional US$8,000 to cover the cost of transferring land title deeds to the name of his church — just weeks after receiving a US$100,000 “donation” from controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
In a video address to his followers, Ndlovu explained that the money was needed to complete the legal process of consolidating and officially registering the church’s land. He cited fluctuating costs from the Deeds Office and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), saying:
“The rough calculation that was made by our lawyers is that we need approximately $8,000… depending on the charges at the tax revenue office… and also at the register of deeds office. We need to urgently raise that money to protect the interests of our community of believers who have contributed so much.”
But the appeal has sparked outrage and confusion, with many questioning why church members are being asked to fund basic administrative fees after Ndlovu was handed a massive cash injection from a man under international money laundering investigation.
CHIVAYO’S INFLUENCE LOOMS LARGE
Chivayo, who recently gave similar cash and luxury car “donations” to high-profile religious and political figures — including Apostle Eunor Guti and state journalist Reuben Barwe — is already facing scrutiny from South Africa’s Financial Intelligence Centre for allegedly laundering over R1 billion in public funds.
Observers say Ndlovu’s sudden call for an additional $8,000, just weeks after openly receiving Chivayo’s $100K, adds to growing concerns that churches are being co-opted into laundering dirty money through spiritual branding and coerced congregant contributions.
QUESTIONS OF TRANSPARENCY AND PRIORITY
“What happened to the $100,000?” many churchgoers and commentators are now asking. Wasn’t that gift meant to cover critical costs like land ownership, infrastructure, and legal regularization?
Instead, congregants — many of whom are ordinary Zimbabweans struggling under economic hardship — are now being pressured to urgently raise thousands of dollars for a land deed that should have been budgeted for long ago, especially in light of Chivayo’s so-called donation.
Critics argue that the sudden financial urgency appears exploitative, particularly given the Prophet’s public association with one of Zimbabwe’s most controversial businessmen.
A PATTERN OF PROPHETS AND PLUNDER
This development follows a pattern in which religious leaders accept large sums from political elites and wealthy tenderpreneurs, only to shift additional costs onto their congregations under the guise of “protecting the church.”
Whether knowingly or not, Prophet Ian Ndlovu now finds himself caught in the storm of a broader scandal: the intersection of state corruption, religious laundering, and financial manipulation of believers.
As investigations into Chivayo deepen across international borders, the question remains:
Where is the money really going?
And more urgently: Why are God’s people being made to pay twice?
This is a developing story. Follow for updates as calls for financial transparency and independent audits grow louder across Zimbabwe’s religious landscape.
Masvingo – In a bold move to reclaim order on city streets, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Masvingo Central District has launched a four-day crackdown targeting touts (mahwindis), unregistered vehicles (mushika-shika), illegal vendors, and unauthorized money changers.
The sweeping operation, dubbed “Restore Sanity,” kicked off on May 28 and will run through May 31, 2025, with enforcement efforts centered around the chaotic ExorMart Garage in Rujeko.
According to police, the initiative is a response to mounting concerns over lawlessness at the busy site.
“It has been noted with concern the unruly behavior being exhibited by touts disrupting the smooth flow of traffic and harassing members of the public at ExorMart Garage,” Masvingo police said.
The ZRP is working in conjunction with the Masvingo City Council, the Judiciary, and other regulatory authorities to implement the operation. It will be guided by key legal instruments, including the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, the Public Health Act, the Road Traffic Act, and various municipal by-laws.
Police say the operation specifically targets:
Touts harassing passengers and causing commuter chaos
Illegal money changers operating without licenses
Vendors blocking pavements and selling unregulated food products Mushika-shika vehicles operating outside the law…
“This operation is not only about law enforcement,” added the ZRP .
“It’s about protecting the public and restoring order. We are working to ensure that Masvingo is a safe environment for everyone, including visitors and residents.”
Public health officials have also joined the mission, tasked with inspecting food and meat products being sold under unsafe and unhygienic conditions.
“We are concerned about the public health risks posed by unregulated food vending, particularly meat that is not stored or handled properly,” said a health expert.
The police will be conducting roadblocks, random stop-and-search operations, and visiting licensed business premises to ensure compliance with the law. Officers will also be on the lookout for suspects on the police wanted list.
To maintain transparency and professionalism, the ZRP has issued strict guidelines to its officers. “Those involved in the operation must uphold human rights, avoid corrupt practices, and are strictly forbidden from accepting any form of gift or bribe,” police confirmed.
Additionally, an investigative team will be assembled to prepare cases for court, aiming to secure convictions for repeat offenders.
The operation comes in the wake of a recent violent crime that shocked the community—a Masvingo Polytechnic student was fatally stabbed at Ndarama High School last week. Authorities say the tragic incident underscored the urgent need for a stronger presence of law enforcement in public spaces.
“This is about more than just arrests—it’s about restoring peace, safety, and dignity to our streets,” the ZRP emphasized.
By Crime and Courts Reporter — Police have impounded five luxury vehicles belonging to banker Cletas Tonderai Nyakambiro (38), who stands accused of defrauding Standard Chartered Bank of over US$2.3 million in a sophisticated banking scam.
Nyakambiro, an Internal Control Officer at the bank, allegedly manipulated internal systems and created fake accounts to siphon funds for personal use.
He has appeared before Harare Regional Magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka, with Public Prosecutor Kudakwashe Muzarepresenting the State. His alleged accomplice, Candrick Kupakuwana (49) of Mainway Meadows, Harare, is still at large.
According to Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri of the CID Commercial Crimes Division, the fraud occurred on September 27, 2022.
“The accused, employed as an Internal Control Officer at a reputable financial institution, allegedly conspired with a fugitive accomplice to open two fraudulent bank accounts,” said Det Insp Muteweri. “They manipulated beneficiary details to divert tax payments into these fake accounts and used the money for personal benefit.”
The scam cost the bank US$2,293,483.84 and ZWG514,735.41.
Police have since seized ten movable assets believed to be crime proceeds, including a Toyota Fortuner, Land Rover, Chevrolet Cruze, Toyota Aqua, and a Mercedes-Benz S280.
Nyakambiro, a self-proclaimed UNISA graduate, portrays himself on social media as a family man devoted to his twin children, while also flaunting a lifestyle of luxury, alcohol, and lavish outings.
Authorities are appealing for information on Candrick Kupakuwana, whose last known address is 2751 Mainway Meadows, Waterfalls, Harare.
Nyakambiro faces charges under Section 8(1)(a) of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act, and fraudunder Section 136 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23].
ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has sparked fresh political debate after subtly suggesting the need for renewed leadership accountability within the party — comments that some have interpreted as a veiled swipe at President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Briefing the media in Harare, earlier this week, Mutsvangwa emphasized the importance of leadership renewal in the face of growing economic frustration and political stagnation.
“No leader, no matter how powerful, should be insulated from scrutiny,” said Mutsvangwa. “Our revolution was built on accountability, not entitlement.”
While Mutsvangwa did not mention Mnangagwa by name, observers were quick to point out the context. His remarks came amid increasing speculation about internal party rifts and concerns over alleged succession maneuvers within the President’s close circles.
“The moment any leader starts to believe he owns the party — that’s the moment he must be reminded who owns the revolution,” Mutsvangwa added.
Adding fuel to the fire, Mutsvangwa also made reference to the military’s historic role in safeguarding national interests.
“The armed forces do not serve an individual. They serve the people. And when the people’s will is undermined, we’ve seen before what happens,” he said.
While the official party line insists that Mutsvangwa’s comments were about internal discipline and rejuvenation, critics see them as a signal of deeper unrest within the ruling elite — possibly foreshadowing another internal showdown.
The President’s office has not issued a formal response to the remarks.
As the political temperature rises ahead of key party events later this year, one thing is certain: Mutsvangwa’s words have reignited questions about the balance of power within ZANU PF — and whether history could be poised to repeat itself.
Vungu Ward 7 Councillor Bhekimpilo Sibanda in Lower Gweru has condemned Henry Mathumbu a Nurse at Tumbire Clinic in Lower Gweru at Shagari who macheted Mbonisi Mlando 13 times from head to toe and is admitted at Gweru General Hospital. It is alleged that Mlambo questioned Mathumbu over his sexual relationship with his wife.Councillor Sibanda was addressing the mouners in Lower Gweru at the burial service of Sinonisiwe Dabengwa-Sibanda. He called for peace in the country.
By Courts and Crime Reporter- A Chikurubi Maximum Prison-based prison officer has been arrested for raping a teenager.
Proud Bhanya is alleged to have lured his lover, 19, from Glenwood to his room at the camp where he raped her once without protection.
Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the case, saying investigations were in progress.
“Police are investigating a rape case involving a teenager in Chikurubi,” said Insp Chakanza. “The accused person is the complainant’s friend.“On May 26, 2025, at around 2pm, the complainant visited the accused person’s place of residence where she was raped once without protection,” said Insp Chakanza.
Police confirms receiving three robbery cases which occurredin Bulawayo.
On the 28th of May 2025 at around 1845 hours the complainant a male adult aged 52 years of Emakhandeni, Bulawayo was alone on his way home from Tsholotsho Rank along Masiyepambili when he met two unknown accused persons near Makhosi ground. One of the accused person pretended as if he was passing by and he immediately turned to the complainant and striked him once on the head from behind with a machete and he fell down on the ground. The other accused searched him and took way Huawei Y 9 black in colour, us$ 20-00 and a black wallet with identity cards, total value stolen is US$ 120-00.
On the same day at around 1930 hours the two accused person met the second complainant a male adult aged 40 of Emakhandeni Bulawayo along a foot path near the ground behind Appolo shops and used the same method to rob him off his belongings. As they were trying to strike him on the head he blocked the machete and got injured on both hands. The complainant managed to escape though they took away a wallet with us$ 70-00, national identity card, hoodie jacket he was wearing red in colour, black tennis he was also wearing and Huawei P8 Lite cellphone, total valued stolen is US$200-00
The accused persons went on to rob the third complainant a male adult aged 38 years of Gwabalanda Bulawayo at the same spot behind Appolo shops. They striked him thrice on the head and he sustained deep cuts. They also hit him once on the forehead with a hammer and he fell down. They searched him and took away Samsung J4 Core black in colour, US$100-00, a yellow satchel with 3 trousers, white track bottom and Adidasblack push all valued at US$250-00
The Complainants managed to proceed to Appollo shopping centre where an ambulance was summoned and ferried all of them to Mpilo hospital for medical examinations. The total value stolen is US$ $570-00 and nothing was recovered.
We appeal to members of the public to avoid using secluded paths and roads especially during the night so as to avoid such incidents. Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the accused persons to come forward.
By Crime and Courts Reporter- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has released the names of eight of the twelve people who died in a fatal road traffic accident at Sebakwe River in Kwekwe, on Tuesday.
Sebakwe river is less than 20 KM from President Mnangagwa’s Precabe farm
ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the identities of four female victims have not yet been confirmed.
The victims were identified by their next of kin as listed:
James Ncube (23), a male Adult of number 44 village 12, Sherwood, Kwekwe.
Marvellous Mapanzure (20), a male adult of Indarama Mine, Kwekwe.
Emilly Mpofu Mucheuki (25), a female adult of plot 27 Sherwood, Kwekwe.
Joshua Muza (35), a male adult of Indarama mine Kwekwe.
Reward Nyatsongo (28), a male adult of village 7 Marivel, kwekwe.
Farai Bisendi (47), a female adult of number 19363 Mbizo 16, Kwekwe.
Emmanuel Mangomana (21), a male adult of Kwekwe.
Maria Jasi (43), a female adult of number 9371 Mbizo 16 Extension, Kwekwe.
By Crime and Courts Reporter-A prominent banker, Cletas Tonderai Nyakambiro (38), has been arrested for allegedly defrauding his employer, Standard Chartered Bank (Stanchart), of over US$2.3 million in a sophisticated banking scam. Nyakambiro, who worked as an Internal Control Officer at the bank, is accused of manipulating internal systems and creating fraudulent accounts to siphon funds for personal gain.
He has since appeared before Harare Regional Magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka, with Public Prosecutor Kudakwashe Muza representing the State. His alleged accomplice, Candrick Kupakuwana (49), of Mainway Meadows in Harare, is currently on the run.
According to a statement from Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri of the Zimbabwe Republic Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the alleged offence dates back to September 27, 2022.
“The accused, employed as an Internal Control Officer at a reputable financial institution, allegedly conspired with a fugitive accomplice to open two fraudulent bank accounts,” said Det Insp Muteweri. “The duo is accused of manipulating beneficiary account details, diverting funds intended for tax payments into the fake accounts, and subsequently misappropriating the money for personal use.”
The fraud reportedly resulted in a total prejudice of US$2,293,483.84 and ZWG514,735.41 to the bank.
As part of ongoing investigations, the police have seized 10 movable assets, including a Toyota Fortuner, Land Rover, Chevrolet Cruze, Toyota Aqua, and a Mercedes-Benz S280, all believed to be proceeds of the crime.
Nyakambiro, who claims to have studied at the University of South Africa (UNISA), has a visible digital footprint portraying a man devoted to his family, particularly his twin children. His social media also reveals a lifestyle filled with luxury, alcohol, and social outings.
Police are now appealing for information leading to the arrest of Candrick Kupakuwana, whose last known address is 2751 Mainway Meadows, Waterfalls, Harare.
Nyakambiro faces charges of contravening Section 8(1)(a) of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act, as well as fraud under Section 136 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23].
Thirteen youths were arrested in Cowdray Park, Bulawayo, on 24 May after police busted a Vuzu party, Harare Times has reported.
The arrests followed noise complaints from residents, prompting police officers to investigate a seven-roomed house in the suburb.
“About 13 unruly teens were arrested at a wild sex party in Cowdray Park in Bulawayo. They were busted taking drugs and having unprotected sex on Saturday night. We proceeded to the house and arrested 13 individuals who were attending the Vuzu party,” said Bulawayo police spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele.
The house where the party was held is reportedly occupied by a 21-year-old man and his sister, whose parents were away in Botswana at the time. Those arrested include the 21-year-old host and 12 others, aged between 17 and 21.
The incident underscores growing concerns over the rise of Vuzu parties in Bulawayo, where youths frequently engage in substance abuse, underage drinking, and risky sexual behavior. Authorities have urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and actively monitor their children’s social activities.
ZANU PF is stepping up its campaign efforts ahead of the crucial by-elections in Gutu East and Insiza North, slated for June 14, with party machinery operating at full throttle.
The ruling party has intensified mobilisation across both constituencies, rallying supporters and consolidating its voter base as it looks to extend its electoral dominance.
Speaking on the campaign trail, ZANU PF Secretary General Obert Mpofu voiced strong confidence in the party’s prospects, pointing to past by-election victories as evidence of growing support. “Our political approach has matured. We’ve secured wins in all recent by-elections through genuine mobilisation and clean campaigns. The President promotes inclusive leadership rooted in constitutional principles—not top-down directives,” Mpofu said.
In Insiza North, the race will feature four contenders: Delani Moyo of ZANU PF, Thabani Mlotshwa of ZAPU, independent candidate Lesley Dube, and Mbongeni Moyo of the Zimbabwe National Revival Party.
Meanwhile, the Gutu East ballot will see a three-way battle between ZANU PF’s Zvarevashe Masvingise, independent Gift Gonese, and Zivanai Nzvenga of the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA).
With various parties eyeing stronger representation in the National Assembly, the contests are expected to be tightly fought.
ZANU PF has reiterated its pledge to uphold peace, transparency, and people-centered engagement throughout the electoral process.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has confirmed that all logistical preparations for the June 14 vote are complete.
🔴 BREAKING NEWS: CCC Councillor Stranded Over Unused Travel Funds, Pleads for Allowance Deductions
Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe — 29 May 2025
Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Councillor for Chinhoyi Ward 8, David Malunga, has found himself in an embarrassing financial standoff after failing to reimburse travel and subsistence allowances paid out for a trip to Gweru he never undertook.
Cllr Malunga recently wrote to Acting Town Clerk Engineer Simon Marara, requesting that US$75 be deducted monthly from his councillor allowance to offset the debt, which totals ZiG9 154.04 and US$337.37—funds disbursed in December 2024.
However, the request has hit a policy wall.
The council’s Finance Director Zephaniah Chirarwe noted that if deductions were made as proposed, it would take eight months to recover the full amount—a clear violation of the Accounting Procedure Manual, which mandates repayment within 30 days.
Without an existing municipal policy to facilitate such a repayment plan, the issue was escalated to the full council for resolution.
During a heated Finance Committee meeting on May 8, multiple councillors voiced concern over the prolonged delay:
• Cllr Garikai Dendera criticised the lack of urgency, stating that “months had elapsed without repayment” and that Cllr Malunga should have been formally advised earlier.
• Cllr Innocent Mangwanya argued the matter was administrative and therefore outside the purview of the committee to recommend.
• Acting Chamber Secretary Ms Hilda Kabangure emphasised that deviation from the Public Finance Management Regulations of 2019 was not permissible, stating that policy compliance is non-negotiable.
Cllr Malunga’s request remains unresolved, with council officials divided over whether to allow gradual repayment or enforce immediate compliance with existing regulations.
The case has triggered wider questions around financial discipline and administrative procedure within local authorities.
A 33-year-old female vendor from Gokwe has been sentenced to 24 months in prison after being convicted of assault for forcefully drawing blood from a 10-year-old girl without consent in a shocking incident that has rocked the local community.
Mavis Sibanda was arraigned at the Gokwe Magistrates’ Court where she was found guilty of assault after she allegedly lured the Grade 5 pupil to her market stall near Sai Mart Supermarket in Gokwe’s Central Business District on May 26, 2025.
According to court records, Sibanda called the minor over under false pretenses before forcefully grabbing her right forefinger and inserting a needle to draw blood. She then placed the sample into an HIV testing kit, all without parental consent or medical clearance.
The traumatised child was left crying and wandering the area until two concerned men approached her. After learning of the disturbing event, they escorted her home and informed her father, who immediately reported the incident to the police. This led to Sibanda’s swift arrest.
The court found her actions to be both unlawful and reckless, sentencing her to two years of imprisonment for assaulting a minor and conducting unauthorized medical procedures.
Authorities have condemned the incident, urging members of the public to report any suspicious or unauthorised health-related activities in market areas.
By Dorrothy Moyo | ZimEye | 29 May 2025 | As Zimbabwe prepares to unveil the $88 million Trabablas Interchange with fanfare, flags, and full ministerial entourages, one glaring symbol of national contradiction stands defiantly by the roadside: a highway sign mounted on raw, untreated wooden poles.
Yes, you read that right. Not steel. Not aluminium. Not galvanised metal. Wood.
This is not just a minor design oversight — it is a national embarrassment.
Signage at Trabablas Interchange
A Nation of Minerals, Begging for Metal?
Zimbabwe boasts some of the richest mineral deposits on the African continent. We are the third-largest producer of platinum globally, the world’s second-largest reserves of chrome, and sit atop vast deposits of nickel, gold, iron ore, lithium, and ferrochrome. In 2023 alone, Zimbabwe earned over US$5.6 billion from mineral exports, according to the Ministry of Mines.
And yet, on one of the country’s most high-profile infrastructure projects, we cannot apparently afford a pair of proper steel poles for road signage.
How is this possible?
The Symbolism of the Rotten Timber
The Trabablas Interchange was billed as a transformative project — one that would supposedly “modernize Zimbabwe’s transport network” and boost the economy. A project officials say is “a milestone of the Second Republic.” And yet here stands a warped signboard, held up by two termite-prone logs — looking more like the gateway to a rural farming co-op than a modern interchange.
This is not just about aesthetics. It’s about engineering integrity, road safety, and value for money.
The Economics of Rot and Rust
For context:
A galvanised steel pole costs around US$50–80 retail.
Even with inflation, two high-quality sign poles should cost no more than US$200 installed.
The entire interchange is reported to have cost US$88 million.
In a nation where school children are sent home for failing to pay $10 school fees, what message does it send when $88 million is spent on an interchange that cuts corners for $200?
Worse still, wooden poles rot, splinter, and warp — which means the signage will deteriorate quickly, becoming a safety hazard and requiring expensive replacement sooner than metal poles would.
Corruption or Gross Negligence?
So what explains this mess?
There are only two real possibilities:
Incompetence by the project managers who allowed this slapdash installation.
Or corruption, where contractors siphoned funds and cut corners, knowing accountability is a distant dream in Zimbabwe’s patronage-drenched public sector.
Either way, the use of wooden poles is not just a technical failure. It is an indictment of the governance rot that continues to plague Zimbabwe’s infrastructure projects.
A Nation Watching
As Ministers pose for Facebook photos and President Mnangagwa prepares his ribbon-cutting speech, Zimbabweans are watching — and laughing. But it’s the laughter of despair, not joy.
In a country teetering on economic collapse, where 70% of citizens live in poverty, where hospitals have no drugs and schools no chalk, the fact that an $88 million interchange uses tree trunks for road signs should enrage every taxpayer.
It is the perfect metaphor for this administration’s leadership: polished surface, rotting foundation.
Until we stop celebrating mediocrity and start demanding accountability, Zimbabwe will continue to pave roads with gold — and hang signs with firewood.
The YouTuber, Pardon Gambakwe was interviewed via phone in a follow up to his public promise to reverse statements that got the activist Wellington Masiwa framed alongside with 105 other citizens, who were charged using the cache phrase Gambakwe introduced to online conversations on 20 March.
Gambakwe said he has not changed his mind on reversing his statements that are untrue.
Pardon Gambakwe meeting Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ambassador Uebert Angel in Harare in 2023 ( credit- Pardon Gambakwe)
He also said that he is not conducting money laundering cover up operations for ambassador Uebert Angel in his activism that started back in 2023 during the first GoldMafia documentary broadcasts. While admitting that he truly planted words into Nyoka’s mouth, he said this is because according to him, Masiwa already had over R1 million rands in his bank account 6 days before his (Gambakwe’s) “we are on our own!” statement.
His brief response went as follows-
Pardon: “You don’t want to hear what I am saying. The money was transferred into Nyoka’s account on the 14th of March; I said my statement on the 20th of March… so you cannot collectively accuse me of money laundering.”
Simba: Whatever that is, you planted words into his mouth that he is (Geza).
Pardon: “I planted the words after the money was received.”
Simba: whatever it is, whatever it is, I’ve got the notes I talk to his lawyers and it is not March when the money was transferred.
Pardon: “your notes are wrong”
Pardon Gambakwe also said he should not be investigated because he is the speaking for the journalism profession, although in his “we are on our own,” videos he speaks more like a spokesman for Masiwa.
Gambakwe also said he speaks authoritatively over Blessed Geza’s alleged connection to Nyoka because he is physically with the war veteran at the moment. When asked for evidence, he failed to produce a video or a videocall with Geza.
Gambakwe also acknowledged that he has publicised allegations that interfere with the ongoing court cases of the SAPS versus Wellington Masiwa by broadcasting claims that interpol police officers have been paid.
THE FOLLOWING WAS THE FULL INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT Date: 26 May 2025 Participants: Interviewer (Simba Chikanza), Interviewee (Pardon Gambakwe) VIA PHONE.
Date 27 May 2025⸻
Simba: I need to hear from you what’s going on, because you had promised last time during your broadcast that you were going to reverse your statements.
Pardon: We have moved on, Simba.
Simba: How have you moved on? The young man is still in jail; And you know the reason why he’s in jail is for politics. It’s because of those statements that you made. And there are also 105 who got arrested. They’re on bail—okay some of them—are on bail, but they’re still in trouble because of statements that you planted into Mabunu’s mouth.
Pardon: No. Simba, you’re an adult, aren’t you? Don’t talk to nonsense (zvinhu zvisina basa).
Simba: How do you say “zvisina basa”? The young man is in jail.
Pardon: How can someone plant a statement with a politician, with ZANU? You know that Mabunu is a ZANU politician.
Simba: But you made those statements, and they’re untrue, and you agreed on that broadcast that they’re untrue.
Pardon: Which statements?
Simba: The statements of-Number one, the statement that Nyokai yeMabunu is Blessed Geza or is a spokesman of Blessed Geza. Number two, the statement that the demonstration doesn’t have money.
Pardon: Yes, the demonstration doesn’t have money.
Simba: No, no, no… Pardon that wasn’t true. There’s no demonstration that has ever needed money. And number three—well, let’s just go back—you put Blessed Geza in there.
Pardon: Because that’s what he said. Nyokayemabhunu asked us to raise money, I told you.
Simba: But you know that Blessed Geza has got nothing… Geza has got nothing to do with Nyoka.
Pardon: Yes, but Nyoka said he’s got something to do with Nyoka, with Blessed Geza.
Simba: But assuming that is true—that you heard that—now that you know it is not true, can’t you correct it?
Pardon: …
Simba: Because that is the reason why Nyoka is in jail. And you the whole issue here- The first charge relates to fraud. And you know what- It’s a money laundering offense.
Pardon: No, it is…
Simba: The first charge—was 25,000 rands. Is it not?
Pardon: Okay, I’m going to give you the charge sheet, but not the whole thing. The first charge relates to a conviction in Harare.
Simba: I’m aware of that. I’m dealing with South Africa.
Pardon: But what was the conviction for?
Simba: No, that is something else. It’s not my focus.
Pardon: He was convicted for… He was convicted for $2,600 which is not paid off after they had sold stands in Harare. That’s the first charge. Are you aware of that?
Simba: I’m aware of that there’s something in Harare.
Pardon: But you have to be specific.
Simba: I am aware- But he got trapped. He got trapped through money. It was through money. The very first charge inside the police station.
Pardon: No.
Simba: How can you say no, are you his solicitor? Are you his lawyer?
Simba: The lawyer did state there was an issue of $20…
Pardon: I sit with his lawyer every time before they go to court, they sit with me for an hour.
Simba: Pardon. I’ve got a recording here. I interviewed the lawyer; even just now, he’s called me just now. So I am in direct contact with his lawyer.
Pardon: I speak with his lawyer before we go to court so what you are saying, Simba. What you’re saying is…
Simba: The trap was relating to money, R25,000 that he was accused of taking by Sibanda, Shumba. Yeah, Honest Sibanda.
Pardon: That’s not true. It’s not R25,000, it’s R14,000.
Simba: Whatever. Let’s just assume it’s $10. Whatever it is,
Pardon: let me explain to you.
Simba: Whatever that is; Pardon, my point is—there was an entrapment that followed your statement that the demonstration needs money. So the young man got into trouble.
Pardon: Let me explain to you. Wait.
Pardon: Nyoka and Shumba had an agreement over sofas,
Simba: over money.
Pardon: over sofas… okay, 14,000— Nyoka took R14,000 of Shumba’s money deposited into a Capitek Account. That’s why I said let me give you a charge sheet what is written there.
Simb: I’m listening.
Pardon: everything you’re talking about entrapment is not true. What happened is— the money was actually deposited into the Capitek account you understand?
Simba: I am aware.
Pardon: When Nyoka landed at the airport, he had over a million in his bank account. You understand.
Simba: I’m listening.
Pardon: That million was withdrawn by Zimbabwe intelligence. I’ve said this before. So all this has got nothing to do with what happened. There were other issues which will come out in court on Thursday.
Pardon: What you are explaining there is not what it is.
Simba: So you know what Pardon quickly? Pardon. The issue of money that’s why I said, even if it’s $10, you’ve just told me it’s a million. That money—that entrapment…
Pardon: No, the million was already in his bank account.
Simba: Okay, whatever that is, Pardon. You stated on 20 March that the demo needs money. The young man was entrapped through money. And his solicitors.
Pardon: Yes but not after my statement. He already had the money in his bank. It was deposited into his bank, So, the one million was already in his bank account.
Simba: On 20 March?
Simba: So you’re saying on 20 March it was already in his account?
Pardon: I’ll give you the charge sheet. It explains the dates.
Simba: I asked you over exactly that. Okay, was the money in his account on 20 March?
Pardon: It was already in his bank account—because he was arrested on 14 March, on 14 April.
Simba: No, Pardon, so it’s later is it not? 20 March is a month before. When I contacted you, that time, and I was trying to hint you and you also objected to me posting that (announcement exposing and discouraging fundraising.), which I was willing to delete and I’m still willing to delete that post that I made on 20 March. If you can address.
Pardon: No, don’t delete Simba.
Simba: If you can address.
Pardon: if you want to make a fool of yourself, you must continue. I want to tell you one thing Simba I am not a player in this thing. I’m not a player I’m a journalist. you want to report on another journalist.
Simba: Pardon, but you made statements; but you made statements, look the people here, whether journalist or not. Are you saying that being are a journalist then you are then allowed to get 105 people arrested?
Pardon: No, no one got arrested because of me, people who got arrested were arrested by the dragnet.
Simba: You said that Nyoka is Blessed Geza. You said that Nyoka is Blessed Geza that’s what you said.
Pardon: Wait let me show you the man himself saying it.
Simba: Did you verify that? And assuming that is true and it’s not an edited clip—
Pardon: You want me to verify Nyoka’s own statement?
Simba: Whatever that is, did you verify, now that you know Geza has nothing to do with this young man, Geza has no spokesman.
Pardon: How do you know that?
Simba: I know that. It’s a fact. Geza himself has said so, he’s made it clear, publicly.
Pardon: Geza I am with him right here. Are you talking of Geza?
Simba: Where is that? Why don’t you just show me right now? Which Geza?
Pardon: I have Geza right here; Befriend me first and I will show you Geza.
Simba: You have him where?
Pardon: you yourself? You are in UK.
Simba: who told you I am in UK?
Pardon: if you’ve become friendly with me, I will show you.
Simba: Pardon. The young man is in jail. The young man is struggling.
Pardon: But Geza is with me. You’re talking of Geza who I am it right now.
Simba: pardon, the thing that we are dealing with right now – You are now veering into the arena of fraud, money laundering, and terrorism financing which the young man is set to be charged—and you planted words.
Pardon: how? How?
Simba: the young man is set to be charged Pardon you know that. And you made your planted words.
Pardon: he has been charged wait wait wait he has been charged. And I’m saying to you, Simba let me give you a portion of the charge sheet.
Simba: Pardon it is set to get worse. You have already seen the charges in Harare. The charges in Harare cite him by name—and over your own words that you made, that you planted on 20 March.
So how different.
Pardon: you don’t have the charge sheet.
Simba: I do have the charge sheet from Harare…
Pardon: So why don’t you wait so that I give you?
Simba: i will give you both.
Simba: How different is this from what you did for Uebert in April 2023?
Pardon: Ubert is your cousin.
Simba: What cousin? What are you talking about? There are 105 people in jail and you’re busy talking about a cousin. Assuming he is my relative—how different is what you have done on Nyoka Mabunu from what you did for Uebert in March, April;
Simba: What decoys do you talk about there? How did you make that up?
Pardon: What?
Simba: You said Uebert was never investigated. You posted a video in April 2023, exactly the same time this young man was set up. So how do you differentiate what you did for Uebert from this because this is relating to money laundering and terrorism financing.
Pardon: …
Simba: You made statements saying people are going to march into State House and remove Mnangagwa. Is that not terrorism? Were you not planting terrorism words?
Pardon: I can give you a recording of my discussion with Nyoka if you want.
Simba: how different is what you have done to get him into trouble, and the 105 people,
Pardon: what do you mean getting Nyoka into trouble, I am not responsible for what he has done.
Simba: what you did on Hubert Angel knowing that very clearly the statements you were making on your YouTube account were clearly false and misleading,
Pardon: Uebert Angel is your cousin.
Simba: Whatever that is let’s just assume that he is my brother, I am asking you how different is what you have done on Nyokayemabhunu?
Pardon: He’s your cousin.
Simba: Whatever that is even if I was to live the same house with Uebert, how different, is what you have done on this young man and the 105, to what you’ve been doing for Uebert Angel since that day when you contacted me and told me that you’re now working for Uebert and Mudiwa Hood? Tell me, how different is it?
Pardon: Simba, Simba, stop,
Simba: How different is it?
Pardon: Your hatred with Uebert is a personal matter.
Simba: How do you continue—more than a month now—after acknowledging that you were going to address those statements? You haven’t done anything. That could have saved this young man and the 105?
Simba: You even quoted Honest Sibanda—money-related, after you’d planted words into Nyoka’s mouth; Number one, that he is Blessed Geza.
Pardon: That money relates to 14 March.
Simba: But whatever it is, you stated…
Pardon: Simba, you’re trying; I said on 20 March and the money was transferred on 14 March.
Simba: You stated that Nyoka is Blessed Geza, did you not? Did you not?
Pardon: Simba, you don’t want to hear what I have to say.
Simba: No, did you not? Tell me, did you not?
Pardon: You don’t want to hear what I am saying. The money was transferred into Nyoka’s account on the 14th of March; I said my statement on the 20th of March… so you cannot collectively accuse me of money laundering.
Simba: Whatever that is, you planted words into his mouth that he is (Geza).
Pardon: I planted the words after the money was received.
Simba: whatever it is, whatever it is, I’ve got the notes I talk to his lawyers and it is not March when the money was transferred.
Pardon: your notes are wrong.
Simba: I was talking with Masiwa on that very day on 20 March. And there was no money in his account.
Pardon: but he got the money on the 14th of March. He got the money on the 14th of March.
Simba: why do you enjoy falsifying?
Simba: show me the evidence that it is 14th of March.
Pardon: I’ll send you the chat sheet.
Simba: show me show me.
Pardon: I’ll send you the charge sheet.
Simba: Send it.
Pardon: Wait Simba so that I can send you. You do not have data.
Simba: Send it.
Pardon: you do not have information.
Simba: Send it.
Pardon: I’ll send you.
Simba: Send it.
Pardon: I will send it.
Simba: How do you separate that? I have the notes. I talked to the lawyers. I spoke to Masiwa on 20 March. There was no money in his account. You’re not telling the truth.
Pardon: Show me the evidence. Send it.
Simba: Okay. And how do you differentiate helping Uebert—assuming even I live with him—from what you’ve done to this young man?
Pardon: You even lived with Uebert and you grew up with Hopewell. You grew up with Hopewell the problem is you’ve got hatred for your own family members.
Simba: whatever that you can say, how do you walk with a straight face Pardon, when you know that you planted words into Nyoka ‘s mouth? How do you differentiate from what you were doing for Uebert in March, April 2023, which you told me.
Pardon: Simba, you keep repeating the same thing. Are you a robot?
Simba: I have got your messages here.
Pardon: you keep repeating the same thing over and over again.
Simba: the messages relate to your activities
Pardon: Listen, listen. .
Simba: Look at this—14 January 2023: “Happy New Year my brother. I hope we can find more areas of cooperation in 2023.” That was you. Pardon: I thought you were person now. I see you’re not a human being. What really is your problem Simba?
Simba: Pardon, how do you differentiate what you’re doing for a money laundering suspect in 2023 from what you’ve done to this young man?
Pardon: the problem is you don’t like… Simba you don’t like being… you are busy investigating a journalist instead of investigating Mnangagwa.
Simba: how do you go on YouTube and to speak and claim that you’re reporting News, when you know what you’re doing is putting this young man into trouble, now you’ve continued for more than a month I spoke to you over a month ago; when you made communication that you were going to, you were going to reverse.
Pardon: I can assure you Simba, because the things that you are now doing now,
Simba: You said Pardon that you’re going to reverse your statement but up to now, you still haven’t done what is so simple and would’ve saved this young man, and the 105 you don’t seem to be moved at all. The 105 of being falsely accused, of leading a violent participating in a violent demonstration that you doctored with your own mouth on 20 March 2025. How do you continue doing this Pardon with a straight face?
Pardon: Simba, I am about to go live let us wrap up.
Simba: without, without, continuing your work for Uebert Angel, to cover up for his money laundering that you started in 2023?
Pardon: You mean your cousin?
Simba: how do you do that? How do you do that to tell me?
Pardon: you mean your cousin? Simba, I need to go LIVE right now right?
Simba: how do you do that? How do you do that? And how do you say that you have not been helping you Uebert? You haven’t deleted. So why haven’t you deleted this post? You know that this is not true that there were decoys why haven’t you deleted this post then, if you weee not paid by Uebert?
Pardon: Let’s talk on a.
Simba: how come you haven’t deleted your post Pardon Gambakwe, how come you haven’t deleted the post that you made to cover up for Uebert Angel’s money laundering?
Pardon: I don’t delete my posts.
Simba: This post that that claimed here, that Al Jazeera fell for Zimbabwe intelligence decoys; That was even denied by the CIO, by the Zimbabwe intelligence. So how?
Pardon: I don’t delete my post because when I make a post, I never deleted it
Simba: but you know that it is false. You know that it is false. the CIO were clear, even the Zimbabwe Intelligence rubbished your post, and they presented evidence, and Uebert Angel himself paid money; he paid money get this post and other done.
Pardon: Who?
Simba: Uebert Angel paid money.
Pardon: Who?
Simba: Uebert Angel paid money. Do you want me to show you the bank transfer?
Pardon: Send, send.
Simba: I will show you the bank account transfers, why are you evading? I will show you the bank transfers.
Pardon: Simba, don’t talk nonsense.
Simba: you were telling me that you’re not aware that they were bank account transfers right there in South Africa, and you were involved.
Pardon: Send. Send my bank account.
Simba: so keep quiet and I will show you the payments that were made.
Pardon: how do you show me on the voice note? Simba, how do you show me on a voice note?
Simba: before you made this video,
Pardon: how do you show me something on a voice call?
Simba: I will show you right now, I can do a video call, let me share the video straight away right now. Let me share,
Pardon: no but you talk about, I want to go live now, it is 10 o’clock. I’ve got actual work to do
Simba:,Let me share the video right now, why are you running away?
Pardon: No, no, no.
Simba: You’re running away. Let me share the video. Why are you running away from video evidence of payments? You’re claiming money was not paid. I’ll show you money that was paid by Uebert Angel. How do you deny you participated in money laundering? How dodo you deny?
Pardon: Simba let me be civil. Let me go live to my LIVE, I will talk to you another time.
Simba: how do you deny that you participated in Money laundering?
Pardon: Simba, I want to go live in my channel.
Simba: How do you deny.
Simba: You can go LIVE. You need to call me, Pardon. Because this is not a small thing you know. And you know me Pardon I am not doing this for news. II’m doing this for justice. I’m doing this for justice, because Pardon, you made statements that have gotten over 105 people in trouble including Nyoka, 106 now, and you know that these statements are connected, to your work for Uebert Angel.
Pardon: We are going nowhere. Let me go live. Simba: you can go and you will need to set an appointment okay? I hope you’re going to set an appointment and I will go through the bank account transfer that you have just said that you don’t want to hear.
Pardon: Simba, do you know that I don’t have to talk to you?
Simba: Thank you very much. You can cut the phone..
Pardon: I don’t have to talk to you and if I want, I can just ignore you
Simba: very much you can actually cut the phone and you just go. I will be happy.
You have said that you don’t want to see the bank account transfer I will reveal.
Pardon: Simba, send the bank account over.
Simba: let’s cut the phone let’s cut the phone.
Pardon: I’ve never been paid by anyone in my whole life.
Simba: You’re saying Uebert Angel didn’t pay money to put up this whole script? You’re saying Uebert Angel didn’t pay money to put this whole script? I have got the bank account transfer and I will show.
Pardon: Simba, you keep repeating the same thing over and over we are not getting anywhere.
Simba: and right now you’re telling me that you are running away, you can go.
You can cut the phone. I’ll be happy. You said you don’t want to see the bank transfers. I will reveal the transfers.
Simba: You are saying that Uebert Angel didn’t pay money to put up this decoy script about intelligence decoys?. I have got the bank transfers and I will show. And I’m not stopping. This is going to go very far. You can cut the phone if you want .
Pardon: Talk Mnangagwa stories; Mnangagwa is killing people and you’re busy with nonsense.
Simba: If you want then you can set an appointment when you want. But I’m not stopping, Pardon. Thank you.
By A Correspondent – Celebrated Kenyan author and academic Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o has died at the age of 87.
Regarded as a titan of African literature, Ngũgĩ’s career spanned over six decades. He chronicled Kenya’s journey from colonial rule to independence, using his pen to challenge both colonial and post-colonial regimes. His fearless commitment to writing in African languages—especially Kikuyu—cemented his legacy as a literary revolutionary.
Born James Thiong’o Ngũgĩ in 1938 in colonial Kenya, Ngũgĩ’s early life was shaped by the brutality of British repression during the Mau Mau uprising. His brother was shot by colonial soldiers, and his village was razed. These experiences heavily influenced his early works.
Ngũgĩ’s literary journey took off after he shared the manuscript of his first novel Weep Not, Child with Chinua Achebe at Makerere University. The novel, published in 1964, was the first major English-language novel by an East African writer. He soon published The River Between, A Grain of Wheat, and Petals of Blood—the last of which criticized Kenya’s new elite.
In 1977, Ngũgĩ abandoned English for Kikuyu and was imprisoned for co-writing a politically charged play. He famously wrote his first Kikuyu novel, Devil on the Cross, on toilet paper while jailed.
Exiled for over two decades, he taught at leading universities in the US, including Yale and UC Irvine. Despite enduring jail, exile, cancer, and a brutal home invasion, Ngũgĩ remained an outspoken champion of decolonising African literature.
His seminal work Decolonising the Mind challenged African writers to abandon colonial languages. He had nine children, including author Mukoma wa Ngũgĩ.
Though tipped for the Nobel Prize many times, he never won. Still, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o leaves behind a legacy that reshaped African storytelling forever.
By A Correspondent-President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the tragic road accident near Sebakwe River, which claimed 12 lives on Tuesday, 27 May, a national disaster.
The fatal crash occurred just a few kilometres from the President’s private property, Precabe Farm, situated outside Kwekwe in the Midlands Province. The Sebakwe River area, close to the scene of the crash, is a known traffic black spot that has claimed numerous lives over the years due to its treacherous bends and high volumes of cross-country traffic.
Sebakwe River is a significant watercourse in central Zimbabwe, straddling the boundary between the Mashonaland West and Midlands provinces. It not only supports agricultural activities around President Mnangagwa’s sprawling Precabe Farm but also serves as a vital source of irrigation and livestock water for surrounding farming communities. The region has witnessed increasing vehicular traffic, particularly haulage trucks transporting fuel and agricultural produce.
Details of the Crash
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the collision involved a petrol tanker pulling two trailers, a two-tonne truck, and a Nissan AD van carrying 12 passengers. Preliminary investigations indicate that the fuel tanker side-swiped the smaller truck before ploughing head-on into the AD van. The tanker reportedly dragged the van for several metres before overturning and crushing it, resulting in a horrifying scene of destruction and loss of life.
Presidential Condolences and Declaration
In a message of condolence, President Mnangagwa expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and extended heartfelt sympathies to the grieving families. He also acknowledged the pressing need to enhance road safety measures across the country.
“I learnt with a very heavy heart of the horrific traffic collision yesterday in Midlands which claimed twelve innocent lives,” Mnangagwa said.
“The deadly incident adds yet another grim statistic to the needless toll which reckless driving levies on our people and our Nation.”
The President commended the ZRP for deploying high-end technologies to improve traffic management but emphasized that more decisive action is needed to reduce the growing number of road fatalities.
“The duty for safe traffic conduct squarely falls on all road users, while the responsibility to call out reckless road-users includes the general public who should support our law enforcement agencies to tame what in essence has become a traffic jungle,” he added.
He announced that the government would take full responsibility for the burial of the deceased and provide support to the injured, who are currently receiving treatment in local hospitals.
“I have since directed the responsible arms of my Government to declare this traffic accident a national disaster,” Mnangagwa said. “This crucial legal step paves the way for Government to move in and take all-round responsibility for the interment of all those who perished in the accident, and for support to those hospitalised.”
Public Response
The declaration has been welcomed by affected families and the general public, though it has also reignited calls for the government to invest more in road safety infrastructure, particularly in accident-prone areas like Sebakwe.
As investigations into the cause of the crash continue, authorities have urged all motorists to exercise extreme caution, especially when driving along highways with known danger zones.
We, the citizens of Zimbabwe, write to bring to your urgent attention a matter of grave concern that requires immediate regional intervention. On a recent occasion, we submitted a formal letter to the Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, calling for their intervention in addressing the deepening crisis of state capture and presidential incapacity affecting our nation. The letter outlines rampant corruption by President Emmerson Mangagwa and his associates, which has plunged the country into unprecedented institutional collapse. Tragically, those who delivered the letter on behalf of the citizens are now being hunted and their lives are at serious risk. Some have fled to neighboring countries and are now living as undocumented immigrants, unable to regularize their stay due to the suddenness of their escape. We humbly appeal to you, as leaders of the SADC community, to protect these individuals from political persecution. We also wish to alert you to the emergence of a shadowy terror group within Zimbabwe, sponsored to abduct and intimidate citizens who oppose President Mangagwa’s attempts to illegally extend his term and entrench dynastic rule. This militia-like group represents a severe threat to national security and the safety of innocent civilians. We urgently call upon your offices to investigate and take immediate action against this threat. The scale of corruption perpetrated by the Mangagwa administration has become intolerable. State resources are being plundered for personal enrichment, leading to widespread deprivation and hardship across the country. We are convinced that only decisive regional action can help restore governance, accountability and democratic order in Zimbabwe. Accordingly, we respectfully request that you:
Provide protection for the citizens who submitted the letter and are now under threat.
Intervene to ensure the safety of individuals being targeted by the emerging terror group.
Use your diplomatic influence to press the Government of Zimbabwe to address the crises of corruption, state capture, and presidential incapacity. We believe that SADC has a vital role in preserving peace, security, and democratic integrity in the region. We look forward to your swift and principled response. Attached to this letter are: A copy of the letter submitted to the Zimbabwean military A list of names of individuals facing political persecution
By A Correspondent | ZimEye | A Harare man was on Wednesday brought before the court on charges of public violence following a clash between police and residents resisting eviction at Cloverdale Farm, which is owned by former cabinet minister Petronella Kagonye.
Garikai Chirambadare appeared before magistrate Ruth Moyo, who remanded him in custody.
According to court papers, the incident occurred on the morning of May 16, when High Court sheriffs Sirwadi, David Dodzo, Maccduff Madenga, and Anna Chitemamiswe, accompanied by police officers, went to Cloverdale Farm to evict illegal settlers armed with a court order (HCH2294/24).
“The accused, together with other settlers, barricaded the Harare-Mutare Highway using wooden logs and burning tyres. They also dug trenches at the entrance and along several roads within the farm.
“When the police attempted to disperse the group, the accused and others already on remand resisted, leading to a commotion.
“The disturbance caused a traffic jam on the highway, prompting the police to deploy tear smoke to try and disperse the settlers. Several police officers were injured during the confrontation. Amid the chaos, the accused allegedly took a riot gun from a police officer and fled with it. He was later arrested on May 26, 2025, by a Support Unit team,” reads the court documents.
In March, Magistrate Moyo had found seven land invaders guilty of contravening the Regional Town and Country Planning Act for illegally occupying Cloverdale Farm.
Chirambadare was among the settlers.
The seven were convicted based on evidence presented in court, which confirmed that the land belongs to Glorious Properties, represented by Kagonye.
The magistrate also noted that Glorious Properties provided documentary evidence showing they had been allocated the land and granted permission to develop the stands by the Ministry of Local Government.-ZimEye
“Why Is He Always Mad?” – Chivayo’s Online Meltdown Draws Mockery, Psychological Speculation
Harare – 28 May 2025
By Showbiz Reporter | Businessman Wicknell Chivayo has once again found himself at the centre of social media ridicule after launching a crude attack on exiled cricket icon Henry Olonga. But this time, it’s not just his target that’s making headlines – it’s the public’s blunt reaction to Chivayo himself.
As screenshots of Chivayo’s disparaging comment about Olonga’s nationality and hairstyle spread, Facebook users did not hold back in diagnosing the man behind the insult. From mockery to outright concern over his mental state, the comments reveal growing unease over Chivayo’s behaviour despite his immense wealth.
“With all the money he has, why is he always mad???” questioned Mukundi Chifamba, whose comment sparked a flurry of responses dissecting Chivayo’s psychological state.
Pope Shumba The’Tenth replied, “He knows this guy who he is – that’s a kind response judging with what he did.” His comment hinted at an internal recognition of guilt or conflict.
Mai Tawana Pirie went further, suggesting Chivayo’s condition was supernatural: “Haa maghost aya. Kune maghost akawanda akuzviti Chivhayo.” (Translation: “These are ghosts. There are many ghosts calling themselves Chivayo now.”)
Top fan Jo Jo added, “Money is not everything. He’s lacking something,” reflecting a sentiment echoed by many Zimbabweans who see Chivayo’s lavish lifestyle as masking deeper issues.
Juwett Katyora concluded the thread bluntly: “Ndo kuromba kwacho ikoko,” implying that Chivayo’s wealth may be the result of occult practices or spiritual manipulation—a controversial claim often levelled at sudden millionaires in Zimbabwe.
As social media users continue to dissect his erratic behaviour, questions loom over whether Chivayo’s public outbursts are signs of unresolved personal trauma, spiritual conflict, or simply the side-effects of unchecked ego.
Despite his riches, Chivayo is discovering that in the eyes of the people, true respect is earned—not bought.
Once a towering force in Zimbabwean football, Dynamos FC—affectionately known as “DeMbare”—now finds itself in unfamiliar and unsettling territory.
The Harare giants, who once sent shivers down the spines of opponents across the continent, are rapidly fading into mediocrity.
In the ongoing 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season, Dynamos have managed just a single victory—matching the record of bottom-placed Kwekwe United.
For a club that reached the CAF Champions League final in 1998 and has historically dominated the local league, the current form is nothing short of alarming. Fans who once packed Rufaro Stadium with drums, chants, and sky-blue jerseys are now left disillusioned as the team lurches from one dismal performance to another.
Critics point to poor administrative decisions, lack of investment in quality players, and coaching instability as major contributors to the decline.
While other clubs have modernized and built on youth development, Dynamos appears stuck in the past, unable to adapt to the evolving dynamics of the modern game.
The loss of glamour is not just about results—it’s about identity. Where once stood a proud symbol of footballing excellence in Zimbabwe, there now stands a team struggling to rediscover its soul. As rivals like FC Platinum and Highlanders continue to grow stronger, Dynamos risks becoming a relic of a bygone era rather than a pillar of the present.
Unless urgent and meaningful reforms are implemented both on and off the pitch, Dynamos FC’s legacy may be left to gather dust in history books, rather than being etched into new chapters of Zimbabwean football.
South African football giants Mamelodi Sundowns are celebrating the birthday of their Zimbabwean star defender, Divine Lunga.
In a brief statement shared on their official platforms, Mamelodi Sundowns said:
“Masandawana, join us in wishing our defender Divine Lunga an amazing birthday today! Happy Birthday, Divine! 🎈”
The message was accompanied by the hashtags #Sundowns and #HappyBirthdayDivine, as the club and its fans took a moment to honour the talented left-back on his special day.
Gastrointestinal (GI) blockages in goats and sheep are a serious health concern, often caused by the ingestion of foreign objects. These animals, known for their curious nature, may consume non-food items found in their environment. Common culprits include plastic, hay twine, and other debris, especially when introduced through hay bales or externally sourced feed.
These blockages can be life-threatening and require immediate veterinary intervention. Below are key points every livestock keeper should know:
🔍 Symptoms
Signs of a GI blockage vary depending on the severity and location of the obstruction. Common symptoms include:
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Absence of stool production
Abdominal pain or bloating
Restlessness
In severe cases, the condition may become fatal before it’s properly diagnosed. Early recognition is crucial, as this can quickly escalate into a veterinary emergency.
🩺 Diagnosis
A veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination. Diagnostic tools such as ultrasound or X-rays may be used to confirm the presence and location of the blockage.
✅ Prevention and Treatment
The best approach is prevention. Regularly inspect and clean the animals’ environment to remove any foreign materials. Always ensure that hay and feed are free from plastic, twine, and other potential hazards. If a blockage is suspected, immediate veterinary care is essential.
⚠️ Important Note
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult a veterinarian if gastrointestinal blockage is suspected.
ZANU PF’s spokesperson, Christopher Mutsvangwa, has stirred controversy after he heaped praise on President Emmerson Mnangagwa for “spearheading economic gains” —despite growing public discontent, inflation, and widespread hardship across Zimbabwe.
Speaking during a media briefing at the ZANU PF headquarters in Harare on Tuesday, Mutsvangwa lauded the Second Republic under Mnangagwa’s leadership, saying it had brought economic stability and international respect.
“President Mnangagwa is getting invitations globally and he is a much admired statesman on the global stage,” said Mutsvangwa, insisting that Zimbabwe’s economic revival is underway. “There is a resilient economic structure in the country after surviving economic sanctions by Zimbabwe.”
He further claimed that the local economy was outpacing global giants. “England is struggling to revive its steel economy whilst we have a vibrant one,” he said, in remarks many critics have since called tone-deaf given the daily economic struggles faced by ordinary Zimbabweans.
Mutsvangwa defended Mnangagwa’s legitimacy, describing him as a leader elected by the people. He also took a swipe at opposition activists, particularly those associated with the failed March 31st movement. “The people doing attacks against President Mnangagwa have a reckless unfulfilled ambition for power,” he said. “They thought chaos and confusion would transfer power to people who are power hungry.”
He further claimed those plotting against the government had failed in their attempts. “There is a lot of humble pie being eaten by those people who tried to cause chaos. I want to assure you that the ghost of confusion and despondency have been foisted aside through economic development done by President Mnangagwa,” Mutsvangwa stated.
On the issue of leadership transition, Mutsvangwa dismissed any talk of succession. “We cannot fast forward the time of succession,” he said, arguing that Mnangagwa is focused on fulfilling the legacy of the liberation struggle. “The sacrifice of the liberation struggle should never be taken in vain, President Mnangagwa is walking on a narrow path to make sure that Zimbabwe becomes a successful economy.”
Despite Mutsvangwa’s optimistic tone, Zimbabwe continues to grapple with soaring inflation, currency instability, and growing public unrest. The widening gap between official statements and the lived realities of millions of citizens has sparked sharp criticism and questions over the government’s priorities.
ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has once again stirred political waters, firmly shutting down any talk of succession within the ruling party and declaring that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership remains essential for Zimbabwe’s future—despite mounting economic turmoil and widespread public discontent.
Speaking at a media briefing held at ZANU PF Headquarters in Harare on Tuesday, Mutsvangwa praised Mnangagwa for what he described as “spearheading economic gains,” and warned against attempts to challenge his presidency.
“We cannot fast forward the time of succession,” Mutsvangwa said bluntly, as speculation grows over leadership transition.
“The sacrifice of the liberation struggle should never be taken in vain. President Mnangagwa is walking on a narrow path to make sure that Zimbabwe becomes a successful economy.”
Mutsvangwa insisted that Zimbabwe was on the rise under the Second Republic, brushing aside glaring signs of inflation, currency collapse, and persistent poverty.
“President Mnangagwa is getting invitations globally and he is a much admired statesman on the global stage,” he said. “There is a resilient economic structure in the country after surviving economic sanctions by Zimbabwe.”
He went further to compare Zimbabwe’s economic performance to that of developed countries: “England is struggling to revive its steel economy whilst we have a vibrant one,” he claimed.
Mutsvangwa also took aim at critics of the government, particularly those aligned with the failed March 31st movement. “The people doing attacks against President Mnangagwa have a reckless unfulfilled ambition for power,” he charged. “They thought chaos and confusion would transfer power to people who are power hungry.”
According to Mutsvangwa, those efforts have failed: “There is a lot of humble pie being eaten by those people who tried to cause chaos. I want to assure you that the ghost of confusion and despondency have been foisted aside through economic development done by President Mnangagwa.”
The remarks come as Zimbabweans continue to battle economic challenges that sharply contrast with the government’s upbeat rhetoric. The growing disconnect between official narratives and everyday realities has only intensified calls for leadership renewal—calls that Mutsvangwa has made clear ZANU PF is not ready to entertain.
BREAKING NEWS
GWERU, ZIMBABWE – 28 May 2025
By A Correspondent | ZimEye | A chilling case of suspected domestic violence has rocked the community of Shagari in Lower Gweru after a nurse at Tumbire Clinic allegedly attacked a man with a machete, inflicting 13 deep wounds from head to toe.
The victim, identified as Mbonisi Mlando, is currently battling for his life at Gweru General Hospital after sustaining horrific injuries, including lacerations to his skull, arms, back, legs, and shoulders. Images from the hospital show Mlando covered in blood, with gaping wounds and medical tubes inserted as doctors fight to stabilize him. His body is stitched with fresh sutures in multiple places, and one leg remains heavily bandaged.
The alleged attacker, Henry Mathumbu, a well-known nurse in the area, is said to have carried out the brutal assault after Mlando confronted him over an alleged affair with his wife.
A local councillor for Vungu Ward 7, condemned the attack in the strongest terms, calling it a “savage and cowardly act.”
Residents of Shagari have expressed outrage and fear, demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of Mathumbu, whom they accuse of abusing his position in the community.
As of publishing, Gweru police have not yet issued an official statement, but sources close to the matter say an investigation has been opened and charges of attempted murder are likely.
The accused, Henry Mathumbu, was reached for comment but had not responded at the time of publication.
Prominent political analyst and human rights defender @LynneM reported on Tuesday that there was a break-in at the office of Brigadier-General Fidelis Mhonda, commander of Zimbabwe’s Presidential Guard, located in Harare.
Statement by LynneM:
“On Monday, 26 May 2025, Brigadier-General Fidelis Mhonda walked into his office to find it almost entirely stripped. Only his desk and chair remained. Everything else—official files, personal documents, family photos, ornaments, historical pictures from the liberation war, service accolades, and decorations—had vanished without a trace.”
🔹 Background
Brig-Gen Mhonda is widely believed to be behind the controversial and allegedly unconstitutional protection of figures such as Zvigananda, KT, and WC. Reports suggest he has been deploying Presidential Guard units to serve private interests, treating the force as a personal security company. According to the political commentator Comrade Bombshell Geza, Mhonda allegedly received monthly payments of US$25,000 from Zvigananda—a claim made in his viral video titled “Generals for Sale.”
🔹 Current Developments
Mhonda is also said to be a key figure behind businessman Kuda Tagwirei’s political campaigns. His wife reportedly served as the chief coordinator for KT’s recent “Young Women for ED” event in Masvingo, which was branded as part of the “Land Tenure Implementation Initiative.”
The break-in occurred at KG6 Barracks, a highly secured area near the Zimbabwe Defence Forces headquarters. Access to the office requires passage through multiple boom gates and layers of military security—raising serious questions about how such a breach could occur undetected.
🔹 Final Thought
Who has the access and authority to break into the office of one of the most powerful men in the country? Was it an act of political sabotage, insider warning, or criminal theft? The message behind this breach remains unclear—but its implications are causing ripples at the highest levels of power.
ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has once again stirred political waters, firmly shutting down any talk of succession within the ruling party and declaring that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership remains essential for Zimbabwe’s future—despite mounting economic turmoil and widespread public discontent.
Speaking at a media briefing held at ZANU PF Headquarters in Harare on Tuesday, Mutsvangwa praised Mnangagwa for what he described as “spearheading economic gains,” and warned against attempts to challenge his presidency.
“We cannot fast forward the time of succession,” Mutsvangwa said bluntly, as speculation grows over leadership transition. “The sacrifice of the liberation struggle should never be taken in vain. President Mnangagwa is walking on a narrow path to make sure that Zimbabwe becomes a successful economy.”
Mutsvangwa insisted that Zimbabwe was on the rise under the Second Republic, brushing aside glaring signs of inflation, currency collapse, and persistent poverty.
“President Mnangagwa is getting invitations globally and he is a much admired statesman on the global stage,” he said. “There is a resilient economic structure in the country after surviving economic sanctions by Zimbabwe.”
He went further to compare Zimbabwe’s economic performance to that of developed countries: “England is struggling to revive its steel economy whilst we have a vibrant one,” he claimed.
Mutsvangwa also took aim at critics of the government, particularly those aligned with the failed March 31st movement. “The people doing attacks against President Mnangagwa have a reckless unfulfilled ambition for power,” he charged. “They thought chaos and confusion would transfer power to people who are power hungry.”
According to Mutsvangwa, those efforts have failed: “There is a lot of humble pie being eaten by those people who tried to cause chaos. I want to assure you that the ghost of confusion and despondency have been foisted aside through economic development done by President Mnangagwa.”
The remarks come as Zimbabweans continue to battle economic challenges that sharply contrast with the government’s upbeat rhetoric. The growing disconnect between official narratives and everyday realities has only intensified calls for leadership renewal—calls that Mutsvangwa has made clear ZANU PF is not ready to entertain.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the tragic road accident that occurred in Kwekwe on Tuesday a national disaster, following the loss of 12 lives in the horrific incident.
The declaration enables the government to mobilize resources toward assisting the bereaved families, including facilitating the burial of the victims and extending support to those who were injured and remain hospitalized.
In a condolence message, Mnangagwa said :
“My heart goes to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in the horrific accident,” he said.
While offering his sympathies, Mnangagwa also used the moment to underscore the urgent need for improved road safety across the country.
“More still needs to be done to arrest the ever-spiralling fatalities on the country’s roads,” he said.
He further urged the public to embrace a culture of responsibility and caution on Zimbabwe’s highways, emphasizing the role of citizens in complementing law enforcement efforts.
“Safe traffic conduct is the duty of all road users,” Mnangagwa stated, adding, “I implore the public to support law enforcement agencies to tame the traffic jungle by calling out reckless road users.”
The accident, which reportedly involved a commuter omnibus and a heavy vehicle, occurred not far from the President’s private farm and has since sent shockwaves through the Midlands Province and the nation at large.
Authorities have launched investigations into the cause of the collision, while hospitals in the region continue to care for survivors, some of whom remain in critical condition.
The national disaster declaration ensures that both logistical and financial government support will be swiftly deployed to assist the affected families in this time of mourning.
Controversial Zimbabwean businessman and Zanu PF ally, Wicknell Chivayo, has sparked concern and curiosity after he was granted an audience with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan this week — a high-profile meeting that is raising eyebrows across the region.
Chivayo, who has deep ties to Zimbabwe’s First Family and is widely accused of looting state funds through dubious government tenders, posted a glowing tribute to President Suluhu on social media after the meeting, describing her as “the matriarch of Africa.”
“Yesterday, I had the immeasurable honour of once again meeting Her Excellency, President Samia Suluhu Hassan,” Chivayo wrote.
“In her, I always see the embodiment of motherly strength, wisdom and the dignified grace that only a true matriarch of Africa can carry.”
While Chivayo used the occasion to praise female leadership across Africa, political observers are asking a different question: What was Wicknell Chivayo doing in a high-level meeting with the Tanzanian Head of State?
Back home in Zimbabwe, Chivayo has become synonymous with corruption allegations, often appearing in the headlines for his lavish lifestyle funded, critics allege, by taxpayer money through inflated or non-delivered government contracts.
His close relationship with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the First Family has enabled him to remain untouched by the law, even amid mounting evidence and public outcry.
Given this background, Chivayo’s red-carpet treatment in Tanzania has alarmed transparency watchdogs. Some are questioning whether Chivayo is now attempting to export his controversial tender dealings to neighboring countries under the guise of regional business relations.
“How does a businessman under constant scrutiny for corruption manage to secure repeated audiences with a foreign Head of State?” one regional analyst asked.
“It raises legitimate concerns over what exactly is being discussed behind closed doors—and whether Tanzania is being misled.”
Chivayo’s carefully curated image as a Pan-African philanthropist and businessman stands in stark contrast to his record in Zimbabwe, where his name has become synonymous with scandal, including the failed Gwanda solar project and other contracts awarded without due process.
As Tanzanian officials remain tight-lipped about the purpose of the meeting, speculation continues to mount. Was it merely a courtesy call, or is Chivayo laying the groundwork for new business deals in Tanzania—possibly under questionable terms?
With governance and transparency under the spotlight across Africa, critics say this is more than just a photo op. “It’s time for Tanzanian authorities to ask who Wicknell Chivayo really is, and what his intentions are,” said one political commentator. “Africa cannot afford to export corruption.”
For now, the details remain unclear. But one thing is certain—Wicknell Chivayo’s meeting with President Suluhu has added a new chapter to a saga that continues to blur the lines between politics, power, and profit.
Grandma: Hello, where? No, no! Which airport are you? At Heathrow?
Grandma: Why did you carry those things? Hey, no yes they will find you. Yes they will ban you. They will ban you, I told you you don’t enter UK like you’re entering your public toilet.
Child: Grandma, how can you say that to someone who has been banned?
Grandma: No, don’t you can’t do that? Know that is a second ban; you are banned in America. Yes! Why are you shouting?
By A Correspondent-Four top Mnangagwa allies and the state-owned arms manufacturer, Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI), have been removed from UK sanctions.
The four are former Presidential Guard commander Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe and three other senior Zimbabwean security officials—Owen “Mudha” Ncube, Isaac Moyo, and Godwin Matanga.
Sanyatwe became a controversial figure following the post-election violence of 1 August 2018, when he ordered soldiers under his command to open fire on civilians protesting delays in the release of presidential election results.
Six unarmed civilians were killed in central Harare during the crackdown, sparking widespread international condemnation.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) announced the delisting in a statement issued on Tuesday, 27 May 2025. The statement reads:
“The UK announces the delisting of sanctions against individuals Owen Ncube, Isaac Moyo, Godwin Matanga, Anselem Sanyatwe, and the entity Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI).”
The move aligns with similar decisions by other Western entities. In February 2025, the European Union removed its final Zimbabwe-related restriction by delisting ZDI, though it retained its broader sanctions framework. The United States also lifted several Zimbabwean designations in March 2024, signaling a potential shift in international engagement with Harare.
Profiles of the Delisted Officials
Owen “Mudha” Ncube, currently serving as Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, held the powerful post of Minister of State for National Security from 2017 to 2022. His tenure was marked by heavy-handed tactics, most notably during the January 2019 protests against fuel price hikes. Ncube ordered a nationwide internet blackout as security forces violently suppressed demonstrators.
Isaac Moyo, who served as Director-General of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) from December 2017 until his departure in January 2025, was previously Zimbabwe’s ambassador to South Africa and Lesotho. The UK imposed sanctions on him in 2021 for his alleged involvement in human rights abuses, particularly during crackdowns on peaceful dissent.
Godwin Tandabantu Matanga, a veteran of the liberation war, served as Commissioner-General of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) from December 2017 to December 2024. Trained in Romania and Egypt, Matanga was a key figure in Zimbabwe’s post-independence security sector. His command has been linked to several instances of police brutality and repression of opposition activists.
Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, currently Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, was Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army between October 2023 and March 2025. Prior to that, he led the elite Presidential Guard unit. His role in the 1 August 2018 shootings, captured in widely circulated video footage, made him a symbol of military impunity.
A Shift in Western Policy?
The UK’s decision to lift sanctions on these individuals and ZDI could signal a recalibration of its approach to Zimbabwe, possibly opening doors to renewed diplomatic and economic engagement. However, critics warn that removing punitive measures without significant reforms risks legitimizing a culture of impunity.
While the Zimbabwean government has welcomed the development, rights groups and opposition leaders have expressed concern over what they describe as a premature softening of international pressure in the absence of meaningful accountability or democratic progress.
ZANU PF Secretary General Obert Mpofu appears noticeably thinner and visibly fatigued in recent public appearances, raising questions about his health. Is everything alright with him?
Picture: Is Obert Mpofu Alright?
ZANU PF Secretary General Obert Mpofu appears noticeably thinner and visibly fatigued in recent public appearances, raising questions about his health. Is everything alright with him? pic.twitter.com/uKXI7hvKtW
Henry Olonga Speaks Out Amid Backlash Over Citizenship Comment, ZimEye Questions Obert Gutu’s Remarks
Tuesday, 28 May 2025 – Harare
By Farai D Hove | ZimEye | Former Zimbabwe cricket star and human rights activist Henry Olonga has broken his silence following controversy over his remarks on the BBC, where he stated that he is no longer Zimbabwean. In a heartfelt Facebook post, Olonga clarified that his loss of Zimbabwean citizenship was not voluntary, but a consequence of the country’s restrictive nationality laws.
“Zimbabwe decided for me, not the other way around,” wrote Olonga, explaining that after renouncing Kenyan and Zambian citizenships, the Zimbabwean government refused to renew his passport when it expired in 2006. This left him stateless for nine years.
At the heart of the issue is Zimbabwe’s legal stance on dual citizenship. According to the country’s law:
“Dual nationality is only recognised if the person is a Zimbabwe citizen by birth. A Zimbabwe citizen who has gained citizenship by registration or descent is not allowed to hold dual citizenship.”
This provision, found in Section 42 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe (as read with the Citizenship of Zimbabwe Act [Chapter 4:01]), effectively meant that Olonga, a citizen by registration—not by birth—was ineligible to retain Zimbabwean nationality while acquiring another.
“They first forced me to renounce all other options and then took the only one I had left away,” said Olonga. “I would have happily remained a Zimbo. But I am a law-abiding person, so I am shut out by the rules.”
His explanation comes amid harsh criticism from former Deputy Minister of Justice, Obert Gutu, who posted a scathing message on social media:
“I don’t know this guy very well… However, I would also be lying if I say that I respect him. Because I certainly don’t.”
Gutu accused Olonga of being “used” during his iconic black armband protest with Andy Flower at the 2003 Cricket World Cup and suggested he was attempting to please white audiences. Gutu’s remarks sparked debate, with ZimEye questioning whether Gutu even understands the facts surrounding Olonga’s citizenship ordeal.
In response, Olonga urged people to verify facts before casting judgment and lamented the “negativity and toxicity” circulating online. “Spread more love,” he said, “the Almighty will be pleased.”
This legal quagmire has reopened debates about Zimbabwe’s rigid nationality laws and their human cost—particularly for prominent exiles like Olonga, who sacrificed everything to take a principled stand.
By A Correspondent| Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has petitioned the High Court seeking an order to declare some repressive provisions of the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Act as unconstitutional and set them aside as they imprudently criminalise legitimate critical development and human rights work and over-regulate PVOs.
ZLHR, was formed in 1995 by human rights lawyers, with a broad mandate of protecting the Constitution, advancing the cause of constitutionalism and the rule of law and defending victims of human rights abuses and unconstitutional behaviour.
In an application filed at Harare High Court on 16 May 2025, ZLHR argues that the PVO Amendment Act, which was enacted and published in the Government Gazette on 11 April 2025, constitutes a fundamental encroachment of rights of members of the organisation, which is an independent universitas established by law.
ZLHR, opines that the impugned amendments contained in the PVO Amendment Act constitute unconstitutional over-regulation, over legislation and criminalisation of innocent important charitable, developmental and human rights work.
The provisions of the PVO Amendment Act, ZLHR argues, overreach by violating the freedom of assembly and association guaranteed under section 58(1) of the Constitution, the freedom of expression under section 61 of the Constitution, the right to administrative justice guaranteed under section 68(1) and (2) of the Constitution, the right to a fair hearing under section 69(1), (2) and (3) of the Constitution and section 71 of the Constitution, which provides for property rights. ZLHR further argues that the impugned provisions of the PVO Amendment Act, were vague and badly drafted and contained arbitrary powers and over-regulation of PVOs.
The PVO Amendment Act, ZLHR says, has the effect of concentrating arbitrary powers in the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare and the Registrar’s office and contains excessive executive interference in the internal affairs of PVOs. The impugned provisions of the PVO Amendment Act, ZLHR says, have the net effect of effectively allowing the Executive to run PVOs and to deregister those that authorities dislike on very nebulous grounds.
The law-based human rights organisation wants the High Court to grant it an order of constitutional invalidity, declaring section 4, section 5 as read with section 9(5), section 6, section 13A, section 14, and section 21, of the Private Voluntary Organisations Act (as amended by the PVO Amendment Act) to be ultra vires the Constitution and to be set aside.
This order, ZLHR says, would be subject to confirmation by the Constitutional Court in terms of the provisions of section 175(1) of the Constitution and that the order of constitutional invalidity issued would be suspended for a period of 12 months from the date of confirmation by the Constitutional Court in order to enable the respondents to amend the impugned legislation so that it complies with the Constitution.
By A Correspondent| Rising Zimbabwean music sensation Shashl is gearing up to release her brand-new album, “The First Quarter”, with a highly anticipated live show scheduled for June 21, 2025, at the 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale, Harare.
The singer-songwriter, born Ashleigh Moyo, has steadily cemented her place in the African music landscape, carving a niche with her Afro-pop and R&B fusion. Her latest work follows the success of her 2024 EP, Butterflies, which earned widespread praise for its depth and sonic innovation.
With a catalogue that includes recent standout singles like “Softly” and “Remedy,” Shashl continues to exhibit artistic growth.
“Softly,” co-produced by Tamuka and Stubborn Beats, is a heartfelt ballad that explores themes of love, endurance, and emotional strength. Its accompanying video, filmed in the scenic locales of Tanzania and directed by Kenny, has already struck a chord with fans.
The forthcoming launch event promises an immersive musical experience, as Shashl takes to the stage to perform new material from “The First Quarter”.
By A Correspondent| The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested Gan Zhewen, Lin Hui, and Bi Yanyan and Arnold Mlambo for import duty fraud.
The four allegedly imported 1 342 cartons of suitcase accessories and falsified import documents claiming they were importing fertiliser distributors and steel tubes in order to benefit from duty exemptions for agricultural imports.
The consignment was cleared without inspection, with the accused persons only paying USD 4 531.00 in Value Added Tax (VAT), prejudicing the State of USD 163 550.00 in import duty and VAT.
ZIMRA uncovered the scandal, impounded the goods, and reported the matter to ZACC, leading to the arrest of the accused persons.
They have since appeared at Harare Magistrates Court and were remanded to 23 June 2025 on USD 150.00 bail.
A viral message suggested on Wednesday that one of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s bikers was killed shortly after a traffic accident. The President’s Office was reached for comment. More follows
By A Correspondent-Zanu PF has released fresh details that led to the dramatic military coup that ousted the late President Robert Mugabe in November 2017.
The party said the coup was triggered by none other than his former top spy and Justice Minister, Retired Lieutenant General Happyton Bonyongwe.
Party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has sensationally claimed that Bonyongwe’s actions and political manoeuvres were the final straw that led the military to intervene and force Mugabe out of power after nearly four decades at the helm.
Mutsvangwa also accused Mugabe of abandoning the ideals of the liberation struggle, branding him a “dynastic pretender” who had ceased to serve the revolution and was instead trying to hand over power to his wife, Grace Mugabe.
A Coup Years in the Making
The events of November 2017 marked a turning point in Zimbabwe’s post-independence history. Long-simmering tensions between rival factions within the ruling party, and particularly between the military and the so-called G40 faction aligned with Grace Mugabe, exploded into the open.
At the centre of the storm was Mugabe’s succession.
For years, speculation swirled over who would take over after the aging leader. Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a liberation war stalwart with strong ties to the military, was long seen as the natural successor.
But Grace Mugabe’s rapid political rise—backed by a younger faction of technocrats and party elites—threatened to upend that trajectory.
In October 2017, Mnangagwa was expelled from both government and Zanu PF, accused of disloyalty and plotting against Mugabe.
He fled the country, reportedly with military assistance, and issued a defiant statement promising to return.
Back in Harare, Mugabe reshuffled his Cabinet and appointed Bonyongwe—then the director-general of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO)—as Minister of Justice.
This move was widely interpreted as an attempt to consolidate power and further weaken the influence of the military, which remained loyal to Mnangagwa.
It was against this backdrop that Mutsvangwa now claims Bonyongwe moved to arrest top army commanders, a step that the Zimbabwe Defence Forces viewed as a direct threat to national stability and their institutional survival.
Operation Restore Legacy
On 15 November 2017, tanks rolled into Harare.
The Zimbabwe Defence Forces, led by then-General Constantino Chiwenga, launched what they called Operation Restore Legacy.
Mugabe was placed under house arrest, and a series of dramatic negotiations unfolded behind closed doors.
Despite attempts by South African mediators and Catholic clergy to broker a dignified exit, Mugabe refused to step down.
It was only after Zanu PF initiated impeachment proceedings in Parliament, and amid massive public demonstrations, that he finally resigned on 21 November 2017.
Mnangagwa returned from exile and was sworn in as president days later.
Legacy of the Coup
While Zanu PF portrays the coup as a necessary correction to safeguard the legacy of the liberation struggle, critics see it as a thinly veiled power grab that simply replaced one faction of elites with another.
The role of Bonyongwe, long a shadowy figure in Zimbabwe’s security state, has remained murky—until now. Mutsvangwa’s remarks suggest that internal battles among security chiefs, and Bonyongwe’s alleged overreach, may have catalyzed the events that brought an end to Mugabe’s long rule.
By A Correspondent-Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has revealed that the dramatic military coup that ousted the late President Robert Mugabe in November 2017 was sparked by a move to arrest the country’s top military leaders, including then-ZDF Commander and current Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga.
According to Mutsvangwa, the man behind the attempted arrests was none other than Retired Lieutenant General Happyton Bonyongwe, Mugabe’s longtime spy chief and Justice Minister at the time. He described Bonyongwe’s political manoeuvres as the “final straw” that forced the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to intervene in what became known as Operation Restore Legacy.
“Had Bonyongwe succeeded in detaining the military command, Mugabe would have secured power for Grace Mugabe and the G40 faction,” Mutsvangwa claimed, in a stunning disclosure that sheds new light on the final days of Mugabe’s 37-year rule.
Mugabe the “Dynastic Pretender”
Mutsvangwa did not mince words in his critique of Mugabe, branding the former leader a “dynastic pretender” who had abandoned the ideals of the liberation struggle in favour of a personal and family agenda. He accused Mugabe of trying to hand over the reins of power to his wife, Grace Mugabe, through the controversial G40 faction, which had gained prominence in the ruling party.
A Coup Years in the Making
The events of November 2017 did not erupt overnight. They were the culmination of years of escalating factionalism within Zanu PF, pitting the military-aligned Lacoste faction—loyal to Emmerson Mnangagwa—against the youthful and ambitious G40 camp backing Grace Mugabe.
For years, Mnangagwa, a liberation war veteran with strong ties to Zimbabwe’s security establishment, was widely considered Mugabe’s natural successor. But by late 2017, that path was being blocked.
In October 2017, Mnangagwa was sacked from both government and Zanu PF, accused of plotting against Mugabe. He fled the country—reportedly with the help of military allies—and issued a defiant warning that the “revolution had been hijacked by counter-revolutionaries.”
Just weeks after Mnangagwa’s ouster, Mugabe reshuffled his Cabinet, bringing in Bonyongwe—then Director-General of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO)—as Justice Minister. The move was interpreted as part of a strategy to sideline the military and concentrate power in the hands of civilian intelligence and G40 loyalists.
The Arrest Attempt That Backfired
It was during this high-stakes political chess game that Bonyongwe allegedly made his move to arrest military leaders, including Chiwenga. The attempt, according to Mutsvangwa, backfired spectacularly.
The military viewed the arrests not just as political overreach, but as a direct threat to institutional survival. Fearing the neutralization of the armed forces and the imposition of a G40-led dynasty, the army launched Operation Restore Legacy on 15 November 2017.
Tanks rolled into Harare. Soldiers seized key state institutions. Mugabe was placed under house arrest as negotiations began behind the scenes. South African envoys and Catholic clergy attempted to mediate, but Mugabe refused to resign.
It was only after Parliament initiated impeachment proceedings and thousands of Zimbabweans flooded the streets in support of the army that Mugabe finally stepped down on 21 November 2017.
Days later, Mnangagwa returned from exile and was sworn in as President.
Legacy of the Coup
To Zanu PF and the military, the 2017 coup was a patriotic act to “restore the revolution.” To critics, it was merely a factional power grab that swapped one elite ruling clique for another.
Until now, Bonyongwe’s role in the coup had remained largely speculative. Mutsvangwa’s revelations—coming nearly eight years later—paint a picture of deep divisions within Zimbabwe’s security and intelligence services, and suggest that internal battles among top commanders were just as pivotal as public discontent in bringing Mugabe’s rule to an end.
By A Correspondent- The United Kingdom has lifted sanctions on former Presidential Guard commander Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe and three other senior Zimbabwean security officials—Owen “Mudha” Ncube, Isaac Moyo, and Godwin Matanga, as well as the state-owned arms manufacturer, Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI).
Sanyatwe became a controversial figure following the post-election violence of 1 August 2018, when he ordered soldiers under his command to open fire on civilians protesting delays in the release of presidential election results. Six unarmed civilians were killed in central Harare during the crackdown, sparking widespread international condemnation.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) announced the delisting in a statement issued on Tuesday, 27 May 2025. The statement reads:
“The UK announces the delisting of sanctions against individuals Owen Ncube, Isaac Moyo, Godwin Matanga, Anselem Sanyatwe, and the entity Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI).”
The move aligns with similar decisions by other Western entities. In February 2025, the European Union removed its final Zimbabwe-related restriction by delisting ZDI, though it retained its broader sanctions framework. The United States also lifted several Zimbabwean designations in March 2024, signaling a potential shift in international engagement with Harare.
Profiles of the Delisted Officials
Owen “Mudha” Ncube, currently serving as Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, held the powerful post of Minister of State for National Security from 2017 to 2022. His tenure was marked by heavy-handed tactics, most notably during the January 2019 protests against fuel price hikes. Ncube ordered a nationwide internet blackout as security forces violently suppressed demonstrators.
Isaac Moyo, who served as Director-General of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) from December 2017 until his departure in January 2025, was previously Zimbabwe’s ambassador to South Africa and Lesotho. The UK imposed sanctions on him in 2021 for his alleged involvement in human rights abuses, particularly during crackdowns on peaceful dissent.
Godwin Tandabantu Matanga, a veteran of the liberation war, served as Commissioner-General of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) from December 2017 to December 2024. Trained in Romania and Egypt, Matanga was a key figure in Zimbabwe’s post-independence security sector. His command has been linked to several instances of police brutality and repression of opposition activists.
Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, currently Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, was Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army between October 2023 and March 2025. Prior to that, he led the elite Presidential Guard unit. His role in the 1 August 2018 shootings, captured in widely circulated video footage, made him a symbol of military impunity.
A Shift in Western Policy?
The UK’s decision to lift sanctions on these individuals and ZDI could signal a recalibration of its approach to Zimbabwe, possibly opening doors to renewed diplomatic and economic engagement. However, critics warn that removing punitive measures without significant reforms risks legitimizing a culture of impunity.
While the Zimbabwean government has welcomed the development, rights groups and opposition leaders have expressed concern over what they describe as a premature softening of international pressure in the absence of meaningful accountability or democratic progress.
Dendera music star Sulumani Chimbetu has dismissed as baseless and absurd the circulating allegations that he had an affair with fellow musician Greatman’s wife.
Social media has been awash with rumors suggesting an inappropriate relationship between Chimbetu and Greatman’s wife.
Addressing the claims in a recent interview with DJ Ollah 7, Sulu laughed off the allegations, saying there was no truth to the speculation.
“This is absolutely crazy. I don’t even interact with Greatman’s wife,” Chimbetu said.
“He introduced me to her some time ago, and she was already pregnant when I met her for the very first time. This tells you that whatever is being said is baseless.”
He added: ” So having a collaboration with Greatman is a crime ? Iye munomushorei Greatman? Hey guys stop this is unnecessary.”
Chimbetu’s comments come as fans and followers continue to debate the controversial claims online.
By Munacho Gwamanda- The dramatic military coup that ousted the late President Robert Mugabe in November 2017 was triggered by none other than his former top spy and Justice Minister, Retired Lieutenant General Happyton Bonyongwe, according to the ruling Zanu PF party.
Party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has sensationally claimed that Bonyongwe’s actions and political manoeuvres were the final straw that led the military to intervene and force Mugabe out of power after nearly four decades at the helm.
Mutsvangwa also accused Mugabe of abandoning the ideals of the liberation struggle, branding him a “dynastic pretender” who had ceased to serve the revolution and was instead trying to hand over power to his wife, Grace Mugabe.
A Coup Years in the Making
The events of November 2017 marked a turning point in Zimbabwe’s post-independence history. Long-simmering tensions between rival factions within the ruling party, and particularly between the military and the so-called G40 faction aligned with Grace Mugabe, exploded into the open.
At the centre of the storm was Mugabe’s succession. For years, speculation swirled over who would take over after the aging leader. Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a liberation war stalwart with strong ties to the military, was long seen as the natural successor. But Grace Mugabe’s rapid political rise—backed by a younger faction of technocrats and party elites—threatened to upend that trajectory.
A few weeks before the coup, Mnangagwa was expelled from both government and Zanu PF, accused of disloyalty and plotting against Mugabe. He fled the country, reportedly with military assistance, and issued a defiant statement promising to return.
Back in Harare, Mugabe reshuffled his Cabinet and appointed Bonyongwe—then the director-general of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO)—as Minister of Justice. This move was widely interpreted as an attempt to consolidate power and further weaken the influence of the military, which remained loyal to Mnangagwa.
It was against this backdrop that Mutsvangwa now claims Bonyongwe moved to arrest top army commanders, a step that the Zimbabwe Defence Forces viewed as a direct threat to national stability and their institutional survival.
Operation Restore Legacy
On 15 November 2017, tanks rolled into Harare. The Zimbabwe Defence Forces, led by then-General Constantino Chiwenga, launched what they called Operation Restore Legacy. Mugabe was placed under house arrest, and a series of dramatic negotiations unfolded behind closed doors.
Despite attempts by South African mediators and Catholic clergy to broker a dignified exit, Mugabe refused to step down. It was only after Zanu PF initiated impeachment proceedings in Parliament, and amid massive public demonstrations, that he finally resigned on 21 November 2017.
Mnangagwa returned from exile and was sworn in as president days later.
Legacy of the Coup
While Zanu PF portrays the coup as a necessary correction to safeguard the legacy of the liberation struggle, critics see it as a thinly veiled power grab that simply replaced one faction of elites with another.
The role of Bonyongwe, long a shadowy figure in Zimbabwe’s security state, has remained murky—until now. Mutsvangwa’s remarks suggest that internal battles among security chiefs and Bonyongwe’s alleged overreach may have catalysed the events that brought an end to Mugabe’s long rule.
WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA – Zimbabwe’s ZDF Queens proudly brought home silver medals from the Confederation of Southern Africa Netball Associations (COSANA) Club Championships, following a narrow 47–44 defeat to Eswatini’s Royal Flames in a thrilling final held on Monday.
The defending champions of the Premier Netball League (PNL) had a challenging start, trailing from the first quarter. However, they displayed remarkable resilience, mounting a strong comeback that saw them snatch a one-point lead in the final quarter.
The tightly contested match kept fans on edge until the final two minutes, when the ZDF Queens relinquished their lead and ultimately fell just three points short of victory.
In recognition of their efforts, the team secured a silver medal finish and walked away with a cash prize of N$8,000. Adding further prestige to Zimbabwe’s performance, veteran player Kelly Muyambo was named Best Player of the Tournament—an accolade celebrating her exceptional skill, consistency, and leadership throughout the competition.
Zimbabwe was represented by two teams at the regional tournament, with Makate High Flyers also proudly participating and showcasing the depth of talent in Zimbabwean netball.
HARARE – Zimbabwe’s football landscape is set for a major leadership shake-up, with elections for the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) officially scheduled for July 25, according to a roadmap released by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA).
The upcoming elections are seen as a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to revamp football administration in the country. Both the PSL and WPSL will be electing new leadership to steer the direction of Zimbabwe’s top-flight leagues.
In the PSL, key positions to be filled include the Chairperson, two Deputy Chairpersons, and three Emergency Committee members. The WPSL will vote for a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and five additional committee members.
ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi emphasized the importance of the elections in rebuilding confidence and integrity within the sport.
“These elections are an essential step toward renewing our football structures. ZIFA is dedicated to ensuring a fair, transparent, and inclusive process that will lay strong foundations for the future of Zimbabwean football,” he stated.
The PSL Chairperson’s role has remained vacant since December 2024, when Farai Jere stepped down to contest a ZIFA Board position—a term that has since concluded.
Over in the WPSL, Theresa Maguraushe has been serving as interim Chairperson since the league’s reformation last year.
With preparations for the polls now underway, stakeholders across the football community are optimistic that the elections will bring in dynamic, visionary leaders to drive meaningful progress in the sport.
By A Correspondent– The Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed the death of 12 people following a horrific road traffic accident involving a fuel tanker, a pirate taxi (commonly known as a mushikashika), and a small lorry near Sebakwe River in Kwekwe on Monday.
The deadly collision occurred along the Harare-Bulawayo Highway, just under 20 kilometres northeast of the Sebakwe River bridge, near the turn-off to Precabe Farm—President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s privately owned agricultural estate.
The farm, located approximately 17km from the river when travelling toward Harare from Kwekwe, has long been associated with the president’s business interests in livestock and crop production.
According to eyewitnesses, the three vehicles were travelling in close proximity when the crash occurred.
It is alleged that one vehicle attempted a risky overtaking manoeuvre, triggering a chain reaction that led to the deadly pile-up. The presence of the fuel tanker significantly worsened the impact, with all three vehicles sustaining extensive damage.
Precabe Farm, owned by Mnangagwa since the late 1980s, has been a subject of public interest for years due to its strategic location along one of Zimbabwe’s busiest highways and its proximity to key transport routes.
The site of Monday’s accident lies in a known traffic blackspot, where reckless driving and overloaded vehicles are a regular occurrence.
A joyous occasion in Liverpool quickly turned into a scene of chaos and horror as a car ploughed into a crowd of celebrating football fans during Liverpool FC’s Premier League victory parade. The incident, which occurred around 6pm on Monday, has left 65 people injured—11 of whom remain hospitalized—prompting a major police investigation and widespread public concern.
Merseyside Police confirmed the arrest of a 53-year-old man from West Derby on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving, and drug-driving. He remains in custody and is being questioned by detectives. The suspect is believed to have tailgated an ambulance onto Water Street after security barriers were momentarily lifted to allow emergency responders through to aid a man suffering a suspected heart attack.
The temporary removal of the “robust” traffic controls in place for the parade has raised serious questions, with Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram calling for an urgent review of how the vehicle was able to access a restricted area teeming with fans.
Eyewitness accounts depict a terrifying moment. Fan Alex Todd, who was near the crash site, described the chaos as people surged into nearby businesses for safety. “My little sister burst into tears—she had been only a few metres from the car,” he said.
Four children were among those injured. The government’s Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) has opened access for victims to apply for support under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012.
Police have launched a comprehensive investigation, including reviewing CCTV footage and speaking with numerous witnesses and emergency responders. Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill said, “We are trying to get a full picture of exactly what happened.”
The swift response of Merseyside Police and the North Western Ambulance Service has been widely praised. Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Simms commended emergency workers for running toward the danger to assist the injured. “Their bravery and quick action undoubtedly prevented a more tragic outcome,” she said.
The incident is not being treated as terrorism. However, it has prompted a “complete step change” in how police share information with the public, according to experts, drawing comparisons to previous criticisms around communication following other major incidents in the region.
As investigations continue, the community of Liverpool—and the broader football world—remain united in shock and support. Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard expressed his sentiments, saying he was “shocked, sickened and saddened” by what transpired.
With the city still reeling, the focus now turns to accountability, recovery, and ensuring such a tragedy does not happen again during public celebrations.
By A Correspondent– Several people are feared dead following a horrific road traffic accident involving a fuel tanker, a pirate taxi (commonly known as a mushikashika), and a small lorry near Sebakwe River in Kwekwe on Monday.
The deadly collision occurred along the Harare-Bulawayo Highway, just under 20 kilometres northeast of the Sebakwe River bridge, near the turn-off to Precabe Farm—President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s privately-owned agricultural estate. The farm, located approximately 17km from the river when travelling toward Harare from Kwekwe, has long been associated with the president’s business interests in livestock and crop production.
According to eyewitnesses, the three vehicles were travelling in close proximity when the crash occurred. It is alleged that one vehicle attempted a risky overtaking manoeuvre, triggering a chain reaction that led to the deadly pile-up. The presence of the fuel tanker significantly worsened the impact, with all three vehicles sustaining extensive damage.
Authorities had yet to release the exact death toll at the time of publishing, but emergency services remained at the scene late into the afternoon, with bodies reportedly being retrieved from the mangled wreckage.
Precabe Farm, owned by Mnangagwa since the late 1980s, has been a subject of public interest for years due to its strategic location along one of Zimbabwe’s busiest highways and its proximity to key transport routes. The site of Monday’s accident lies in a known traffic blackspot, where reckless driving and overloaded vehicles are a regular occurrence.
Police are expected to issue a formal statement once families have been notified.
Zimbabwean forward Knowledge Musona played a key role as Al-Okhdood secured their place in the Saudi Pro League with a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Al-Khaleej in their final match of the season on Monday.
Heading into the game needing both a win and a favourable result elsewhere, Al-Okhdood left it late but delivered when it mattered. The team was trailing 2-1 in the 90th minute, but two late goals during an extended 20-minute stoppage time period sealed the stunning victory.
The result, combined with a crucial loss for relegation rivals Al-Wehda, ensured Al-Okhdood finished 15th—just one place above the drop zone.
Musona, a consistent presence throughout the season, provided the assist for Al-Okhdood’s first goal before being substituted in the 74th minute. His influence extended beyond the final day, as he also assisted in their previous match—a contribution that proved vital in the club’s survival.
The former Warriors captain’s leadership and creativity were instrumental in helping Al-Okhdood escape relegation in a dramatic end to their campaign.
Warriors coach Michael Nees has unveiled a youthful and experimental Zimbabwe national team squad ahead of upcoming international friendlies against Burkina Faso and Niger, scheduled for June 6 and 10 in Morocco.
The selection is notable for the absence of several senior players, with Nees choosing to rest key figures such as Andy Rinomhota, Marshall Munetsi, Knowledge Musona, and Tivonge Rushesha. Midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, who has recently returned to full fitness, has also been left out of the squad.
In their place, the coach has recalled goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze and midfielder Jonah Fabisch, while forwards Tinotenda Kadewere and Bill Antonio return after recovering from injury.
A major highlight is the first national team call-up for 19-year-old Sheffield Wednesday prospect Sean Fusire. Born in the UK to Zimbabwean parents, Fusire has pledged his allegiance to the Warriors, adding fresh energy to Nees’s transitional setup.
The squad reflects a focus on building depth and exploring new combinations as Zimbabwe prepares for upcoming competitions.
Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants), Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi), Marley Tavaziva (Brentford)
By A Correspondent -A storm is brewing at Ndarama High School after its headmaster, Oddy Matongo, came under fire for accepting a furniture donation from Masvingo Urban MP Advocate Martin Mureri, a member of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).
While the donation – 40 chairs and 40 desks sourced through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) – was well-received by staff and students during a handover ceremony last week, sources at the school say senior ZANU PF officials in the province were enraged by the move.
The backlash, insiders reveal, has created tension between the school administration and ruling party figures, who reportedly claim the gesture undermines political protocol.
“There is pressure from ZANU PF officials who feel the school has crossed a line by accepting help from an opposition MP without prior clearance. They are accusing the headmaster of promoting a political agenda,” said a staff member at Ndarama who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal.
The donation followed an appeal by Matongo to the legislator, citing a critical shortage of desks that had left several students learning while seated on the floor. Mureri, speaking at the event, promised to provide an additional 14 chairs to cover the remaining shortfall.
“We are here to serve our communities. Education should never be a victim of differences. Ndarama High School is well-known for excellence,” Mureri said at the ceremony, which was attended by Deputy Mayor Daniel Mberikunashe and school development committee members.
Despite this, school sources say the backlash from local political heavyweights has been swift and unforgiving, with attempts allegedly being made to summon Matongo for a disciplinary hearing and threats of administrative interference now looming.
“This has become a political minefield,” said a teacher at the school. “We just want support for our learners, no matter where it comes from. But now the head is being treated like he committed a crime.”
Education analysts have criticised the politicisation of development efforts in schools, arguing that such donations should be welcomed regardless of the donor’s political affiliation.
“It’s disappointing to see education being weaponised,” said one education policy expert.
“We should be celebrating leaders who respond to community needs, not punishing them.”
For now, the furniture remains in use at Ndarama High – but the controversy it sparked underscores the delicate balancing act educators must navigate in Zimbabwe’s highly politicised public sector.
A 25-year-old Mwenezi woman, Daisy Makanaka Moyo, has been sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted of culpable homicide for fatally stabbing her husband, Talent Golden Masuku (40), in a violent confrontation.
The High Court in Masvingo, presided over by Justice Sunsley Zisengwe, found that Moyo acted in a moment of emotional turmoil after discovering Masuku spending the night with his ex-wife, Shingirai Mativenga (44).
The court ruled the act as a crime of passion, citing Moyo’s visible remorse at the scene, where she reportedly knelt beside her husband’s lifeless body and repeatedly called his name in an attempt to wake him.
The incident took place on July 10, 2024, at the homestead of Obey Matutu in Negari, Mwenezi, where Masuku and Mativenga had spent the night after reconnecting at a local business centre.
The two, who have three children, had recently rekindled their relationship following a year-long separation.
According to testimony, Moyo tracked the couple to their location and confronted them early the following morning. She struck Mativenga with a log on the head and bit her under the chin before Masuku intervened to stop the assault. In the struggle that followed, Moyo turned on Masuku, striking him with the same log and fatally stabbing him in the back with a kitchen knife.
Realising the gravity of her actions, Moyo reportedly tried to revive her husband and later threatened to attack Mativenga again.
During the trial, Moyo claimed the stabbing occurred during a physical struggle and was not premeditated.
The matter was reported to police, and Masuku’s body was taken to Mwenezi District Hospital.
He rose to global fame in 2005 and later starred in hit TV drama The River as Cobra. Chweneyagae had recently hinted at retiring from acting to pursue other ventures. His death is a great loss to South African film and theatre. Source: Newzroom Afrika
The Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA), the country’s oldest and once most influential teachers’ union, is facing growing dissatisfaction from educators who accuse it of being aligned with the ruling regime and failing to champion their plight.
Across the education sector, many teachers are reportedly cutting ties with the union, citing its perceived failure to fight for fair salaries and better working conditions, despite consistently deducting monthly union dues from their salaries.
Educators argue that ZIMTA has grown increasingly detached from the realities faced by its members, accusing its leadership of living comfortably off union subscriptions while ordinary teachers remain trapped in poverty.
The growing sentiment is that the union has lost its independence and is no longer a credible voice for the teaching profession.
Many teachers are now encouraging one another to terminate their membership and halt salary deductions to the union, using publicly available links shared via social media platforms to opt out.
They say it’s no longer viable to continue funding an organisation they believe has become ineffective and compromised.
“We’re tired of feeding a system that doesn’t serve us,” said one teacher who spoke on condition of anonymity. “We are better off using that money to buy basics rather than funding leaders who are silent while we starve.”
While ZIMTA has publicly denied the allegations of being captured or losing members en masse, insisting that any claims of mass resignations are driven by social media misinformation, the mood among teachers tells a different story.
Educators are also expressing mounting frustration over their stagnant salaries, which remain far below the pre-2018 levels when they were earning around US$540 per month. With current earnings severely eroded by inflation and the depreciating local currency, many teachers now say industrial action is inevitable.
Plans for a large-scale strike are reportedly gaining traction, with teachers threatening to paralyse the education sector until their demands are addressed.
“If nothing changes soon, we are ready to shut down schools. This is no longer just about salaries—it’s about restoring dignity to the teaching profession,” said another teacher.
Should the planned job action proceed, it could cause major disruptions to the school calendar and negatively affect student performance and national exam pass rates, further deepening the crisis in Zimbabwe’s education system.
By Dorrothy Moyo | Zimbabwe faces the real possibility of a civil shutdown after the government enacted a controversial law forcing all motorists to pay a mandatory US$92 annual Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) radio licence before they can renew vehicle insurance or obtain a ZINARA road licence disc.
The law—Broadcasting Services Amendment Act (No. 2 of 2025)—was gazetted last week and immediately drew national outrage. According to its provisions, all motorists, regardless of their radio usage, must pay US$23 quarterly to fund the state broadcaster before receiving basic legal permission to drive.
In response, prominent opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has labelled the measure “draconian, anti-citizens and heartless,” urging Zimbabweans to question why they are being forced to fund what he described as “partisan propaganda” that demonizes them daily.OK Zimbabwe stores
Legal experts and civil rights activists are now calling on citizens to escalate the protest into a full-scale national boycott of vehicle usage—a move that could paralyze the economy and expose the unsustainability of the government’s fiscal dependence on forced compliance.
Legal Justification for Protest
The call for mass non-compliance draws from historic precedent and the constitutional right to protest unjust taxation. Lawyers argue that compelling payment for a service one does not use—and which serves state interests rather than public ones—violates the principles of proportionality, necessity, and non-discrimination under Section 68 and 69 of the Zimbabwean Constitution.
“This is not a tax—it’s extortion through regulation,” says Advocate M. Sibanda. “You are criminalised for not supporting government media even if you never listen to it. It’s an unconstitutional burden on the right to movement and economic participation.”OK Zimbabwe stores
A Call to Ground Zimbabwe’s Roads
Civic campaigners are mobilizing motorists to park their vehicles en masse for 30 days, beginning June 1st. The action is not only symbolic but economically strategic: over 1.2 million vehicles operate daily across Zimbabwe’s roads, fueling transport, trade, and logistics.
“If just 30% of motorists refuse to pay and ground their vehicles, fuel stations, toll gates, municipal parking, and logistics chains will choke—the system will grind to a halt,” says economic analyst Chido Mhlanga. “The regime will be forced to choose between enforcing its propaganda tax or restoring economic flow.”
This tactic mirrors the 1979 blockade when apartheid South Africa closed its borders to fuel trucks entering Rhodesia. Within six days, Ian Smith’s government began capitulation talks.OK Zimbabwe stores
State Capture, Personal Enrichment Alleged
Adding to public fury is the widespread perception that the money raised will not benefit public broadcasting, but instead bankroll an elite cartel. ZBC has long been accused of operating as a mouthpiece of ZANU PF, with no financial transparency or editorial independence.
“There is no public broadcaster in Zimbabwe. There’s only ZANU FM, dressed up as ZBC,” Chamisa stated in his online address. “Now they want to force you to pay for your own psychological abuse.”
Conclusion
This moment is poised to become historic. Legal scholars argue that this may be the most critical civil disobedience opportunity since the Mugabe era—a moment to force accountability through economic non-participation. In their words: “When unjust laws are enforced by force, justice must be reclaimed through silence—and in this case, through stillness on the roads.”OK Zimbabwe stores
Zimbabwe’s fate now rests in the hands of its drivers.
By A Correspondent -A storm is brewing at Ndarama High School after its headmaster, Oddy Matongo, came under fire for accepting a furniture donation from Masvingo Urban MP Advocate Martin Mureri, a member of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).
While the donation – 40 chairs and 40 desks sourced through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) – was well-received by staff and students during a handover ceremony last week, sources at the school say senior ZANU PF officials in the province were enraged by the move.
The backlash, insiders reveal, has created tension between the school administration and ruling party figures, who reportedly claim the gesture undermines political protocol.
“There is pressure from ZANU PF officials who feel the school has crossed a line by accepting help from an opposition MP without prior clearance. They are accusing the headmaster of promoting a political agenda,” said a staff member at Ndarama who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal.
The donation followed an appeal by Matongo to the legislator, citing a critical shortage of desks that had left several students learning while seated on the floor. Mureri, speaking at the event, promised to provide an additional 14 chairs to cover the remaining shortfall.
“We are here to serve our communities. Education should never be a victim of differences. Ndarama High School is well-known for excellence,” Mureri said at the ceremony, which was attended by Deputy Mayor Daniel Mberikunashe and school development committee members.
Despite this, school sources say the backlash from local political heavyweights has been swift and unforgiving, with attempts allegedly being made to summon Matongo for a disciplinary hearing and threats of administrative interference now looming.
“This has become a political minefield,” said a teacher at the school. “We just want support for our learners, no matter where it comes from. But now the head is being treated like he committed a crime.”
Education analysts have criticised the politicisation of development efforts in schools, arguing that such donations should be welcomed regardless of the donor’s political affiliation.
“It’s disappointing to see education being weaponised,” said one education policy expert.
“We should be celebrating leaders who respond to community needs, not punishing them.”
For now, the furniture remains in use at Ndarama High – but the controversy it sparked underscores the delicate balancing act educators must navigate in Zimbabwe’s highly politicised public sector.
Presidential spokesperson George Charamba has strongly criticized the use of the term Chigananda—a label now commonly applied to wealthy, politically connected business figures in Zimbabwe—warning that such language undermines the nation’s economic progress.
The phrase has gained traction in recent months, often used disparagingly to refer to individuals perceived to have amassed riches through state-linked deals or opaque tender processes. Its popularity surged following remarks by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who used it in what many interpreted as a veiled attack on elites benefiting from political patronage.
Charamba, writing under his X account Dhonzamusoro007, took aim at the derogatory framing of entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe, saying it was counterproductive.
“We hinder our own development by attaching negative labels to those who generate wealth,” he wrote. “If we are serious about capitalism—which is the system we live under—then we must understand and embrace the rules of the game. Unless, of course, we want socialism, and can realistically achieve it.”
His comments came shortly after prominent businessman and Mnangagwa ally, Kuda Tagwirei, publicly referred to his protégé, Obey Chimuka, as a Chigananda during an event in Masvingo.
Tagwirei praised Chimuka, owner of Fossil Contracting, for his work on major infrastructure projects like the Mbare Musika Market redevelopment. “This is Obey Chimuka,” he said. “People think his projects are mine, but he has done a lot on his own. He is a Chigananda.”
Tagwirei, who heads Sakunda Holdings, was speaking at Masvingo Polytechnic College during a leadership engagement session.
His use of the controversial term drew immediate attention, given its loaded political and social implications.
Chimuka, whose company has won several government construction tenders, remains on the United States sanctions list. He also owns Khaya Cement, formerly Lafarge Cement Zimbabwe.
Real estate scams continue to affect buyers worldwide, often resulting in significant financial losses and emotional distress. The following are five notable cases of individuals who were duped while attempting to purchase property:
1.
Pat and Marisa Lawlor – Los Angeles, USA
In 2022, first-time homebuyers Pat and Marisa Lawlor fell victim to a wire fraud scam. Believing they were communicating with their escrow officer, they wired $167,000 as a down payment for their new home. The email they received was a sophisticated spoof, and the funds were diverted to criminals. Despite immediate efforts, the money was never recovered.
2.
Julian Petroulas – Bali, Indonesia
Australian entrepreneur Julian Petroulas lost $6.2 million in a Bali land deal gone wrong. He purchased a 1.1-hectare plot in Canggu, only to discover that, under Indonesian law, foreigners cannot own land outright. The deal was further complicated by unpaid dues and alleged corruption involving local officials. Petroulas’s visa was revoked, and he faced legal challenges in reclaiming his investment.
3.
Michael and Maurina Joseph – Queens, New York, USA
The Josephs were deceived into paying a $15,000 down payment for a house that was never for sale. A fraudulent realtor claimed the property was in foreclosure and required a quick sale. After the payment, the realtor disappeared, and the couple discovered the truth. Legal action eventually led to a partial recovery of their funds.
4.
Will Clinton and Jessica Greentree – Sydney, Australia
This couple lost $48,000 after receiving a fake email that appeared to be from their solicitor, instructing them to transfer their house deposit. The email was a sophisticated phishing attempt, and the funds were sent to a scammer’s account. Their bank offered only a minimal goodwill gesture, and the couple had to adjust their home-buying plans significantly.
5.
DaNita Batiste – Lake Charles, Louisiana, USA
DaNita Batiste inherited property from her mother, only to find it had been fraudulently sold using a forged ID and notary stamp. The $45,000 sale was traced to an international crime ring. Although the transaction was eventually reversed, Batiste continues to fight to have the property’s title restored in her name.
These cases underscore the importance of due diligence when purchasing property. To protect yourself:
Verify the legitimacy of agents and properties through official channels.
Avoid wiring funds without confirming instructions through trusted, direct communication.
Consult with legal professionals familiar with local real estate laws.
Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true or involve high-pressure tactics.
Staying informed and vigilant can help prevent falling victim to similar scams.
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properties on the market
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The idea was born from a personal struggle. Founder Peaceful Chimbwanda, a Zimbabwean living abroad, tried to buy land back home and found himself trapped between unverified agents, sky-high prices, and no way to compare what was fair.
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In a market full of guesswork and hidden costs, Propertyend.com empowers you to:
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Whether you’re a first-time buyer, an investor in the Diaspora, or just curious about where to put your savings, Propertyend.com puts the whole continent at your fingertips—with prices that make sense.
By A Correspondent- The increasingly fragmented opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), now led by Douglas Mwonzora, has plunged into yet another bitter internal conflict, this time over the control of the party’s historic headquarters, Harvest House.
The iconic building, renamed Morgan Richard Tsvangirai (MRT) House in honour of the party’s late founding president, has once again become the epicentre of factional power struggles. Tsvangirai, a revered figure in Zimbabwean politics who led the MDC until his death in 2018, arguably remains unmatched in stature and legacy by any of his successors. His towering influence still looms large over a party now weakened by division and infighting.
The latest battle pits Mwonzora against Elias Mudzuri, a former vice president of the party. Mwonzora’s faction has accused Mudzuri and his supporters of attempting to seize MRT House using hired thugs, a charge Mudzuri vehemently denies.
In a statement this week, the Mwonzora-led MDC Youth Assembly claimed that Mudzuri’s group was plotting a violent takeover of the party headquarters in Harare’s central business district.
“It has come to our attention that some hired thugs from Elias Mudzuri’s small camp want to come and occupy the MDC headquarters violently,” the youth assembly said. They cited social media posts by a former party staffer, identified as Mbidzo, as evidence of the plot.
But Mudzuri dismissed the allegations as baseless and inflammatory, calling for calm and dialogue instead.
“He is just filling the air with nonsense,” Mudzuri said, referring to Mwonzora. “The court judgment asked us to go to a congress, but it is being disputed. What we should be doing is rebuilding the party—not fighting over a dead structure. MRT House belongs to the members, not individuals.”
Mudzuri added: “You don’t dissolve the soul of the party with leadership changes. The MDC must be rebuilt from the grassroots. There’s no youth assembly anymore. What we’re asking is for Mwonzora to allow the members to revive their party.”
The dispute stems from a contested High Court judgment, which Mwonzora’s supporters insist did not nullify his presidency. MDC Youth Assembly national chairperson Albert Chidakwa argued that Mwonzora was elected unopposed in 2022 and remains the legitimate leader of the party.
“The High Court judgment has been appealed to the Supreme Court, and this appeal has the effect of suspending the ruling. Justice Zhou never nullified Mwonzora’s presidency,” said Chidakwa. “We will not allow power to be grabbed through undemocratic means.”
He accused unnamed elements within and outside the country of fomenting chaos to seize control of MRT House.
Since Tsvangirai’s death, successive leaders have battled for control of party structures and properties. But the internecine conflicts have only deepened the crisis within Zimbabwe’s once-powerful opposition movement.
By A Correspondent| Controversial Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries founder, Walter Magaya, is set to face investigations by the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) over allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse of women, following a landmark Supreme Court ruling that dismissed his legal bid to block the inquiry.
ZGC Chairperson Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe confirmed on Friday that all legal barriers have now been cleared, allowing the Commission to move forward with its probe into the long-standing accusations against the popular charismatic preacher.
“In our Commission’s 38th meeting, we resolved to recommence investigations into the allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse by PHD leader Walter Magaya,” said Sangarwe, speaking during a media tour of the Commission’s new headquarters in Harare as part of its 10th anniversary commemorations. “All the courts have now given us the green light to proceed. Gender justice will be served.”
Magaya had previously sought to prevent the Commission from carrying out the investigation, but the Supreme Court’s recent decision upheld the ZGC’s mandate, paving the way for a full inquiry into the numerous allegations that have trailed the preacher for years.
Sangarwe stressed that the inquiry into Magaya’s alleged misconduct would proceed without fear or favour, noting that no individual—regardless of social status or political connections—was above scrutiny.
“Magaya is not immune to accountability,” she said. “As an alleged perpetrator, he will face inquiry like anyone else. This is not just about one man; it’s about upholding the rights and dignity of women across religious and societal spaces.”
She also signaled that other religious leaders, including those from indigenous apostolic churches accused of gender-based violence, would also be investigated as part of a broader national crackdown on sexual abuse within faith institutions.
As the Commission celebrated a decade of existence, Sangarwe took the opportunity to call for stronger legal frameworks, lamenting the weakness of current laws which she said hinder the prosecution of gender-based violence.
“There is an urgent need to review and align our gender laws to ensure harsher penalties for perpetrators,” she said. “We are also calling on government to expedite the enactment of the Gender Equality Bill and allocate at least 10% of the national budget to gender programming.”
By A Correspondent- A devastating fire gutted three dormitories housing Form 1 and 2 pupils at Churchill Boys High School on Monday afternoon, reducing them to ashes and leaving students counting heavy losses.
The blaze, which reportedly started around 3 pm, destroyed students’ personal belongings, including trunks, school uniforms, beds, and blankets. No injuries were reported.
Churchill Boys High School headmaster, Mr Aquanose Mavhunga, confirmed the incident and said the fire brigade responded swiftly after being alerted.
“Three dormitories were burnt to ashes. Yes, we informed the Fire Brigade, and they managed to extinguish the fire after 30 minutes,” Mavhunga said. “We are still working on assessing the value of the property that was destroyed.”
Preliminary indications suggest the fire may have been triggered by a gas leak or an electrical fault, though investigations are still underway.
Churchill Boys High, one of Harare’s oldest and most prestigious government-run boys’ schools, was established in 1950 and is known for its academic excellence, sports heritage, and disciplined environment. It has produced many prominent alumni in various fields, including politics, business, and sports.
The school authorities said efforts are already underway to provide emergency support to the affected students, including alternative accommodation and replacement of essential items.
More details are expected to emerge as investigations continue.
By James Gwati- The active involvement of Nyasha Mhonda, wife of Presidential Guard Commander Brigadier General Fidelis Mhonda, in a recent high-profile event in Masvingo has vindicated outspoken war veteran and former ZANU PF Central Committee member Blessed Runesu Geza. Geza has long accused controversial businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei of bribing top military officials to secure political influence.
The Masvingo event, held under the guise of a youth empowerment and land tenure programme, was orchestrated by Tagwirei but, insiders say, served as a soft launch for his political ambitions. Sources revealed that Nyasha Mhonda played a key role in organising the gathering—handling logistics, managing the guest list, and prominently appearing at the event wearing a beret emblazoned with “ED,” the initials of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Her presence reinforced growing suspicions that the President is quietly backing Tagwirei’s behind-the-scenes power grab, much to the dismay of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
Geza’s allegations—once dismissed as conspiracy—now appear more credible. He recently claimed that Tagwirei is paying Brigadier General Mhonda a staggering US$25,000 per month for “protection,” implying that key elements of the country’s security establishment are on the payroll of a private businessman. If true, this would mark a dangerous convergence of military power and private capital in Zimbabwe’s already fragile political landscape.
The event, branded as the Land Tenure Implementation Leadership Success Series Programme, was attended by several senior government and ZANU PF officials, including Masvingo Minister of State Ezra Chadzamira, ZANU PF provincial chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa, his deputy Trust Mugabe, and top Prisons and Correctional Services officer Stanley Kondongwe. It was presented as a national initiative to empower youth through land access, under the auspices of Tagwirei’s newly established Land Tenure Implementation Committee, working in partnership with the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, led by youthful minister Tatenda Mavetera.
However, critics—particularly war veterans—have dismissed the programme as a political smokescreen. They argue it threatens to reverse gains from the land reform programme of the 2000s and is being used to build a grassroots base for Tagwirei’s presidential ambitions.
Tagwirei: The Face of Elite Corruption
Tagwirei has become the symbol of state capture in Zimbabwe. Through his company Sakunda Holdings, he secured multi-billion-dollar fuel importation deals and command agriculture contracts—often without going through public tenders. Under Mnangagwa’s administration, Tagwirei has enjoyed unchecked access to state contracts, reportedly inflating prices and receiving preferential treatment from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
His sprawling business empire spans fuel, mining, agriculture, and banking, often tied to questionable state asset transfers. In 2021, the United States Treasury sanctioned Tagwirei for corruption, accusing him of using his government ties to gain “exclusive access to hard currency” and improperly acquire state assets.
Despite mounting evidence of corruption and influence-peddling, Tagwirei remains untouchable within Zimbabwe—shielded by his financial contributions to ZANU PF campaigns and, now, seemingly by military protection.
A Brewing Succession Battle
Tagwirei’s growing presence in party politics, including attempts to secure positions on the ZANU PF Central Committee in both Masvingo and Harare, has added fuel to speculation that he is being groomed as Mnangagwa’s successor. His recent land tenure events resemble campaign-style rallies, aimed at cultivating support among traditional leaders, war veterans, and grassroots communities.
Observers warn that his rapid political ascent is sowing seeds of discord within ZANU PF—especially among the military-aligned faction loyal to Chiwenga, who views himself as the rightful heir to Mnangagwa.
By allegedly bribing military generals and co-opting state institutions, Tagwirei is playing a high-stakes political game—one that could plunge Zimbabwe deeper into instability and entrench a form of oligarchic rule cloaked in populist rhetoric.
Warriors vice captain Marshall Munetsi came to the rescue for Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, scoring a vital equaliser in their hard-fought Premier League clash against Brentford at Molineux Stadium.
The dynamic midfielder struck in the second half to level the match, ensuring Wolves walked away with a point in a game that had seemed to be slipping away. The goal marked Munetsi’s second in the Premier League this season, further cementing his impact since joining the club in February.
“It feels great to contribute to the team. We kept fighting, and I’m glad I could help us get something from the game,” said Munetsi after the match.
His performance was widely praised by both fans and pundits, who highlighted his tireless work rate and leadership qualities on the pitch. Since arriving from Stade de Reims, Munetsi has quickly become a key figure in Wolverhampton’s midfield, bringing both physicality and composure.
Wolves head coach Gary O’Neil applauded Munetsi’s contribution, saying, “Marshall has been fantastic for us. He shows up when it matters and today was no different.”
With the season entering its final stretch, Munetsi’s influence could prove pivotal as Wolves look to finish strongly in the Premier League.
Tributes are pouring in for veteran broadcaster Joseph Madhimba, whose rich, commanding voice once defined the airwaves of Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) television during the 1980s and 1990s. Madhimba passed away last week in Namibia, leaving behind a legacy that many in the broadcasting industry continue to revere.
Known for his booming voice and confident on-screen presence, Madhimba became a household name at a time when news anchoring demanded both gravitas and clarity. His delivery, often described as both authoritative and composed, set a benchmark for professionalism in Zimbabwean broadcasting.
Former ZBC Controller of Radio Services, John Masuku, paid glowing tribute to Madhimba, saying, “He was a polished and highly professional broadcaster who set a high standard in the industry. Many young journalists looked up to him.”
Justice Dhliwayo, former ZBC Director of Production, also reflected on Madhimba’s legacy: “He was the epitome of discipline and consistency in broadcasting. His presence in the newsroom lifted everyone’s standards. He didn’t just read the news — he lived it.”
Madhimba’s career at ZBC spanned a critical era in Zimbabwe’s media history, and his voice was trusted in homes across the country during major national and international events.
As the industry mourns one of its most iconic figures, colleagues and fans alike remember a man who not only read the news but shaped how it was delivered for a generation.
Three student dormitories at Churchill Boys High School in Harare were completely destroyed by fire on Monday afternoon, following a suspected gas leak combined with an electrical fault. The incident occurred around 3 PM, leaving Form 1 and 2 students with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
The inferno, which reduced the dorms to ashes within minutes, saw students lose all personal belongings including trunks, uniforms, blankets, and mattresses. Despite the devastating losses, no injuries or fatalities were reported.
Headmaster Mr Aquanose Mavhunga confirmed the fire and said the Harare Fire Brigade managed to put out the flames after about half an hour. “Three dormitories were burnt to ashes. Yes, we informed the Fire Brigade, and they managed to extinguish the fire after 30 minutes,” he said. The full value of the damage is still being assessed.
An emotional outpouring followed the incident on social media, with parents, guardians, and Zimbabweans expressing gratitude that no lives were lost.
“We thank God vana vedu are safe,” wrote Tabeth Tapiwa Mangisi in a widely shared Facebook post. Her relief was echoed by many:
Colyn Rosemary Mutungwazi: “Hey, zvakaoma. The loss is too much. But thanks to the Most High, kana vana vose vari vapenyu.”
Zorodzai Kachere: “Thanks to the Almighty.”
Alice Javs: “Yoooo Inga zvakaoma.”
Owilo Madrid Owen: “Hakuna hurumende uku… kune mbavha.”
Some commenters urged urgent government intervention, highlighting the need for both material assistance and improved school safety measures.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is yet to release an official statement on the fire, while the school community now rallies to support the affected learners.
More updates to follow as investigations continue.
“Just Six Days: How a 1979 Fuel Blockade Crippled Rhodesia and Forced Ian Smith to Surrender Power”
In October 1979, it took just six days—only six days without fuel trucks crossing the South African border—for the entire Rhodesian economy to grind to a halt. Roads emptied, supplies dried up, and the illusion of control collapsed. The once-defiant Ian Smith, faced with economic paralysis, was forced to concede defeat and pave the way for Zimbabwe’s independence. Today, as Zimbabweans face yet another imposed burden through the ZBC licence tax, history offers a powerful lesson: when the wheels stop turning, the regime starts crumbling.
The blockade- illustration
Harare – 27 May 2025
By Dorrothy Moyo | Zimbabwe faces the real possibility of a civil shutdown after the government enacted a controversial law forcing all motorists to pay a mandatory US$92 annual Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) radio licence before they can renew vehicle insurance or obtain a ZINARA road licence disc.
The law—Broadcasting Services Amendment Act (No. 2 of 2025)—was gazetted last week and immediately drew national outrage. According to its provisions, all motorists, regardless of their radio usage, must pay US$23 quarterly to fund the state broadcaster before receiving basic legal permission to drive.
In response, prominent opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has labelled the measure “draconian, anti-citizens and heartless,” urging Zimbabweans to question why they are being forced to fund what he described as “partisan propaganda” that demonizes them daily.
Legal experts and civil rights activists are now calling on citizens to escalate the protest into a full-scale national boycott of vehicle usage—a move that could paralyze the economy and expose the unsustainability of the government’s fiscal dependence on forced compliance.
Legal Justification for Protest
The call for mass non-compliance draws from historic precedent and the constitutional right to protest unjust taxation. Lawyers argue that compelling payment for a service one does not use—and which serves state interests rather than public ones—violates the principles of proportionality, necessity, and non-discrimination under Section 68 and 69 of the Zimbabwean Constitution.
“This is not a tax—it’s extortion through regulation,” says Advocate M. Sibanda. “You are criminalised for not supporting government media even if you never listen to it. It’s an unconstitutional burden on the right to movement and economic participation.”
A Call to Ground Zimbabwe’s Roads
Civic campaigners are mobilizing motorists to park their vehicles en masse for 30 days, beginning June 1st. The action is not only symbolic but economically strategic: over 1.2 million vehicles operate daily across Zimbabwe’s roads, fueling transport, trade, and logistics.
“If just 30% of motorists refuse to pay and ground their vehicles, fuel stations, toll gates, municipal parking, and logistics chains will choke—the system will grind to a halt,” says economic analyst Chido Mhlanga. “The regime will be forced to choose between enforcing its propaganda tax or restoring economic flow.”
This tactic mirrors the 1979 blockade when apartheid South Africa closed its borders to fuel trucks entering Rhodesia. Within six days, Ian Smith’s government began capitulation talks.
State Capture, Personal Enrichment Alleged
Adding to public fury is the widespread perception that the money raised will not benefit public broadcasting, but instead bankroll an elite cartel. ZBC has long been accused of operating as a mouthpiece of ZANU PF, with no financial transparency or editorial independence.
“There is no public broadcaster in Zimbabwe. There’s only ZANU FM, dressed up as ZBC,” Chamisa stated in his online address. “Now they want to force you to pay for your own psychological abuse.”
This moment is poised to become historic. Legal scholars argue that this may be the most critical civil disobedience opportunity since the Mugabe era—a moment to force accountability through economic non-participation. In their words: “When unjust laws are enforced by force, justice must be reclaimed through silence—and in this case, through stillness on the roads.”
Zimbabwe’s fate now rests in the hands of its drivers.
Four people lost their lives and more than 40 others were injured in a horrific road accident that occurred on Monday along the Masvingo-Mbalabala Highway, when a Govasberg bus collided with a tractor.
The collision happened under unclear circumstances, resulting in significant damage to the front of the bus and causing widespread injuries among passengers.
Emergency services were quickly dispatched to the scene and confirmed the deaths, while the injured were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
While specific details are still emerging, the incident has highlighted concerns over road safety on highways shared by both fast and slow-moving vehicles such as buses and tractors.
More information, including the identities of the deceased and the condition of the injured, is expected to be released as investigations continue.
By James Gwati-Kudakwashe Tagwirei, the controversial oil tycoon, presidential ally, and alleged architect of grand-scale corruption in Zimbabwe, is now accused of deepening his ties with the military as part of a calculated power play to position himself for political office.
Last week, Tagwirei orchestrated a high-profile event in Masvingo under the guise of a youth empowerment and land tenure programme. But behind the scenes, the gathering served as a soft launch for his political ambitions, an ambition reportedly enjoying the quiet endorsement of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, much to the chagrin of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
In a telling development, the wife of Presidential Guard Commander Brigadier General Fidelis Mhonda, Nyasha Mhonda, was a key figure in organising the event. Sources said she handled critical logistical arrangements and managed the guest list. Nyasha Mhonda was visibly present at the function, wearing a beret emblazoned with “ED”, Mnangagwa’s initials, cementing suspicions that the President is backing Tagwirei’s quiet power grab.
Further controversy surrounds claims by outspoken war veteran Blessed Runesu Geza, who recently alleged that Tagwirei is paying Brigadier General Mhonda a staggering US$25,000 per month for “protection.” The allegation suggests that Zimbabwe’s security apparatus is now on the payroll of an unelected businessman who is using state machinery to entrench his political interests.
The event, held under the banner of the Land Tenure Implementation Leadership Success Series Programme, was attended by senior government and ZANU PF officials, including Masvingo Minister of State Ezra Chadzamira, ZANU PF provincial chairperson Rabison Mavhenyengwa and his deputy, Trust Mugabe, as well as one of the Prisons and Correctional Services bosses, Stanley Kondongwe.
The initiative—led by Tagwirei’s newly formed Land Tenure Implementation Committee—is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, headed by youthful Minister Tatenda Mavetera. Framed as a national programme to “empower youth through land,” the scheme has drawn sharp criticism from war veterans, who view it as a potential reversal of the chaotic land reform programme of the 2000s.
Tagwirei: The Face of Elite Corruption
Tagwirei has long been the poster child of state-capture in Zimbabwe. He rose to prominence through Sakunda Holdings, a company that was awarded multi-billion-dollar fuel importation deals and command agriculture contracts without public tender. Under the Mnangagwa administration, Tagwirei has enjoyed unchecked access to state contracts, allegedly inflating prices and receiving preferential treatment from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
His business empire spans fuel, mining, banking, and agriculture—often linked to controversial asset transfers involving the state. A 2021 United States Treasury report sanctioned Tagwirei for corruption, accusing him of using his close ties to the government to gain “exclusive access to hard currency” and corruptly acquire state assets.
Despite mounting evidence of his influence-peddling, Tagwirei remains untouchable in Zimbabwe, protected by his financial contributions to ZANU PF campaigns and now, it appears, by direct military backing.
Succession Battle Looms
Tagwirei’s growing involvement in party politics, including reported efforts to secure a seat on the ZANU PF Central Committee in Masvingo and Harare provinces, has added fuel to speculation that he is being groomed as a successor to Mnangagwa. His land tenure events are now viewed as campaign-style rallies designed to build a grassroots base and curry favour with traditional leaders and war veterans.
Political observers say his meteoric rise could trigger internal divisions within ZANU PF, particularly from the military faction aligned to Chiwenga, who sees himself as the rightful heir to Mnangagwa.
Yet by bribing generals and co-opting the military elite, Tagwirei is playing a dangerous game—one that could deepen Zimbabwe’s political instability and entrench oligarchic rule under the veneer of populist empowerment rhetoric.
By Showbiz Reporter- Veteran musician and mentor to some of Zimbabwe’s music legends, Shepherd Chinyani, has fallen on hard times. The Vhuka Boys frontman, once a pillar of the local music scene, is now broke, battling illness, and living in rural Seke after selling his Harare home.
In a recent interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Chinyani, 66, expressed heartbreak over what he describes as abandonment by some of the very artists he helped nurture in the early days of their careers.
“I feel betrayed,” he said, sounding disheartened. “Some of the musicians I mentored have forgotten about me.”
Chinyani, who spent 65 years as an urban resident, recently relocated to Seke, calling it his new home. He previously lived in Dzivaresekwa, Harare, where he not only built his music career but also provided for some of Zimbabwe’s greatest artists—the late John Chibadura and Tinei Chikupo, as well as living legends Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria and Alick Macheso.
“I supported some of these artists even though they were older than me,” he said. “But misfortune struck.”
Chinyani sold his Dzivaresekwa house in 2022 for US$18,000, citing the rising cost of living and mounting medical expenses.
“I moved to Seke near Besa Primary School with my two wives,” he said. “City life had become unbearable, and I needed to pay medical bills and secure shelter for my family.”
However, life in the communal lands has not brought the relief he hoped for. With no steady source of income, Chinyani said he and his family now survive “by God’s grace.”
“Right now, I’m confined because of an infection in my leg, and my wife is battling breast cancer,” he said. “It’s a grim situation. We live from hand to mouth, unlike in Dzivaresekwa where I used to make a little money repairing damaged speakers and guitars.”
His home in Seke is also far from complete.
“I have a place to stay, but one side of the house needs roofing and the floors aren’t finished. Unfortunately, I just don’t have the money.”
Despite his circumstances, Chinyani—who turns 67 on June 14—remains eager to return to what he knows best: music and mentoring.
“Music has been my life since childhood. I have a passion for teaching young people, and I see a lot of talent in this area. But I have no equipment,” he said. “I sold most of my sound system to feed my family. All I have left is my guitar.”
Chinyani reflects on his decision with mixed feelings.
“Sometimes I regret selling the house. But I had no choice—it was about saving lives. I have 12 children and 29 grandchildren. I also dreamed of building a bigger home where we could all live together. At the time, this seemed like the only option.”
Zimbabwean defender Munashe Garan’anga has added another accolade to his growing career after winning the 2024/25 Danish Superliga title with FC Copenhagen.
Garan’anga, who joined the Danish giants at the beginning of the season from Belgian side KV Mechelen, celebrated his first piece of silverware in Denmark as Copenhagen clinched the title with a commanding 3-0 victory over Nordsjælland on the final day of the season.
Although the 24-year-old was an unused substitute in the decisive match, he played his part throughout the campaign, making eleven league appearances in his debut season.
This marks the second league title in Garan’anga’s career, having previously lifted the Moldovan Super Liga with FC Sheriff Tiraspol.
“It’s an incredible feeling to be part of a title-winning team again,” Garan’anga said. “Even though I didn’t play in the final match, I’m proud of what we achieved together as a squad this season.”
The triumph adds another milestone to Garan’anga’s journey as he continues to make strides in European football while flying the Zimbabwean flag high.
A controversial amendment to the Broadcasting Services Act now requires Zimbabwean motorists to pay compulsory radio licence fees before being allowed to obtain ZINARA licences and one’s motor vehicle insurance —an unprecedented move that has sparked widespread criticism.
The new law, published under General Notice 1034 of 2025 and titled the Broadcasting Services Amendment Act (No. 2 of 2025), was assented to by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and announced on May 23 by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr. M. Rushwaya.
Critics have described the amendment as detached from reality and burdensome, particularly in a fragile economy where many Zimbabweans already struggle with the cost of living.
Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) youth assembly spokesperson, Stephen Sarkozy Chuma, slammed the move as repressive.
“This is unacceptable,” Chuma said. “The regime is using force to rape citizens’ rights with every passing day. Those who clapped for Mr Mnangagwa are now sulking.”
Despite mounting outrage, the ruling Zanu PF party has backed the legislation, defending it as a necessary step to ensure the sustainability of public broadcasting services.
Supporters of the law argue it will secure funding for national broadcasters. However, critics warn that the measure adds yet another financial burden on already overtaxed citizens and deepens public mistrust in the government.
A controversial amendment to the Broadcasting Services Act now requires Zimbabwean motorists to pay compulsory radio licence fees before being allowed to obtain ZINARA licences and one’s motor vehicle insurance —an unprecedented move that has sparked widespread criticism.
The new law, published under General Notice 1034 of 2025 and titled the Broadcasting Services Amendment Act (No. 2 of 2025), was assented to by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and announced on May 23 by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr. M. Rushwaya.
Critics have described the amendment as detached from reality and burdensome, particularly in a fragile economy where many Zimbabweans already struggle with the cost of living.
Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) youth assembly spokesperson, Stephen Sarkozy Chuma, slammed the move as repressive.
“This is unacceptable,” Chuma said. “The regime is using force to rape citizens’ rights with every passing day. Those who clapped for Mr Mnangagwa are now sulking.”
Despite mounting outrage, the ruling Zanu PF party has backed the legislation, defending it as a necessary step to ensure the sustainability of public broadcasting services.
Supporters of the law argue it will secure funding for national broadcasters. However, critics warn that the measure adds yet another financial burden on already overtaxed citizens and deepens public mistrust in the government.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has hailed himself as a promoter of peace and national development, despite mounting criticism over his administration’s crackdown on democratic processes and civic freedoms.
Speaking during a tour of his Precabe Farm in Kwekwe on Sunday, where he hosted Zanu PF Central Committee members, Mnangagwa praised the “prevailing peace” in Zimbabwe and claimed it has laid the foundation for rapid development.
“I am satisfied with the peace that is prevailing in our country. It is this peace that has enabled us to achieve development at a faster pace,” Mnangagwa said.
However, critics argue that this so-called peace has come at the expense of democratic integrity. A local think tank recently described Zanu PF as “anti-democracy,” citing increasing repression of dissent, shrinking media freedom, and politically motivated arrests.
In his address, Mnangagwa also shifted focus to agriculture, urging party members to learn from successful farmers like himself. “Each time you plant, you should aim to achieve better results than in the previous farming season,” he advised.
He went on to express concern over Zimbabwe’s dependence on food imports. “A nation should be fed by its own people,” he declared. “That is why here at Precabe, we are committed to producing crops all year round.”
Despite his self-congratulatory tone, Mnangagwa’s remarks have drawn backlash from civil society groups, who accuse his government of undermining democracy under the guise of stability.
Opposition leader Advocate Nelson Chamisa has strongly condemned the government’s move to compel motorists to pay ZBC radio licences before they can renew their ZINARA vehicle licences and insurance.
In a statement released on Monday, Chamisa described the policy, recently signed into law under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration, as oppressive and disconnected from the struggles of ordinary citizens.
“A NEW LAW requiring motorists to buy radio licence before renewing their vehicle licences that has been signed into law is too draconian, anti-citizens and outrightly heartless,” said Chamisa.
He criticized the increasing financial burden placed on motorists, questioning the logic behind multiple compulsory fees.
“So a person who owns a car pays Zinara, ZBC, Insurance and toll gate, how are people supposed to survive? When shall all this end? Citizens are being pauperized left, right and centre, why does the citizenry of this country deserve so uncaring & heartless a leadership?” he said.
Chamisa also challenged the relevance of the ZBC licence fee, arguing that citizens should not be forced to fund what he called partisan content.
“What are people supposed to do with all this cruel taxation? Why must I pay for a service I don’t use? Why should I pay for partisan propaganda, where I am attacked in person and demonized from dawn to dusk?” he asked.
He further questioned the role of Parliament in safeguarding citizens’ rights and labelled the situation in Zimbabwe as a “crime scene.”
“Do we have a parliament in Zimbabwe? Which other country does this to her citizens? Is this not naked provocation? Is Zimbabwe not a crime scene?” Chamisa said.
The statement comes amid growing public outcry over the increasing cost of living and what many see as excessive taxation measures.
A tragic incident has rocked the Inyati community after the body of 33-year-old Shepherd Mashava was discovered floating in the Mwarazi River, days after he went missing following a violent altercation.
Mashava was last seen on May 17 at Chinyudze Business Centre, where he was allegedly assaulted by a man identified as James George during a heated dispute over braai meat at a local sports bar. He never returned home, prompting a search that ended in the grim discovery of his body.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the incident and said investigations are ongoing. “We are treating this matter seriously and urge anyone with information to come forward and report to the nearest police station,” the ZRP said in a statement.
The incident has shocked residents in the area, who are calling for justice and tighter security at public gathering spots.
By Crime and Courts Reporter- The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested Gan Zhewen, Lin Hui, Bi Yanyan and Arnold Mlambo for import duty fraud.
The four allegedly imported 1,342 cartons of suitcase accessories and falsified import documents claiming they were importing fertiliser distributors and steel tubes in order to benefit from duty exemptions for agricultural imports.
The consignment was cleared without inspection, with the accused persons only paying USD 4,531.00 in Value Added Tax (VAT), prejudicing the State of USD 163,550.00 in import duty and VAT.
ZIMRA uncovered the scandal, impounded the goods, and reported the matter to ZACC, leading to the arrest of the accused persons.
They have since appeared at Harare Magistrates Court and were remanded to 23 June 2025 on USD 150.00 bail.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has hailed himself as a promoter of peace and national development, despite mounting criticism over his administration’s crackdown on democratic processes and civic freedoms.
Speaking during a tour of his Precabe Farm in Kwekwe on Sunday, where he hosted Zanu PF Central Committee members, Mnangagwa praised the “prevailing peace” in Zimbabwe and claimed it has laid the foundation for rapid development.
“I am satisfied with the peace that is prevailing in our country. It is this peace that has enabled us to achieve development at a faster pace,” Mnangagwa said.
However, critics argue that this so-called peace has come at the expense of democratic integrity. A local think tank recently described Zanu PF as “anti-democracy,” citing increasing repression of dissent, shrinking media freedom, and politically motivated arrests.
In his address, Mnangagwa also shifted focus to agriculture, urging party members to learn from successful farmers like himself. “Each time you plant, you should aim to achieve better results than in the previous farming season,” he advised.
He went on to express concern over Zimbabwe’s dependence on food imports. “A nation should be fed by its own people,” he declared. “That is why here at Precabe, we are committed to producing crops all year round.”
Despite his self-congratulatory tone, Mnangagwa’s remarks have drawn backlash from civil society groups, who accuse his government of undermining democracy under the guise of stability.
By Crime and Courts Reporter-Former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Gideon Gono is expected to make an appearance in court on June 13 as a key witness in a fraud case in which a Harare couple, Clark and Beverly Makoni, are being accused of a fraudulent takeover of his company involving ZW$172 million.
The couple has denied the allegations, which they described as malicious, and they have always insisted that only Gono can set the record straight.
Gono’s appearance in court will signal the close of the State’s case, as prosecutor Heather Muokoto indicated that she will lead Gono and Eric Chacha, the investigating officer, and rest her case.
The defence said they were “ready” for Gono’s appearance as he is the star witness.
Allegations against the couple are that the two allegedly forged company documents in which Clark appointed himself a director and company secretary.
Beverly was his deputy.
The State alleges that the couple misrepresented to the bank that they were the new shareholders of Valley Lodge and wanted to change signatories to its bank accounts.
The State claims the couple then fraudulently took over the complainant’s company, gained access to its bank accounts, and stole money amounting to ZW$137 736 500.
On Friday, the State brought another witness, Fadzai Chiro, a former accountant at Valley Lodge in Mutare.
She said she had no knowledge of the allegations and got to know about them when her statement was recorded.
She denied that Clark and Beverly Makoni were managing the lodge as Estate Agents.
She said she had never met Beverly and only saw her for the first time when they met in court. “I was the accountant and I was responsible for preparing salary schedules. I only know Clark as the person who interviewed me for the job. “This is my first time to see Beverly Makoni here in court. I only interacted with her on the phone. “I got to know about the allegations when I was called to give a statement,” she said. Chiro said the salary schedules never changed during her time there. “Some of the employees said they had been there when the lodge was being owned by a white man. The schedules did not change and I would prepare it on instruction from my manager Elizabeth Tachiona,” she said. She said money at the lodge was received by the front office and taken to the accounts office. “There were about 17 rooms for accommodation. The lodge operated by offering accommodation, a restaurant and events. “People would pay at the front office,” she said.
By A Correspondent- The government has introduced new regulations making it mandatory for all motorists to pay a US$92 annual Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) radio licence fee as a condition for vehicle registration and insurance.
The new directive was announced in a Government Gazette signed by Dr. Misheck Sibanda, the Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet.
According to the gazetted Broadcasting Services Amendment Act (No. 2 of 2025), motorists must pay the ZBC licence fee before they can:
Renew their vehicle insurance
Obtain a valid ZINARA licence disc
The licence fee is set at US$23 per quarter, translating to US$92 annually.
Government sources say the move is intended to boost compliance and create a sustainable revenue stream for the state broadcaster, which has long struggled with financial constraints.
The latest development is likely to spark debate among motorists, many of whom have previously criticized compulsory ZBC licence fees, citing poor content quality and limited programming diversity.
More details are expected to emerge in the coming days as the law comes into full effect.
London- The country’s first female High Court judge, Justice Mavis Dorothy Gibson (née Gumede), has died.
She died on Wednesday in London, United Kingdom, at the age of 85, after a battle with cancer.
In a statement, Chief Justice Luke Malaba expressed deep sorrow on behalf of the judiciary, paying tribute to her trailblazing contributions to the legal profession and the nation. He said:
The Chief Justice of Zimbabwe and Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission, Honourable Justice Luke Malaba; the Judicial Service Commissioners; the Judge President of the High Court; Judges and Magistrates; the Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission; and all members of the Judicial Service would like to express their deepest condolences to the Gibson family on the passing of Zimbabwe’s first black female High Court Judge, Honourable Justice Mavis Dorothy Gibson (née Gumede), in London, England, on 21 May 2025.
Justice Gibson was appointed as a Judge of the Administrative Court on March 1, 1984, and was elevated to the High Court bench just a few months later, on May 15, 1984.
For the next 12 years, she presided over cases with a strong commitment to fairness and the rule of law, earning widespread respect for her legal acumen, integrity, and professionalism.
Her tenure was distinguished by a clear, analytical approach to the law and a firm belief in its potential to promote justice and societal well-being.
In 1996, she extended her judicial service beyond Zimbabwe by joining the Namibian judiciary, where she continued to serve with dedication until her retirement in 2001.
Justice Gibson’s steadfast commitment to equity and justice had a lasting impact in both Zimbabwe and Namibia, where she inspired many within the legal profession.
Following her retirement, she settled in England, where she lived quietly until her passing.
By Business Reporter-EcoCash Holdings Zimbabwe is undergoing a bold transformation, rebranding as TN CyberTech Investments Holdings Limited in tribute to its founding banking mogul, Tawanda Nyambirai.
The proposed name change, part of a broader corporate repositioning strategy, will be put to a vote at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) scheduled for 13 June, to be held virtually.
Shareholders are being encouraged to log in and weigh in on what could be a defining moment for the company’s future.
According to a circular released on Friday, the rebrand is more than cosmetic, it’s a strategic move designed to align the company’s identity with its expanding ambitions in the tech and innovation space while honouring its roots.
“The initials ‘TN’ are a tribute to the founder of TN Bank, Tawanda Nyambirai,” the circular states. “It’s a powerful nod to a legacy of innovation and excellence in finance, law, and asset management.”
Nyambirai’s name now enters the same echelon as global financial icons, J.P. Morgan, Barclays, Wells Fargo, and now, potentially, TN CyberTech.
The board describes the shift as not just a name change but a full-scale strategic reset. Directors have been authorised to oversee all steps necessary to finalise the rebrand, pending approval from the Registrar of Companies.
The symbolism runs deep.
“TN stands for innovation, dignity, industry, faith, originality, and humility,” the statement reads, values Nyambirai has upheld throughout a distinguished 30-year career.
The move could significantly reshape public perception of the brand and sharpen its competitive edge in Zimbabwe’s fast-evolving fintech and financial sectors.
Rebrand or resist?
Shareholders will decide. And the next chapter begins with just two letters — T.N.
By Crime and Courts Reporter-Former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Gideon Gono has resurfaced and this time, is expected to make an appearance in court on June 13 as a key witness in a fraud case in which a Harare couple − Clark and Beverly Makoni − are being accused of a fraudulent takeover of his company involving ZW$172 million.
The couple has denied the allegations, which they described as malicious, and they have always insisted that only Gono can set the record straight.
Gono’s appearance in court will signal the close of the State’s case, as prosecutor Heather Muokoto indicated that she will lead Gono and Eric Chacha, the investigating officer, and rest her case.
The defence said they were “ready” for Gono’s appearance as he is the star witness.
Allegations against the couple are that the two allegedly forged company documents in which Clark appointed himself director and company secretary.
Beverly was his deputy.
The State alleges that the couple misrepresented to the bank that they were the new shareholders of Valley Lodge and wanted to change signatories to its bank accounts.
The State claims the couple then fraudulently took over the complainant’s company and gained access to its bank accounts and stole money amounting to ZW$137 736 500.
On Friday, the State brought another witness, Fadzai Chiro, a former accountant at Valley Lodge in Mutare.
She said she had no knowledge of the allegations and got to know about them when her statement was recorded.
She denied that Clark and Beverly Makoni were managing the lodge as Estate Agents.
She said she had never met Beverly and only saw her for the first time when they met in court. “I was the accountant, and I was responsible for preparing salary schedules. I only know Clark as the person who interviewed me for the job. “This is my first time to see Beverly Makoni here in court. I only interacted with her on the phone. “I got to know about the allegations when I was called to give a statement,” she said. Chiro said the salary schedules never changed during her time there. “Some of the employees said they had been there when the lodge was being owned by a white man. The schedules did not change and I would prepare it on instruction from my manager Elizabeth Tachiona,” she said. She said money at the lodge was received by the front office and taken to the accounts office. “There were about 17 rooms for accommodation. The lodge operated by offering accommodation, a restaurant and events. “People would pay at the front office,” she said.
As Zimbabwe joined the rest of the continent in commemorating the 62nd Africa Day, President Emmerson Mnangagwa called on Zimbabweans to remember and cherish the country’s hard-won independence, despite the social and economic challenges many continue to face.
Addressing the nation during Africa Day celebrations, Mnangagwa paid tribute to the African Liberation Committee and the collective efforts of African nations that supported Zimbabwe’s fight for independence.
“Zimbabwe is grateful and will forever cherish the enduring fruits of Africa’s fraternal support and solidarity we received through the Liberation Committee,” Mnangagwa said. “This helped to usher our hard-won independence and that contribution was not in vain.”
Africa Day, marked annually on May 25, commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union) in 1963 and celebrates African unity and liberation. For many Zimbabweans, however, the occasion comes amid growing concerns about poverty, inflation, and unemployment.
Mnangagwa acknowledged these hardships indirectly by urging the current generation to honour the sacrifices of the past by committing themselves to the goals of the African Union’s development agenda.
“Today, us the present generation must do our part to bring to fruition the realization of the African Union Agenda,” he said.
He emphasized the need for unity and continued struggle for the values of justice, equality, and human dignity across the continent.
“We stand united in our shared commitment of justice, equality and dignity of all people of Africa,” the president added.
While the president’s message focused on continental solidarity and historical gratitude, critics argue that the government must also confront the pressing realities faced by ordinary citizens. Many Zimbabweans continue to struggle with limited access to basic services, persistent corruption, and economic instability—issues that some say stand in contrast to the ideals celebrated on Africa Day.
The previous day, Tagwirei publicly ridiculed Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s warning against “Zvigananda” – a label Chiwenga once used to criticize unruly political cliques – by proudly referring to his associates with that very term during a speech in Masvingo.
Speaking at a Women for ED event on Saturday, Tagwirei took his provocation further by scoffing at the idea of a military without financial control. He declared that “wealth is the army”, effectively suggesting that power now lies in the hands of those who control money – namely, himself.
In a speech laced with religious undertones and political muscle-flexing, Tagwirei said:
“This word, wealth, can be interchanged with the word army. So we can juxtapose it to say it is God who gives power to get wealth. So when you have wealth, you have an army… an army that is able to fight for us.”
The remarks, interpreted by many as a direct dig at Chiwenga’s military credentials, follow weeks of internal tension in ZANU PF, marked by a growing perception that the general has lost his grip on both the party and the army.
The comment
Mpofu Questions Tagwirei’s Motive
Constitutional lawyer Thabani Mpofu weighed in on the development, writing on X:
“Was it an in-your-face insult to Chiwenga who ‘coined’ the term whilst possibly criticizing the group? Was it Tagwirei forcing the words down the feared General’s throat…?”
Mpofu suggested the move may signify a deeper power shift within ZANU PF, or an episode of “unchecked arrogance with consequences.”
Chiwenga Silent, But Pressure Mounts
The Vice President, who coined the term “Zvigananda” in a 2022 speech warning against internal ZANU PF factions that he described as rogue and lawless, has yet to respond. His silence, however, is growing louder in a climate where the military has now accepted a constitutional petition to retire President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Sources close to the security sector say the military’s reception of the petition – which implicitly challenges Mnangagwa and his allies, including Tagwirei – may have been unthinkable without either Chiwenga’s approval or his complete sidelining.
The Wealth-War Doctrine
Tagwirei’s latest speech appears to formalize a new political doctrine: that those who hold the purse also command the guns. By equating wealth to an army, he not only places himself as a kingmaker but subtly diminishes the traditional role of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces as the ultimate power broker in state affairs.
His boldness, analysts say, is also rooted in the reality that most major government contracts – including fuel, infrastructure, and mining – now run through entities he controls or influences.
Whether this is the rise of a new emperor behind the throne or simply elite bravado remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Tagwirei’s “Zvigananda” moment has redrawn Zimbabwe’s power map, and the silence from the barracks is as ominous as it is telling.- ZimEye
A chilling crime scene has shaken residents of Bulawayo after a dismembered body of a young man was discovered beneath the Luveve Road flyover early yesterday morning. The victim, believed to be in his early 20s, was found on the railway tracks in a condition too brutal for an ordinary train accident—prompting suspicions of a staged murder.
The crime scene
In a now-viral image from the scene, several police officers can be seen crowding at the front of a stationary National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) goods train, methodically taking notes and collecting observations. The grim task of piecing together what happened has begun, with investigators working under the looming shadow of the yellow and blue locomotive, its engine still humming amid tall, dry grass.
Residents who had rushed to the scene were left in shock. Limbs were scattered across the tracks, painting a horrific picture that contradicted early assumptions of a suicide or train accident. NRZ spokesperson Mr Andrew Kunambura ruled out a train collision, saying:
“Our crew saw the body from afar and managed to stop the train in time. They discovered the man was already dead before we even reached him.”
Bulawayo Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, confirmed that police have launched a full investigation into the suspected murder.
The deceased’s identity remains unknown, and his body has been taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) for post-mortem examination.
This gruesome discovery follows a similar near-tragedy in October last year, when a 62-year-old homeless man narrowly escaped death on the same railway stretch.
Police are appealing to the public for any information that could assist in tracing the victim’s identity or those responsible for what now appears to be a carefully disguised killing.
VICTORIA FALLS – In a landmark development for gender equality in traditional leadership, 29-year-old Silibaziso Mlotshwa has been appointed as the substantive Chief Mvuthu of Hwange District, making her the sixth female chief in Zimbabwe.
Silibaziso Mlotshwa
President Emmerson Mnangagwa made the appointment in terms of Section 283(a)(i) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, read together with Sections 3(1) and (2) of the Traditional Leaders Act (Chapter 29:17). The appointment is effective from 16 May 2025, according to an official letter from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
“We are pleased to inform you that His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, has… appointed Silibaziso Mlotshwa as substantive Chief Mvuthu,” reads the ministry’s communication to the provincial authorities in Matabeleland North. The letter directs the relevant office to inform Ms Mlotshwa, begin payment of her allowances, and arrange for her official installation.
Her appointment ends a decade-long chieftaincy succession dispute that began after the death of her father, Chief Nyangayezizwe Mlotshwa, in March 2014. In the intervening years, Acting Chief duties were held by Headman Bishop Matata Sibanda, as tensions mounted over cultural norms and legal rights.
While some family members initially resisted Ms Mlotshwa’s bid for the throne—arguing that Nguni customs barred women from assuming chieftaincy—her persistence paid off. She successfully challenged the 2014 nomination of her uncle, Mr Sanders Mlotshwa, in the High Court. The court nullified his appointment and ordered a fresh process that aligned with Zimbabwe’s constitutional commitments to gender equality.
The long-running dispute attracted national attention, prompting the Chiefs Council in 2020 to send a three-member delegation to mediate. Their assessment led to a recommendation from the Matabeleland North Provincial Chiefs Assembly in favour of Ms Mlotshwa.
Ms Mlotshwa now joins an elite but growing group of female traditional leaders in Zimbabwe, including:
• Chief Mabhikwa Zanele Khumalo (Regent, Lupane District)
• Chief Ndube (Insiza District)
• Chief Mathe (Gwanda District)
• Chief Hikwa (Bulilima District)
• Chief Mabhena (Umzingwane District)
Her official installation is expected in the coming weeks, ushering in a new era for the Mvuthu chieftaincy which governs a significant stretch of communities near Victoria Falls.
The development is being hailed by gender rights activists as a major victory in the fight to dismantle patriarchal norms entrenched in Zimbabwe’s traditional leadership structures.
Gweru – 25 May 2025 | By ZimEye Newsdesk | Dorrothy Moyo |
Business tycoon and political power broker Kudakwashe Tagwirei has publicly ridiculed Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s warning against “Zvigananda” – a label Chiwenga once used to criticize unruly political cliques – by proudly referring to his associates with that very term during a speech in Masvingo.
Speaking at a Women for ED event last Saturday, Tagwirei took his provocation further by scoffing at the idea of a military without financial control. He declared that “wealth is the army”, effectively suggesting that power now lies in the hands of those who control money – namely, himself.
In a speech laced with religious undertones and political muscle-flexing, Tagwirei said:
“This word, wealth, can be interchanged with the word army. So we can juxtapose it to say it is God who gives power to get wealth. So when you have wealth, you have an army… an army that is able to fight for us.”
The remarks, interpreted by many as a direct dig at Chiwenga’s military credentials, follow weeks of internal tension in ZANU PF, marked by a growing perception that the general has lost his grip on both the party and the army.
The comment
Mpofu Questions Tagwirei’s Motive
Constitutional lawyer Thabani Mpofu weighed in on the development, writing on X:
“Was it an in-your-face insult to Chiwenga who ‘coined’ the term whilst possibly criticizing the group? Was it Tagwirei forcing the words down the feared General’s throat…?”
Mpofu suggested the move may signify a deeper power shift within ZANU PF, or an episode of “unchecked arrogance with consequences.”
Chiwenga Silent, But Pressure Mounts
The Vice President, who coined the term “Zvigananda” in a 2022 speech warning against internal ZANU PF factions that he described as rogue and lawless, has yet to respond. His silence, however, is growing louder in a climate where the military has now accepted a constitutional petition to retire President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Sources close to the security sector say the military’s reception of the petition – which implicitly challenges Mnangagwa and his allies, including Tagwirei – may have been unthinkable without either Chiwenga’s approval or his complete sidelining.
The Wealth-War Doctrine
Tagwirei’s latest speech appears to formalize a new political doctrine: that those who hold the purse also command the guns. By equating wealth to an army, he not only places himself as a kingmaker but subtly diminishes the traditional role of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces as the ultimate power broker in state affairs.
His boldness, analysts say, is also rooted in the reality that most major government contracts – including fuel, infrastructure, and mining – now run through entities he controls or influences.
Whether this is the rise of a new emperor behind the throne or simply elite bravado remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Tagwirei’s “Zvigananda” moment has redrawn Zimbabwe’s power map, and the silence from the barracks is as ominous as it is telling.- ZimEye
Today in Bulawayo, lbhetshu LikaZulu organized a memorial lecture honoring General Lookout Masuku and Dr Philani Lithandene Ndlovu a Doctor of Law at UNISA delivered the lecture below entitled,
Victims or victors? A reflection of the life and legacy of LKVM and his contemporaries
Greetings ladies and gentlemen
Introduction
Just a little over two weeks ago, we witnessed the passing of Mrs Sikhubekiso Mangena, the wife of the ZIPRA commander who died in 1978 during one of the military operations to liberate Zimbabwe from colonial rule. Sadly, she died a pauper’s death despite the sacrifices she and her husband made to liberate this country.
The liberation war that ushered this country into black rule in 1980 was bloody and grueling. Three major armies were involved, namely, the ZPRA, ZANLA and the Rhodesian Front. To end the war, a conference was held at the Lancaster House in the United Kingdom. The agreement paved way for the integration of the three-armed military belligerents into one national army of Zimbabwe which would be responsible for the defense of the newly established Republic of Zimbabwe. The three command structures were to be merged into one. British military instructors were assigned the duty to oversee the process.
When the integration exercise was done, Rex Nhongo (a.k.a Solomon Mujuru) was appointed as the Head of the military. Ubaba uLookout Vumindaba Khalisabantu Masuku was appointed as his deputy. Within two years of its establishment, the Joint High Command established in1980 collapsed when Lookout Masuku, Dumiso Dabengwa, among others were arrested and tried for alleged acts of treason. The arrest resulted in a lengthy trial which proceeded through the High Court of Bulawayo right up to the Supreme Court. Interestingly, the state prosecution failed to sustain the charges against the accused ZPRA commanders, resulting in their acquittal by the Supreme Court in April 1983. The state case was too weak to sustain, bereft of evidence and demonstrably politically motivated. Despite their acquittal, Masuku and Dabengwa were immediately detained with neither further charges pressed against them nor trial between 1983 and 1986.
It is common knowledge that Masuku’s health deteriorated significantly during that detention. Even though he was eventually released in March 1986, that release came barely a month before he eventually succumbed to illness. His death on the 5th of April in 1986 just two days before his 46th birthday cast a dark shed on the prospects of the successful attainment of the dream of a free country for which Masuku and his compatriots had fought so hard to liberate. It is a sad reminder of how one’s sacrifice can be used against him by those who have benefited from it.
The case of Masuku and Dabengwa goes into history as an unprecedented travesty of justice in Zimbabwe, and a textbook case of how lawfare has been deployed to intimidate critics and opposition political activists in this country. The recent arrests and detentions of the likes of Job Sikhala, Blessing Mhlanga, and others must be viewed against the backdrop of a long-standing culture whereby critics of government and the state face detentions to curtail their voices and muzzle any potential criticism of the establishment.
Context
But how is the arrest of Masuku and Dabengwa to be understood?
Was it by coincidence that the arrest, prosecution, and subsequent detention of the ZPRA supremo duo’s arrest was immediately followed by the deployment of Gukurahundi into the provinces of Matabeleland and the Midlands? Is their trial not to be viewed within the context of the bigger Gukurahundi genocide plot?
The national question
One question that stands to be answered is: Who is a Zimbabwean? What is a Zimbabwean?
When you say that you are Zimbabwean, what do you mean?
Economic freedom
Procurement
Political participation
Is there freedom of participation
Gukurahundi Chief’s process
Chiefs’ process
Impact
Principles of justice
Justice hinges on the two main principles:
Audi alteram partem
Nemo judex in causa sua
Reconciliation
Nation building
How the young view the war of independence
The young do not see a reason why Masuku went to war.
By Farai D Hove | In light of recent regulatory developments affecting Starlink’s operations in South Africa, stakeholders led by politicians the likes of Julius Malema are exploring alternative satellite internet solutions. This report provides an overview of the current situation and viable alternatives for high-speed internet connectivity in the region.
⚖️ Regulatory Landscape: Starlink’s Challenges in South Africa
Starlink, operated by SpaceX, has faced hurdles in launching services in South Africa due to the country’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) laws, which mandate that foreign telecom companies allocate 30% ownership to historically disadvantaged groups. Elon Musk has criticized these requirements as discriminatory. In response, South African authorities are considering policy adjustments, such as allowing companies to fulfill empowerment obligations through alternative means like local investments and job creation .
Despite these proposed changes, political opposition remains, with parties like the Economic Freedom Fighters threatening legal action against any exemptions granted to Starlink .
🌐 Alternative Satellite Internet Providers in South Africa
Given the uncertainties surrounding Starlink’s entry, several other providers offer satellite internet services in South Africa:
1.
OneWeb (Eutelsat Group) via Liquid Intelligent Technologies
Service: Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite internet
Features: Lower latency and higher bandwidth compared to traditional satellite services
Availability: Enterprise-grade services across Africa
2.
Vox Telecom
Service: Geostationary satellite internet
Plans:
5 Mbps: R761/month
10 Mbps: R1,082/month
Up to 50 Mbps: R3,025/month
Note: Higher latency due to satellite positioning
3.
MorClick
Service: Satellite internet solutions
Target Audience: Rural and remote areas
Features: Various speed options and service plans
4.
Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs)
Providers: Supersonic, Herotel, Wirulink, among others
Service: Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)
Speeds: 4 Mbps to 100 Mbps
Pricing: R399 to R3,099/month, depending on speed and provider
Limitation: Requires line-of-sight to transmission towers
🛰️ Emerging Global Competitors
Several international players are developing satellite internet services that may become available in South Africa:
Project Kuiper (Amazon): A planned LEO satellite constellation aiming to provide global broadband services.
Telesat Lightspeed (Canada): Focused on delivering high-capacity, low-latency connectivity.
AST SpaceMobile (USA): Developing a space-based cellular broadband network to connect directly to standard mobile phones.
SpaceSail (China): A Chinese-operated satellite broadband service targeting the African market .
✅ Recommendations
Short-Term: For immediate connectivity needs, consider existing providers like Vox Telecom, MorClick, or local WISPs, especially in areas where infrastructure supports these services.
Long-Term: Monitor regulatory developments concerning Starlink and emerging global providers. The potential entry of services like OneWeb and Project Kuiper could offer enhanced options in the future.
Strategic Partnerships: Engage with providers that align with South Africa’s empowerment objectives to ensure compliance and support for local communities.
Staying informed about the evolving satellite internet landscape will be crucial for making timely and beneficial decisions regarding connectivity solutions in South Africa.
By Showbiz Reporter-In a country grappling with economic decline and where millions of citizens struggle to afford three meals a day, controversial businessman and self-proclaimed benefactor Wicknell Chivayo has shocked Zimbabweans yet again — this time by gifting his long-time friend and alleged fellow fraudster, Joseph Tazviona Mhaka, over US$250,000 in cash and brand-new luxury vehicles for his birthday.
In a lengthy, flamboyant post on social media, Chivayo showered Mhaka — a man wanted in connection with alleged card cloning and cyber fraud in the United Kingdom and the United States — with effusive praise and extravagant gifts, including a 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser VXR 300 Series and a 2025 Toyota Fortuner 4×4 for Mhaka’s wife, Ruby.
Chivayo, who often refers to himself as a “loyal son” of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, posted:
“Before I forget, my finance director has your small birthday pocket money of US$250,000 in cash to spoil yourself and your family. This is the little I can afford,” wrote Chivayo.
Who Is Joseph Tazviona Mhaka?
Joseph Mhaka, also known as Chief J, has long been under international scrutiny for his alleged role in transnational fraud syndicates. According to multiple reports and leaked law enforcement documents, Mhaka is suspected of operating or facilitating credit card cloning and wire fraud schemes in the UK and the USA during the early 2000s. Some reports link Mhaka to cybercrime rings that defrauded financial institutions and online payment systems, prompting investigations from authorities in London, Manchester, and Atlanta.
Though he has since returned to Zimbabwe and assumed a low-key profile — often posting lavish content on social media — Mhaka is believed to still be under watch by international law enforcement agencies. His connections to high-profile Zimbabwean elites have reportedly shielded him from arrest or extradition.
Chivayo’s Fraudulent Past
Wicknell Chivayo himself is no stranger to scandal. A former convict, Chivayo served time in prison in 2005 for bank fraud involving a fake Barclays Bank transfer. His notoriety grew exponentially when he was awarded lucrative government energy contracts under controversial circumstances — despite not delivering any tangible work.
In 2015, Chivayo’s company, Intratrek Zimbabwe, received millions of dollars in advance payments from the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) for the Gwanda Solar Project, which remains incomplete to this day. Subsequent parliamentary inquiries and Auditor-General reports revealed how Chivayo pocketed millions without producing a single megawatt of electricity. Despite this, he has continued to enjoy immunity from prosecution and remains closely associated with top ZANU PF officials.
In 2023, he rebranded himself as a philanthropist, frequently posting images of himself donating vehicles to musicians, pastors, and social media influencers. Critics, however, argue that these public displays are a strategy to launder his image while masking continued corruption and access to opaque state contracts.
Public Outcry and Ethical Questions
The birthday gifts to Mhaka have triggered outrage across social media, with many Zimbabweans questioning the source of Chivayo’s vast wealth and the moral rot in the country’s political and business elites.
“How is it that someone with a criminal record and an ongoing corruption scandal is allowed to flaunt cash like this, while nurses and teachers are earning less than US$200 a month?” one user asked.
Political analysts say the extravagant gifts expose a deeply entrenched culture of impunity among Zimbabwe’s politically connected elite. The incident also raises ethical concerns over the continued celebration of individuals implicated in financial crimes — especially at a time when the government is struggling to fund basic services and wages.
Conclusion
In a normal society, the public flaunting of unexplained wealth — particularly involving individuals linked to fraud — would trigger investigations or criminal proceedings. But in Zimbabwe, it appears to be a spectacle endorsed or ignored by those in power. As Chivayo continues to use his wealth for public spectacle, questions linger: who is funding these lavish gifts, and at what cost to the ordinary Zimbabwean?
By A Correspondent- Villagers in Thandawani, Ward 7 of Masendu in Plumtree, Matabeleland South, were left shaken after discovering a live hand grenade buried beneath the soil, a relic believed to date back to Zimbabwe’s liberation war era.
The potentially deadly device was unearthed last Thursday after heavy rains eroded the ground, exposing the rusted explosive in a local homestead. Alert community members wisely refrained from touching the grenade and immediately alerted authorities.
“We think it had been buried there for decades,” said one villager. Luckily, no one was injured. Soldiers came the same day and neutralised the grenade. We are relieved.”
The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) responded swiftly, dispatching a bomb disposal unit that safely detonated the ordnance. Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson for Matabeleland South Province, Assistant Inspector Stanford Mguni, confirmed the incident.
“We are still conducting investigations into the matter,” he said. “The grenade was discovered on 12 May 2025 and was safely destroyed by the Zimbabwe National Army on 15 May 2025.”
A Lingering Threat
This is not the first time unexploded ordnance (UXO) has been discovered in Zimbabwe’s rural areas. Landmines, grenades, and other remnants of war continue to pose a threat to communities — particularly in provinces such as Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Manicaland, and Matabeleland South, where heavy fighting occurred during the 1970s liberation struggle.
Since independence in 1980, the Zimbabwean government, with the support of international partners, has engaged in various mine clearance and ordnance disposal efforts. However, due to the sheer scale of contamination and the ruggedness of affected terrain, progress has been slow and intermittent.
Efforts Toward Demining and UXO Clearance
In the early years following independence, Zimbabwe received support from countries such as the United Kingdom and Sweden in mapping and marking minefields. By the 1990s, international organisations including the HALO Trust and Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) began formal mine clearance operations, focusing primarily on anti-personnel landmines laid along the country’s borders by Rhodesian forces.
Despite their success in clearing major minefields, smaller devices like hand grenades, mortars, and artillery shells — often buried or left behind during battles — remain hidden across the countryside, only to be discovered decades later by unsuspecting civilians.
In 2018, Zimbabwe’s government committed to the Ottawa Treaty deadline to become mine-free by 2025. This led to a renewed push in demining efforts, with enhanced collaboration between the Ministry of Defence, the National Mine Action Authority of Zimbabwe (NAMAAZ), and NGOs such as Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and APOPO.
These organisations have used advanced detection equipment, trained deminers, and community education campaigns to locate and safely remove UXO. According to the Zimbabwe Mine Action Centre (ZIMAC), over 50,000 landmines and explosives have been removed in the past decade alone.
Call for Vigilance and Public Education
Despite the progress, UXO remains a persistent danger, particularly in rural areas where children and farmers often stumble upon these forgotten weapons. Authorities have urged citizens to report any suspicious metal objects and avoid attempting to move or tamper with them.
Kylian Mbappé has etched his name into the Real Madrid history books by becoming the first player in the club’s history to score over 30 goals in his debut La Liga season. The French superstar capped off a phenomenal campaign with his 31st league goal during Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday.
Mbappé, who joined the Spanish giants in a high-profile move last summer, has been a dominant force in La Liga, consistently delivering match-winning performances and living up to the immense expectations that followed his transfer. His blistering pace, sharp finishing, and tactical intelligence have not only made him a fan favorite at the Santiago Bernabéu but have also been instrumental in Real Madrid’s successful league campaign.
Saturday’s La Liga results also saw Leganés defeat Real Valladolid 3-0, while Espanyol secured a 2-0 victory over Las Palmas.
With 31 goals in his debut season, Mbappé has set a new benchmark for future Madrid forwards and further solidified his status as one of the world’s elite footballers.
Every year, thousands of Zimbabweans leave the only home they’ve ever known, driven by hope, desperation, and the promise of greener pastures abroad. Some find success and stability, rising above the hardships that once stifled their dreams. Others, however, are met with a harsh and unforgiving reality — one that turns ambition into tragedy.
For many families, the journey of a loved one to foreign lands is a bittersweet goodbye, filled with prayer and silent worry. And when that journey ends in heartbreak, as it did for Shepherd Mudoveri, the pain is unbearable — not just because of the loss, but because it defies logic. In the middle of this modern-day exodus, how do you make sense of a young life cut short before it even had a chance to begin anew?
Shepherd Mudoveri
This is the story of one of Zimbabwe’s sons who chased hope across borders, only to be met by fate in the most tragic of ways.
CHIVHU – Just a week after relocating to the United Arab Emirates in search of a better life, 25-year-old Shepherd Mudoveri tragically died while attempting to escape a devastating tower fire in Al Nahda, Sharjah. His death has left a community in deep mourning, as his remains were repatriated and laid to rest in Chivhu this past Saturday.
Mudoveri, who had travelled to Dubai after being invited by friends, fell from the 42nd floor of a high-rise building while trying to flee the blaze using makeshift ropes. The fire tore through the building in early April, claiming the lives of five people, including the promising young Zimbabwean.
“He was a brilliant young man, with a promising future. He had just arrived in Dubai and was settling in when the fire broke out,” said family spokesperson Mr. Taurai Mudoveri. “In his desperate attempt to survive, he used ropes to escape but tragically slipped and fell to his death. We are devastated.”
Screenshots from WhatsApp messages show Mudoveri reaching out with condolences to a friend who had just lost their father, only days before his own death. “My condolences brother, very sorry. It’s hard but ingoziiisa mumaoko amwarii,” he wrote on April 10. By April 14, he was gone.
A heartbroken Facebook post by Tanaka Mujaty recounts their last interaction. “RIP my guy… on the 10th of April you sent me a message telling me that I must leave it to God during my father’s funeral, and on the 14th you passed away.”
Emotional images from the funeral in Chivhu captured the raw grief of family members. Women wept uncontrollably beside the white coffin, while others tried to console each other in the presence of overwhelming pain.
Mudoveri’s tragic end has served as a painful reminder of the harsh realities many Zimbabweans face in pursuit of economic opportunities abroad. His memory now lives on through the tears and prayers of those he left behind.
In Zimbabwe, the digital landscape is rapidly evolving, with online gambling emerging as a significant facet of this transformation. Despite the global proliferation of online casinos, Zimbabwe’s regulatory framework remains in a state of flux, presenting both challenges and opportunities for stakeholders.
The cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s gambling legislation is the Lotteries and Gaming Act (Chapter 10:26), which primarily addresses land-based gambling activities. However, this Act does not explicitly regulate online gambling, leading to a legal grey area. As a result, while online gambling is not expressly prohibited, it lacks a clear regulatory framework, leaving operators and players in a state of uncertainty.
This ambiguity has prompted the government to take action against illegal gambling operations. In June 2024, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued directives to curb unauthorized betting shops and casinos operating without the necessary approvals from the Lotteries and Gaming Board.
The Rise of Online Gambling
Despite regulatory uncertainties, online gambling continues to gain traction in Zimbabwe. The proliferation of mobile technology and increased internet accessibility have facilitated the growth of online betting platforms, particularly among the youth. This trend underscores the need for a comprehensive regulatory framework that addresses the nuances of online gambling.
Recognizing this, the Zimbabwean government introduced a 10% withholding tax on gross winnings from sports betting in December 2024. This measure aims to formalize the rapidly growing gambling sector and boost government revenues. Yogonet
Zimbabwe’s situation is not unique in Africa. Many Sub-Saharan African countries lack formal regulations for online gambling, resulting in a patchwork of legal interpretations and enforcement. For example, while countries like Kenya and Tanzania have established licensing frameworks for online gambling, others remain in regulatory limbo.
This inconsistency across the continent highlights the challenges of regulating a rapidly evolving digital industry. It also emphasizes the importance of establishing clear, enforceable regulations that protect consumers and ensure fair play.
The Path Forward
To harness the benefits of online gambling while mitigating its risks, Zimbabwe must develop a robust regulatory framework that encompasses digital platforms. Such a framework should address licensing requirements, consumer protections, and mechanisms for monitoring and enforcement.
By learning from the experiences of other African nations and adapting best practices, Zimbabwe can create a regulatory environment that supports innovation, safeguards players, and contributes to economic growth.
In the midst of economic challenges and daily uncertainties, Zimbabweans are increasingly turning to digital platforms for solace and entertainment. Online gaming has emerged as a popular avenue, offering not just amusement but also a means to alleviate stress and foster social connections.
One notable example is Spree, which provides engaging games like “3 Dancing Monkeys” that captivate players with vibrant visuals and interactive gameplay. Such platforms offer an accessible escape, allowing individuals to immerse themselves in virtual worlds that momentarily distract from real-life pressures.
The Rise of Online Gaming in Zimbabwe
The proliferation of smartphones and improved internet connectivity have significantly contributed to the growth of online gaming in Zimbabwe. As more individuals gain access to digital devices, the appeal of online games has expanded beyond traditional demographics, attracting a diverse range of players seeking entertainment and relaxation.
This trend is not unique to Zimbabwe. Across Africa, online gaming has become a prevalent form of leisure, with many turning to digital games as a means to unwind and cope with stress. Studies have shown that engaging in online gaming can have positive effects on mental well-being, providing a sense of achievement and a temporary escape from daily challenges.
Online Gaming as a Coping Mechanism
In times of hardship, individuals often seek activities that offer a reprieve from stress and anxiety. Online gaming serves this purpose by providing interactive experiences that can distract from worries and promote relaxation. The immersive nature of games allows players to focus their attention on tasks within the game, thereby reducing the impact of external stressors.
Moreover, online games often incorporate elements that encourage problem-solving and strategic thinking, which can enhance cognitive functions and provide a sense of control—an important factor in stress management. By setting and achieving goals within a game, players can experience a boost in self-esteem and motivation.
Social Connectivity Through Gaming
Beyond individual benefits, online gaming also fosters social interaction. Multiplayer games and online communities enable players to connect with others, share experiences, and build relationships. This social aspect is particularly valuable in contexts where physical gatherings may be limited, offering an alternative means of communication and camaraderie.
In Zimbabwe, where economic and social challenges can lead to feelings of isolation, the communal nature of online gaming provides a platform for engagement and support. Players can collaborate, compete, and converse, creating a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
The Role of Game Design in Stress Relief
The design of online games plays a crucial role in their effectiveness as stress-relief tools. Games that feature calming visuals, soothing soundtracks, and manageable challenges are particularly effective in promoting relaxation. For instance, “3 Dancing Monkeys” offers a visually appealing and engaging experience that can captivate players without causing frustration or overstimulation.
By carefully balancing difficulty levels and providing positive feedback, such games can help players achieve a state of flow—a mental state characterized by complete immersion and enjoyment. Achieving this state can lead to reduced anxiety and improved mood, making online gaming a valuable component of stress management strategies.
Considerations and Responsible Gaming
While online gaming offers numerous benefits, it is essential to approach it responsibly. Excessive gaming can lead to negative outcomes, including decreased productivity and social withdrawal. Therefore, it is important for players to set boundaries, take regular breaks, and ensure that gaming does not interfere with other aspects of life.
Furthermore, game developers and platforms have a role to play in promoting healthy gaming habits. By incorporating features that encourage moderation and providing resources for players who may be struggling, the gaming industry can contribute to the well-being of its user base.
