By A Correspondent

HARARE, 20 June 2025 — The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has intensified its crackdown on drug and substance abuse, leading to multiple arrests in Harare and Mutare on 19 June 2025.

In Harare, detectives from the CID Drugs and Narcotics Unit acted on a tip-off and arrested Josephine Tinarwo (55) at her residence in Manyame Park for unlawful possession of a large consignment of Broncleer cough syrup, a substance commonly abused for recreational purposes.

Tinarwo implicated Hezel Titya (39) and another suspect in the drug supply chain. Later that evening, around 9:00 PM, the third suspect was lured to Tinarwo’s residence. In a tragic turn of events, the suspect swallowed some of the drugs she had brought in an attempt to evade arrest. She was rushed to Chitungwiza Hospital, where she sadly died upon admission.

Meanwhile, in a separate operation in Mutare, the police arrested Grace Tagara (41), Betha Paakanengwa (31), Tadiwanashe Mandisodza (21), Patience Sithole**, and *Rumbidzai Hlabiso (32)* at Mbare Cabins and Redwing Mine, Penhalonga. The group was found in possession of dagga, Aliviador pills, and was also charged with selling alcohol without a liquor licence.

The ZRP has commended members of the public for their continued support and cooperation in providing vital information that helps dismantle drug networks across the country.

The police reaffirmed their commitment to rooting out drug and substance abuse and urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

HARARE – Walter Magaya Dodges Financial Reckoning Again as Court Grants Delay in Liquidation Case

Self-styled prophet and controversial PHD Ministries leader Walter Magaya has once again managed to evade immediate financial accountability, securing a one-week postponement in High Court proceedings that could see his personal assets liquidated over an unpaid debt of US$420,140.72.

Together with his wife, Tendai Magaya, the preacher is fighting a desperate rearguard action against GetBucks Microfinance Bank Limited, which is seeking to strip the couple of their estate under Zimbabwe’s Insolvency Act. The bank accuses the Magayas of financial recklessness and of deliberately evading repayment through legal loopholes and asset shielding.

The case, originally set for hearing on Wednesday, was postponed at the request of Magaya’s legal team, who claimed they needed more time to prepare — a familiar stalling tactic in what critics say is a calculated effort to avoid settling mounting debts.

This latest court maneuver is just one chapter in a long saga of evasion. A High Court judgment from October 2024 had already ordered the Magayas and their company, Planet Africa (Private) Limited, to pay the outstanding amount, plus interest accruing at a hefty 10% monthly from September 2024. Despite that ruling, GetBucks says the couple has gone to extreme lengths to dodge payment.

Court filings paint a picture of strategic asset concealment. Movable property at the Magayas’ home was shielded under a claim by The Walter Magaya Family Trust, while assets at Planet Africa’s premises were conveniently “claimed” by PHD Ministries. Even a piece of land in Salisbury, marked for forced sale, was yanked out of reach after Planet Africa suddenly entered corporate rescue proceedings — a move many see as an orchestrated delay to block the bank’s recovery efforts.

GetBucks is now asking the court to liquidate the Magayas’ estates, alleging they are insolvent, have ignored statutory demands, and have no visible assets left to seize. A Sheriff’s “nulla bona” return confirmed that attempts to attach property yielded nothing.

Adding to the urgency, GetBucks believes the Magayas may be preparing to flee Zimbabwe to escape their obligations. The bank has requested that the couple be ordered to surrender their passports to prevent a last-minute escape.

Noreen Chikaka of Reign Management Consultancy (Private) Limited has been nominated as liquidator, with GetBucks arguing that formal liquidation is the only way to protect creditors from further losses and force the Magayas to come clean about their real financial position.

Critics argue this case reinforces what many have long suspected — that behind the glitzy veneer of megachurch empires and miracle promises lies a man adept at manipulating the system, not just the faithful.

The matter is now scheduled for hearing on June 25. Until then, Walter Magaya remains free — for now — to continue preaching, while creditors wait for justice.

By A Correspondent-Fresh details have emerged indicating that two people died in the private plane crash that occurred at the Kanyemba Airstrip in Mbire District on Wednesday evening, contradicting earlier reports that all ten occupants had survived unscathed.

The light aircraft, reportedly en route from Harare to Kafuko Safaris in Mozambique, crash-landed after experiencing technical difficulties mid-flight.

Initial accounts suggested a narrow escape, but local sources have now confirmed fatalities.

Mugonapanja village head, Tengo Mugonapanja, said the plane “came down hard” and was visibly damaged upon impact.

A source in Mbire near the scene of the plane crash said two people died in the accident.

“We initially thought everyone was safe, but sadly, two people have since been confirmed dead,” he said.

The pilot, who appeared shaken, refused to comment on the incident.

Authorities have not yet released an official statement, fueling speculation and concern amid a series of recent aviation mishaps in Zimbabwe.

This crash adds to a troubling pattern of private and light aircraft incidents in the country.

In July 2022, a private plane crashed in the Zambezi Valley, killing all four people on board. In 2021, a police helicopter crash near Mutare claimed three lives.

Experts have long raised alarms about the aging fleet of light aircraft in Zimbabwe, insufficient regulatory oversight, and a shortage of well-equipped emergency response systems in remote areas.

As investigations continue, the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe is under pressure to publicly account for the recurring crashes, amid growing public concern over the safety of domestic flights in the country’s skies.

By A Correspondent –Controversial businessman and Emmerson Mnangagwa’s close ally, Kudakwashe Tagwirei, has been co-opted into ZANU PF’s Central Committee , a move that has fueled speculation he is being positioned as a potential successor to the president.

The development, confirmed by ZANU PF legal affairs secretary Patrick Chinamasa, marks Tagwirei’s formal entry into politics after years of wielding influence from the shadows through his sprawling business empire and strategic proximity to the presidency.

Tagwirei’s appointment comes as Mnangagwa enters the final stretch of his constitutionally mandated second term, with internal jockeying for the post-Mnangagwa era intensifying.

Sources say the billionaire tycoon could emerge as a dark horse in the succession race, with growing support from party elites who view him as a loyal benefactor and stabilizing force.

Though initially recommended by Masvingo, it was Harare Province that cleared space for Tagwirei in the powerful 300-member committee.

Chinamasa described him as “a dormant but committed cadre” who is now “erupting like a volcano,” signaling his arrival on the national political stage.

“This is a breath of fresh air,” said Chinamasa. “Cde Tagwirei is destined to add value to ZANU PF’s political fortunes. His entry may change the game not only in Harare but nationally.”

Tagwirei’s elevation is being viewed in political circles as more than symbolic. Insiders believe his Central Committee role could be a calculated first step toward a larger leadership bid — possibly even the presidency.

Though critics accuse him of using his economic clout to buy influence, supporters say Tagwirei’s resilience and deep pockets make him a formidable contender in ZANU PF’s future.

In this deeply moving image, a Helidrive National Air Rescue Service doctor is seen tenderly cradling a newborn baby wrapped in blankets — moments after performing a mid-air delivery inside a helicopter. With gloved hands and eyes full of awe, the medic gazes down at the child, embodying a mix of relief, pride, and sheer human compassion. Behind him, the interior of the airborne medical craft bears silent witness to one of the most extraordinary births ever recorded in Zimbabwean skies. This powerful photo captures not just a medical miracle, but the quiet heroism that unfolded thousands of feet above ground — a moment now etched into national history.

By Dorrothy Moyo | ZimEye | This is the story exactly as it is told in the Herald — Zimbabwe’s state-run daily — and perhaps its most emotional front-page feature in recent memory.

A 13-year-old girl, heavily pregnant and in distress, was airlifted from Maphisa Hospital in Matabeleland South to United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) aboard a Helidrive National Air Rescue Service chopper. Just seven minutes into the flight, her condition became critical. She began experiencing intense contractions, and what followed stunned the entire medical crew.

According to onboard doctor Marshall Kahari, the girl suddenly reached between her legs and revealed a terrifying complication — the baby was in a footling breech position, with one leg already protruding. In a race against altitude and time, Dr Kahari and the airborne medical team performed an emergency mid-air delivery — successfully delivering a healthy baby boy over 1,000 feet above ground.

The baby’s cry marked a breathtaking moment of life snatched from the brink — a triumph of skill, instinct, and compassion. Both mother and child are now recovering well at UBH.

The Herald presented this story not with political spin or state ceremony, but with raw emotion and reverence — capturing the miracle of birth in flight and honoring the unsung heroes of Zimbabwe’s emergency medical services.

By A Correspondent

A Bulawayo courtroom was left stunned into silence before erupting in laughter last Thursday when a man accused of fraud sensationally claimed that one of his accusers was actually his “sugar mama” who paid him for sex as a thank-you for his bedroom performance.

Melusi Sibanda, who is facing four counts of fraud, turned heads with his bold courtroom defense before magistrate Maxwell Ncube. Representing himself, Sibanda alleged that Phephela Tshuma, a married woman, was not a fraud victim—but a lover who voluntarily gave him money after their sexual encounters at various city lodges.

“She treated me like her Ben 10,” Melusi told the court. “She would call me anytime for sex, and after every session, she would give me money as a token of appreciation.”

Melusi went further, claiming that Phephela had sent him nude pictures and even offered to submit them to the court as evidence. The gallery murmured in disbelief as he detailed their alleged affair.

However, Phephela fiercely denied the allegations, dismissing Melusi’s claims as a desperate attempt to deflect from his fraudulent activities.

“He’s lying to cover up his scams,” she responded. “I was in love with a businessman named Moyo from Esigodini. I sent him money to help me secure a shop—not Melusi.”

Behind the explosive personal claims lies a more serious case. Sibanda stands accused of defrauding not only Phephela but also her daughter, Mercy, and two other women.

According to the prosecution, Melusi conned Mercy in March this year at the corner of Fife Street and Fifth Avenue in Bulawayo. He allegedly promised her a waitress job at a local hotel, claiming he needed US$35 for uniforms. After receiving the money, he disappeared and blocked her contact.

The trial continues, with the court expected to sift through the sensational claims and determine whether Sibanda is a charming conman or an innocent man entangled in a messy personal drama.

By A Correspondent

A manhunt is underway in Damafalls, Ruwa, after a local man known only as Bogus allegedly killed a fellow resident in a violent altercation over a stolen wheelbarrow.

The suspect, identified as Godwin but popularly referred to as Bogus, is accused of fatally assaulting 25-year-old Cyprian Muradzi on the night of June 15, 2025. The confrontation reportedly began after Bogus tracked down his missing wheelbarrow—last seen at Danny Bar—to Cyprian’s bedroom, acting on a tip-off.

Witnesses say the situation escalated quickly. According to police reports, Bogus confronted Cyprian at his home, demanding answers. A heated argument broke out in the presence of family members. Cyprian allegedly reacted by hurling two bricks at the group confronting him, further inflaming tensions.

Bogus is said to have responded with a brutal physical assault, kicking and punching Cyprian repeatedly in the head until he lost consciousness. Disturbingly, the attack occurred as Cyprian’s wife, Tsungirai Karanji, 23, looked on helplessly. She ran to seek help from her brother and the nearby police post, but by the time they returned, Bogus had vanished.

Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the incident and called on the public to assist with information that could lead to the suspect’s arrest.

“Police are investigating a murder case at Damafalls in Ruwa. The accused confronted the deceased after discovering the stolen wheelbarrow in his bedroom. An altercation broke out, during which the deceased threw bricks at the crowd. The accused then assaulted him until he collapsed and later fled,” said Insp Chakanza.

The victim’s body was transported to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals Mortuary for a post-mortem examination.

As investigations continue, the community remains shocked by the senseless death sparked by a dispute over a wheelbarrow. Police are urging anyone with knowledge of Bogus’ whereabouts to come forward.

By A Correspondent-Princess Cruises has suspended shore leave in Canadian ports for all Zimbabwean crew members following a spate of desertions since the start of the Alaska cruise season, highlighting the enduring desperation among Zimbabweans seeking economic refuge abroad.

The directive, issued in a company memo early this month, by Elio Autiero, Vice President of Maritime HR Strategy & Operations, cites multiple desertion cases by Zimbabwean seafarers in Canadian ports.

The company said the decision was necessary to safeguard its business operations and maintain the integrity of its global staffing protocols.

“As a result, we made the difficult decision to suspend shore leave for all Zimbabwean teammates in Canadian ports,” Autiero wrote. He urged captains, hotel general managers, and human resources officers to implement the measure with immediate effect.

The move comes amid a renewed wave of economic migration by Zimbabweans, many of whom have been fleeing deteriorating conditions at home since the early 2000s.

Zimbabwe’s once-thriving economy began to collapse around 2000 following a series of political missteps, including violent land seizures, disputed elections, hyperinflation, and the near-total collapse of essential public services.

Despite changes in leadership, the country has continued to face chronic unemployment, currency instability, corruption, and human rights abuses—driving millions to seek better lives abroad.

The cruise ship industry has in recent years become a vital source of employment for young Zimbabweans, particularly those with hospitality and culinary training. However, Canada has increasingly become a popular destination for deserters, drawn by its relatively open asylum system and perceived better prospects for long-term settlement.

Princess Cruises acknowledged the potential hardship this restriction will cause to law-abiding Zimbabwean crew members. Nevertheless, the company emphasized that it must comply with immigration regulations and mitigate business risks posed by unauthorized absconding.

The memo clarified that Zimbabwean crew members will not be reassigned to other regions, and upon the completion of their contracts, they will be disembarked at ports outside Canada. Crew planners and third-party concession partners are reportedly adjusting rosters to avoid further complications involving Zimbabwean staff.

The company advised employees with concerns or questions to contact David Price, Senior Manager of GTP Management, who is liaising with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to handle the matter.

The development underscores the increasingly precarious position of Zimbabwean economic migrants—especially those in temporary or contract jobs abroad—whose dreams of escape are now colliding with tightened immigration controls and corporate crackdowns.

By Tinashe Sambiri

Opposition leader Advocate Nelson Chamisa has boldly declared that he remains unfazed by the growing wave of negative social media commentary, vowing to stay the course in his political journey despite intensified efforts to distract and discredit him.

In a statement released on Friday via his official platforms, the former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader underscored the importance of remaining principled and unshakable in the face of mounting criticism.

“LEADERSHIP TIPS…A leader must be principled, unshakable, consistent and not buyable or purchasable,” Chamisa wrote. “Keep the promise. Refuse compromise. Never get neutralized. Never be diluted. Stick to your gut. Stick to your guns. Ignore their attacks, hate, sideshows, lies and propaganda. #Lead #Integrity”

Chamisa’s remarks come at a time when Zanu PF hardliners and aligned social media voices appear to be intensifying efforts to discredit his leadership, often through orchestrated narratives and unfounded allegations. The sideshows—ranging from smear campaigns to insinuations aimed at questioning his credibility—have done little to shake the youthful opposition figure.

Close allies to the opposition leader suggest that the attacks are part of a broader campaign to distract the public from the real issues facing the country, including economic decline, rising poverty levels, and growing public discontent.

“Chamisa has been clear—he is focused on the bigger picture,” said a source within his political circle. “Zanu PF hardliners are trying to discredit him, but he is not taking the bait. He won’t be derailed by propaganda and petty politics.”

Observers note that Chamisa’s continued message of integrity and consistency resonates with many Zimbabweans, particularly the youth, who see him as a symbol of hope and change.

As political tensions simmer, Chamisa’s unwavering stance sends a clear signal: he has no time for sideshows. His focus, as he has repeatedly stated, remains on building a just, democratic, and accountable Zimbabwe.

By A Correspondent

A Bulawayo courtroom was left stunned into silence before erupting in laughter last Thursday when a man accused of fraud sensationally claimed that one of his accusers was actually his “sugar mama” who paid him for sex as a thank-you for his bedroom performance.

Melusi Sibanda, who is facing four counts of fraud, turned heads with his bold courtroom defense before magistrate Maxwell Ncube. Representing himself, Sibanda alleged that Phephela Tshuma, a married woman, was not a fraud victim—but a lover who voluntarily gave him money after their sexual encounters at various city lodges.

“She treated me like her Ben 10,” Melusi told the court. “She would call me anytime for sex, and after every session, she would give me money as a token of appreciation.”

Melusi went further, claiming that Phephela had sent him nude pictures and even offered to submit them to the court as evidence. The gallery murmured in disbelief as he detailed their alleged affair.

However, Phephela fiercely denied the allegations, dismissing Melusi’s claims as a desperate attempt to deflect from his fraudulent activities.

“He’s lying to cover up his scams,” she responded. “I was in love with a businessman named Moyo from Esigodini. I sent him money to help me secure a shop—not Melusi.”

Behind the explosive personal claims lies a more serious case. Sibanda stands accused of defrauding not only Phephela but also her daughter, Mercy, and two other women.

According to the prosecution, Melusi conned Mercy in March this year at the corner of Fife Street and Fifth Avenue in Bulawayo. He allegedly promised her a waitress job at a local hotel, claiming he needed US$35 for uniforms. After receiving the money, he disappeared and blocked her contact.

The trial continues, with the court expected to sift through the sensational claims and determine whether Sibanda is a charming conman or an innocent man entangled in a messy personal drama.

PRESS STATEMENT FROM THE EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU FAMILY.

For Immediate Release

On behalf of the Lungu family, we wish to announce that the funeral and burial of our beloved Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu will take place here in South Africa, in accordance with the family’s wishes for a private ceremony.

This period has been deeply emotional for family, and we are grateful for the overwhelming support and condolences extended to the family from across the continent and the globe.

We would especially like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Government of the Republic of South Africa for their respectful support and for honouring the family’s decision to hold a private funeral and burial here in South Africa.

Your non-interference and respect of the South African Constitution and rights of the family and the desire of the family is commendable and will give space to mourn and celebrate the life of our loved Edgar Chagwa Lungu in dignity and peace.

The visit of the Honourabke Minister for International Relations, Mr Ronald Lamola, was heartwarming when he came to convey a message of condolences on behalf of President Cyril Ramaposa.

The Lungu family continues to seek peace and unity amongst fellow Zambians during this time and thanks all friends, supporters, and members of the public for their understanding, compassion and willingness to mourn the former head of state who, as it has been resolved by the family, will be buried here in Johannesburg South Africa at a private funeral.

Further details regarding the funeral arrangements and burial will be shared to the Zambian and South African public in due course.

Issued by:
Hon. Makebi Zulu
Family Spokesperson

Date: 20th June 2025.

By A Correspondent

A disturbing video circulating on social media has sparked outrage after it showed a Zimbabwean woman being verbally attacked and chased off the streets of Pretoria, South Africa, by a group of local women.

The video, which is just under two minutes long, captures a tense and humiliating encounter. In it, several South African women can be heard shouting at the Zimbabwean national, accusing her of tarnishing their country’s image and blaming her for bringing poverty into their communities.

“We are tired of your poverty, go back to Zimbabwe and fix your problems with Mnangagwa,” one woman is heard yelling.

Another adds, “We don’t want to see you here in Pretoria again. Go back to Zimbabwe. When tourists come here, they think you are a South African woman. You are soiling our image.”

The visibly shaken Zimbabwean woman does not retaliate in the clip but is seen slowly backing away as the group continues to berate her.

The video has drawn strong reactions online, with human rights activists and members of the Zimbabwean diaspora condemning the harassment as xenophobic and inhumane. Some commentators noted the irony in blaming individual migrants for structural political and economic issues.

“This is a heartbreaking reminder of the hostility many Zimbabweans face while trying to survive outside their own collapsing economy,” said a Twitter user who shared the video. “Blaming ordinary people for decisions made by governments is both cruel and shortsighted.”

Zimbabwe has seen a wave of emigration in recent years, with many fleeing economic hardship, unemployment, and political repression under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration. South Africa, due to its proximity and relatively better opportunities, has become a common destination.

However, tensions between locals and migrants have flared periodically, with accusations that foreign nationals are taking jobs, increasing crime, or contributing to the country’s social challenges—claims that are widely disputed and often unsubstantiated.

As the video continues to circulate, calls are growing for South African authorities to condemn the harassment and take steps to protect foreign nationals, while also urging Zimbabwean leadership to address the root causes of the exodus.

For many, the incident underscores a deeper, more painful question: Where can people turn when their own country is no longer a safe or viable home—and when those who should offer refuge greet them with scorn instead?

By A Correspondent

Zimbabwe has recorded a slight but concerning increase in HIV/AIDS-related deaths during the first half of 2025, raising questions about the sustainability of the country’s HIV response efforts in the face of changing donor support.

According to a source within the Ministry of Health and Child Care, a total of 5,932 HIV/AIDS-related deaths were reported between January and June 2025. This marks an increase of 220 deaths compared to the same period in 2024, when 5,712 deaths were recorded.

“This increase, though marginal, is a warning sign,” said the official. “We must not become complacent. It reflects the fragile balance of our current response strategy, particularly as we face shifts in donor funding.”

Despite the rise in fatalities, the Ministry says the national HIV program remains operational, with essential medicines in stock. “Commodities for HIV/AIDS have already been secured for this period. We currently have enough medication to last until the end of September, and procurement processes are underway to cover the remainder of the year,” the source confirmed.

Key HIV/AIDS Statistics in Zimbabwe:

• Deaths (Jan–Jun 2025): 5,932
• Increase over same period in 2024: 220 deaths
• People living with HIV: approx. 1.3 million
• Adult HIV prevalence rate: 11%
• New HIV infections annually: 17,000
• Estimated AIDS-related deaths (2022): 20,000

The uptick in deaths comes as Zimbabwe confronts key challenges in its fight against HIV/AIDS. Chief among them is a growing funding gap, which threatens the stability and reach of treatment programs. “The reality is that external funding is shifting, and we need to start thinking more seriously about domestic and alternative funding sources,” the ministry source emphasized.

The sustainability of Zimbabwe’s HIV response remains a major concern. While significant progress has been made over the past two decades in reducing new infections and expanding access to antiretroviral therapy, continued access to treatment is critical to preventing more deaths.

Global health experts, including UNAIDS, have warned that up to 6.3 million additional AIDS-related deaths could occur worldwide over the next four years if treatment programs are disrupted due to funding shortages.

“The time to act is now,” the official urged. “We must secure the future of our HIV response—not just for today, but for the generations to come.”

By A Correspondent | ZimEye | The latest prosecution court case against ZANU PF activist Wellington Masiwa has been adjourned again.

Masiwa, popularly known as Nyokayemabhunu, briefly appeared at Randburg Magistrates Court on Friday.

He is facing a litany of hearings over immigration and also over charges of fraud.

An announcement was made that the case will now be adjourned to 27 June due to staff shortages.

By A Correspondent – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has summoned church leaders under the banner of the Inter-Religious Council of Zimbabwe to the ZANU PF Headquarters in Harare on July 9, 2025, for the launch of what is being called the National Multi-Faith Economic Dialogue (NAMFED).

The meeting, to be held in the main hall of the ruling party’s headquarters, is expected to mark the latest effort by Mnangagwa to rally diverse social groups behind his controversial Vision 2030 agenda — a campaign promise aimed at transforming Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy by the end of the decade.

The initiative mirrors a pattern seen throughout Mnangagwa’s rule, in which the president has mobilized loosely organized but highly visible support structures — such as Vendors4ED, Teachers4ED, Nurses4ED, Young Women4ED, Mahwindi4ED (Commuter Rank Marshals), Sculptors4ED, and even Traditional Healers4ED — to create the appearance of mass grassroots backing for his leadership and economic vision.

These structures often operate parallel to state institutions and party organs, blurring the line between government programs and ZANU PF political interests.

Announcing the upcoming religious event on social media, Vapostori4ED spokesperson Obey Mapuranga declared:

“President Dr. ED Mnangagwa is ordained to rule, as we all move towards the attainment of his signature effort – Vision 2030. This NAMFED shall be a permanent platform and an annual event that will play a pivotal role in building an upper-middle-income society by 2030.”

According to Mapuranga, the event will also see the launch of a Multi-Faith Financial Corporation, which will be wholly owned and managed by an interfaith board of governors.

By A Correspondent , June 20, 2025 | A video showing a Zimbabwean woman and her children being chased off a South African street has triggered a heated war of words online, drawing sharp opinions about migration, dignity, and blame. The woman, seen sitting on the ground with two children, was humiliated by locals who shouted, “Go back to Mnangagwa and fix your country!” — a political insult that cut deeper than mere xenophobia.

While the mother remains unnamed, her image has gone viral, and Facebook has become a battlefield of clashing narratives — some defending her plight, others condemning her presence.

⸻

“We Can’t Travel All the Way from Zim to Beg”

Lindiwe Phiri Marc, a self-declared “Top Fan,” sparked debate with a scathing yet introspective comment:

“But maZimba tinozvinyanya shame, that lady looks so fit to work… We can’t travel all the way from Zimbabwe to stand pama robots with children to beg… It’s so unfair… let’s us be honest to each other.”

She emphasized family planning as a long-standing problem among Zimbabweans and called for accountability within the diaspora community.

Marc later returned to the thread to lash out at those mocking the situation:

“Those putting laughing emojis, is everything ok with stinking heads? Chii chiri kusekesa apa 🧻”

⸻

“Life is Rolling Like a Wheel”

Others chose empathy. Cain Tman offered a philosophical view:

“But one day, tables will turn. Life is rolling like a wheel.”

This sentiment was echoed by Mangena Sbu, who invoked historical memory:

“I remember the treatment of Zambians and Mozambicans in Zimbabwe during their time of hardships. They were 4th class human beings. Tables do turn indeed…”

⸻

“She Should Look for a Job”

However, judgment flowed just as harshly from users like COS scammers and Fraudsters, who speculated:

“Gogo is looking after grandkids while her children are at work… She can even speak proper English and she can walk properly so she should look for a job.”

This assumption was quickly challenged by Taurai Mao Mupfugami:

“Where are you getting that information yekuti while her children are working? Ita hunhu zvauuri wekumusha wani umutu.”

Julius Mhazo chimed in with a nod of support to Taurai:

“Taura hako kutonyora paragraph wena.”

⸻

“Sir Wicknell”?

Amid the chaos, one curious voice — Addy Mjspeaks Mjajati — simply commented:

“Sir Wicknell,”

This seemingly out-of-place reference to controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo added another layer of irony to a discussion rooted in poverty and displacement — perhaps subtly pointing to elite looting as the root cause of economic migration.

⸻

What This Means

This clash of opinions reveals a continent torn between compassion and fatigue. While some South Africans and fellow Zimbabweans express understandable frustration with economic refugees, others demand dignity, context, and history.

The video has shone a harsh light on the consequences of failed governance in Zimbabwe and the scapegoating of its victims abroad. As one user noted, the wheel turns — but in which direction next?

⸻

What’s clear: this is no longer just a video. It’s a mirror — and many don’t like what they see.

LONDON – First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa was this week forced to cancel her scheduled appearance at a high-profile international summit in London after Zimbabwean activists in the United Kingdom mobilized to protest her visit.

Mnangagwa had been billed to speak at the First Ladies of Africa Impact and Resilience (FLAIR) Summit, held from 17 to 18 June at the Royal Leonardo Hotel near Tower Bridge. However, her name was quietly removed from the programme following growing pressure from UK-based Zimbabweans threatening to confront her over allegations of corruption, abuse of public resources, and complicity in human rights violations back home.

Sources close to the event say organisers were left with no choice but to deplatform the First Lady after Labour MP Dawn Butler withdrew from the summit in protest over her inclusion. Butler’s exit reportedly triggered an emergency meeting among the organisers, leading to Auxillia’s abrupt removal from the speaker lineup.

The protests were the culmination of weeks of mobilisation by civil society organisations, human rights defenders, and members of the Zimbabwean diaspora in the UK. Campaigners had petitioned both the British government and summit organisers to bar her from attending, accusing her of using charitable foundations and state-sanctioned philanthropy to whitewash the Mnangagwa administration’s poor human rights record.

In the face of the mounting backlash, the First Lady quietly changed course. Rather than flying to London, she travelled to Dubai, where she attended the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit from 18 to 19 June.

While the FLAIR Summit took place in London, Auxillia posted on her official X (formerly Twitter) account:

“Today, I met with Mr. Prateek Suri, an Indian billionaire and CEO of Maser Group, on the sidelines of the 7th Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025 underway in Dubai. We discussed several investment opportunities in Zimbabwe in education, sports, mining and infrastructure development. Mr. Suri expressed interest in the construction of a university in Harare with student accommodation. I invited him to Zimbabwe to further deliberate with relevant Cabinet Ministers. Zimbabwe is open for business.”

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba attempted to downplay the incident, claiming that the First Lady had opted out of the London summit due to “scheduling conflicts.”

“You can be invited, but you can also turn down an invite,” Charamba told state media, insisting Auxillia had a “full plate” of engagements elsewhere.

Despite the official spin, Zimbabweans in the UK hailed the First Lady’s absence as a diplomatic victory and a clear message that the diaspora would hold public officials accountable beyond the country’s borders. Activists vowed to maintain pressure on senior Zimbabwean figures attempting to launder their reputations on international platforms without addressing domestic repression, corruption, and poor governance.

By A Correspondent | ZimEye | A former Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) officer is reeling from significant losses after a colleague, who retired at the same time as him, allegedly wiped out his pension.

Forward Mapfunde, a resident of Warren Park D, Harare, has taken the matter to court, accusing his former colleague, Tigere Dube (43), of orchestrating the scam.

Dube appeared before Harare Magistrate Ruth Moyo facing fraud charges.

During the proceedings, he was not asked to plead and is now awaiting a bail determination.

Dube was previously stationed at the Ordnance Supply Depot in the Southern Region.

According to the state, on September 23, 2024, Mapfunde received a lump sum payment of USD $13,003.34 and ZWL $14,041, which was deposited into his National Building Society (NBS) Nostro and ZIG accounts. The court noted that Mapfunde’s NBS account is linked to his Econet number.

Between September 28 and 30, 2024, Dube, along with accomplices identified only as Lucky and Jerk, allegedly obtained a fraudulent copy of a National Identity Card bearing Mapfunde’s personal details but with a different photograph.

“The accused approached Econet Rushinga and used the fake ID to replace the complainant’s Econet SIM card,” the court heard.

With the swindled SIM card, Dube and his accomplices downloaded the NBS Bank mobile application and linked it to Mapfunde’s phone number. They then carried out further fraudulent transactions, transferring funds from Mapfunde’s NBS Nostro and ZIG accounts into an Ecocash account under their control.

Subsequently, Dube withdrew funds at various Econet agents in Harare. In addition, the accused made ZIPIT transactions using the NBS mobile application, transferring Mapfunde’s funds into several OMARI, MY CASH, and other bank accounts accessible to them.

On September 30, 2024, Mapfunde experienced network issues and visited an Econet shop in Harare, where his line was reactivated. Upon regaining access to his account, he discovered the fraudulent activities.

The case was reported to Harare Central Police Station on the same day and later referred to CID CCD for further investigation.

The total value stolen is estimated at USD $10,000 and ZWL $12,230, with no recovery made so far.

Anesu Chirenje prosecuted.

By A Correspondent – Sources close to the Former Finance Deputy Minister and long-serving ZANU PF legislator for Mutoko, David Chapfika, suspect that the politician was assassinated.

Chapfika died under suspicious circumstances on Thursday morning after his vehicle collided with another car and plunged off a bridge into a waterlogged riverbed.

The accident occurred near the Mubvinzi River Bridge (Stondon), approximately 30 kilometres north of Harare and about six kilometres past the old Mutoko Road tollgate.

According to early reports, Chapfika’s Mercedes Benz ML collided with an oncoming vehicle before veering off the bridge and crashing into the river below.

Chapfika, aged 68, was a respected veteran of both Zimbabwe’s banking sector and political landscape.

The sources said his historical ties to the late General Solomon Mujuru and his widow Joice Mujuru, could have been the source of his mysterious death.

During the height of ZANU PF’s factional wars in the late 2000s and early 2010s, Chapfika was aligned with the Mujuru-led faction, which sought to challenge then-Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ascendancy.

Following Joice Mujuru’s ouster at the 2014 ZANU PF Congress—engineered by Mnangagwa’s faction—Chapfika was sidelined from active politics.

Though he did not publicly campaign for Joice Mujuru’s post-ZANU PF political ventures, he withdrew into private life and was known to frequent the SAPES Trust in Harare, led by academic and Mnangagwa critic Professor Ibbo Mandaza.

The sources say he would often join Mandaza and other government critics for informal political discussions over Friday lunches.

Sources close to Chapfika say that in recent years, he had become increasingly vocal about his disappointment with Mnangagwa’s leadership, especially regarding deepening corruption, economic mismanagement, and political repression.

His growing proximity to critics of the regime has fueled speculation that his fatal car crash may not have been entirely accidental.

The mysterious circumstances surrounding Chapfika’s death have inevitably drawn parallels with the controversial death of General Solomon Mujuru, who perished in a suspicious house fire at his Beatrice farm in 2011.

Although officially ruled an accident, Mujuru’s death has long been viewed by many Zimbabweans as an assassination linked to internal power struggles in ZANU PF.

His widow, Joice Mujuru, later accused some within the ruling party of orchestrating her husband’s killing to clear the path for Mnangagwa’s rise.

Compounding the unease, Chapfika’s younger brother, prominent businessman, and music promoter MacDonald Chapfika, also died under questionable circumstances in 2019, collapsing outside the Munhumutapa Building—which houses the President’s offices—shortly after a meeting with top government officials over a maize import deal.

He was 57.

Although best known in recent years for his parliamentary and ministerial roles, he began his career as a banker, working for Barclays Bank before independence, and later for institutions such as First Merchant Bank (now BancABC), ZB Bank, and CalBank in Ghana.

He also founded Universal Merchant Bank (UniBank), which later collapsed in 2002, slightly tarnishing his legacy in finance.

As a politician, Chapfika represented Mutoko North, Mutoko South, and Mutoko East at different times and held senior positions in government.

He served as Deputy Minister of Finance, later Deputy Minister of Agriculture, chaired the Finance Committee in Parliament, and became the first chairman of the National Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Board.

He was also a member of the powerful Rules and Orders Committee.

By A Correspondent

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has urged Parliament to introduce legislation that would restrict public service vehicle (PSV) travel at night, citing increased risks of road traffic accidents due to poor visibility and hazardous road conditions—especially during the cold season.

Speaking in Harare on Tuesday during a road safety awareness campaign titled “Be Road Safe Zimbabwe 2025”, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi emphasized the urgent need to regulate night travel to save lives.

“The accident in question occurred at night, and given the cold weather these days, visibility is significantly compromised,” said Nyathi. “We have consistently urged motorists to avoid night driving to help reduce road carnage and promote safety.”

Commissioner Nyathi further stressed that without a legal framework to back up their efforts, progress remains limited. “Unfortunately, we currently do not have a legal framework in place to regulate or restrict night driving for public transport vehicles, something we strongly believe Parliament should urgently consider,” he said.

His remarks follow a tragic accident that claimed the lives of four members of the same family—including three young children—on Sunday evening. The fatal head-on collision involved a Ford Ranger and a Honda Fit around 6:30 PM at the 25-kilometre peg along the Karoi-Binga Road.

According to police, the Ford Ranger was carrying seven passengers while the Honda Fit was overloaded with 12. The crash left 15 other people seriously injured, all of whom were rushed to Karoi District Hospital for emergency treatment.

The ZRP’s push for legislation to limit public transport movement at night comes as Zimbabwe continues to grapple with a surge in road accidents, many of which occur after dark.

By A Correspondent

ZANU PF Member of Parliament for Zvimba South, Taurai Malinganiso, has lashed out at individuals who speak out against corruption in Zimbabwe, saying such actions show a “lack of patriotism.”

Speaking in the National Assembly, Malinganiso criticized those who make unsubstantiated claims about corruption in the country. “Saying Zimbabwe is full of corruption which cannot be proved is lack of patriotism,” he said. He added that such statements amount to “wrong marketing altogether.”

“Lack of patriotism. Without fear or favour, that is a lack of patriotism,” Malinganiso emphasized.

His remarks come after the government recently enacted a controversial law aimed at punishing so-called unpatriotic behavior. Officially titled the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Amendment Act, 2023, the legislation was signed into law by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on July 14, 2024.

Critics argue the law — popularly known as the “Patriotic Act” — is a tool to suppress dissent and restrict political and civil freedoms in a nation ruled by ZANU PF since independence in 1980.

The Mnangagwa administration insists the new law is necessary to protect national interests and ensure accountability. It gives the state sweeping powers to monitor and penalize political organizations, activists, and journalists who speak out against the government. Offenses classified as “unpatriotic” under the Act can carry severe penalties, including the death sentence.

Courtroom Chaos as Fraud Accused Claims Victim Paid Him for Sex “Because I Was Too Good”

What began as a routine fraud hearing in Bulawayo last Thursday exploded into courtroom drama, laughter, and disbelief when Melusi Sibanda — standing trial for duping multiple women out of money — turned the tables on one of his accusers with an outrageous twist: she wasn’t a victim, he claimed — she was a married lover who paid him after sex to thank him for his “exceptional performance.”

The courtroom gasped as Sibanda, unrepresented and defiant, declared that his accuser, Phephela Tshuma, had treated him like her “Ben 10,” lavishing him with cash after each steamy encounter. As stunned onlookers burst into laughter, what should have been a straightforward fraud trial veered into X-rated soap opera territory — complete with claims of nude photos, secret love affairs, and a trail of vanished dollars.

But behind the drama lies a string of serious fraud allegations — involving Tshuma, her daughter, and two other women — turning this salacious spectacle into one of Zimbabwe’s most bizarre and talked-about court cases of the year.

BULAWAYO – 20 June 2025

A fraud trial at the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court descended into chaos and laughter last Thursday when the accused, Melusi Sibanda, stunned the courtroom with a jaw-dropping claim: one of his alleged victims was actually a “grateful lover” who paid him in cash as a thank-you for his bedroom prowess.

Sibanda, who is facing four counts of fraud, elected to represent himself — and wasted no time turning the trial into a sensational theatre of sex, scandal, and outrageous accusations.

Testifying before Magistrate Maxwell Ncube, the self-assured Sibanda claimed that Phephela Tshuma, a married woman accusing him of fraud, had instead been his lover.
“She treated me like her Ben 10,” Sibanda said, triggering laughter in the gallery. “She would call me at any time of the day for sex, and after every session, she would give me money as a token of appreciation.”

He further alleged that Tshuma sent him nude pictures and even offered to submit them to the court as evidence.

Tshuma, visibly furious, shot back: “Melusi is lying to cover up his scams. I was never in a relationship with him. I was in love with a businessman from Esigodini named Moyo. The only money I gave Melusi was to secure a shop — which turned out to be a lie.”

But this courtroom soap opera is about more than scandal — Melusi Sibanda stands accused of defrauding four women, including Tshuma and her daughter, in a brazen series of scams stretching across central Bulawayo.

The Fraud Allegations:
• March 2025: At Fife Street and Fifth Avenue, Sibanda allegedly conned Tshuma’s daughter, Mercy, out of US$35, promising her a waitress job and claiming the funds were for uniforms. He disappeared and blocked her afterward.
• 3 March: He allegedly duped Tshuma herself by claiming he owned a shop at Emawabeni Business Centre, charging her US$274 in rent before vanishing with the cash.
• 3 April: Sibanda struck again, meeting Audrey Ndlovu and collecting US$70 after promising her a job at a local restaurant.
• 5 April: He targeted another job-seeker, Yvonne Ndlovu, and allegedly took US$11 for a bogus “medical clearance” before disappearing.

Sibanda has been remanded in custody as investigations continue.

While the courtroom laughter may fade, the charges remain deadly serious. The case has drawn widespread public interest — not only for its scandalous claims — but for what prosecutors describe as a deliberate pattern of manipulation, deceit, and exploitation of vulnerable women seeking employment.

The trial continues next week, with more witnesses expected to testify in what is now being dubbed “The Ben 10 Fraud Case.”

CAPTIVATING INTRODUCTION:

As the wheels of buses carrying food, clothes, and medicine from Zimbabwe’s diaspora grind to a halt deep within the country’s interior, a rising tide of outrage is sweeping across the nation. A powerful new petition has been launched, accusing the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) of turning border enforcement into a tool of extortion and repression. With elderly villagers left stranded overnight waiting for impounded parcels, and black Zimbabwean drivers allegedly singled out for harassment far from any legal checkpoint, citizens are now demanding a halt to what they call a brazen violation of the rule of law. The message is clear: Zimbabweans will no longer accept injustice dressed as customs control.

By Dorrothy Moyo | Harare, 19 June 2025 — A petition demanding urgent reform of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has sparked widespread attention as citizens accuse the tax authority of violating the rule of law and targeting black Zimbabwean transporters with discriminatory practices inside national borders.

The petition, directed at the national government, outlines a series of alarming allegations against ZIMRA, including unlawful vehicle interceptions away from official border posts, impoundment of public buses without due process, and reported extortion by officials during internal checks.

“ZIMRA Must Obey the Law”

At the heart of the petition is a call for ZIMRA to respect clearly defined legal frameworks for customs enforcement. Petitioners insist that border declarations must be carried out only at official border posts and only by authorized personnel. The current practice of intercepting transport vehicles within Zimbabwe’s interior — often hundreds of kilometers from the nearest border — is being condemned as unlawful and in breach of fundamental rights.

“These ZIMRA roadblocks are not just disruptive — they are criminal,” the petition reads. “They target black Zimbabwean citizens disproportionately and obstruct lawful trade and transport, all while bypassing due process.”

“A Humanitarian Crisis in the Making”

The petition also highlights the growing humanitarian toll caused by the impoundment of buses carrying goods from the diaspora. Entire rural communities, many reliant on care packages sent by relatives abroad, are being left without essential supplies. In some cases, vulnerable recipients, including the elderly and economically marginalized, are forced to sleep outdoors awaiting undelivered items — placing them at serious risk of robbery and abuse.

“There are reports that ZIMRA officials are demanding additional money from desperate individuals just to release parcels sent by their loved ones. This is extortion dressed as customs enforcement,” one petitioner told ZimEye News.

Legal Action Looming?

Legal experts are warning that if the government fails to act, ZIMRA could soon face lawsuits or even a class action. “This is a textbook case of administrative overreach,” said constitutional lawyer Tawanda Mutasa. “The law is clear: enforcement must occur at designated checkpoints. Anything else is a violation of personal freedoms and property rights.”

Calls for Immediate Action

The petition ends with a plea to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to halt all internal ZIMRA checkpoints, investigate the conduct of implicated officers, and uphold the constitutional rights of all Zimbabweans — including those living abroad.

“Diaspora remittances keep this country afloat. Why is the state punishing its own people for helping their families survive?” the petitioners ask.

As the outcry grows louder, pressure mounts on Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube and ZIMRA Commissioner-General Regina Chinamasa to respond to the allegations. Meanwhile, affected citizens are calling for a national dialogue on customs enforcement, equity, and the economic lifeline that diaspora remittances represent.

#ZIMRAPetition #RuleOfLaw #StopTheInterceptions #DiasporaRights

By Crime and Courts Reporter – Harare Regional Magistrate Clever Tsikwa has fined US$300 a man convicted of assaulting Detective Superintendent Alexander Jachi, the head of the Criminal Investigations Department’s Homicide Division, in a violent attack that also saw the senior officer lose his service pistol and cash.

The incident occurred on September 30, 2023, outside Jongwe Corner, a popular entertainment venue in Hatfield, Harare.

The court heard that Det Supt Jachi was driving his gold Toyota Fortuner from Highfield to his home in Chitungwiza when he noticed two suspicious vehicles — a silver VW Polo and a red Honda Fit — tailing him.

Fearing he was under threat, Det Supt Jachi diverted to Jongwe Corner for safety. As he parked, Sydney Rande and Munyaradzi Chatonzwa exited one of the trailing vehicles and aggressively approached him.

When confronted, the detective fired a warning shot into the air with his 9mm Taurus service pistol in an attempt to disperse the group. However, Chatonzwa continued advancing. Det Supt Jachi then shot him once in the left leg, but the assailant persisted and struck the officer with an unidentified object, knocking him to the ground.

The assault escalated as more attackers joined in, rendering the senior detective unconscious and bleeding. Bystanders who attempted to assist were also reportedly attacked.

During the melee, the assailants searched Det Supt Jachi and stole his wallet containing US$140, personal identification cards, and his state-issued service pistol. They also deflated the tyres of his vehicle before fleeing the scene.

In court, only Sydney Rande was convicted and fined US$300 after his initial 12-month prison sentence was wholly suspended upon payment. His co-accused — Munyaradzi Chatonzwa, Mark Tatenda Chingombe, and Simbarashe Steven Ota — were acquitted due to lack of evidence linking them directly to the assault.

While Det Supt Jachi’s wallet and ID cards were later recovered from Chatonzwa, the service pistol remains missing, raising serious concerns about the weapon’s whereabouts and potential misuse.

Mudzingwa announces “totoputitsa mari!” to chop Nyokayemabhunu’s money while he languishes in prison.

In these leaked audios, the jailed South Africa based ZANU PF activist Wellington Masiwa (popularly known as Nyokayemabhunu), is discussed by a group comprising his colleagues.

One of the men James Mudzingwa speaks saying

“Coach her what to say, if you’re online. Coach her- va tshune, kana uri online….

“She doesn’t have a passport, organise it so she comes to over see her sibling’s court case-

“The sister is there is she not, we will just coach her in advance.

Coach her up in the group. But I must not be known. I will just cover up everything else, and just say Sister, and then we just throw the account details. And then we chop money!”

Later on, in another audio message Mudzingwa sends a new clip to plead while accusing the activist’s sisters. He says:

“Children of Zimbabwe don’t be shocked by these audios. They were circulated by Nyokayemabhunu’s sisters, while working together with Gambakwe.

The sisters are the ones circulating these audios. You sisters are the ones circulating these audios. You are now accusing me, when Inalso lost my own money. You will have to give me my money. You must return our money.

Right now you’re not talking with your in law Wellington Masiwa’s wife. The money is being chopped by the sister who’s consuming the money together with Gambakwe.

You are the ones who came to me saying Mudzingwa get involved. You had no money when we started this. Saruwaka and others came only later. We want our money from you-Nyokayemabhunu’s sister. We want our money, and now you’re calling Gambakwe. May you be cursed. We want our money which you chopped. We had our group when you and Saruwaka teamed up together. We are refusing Gambakwe’s lawyers. The money you chopped in Zimbabwe- you are selling your own brother to Gambakwe. Saruwaka is working with a Chigananda. Gambakwe is a Chigananda. We slant our money from you Nyokayemabhunu’s sister. We don’t want Gambakwe’s lawyers. I don’t have a problem with Saruwaka. I have a problem with Gambakwe’s lawyers. The audios you’re circulating accusing me of chopping money, of course I don’t deny them, it is my voice, and thrrr is nothing wrong with me demanding my money. You shall get your sibling killed, you are just shitty people.” – Mudzingwa

By A Correspondent

A political storm is brewing after ZANU PF-affiliated social media activists—commonly known as Varakashi—appeared to admit that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s much-celebrated Trabablas Interchange project was not an original idea, but rather one lifted from the late opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

In a candid and widely circulated statement posted on Wednesday, ZANU PF youths supporters offered rare praise for Tsvangirai, the founding president of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), while subtly conceding that the ruling party had implemented some of his developmental visions.

“Morgan Tsvangirai aive a better opposition,” the post read. “During elections time taitomboitawo ma campaigns ari strong with huge budgets…”

But it was the following line that sparked outrage and debate online:
“Anyway zvese zvamaida kuita mudhara takazozviita ku Zanu and on top takaita Trabablas…”
(Translation: “Anyway, everything the old man [Tsvangirai] wanted to do, we ended up doing it in ZANU—and on top of that, we did Trabablas [Interchange].”)

A Legacy Borrowed?

The so-called Trabablas Interchange—a high-profile road project championed by Mnangagwa’s administration—has been touted as a symbol of Zimbabwe’s infrastructure revival. However, opposition supporters now argue that the ruling party is taking credit for ideas originally proposed by Tsvangirai when he served as Prime Minister during the Government of National Unity (2009–2013).

Speaking on the matter, one former MDC Alliance official said, “This is just confirmation of what we’ve always known. Tsvangirai had a vision for modern infrastructure and urban renewal. ZANU PF blocked him at every turn, only to recycle his ideas a decade later and call them their own.”

Another opposition supporter posted: “Even when they copy, they can’t acknowledge. Tsvangirai was mocked in life, and now they’re building on his ideas without giving credit.”

Political Tensions Rise

The controversial post has reignited debate around ZANU PF’s handling of opposition legacies. Critics accuse the ruling party of historical revisionism—denying the contributions of political opponents while capitalizing on their ideas for political gain.

Government officials have yet to issue a formal response to the claims, though some ZANU PF supporters have attempted to downplay the admission as “just a social media joke.”

However, for many Zimbabweans, the moment underscores the blurred line between legacy and leadership in the country’s ongoing political evolution.

As one commentator put it:
“Maybe the real question isn’t who builds what—but who dares to imagine it first. And on that, Tsvangirai deserves his flowers.”

By A Correspondent

Chikomba West MP and ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera is facing criticism following reports that two motorbikes she donated to Featherstone Police Station were allegedly faulty and in need of urgent mechanical repairs.

Police sources in Chivhu, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the motorbikes—meant to boost patrol capacity—have already developed serious issues just days after being handed over.

“The two motorcycles are already giving us headaches,” one officer said.

“The bikes have serious mechanical problems that need attention. We appreciate the gesture, but this is not helping operationally.”

The reported faults have raised questions about the condition of the equipment being supplied to key public service institutions, and whether the donation was more symbolic than practical.

However, Mavetera instead highlighted the broader scope of her constituency outreach over the weekend of June 14.

“This is a typical Saturday when I am in the constituency,” she said in a statement.

“Together with our CLC and Chikomba West Constituency community, we donated two (2) motorbikes at Featherstone Police Station for patrols.”

Mavetera emphasized that the donations were part of a broader grassroots effort to support state institutions.

“When we say iwe neni tine basa, it means as communities let us have our own localised initiatives in support of government efforts in our areas of residence,” she added.

Broader Constituency Work

The ICT Minister went on to detail a packed schedule of developmental work across Chikomba West on the same day, which included attending a funeral in Chivhu, donating agricultural inputs to youth at Dangarendove Dam, providing cement for Dangarendove Primary School, and supporting women’s empowerment initiatives in Ward 20.

“We are securing our future. We are investing in our people. We are building Chikomba West,” Mavetera said.

Mixed Reactions

While some in the constituency have praised Mavetera’s active presence and developmental efforts, others believe the alleged donation of faulty equipment undermines the effectiveness of her initiatives.

“We need more than just photo ops and symbolic donations,” one resident remarked on social media. “If the police can’t use the bikes properly, then what’s the point?”

As of now, there has been no official ZRP statement regarding the status of the motorcycles or whether they will be replaced or repaired.

The incident adds to growing public scrutiny over the quality and sustainability of donations made by public officials in Zimbabwe, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure and resources remain fragile.

By A Correspondent

ZANU PF Member of Parliament for Zvimba South, Taurai Malinganiso, has lashed out at individuals who speak out against corruption in Zimbabwe, saying such actions show a “lack of patriotism.”

Speaking in the National Assembly, Malinganiso criticized those who make unsubstantiated claims about corruption in the country. “Saying Zimbabwe is full of corruption which cannot be proved is lack of patriotism,” he said. He added that such statements amount to “wrong marketing altogether.”

“Lack of patriotism. Without fear or favour, that is a lack of patriotism,” Malinganiso emphasized.

His remarks come after the government recently enacted a controversial law aimed at punishing so-called unpatriotic behavior. Officially titled the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Amendment Act, 2023, the legislation was signed into law by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on July 14, 2024.

Critics argue the law — popularly known as the “Patriotic Act” — is a tool to suppress dissent and restrict political and civil freedoms in a nation ruled by ZANU PF since independence in 1980.

The Mnangagwa administration insists the new law is necessary to protect national interests and ensure accountability. It gives the state sweeping powers to monitor and penalize political organizations, activists, and journalists who speak out against the government. Offenses classified as “unpatriotic” under the Act can carry severe penalties, including the death sentence.

Ten people narrowly escaped unhurt after a light aircraft crash-landed at Kanyemba Airstrip in Mbire District on Wednesday evening.

According to local Mugonapanja village head, Tengo Mugonapanja, the plane was en route from Harare to Kafuko Safaris in Mozambique when it encountered difficulties and made an emergency landing at the remote airstrip.

“The plane came down hard but thankfully, no one was hurt,” Mugonapanja said.

While the visibly shaken pilot did not shed any light on the crash, the plane sustained some damages.

LONDON – Zimbabweans based in the United Kingdom have successfully blocked First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa from attending a high-profile summit in London, forcing organisers to quietly remove her from the programme.

Mnangagwa was expected to speak at the First Ladies of Africa Impact and Resilience (FLAIR) Summit, held from 17 to 18 June at the Royal Leonardo Hotel near Tower Bridge. 

However, she was noticeably absent from the event after activists mobilised demonstrations against her visit, citing allegations of corruption, abuse of state resources, and complicity in human rights violations in Zimbabwe.

The protests had been brewing for weeks, with UK-based Zimbabwean civil society organisations, human rights activists, and members of the diaspora issuing public calls for the UK government to bar her entry.

They also petitioned event organisers to deplatform the First Lady, accusing her of using philanthropic fronts to sanitise a repressive regime.

In anticipation of protests, Labour MP Dawn Butler withdrew from the summit in protest against Auxillia’s scheduled appearance. According to The Standard newspaper, Butler’s exit triggered an emergency meeting among the organisers, which resulted in Auxillia being quietly dropped from the speaker lineup.

Instead of travelling to London, Auxillia flew to Dubai, where she attended the Merck Foundation’s First Ladies Initiative Summit from 18 to 19 June. Posting on her official X account while the London event was underway, she wrote:

“Today, I met with Mr. Prateek Suri, an Indian billionaire and CEO of Maser Group on the sidelines of the 7th Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025 underway in Dubai and we discussed several investment opportunities in Zimbabwe in education, sports, mining and infrastructure development sectors. Mr. Suri expressed interest in the construction of a university in Harare with student accommodation facilities at the campus. I invited him to Zimbabwe to have further deliberations with the relevant Cabinet Ministers because Zimbabwe is open for business.”

Today, I met with Mr. Prateek Suri, an Indian billionaire and CEO of Maser Group on the sidelines of the 7th Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025 underway in Dubai and we discussed several investment opportunities in Zimbabwe in education, sports, mining and… pic.twitter.com/sUejlxymtD

— First Lady of Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 (@ZimFirstLady) June 18, 2025

https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=true&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=e30%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1935367309771591893&lang=en&origin=safari-reader%3A%2F%2Fwww.zimeye.net%2F2025%2F06%2F18%2Fuk-zimbos-block-auxillia-from-london-summit%2F&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba downplayed the First Lady’s no-show in London, claiming that she had chosen to skip the event due to scheduling conflicts.

“You can be invited, but you can also turn down an invite,” said Charamba, insisting that Auxillia had a “full plate” with other engagements.

Despite the official explanation, Zimbabweans in the UK have hailed her absence as a diplomatic victory and a show of accountability by citizens in the diaspora. Activists say they will continue to oppose public appearances by senior Zimbabwean officials abroad until there are meaningful reforms back home.

By A Correspondent – Controversial preacher and Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries leader Walter Magaya, alongside his wife Tendai, is facing liquidation proceedings at the High Court over an unpaid US$420,140.72 debt owed to GetBucks Microfinance Bank.

The application, filed in the Commercial Division of the High Court, follows a judgment issued on October 9, 2024, ordering the Magayas and their company, Planet Africa (Pvt) Ltd, to repay the bank with 10% interest per month from September 11, 2024, until the debt is fully paid.

Despite numerous recovery attempts, the bank says the couple remains insolvent.

Movable assets at their home were shielded through a successful interpleader filed by the Walter Magaya Family Trust, while assets at Planet Africa’s offices were claimed by PHD Ministries, also led by Magaya.

A property under Deed of Transfer 4076/2018 was set for auction on March 28, 2025, but the sale was stopped after Planet Africa entered voluntary corporate rescue.

GetBucks argues that all recovery avenues have been exhausted, prompting the call for liquidation under Section 6 of the Insolvency Act (Chapter 6:07).

The bank nominated Noreen Chikaka of Reign Management Consultancy (Pvt) Ltd as liquidator, citing her professional expertise.

The application claims liquidation is in the best interest of all creditors, as it would prevent further debt accumulation and force the Magayas to reveal financial information allegedly being concealed.

Alarmingly, the bank also petitioned the court to order the surrender of the couple’s passports, warning they could flee to evade accountability.

“The respondents have no known assets and have neglected statutory demands,” the application reads. “They may want to leave the country to evade the law… liquidation will force them to account for their financial affairs.”

The case is scheduled to be heard in the High Court on Wednesday.

By A Correspondent

Zanu PF youths supporters, part of the Varakashi team, are celebrating the continued detention of former Tourism and Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi, who was denied bail by a Harare magistrate on Tuesday.

Mzembi was arrested over the weekend on the strength of three outstanding warrants after failing to appear in court. He has since been remanded in custody until July 1.

Taking to social media shortly after the ruling, the ruling party-aligned group expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision. “Mutemo mutemo, no one is above the law,” they posted on Facebook. “#BreakingNews | Walter Mzembi has been remanded in custody until July 1 after magistrate Donald Ndirowei denied him bail this afternoon.”

The post, widely shared within Zanu PF circles, reflects growing hostility within ruling party structures toward former senior officials who are now viewed as political outcasts.

By A Correspondent

Opposition leader Advocate Nelson Chamisa has launched a scathing attack on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government, accusing it of plundering national resources and robbing Zimbabweans of their future.

In a powerful statement released on Wednesday, Chamisa directly challenged both the regime and the citizens, urging Zimbabweans not to remain passive in the face of what he described as “wholesale theft” by the ruling elite.

“Corruption must never be a fashion or a skill!!” Chamisa declared. “You stole the elections. You stole the mandate. You stole the gold. You stole the money through deals. You stole opportunities from citizens. You stole the dignity of the citizens. You stole the pride of the nation. You are stealing in every tender.”

Chamisa, who continues to position himself as a voice for political change in Zimbabwe, said the country’s current leadership has crossed a line from mismanagement to outright criminality, warning: “We can’t allow you to steal the future!”

He went further to compare the level of greed in Zimbabwe’s leadership to gluttony with no limits.

“Thieves in governments elsewhere steal from their countries, but thieves in our yard actually steal the whole country. What a shame!” he said.

Chamisa’s criticism took on a multilingual tone, peppered with rhetorical questions in Shona, Ndebele, and Zulu to emphasize his disbelief at the scale of alleged looting.

“Hamuguti seiko? Mune miromo minganiko? Ko mune matumbu rudziiko asingaguti?” he asked in Shona, loosely translated as: “Why are you never satisfied? How many mouths do you have? What kind of stomachs do you have that are never full?”

He continued in Ndebele and Zulu: “Alisuthi njani? Lilemilomo emingaki bo? Lilamathumbu mhlobo bani angasuthiyo?” meaning “How can you never be full? How many mouths do you have? What kind of stomachs do you have that cannot be satisfied?”

“Alidinwa? Aliyangeki?” — “Do you never tire? Are you insatiable?”

Chamisa’s remarks are likely to further heighten tensions between the opposition and Zanu PF, particularly as public frustration mounts over worsening economic conditions, high-level corruption, and a lack of accountability in government institutions.

His message concluded with a call to action aimed directly at the citizens: “Don’t allow Mnangagwa to steal your future.”

As Zimbabwe’s political landscape remains deeply polarized, Chamisa’s fiery statement reflects growing desperation among opposition voices to galvanize public resistance against what they see as the systematic erosion of democracy and national integrity.

By A Correspondent

Controversial businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei has been co-opted into the Zanu PF Central Committee, in a surprise move that has intensified speculation over his growing political clout and potential positioning as President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s successor.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Zanu PF secretary for legal affairs Patrick Chinamasa confirmed Tagwirei’s elevation, describing it as a “breath of fresh air” for the party’s fortunes in urban areas, particularly Harare.

“From being, for a long time, a dormant but committed Zanu PF party cadre, loyally working quietly and outside the public limelight or glare, holding some low-ranking position in some Zanu PF Party District under Harare Province, your recent co-option into the Zanu PF Central Committee is a breath of fresh air and will certainly be impactful to Zanu PF’s political fortunes in Harare City and perhaps in other urban settings as well,” Chinamasa said.

The move is being read by insiders and analysts as a strategic shift that places Tagwirei—long considered a behind-the-scenes power broker—closer to the core of the ruling party’s leadership, raising eyebrows within and outside the party.

“I am, of course, referring to Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei, who has recently been co-opted into the Zanu PF Central Committee by the Zanu PF Harare Provincial Council,” Chinamasa continued. “I have no hesitation in assuring those of us who are skeptics that Harare Province will never be the same again.”

He likened Tagwirei’s political emergence to a natural force: “Cde Tagwirei, who has erupted from his dormant state like a volcano, is destined to add value to our deliberations as a Zanu PF Central Committee.”

Chinamasa also warned of criticism and backlash likely to follow Tagwirei’s appointment, amid longstanding public scrutiny over the businessman’s vast influence in the economy and his links to state institutions.

“Welcome aboard, Cde Tagwirei, and brace yourself to the fact that there will be malcontents out there who will bay for your blood and try to throw mud at you with a view to seeking to tarnish your reputation,” said Chinamasa. “I know you are made of sterner stuff and that you can take any brickbats and insults in your stride.”

He concluded with a cryptic flourish: “Those who have eyes, let them ‘eye,’ and those who have ears, let them ‘ear.’ Nokuti hatigoni kurega kutaura izvo takaona neizvo takanzwa.” (“Because we cannot remain silent about what we have seen and heard.”)

As Tagwirei enters the political spotlight officially, questions now swirl around whether his ascent signals deeper shifts within Zanu PF’s succession dynamics.

By A Correspondent-A leaked confidential list from within Parliament shows that select Members of Parliament (MPs) and Senators — including those from opposition parties — were discreetly instructed to collect new vehicles this week, reportedly at the direction of the Office of the President.

According to a source within Parliament who spoke on condition of anonymity, the vehicle allocation was communicated on Tuesday. The source claimed:

“Mnangagwa wants to silence parliamentarians who lead key Portfolio Committees. Remember there is 2030,” they said, in reference to the President’s Vision 2030 agenda.

“Also, Mnangagwa fraudulently endorsed the Parirenyatwa Hospital refurbishment tender. He is now strategically throwing the dice to silence MPs who might raise alarm.”

The leaked list includes a mix of Zanu PF loyalists and high-profile opposition MPs and Senators, raising eyebrows about growing bipartisan complicity in what analysts describe as an institutional capture of Parliament.

🧾 Leaked Names of Alleged Beneficiaries

National Assembly Panel

• Tsitsi Zhou
• N. Maunganidze
• J. Tshuma

Senate Panel

• Chief Mtshane Khumalo
• E. Kambizi
• A. Dube

Chief Whips & Opposition Leaders

National Assembly Panel

• M. Kademaunga
• C. Moyo
• C. Kambuzuma
• B. Nyandoro

Senate Panel

• N. Mlotshwa
• T.V. Muzenda
• J. Gotora
• S. Chapfudza

Chairpersons’ Panel (9th Parliament)

National Assembly

• W. Mutomba
• T. Mavetera
• M. Khumalo

Senate

• Chief F.Z. Charumbira
• T.B. Mohadi
• E. Kambizi

Portfolio Committee Chairs

• J. Samukange
• C. Hwende
• E. Mutodi
• M. Njanji
• T. Matangira
• S. Maburutse
• D. Malinganiso
• E. Maoneke
• C. Chiduwa
• G. Mutandi
• T. Karikoga
• S. Mandiwanzira
• I.D. Jere
• M. Ziyambi
• S. Matema
• J. Makombe
• C. Matewu
• V. Moyo
• V. Sihlabo
• Dr. T. Khupe
• E. Zvobgo
• J. Mamombe

Thematic Committee Chairpersons

• Sen. Tongogara
• Sen. Zindi
• Chief Siansali
• Chief Nechombo
• M. Mdhluri
• Sen. Mupfumira
• Sen. Mavenyengwa R.
• Sen. S. Ndebele

The inclusion of known opposition figures such as Hon. C. Matewu, Hon. J. Mamombe, and Hon. C. Hwende has stirred debate, with some civil society actors calling it a blatant attempt to buy silence ahead of key legislative debates and oversight responsibilities.

“This is how Parliament gets neutralised,” warned a Harare-based political analyst. “If legislators are being rewarded in the dark, how can they be expected to hold the Executive accountable?”

Critics argue that the timing and secrecy of the allocations point to a broader scheme to erode parliamentary independence, especially as questions swirl around high-stakes government contracts, such as the controversial Parirenyatwa Hospital refurbishment tender.

So far, there has been no official comment from the Office of the President, Parliament, or the named legislators. Civil society organisations have demanded full disclosure and an urgent parliamentary inquiry into the matter.

“This is not just about cars,” said one activist. “It’s about democracy being sold one vehicle at a time.”

By A Correspondent-President Emmerson Mnangagwa has allegedly captured key opposition legislators by secretly dishing out brand new vehicles — a move critics say is designed to mute dissent and tighten his grip on Parliament.

A leaked confidential list from within Parliament shows that select Members of Parliament (MPs) and Senators — including those from opposition parties — were discreetly instructed to collect new vehicles this week, reportedly at the direction of the Office of the President.

According to a source within Parliament who spoke on condition of anonymity, the vehicle allocation was communicated on Tuesday. The source claimed:

“Mnangagwa wants to silence parliamentarians who lead key Portfolio Committees. Remember there is 2030,” they said, in reference to the President’s Vision 2030 agenda.
“Also, Mnangagwa fraudulently endorsed the Parirenyatwa Hospital refurbishment tender. He is now strategically throwing the dice to silence MPs who might raise alarm.”

The leaked list includes a mix of Zanu PF loyalists and high-profile opposition MPs and Senators, raising eyebrows about growing bipartisan complicity in what analysts describe as an institutional capture of Parliament.

🧾 Leaked Names of Alleged Beneficiaries

National Assembly Panel

• Tsitsi Zhou
• N. Maunganidze
• J. Tshuma

Senate Panel

• Chief Mtshane Khumalo
• E. Kambizi
• A. Dube

Chief Whips & Opposition Leaders

National Assembly Panel

• M. Kademaunga
• C. Moyo
• C. Kambuzuma
• B. Nyandoro

Senate Panel

• N. Mlotshwa
• T.V. Muzenda
• J. Gotora
• S. Chapfudza

Chairpersons’ Panel (9th Parliament)

National Assembly

• W. Mutomba
• T. Mavetera
• M. Khumalo

Senate

• Chief F.Z. Charumbira
• T.B. Mohadi
• E. Kambizi

Portfolio Committee Chairs

• J. Samukange
• C. Hwende
• E. Mutodi
• M. Njanji
• T. Matangira
• S. Maburutse
• D. Malinganiso
• E. Maoneke
• C. Chiduwa
• G. Mutandi
• T. Karikoga
• S. Mandiwanzira
• I.D. Jere
• M. Ziyambi
• S. Matema
• J. Makombe
• C. Matewu
• V. Moyo
• V. Sihlabo
• Dr. T. Khupe
• E. Zvobgo
• J. Mamombe

Thematic Committee Chairpersons

• Sen. Tongogara
• Sen. Zindi
• Chief Siansali
• Chief Nechombo
• M. Mdhluri
• Sen. Mupfumira
• Sen. Mavenyengwa R.
• Sen. S. Ndebele

The inclusion of known opposition figures such as Hon. C. Matewu, Hon. J. Mamombe, and Hon. C. Hwende has stirred debate, with some civil society actors calling it a blatant attempt to buy silence ahead of key legislative debates and oversight responsibilities.

“This is how Parliament gets neutralised,” warned a Harare-based political analyst. “If legislators are being rewarded in the dark, how can they be expected to hold the Executive accountable?”

Critics argue that the timing and secrecy of the allocations point to a broader scheme to erode parliamentary independence, especially as questions swirl around high-stakes government contracts, such as the controversial Parirenyatwa Hospital refurbishment tender.

So far, there has been no official comment from the Office of the President, Parliament, or the named legislators. Civil society organisations have demanded full disclosure and an urgent parliamentary inquiry into the matter.

“This is not just about cars,” said one activist. “It’s about democracy being sold one vehicle at a time.”

By A Correspondent-In a rare and startling incident on Monday, a large truck inadvertently blocked President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s private motorcade near the Southerton Post Office in Harare — narrowly avoiding a potentially serious mishap.

The incident occurred as the convoy travelled from State House to Sally Mugabe Central Hospital on what officials have described as an “unplanned” visit.

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba confirmed the encounter, explaining that the truck driver was unaware he had obstructed the President’s route.

“The truck driver was unaware of who he had blocked, as the Presidential Security Team kept a low but watchful profile,” Charamba said.

He added that the disruption was brief, and that no harm or escalation occurred. Charamba stressed that the President’s motorcade was observing all traffic regulations.

“There were no Police outriders, and the security team stayed discreet during the entire unplanned visit. The President’s motorcade obeyed all traffic rules,” he said.

The truck driver, reportedly left stunned after realising whom he had blocked, is not facing any charges.

The Presidency has remained tight-lipped about the purpose of the hospital stop, stating only that it was a private matter.

Background: The Motorcade and Its Controversies

Presidential motorcades in Zimbabwe — especially under President Mnangagwa — have long drawn public criticism for their size, aggression, and disregard for civilian traffic.

Typically accompanied by blaring sirens, armed outriders, and aggressive road clearances, the convoys have been accused of endangering civilians, with past reports of motorists being forced off the road or assaulted by security details.

In contrast, Monday’s incident has been interpreted by some observers as part of a new strategy to tone down the President’s movements — or at least to project a more modest image in certain instances.

While the President continues to enjoy full state security privileges, the choice to forgo the usual show of force in this instance suggests a carefully calibrated shift — or possibly an isolated departure from the norm.

Still, the near-miss raises fresh questions about the safety of low-profile convoys in a country where high-level traffic security has historically depended on heavy visibility and force.