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2/28/2025, 1:28:21 PM

*Mnangagwa Urges Police To Tackle Traffic Chaos And Rising Road Carnage* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VajK5EjDeOMygRZPPb0v President Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to tackle the growing traffic chaos on the country’s roads by implementing an electronic management system and addressing the rising road carnage. Mnangagwa made the call while delivering the keynote address at a police recruit graduation ceremony at Mkushi Academy in Harare on Thursday, 27 February. He said: The high rate of indiscipline on our roads, which has resulted in the loss of countless lives due to road carnage, is disturbing. More worrisome is the fact that a total of 4 069 people were killed in road traffic accidents in 2024 compared to 2 104 in 2023, reflecting an astonishing 93% increase. The ZRP is challenged to tame the traffic jungle by speedily implementing the Electronic Traffic Management System. I call upon all Zimbabwean citizens to respect the country’s traffic laws and cooperate with law enforcement agencies. Mnangagwa also urged the graduating police officers to reject all forms of corruption. He said: As officers in the field, you will encounter all forms and types of temptations that will test your character, judgment, resolve and indeed your patriotism. Remain resolute and demonstrate high levels of integrity. Shun corruption by whatever name. The image of the country and indeed of the Zimbabwe Republic Police rests upon your shoulders. Guard it jealously. *Pindula News*

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2/28/2025, 1:25:00 PM

*Woman kills hubby over infidelity* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VajK5EjDeOMygRZPPb0v Tragedy rocked Mabvuku community in Harare after a woman allegedly stabbed her 43-year-old husband following accusations of infidelity. When the ZBC News crew arrived at the scene of the crime, the body of the deceased, Duncan Chiwaya had just been taken by the police and relatives were left cleaning blood stains in the house. A visibly distraught mother, Janet Dumbu, was at a loss for words after the death of her son Chiwaya. “I knew nothing about their marital problems and I was only shocked to be called to see my son lying in a pool of blood, with my daughter-in-law beside the body,” she said. A neighbour, Ellen Luundi, who was playing the role of an aunt in the couple’s marriage, confirmed the two had been having problems. “They have been having problems. The wife accused Chiwaya of infidelity. Last week she had packed her bags with the intention of quitting the marriage and I helped them reconcile. Then I woke up to see missed calls from the husband, and when I tried to call back it was too late, a child was at my door knocking to tell me about this tragic event,” she said. The incident has left the neighbourhood shell-shocked. “This is painful, why do people kill each other when they have problems in marriage?” a community member asked. “It is better to walk out of a toxic marriage than killing each other, I am pained by the loss,” another community member said. Chiwaya, who was employed by the Women’s University in Africa, has left behind a three-year-old child, whom he had with his wife. As the community struggles to come to terms with the loss of life in such a manner, the case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help when relationships turn sour. Police are yet to confirm the incident. *ZbcNews*

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2/28/2025, 4:11:54 PM

*HCC Freezes Exorbitant Executive Salaries Amid Corruption Allegations* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VajK5EjDeOMygRZPPb0v Mayor of Harare Jacob Mafume says City Council has frozen the payment of hefty salaries to its top executives, pending negotiations with employees, amid allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the local authority. The decision comes after it emerged that the highest-paid executive’s salary, including perks, could reach a staggering US$30,000 per month, sparking outrage among residents and civic leaders. Speaking to journalists after a full council meeting yesterday, Mafume said city council is taking a new twist to restore transparency within the administration. “We have paused all scandalous salaries until negotiations with the employees,” said Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume. “Such type of salaries are unprecedented and unparalleled within the country and any sector.” The city council has also vowed to prioritize the refurbishment of district offices, implement an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, and repair critical infrastructure like the Amalinda pipeline. The move is seen as a bid to restore transparency and accountability within the city’s administration, which has been marred by corruption allegations. A Commission of Inquiry into Harare City’s affairs has uncovered excessive spending on foreign trips, high-end vehicles, and sports facilities. The city’s financial woes have resulted in poor service delivery, with residents complaining about uncollected refuse, potholed roads, and erratic water supplies. *Afro Gazette*

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2/28/2025, 1:33:32 PM

*Markets slam ‘extortionist’ ethanol pricing* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VajK5EjDeOMygRZPPb0v ZIMBABWE’s fuel dealers and motorists are demanding a review of the wholesale price of locally-produced ethanol, currently pegged at US$1,10 per litre, which they say is unsustainable and exorbitant. This outcry follows the government’s introduction of Statutory Instrument 150 of 2024 in August last year, which mandated the blending of ethanol with unleaded fuel before it is sold to motorists. While the move was intended to promote the use of locally-produced ethanol, its pricing has sparked widespread criticism. Despite being a domestic product, ethanol is exclusively priced in US dollars, placing an additional financial burden on fuel dealers and motorists. Comparatively, in countries such as Brazil, India, Kenya, and South Africa, ethanol serves as a cost-effective alternative to fuel imports. In Zimbabwe, however, the high cost of ethanol undermines its potential as an affordable substitute. “We need to look at this ethanol so that the economy can benefit properly. Let us have a fair price for it and be fair also on the currency that is used to buy ethanol,” Direct Fuel Importers general secretary Bart Mukucha told businessdigest. “If there is a request for the price, for the amount to be split into half US dollar, half local currency, that will be good. The current pricing is unsustainable. Let us be fair to the motorist and to the producer of ethanol. “We love the fact that we produce ethanol. We support that industry, but it must be fair to the consumers. There must be some meeting point that is amenable. Not this extortion that we see in broad daylight.” He added that ethanol was introduced for job creation and saving foreign currency by substituting imports. This is because by blending ethanol with imported fuel, this reduces the foreign currency needed for importing fuel. “We should use our own local currency to buy that ethanol. It is a nationally-produced product. There is no reason to pay US dollars for it in full. So, it should be sold in local currency primarily,” Mukucha said. Green Fuels, the leading local ethanol producer, is co-owned by tycoon Billy Rautenbach and the Agricultural Rural Development Authority. Mukucha suggested a split pricing system, with half the cost to be paid in US dollars and the other in local currency. Motor Industry Association of Zimbabwe president Lawrence Nyamushanya said the fuel sector would have a meeting “soon” with the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera). “This is one of the thorny issues on the agenda. I will give you feedback once that meeting is held,” he said. Zera chief executive officer Edington Muzambani defended the ethanol pricing. “Ethanol is a biofuel which, in Zimbabwe, is produced from sugar cane through a process completely different from the production of petrol, which is produced from fossil fuels,” he said. “The differences in the substances create differences in terms of the final cost.” *©2025. The Zimbabwe Independent.*

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2/28/2025, 12:47:13 PM

*RBZ Slashes Bank Charges For Small Accounts – Here’s What You Need To Know* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VajK5EjDeOMygRZPPb0v The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has slashed bank charges for small accounts in a move aimed at easing financial pressure on account holders. The new policy, announced as part of the February 2025 Monetary Policy Statement (MPS), also introduces higher interest rates on deposits and increased limits for international debit and credit cards. *Bank Charges Scrapped For Small Balances* RBZ has removed monthly bank charges for accounts with balances below US$100 or the ZiG equivalent. This move prevents customers from losing money to fees and helps them keep their accounts active. RBZ Governor, Dr. John Mushayavanhu, stated: “Many customers were struggling with bank charges eroding their small balances. This policy ensures that they can keep their money in the banking system without unnecessary deductions.” Additionally, transactions below US$5 or the ZiG equivalent will no longer attract charges. This applies to both Point of Sale (POS) and mobile money transactions. Financial analysts welcomed the move, saying it encourages banking among the unbanked population. “This is a positive step for financial inclusion. Many people were avoiding banks due to high fees. Now, they have an incentive to keep their money in formal financial institutions.” Higher Interest Rates On Deposits To promote a savings culture, RBZ has increased mandatory minimum interest rates on deposits: ZiG Savings – Increased from 3.5% to 5% per annum ZiG Time Deposits – Increased from 5% to 7.5% per annum USD Savings – Increased from 1% to 2.5% per annum USD Time Deposits – Increased from 2.5% to 4% per annum Dr. Mushayavanhu explained the importance of the adjustment: “Deposit interest rates must be fair and encourage people to save. These new rates ensure that depositors earn reasonable returns on their funds.” Economic experts noted that the move aligns Zimbabwe’s banking system with international practices. “For years, local banks offered little to no interest on savings. This increase makes formal banking more attractive to depositors.” *Increased Limits For International Cards* RBZ has also doubled the annual limit on prepaid international debit and credit cards from US$500,000 to US$1,000,000. According to RBZ, this measure enhances financial flexibility for individuals and businesses making cross-border transactions. An RBZ statement read: “The new limits reduce reliance on physical cash for international transactions and provide greater convenience for travellers and businesses.” Business owners have welcomed the development, with some saying it will improve trade. “For companies importing goods, this is a game-changer. The previous limit was too restrictive.” With these changes, RBZ aims to boost public confidence in the banking system and encourage more people to embrace formal banking and savings culture.

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2/28/2025, 1:38:23 PM

*Funerals, cemeteries no longer what they used to be. . . as flesh vendors, hwindis defy tradition* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VajK5EjDeOMygRZPPb0v AS I write this piece, I am mourning the passing on of my brother Thomas Mabwe Chitemerere and father George Chitemerere. Thomas, who died on December 28 2024, in the UK, was buried on the 8th of this month while we bade farewell to Mudhara George two days later at ‘Pachikomo Chemachamaya’, as we call our family cemetery. Thomas, who died in his late 40s, was well known in the country’s judiciary system as its youngest public prosecutor. The former detective inspector was mourned by hordes of former workmates and court reporters. One after the other, mourners took turns to heap befitting homages to the young philanthropist, farmer par excellence and businessman. ‘It is only at cemeteries that one gets to see well-behaved people,’ is a common adage. It is also common to hear ‘wafa wanaka’, meaning even the most wicked people are eulogised at their burial. But not always. It, therefore, came as a shock to me when I heard the following graveside speech: “Zimwana ramurikuona rirere apa ranga riine moyo wakashata fani.” I later learnt from my friend that the deceased was a habitual thief in Mufakose who accused his mother of killing his father using supernatural means, or witchcraft, to put it more bluntly. Mourners are accustomed to priests hired to preside over burials saying: “Mr or Mrs or Miss So-and-So was such a good person. His deeds will always be remembered by all”, even if the deceased was a good-for-nothing).” The man of God always has a Bible in hand yet he/she avoids the truth about the dearly departed. To be honest, I have yet to hear a truthful graveside speech. If the priest were to tell mourners, “We are gathered here to lay to rest a thief, a murderer, an arsonist, a-good-for-nothing . . . please rest in peace and do not come back,” I will bet my last dollar that he/she would be tarred, feathered and driven out of town. ‘Praise and worship’ speeches apart, funerals are now a haven for some weird practices, some of them straight out of Salman Rushdie’s ‘Satanic Verses’. For example, who ever thought of having sex on top of a grave? But it is happening right before our very eyes and in broad daylight, all in the name of mourning. Picture this. In December last year, the writer attended the burial of a lady of the night at Zinyengere Cemetery, Epworth. There I witnessed the shock of my life as fellow ladies of the night, completely nude, simulated sexual acts in pairs next to the coffin. According to them, this was a the most befitting send-off for their former ‘workmate’. As if that was not enough, a kombi parked nearby played one of Baba Harare’s X-rated songs at full blast. But, believe it or not, this was not an isolated incident. Almost on a daily basis, we continue to witness the coffins of deceased kombi drivers and mahwindi strapped onto kombi roofs and being driven recklessly around town, gusheshe-style, all in the name of a befitting send-off. In days gone by, funerals were sombre occasions with cemeteries treated with the utmost respect. Only the sahwiras were allowed the luxury of acting naughty to lighten the sombre atmosphere. In the late Oliver Mtukudzi’s words: “Sahwira aiitirwa kurerutsa ndima.” Unfortunately, the ladies of the night and mahwindi are invading funerals and taking chisahwira to unprecedented levels, often throwing hunhu/ubuntu out of the window. Once I stumbled upon a viral video of a couple engaging in sex in full view of mourners during the burial of a colleague. No wonder, some voyeuristic people now throng funerals in the hope of watching pornographic acts for free. Worse still, cemeteries are now being used by some people instead of lodges for sexual acts while the criminally minded use them to hide or share their loot. Cases of graves getting tampered with after burial as thieves search for valuables buried with the deceased in the form of clothes, jewellery, blankets and expensive caskets for resale. Recently, a local radio station featured a man confessing how he made money from exhuming corpses whose body parts he sold to businesspeople hoping to boost their earnings. He was pleading with traditional healers and prophets to exorcise the ‘demons’ that were now haunting him and causing him sleepless nights. Let’s respect the dead and protect the sanctity of our final resting places, wherever they are. This sacrilege must stop! *The Patriot*

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3/1/2025, 9:32:28 AM

*Power outages set to worsen, says Zesa* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VajK5EjDeOMygRZPPb0v INTENSE power cuts are set to return from tomorrow according to the power utility Zesa Holdings HARARE, Feb. 28 (NewsDay Live) - Rolling power cuts are set to worsen from tomorrow, according to the power utility. In a notice, Zesa Holdings said: “Zesa Holdings would like to inform its valued stakeholders that Hwange Unit 7 will undergo a scheduled Class B maintenance, from March 2 to 29, 2025. This follows the successful Class C maintenance of Hwange Unit 8 in January 2025.” Further, Hwange Power Station Unit 6 will be taken offline for statutory maintenance from March 15 to May 14, 2025. The power utility said “this is being carried out to ensure readiness for increased generation during the peak winter season”. “We would like to assure the nation that various strategies have been put in place to ensure stable supply during the period,” Zesa Holdings said. “Kariba Power Station, which is primarily operating as a peaking plant, will be managed carefully to address the periods of low supply caused by these outages. “The output from Kariba will be adjusted as and when necessary to conserve water for future use, ensuring a balanced and sustainable energy mix.” *©2025. NewsDay Zimbabwe*

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3/1/2025, 9:09:23 AM

*UPDATED: We will lead ED onslaught - War vets* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VajK5EjDeOMygRZPPb0v A faction of the war veterans says it will 'lead the onslaught' against President Emmerson Mnangagwa, ratcheting up the tension in the ruling Zanu PF party. "Maybe our presser today is the last. We want to address the elephant in the room as quickly as posssible. It may be in a week or two, the pressure will be on," the leader of a faction of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veteran Association faction, Andrease Mathibela told a Press conference in Harare on Friday. This development comes hot on the heels of outspoken war veteran and Zanu PF central committee member Blessed “Bombshell” Geza’s condemnation of Mnangagwa’s leadership, where he declared that the Zanu PF leader was “not fit to run this country”. Matyhibela said the association had consulted with citizens of Zimbabwe who had agreed that Mnangagwa ought to step down. He also said the association was behind Geza, who it had sent at the front and described him as “our rabble-rouser”. Mnangagwa is facing growing discontent among Zimbabweans frustrated with the country’s economic woes. Mathibela accused Mnangagwa of failing to tame corruption which was bleeding the economy, resulting in poverty among ordinary people. The war veteran leader gave Mnangagwa a two-week ultimatum, threatening that the people would go into the streets in protest against poor governance. “So obviously, the government is not serious about addressing the crisis (that) it has created itself,” Mathibela said. “So, when we look, as citizens of this country, when we look at any crisis, we ask: What is the root cause? Then we deal with the root cause. “I am here, on behalf of all veterans and members of the public, ordinary people. We were quiet, while all these other noise makers were trying to be relevant. Guess what? We were busy consulting.” Added Mathibela: “Just like what we did during the liberation struggle. We were working with the masses. We were working with the chiefs. We were working with the mass media, spirit mediums, I would say. And they have told us, that all veterans, you put your government there, sort it out.” “That is the challenge they have given us. They say you put this government, you sort it out. And very true, we will definitely sort it out. I am happy that the nation, at large, which is the suffocating victims of this crisis, has said ‘We will go with you veterans, every step of the way’. “They have told us, in no uncertain circumstances, that this time around, we must lead the onslaught, where the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe must step down immediately. “And we are in agreement. We have reasons which we can explain throughout the night, until the following morning.” Mathibela said Mnangagwa and his government are not comfortable with the discontent among war veterans, hence the attempt to silence them with trinkets. He said war veterans aligned to his faction would boycott the planned interface with Mnangagwa. “Why suddenly now?” Mathibela asked. “People are panicking, offering war veterans US$1,5 million and the Tungwarara houses. “We call those small houses Tungwararas because it’s a mockery. “Why us alone? What about the people who put you into power?” *©2025. NewsDay Zimbabwe*

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2/28/2025, 1:22:40 PM

*AMH Journalist Blessed Mhlanga denied bail* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VajK5EjDeOMygRZPPb0v Harare magistrate Farai Gwitima has denied an application for bail by Alpha Media Holdings senior journalist Blessed Mhlanga. "It is my considered view that ...given his position at work, if granted bail he is likely to interfere. Of critical importance some of the witnesses have not been retired hence his release will jeopadise investigations," Gwatima said. Gwitima remanded Mhlanga in custody to March 14, saying his release would be a threat to national security. He said Mhlanga disseminated messages that were likely to incite violence and breach peace. Police arrested Mhlanga on Monday after he handed himself over following visits by law enforcement agents to HSTV offices. They said the charges were linked to the broadcast of press conferences by Zanu PF central committee member Blessed Geza. Geza, now in hiding, criticised President Emmerson Mnangagwa for corruption and incompetence, calling for his resignation. Mhlanga’s detention under Section 164 of the Criminal Law Code has sparked national outrage, with media organisations and rights groups condemning it as an attack on press freedom. *©2025. NewsDay Zimbabwe*

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2/28/2025, 9:23:56 AM

*Eyes on Scottland as 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League kicks off* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VajK5EjDeOMygRZPPb0v All eyes will be on Scottland FC when the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League kicks off on Friday. With a free spending spree during the pre-season transfer window, the Mabvuku-based side was the most active side on the market. Owned by Mabvuku-Tafara legislator and dealer Pedzai Scott Sakupwanya, Mabviravira went as far as luring five of the 2024 league-winning players who were at Simba Bhora, including Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona. Other than securing Musona, Scottland also managed to land the signature of star player Khama Billiat, who was the first runner-up to the Soccer Star of the Year and second runner-up Lynoth Chikuhwa, who was the 2024 season Golden Boot winner. Promoted from the Northern Region Division One League controversially, Scottland will be led by 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Coach of the Year, Tonderai Ndiraya, whom they snatched from Simba Bhora together with his technical team. Mabviravira opens their league campaign on Friday with a date against league returners Triangle at Rufaro stadium at 3 p.m. League action continues over the weekend with eight more matches scheduled across the country. Other than Scottland, defending league champions Simba Bhora is another side to watch despite the mass exodus of players during the pre-season transfer. The Go Buju Go side parted ways with 13 players who were part of the family last season, together with the whole technical team. However, they have done a decent job securing replacements with several key signings like landing Donald Mudadi from Dynamos, Liberty Chakoroma from Manica Diamonds, goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga from CAPS United and others. The side will be led by Highlanders legend Joel Lupahla, who had a bad start to the campaign after suffering a defeat to Dynamos in the Castle Challenge Cup this past weekend. Other than focusing on the money bags, for all these reasons, Dynamos will also receive a large share of attention, especially after shocking Simba Bhora last week in the Castle Challenge Cup with a fairly young assembled squad. Dembare is struggling financially and was deserted by several key players, including captain Frank Makarati, who went to Tel One, Tanaka Shandirwa, who is now at CAPS United and others. However, team head coach Lloyd “Mablanyo” Chigowe has done a decent job of making the side competitive by unleashing a number of youngsters from the junior side who impressed during their triumph over Simba. CASTLE LAGER PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE MATCHDAY 1 FIXTURES FRIDAY 28TH FEBRUARY 2025 SCOTTLAND FC VS TRIANGLE UNITED FC SATURDAY 1ST MARCH 2025 HERENTALS COLLEGE FC VS TELONE (Rufaro) SIMBA BHORA FC VS FC PLATINUM (Wadzanai stadium) MANICA DIAMONDS FC VS YADAH FC (Sakubva stadium) CHICKEN INN FC VS BIKITA MINERALS FC (Luveve stadium) KWEKWE UNITED FC VS NGEZI PLATINUM STARS FC (Bata Stadium) GREENFUEL FC VS CAPS UNITED FC (Greenfuel Arena) SUNDAY 2ND MARCH 2025 DYNAMOS FC VS ZPC KARIBA FC (Rufaro) MWoS FC VS HIGHLANDERS FC (Baobab) *NewZimbabwe.com*