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-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 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.

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.

By A Correspondent

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.

By A Correspondent

A devastating road traffic accident has occurred near the Sebakwe River in Kwekwe.

The people are feared dead …

The accident involved a fuel tanker, a pirate taxi (mushikashika), and a small lorry.

According to eyewitnesses, the collision happened when the vehicles were travelling in close proximity to each other.

The impact of the crash caused significant damage to all three vehicles, with the fuel tanker likely exacerbating the severity of the accident.

By A Correspondent

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.

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.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.

By A Correspondent

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.

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.

By A Correspondent- A senior member of the Zanu PF propaganda and# ED2030 Agenda, Nyaradzo Belinda Bechani, has died.

Bechani died last week in Bulawayo, and President Emmerson Mnangagwa accorded her a Liberation War Heroine status.

She was buried on 26th May 2025 at Umvutshwa cemetery in Bulawayo.

By A Correspondent

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.

Harare – 27 May 2025

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.

By A Correspondent

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 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.”

By A Correspondent

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.

By A Correspondent

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.

By A Correspondent

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 Tinashe Sambiri

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.

By A Correspondent

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.

By A Correspondent

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.

• H Metro

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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 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.

• H Metro

By A Correspondent

Harare – May 25, 2025

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.

Zanu PF businessman Kuda Tagwirei confirmed on Sunday a meeting was held at Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Precabe farm.

Zanu PF sources say Mnangagwa is keen to cut his deputy Constantino Chiwenga’s tail

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.

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

Bulawayo – 26 May 2025

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.

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.

By Farai D Hove | 26 May 2025

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

By A Correspondent

Harare – May 25, 2025

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.

By Tinashe Sambiri

Zimbabwean opposition leader Linda Masarira has launched a scathing attack on South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, accusing him of betraying African interests to appease U.S. President Donald Trump and other Western powers.

In a fiery statement released Friday titled Solidarity Statement with CIC Julius Malema and the People of South Africa on Land Reclamation, Masarira — who leads the Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD) party — pledged unwavering support for the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and its leader Julius Malema over their land reform stance.

“As Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD), we stand in resolute solidarity with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and Commander-in-Chief Julius Malema in their unapologetic stance on land expropriation without compensation,” said Masarira.

Taking direct aim at President Ramaphosa, Masarira accused him of siding with global interests to suppress legitimate African struggles. “The ongoing attempts by global powers and certain Western interests to police, ridicule, and interfere with sovereign African policy debates, especially those rooted in historical redress, reveal a deeply entrenched colonial mindset that refuses to accept the full emancipation of the African people,” she said.

Masarira warned that Ramaphosa’s government risked becoming an enabler of foreign domination. “The future of the continent cannot and must not be shaped by fear of backlash from former colonial masters or the comfort of compromised elites,” she declared.

Her remarks come amid heightened tensions in South Africa over the EFF’s renewed push for land reform and alleged international pressure to abandon the policy. Masarira insisted that resistance to land expropriation was rooted in racist and imperialist agendas.

“We echo the sentiments that no amount of foreign intelligence gossip, media manipulation, or diplomatic bullying should deter the legitimate aspirations of South Africans to reclaim what was stolen under violent settler colonialism,” she said. “The narrative of ‘white genocide’ is not only unsubstantiated but deliberately constructed to criminalize Black resistance and delegitimize African agency.”

Drawing parallels with Zimbabwe’s own controversial land reform program, Masarira said Zimbabweans understood the high cost of reclaiming ancestral land. “We know the price of reclaiming dignity. We also know that land is not just an economic asset. It is the heartbeat of identity, heritage, and sovereignty.”

Concluding her statement with a rallying cry, Masarira affirmed: “Land must return to its rightful custodians not for political expediency but for justice…
We affirm that land expropriation without compensation is not a crime. It is the correction of one. We salute CIC Julius Malema.”

By A Correspondent

Zanu PF leader President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Sunday summoned senior party officials to his private Precabe Farm in Kwekwe, in what insiders described as a calculated move to gauge loyalty amid growing internal unease within the ruling party.

While Zanu PF officially labeled the gathering as a “tour of the property,” multiple party sources say the event was more politically charged than the party let on. According to those familiar with the inner workings of Zanu PF, Mnangagwa used the occasion to assess the allegiance of Central Committee and Politburo members amid persistent reports of factionalism and behind-the-scenes jostling for succession.

“Everything is in place for the Central Committee members’ tour of Precabe Farm, which will be conducted alongside members of the Politburo,” said a party announcement made during the event.

However, party insiders paint a different picture. “This wasn’t just a tour. Mnangagwa is jittery, and this was about reinforcing his grip on power,” said a senior party source who spoke on condition of anonymity. “He wanted to look them all in the eye and see who’s still with him.”

Mnangagwa, who rose to power in 2017 through a military-assisted transition, has faced increasing pressure both from within the party and the broader citizenry. With the economy in crisis, public discontent growing, and succession talk heating up, political analysts say the president’s recent actions suggest a leader keenly aware of shifting dynamics.

The presence of high-ranking officials at the farm — a symbol of Mnangagwa’s business and political empire — added weight to the suggestion that the gathering was not merely agricultural in nature. “He is using the farm as both a stage and a symbol — demonstrating control and reminding everyone of his stature,” said a political analyst based in Harare.

Though no official statement was issued about the internal discussions held during the tour, party sources indicated that Mnangagwa reiterated the importance of unity and discipline, and warned against “ambition that undermines the revolution.”

The event comes at a time when Mnangagwa’s future leadership is increasingly under the spotlight, with speculation growing over whether he will seek to extend his rule beyond current constitutional limits.

For now, the Precabe Farm tour may have provided a temporary show of strength — but whether it successfully calms the currents within Zanu PF remains to be seen.

By Tinashe Sambiri

Zimbabwean opposition leader Linda Masarira has launched a scathing attack on South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, accusing him of betraying African interests to appease former U.S. President Donald Trump and other Western powers.

In a fiery statement released Friday titled Solidarity Statement with CIC Julius Malema and the People of South Africa on Land Reclamation, Masarira — who leads the Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD) party — pledged unwavering support for the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and its leader Julius Malema over their land reform stance.

“As Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD), we stand in resolute solidarity with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and Commander-in-Chief Julius Malema in their unapologetic stance on land expropriation without compensation,” said Masarira.

Taking direct aim at President Ramaphosa, Masarira accused him of siding with global interests to suppress legitimate African struggles. “The ongoing attempts by global powers and certain Western interests to police, ridicule, and interfere with sovereign African policy debates, especially those rooted in historical redress, reveal a deeply entrenched colonial mindset that refuses to accept the full emancipation of the African people,” she said.

Masarira warned that Ramaphosa’s government risked becoming an enabler of foreign domination. “The future of the continent cannot and must not be shaped by fear of backlash from former colonial masters or the comfort of compromised elites,” she declared.

Her remarks come amid heightened tensions in South Africa over the EFF’s renewed push for land reform and alleged international pressure to abandon the policy. Masarira insisted that resistance to land expropriation was rooted in racist and imperialist agendas.

“We echo the sentiments that no amount of foreign intelligence gossip, media manipulation, or diplomatic bullying should deter the legitimate aspirations of South Africans to reclaim what was stolen under violent settler colonialism,” she said. “The narrative of ‘white genocide’ is not only unsubstantiated but deliberately constructed to criminalize Black resistance and delegitimize African agency.”

Drawing parallels with Zimbabwe’s own controversial land reform program, Masarira said Zimbabweans understood the high cost of reclaiming ancestral land. “We know the price of reclaiming dignity. We also know that land is not just an economic asset. It is the heartbeat of identity, heritage, and sovereignty.”

Concluding her statement with a rallying cry, Masarira affirmed: “Land must return to its rightful custodians not for political expediency but for justice…
We affirm that land expropriation without compensation is not a crime. It is the correction of one. We salute CIC Julius Malema.

By A Correspondent

Zimbabwe’s vital mining sector has shed over 1,000 jobs amid deepening economic turmoil, according to a new report by the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe (CoMZ). The report, unveiled on Thursday at the opening of the 2025 Mining Conference in Victoria Falls, paints a grim picture of an industry grappling with mounting challenges.

“For the year 2024, the [industry] recorded 1 216 retrenchments,” CoMZ stated. This marks a sharp increase of 314% compared to 2023, when just 294 mining jobs were lost. The report also noted that, “As at December 31, 2024, records showed that at least 49 160 workers were employed in the mining industry, with a vast, but unknown number of unregistered…workers also operating largely in gold mining.”

Zimbabwe’s mining sector, which serves as the country’s largest source of foreign currency, is currently facing crippling power outages, falling global commodity prices, and acute foreign currency shortages.

“Power challenges have been a major factor in the industry’s downturn. To sustain operations, some mines have turned to alternative energy sources, including solar power and diesel generators,” said CoMZ.

The report further revealed that 69 mining companies retrenched workers in 2024, up from 42 in the previous year, citing the rising cost of doing business as a primary factor. Some operations reported power cuts lasting up to 18 hours per day.

Despite the setbacks, the sector continues to support a significant portion of the population through informal employment. CoMZ estimates that over 500,000 artisanal and small-scale miners were active in the industry during 2024.

The job losses are a stark reminder of the fragile state of Zimbabwe’s economy and raise concerns about the long-term sustainability of a sector once seen as a beacon of hope for national recovery.

By Crime and Courts Reporter- The head of Rujeko Primary School in Masvingo has been implicated in a sex scandal involving the School Development Committee (SDC) chairperson.

Patience Mapfumo stands accused of having an intimate relationship with the school head, with allegations that the two engaged in sexual activities in the school head’s office. The matter is now before the courts and is set for a pre-trial hearing at the Masvingo Magistrates Court next Friday.

Mapfumo’s legal representative, Knowledge Mabvure of Chihambakwe Law Chambers, appeared before Magistrate Isaac Chikura on Tuesday and requested a postponement of the pre-trial hearing, citing the absence of the respondent’s lawyer, Martin Mureri, who was reportedly attending to other commitments.

In her court application, Mapfumo claims that several parents on a school WhatsApp group have falsely accused her of turning the school head’s office into a bedroom. She is suing one of the parents, Joshua Mboko, for US$15,000 in a defamation lawsuit. The name of the school head has not been disclosed in the court papers.

Mapfumo was accompanied to the court by SDC treasurer Loice Mapurisa. According to chat messages presented in court, Mapfumo is frequently present at the school, which has raised suspicions among parents. Some accuse her and the school head of conspiring to embezzle school funds.

— Masvingo Mirror

By Tinashe Sambiri

Citizens’ leader Advocate Nelson Chamisa on Friday paid heartfelt tribute to the late Spencer Ndemera, a former security aide to the late MDC President Morgan Tsvangirai, who was brutally murdered last week in Harare.

Speaking at Ndemera’s funeral in Glen View South, Chamisa described the slain activist as a dedicated servant of the people and a steadfast contributor to Zimbabwe’s democratic struggle.

“Spencer was a true hero of the people’s struggle,” Chamisa said. “We worked with him since the days of President Morgan Tsvangirai. He was loyal, disciplined, and committed to the cause of freedom.”

Chamisa used the solemn occasion to reflect on the current state of the nation, expressing concern over the worsening economic conditions under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership. He criticised the government’s failure to address the country’s deepening crisis and accused the regime of fearing popular resistance.

“Naiye wamunofunga kuti akatiremedza, naye akatoremerwawo,” he said. “Ukanomubvunza kuti akakuremera ndiani, anogona kuti ndakaremerwa nemukomana.”

Chamisa went on: “Of course, we all know that we are grappling with a deepening economic crisis. That’s our main challenge. You all know who is behind the crisis.”

Ndemera, who was also a local entrepreneur and community caretaker, was found dead in his Glen View home following an alleged assault by tenants. His murder has sparked outrage and calls for justice from across the political spectrum and wider community.

By Tinashe Sambiri

Citizens’ leader Advocate Nelson Chamisa on Friday paid heartfelt tribute to the late Spencer Ndemera, a former security aide to the late MDC President Morgan Tsvangirai, who was brutally murdered last week in Harare.

Speaking at Ndemera’s funeral in Glen View South, Chamisa described the slain activist as a dedicated servant of the people and a steadfast contributor to Zimbabwe’s democratic struggle.

“Spencer was a true hero of the people’s struggle,” Chamisa said. “We worked with him since the days of President Morgan Tsvangirai. He was loyal, disciplined, and committed to the cause of freedom.”

Chamisa used the solemn occasion to reflect on the current state of the nation, expressing concern over the worsening economic conditions under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership. He criticised the government’s failure to address the country’s deepening crisis and accused the regime of fearing popular resistance.

“Naiye wamunofunga kuti akatiremedza, naye akatoremerwawo,” he said. “Ukanomubvunza kuti akakuremera ndiani, anogona kuti ndakaremerwa nemukomana.”

Chamisa went on: “Of course, we all know that we are grappling with a deepening economic crisis. That’s our main challenge. You all know who is behind the crisis.”

Ndemera, who was also a local entrepreneur and community caretaker, was found dead in his Glen View home following an alleged assault by tenants. His murder has sparked outrage and calls for justice from across the political spectrum and wider community.

By A Correspondent | ZimEye | Harare – 23 May 2025 — President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been accused of unleashing a violent crackdown against citizens linked to a petition calling for his resignation, in what critics describe as a growing campaign of repression against dissent.

“This is now a clear abduction case that is being arranged by a small group in the ruling upper class,” said Gifford Gomwe, one of the main petitioners, in an interview with ZimEye.

His mother, 72-year-old Edna Musarurwa, was reportedly abducted on Friday evening from her home in Budiriro, Harare, by a group of armed men believed to be state operatives. She was later dumped near a police checkpoint in Norton.

The petition, submitted earlier this week to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), cites President Mnangagwa’s alleged incapacitation and corruption and demands his immediate retirement. The document was officially acknowledged by military officials, and sources say its reception has provoked anxiety within the presidency.

ZDF insiders confirmed the petition invoked Section 212 of the Constitution, which mandates the military to defend the Constitution, peace, and the rule of law. “It’s being treated internally as a quasi-legal instrument — almost like a lawsuit against the President,” a military source revealed. The document is reportedly gaining support among mid- and lower-ranking officers.

The petition’s signatories include Gomwe, Tawanda Jena, Rose Chirenje, and Sarudzai Rushwaya — all of whom are now reportedly being targeted in an aggressive manhunt.

President Mnangagwa has not issued an official response, but his spokesperson George Charamba appeared to allude to the issue on social media, taking a veiled swipe at ZimEye editor Simba Chikanza. “Hauneti here nhai Simba – WHEN DO YOU GET TIRED?” he tweeted.

Mnangagwa has previously warned that anyone opposing the extension of his presidency “will have their days on earth reduced,” reinforcing concerns about his administration’s intolerance of opposition voices.

The current crackdown mirrors a similar incident in March when activist Blessed Geza was allegedly targeted by state agents. Analysts see these actions as part of a broader strategy to neutralize political threats, particularly within the security establishment.

While Gomwe briefly contacted ZimEye to confirm his safety, his exact location remains unknown. The Ministry of Defence and President Mnangagwa’s office were contacted for comment but had not responded by the time of publication.

By A Correspondent

Rangarirai Spencer Ndemera, a former security aide to the late MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai, has been brutally murdered under disturbing circumstances at his home in Glen View, Harare.

Ndemera, who ran a catering business and also served as a caretaker at a local property, was reportedly assaulted by tenants last week. His body was later discovered by neighbours after he had gone missing for several days.

“He was last seen on Friday,” said one neighbour. “We started getting worried when he didn’t answer calls or come out of the house. That’s when we alerted the police.”

Police have since launched an investigation into the incident, with the circumstances surrounding Ndemera’s death still unclear. Local residents suspect foul play and are calling for a swift response from authorities.

Victor Chifodya, a former Ward 30 councillor in Glen View and a lifelong acquaintance of Ndemera, expressed shock and demanded justice. “I knew Spencer since we were boys. He was quiet and hardworking. Whoever did this must be brought to book,” he said.

The community is now rallying around Ndemera’s elderly mother and young daughter, who are reportedly in distress. His wife passed away in 2018, leaving the two as his only immediate family.

“He was the only breadwinner,” a concerned neighbour noted. “We are worried about what will happen to his mother and child now.”

By A Correspondent

Controversial ZANU PF-linked businessman Kuda Tagwirei on Friday sparked laughter and raised eyebrows when he jokingly named Obey Chimuka, director of Fossil Contracting, as the “real chigananda” during an official event in Masvingo.

Speaking at the Leadership Success Series and Land Tenure Implementation Programme held at Masvingo Polytechnic, Tagwirei, who is the CEO and Chairperson of Sakunda Holdings, introduced Chimuka to the audience with a mix of humour and irony.

“This is Obey Chimuka, the director of Fossil Company. Uyu ndiye chigananda manje,” Tagwirei said, laughing as the crowd responded with giggles. “This young man, you need to know him.”

The term chigananda has become widely associated with ZANU PF elites accused of looting state resources or benefitting disproportionately from government-linked contracts. Ironically, Tagwirei himself is often named among the so-called zvigananda, having faced allegations of corruption and state capture over the years — claims he has repeatedly denied.

The event was attended by several high-profile figures, including the Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Ezra Chadzamira; ZANU PF Masvingo Provincial Chairman Hon. Senator Clemence Mavhenyengwa; Vice Chairman T. Mugabe; Commissioner Kondongwe; Miss Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa; and Permanent Secretary Pazvakavambwa.

Minister of ICT Tatenda Mavetera also graced the occasion. Her ministry, in partnership with Sakunda Holdings, is set to roll out the Leadership Success Series and Land Tenure Implementation Programme across all 10 provinces, with Masvingo being the first stop.

Tagwirei’s remarks, while seemingly made in jest, have stirred renewed conversation around the controversial term chigananda, especially given the presence of senior government and party officials at the event.

By A Correspondent- More than 16,500 homes in Epworth are set to be demolished in what is shaping up to be one of Zimbabwe’s largest mass evictions in recent years, evoking memories of past forced removals that left thousands homeless.

The government says the targeted structures were built on land originally set aside for schools, clinics, industrial zones, and key infrastructure such as Harare Drive. The latest crackdown comes amid a broader campaign to restore urban planning order and curb the influence of land barons, who have illegally parcelled out state land to desperate home seekers.

This development emerged during a workshop on Thursday, where local authorities in Harare Metropolitan Province presented updates on their draft master plans to Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Charles Tavengwa.

Epworth Local Board’s Spatial Planner, Mr Pardon Chibuwe, said the affected homes were located on land meant for public amenities.

“Our study shows that about 16,500 households have illegally settled on land meant for schools, clinics, and industrial use,” he said. “These settlements create land-use conflicts that the local board must now urgently resolve.”

Chibuwe blamed unscrupulous land barons for the illegal occupation and said the local board was exploring densification as a partial solution. This would involve downsizing residential stands and constructing vertical housing units to accommodate displaced residents — though this process would still involve some evictions.

“We have about 2,500 stands averaging 300m² earmarked for densification,” he said, acknowledging that Epworth now has no land left for essential services such as cemeteries, schools, churches, or industry.

The same concerns were echoed by Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume, who warned that illegal settlements now threaten to outnumber legal, rate-paying households in the city.

“We plan to demolish about 5,000 houses, but this is just a small fraction of the over 100,000 illegal structures across Harare,” Mafume said. “Children are walking 8 km to school, clinics are non-existent, and homes are flooding — all because of unregulated development.”

Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Mafume added:

“These illegal homes are built on schools, clinics, open spaces, and sports grounds. We paused demolitions due to elections and the SADC summit, but the issue must now be corrected.”

Chitungwiza Municipality’s Director of Works, Mr Talent Mushinga, also raised the alarm, noting that residential sprawl without industrial and commercial development has left the satellite town heavily reliant on Harare for jobs and services.

“Forty-six years after independence, Chitungwiza remains predominantly residential, with no central business district or high street of its own,” he said. “We’re struggling to rein in land barons and balance residential growth with industrial development.”

Minister Tavengwa said the master planning process was part of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s “Call to Action” initiative, launched in 2023 to improve local governance and service delivery.

“Of the four metropolitan local authorities, three — Epworth, Chitungwiza, and Ruwa — have submitted their draft plans. Harare is still finalising theirs, partly due to funding delays,” he said.

A Troubled History of Evictions

The looming demolitions in Epworth are reminiscent of Operation Murambatsvina in 2005, when the government razed informal settlements across the country, leaving over 700,000 people homeless or without livelihoods, according to United Nations estimates. The operation drew international condemnation for its brutality and lack of alternative housing plans.

Despite years of promises to regularise informal settlements, Zimbabwe continues to experience land chaos driven by urban migration, a broken housing market, and corruption within local government and political structures.

ISIPHETHO ESISHA | “UYISUSILE KWENYE INDAWO”: UReuben Barwe Uveza Ngenhlamba Iqiniso Elimayelana noWicknell Chivayo Kuphando Lomhlaba Wonke Lokuhlamba Imali

23 Nkwenkwezi 2025 – eHarare

NguFarai D Hove | ZimEye

Kuzekile okujabulisayo kuphenduka inhlekelele entsha ecaleni likankohlakalo likaWicknell Chivayo — futhi kulokhu, ivela endaweni engalindelekile: kumbiko kasomlomo weZBC, uReuben Barwe.

Kwisethulo esasihloselwe ukubonga, uBarwe — oqinisekisile ukuthi uthole isamba semali engu-US$100,000 kanye nemoto kuChivayo — uveze into ebhekwa njengobufakazi obukhulu kunabo bonke kulo nyaka.

Uthe: “Lapo uyikhiphe khona, makwandiswe khona,” esho encokola, kodwa ephawula into ebukeka iyinqamulajuqu yabahloli: ukuthi le mali ebizwa ngokuthi “isipho” akuyona eyatholwa ngokusemthethweni nguChivayo, kodwa cishe isuswe ezimali zomphakathi noma ezimithombo ezingekho emthethweni.

“Uyikhiphe kwenye indawo” — lesi sitsho sihlaziywa emigceni yomthetho nakwezeziphathelene, njengoba sibonakala singukuvuma esidlangalaleni sokuthi imali ayiveli endaweni ecacile noma evumelekile.

ISIPHO NOMA YINDLELA YOKUHLAKAZA IMALI?

UChivayo, osephenywa i-Financial Intelligence Centre yaseNingizimu Afrika mayelana nokuhlamba imali engaphezu kweR1 billion, usebonakale enika abantu abadumile izipho ezibizayo — kubalwa abaholi bezinkolo, abaculi, manje sezifikile nabezindaba — kuhlelo olubonakala njengendlela yokuzihlamba izono ngokubonisa umusa.

Kodwa iphutha likaBarwe, elibhalwe kuvidiyo, selingaba ubufakazi obudingekayo ukuze kuphakanyiswe icala lobugebengu ngokusemthethweni.

“Lesi sitatimende siyawuhlaza,” kusho umhlaziyi wezomthetho. “Siveza ukuthi nabemukeli bale mali bayayisola — futhi bayakuvuma esidlangalaleni — ukuthi le mali ayiveli endaweni ecacile. Lokho akusona isipho. Lokho ukuhlamba imali okuhamba kancane.”

IMIPHUMELA YOMHLABA WONKE

Abagadi bamazwe bamazwe bathi lokhu okuhlazekile kungagcina sekulethe ukuphoqelelwa kukaChivayo emacaleni omhlaba wonke. Iziphathimandla zingase zicele i-Interpol Red Notice noma ukuboshwa ngokubambisana ngaphansi kwezivumelwano zezenzo zobugebengu zomhlaba wonke.

Lokho okuqale kungumdlalo wokuzishaya isifuba — egqoke ama-designers, eba nezimoto zohlobo lweRolls Royce, ehambisana nezinkulumo zenkolo — sekuguquka kwaba yinkinga yomhlaba wonke.

Sekunabathintana ngolwazi lwezimali e-Europe nasezizweni ze-SADC abasesha ukudluliswa kwefa noma izinkampani ezingamanga ezihlobene nezisipho zikaChivayo, kanti ukusho kukaBarwe kube yigagasi eligcina sekusheshiswa ukulwa nemali nobudlelwano bemali.

UKUVUMA KWAKOMENGAMELI

Okuphazamisa kakhulu wukuthi uBarwe uveze ukuthi “uMongameli wavuma” lesi sipho. Uma kungaqinisekiswa lokhu, kungabandakanya iHhovisi loMongameli ezandleni zecala — noma okungenani — ekwazini ngokuhamba kwemali engase ibe yohlanzekile ebantwini nasemazingeni kahulumeni.

Lokhu kungavusa isifiso sokubuka okukhulu kubagadi bezijeziso zomhlaba wonke kanye nezikhungo zokugada ukuxhashazwa kombuso.

UKUZIBHIDLIKELA NGEPHUTHA LAKHE

Ngenxa yokuzikhukhumeza kwakhe, uWicknell Chivayo angase abheke umbuso wakhe ohleliwe ewa phansi — ngenxa yomlomo ongacabanganga womqaphi weZBC oneminyaka engaphezu kwengu-40.

UReuben Barwe ubekufanele azobonakala esekela. Esikhundleni salokho, ulethe ukuvuma.

Futhi ngalokho, iminyango yokuboshwa kwezomhlaba wonke ingase ivuleke ngokuphelele.

—Iindaba zisaqhubeka. Okuningi kuzolandela njengoba iziphathimandla zomhlaba ziqalisa ukusabela.

Isitatimende sikaReuben Barwe:

“Yebo, ngiyavuma ukuthi uSir Wicknell ufake imali engu-US$100,000 ku-akhawunti yami kanti futhi namuhla ungiphe nemoto. Ngiyambonga ngobubele bakhe. Ngisebenzile kuleli izwe iminyaka engaphezu kwengu-40, ngibekwa ezijezisweni ngamaMelika nabaseYurophu, kodwa ngahlala ngimi ngokuqinile. Lo mfana uyavuma ukuthi ngiqhubekile ngilwela izintshisekelo zeZimbabwe iminyaka eminingi. Ngiyambonga kakhulu. Futhi ngibonga yena noMongameli welizwe ngokuvuma ukuthi ngithole lesi sipho. Siyakwazeka kakhulu, Sir Wicknell.

Ngiyabonga ngesipho osinikeze kimi — imoto kanye no-$100,000. Sengivumile ukusamukela namuhla. Lapo uyikhiphe khona, makwandiswe khona. Ngiyakwazisa ngokuthi uke waveza ukuthi usaqala ukufunda ebangeni lesibili, usukhumbula ukuthi igama lami uReuben Barwe, iZBC News, Harare. Ngiyabonga kakhulu ngalezi zipho ezimbili eziguqula ukuphila. Ngiyabonga kakhulu.”