Zim Current Affairs

*Lunchtime News: Saturday 21 June 2025* *Headlines* *Cigarette Of The World: Zimbabwe Sets Historic Tobacco Production Record* *Zimbabwe Sets Historic Tobacco Production Record* *'Take Full Advantage Of Opportunities To Improve Your Living Standards': Mnangagwa Tells Youths* *We Are Vindicated On Health Crisis: Nurses* *Muguti Raises Alarm Over Harare’s 'Hidden Homes'* *Prophet Walter Magaya Seeks One Week Postponement In US$420k Liquidation Case* *Former Soldier Wipes Out Colleague's ZNA Pension Payout* *Bodies, Drugs Being Smuggled Through Beitbridge* *Drug Courier Dies In Hospital After Swallowing Evidence* *Heineken Loses Operational Control Of Facilities In Congo's War-hit East* *Trump Says US Intelligence ‘Wrong’ About Iran Not Building Nuclear Bomb* *Bayern Beat Boca To Seal Club World Cup Last 16 Spot* Join our *Ad-free* News Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacXkvFJJhzd2UoZYF1F *Stories in Detail:* *Cigarette Of The World: Zimbabwe Sets Historic Tobacco Production Record* Zimbabwe has reached an unprecedented milestone in its tobacco industry, surpassing its previous national production record with over 300 million kilogrammes of leaf tobacco sold since the marketing season began in March 2025. According to the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB), this achievement exceeds the 296 million kg record set in 2023 and has generated more than 1 billion U.S. dollars in revenue for farmers, marking a significant boost to the country’s agricultural economy. TIMB spokesperson Chelesani Tsarwe described the 2024 season as historic, attributing the success to the resilience and collaboration across the entire value chain. However, she stressed that future growth must transcend volume metrics, urging a shift toward greater local processing, improved farmer income, diversified export markets, and environmentally sustainable practices. The ultimate goal, she noted, is to ensure that tobacco production delivers more inclusive and long-term economic value. Zimbabwe’s progress aligns with its 2021 Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan, which set an ambitious annual production target of 300 million kg and a broader vision of building a 5-billion-dollar industry by 2025. As one of the country’s key export earners, with major markets in China and South Africa, tobacco remains a vital economic driver, especially for rural communities. Authorities now aim to move from sheer output to a more integrated and value-oriented industry that benefits the nation more holistically. *'Take Full Advantage Of Opportunities To Improve Your Living Standards': Mnangagwa Tells Youths* PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has challenged Zimbabwean youths to grab opportunities created by his government aimed at improving their standards of living. Officially opening the 33rd Session of the Junior Parliament of Zimbabwe at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden this Friday, President Mnangagwa said through the government’s transformational and inclusive developmental policies, no child and no place was being left behind whilst the promotion of youths’ participation in matters that affect them at every level, from the village right up to the national level was being scaled up. “I urge you, our young people, to take full advantage of the opportunities that my government is offering, as we improve the quality of our living standards. “Since the advent of the Second Republic, there are evident results of the efforts we are making towards strengthening the protection, empowerment and development of children and young people,” Mnangagwa said. He highlighted that an increased number of children now have access to the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), with over over 1.5 million vulnerable children having access to quality education through the facility. The event also was an occasion for African youths to observe and commemorate the Day of the African Child, recognised throughout the continent on June 16, exactly 49 years since the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa. Friday’s event a marked the Day of the African Child, which stands as a constant reminder for Zimbabwe and its government to the family unit, of the need to be responsive to the requirements and challenges faced by young people. Under the theme, “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010, the day is aligned to government’s commitment to prioritise the rights and needs of children, wherever they live. “This annual gathering continues to be the hallmark of democratic expression, participation and inter-generational dialogue for the children and youth of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe. “As we gather together with you, the youth of our country, we once again pay tribute to the young children of yesteryear, who bravely confronted the racist colonial and apartheid oppressive systems. “The historic bravery by that crop of young people should inspire you, the current generation, to fight for our country’s interests and that of Africa, to achieve greater successes across all sections of human endeavour,” added the President. Among some of the developments to improve the youth livelihoods, Mnangagwa said the launch of the Junior Parliament Alumni Network was a development worth celebrating. “The platform should ensure that the leadership nurtured in this august House remains a voice in national discussions concerning children and the youth. “The Alumni should serve as a think-tank and mentorship engine that prepares young people for the future ahead.” The government has continued to strengthen, expand and equip Vocational Training Centres across the country. At these centres, young Zimbabweans learn diverse trades, from agriculture and engineering to ICT and hospitality, among others, that directly feed into the economy. “I applaud the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Education for the leadership and guidance it continues to provide to you, our young people, and the Junior Parliament in particular. “The government expects the recommendations of the Comprehensive Evaluation of the Junior Parliament Programme, towards strengthening the overall impact of the Programme. “This forum must not be reduced to a mere talk show, but the output of the Junior Parliament must inform our national development priorities as well as programmes and projects.” As the Fourth Industrial Revolution continues to unfold, President Mnangagwa expected that the capacitation and development of skill to harness opportunities availed by Artificial Intelligence, among the young people, will be prioritised and scaled up. “Our young boys and girls must be well prepared for the jobs of the future. In light of this imperative, the need to transform our Vocational Training Centres into digital learning spaces and re-purpose underutilised facilities, such as post-offices, into community innovation hubs, cannot be overemphasised.” He commended the hundreds of centres across all provinces being equipped to train youth in high-demand digital skills. *NewZW* *We Are Vindicated On Health Crisis: Nurses* THE Zimbabwe Nurses Association (Zina) says President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s recent hospital tour has confirmed that the country’s health system is in a state of collapse and urgently needs intervention. The visit exposed the critical state of public hospitals, where nurses work under extreme conditions and patients suffer due to a lack of medicine, equipment and proper care. Mnangagwa this week visited Parirenyatwa and Sally Mugabe hospitals following growing public outcry and repeated calls from Zina, whose president, Enock Dongo, has been warning of a deepening crisis in the country’s health sector. The visit also came after Youth minister, Tino Machakaire, urged Mnangagwa to visit public hospitals and see the deteriorating state of affairs. Mnangagwa's visit was made without Health minister Douglas Mombeshora. For months, Zina has been speaking out about the severe shortages of medicines, lack of essential equipment, collapsing infrastructure and the dire working conditions that have pushed the country’s health system to the edge. Dongo said neglect by the government has plunged hospitals into disrepair, leaving citizens to pay the price through unnecessary suffering and avoidable deaths. "Public hospitals have no medication. Patients are told to buy their drugs or supplies — things that should be readily available. People are dying from diseases that are easily treatable. These are not deaths due to lack of medical knowledge or skill — but deaths caused simply by the absence of basic medication, equipment and resources," Dongo said in a statement. "Diagnostic centres are almost non-existent. Basic laboratory services are unavailable. Nurses are unable to conduct essential tests and the sick are being referred to private hospitals that they cannot afford. They remain in public wards, in pain, waiting, suffering." At the two hospitals, Mnangagwa walked through crumbling wards, where windows were shattered and beds had no blankets. He passed through corridors with no running water and dilapidated infrastructure as he listened to doctors and nurses how they were operating within the health institutions. Patients have been routinely turned away or referred to private clinics because X-ray machines, diagnostic labs and basic testing equipment were not functioning. Dongo added that nurses were enduring inhumane conditions. "Many go to work on an empty stomach, unable to afford transport or food, and return home to families facing the same hunger. Some walk long distances to reach hospitals, only to work long, underpaid shifts in facilities falling apart around them. "Health workers remain poorly paid, which has also led to low staff morale and brain drain, with skilled personnel leaving the country for greener pastures." Mnangagwa also visited Natpharm, the State-run medical supply agency responsible for distributing drugs to government hospitals. *Newsday* *Muguti Raises Alarm Over Harare’s 'Hidden Homes'* Presidential Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary Engineer Tafadzwa Muguti has highlighted the escalating housing crisis in the Harare metropolitan area during a national economic consultative forum. Speaking at the forum, Muguti revealed alarming statistics indicating that the region is grappling with approximately 60,000 illegal homes, a significant increase from 56,200 three years ago. “In Chitungwiza alone, I think we’re sitting around 20-something thousand illegal homes so, if you have 60,000 illegal homes, it means you have 60,000 illegal communities,” he said. Muguti noted that these illegal homes lack proper addresses, making it difficult to collect taxes and provide essential services. “So, we have 60,000 homes in the province with no address So, we have 60,000 homes in the province with no address A good example is Harare South,” he said. He added that at times, local authorities are forced to collect the taxes from people who are not even paying their rates and taxes “Once those people get sick from cholera, it is the same local authority that now needs to control the cholera pandemic,” he said. Muguti said he has hopes that the dialogues will help to curb the illegal housing crisis “I’m hoping this dialogue will really discuss this and see how to fix it. Because the moment you say we’ll regularize them you are also encouraging the land baron to go ahead and create more thousand illegal homes,” he said. Muguti also raised concerns about the role of local councilors in exacerbating the situation “We have challenges where even councilors themselves, Chitungwiza and Harare, especially Chitungwiza, we have councilors who are now leading the invasions, let’s regularise the guys who are buying the resorts. Because he led the invasion and sold the stands,” he said. *263chat* *Prophet Walter Magaya Seeks One Week Postponement In US$420k Liquidation Case* Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries leader Walter Magaya and his wife, Tendai, have secured a one-week postponement in the High Court proceedings initiated by GetBucks Microfinance Bank Limited, which seeks to liquidate their personal estates over an outstanding debt of US$420,140.72. The matter, originally scheduled to be heard yesterday (Wednesday), was deferred after Magaya’s legal team requested the extension to prepare their challenge to the liquidation application. The matter will be heard on the 25th of June, next week. GetBucks Microfinance Bank Limited is pursuing the liquidation under Section 6 of the Insolvency Act (Chapter 6:07), contending that the Magayas are unable to settle their debts and have committed acts of insolvency. This follows a High Court judgment from October 9, 2024, which ordered Walter Magaya, Tendai Magaya, and their company, Planet Africa (Private) Limited, to pay the stated sum along with 10% monthly interest from September 11, 2024. Court documents indicate that previous attempts to recover the funds have been unsuccessful. Movable assets at their residential address were released after a claim by the Trustees of The Walter Magaya Family Trust, while those at Planet Africa’s address were claimed by PHD Ministries. An immovable property, a piece of land in Salisbury, was declared specially executable, but its sale on March 28, 2025, was reportedly frustrated when Planet Africa (Private) Limited entered corporate rescue proceedings. GetBucks Microfinance Bank Limited asserts that with no other known assets belonging to the Magayas and all execution avenues exhausted, they are insolvent. The bank also points to neglected statutory demands for payment and a “nulla bona” return from the Sheriff, indicating no attachable assets. The bank has nominated Noreen Chikaka of Reign Management Consultancy (Private) Limited as the proposed liquidator, arguing that liquidation would benefit GetBucks and other creditors by preventing further debt accrual and compelling the Magayas to disclose their financial affairs. The application also suggests the Magayas may attempt to leave the country and seeks an order for them to surrender their passports. *nehandaradio* *Former Soldier Wipes Out Colleague's ZNA Pension Payout* A FORMER Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) member is counting losses after his pension was wiped out by a colleague, who retired at the same time with him last year. The complainant is Forward Mapfunde from Warren Park D in Harare. Mapfunde dragged his former colleague Tigere Dube (43) to court accusing him of the scam. Dube appeared before Harare Magistrate Ruth Moyo charged with fraud. He was not asked to plead and awaits bail determination. Dube now resides in Mbobola Village under Chief Masunda in Zvishavane. Dube was stationed at Ordinance Supply Depot, Southern Region. According to the National Prosecuting Authority, on September 23, 2024, Mapfunde received his lump sum amount of USD$13 003.34 and ZWL$14, 041 through his National Building Society (NBS) nostro and ZiG accounts. The court heard Mapfunde’s NBS account is linked into his Econet number. Between September 28 and 30, 2024, Dube and his accomplices only identified as Lucky and Jake acquired a copy of fake national udentity card bearing complainant’s particulars but inserted with his face. “Accused approached Econet Rushinga and used the fake ID to replace complainant’s Econet Sim Card. “Using the fraudulently acquired SIM Card, accused and his accomplices went on to download a NBS bank mobile application and linked it to complainant’s phone number in question,” the court heard. Furthering their fraudulent activities, accused and his accomplices who are at large went on to transfer complainant’s funds from NBS nostro and ZiG bank accounts into Ecocash account belonging to complainant, which he was now in their control. Thereafter, Dube withdrew money at various Econet agents in Harare. Furthermore, accused persons made ZIPIT transactions using a NBS mobile application by transferring complainant’s funds from the said NBS account into several mobile money services, and bank accounts which they had access to. On September 30, 2024, complainant experienced network challenges and visited an Econet Shop in Harare, where his line was re-activated. After reactivation of the said line, complainant assumed control of his bank account and discovered the offence. The case was reported at Harare Central Police Station on September 30, 2024, and it was referred to CID Commercial Crimes Department. Total value stolen is USD$10,000, ZiG $12,230 and nothing was recovered. *NewZW* *Bodies, Drugs Being Smuggled Through Beitbridge* A chilling criminal network, allegedly involving cross-border bus and lorry drivers, is working with corrupt law enforcement, customs, and health officials to smuggle undocumented human remains and illegal drugs through Beitbridge Border Post, one of Zimbabwe’s busiest crossings. Desperate families, unable to afford official repatriation costs, are resorting to these clandestine channels to transport deceased loved ones — often individuals who died in South Africa without proper documents. Bodies, disguised as regular luggage, are being loaded onto vehicles and waved through customs thanks to bribes paid to officials. An investigation by Check Point has revealed this morbid operation. Even more disturbingly, drug cartels are exploiting this practice, concealing narcotics beneath corpses to evade detection. The grim reality of this trade was highlighted at a recent funeral wake attended by this reporter. Misheck Musana, a 27-year-old Zimbabwean who died tragically in Johannesburg after crossing illegally, was repatriated through this illicit network due to his lack of documentation and burial society membership. A close relative, whose identity is being withheld, detailed the desperate measures taken to bring Musana home. This illicit commerce paints a stark picture of systemic corruption and a grave disregard for human dignity and national security, turning a vital point of entry into a haven for smugglers. “We had no money to process the papers and cover the transportation of the body,” she said, stressing the prohibitive costs that can soar up to US$3 000 for official repatriation from South Africa. “We hid his body in a bus trailer, and the coffin was wrapped with a blanket to look like any other luggage.” The family’s ordeal uncovered the mechanics of this grim trade. They paid US$500 to the transporters in Johannesburg. However, their journey was fraught with risk. “When customs officials at the border discovered we had a lifeless body without proper documentation, the transporters we used paid US$200 to let us go,” the relative revealed. In Harare, the deceased’s body was allegedly handed over to a funeral parlour working with the syndicate before being transported to Musana’s rural home for burial — all without the legally required burial order. Interviews with cross-border bus and lorry drivers revealed this grim practice has been well-established for years. One driver, identified only as Shutori, admitted to transporting human remains across the Beitbridge border since 2015, highlighting the deeply entrenched nature of this illicit operation. “It’s expensive to repatriate a body to Zimbabwe. The price for this illicit service can start from R5 000. Many Zimbabweans approach us to carry their relatives back home in our buses,” he said matter-of-factly. Sources said that this gruesome trade is fuelled by the exorbitant costs of official repatriation, which can reach US$3 000 (or R14 000 by road, R37 000 by air) for those without proper documents, compared to illicit alternatives as low as US$500. This makes the illegal route a desperate choice for impoverished families, particularly for individuals who died in South Africa without formal papers. Disturbingly, drug cartels are exploiting this practice, concealing narcotics within corpses to evade detection, with some even claiming individuals are being killed for this macabre purpose. Recent incidents corroborate these reports: in June 2024, three men were arrested at Beitbridge for smuggling pistols and Broncleer syrup hidden inside a coffin. Just two months ago, four cross-border transporters were apprehended for smuggling US$25 000 worth of drugs in an empty coffin using a fake burial order. As the Zimbabwean diaspora grows, the issue of repatriation is becoming increasingly complex. Health and Child Care Deputy Minister Sleiman Kwidini has urged adherence to proper procedures, warning against dangerous shortcuts and confirming awareness of contraband, including hard drugs, being smuggled in coffins. Though no official complaints about body smuggling have been received, authorities are well aware of coffins being used for illicit transport. Asked for comment, Police said they are still compiling information from relevant departments. *Herald* *Drug Courier Dies In Hospital After Swallowing Evidence* A suspected drug dealer reportedly swallowed a stash of drugs she had brought to deliver to a client after being cornered by police. The woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, was rushed to Chitungwiza Hospital, where she died shortly after admission. Her death comes as the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) intensifies efforts to combat drug and substance abuse across the country. In a statement released Friday evening, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of several people in connection with drug-related offences. The statement reads: The Zimbabwe Republic Police has intensified the fight against drug and substance abuse in the country. On 19th June 2025, detectives from CID Drugs and Narcotics, Harare acted on received information and arrested Josephine Tinarwo (55) at a house in Manyame Park in connection with unlawful possession of a huge consignment of Broncleer Cough Syrup. Josephine Tinarwo implicated Hezel Titya (39) and another suspect. On the same day, at around 2100 hours, the suspect was lured to Josephine Tinarwo’s residence. Sadly, upon arrest, the suspect swallowed some of the drugs she had come to deliver to Josephine Tinarwo. The suspect was referred to Chitungwiza Hospital where she passed on upon admission. Meanwhile, Grace Tagara (41), Betha Paakanengwa (31), Tadiwanashe Mandisodza (21), Patience Sithole and Rumbidzai Hlabiso (32) were arrested on 19th June 2025 at Mbare Cabins, Redwing Mine, Penhalonga for unlawful possession of dagga and Aliviador pills as well as selling beer without liquor licence. The Zimbabwe Republic Police applauds the public for supplying information in combating drug abuse and trafficking in the country. The public is urged to continue forwarding information regarding drug barons and suppliers through the National Complaints Desk number (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp 0712 800 197. *Heineken Loses Operational Control Of Facilities In Congo's War-hit East* Heineken has lost operational control and withdrawn its staff from its facilities in conflict-affected areas of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the Dutch brewer said on Friday. The beverages giant said in March that its operations in three eastern cities would remain suspended until it was safe to reopen, after some of its breweries were hit and its depots raided during fighting between the army and rebels. But on Friday, the beer maker said the situation had deteriorated further, and that armed personnel had taken control of its facilities in Bukavu and Goma - eastern Congo's two biggest cities, now under rebel control - and nearby areas. "The conditions required to operate responsibly and safely are no longer present and as of 12th June 2025, we have lost operational control," it said in a statement. Heineken's Congo unit, Bralima, still operates in other parts of the country not affected by the conflict, the company said, adding that it would continue assessing the evolving situation. The group owns four breweries in Congo, producing Heineken beer as well as other popular brands like Primus. The Bukavu facilities employed around 1,000 people both directly and indirectly, it had said previously. "Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of our employees," its Friday statement said. "We have withdrawn all remaining staff from these sites and we have continued to support them financially." Nearly 14% of Heineken's total revenues come from its businesses in the Middle East and Africa, where Congo, with its population of over 100 million, is a large market. Its operations in the cities of Goma, Bukavu and Uvira had together previously accounted for roughly a third of Heineken's business in Congo. Fighting in eastern Congo escalated this year as the M23 rebel group staged a rapid advance that raised fears of a wider conflict. Congo says Rwanda is supporting M23 by sending troops and arms. Rwanda has long denied helping M23. The two countries and the United States said on Wednesday that their technical teams initialed a draft peace agreement that is expected to be signed next week. *Reuters* *Trump Says US Intelligence ‘Wrong’ About Iran Not Building Nuclear Bomb* United States President Donald Trump has said his director of national intelligence was “wrong” when she testified that Iran was not building a nuclear weapon and that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had not re-authorised the country’s suspended nuclear weapons programme. The comments come after Trump earlier this week cast doubt on Tulsi Gabbard’s March 25 report to Congress, in which she reiterated the US intelligence community’s assessment. On Tuesday, Trump told reporters, “I don’t care” that the intelligence community’s finding contradicted his own claims, saying Iran was in the late stages of developing a nuclear weapon. But speaking on Friday, Trump went further. A reporter asked, “What intelligence do you have that Iran is building a nuclear weapon? Your intelligence community said they have no evidence.” The president responded, “Then my intelligence community is wrong. Who in the intelligence community said that?” “Your DNI [director of national intelligence], Tulsi Gabbard,” the reporter replied. “She’s wrong,” Trump said. Gabbard appeared to come to Trump’s defence later on Friday. “America has intelligence that Iran is at the point that it can produce a nuclear weapon within weeks to months, if they decide to finalize the assembly,” she wrote in a social media post. “President Trump has been clear that can’t happen, and I agree.” However, that statement does not contradict her earlier assessment that Iran is not building a weapon. No known US intelligence assessment concludes that Iran is weaponising its nuclear programme. It is extremely rare for a US president to openly contradict the country’s intelligence community, with critics accusing Trump of flagrantly disregarding evidence to justify potential direct US involvement in the fighting, according to Al Jazeera’s senior political analyst Marwan Bishara. “This is not just one person, one team saying something,” Bishara said. “It’s the entire intelligence community in the United States. That he would dismiss them … it’s just astounding.” Speaking on Friday, Trump also appeared to downplay the prospect of the US brokering a ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel, saying he “might” support such a deal, while adding, “Israel’s doing well in terms of war, and I think you would say that Iran is doing less well.” “It’s hard to make that request right now. When someone’s winning, it’s harder than when they’re losing,” he added. Reporting from Washington, DC, Al Jazeera’s Heidi Zhou Castro noted that Trump was “really making a point that he’s not going to make an effort to ask Israel to ease up on its aerial bombing of Iranian targets”. “It seems that Trump is very squarely on Israel’s side as things are progressing, and … it appears that he is not leaning towards the diplomacy route, though, again, he is giving himself that two weeks’ time to make a final decision,” she said. Trump on Thursday said he would take two weeks to decide the US response to the conflict. Experts say the decision would likely be transformative. The US is seen as one of the few countries with the leverage to pressure Israel to step back from the brink of wider-scale regional war. At the same time, the involvement of the US military is seen as key to Israel’s stated mission of completely dismantling Iran’s nuclear programme, which hinges on destroying the underground Fordow enrichment plant. A successful attack on the facility would require both Washington’s 30,000-pound (13,000kg) GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator and the B-2 bombers needed to deliver it. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump also downplayed the potential role of European countries in de-escalating the situation. That came hours after Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met the top diplomats from France, the UK, Germany and the EU in Geneva. “Europe is not going to be able to help,” the US president said. *Al Jazeera* *Bayern Beat Boca To Seal Club World Cup Last 16 Spot* Michael Olise’s 84th-minute goal was enough to give Bayern Munich a 2-1 win over Boca Juniors in Miami Gardens, as the reigning German champions clinched a spot in the knockout phase of the Club World Cup. After a scramble in the penalty area, Harry Kane sent the ball back to Olise, who blasted a shot into the bottom left corner of the net. Boca had levelled Friday’s match in the 66th minute on a goal from Miguel Merentiel after Kane gave Bayern a first-half lead. Bayern (2-0-0, 6 points) faced a much stiffer test than in their Group C opener, a 10-0 rout of semi-pro Auckland City (0-2-0, 0 points). Boca Juniors (0-1-1, 1 point) still have a chance to advance, but they would need to rout Auckland City on Tuesday in Nashville and have Benfica (1-0-1, 4 points) lose to Bayern the same day in Charlotte. For Boca’s tying goal, Alan Velasco delivered a pass from midfield into space for Merentiel to chase. Merentiel beat Bayern defender Jonathan Tah to the ball, then rounded defender Josip Stanisic before firing a 12-yard, right-footed shot over the head of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and into the net. Bayern also produced an impressive goal. Konrad Laimer fired an entry pass to the centre of the Boca penalty area. Kingsley Coman knocked the ball back to Kane, who took a heavy touch but still reached the ball in time to fire in a 12-yard shot with his left foot. *Al Jazeera*

*Evening News Round-up: Friday 20 June 2025* *Headlines* *Dictatorship By-laws: Opposition MPs Push Back Against ZANU PF’s Move For National Ideology* *Kudakwashe Tagwirei Elevated To ZANU PF Central Committee* *Helicopter Docs Deliver 13-year-old’s Baby Mid-Air* *Shortage Of Skilled Health Care Workers Affecting Standards* *Chillmaster Misses Out As Nisha Ts Joins Germany’s Moto Moto Festival* *“University Of Zimbabwe Now A Factory Of Fake Degrees”* *Zimbabwe Woman Sells Infant Via Facebook* *Zimbabwe Faces $15 Million Annual Shortfall for Contraceptive Supplies* *Zambian Ex-president To Be Buried In South Africa After Funeral Row* *Israel Kills "All" Iranian Leaders* *Trump Aid Cuts Deal A Blow To HIV Prevention In Africa* *Rwanda Arrests Opposition Leader Ingabire, Her Lawyer Protests* *Iran, Israel Trade Air Attacks As Conflict Enters Second Week* *Russia & Ukraine Swap More POWs In Second Exchange In Two Days* *Myles Lewis-Skelly Agrees New Arsenal Contract* Join our *Ad-free* News Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacXkvFJJhzd2UoZYF1F *Stories in Detail:* *Dictatorship By-laws: Opposition MPs Push Back Against ZANU PF’s Move For National Ideology* PARLIAMENT is divided over the motion for Zimbabwe to adopt a legal framework for a National Ideology, which opposition legislators have condemned as the “ZANU-fication” of the country, warning it could lead to the suppression of government critics. Recently, ZANU PF Member of Parliament (MP) Joseph Mapiki tabled a motion for the National Assembly to debate the adoption of a national ideology across Zimbabwean society. According to Mapiki, the National Ideology would entrench patriotism and Zimbabwean identity. However, the proposal has angered opposition legislators, who fear the legal framework could be used to restrict democratic freedoms. Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) MP Lynnette Karenyi-Kore argued that if passed, the law would be weaponised against opposition members. “Our Constitution guarantees freedom of thought, opinion and expression. To enforce patriotism legally would infringe upon these basic rights, Madam Speaker. “Creating a legal framework compelling ideological loyalty undermines democracy and pluralism through thriving on diversity of opinion. The dangers of institutionalising ideology are as follows: An ideology institution sounds disturbing. “History has shown us that once States begin controlling ideology, State abuse, censorship and suppression of dissent follow. Decisiveness and weaponisation risk, it is also going to be one of the challenges,” said Karenyi. ZANU PF is pushing to nationalise the ideological school concept it established within its party. The ruling party has previously proposed enrolling civil servants into the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology. The National Ideology would also be incorporated into the school curriculum, with patriotism as a core component of education from primary to tertiary level. CCC legislator Gladys Hlatywayo warned that the proposal risks being hijacked by ZANU PF’s interests rather than serving the nation. “Terms such as national interest are often euphemisms for advancing party interest and the interest of the ruling class or ruling elite. In this case, legislating patriotism might be legislating the zanufication of the State. “There is also a danger that legislating patriotism can erode civil liberties and restrict freedoms of speech, assembly and association. These civil liberties are at the heart of any democratic society and encoded in our own Bill of Rights, in our own Constitution, and must therefore be protected and protected rather than taken away by opaque, divisive and undemocratic laws under the guise of legislative patriotism. “The proposed prayer by the mover of the motion also has a chilling effect on public discourse Madam Speaker. Open, honest public debate that is so instrumental to democratic development might be discouraged as fear grips the country,” said Hlatywayo *NewZW* *Kudakwashe Tagwirei Elevated To ZANU PF Central Committee* Controversial businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei has officially joined the ZANU PF Central Committee, the ruling party’s highest decision-making body outside of congress. The move, confirmed by party secretary for legal affairs Patrick Chinamasa, marks a significant political elevation for the prominent tycoon and long-time party benefactor. Tagwirei’s co-option comes amid growing speculation about ZANU PF’s succession race, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa entering the final three years of his second and constitutionally final term. With his new role, Tagwirei is now considered one of the potential contenders to take over the party leadership in the future. Although the initial recommendation for his appointment came from ZANU PF’s Masvingo province, it was Harare province that ultimately made space for him in the powerful 300-member committee. Chinamasa described Tagwirei as “a dormant but committed ZANU PF party cadre,” saying the businessman has long worked behind the scenes in a low-profile party role within Harare province. He praised Tagwirei’s loyalty and continued support for the party, even while staying out of the public spotlight. Tagwirei’s entry into formal politics marks a new chapter for the businessman, who has previously wielded considerable influence through his business empire and close ties to top government officials. Said Chinamasa: From being, for a long time, a dormant but committed Zanupf Party Cadre, loyally working quietly and outside the public limelight or glare, holding some low-ranking position in some Zanupf Party District under Harare Province, your recent cooption into the Zanupf Central Committee is a breath of fresh air and will certainly be impactful to Zanupf’s political fortunes in Harare City and perhaps in other urban settings as well. I am, of course, referring to Cde Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei, who has recently been coopted into the Zanupf Central Committee by the Zanupf Harare Provincial Council. I have no hesitation in assuring those of us who are skeptics that Harare Province will never be the same again. Cde Tagwirei, who has erupted from his dormant state like a volcano, is destined to add value to our deliberations as a Zanupf Central Committee. 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. I know you are made of sterner stuff and that you can take any brickbats and insults in your stride. *Helicopter Docs Deliver 13-year-old’s Baby Mid-Air* IN a scene Helidrive National Air Rescue Service doctors pulled off a mid-air delivery after a 13-year-old girl went into labour inside a chopper en route to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH). The teenage mother had been airlifted from Maphisa Hospital in Matabeleland South and barely seven minutes into the flight, the situation turned critical. “She started having contractions every minute, each lasting two minutes,” said heroic delivery doctor Marshall Kahari. “She was stable, vitals normal, and we were monitoring her closely.” Then came the shocker. “After another strong contraction, she reached between her thighs. I checked and saw the baby’s leg sticking out. It was a footling breech,” said Dr Kahari. With no time to waste and 1 000 feet above the ground, the airborne medical team swung into action and successfully delivered a healthy baby boy mid flight. The high stakes drama left the crew in awe as they cradled new life in the sky. Both mother and child are said to be in good condition. *Herald* *Shortage Of Skilled Health Care Workers Affecting Standards* Shortage of skilled workers remains a critical barrier to achieving the high standards of healthcare that every Zimbabwean deserves, an expert said on Friday. Private Healthcare Association of Zimbabwe (PHAZ) chairperson Letitia Gaga said this during the association`s 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference held in the second largest city. The conference, which was held under the theme "Collaborating for Best Health Care Outcomes," brought together experts and consultants in the medical field to interact and exchange ideas on ways to collaborate and improve health care systems in the country. Gaga also commended healthcare professionals in the country for their resilience and dedication in the face of the challenges they encounter in their workplaces. "As we reflect on the current state of our health care system, it is essential to acknowledge the resilience and commitment of our health care professionals. Despite the challenges we face, they continue to offer compassionate and quality care to our communities," she said. "However, we must confront the reality of a labour force that is stretched thin. The shortage of skilled health care workers remains a critical barrier to achieving the high standards of healthcare that every Zimbabwean deserves," she added. Gaga acknowledged that while the sector has made commendable strides in infrastructure development, the country still has a long way to go as many facilities remain in dire need of renovation and modernisation. "Many of our facilities are in dire need of renovation and modernization. Access to essential services, such as diagnostic tools and emergency care, remains inconsistent across the country," she said. She said there is need to prioritise investment in health care to ensure that all citizens have access to timely and effective care. Gaga also advocated for policies that support the development of health care infrastructure and create enabling environment for public private partnership. She also highlighted the pressing issue of medicine and medical equipment procurement, noting that local manufacturers face operational challenges that hinder their ability to meet demand, resulting in shortages that ultimately compromise patient care. "We need to explore innovative solutions to enhance our procurement processes. This may involve strengthening partnerships with local manufacturers, establishing better supply chain management practices, and advocating for government support to simplify the procurement process," she explained. Gaga said the financial challenges also continue to plague the sector, adding that delay in payments by service providers have created a ripple effect that impacts the entire health care ecosystem. "Many private facilities are struggling because of cash flow issues, which hampers our ability to invest in new technologies, recruit additional staff, and maintain quality standards. " This situation not only threatens the sustainability of our health care businesses but also compromises the quality of care we are able to deliver to our patients. *New Ziana* *Chillmaster Misses Out As Nisha Ts Joins Germany’s Moto Moto Festival* RISING contemporary musician Chillmaster has pulled out of the upcoming MOTO MOTO Festival in Cologne, Germany, where he was scheduled to perform on July 19. Chillmasters’ inclusion on the festival’s lineup was part of the winning package as the NAMA Outstanding Breakthrough Musician. He has been replaced by Zimdancehall artist Nisha Ts. “Unfortunately, Chillmaster, the NAMA 23rd Edition Outstanding Breakthrough Musician category winner, will be unable to travel due to unforeseen circumstances. After full consultations with Chillmaster and his management, and in alignment with the spirit of the partnership, Nisha Ts, the 2nd place honoree, has been selected to take up the opportunity. “NAMA is committed to supporting Nisha Ts’ travel and participation at the festival, ensuring that this vital platform continues to open doors for Zimbabwean musical talent on the global stage,” reads a statement by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NCAZ). The ‘horror’ hitmaker escaped jail time after he was sentenced to community service following his conviction for culpable homicide and was fined US$200 for driving without a license. Following a pubic outcry, the case is now under review at the High Court, with Judge President Zimba-Dube set to determine if “real and substantial justice” had been served. When NewZimbabwe.com asked Chillmaster’s manager, Admire Mushambi aka Mama Vee, if his decision to pull out of the festival was related to the case, he declined to comment. *NewZW6* *”University Of Zimbabwe Now A Factory Of Fake Degrees”* The Association of University Teachers (AUT) at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) has criticised the institution’s leadership, alleging that the university has devolved into a “factory of fake degrees” under the stewardship of Vice Chancellor Paul Mapfumo. In a statement, the AUT declared that the University of Zimbabwe has “lost its integrity, its credibility, and its reputation.” The association pointed to what it called the “one-day learning and exam farce” as merely a symptom of a much larger, insidious scheme designed to “churn out students who are not educated, but merely certified.” The lecturers did not spare senior academic staff, accusing chairpersons and deans of complicity in this “charade” and “travesty,” asserting that they have abandoned their duty to uphold the highest educational standards. The AUT statement read: The students are being sold fake degrees, degrees that are not worth the paper they are printed on. They are being robbed of their right to a quality education, their right to a bright future, and their right to a decent life. The AUT specifically singled out Vice Chancellor Paul Mapfumo, labelling him a “master of deception, a virtuoso of fake degrees.” The association claims that Mapfumo has orchestrated a system where students are “forced to buy their degrees, where students are forced to pay for grades, and where students are forced to pay for their certification.” The lecturers’ body urged all stakeholders to “stand up against this factory of fake degrees.” They demanded “a quality education, a bright future, and a decent life,” saying “the students, the lecturers, and the nation deserve better.” *Zimbabwe Woman Sells Infant Via Facebook* A 27-year-old woman from Bulawayo, Christable Muringani, appeared before Harare magistrate Tilda Mazhande on Wednesday facing charges of human trafficking after allegedly selling her newborn baby through Facebook. Muringani was remanded in custody until June 25, while her co-accused, 20-year-old Tabeth Chenyika, was released on US$200 bail. According to state prosecutor Heather Muwokoto, Muringani, who was pregnant at the time, expressed her intention to have her unborn child adopted through a post on a Facebook page called "Adoptions" in January this year. She then connected with Chenyika, and the two conspired to illegally arrange for the infant's adoption soon after birth. On February 9, Muringani traveled from Bulawayo to Harare, claiming she had been referred to Parirenyatwa Hospital for a fibroids operation. She registered her pregnancy at the Mbuya Nehanda maternity wing of Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and delivered a baby girl via elective cesarean section on February 25. Both mother and newborn were discharged on February 29. Throughout the registration, admission, delivery, and discharge process, Muringani and Chenyika remained in contact. On March 6, the two met in Letombo, Msasa, where Muringani handed over the 10-day-old infant to Chenyika. Following a tip-off alleging that Muringani had disposed of the newborn, police arrested her on March 29. Subsequent investigations led to Chenyika's arrest and the recovery of the infant, who was placed under the care of the Department of Social Welfare for safekeeping. The case continues as investigations proceed. *Zimbabwe Faces $15 Million Annual Shortfall for Contraceptive Supplies* Zimbabwe is facing an annual shortfall of close to US$15 million worth of contraceptive supplies to reach the demand for them as reported by the National Family planning council. According to the organisation, they have been operating at a huge deficit of contraceptive drugs and measures for the past years. The Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) has initiated high-level discussions with parliamentary oversight committees to address critical funding gaps in reproductive health services. Today’s strategic meeting in Kadoma brings together the Health and Child Care Committee with the Budget and Finance Committee to develop sustainable financing mechanisms. While acknowledging the Second Republic’s efforts in boosting local financing, including $4.5 million allocated for contraceptive procurement between 2022 and 2024, authorities recognise this covers only a fraction of the annual requirement. ZNFPC Chief Executive Farai Machinga emphasized the persistent shortfall: “Our $15 million yearly contraceptive budget remains largely unmet, particularly as external funding sources diminish.” Family Planning Council Proposes Innovative Financing Models The council proposes two key solutions to bridge the funding gap like the mandatory inclusion of family planning services in all medical aid packages and dedicated allocations from the National Health Insurance Fund. These measures aim to create predictable, sustainable funding streams for reproductive health commodities and services nationwide. This will then lead to the national family planning organisation not facing shortfalls. *Zambian Ex-president To Be Buried In South Africa After Funeral Row* The family of Zambia's former President Edgar Lungu says he will be buried in South Africa in a private ceremony following a row with the government over the funeral arrangements. Late on Thursday, President Hakainde Hichilema cut short a period of national mourning after Lungu's family refused to allow his body to be repatriated from South Africa as planned. His funeral had been set for Sunday in Zambia's capital, Lusaka. The family now says it will announce later when Lungu will be buried in Johannesburg in "dignity and peace". It will be the first time a former head of state of another country is buried in South Africa. In his will, Lungu said that Hichilema, his long-time rival, should not attend his funeral. The government and his family later agreed he would have a state funeral before relations broke down over the precise arrangements. "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," family spokesperson Makebi Zulu said in a statement. Mr Zulu thanked the South African government for "non-interference" and honouring the family's decision and desire during "this deeply emotional period". In his address on Thursday, President Hichilema said that Lungu, as a former president, "belongs to the nation of Zambia" and his body should therefore "be buried in Zambia with full honours, and not in any other nation". However, because of the row, he announced an immediate end to the mourning period, saying the country needed to "resume normal life". "The government has done everything possible to engage with the family of our departed sixth president," he said. The national mourning period initially ran from 8 to 14 June but was later extended until 23 June, with flags flying at half-mast and radio stations playing solemn music. President Hichilema and senior officials had been prepared to receive Lungu's coffin with full military honours on Wednesday. However, Lungu's family blocked the repatriation of his remains at the last minute, saying the government had reneged on its agreement over the funeral plans. The opposition Patriotic Front (PF), the party Lungu led until his death, has stood with the family over the funeral plans. "The government has turned a solemn occasion into a political game," said PF acting president Given Lubinda. "This is not how we treat a former head of state." Civil society groups have called for an urgent resolution of the matter, with a section of religious leaders saying the stand-off was "hurting the dignity of our country". "We appeal for humility, dialogue, and a resolution that honours the memory of the former president while keeping the nation united," said Emmanuel Chikoya, head of the Council of Churches in Zambia. Lungu, who led Zambia from 2015 to 2021, died earlier this month in South Africa where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness. After six years as head of state, Lungu lost the 2021 election to Hichilema by a large margin. He stepped back from politics but later returned to the fray. He had ambitions to vie for the presidency again but at the end of last year the Constitutional Court barred him from running, ruling that he had already served the maximum two terms allowed by law. Despite his disqualification from the presidential election, he remained hugely influential in Zambian politics and did not hold back in his criticism of his successor. *BBC* *Israel Kills "All" Iranian Leaders* Reports suggest at least 27 Iranian leaders, including 21 military commanders and 6 nuclear scientists, were killed by Israeli strikes between June 11 and June 18, 2025. Key figures include IRGC Commander Hossein Salami and nuclear scientist Fereydoun Abbasi-Davani. Numbers may vary due to conflicting reports and civilian casualties. The situation remains fluid, with no definitive count confirmed. *Trump Aid Cuts Deal A Blow To HIV Prevention In Africa* Emmanuel Cherem, a 25-year-old gay man in Nigeria, tested positive for HIV two months after U.S. President Donald Trump's administration cut access for at-risk groups like gay men and injecting drug users to medication that prevents infection. Cherem admits he should have been more careful about practicing safe sex but had become accustomed to using the U.S.-supplied pharmaceutical. The drug - known as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, or PrEP - is typically taken daily as a tablet and can reduce the risk of contracting HIV through sex by 99%. "I blame myself... Taking care of myself is my first duty as a person," Cherem said at his gym in Awka, the capital of Nigeria's southeastern state of Anambra. "I equally blame the Trump administration because, you know, these things were available, and then, without prior notice, these things were cut off." Trump ordered a 90-day pause on foreign aid after taking office in January and halted grants by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The agency was responsible for implementing the bulk of the assistance under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the world's leading HIV/AIDS initiative. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the epicenter of the AIDS pandemic. Trump's cuts have restricted the availability of drugs that millions of Africans have taken to prevent infection - particularly vulnerable communities such as gay men and sex workers - as aid groups and public health systems in Africa strove to roll back the disease. The number of initiations, or people who have taken at least one dose of the drug, rose in Africa from fewer than 700 in 2016 to more than 6 million by late 2024, according to PrEPWatch, a global tracker. More than 90% of new initiations last year were financed by PEPFAR, using cheap generic versions of the drug. Sub-Saharan Africa had 390,000 AIDS-related deaths in 2023, or 62% of the global total, according to UNAIDS, the United Nations AIDS agency. However, progress has been made: that death toll was down by 56% from 2010, according to the World Health Organization. Now, some of those who've lost access to the preventative medication because of U.S. cutbacks are already testing positive, according to 10 patients, health officials and activists. Restrictions on PrEP have coincided with dwindling supplies of more widely used HIV prevention tools like condoms and lubricants "because of the US funding cuts", according to a UNAIDS fact sheet, from May. The combination is creating what nine activists and three medical experts described as a major threat to prevention across the continent. "I just see this as incredibly short-sighted because we were on a winning path," said Linda-Gail Bekker, an HIV expert at the University of Cape Town. She said that many African governments did not have the resources to spend on PrEP drugs on top of treatment for HIV infections, risking a worsening of the pandemic. "It's as predictable as if you take your eye off a smouldering bushfire and the wind is blowing: a bushfire will come back." Trump has said that the United States pays disproportionately for foreign aid and he wants other countries to shoulder more of the burden, as he seeks to reduce U.S. government spending across the board. The U.S. disbursed $65 billion in foreign assistance last year, nearly half of it via USAID, according to government data, "It's a question of who has primary responsibility for the health needs of citizens of other countries, and it's their own governments," said Max Primorac, a former senior USAID official who is now senior research fellow at The Heritage Foundation's Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom. "We all know, and this is a bipartisan issue, that aid dependency doesn't help these people - that the best solution is for these countries to be able to take over the responsibility of these programs." UNAIDS says the permanent discontinuation of PEPFAR-supported prevention and treatment programs could lead to an additional 2,300 new HIV cases globally per day. There were 3,500 new cases per day in 2023. Reuters spoke to 23 health workers, PrEP users and activists, nearly all of whom said that the increase in HIV infections since the funding cuts was impossible to quantify because many organisations working with vulnerable populations have been defunded. A State Department waiver issued on February 1 allowed some PEPFAR activities to restart, but only covered HIV prevention for mother-to-child transmission. That means PEPFAR-financed PrEP is no longer available for gay and bisexual men, sex workers and injecting drug users who are especially exposed to the virus. Many African governments had specifically targeted these groups in their PrEP programs. *Reuters* *Rwanda Arrests Opposition Leader Ingabire, Her Lawyer Protests* Rwanda has arrested prominent opposition leader Victoire Ingabire on charges of inciting public disorder and creating a criminal organisation, a state investigative agency said - a move one of her lawyers said was politically motivated. Ingabire, who heads unregistered opposition party DALFA–Umurinzi, returned from exile to contest a presidential election in 2010, but was barred from standing after being accused of genocide denial. She was jailed two years later on charges related to conspiring to form an armed group and seeking to minimise the 1994 genocide - charges she denied - and freed in 2018. She is now accused of "playing a role in creating a criminal organisation and engaging in acts that incite public disorder," the Rwanda Investigations Bureau said in a statement late on Thursday. It did not say when she would be charged in court. "For us, this is a continuation of a long process of intimidation and political harassment against Victoire and her supporters," Iain Edwards, one of Ingabire's international lawyers, told Reuters. "It's to silence her and to warn others not to speak out against the government. People always fear for the lives of political opponents in Rwanda. I certainly fear for her life," he added. Yolande Makolo, the government's spokesperson, did not immediately respond to a message and phone call requesting comment on the lawyer's statement. Last year President Paul Kagame, in power for a quarter of a century, won re-election after securing 99.18% of the vote, according to the electoral body. Western and regional leaders have praised Kagame for transforming Rwanda from the ruins of the 1994 genocide into a thriving economy. Rights groups have accused him of abuses and of supporting rebels in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, accusations that he denies. *Reuters* *Iran, Israel Trade Air Attacks As Conflict Enters Second Week* Israel has launched strikes on dozens of targets in Iran, including missile production sites, and Iran fired a barrage of missiles that hit near industrial facilities in the southern Israeli city of Beersheba, as the conflict between the two sides entered its second week. An Iranian nuclear scientist was killed on Friday morning following an Israeli strike in Tehran, according to the Israeli public broadcaster Kan. The news followed reports from the Iranian media saying that a residential building in the capital’s central Gisha district was hit by a drone strike. The identity of the scientist was not immediately clear. Israel has killed several nuclear scientists since it started attacking Iran on June 13. A hospital in Tehran was hit in a separate Israeli missile strike, the third such medical facility damaged in the past eight days, Iran’s health ministry was quoted by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) as saying. There were no immediate reports of casualties from the hospital strike, but six ambulances were damaged, the ministry said. Despite the attacks, thousands of Iranians took to the streets of Tehran following Friday prayers to denounce Israel and the US for the deadly attacks in the country. In the northwestern province of Kermanshah, a medical clinic was also hit, leaving it completely damaged, according to Press TV. Both Iran and Israel have been exchanging allegations of targeting medical facilities, which is prohibited by international humanitarian law. In a statement, Israel’s Defence Minister Israeli Katz said he has instructed the military to intensify attacks on “symbols of the regime” in Tehran, aiming to destabilise it. “We must strike at all the symbols of the regime and the mechanisms of oppression of the population, such as the Basij [militia], and the regime’s power base, such as the Revolutionary Guard,” Katz said. Earlier on Friday, at least seven people were lightly injured after Iranian missile strikes hit Beersheba, the largest city in the Negev desert in southern Israel, according to Israeli media. The attack temporarily shut the city’s central rail station and damaged several buildings including the Microsoft office located inside a technology park, which is also near an Israeli army military telecommunications branch. After air raid sirens sounded later on Friday, Israeli media reported there were potential impacts in Tel Aviv, Beersheba and Haifa. At least two wounded people were in a serious condition after they were hit with shrapnel in Haifa, according to local media. “The south of Israel is more sparsely populated, and the one missile that we could see landed before the beginning of business hours, so there were no people in the offices, presumably,” Al Jazeera’s Nour Odeh, reporting from Amman, Jordan said. *Iran-Europe meeting* Against the backdrop of deadly exchanges, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in the Swiss capital, Geneva, ahead of a meeting with his French, German, British and European Union counterparts. Before Israel launched its assault on Iran on last week, Tehran was engaged in diplomatic talks with the United States in an attempt to end the long-running dispute over its nuclear programme. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff had planned to meet Araghchi in Oman on June 15 but the meeting was cancelled after Israel attacked. In an appearance at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Friday, Araghchi said the Israeli attacks were a “betrayal” of diplomatic efforts. “We were supposed to meet with the Americans on 15 June to craft a very promising agreement for peaceful resolution of the issues fabricated over our peaceful nuclear programme,” said Araghchi. “It was a betrayal of diplomacy and unprecedented blow to the foundations of international law,” he said. Ahead of the Iran-Europe talks, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the only way to end the conflict is for Israel to stop its air attacks. “We have always pursued peace and stability,” he said in a statement cited in Iranian media on Friday. Foad Izadi, professor of international relations at the University of Tehran, told Al Jazeera that it was clear that Araghchi was not prepared to hold any negotiations while Israeli strikes were continuing. “When you negotiate, it’s give and take,” he said. “Iran cannot engage in that style of give and take when we have bombs falling” on Tehran and other parts of the country. Still, Araghchi’s presence in Geneva also sends out a message “that they’re not closing the door to the possibility of diplomacy,” said Al Jazeera’s Tohid Asadi, who is reporting from Tehran. Meanwhile, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that Ali Shamkhani, a close adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was seriously wounded in an Israeli attack a week ago, was now in stable condition after round-the-clock efforts of doctors. “I am alive and ready to sacrifice myself,” Tasnim quoted Shamkani as saying in a message. *Al Jazeera* *Russia & Ukraine Swap More POWs In Second Exchange In Two Days* Russia and Ukraine completed another round of prisoner exchanges on Friday, officials in both countries said, part of a recent agreement to swap POWs and the bodies of dead soldiers. Neither Russian nor Ukrainian officials specified how many people were involved in the exchange, the second in two days. The Reuters Tariff Watch newsletter is your daily guide to the latest global trade and tariff news. Sign up here. Writing on X, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said most of his country's POWs had been held by Russia for more than two years, and had been captured across various parts of the sprawling front line. Russia's defence ministry said the Russian POWs included in the exchange were currently in Belarus, which shares borders with both warring countries. The two countries have carried out a series of swaps of captured troops and the remains of dead soldiers since renewing peace talks in Istanbul last month after a gap of more than three years. *Reuters* *Myles Lewis-Skelly Agrees New Arsenal Contract* England defender Myles Lewis-Skelly has agreed a new contract at Arsenal. The left-back, whose current deal expires in 2026, has been in talks with the Gunners over recent months. The 18-year-old has now agreed the outline of an extended agreement, which will see him commit his future to the Gunners once signed. It is reward for a breakthrough campaign last season, which saw Lewis-Skelly make 39 appearances in all competitions. He made his debut against Manchester City in September and was mainly used at left-back, despite emerging through Arsenal's academy as a midfielder. Lewis-Skelly's performances earned him a call-up to the full England squad in March, having previously been capped from Under-16 through to U19 level. He scored in a 2-0 win against Albania at Wembley, becoming the youngest player in history to score on their full Three Lions debut. Lewis-Skelly's performances last term saw him nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award earlier this week, alongside Morgan Rogers, Liam Delap, Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez and Ethan Nwaneri. *BBC*

*Meet Tech Billionaire Who Has Fathered Over 100 Children* Pavel Durov, the founder of the Telegram messaging app, has announced that more than 100 children he has fathered will inherit his estimated $13.9 billion (£10.3 billion) fortune. Join our *Ad-free* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacXkvFJJhzd2UoZYF1F Speaking to French political magazine Le Point, Durov stated, “They are all my children and will all have the same rights! I don’t want them to tear each other apart after my death.” Durov, 40, said he is the legal father of six children with three different partners. However, he revealed that a fertility clinic informed him more than 100 children have been conceived using his sperm donations over the past 15 years, in 12 different countries. The Russian-born tech entrepreneur, who now lives in Dubai, added that his children will not have access to the inheritance for 30 years. “I want them to live like normal people, to build themselves up alone, to learn to trust themselves, to be able to create, not to be dependent on a bank account,” he said.

Wicknell Chivhayo has spent over US$9 Million on cash and gifts over the last 12 months. Where do you think Chivayo's wealth comes from?

*Lunchtime News: Friday 23 May 2025* *Headlines* *Zimbabwe Excluded From €500 million EU Aid Package* *'Rise Of 'Blank' Tagwirei To Presidency A Disaster That Should Be Stopped': Biti* *Mutsvangwa Blames Opposition Run Councils For Healthcare Woes* *Poverty-Stricken Young Mother Poisoned Infant Daughter, Gets 7-Year Sentence* *Panic Hits Chinhoyi Over “Stray Lion” Caught On CCTV* *Fake Anti-Corruption Officer Arrested In USD 5,000 Extortion Scam* *Highway Of Horror: Heroic Officer Dies Trying to Save Another In Shocking Double Tragedy* *Zambia’s Maize Harvest Doubles To Record High After Drought, Smallholder Farmers Lead Recovery* *South Africans Exasperated By Trump False Claims During Ramaphosa Meeting* *Activist Freed In Tanzania After Kenyan Government Demand* *Some Flour Reaches Gaza As Blockade Eases, Aid Groups Call For More* *England Pummel Zimbabwe In Run Fest At Trent Bridge* *Modric To Leave Real Madrid After Club World Cup* *'I Play 20 Minutes': Garnacho Puts Man Utd Future In Doubt* Join our *Ad-free* News Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacXkvFJJhzd2UoZYF1F *Stories in Detail:* *Zimbabwe Excluded From €500 million EU Aid Package* Zimbabwe has been excluded from a new €500 million aid package from the European Union (EU) to Africa, following the recent enactment of the controversial Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO) Amendment Act by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The legislation, signed into law last month, has drawn sharp criticism from civil society and the international community, who argue that it imposes severe restrictions on non-governmental organisations (NGOs), potentially undermining human rights advocacy and social justice work in the country. Ahead of the EU-African Union (AU) Ministerial Meeting that began today in Brussels, a European Commission spokesperson confirmed to NewsDay that Zimbabwe would not benefit from the bloc’s humanitarian assistance programme this year. "For Africa, an initial total of €500 million will support vulnerable people across the continent," the spokesperson said, noting that the aid would prioritise conflict-affected and high-need regions such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Sudan. According to the EU, €160 million of the package has already been earmarked for humanitarian assistance in Sudan, with additional funds directed to neighbouring countries like Chad, which is hosting large numbers of Sudanese refugees. The aid will be channelled through United Nations agencies, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and approved NGOs. While Zimbabwe will not receive humanitarian funding, the EU has signalled its willingness to maintain economic and trade ties with the country. Speaking at the inaugural EU-Zimbabwe Business Forum in Harare, EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe Jobst von Kirchmann reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to building sustainable trade partnerships with Zimbabwe. "Our main goal with this platform is to elevate our trade relationship and, for the first time, bring EU firms to Zimbabwean shores to strengthen our relationships," von Kirchmann said. The business forum, which focuses on key sectors such as horticulture, mining, and renewable energy, is part of broader efforts to boost trade volumes between Zimbabwe and the EU, which currently exceed US$1 billion. Foreign Affairs and International Trade permanent secretary Albert Chimbindi welcomed the engagement, describing it as a turning point in bilateral economic relations: "We are poised for a new era of trade partnership." Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) chief executive officer Tafadzwa Chinamo said the presence of European investors at the forum was a strong vote of confidence in Zimbabwe’s economic potential. "The EU firms were able to see first-hand opportunities in all sectors of the Zimbabwean economy and we’re glad they managed to see for themselves what Zimbabwe has to offer," Chinamo said. Despite positive developments in the trade arena, the government’s regulatory stance toward NGOs remains a major sticking point in its relations with the EU. The PVO Amendment Act, which grants authorities sweeping powers to regulate, suspend or ban civil society organisations, has raised fears of further democratic backsliding ahead of the next electoral cycle. *thezimbabwemail* *'Rise Of 'Blank' Tagwirei To Presidency A Disaster That Should Be Stopped': Biti* The potential rise of ZANU-PF benefactor Kudakwashe Tagwirei to the presidency could have dire consequences for Zimbabwe, former opposition MP Tendai Biti has said. Biti has criticised Tagwirei, who has wormed himself into the ruling party after being nominated for the Central Committee by ZANU-PF’s Harare Province. Former ZANU-PF member and war veteran Blessed Geza claims that Tagwirei’s promotion to the Central Committee is a stepping stone to the presidency, positioning him to succeed President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Speaking in a recent online discussion, Biti warned that Tagwirei’s ascent would undermine the country’s reform efforts: "The next president could be Kudakwashe Tagwirei, and that would be a total disaster. The rise of this blank, totally vacuous comrado elite—so proximate to the seat of power—spells trouble for Zimbabwe," said Biti. Tagwirei, through his proxies, has secured lucrative government contracts, including a multimillion-dollar deal to construct the Mbudzi Interchange flyover. His business empire has expanded into mining, and he holds a near-monopoly in Zimbabwe’s fuel sector. Additionally, he oversees the controversial Command Agriculture programme and chairs the Land Tenure Implementation Committee. His company, Sakunda Holdings, was implicated in the misappropriation of $3 billion from the Ministry of Agriculture between 2017 and 2018. The United States of America sanctioned Tagwirei for allegedly enabling corruption among senior government officials. Though Tagwirei has remained silent, his name continues to circulate as a potential successor to Mnangagwa amid ZANU-PF’s internal factional battles. Biti further argued that the decline of liberation-era war veterans has created a vacuum, allowing opportunistic figures like Tagwirei—derisively termed "zvigananda" (parasites)—to exploit their proximity to power for political gain: "The vacuum left by the departure of the liberation generation is being filled by parasitic comrades with no social base, no shame, and no restraint—individuals who conflate themselves with the state. Some are being fast-tracked to the presidium," said Biti. *NewZW* *Mutsvangwa Blames Opposition Run Councils For Healthcare Woes* Zimbabwe’s Senate chamber descended into a heated debate on Tuesday as Zanu-PF spokesperson and senator Christopher Mutsvangwa pointed fingers at opposition-led urban councils for the country’s worsening healthcare crisis, triggering a sharp exchange across party lines. During deliberations on recapitalisation of public healthcare institutions, Mutsvangwa argued that the breakdown in service delivery cannot be viewed in isolation from the country’s economic challenges and the effects of international sanctions. However, he placed considerable blame on opposition-controlled local authorities for their alleged failure to deliver adequate healthcare at the municipal level. “The finger-pointing which is being done here in this House shows woeful ignorance about how the system of government works in this country,” Mutsvangwa declared. “Urban areas, which have been run by the opposition for the past two decades, are just as responsible as the Central Government for providing health services.” He cited Wilkins Hospital in Harare, a municipality-run institution, as an example of how local authorities should have leveraged urban productivity to support better healthcare infrastructure. Mutsvangwa insisted that local authorities have failed to attract meaningful investment to improve services, indirectly worsening conditions in hospitals. He called for unity and collaboration, stating: “If we can all pool our energies together, we can restore the health system of Zimbabwe.” Mutsvangwa’s comments sparked immediate reactions from across the chamber. Senator Maxwell Mdhluri painted a stark picture of the dire state of public hospitals. Recalling personal family experiences, Mdhluri told of how his grandmother received life-saving treatment after a landmine accident during the liberation war, only to later die from cholera due to lack of basic care in a modern hospital. “Cholera just requires a drip, but my grandmother died because she could not get one,” he said emotionally. “This is no longer about politics. It’s about human life. If our hospitals stay in this condition, what kind of future do we see for ourselves?” Mdhluri urged the government to capitalize on Zimbabwe’s strong relations with China to secure more medical supplies, equipment, and training. He also cited the recent death of a karate player after a road accident as further evidence of a broken healthcare system that the public increasingly associates with death rather than healing. “This is not a partisan issue,” he said. “We need all Hon. Members of this House to put our heads together.” Senator Sesel Zvidzai echoed Mdhluri’s sentiments, emphasizing that the Senate had long been raising alarms about Zimbabwe’s health crisis. He proposed a countrywide assessment of provincial hospitals to better understand the depth of infrastructure decay. He called for urgent reforms at the National Pharmaceutical Company (NATPHARM), especially to ensure that rural areas receive essential drugs and basic medical supplies. “We must map the state of dilapidation across our institutions to plan and respond effectively,” Zvidzai said. Despite political tensions in the chamber, the overall tone of the debate suggested growing consensus that Zimbabwe’s healthcare crisis demands an urgent and unified response. As hospitals continue to crumble, and with avoidable deaths on the rise, the Senate’s debate underscored the need for solutions beyond partisan lines – with some senators calling it a moral imperative that should transcend political rivalry. *Poverty-Stricken Young Mother Poisoned Infant Daughter, Gets 7-Year Sentence* The Gweru Circuit High Court has sentenced a young mother to seven years’ imprisonment after she administered poison to her seven-month-old daughter, leading to the child’s tragic death in March 2023. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the incident occurred on 2 March 2023, mere hours after the offender, Felistas Mpofu, who was 19 years old at the time, arrived in Mandava, Zvishavane, from her rural home in Shumba Village, Mberengwa. The court heard that Mpofu arrived in the early hours of the morning and, later that same day, deliberately laced milk with rat poison, an organophosphate pesticide, and fed it to her infant daughter using a feeding bottle. The NPA said: Having no place to sleep, she approached a Good Samaritan in Mandava, seeking overnight accommodation. She was provided with a place to sleep. Throughout the night, the baby cried persistently, and in the morning, the Good Samaritan suggested taking the baby to the hospital. The baby later died at Zvishavane General Hospital, and the matter was initially reported as a “sudden death” pending investigations. When the offender went back to collect her belongings from the Good Samaritan’s home, the Good Samaritan became suspicious when she noticed a foul smell emanating from the offender’s belongings. She then discovered the feeding bottle containing milk with a strong chemical odor, which she handed over to the police. A post-mortem conducted at United Bulawayo Hospitals subsequently confirmed that the child died from the ingestion of a toxic substance. In court, Mpofu asserted that she took the life of her child due to an inability to provide adequate care and support. Now aged 21, Mpofu committed the offence at the age of 19. The High Court, in its deliberations, considered her youth, the challenging circumstances she faced, and the absence of any prior criminal record, ultimately sentencing her to seven years’ imprisonment. *Panic Hits Chinhoyi Over “Stray Lion” Caught On CCTV* National Parks And Wildlife @FarawoTinashe dismisses reports that have shut down school learning in Chinhoyi over an alleged stray lion spotted on a CCTV camera. (picture enclosed). A viral audio circulated early morning 22 May with a male voice saying, “ Hello guys there is a lion that has been found in our neighbourhood right now. I am standing at Bhebhe’s home. If you have children they must stay indoors. There is a line that has been spotted right now there are National Parks here now. “It was not caught, stay in home.” But Mr Farawo tells ZimEye there is lion at all. He tells the news network in a brief interview as follows; “There’s no need for people to cause unnecessary panic in the community by spreading fake news because our reaction team went to the ground and there was nothing. “What I am telling you is a formal report that when I receive such distress calls, we go on the ground and do assessments. We have gone on the ground to do assessments and there is nothing like that according to our assessment from our reaction team. Question- but there are lions, are there not, in the caves? Answer: “We have an enclosure and those lions are domesticated and they do not live in the wild; “ Question- And there’s no lion that has leaked? Answer: “No, no, no. There is no need to count. There are only two lions there.” *Fake Anti-Corruption Officer Arrested In USD 5,000 Extortion Scam* A man claiming to be a police and anti-corruption official has been arrested in Zimbabwe after allegedly attempting to extort thousands of dollars from a local housing trust executive, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) said in a joint statement. Edmond Nzombe, 50, who presented himself as a representative of the Southern Africa Regional Anti-Corruption Organisation (SARACO), was taken into custody following a sting operation conducted by ZRP and ZACC. In a statement, Nzombe is said to have approached Martha Mutamburi of Mikando Housing Development Trust in October 2024 and falsely identified himself as both a ZRP officer and an anti-corruption agent. "He offered to assist the complainant in a housing stands repossession case claiming he was working with officers from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission. The suspect demanded USD 5000.00 but was given USD 1,000.00," the statement read Nzombe’s scheme unraveled in May 2025 when he allegedly returned to solicit more money from the same complainant and the request triggered a coordinated sting operation. "A joint sting operation was then conducted by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and the Zimbabwe Republic Police, leading to the suspect’s arrest after he received USD 200.00 from the complainant," the statement added. The arrest comes amid increased scrutiny on fraudulent individuals exploiting Zimbabwe’s anti-corruption structures for personal gain. ZACC and ZRP urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals posing as law enforcement or anti-corruption officials. *263chat* *Highway Of Horror: Heroic Officer Dies Trying to Save Another In Shocking Double Tragedy* A tragic road accident near Mutimurefu Prison along the Mutare–Masvingo Highway claimed the lives of two senior security officers yesterday, triggering renewed calls for urgent safety improvements along the accident-prone stretch. The deceased officers, Principal Correctional Officer Masimba Mandimutsira of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) and Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) Officer-in-Charge for Gutu District, Gift Nyama, lost their lives in two separate but linked accidents that unfolded around 6:00 PM. Nyama was travelling from Gutu to Masvingo when his vehicle collided with a stationary tractor obstructing the road. As officers and residents rushed to assist him, a Ford Ranger driven by Masvingo District Police Chief Superintendent Simangaliso Dube veered off the road and struck Mandimutsira, who was actively helping at the scene. Mandimutsira was rushed to Masvingo Provincial Hospital but was pronounced dead at 7:30 PM. Nyama also succumbed to injuries sustained in the initial collision. *Zambia’s Maize Harvest Doubles To Record High After Drought, Smallholder Farmers Lead Recovery* Zambia’s maize harvest is expected to more than double from last year’s 16-year low to a record 3.66 million tonnes, the government announced on Thursday. Smallholder farmers accounted for 93% of the crop, with large-scale farms accounting for the remainder, Acting Statistical Controller General Sheila Mudenda told reporters in Lusaka. This year’s output marks a rebound from the 1.5 million tonnes recorded last season, when a drought devastated over half of the country’s cropland. Acting Minister of Agriculture Sylvia Masebo attributed the recovery to improved rainfall and government support under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), which provides subsidised seed and fertiliser to smallholder farmers. The economic fallout from last year’s drought is still being felt. The price of maize meal rose by 10.2% in April compared to the same month last year. The government now expects inflation to return to the Bank of Zambia’s target range of 6% to 8% by the end of the year, for the first time since May 2019. Despite the improved outlook, concerns remain. Ahead of the harvest, a national farmers’ lobby urged the government to ease restrictions on maize exports, warning that a glut in local markets could cause prices to collapse, threatening farmer incomes and discouraging future production. The government announced last week that it had ordered 195,000 tonnes of maize from Tanzania. *Newzwire* *South Africans Exasperated By Trump False Claims During Ramaphosa Meeting* South Africans expressed dismay on Thursday at how U.S. President Donald Trump's false claims of a white genocide dominated a conversation with President Cyril Ramaphosa, and many wondered if his trip to Washington was worth the trouble. Ramaphosa included popular white South African golfers in his delegation and he had hoped talks with Trump in the White House on Wednesday would reset relations with the United States, which have nosedived since the U.S. leader took office in January. But Trump spent most of the conversation confronting his visitor with false claims that South Africa's white minority farmers are being systematically murdered and having their land seized. "He didn’t get Zelenskyed. That's what we have to hang onto (He) did not get personally insulted by the world’s most horrible duo of playground bullies," Rebecca Davis of the national Daily Maverick wrote. At a February White House meeting, Trump and Vice President JD Vance berated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, calling him ungrateful for U.S. military aid, and Zelenskiy heatedly tried to argue his case. For some, though, Ramaphosa's cool composure raised the question of what was achieved by his having subjected himself to the onslaught. "I don't think it was the right call. I don't think we need to explain ourselves to USA," 40-year-old Sobelo Motha, a member of a trade union, said on the streets of Johannesburg. "We ... we know there's no white genocide. So for me, it was pointless exercise." The South African president arrived prepared for an aggressive reception given actions in recent months by Trump, who has canceled aid to South Africa, offered refuge to white minority Afrikaners, expelled the country's ambassador and criticized its genocide court case against Israel. But throughout, Trump wanted only to discuss the treatment of white South Africans, playing a video and leafing through articles that he said proved his allegations. Foreign ministry spokesperson Chrispin Phiri defended Ramaphosa's handling of the encounter, saying it was important that the two leaders engaged. "It's not in the president's (Ramaphosa's) nature to be combative. (He) looks at issues calmly, matter-of-factly. I think that's what we expect of our presidents," he told Reuters. Three decades after the end of apartheid in South Africa, some fringe groups lament the loss of white power that democracy brought and point to persistent economic crisis and corruption. Wider disillusion - not just among white South Africans - over the state of the country cost Nelson Mandela's legacy party its majority in last year's election. White South Africans make up less than 8% of the population and are still the most affluent group, controlling three-quarters of private land. While South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world - about 20,000 a year - most victims are Black. Data collected by white farmers themselves does not support the notion of a genocide. Afrikaner farmers' union TLU-SA has counted 1,363 white farmers murdered since 1990, or an average of 40 a year - far less than 1% of total murders. South Africa's richest man, Johann Rupert, owner of Richemont group that owns brands like Cartier, was at the White House meeting and told Trump crime was a problem "across the board". Still, for more than a decade, global far-right chatrooms have been circulating the notion that whites are persecuted, views that appear to have influenced Trump, a large number of Republican politicians and his ally, South African-born Elon Musk. "I think the misinformation campaign by various right-wing groups and various Afrikaner groups was extremely successful," white South African writer Pieter du Toit told Reuters. "They have been feeding the idea of white victimhood into the right-wing ecosystem in the United States for years." Back home, though, most white South Africans take a more nuanced view. "In its entirety, the violent crime in South Africa should be looked at," Owen van Roen, 47, a global commodity trader, said in the affluent streets of Johannesburg's Sandton financial district. "It's all been taken out of context (with) ... white genocide claims, which I don't think should be the focus." *Reuters* *Activist Freed In Tanzania After Kenyan Government Demand* An activist detained in Tanzania for three days has been released shortly after Kenya's foreign ministry demanded his release. A top official in the ministry, Korir Sing'oei, said on X that Boniface Mwangi was "now back in the country". Lawyer and fellow activist, Khalid Hussein, told the BBC they were together in Kenya's coast region. The Kenyan activist was arrested in Dar es Salaam on Monday alongside Ugandan Agather Atuhaire by suspected military officers and their whereabouts remained unknown. They had been in the country to attend the court case of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is accused of treason. The Tanzanian authorities have not commented on Mwangi's detention and deportation. But on Monday, President Samia Suluhu Hassan warned that she would not allow activists from neighbouring countries to "meddle" in her country's affairs and cause "chaos". Earlier on Thursday, Kenya's foreign affairs ministry issued a statement saying it had not been able to access the activist. It said that despite repeated requests, it had been "denied consular access" or information about him, and expressed concern about his health. It urged Tanzania to "expeditiously and without delay" allow access, or release him, "in accordance with international legal obligations and diplomatic norms". Later, Kenya's state-funded rights commission said it had received the activist in Kwale county, following his release from Tanzania. KNCHR posted a picture of him alongside other people including his wife, Njeri, and fellow activist Hussein and said he was "in high spirits". The commission said it was planning to transfer him to the capital Nairobi for medical attention. The activist was reportedly left at the Kenyan border on Thursday morning following his release by the Tanzanian authorities. *BBC* *Cholera Spikes In Khartoum After Drone Attacks Cut Power, Water* More than 2,300 people have been diagnosed with cholera in Sudan over the past three weeks, authorities said, 90% of them in the capital and surrounding areas where drone attacks have cut off electricity and water supplies. At least 51 people have died as a result, the health ministry's emergency operations centre said in a statement, with cases concentrated in greater Khartoum's Karari and Jabal Awlia localities. *Reuters* *Iran says will hold US responsible for any Israeli attack on nuclear sites* The United States would be held responsible in the event of an Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear sites, Iran’s foreign minister has warned, after CNN reported that Israel could be preparing strikes. Iran and the US, Israel’s closest ally, will hold a fifth round of nuclear talks on Friday amid deep disagreement over uranium enrichment in Iran, which Washington says could lead to developing nuclear bombs. Tehran has consistently denied seeking a bomb and insisted its nuclear programme is for civilian purposes. "Iran strongly warns against any adventurism by the Zionist regime of Israel and will decisively respond to any threat or unlawful act by this regime," Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a letter addressed to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "I have called on the international community to take effective preventive measures against the continuation of Israeli threats, which if unchecked, will compel Iran to take special measures in defence of our nuclear facilities and materials," Araghchi said. The minister said Tehran would view Washington as a "participant" in any such attack. "The nature, content, and extent of our actions will correspond and be proportionate to preventive measures taken by these international bodies in accordance with their statutory duties and obligations," he added. Araghchi’s remarks follow a CNN report on Tuesday that described the US as having "new intelligence suggesting that Israel is making preparations to strike Iranian nuclear facilities". Israel has not acknowledged any preparations, though officials up to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have repeatedly threatened to strike Iran’s nuclear sites to prevent it from being able to obtain a nuclear weapon, should it choose to pursue one. The US and Iran are due to hold indirect talks on Friday in Rome in what would be their fifth round of negotiations over a possible deal that could see Tehran limit or end its enrichment of uranium, in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. Israel has repeatedly opposed such an agreement between the US and Iran. Separately, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which reports directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned Israel would receive a "devastating and decisive response" if it attacks Iran. "They are trying to frighten us with war, but are miscalculating as they are unaware of the powerful popular and military support the Islamic Republic can muster in war conditions," IRGC spokesperson Alimohammad Naini was quoted by state media as saying. On Tuesday, Khamenei said US demands that Tehran stop enriching uranium are "excessive and outrageous". *Aljazeera* *Some Flour Reaches Gaza As Blockade Eases, Aid Groups Call For More* Flour and other aid started reaching some of Gaza's most vulnerable areas on Thursday after Israel let some trucks through, but nowhere near enough to make up for shortages caused by an 11-week blockade, Palestinian officials said. Many other trucks were still at the border, and people were still waiting to receive food, amid fears that desperate crowds would try to loot the vehicles when they arrived, the Palestinian Red Crescent warned. The Reuters Tariff Watch newsletter is your daily guide to the latest global trade and tariff news. Sign up here. Israel said it allowed 100 trucks carrying baby food and medical equipment into the enclave on Wednesday, two days after announcing its first relaxation of the restrictions under mounting international pressure. "Flour arrived from the (U.N.) World Food Programme, and we immediately started working," baker Ahmed Al-Banna said as flatbreads passed by on a conveyor belt behind him at his base in Deir al-Balah on Thursday. Bakeries across the south of the enclave started ovens that had been shut for two months, he added. "God willing, bakeries in northern Gaza will soon resume work." Israel imposed the blockade on all supplies in March, saying Hamas was seizing deliveries for its fighters - a charge the group denies. The UN has said a quarter of Gaza's 2.3 million people are at risk of famine. The Palestinian health minister said 29 children and elderly people had died from starvation-related reasons in Gaza in recent days and that many thousands more were at risk. Israel has repeatedly defended its controls on aid in Gaza, saying reports from aid groups of famine-like conditions were exaggerated and denying accusations of causing starvation. Bread distribution would start later on Thursday, Amjad al-Shawa, director of the Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network in Gaza, told Reuters. He said just 90 trucks had got through. "During the ceasefire, 600 trucks used to enter every day, which means that the current quantity is a drop in the ocean, nothing," he said. Bakeries backed by the WFP would produce the bread and the agency's staff would hand it out - a more controlled system than previously when bakers sold it directly to the public at a low cost, he added. Palestinian Red Crescent president Younis Al-Khatib said many trucks were still at the border at Karem Shalom and there was a risk of violence and looting when they arrived. "No civilian has received anything yet," he said. "It's very hard to hide the rush or the looting that will happen." On Wednesday night, boys and young men gathered after one vehicle arrived in the southern Gazan city of Khan Younis, but kept back as men, some holding guns, watched over the unloading of sacks. *Reuters* *England Pummel Zimbabwe In Run Fest At Trent Bridge* Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope scored centuries to take England to a massive 498 for three at the close on the first day of their one-off test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge on Thursday. Having pummelled the visitors’ military medium seam attack, Pope will resume on 169 from 163 balls with Harry Brook unbeaten on 10 as the home side scored at 5.66 runs an over in a dominant display in Zimbabwe’s first test in England for 22 years. Opener Duckett smashed 140 from 134 balls before he was caught at cover by Ben Curran off the bowling of Wessly Madhevere after putting on an opening stand of 231 with Crawley in 41.3 overs. The latter was more measured but reached a first test century in almost two years with 124 from 171 balls before he was trapped leg before wicket by spinner Sikandar Raza playing across the line. Crawley added 137 in 142 deliveries for the second wicket with Pope as Zimbabwe’s tame seamers failed to find a consistent line and length, and offered up far too many half-volleys and width that was easily punished. "It is a fantastic feeling to score a test hundred and a great day for the team as well," Crawley told Sky Sports. "With Ben playing as well as he did, I didn’t feel a heap of pressure. And then Ollie came in and played the same way. "I always want a big score and I was disappointed when I got out because there were more runs there for the taking." Joe Root passed 13,000 test runs before he attempted a hook off Blessing Muzarabani and was caught at deep fine leg by Sean Williams for 34. Pope will be eyeing his highest test score of 205 on Friday with England looking to bat once in the four-day match as they prepare for the series against India and later on the Ashes in Australia. Pope and Crawley have been short of runs in recent times, and with Jacob Bethell an option to come into the side, their centuries could not have been better timed, even if they came against a modest test attack. "You feel part of the team again, you don’t want to feel like you are hanging on," Crawley said. "There are certain times you feel like you are playing for your place and I have certainly felt that loads of times in my career. "There are so many great players in this team that you try and match them and keep up with them." Zimbabwe were handicapped when Richard Ngarava, arguably the pick of their four pacemen with none for 42 in nine overs, left the field shortly after lunch having pulled up clutching his back and hamstrings when chasing a ball. Ngarava returned late in the final session but did not bowl again before leaving the field once more. Earlier, Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine won the toss and fielded in the hope his attack could utilise the cloud cover above Trent Bridge, a ground renowned for aiding pacemen. His decision was all the more understandable given Zimbabwe’s 138-run thrashing by a youthful combined county side in their lone warm-up match last week. But while Zimbabwe’s four quicks got the occasional ball to deviate sharply, they also repeatedly over-pitched and bowled too short. *Reuters* *Modric To Leave Real Madrid After Club World Cup* Real Madrid captain Luka Modric has revealed he will leave the Spanish giants after the end of their Fifa Club World Cup campaign this summer. The 39-year-old Croatia midfielder, the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner, will play his last match at Real's Bernabeu home when they welcome Real Sociedad on Saturday in their final La Liga game of the season. "The moment has arrived. The moment I never wanted to come, but that's football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end," Modric said on Instagram. He has won 28 trophies, including six Champions Leagues and four domestic titles, since joining Real from Spurs in 2012. "I arrived in 2012 with the hope of wearing the jersey of the best team in the world and the ambition to do great things, but I couldn't have imagined what came next," he said. "Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a footballer and as a person. "I'm proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history." Real will open their Club World Cup campaign against Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal on 18 June and will also face Mexico's Pachuca and RB Salzburg of Austria in the group stage. Modric bagged two goals and six assists in 34 appearances in the Spanish top flight this season as Real were pipped to the title by Barcelona. He also featured in every game as Carlo Ancelotti's side reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League, where they were beaten 5-1 on aggregate by Arsenal. Modric signed a one-year contract extension last year, which expires at the end of this campaign. Saturday's game will also be Ancelotti's last in charge of Real, with Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso reportedly set to succeed the Italian. *BBC* *'I Play 20 Minutes': Garnacho Puts Man Utd Future In Doubt* Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho has put his future at the club in doubt by questioning Ruben Amorim's decision to play him for "20 minutes" in the Europa League final defeat by Tottenham. Brennan Johnson's first-half goal ended Spurs' 17-year trophy drought and with it ensured United would be without European football next season. Garnacho, 20, was benched in favour of Mason Mount in Bilbao and only replaced the England midfielder with 19 minutes remaining of normal time. The Argentina winger, who was linked with Chelsea and Napoli in January, was critical of Amorim's decision to hand him a limited role in the final. "Up until the final I played every round helping the team, and today I play 20 minutes, I don't know," said Garnacho. "The final will influence [my decision] but the whole season, the situation of the club. I'm going to try to enjoy the summer and see what happens afterwards." Garnacho posted an image on his social media six hours before kick-off upon learning that he was starting on the bench, depicting him celebrating in the 2024 FA Cup final and 2024 Community Shield. Roberto Garnacho, his brother, posted on his Instagram account that the winger had been "thrown under the bus". "Working as no-one else, helping every round, coming from two goals in the last two finals, just to be on the pitch for 19 mins and get thrown under the bus," wrote Roberto Garnacho. The post followed Amorim's post-match comments, in which the Portuguese head coach referred to a miss by Garnacho in the semi-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao. Asked if he should have brought Garnacho on earlier, Amorim said: "How many times have we had this conversation, and it was the opposite? Some players come in, like Mason Mount, against Bilbao and changed the game. "So now it is easy to say. Who missed the big opportunity in the first half against Bilbao? Yeah [Garnacho]. Of course, now it is easy for us to talk about a lot of views." Garnacho apologised to then United manager Erik ten Hag last season after 'liking' social media posts criticising the Dutchman following a Premier League defeat by Bournemouth. The winger, along with team-mate Marcus Rashford, was dropped for December's visit to Manchester City which Amorim said was down to "training performances, game performances and engagement with team-mates". In February, Amorim said Garnacho had apologised to the rest of the squad for walking down the tunnel after being substituted against Ipswich. Garnacho was not the only United player to raise question marks over his future, with captain Bruno Fernandes suggesting he could leave Old Trafford if the club choose to "cash in" on him. The 30-year-old has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. "I have always been honest," said Portugal midfielder Fernandes. "If the club thinks it's time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in or whatever, it's what it is. Football sometimes is like this. "I've always said I will be here until the club says to me that it's time to go. I'm eager to do more, to be able to bring the club to the great days. "The day that the club thinks that I'm too much or it's time to part ways, football is like this, you never know it. But I've always said it and I keep my word in the same way." Garnacho seemed at one point to be heading out of Manchester United in January, so the speculation around the young forward will only intensify following last night's events in Bilbao. His own social media post prior to the game becomes very pointed once his axing from United's starting line-up became real. An additional post by his brother will only heighten tensions. Like any manager, Amorim is judged on results. When they don't go well, team selections are criticised, from the standpoint we can never know what would have happened if a different team had started – it is assumed the performance would be better but that is all it is, an assumption. Garnacho has missed quite a lot of 'big' chances this season. He is absolutely not on his own but when Amorim bemoans a failure of his side to score, Garnacho is at least partly responsible. My personal view is he was afforded so many plaudits last season – and played so often – there was a false assessment of his abilities and where his career is at. Garnacho has talent, of that there is no doubt. But he is far from the finished product and needs to work hard on his game to make the improvements required. I a

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*Evening News Round-up: Friday 23 May 2025* *Headlines* *3,400 Girls Forced Out Of School As Early Marriages & Teenage Pregnancies Plague Education System* *No End In Sight To The Electricity Crisis* *MP’s Vehicle Shot At In Hotel Brawl Over Married Woman* *South Africa Town Leader 'Sad' About Trump's Misuse Of White Crosses Video* *US Says Sudan Used Chemical Weapons In War As It Issues New Sanctions* *Congo Votes To Lift Immunity Of Former President Kabila* *US Judge Blocks Trump Effort To Bar Harvard From Enrolling Foreign Students* *Trump Renews Trade Threats, Taking Aim At European Union, Apple* *Israel Maintains Minimal Aid Deliveries To Gaza Amid Hunger Crisis* *Man Utd Tell Staff Of Job Losses In Second Round Of Redundancies* Join our *Ad-free* News Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacXkvFJJhzd2UoZYF1F *Stories in Detail:* *3,400 Girls Forced Out Of School As Early Marriages & Teenage Pregnancies Plague Education System* LAST year, 3,433 girls were forced out of school as a result of early marriages and adolescent pregnancies, the government has revealed. Of these, 3,324 were secondary school pupils, while 109 dropped out of primary school—a damning statistic in the country’s fight against underage pregnancies. Mashonaland East recorded the highest number of dropouts, with 499 girls’ education disrupted by teenage pregnancy. Speaking in Parliament recently, Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Angeline Gata painted a grim picture, reporting that girls as young as 13 had fallen pregnant. "We visited a school in Manicaland. While conducting monitoring and evaluation, we asked the headmaster to provide statistics on any dropouts at the school. He mentioned that two 13-year-old girls had dropped out due to pregnancy," the deputy minister said. "We need the support of everybody—the MPs here—so that, to reduce these cases of early marriages and pregnancies, we must work together as a community. We must advocate for our girls—all of us here," said Gata. The ministry has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and child protection agencies, leading to increased reporting of early marriages and teenage pregnancies. Despite the government’s stance and legislation against relationships with girls under the age of 18, cases of early marriages and adolescent pregnancies continue to be recorded. Gata also stated that, out of the 3,433 affected girls, 667 had been readmitted into the school system. "We have readmitted girls into our schools. Of the 3,433, 467 who were married have returned to school. Additionally, 710 pregnant girls have been readmitted," said Gata. Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Member of Parliament Mutsa Murombedzi challenged the government over the high dropout rate, noting that some pregnancies were linked to rape. "Are any arrests being made? It is good that we have the Hon. Minister of Home Affairs here—perhaps they can address these questions together so we understand the government’s approach to this problem of early pregnancies, given that some involve rape," said Murombedzi. *NewZW* *No End In Sight To The Electricity Crisis* ZIMBABWE is facing a severe energy crisis, with daily load-shedding lasting up to 16 hours, while neighbouring Zambia is cautiously optimistic about reducing its power outages by August 2025. Government attributes the energy crisis primarily to the El Niño-induced drought as seen in reduced water levels at Kariba Dam, a crucial source of hydroelectric power for both countries. Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) public relations and communications manager Selusiwe Moyo said water allocation to Zimbabwe and Zambia remained low as a result. "Our immediate focus is on rebuilding the dam’s reservoir levels, which were critically depleted by drought," Moyo said. "Only after stabilisation can we sustainably increase water allocation to both Kariba North and Kariba South power stations." ZRA increased Zambia’s water allocation to 13,5 billion cubic metres in 2025, up from eight billion in 2024. This development has led Zesco Limited to project a reduction in load-shedding by August 2025. Speaking during a media briefing at the Kariba North Bank Power Station, Christopher Singogo, Zesco senior manager, said the recent gains in reservoir levels and power imports could ease the strain on electricity generation. "The situation remains delicate, but the signs are encouraging," he said. "With higher water inflows and improved resource management, we are hopeful of reducing the intensity of load shedding by the third quarter." Meanwhile, the Zambia National Marketers Credit Association (ZANAMACA) is calling for greater private sector involvement in tackling the energy crisis. "This is not just Zesco’s problem; it is a national crisis that needs all hands-on deck — especially from the private sector," Mupila Kameya, the ZANAMACA president said. "It’s time we move beyond dependence on hydropower and invest in solar and alternative energy sources." As Zambia manages the crisis with measured electricity generation and as ZRA pursues long-term hydropower development, Zimbabwe’s energy sector faces significant challenges. *newsday* *MP’s Vehicle Shot At In Hotel Brawl Over Married Woman* A Member of Parliament’s vehicle windscreen was damaged during a hotel car park incident after he was allegedly caught with a married woman, law enforcement sources said. Masvingo South MP Tanatsiwa Mukomberi was unhurt in the May 20 incident at a Harare hotel. Police sources said the MP spent some time in his hotel room with the woman, who is not being named, before they briefly left in her white Nissan X-Trail, returning just before 9PM. "When they pulled up at the hotel, the husband Wilson Mutambwani was lying in wait in a Toyota Aqua. He must have got information that she was there," the source said. Mutambwani, 38, of Vancouver Road in Braeside, allegedly assaulted the MP before pulling a pistol and shooting at the windscreen of his parked Ford Ranger, damaging it in the process. Police have established the weapon was a pellet gun. "It was absolute carnage," said the source. "The suspect then grabbed the woman’s handbag with her car keys and phone before jumping in his car. The wife also got in the Aqua and they left." The couple, ZimLive heard, returned to the hotel in a taxi at around 3PM on May 21 and drove off in the woman’s X-Trail which was still in the parking lot. The woman told police she was in the process of divorcing Mutambwani, but he was refusing to let go. Mutambwani, who works at a panel beating shop in Msasa, has been charged with malicious damage to property and assault. Police also seized an air pistol used in the incident. Mukomberi declined to comment. *ZimLive * *South Africa Town Leader 'Sad' About Trump's Misuse Of White Crosses Video* A local representative of an area shown in a video played at the White House said she was "sad" that U.S. President Donald Trump used the footage of hundreds of white crosses as false evidence of mass killings of white South African farmers. Trump showed an aerial shot of a procession of cars moving along a road lined with white crosses during his meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday, as he doubled down on false claims of a white genocide in South Africa. He said the crosses were "burial sites" for over 1,000 white farmers. The shot, whose location and date were verified by Reuters, showed crosses that were actually placed along the road between the town of Newcastle and the rural community of Normandien in 2020 as a tribute to a farming couple who had been murdered, said Bebsie Cronje, a ward councillor for Newcastle, in KwaZulu-Natal province. The crosses, installed to accompany a memorial service for the couple, have since been removed. "The crosses was not a display of how many farm murders (took place) or whatever. It was just a total tribute to the Raffertys," she told Reuters by telephone. "I feel it's very sad that something like this is being used politically." The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. South Africa's police minister Senzo Mchunu also said in a press briefing on Friday that the crosses were linked to the murder of the Rafferty couple. Three suspects were arrested and sentenced for their killing and are in jail, he said. "They were sadly murdered by criminals in their home. The incident sparked a very strong protest by the farming community. The crosses symbolised killings on farms over years, they are not graves," he said. He added that claims of a "white genocide" in South Africa were "unfounded and unsubstantiated", saying the country only recorded six farm murders in the first three months of 2025, which included one white person. A total of 5,727 murders took place over that period, down from 6,536 in the same period last year, figures from the police ministry showed. "The history of farm murders in the country has always been distorted and reported in an unbalanced way. The truth is that farm murders have always included African people in more numbers." Cronje said the placing of the crosses was not politically motivated. "There was a group that was very close to the Raffertys. And they organised the gathering and the travelling of everybody there," said Cronje, referring to the long line of vehicles in the video. She said that since then, another white farmer from Newcastle was murdered. But she did not feel that the crimes were linked to race. "I can't say that it's just white people. If a black farmer is killed, it doesn't come to the news," said Cronje, who is from the Democratic Alliance, South Africa's second-biggest political party and a coalition partner of the African National Congress. *Reuters* *US Says Sudan Used Chemical Weapons In War As It Issues New Sanctions* The US will impose new sanctions on Sudan after finding it used chemical weapons last year in the ongoing civil war against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the state department has said. US exports to the country will be restricted and financial borrowing limits put in place from 6 June, a statement from spokesperson Tammy Bruce read. A Sudanese government spokesperson described the accusations as "baseless claims with no supporting evidence". Both the Sudanese military and the paramilitary group the RSF have previously been accused of war crimes during the conflict, which they have denied. More than 150,000 people have been killed during the conflict, which began two years ago when Sudan's army and the RSF began a vicious struggle for power. In recent months, Sudan's military has recaptured the capital of Khartoum, but fighting continues elsewhere. No detail was provided about which chemical weapons the US said it found, but the New York Times reported in January that Sudan used chlorine gas on two occasions, which causes a range of painful and damaging effects and can be fatal. This was said to have been in remote areas which were not named. No visual evidence has been shared so far as proof of the weapons having been used in the current war in Sudan. "The United States calls on the government of Sudan to cease all chemical weapons use and uphold its obligations under the CWC," the statement read, referring to the Chemical Weapons Convention under which signatories have committed to destroy their stockpiles of the weapons. In a strongly worded statement, Sudan's Culture and Information Minister Khalid Al-Ayesir described the US's actions as "political blackmail", adding that they further eroded US "credibility" and eliminated "any remaining influence it may have in Sudan". He said it was a "fabricated narrative... to mislead international opinion and offer political cover to illegitimate actors complicit in crimes against the Sudanese people". He said the US had previously made "false claims" about chemical weapons in Sudan, pointing to the 1998 Al-Shifa attack, when the US bombed a Sudanese pharmaceutical factory. At the time the US had alleged the factory was being used as a site to manufacture chemical weapons and was linked to Osama Bin-Laden's network, which Sudan strongly denied. After the bombing, the US lifted a decision to freeze the assets of the factory owner, which was viewed at the time as an implicit acknowledgment that there was not sufficient evidence to justify the bombing. Nearly every country in the world - including Sudan - has agreed to the CWC, apart from Egypt, North Korea and South Sudan according to the Arms Control Association, a US-based non-partisan membership organisation. Israel has signed the agreement but not ratified its signature, meaning it has not legally confirmed its involvement in the treaty, the ACA adds. "The United States remains fully committed to hold to account those responsible for contributing to chemical weapons proliferation," Bruce added. This is not the first time the US has imposed sanctions in Sudan. In January, they were issued against leaders of both parties embroiled in the conflict. Sudan's military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan was accused of "destabilising Sudan and undermining the goal of a democratic transition" by the US, which the country's foreign ministry condemned as "strange and troubling". Meanwhile, the head of the RSF Mohammed Hamdan Daglo, also known as Hemedti, was determined to have perpetrated genocide in the country by former secretary of state Antony Blinken. The RSF has denied these charges. The rival forces have been struggling for power for the past two years, displacing around 12 million people and leaving 25 million needing food aid, more than double the population of London. New sanctions will have little effect on the country as a result of these prior measures, according to the AFP news agency. This latest US move comes amid tensions over the alleged involvement of the United Arab Emirates in the conflict. The UAE and Sudan had maintained diplomatic ties until earlier this month when the Sudanese government alleged the UAE provided arms to the RSF, an allegation the UAE denies. Following US President Donald Trump's warm reception in the Gulf state last week, Democrats in Congress sought to block the sale of arms from the US to the UAE in part due to its alleged involvement in the conflict. A Sudanese diplomatic source told news agency Reuters that the US had imposed the new sanctions "to distract from the recent campaign in Congress against the UAE". *BBC* *Congo Votes To Lift Immunity Of Former President Kabila* Congo's senate voted overwhelmingly in favour of lifting former President Joseph Kabila's immunity from prosecution in a late night vote on Thursday over his alleged links to the M23 rebel group. Kabila is wanted in Congo for alleged crimes against humanity for supporting the insurgency in the east, including a role in the massacre of civilians and personnel. Congo has also moved to suspend his political party and seize the assets of its leaders. Kabila, who denies any ties to the rebel group, stepped down after almost 20 years in power in 2018, yielding to protests. He has been out of the Central African country since late 2023, mostly in South Africa. The senate backed lifting his immunity by 88 votes to 5 in a secret ballot. Kabila has been threatening to return to Congo for weeks to help find a solution to the crisis in the east, where Rwandan-backed M23 rebels now control large swathes of territory. A return to Congo by Kabila could complicate the bid to end the rebellion in eastern Congo, which contains vast supplies of critical minerals that President Donald Trump's administration is keen to access. Washington is pushing for a peace agreement between the two sides to be signed this summer, accompanied by minerals deals aimed at bringing billions of dollars of Western investment to the region, Massad Boulos, U.S. President Donald Trump's senior adviser for Africa, told Reuters earlier this month. Kabila came to power in 2001 after his father's assassination. He refused to stand down when his final term officially ended in 2016, leading to deadly protests, before agreeing to leave office following an election in 2018. *Reuters* *US Judge Blocks Trump Effort To Bar Harvard From Enrolling Foreign Students* A United States judge has issued a temporary restraining order against an effort to prevent Harvard University from enrolling foreign students. Friday’s ruling comes in response to an emergency petition filed earlier in the day in the federal district court of Boston, Massachusetts. In that petition, Harvard sought immediate relief after the administration of President Donald Trump barred it from using a federal government system, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, that is required for the enrolment of international students. US District Judge Allison Burroughs agreed with Harvard that the school and its students may suffer harm if the Trump administration’s decision is allowed to take effect. Her injunction is set to last for approximately two weeks, and she set hearing dates on May 27 and 29. Friday’s lawsuit against the Trump administration is Harvard’s second in less than two months. The latest is a response to a decision on Thursday announced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Her department oversees the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, and she said she is revoking Harvard’s privilege to use the system based on its failure to address Trump administration concerns. "This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus," she wrote on social media. The revocation means that Harvard can no longer accept foreign students. Those already enrolled will need to transfer to another school. The move represents a major escalation in Trump’s pressure campaign against Harvard and other top US universities. He has accused schools of allowing anti-Semitism to fester, promoting "discriminatory" diversity programmes, and pushing ideological slants. But in Friday’s lawsuit, Harvard called the Trump administration’s actions a "blatant violation" of the US Constitution and other federal laws. *Aljazeera* *Trump Renews Trade Threats, Taking Aim At European Union, Apple* U.S. President Donald Trump threatened on Friday to ratchet up his trade war once again, pushing for a 50% tariff on European Union goods starting June 1 and warning Apple he may slap a 25% levy on all iPhones bought by U.S. consumers. The twin threats, delivered via social media, roiled global markets after weeks of de-escalation had provided some reprieve. The S&P 500 fell 1% in early trading, the Nasdaq fell 1.2%, and European shares fell 1.5%. Trump's broadside against the EU was prompted by the White House's belief that negotiations with the bloc are not progressing fast enough. But his saber-rattling also marked a return to Washington's stop-and-start trade war that has shaken markets, businesses and consumers and raised fears of a global economic downturn. The president's attack on Apple, meanwhile, is his latest attempt to pressure a specific company to move production to the United States, following automakers, pharmaceutical companies and chipmakers. However, the United States does not produce any smartphones - even as U.S. consumers buy more than 60 million phones annually - and moving production would likely increase the cost of iPhones by hundreds of dollars. "All the optimism over trade deals wiped out in minutes – seconds, even," said Fawad Razaqzada, market analyst at City Index and FOREX.com, in a note. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News on Friday that the 50% EU threat will hopefully "light a fire under the EU," adding that other countries have been negotiating with Washington in good faith. "The European Union, which was formed for the primary purpose of taking advantage of the United States on TRADE, has been very difficult to deal with," Trump wrote on his Truth Social site. "Our discussions with them are going nowhere!" The European Commission on Friday declined to comment on the new threat, saying it would wait for a phone call between EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic and his U.S. counterpart Jamieson Greer scheduled for Friday. Envoys from the 27 EU countries are also due to meet on trade in Brussels later in the day. Speaking to reporters in The Hague, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said he agreed with the EU's strategy in trade talks with the United States, and said the EU would likely to see this latest announcement as part of the negotiations. "We have seen before that tariffs can go up and down in talks with the US," he said. The White House paused most of the punishing tariffs Trump announced in early April against nearly every country in the world after investors furiously sold off U.S. assets including government bonds and the U.S. dollar. He left in place a 10% baseline tax on most imports, and later reduced his massive 145% tax on Chinese goods to 30%. "My base case is that they are able to reach an agreement, but I am most nervous about negotiations with European Union," said Nathan Sheets, global chief economist at Citigroup in New York. A 50% levy on EU imports could raise consumer prices on everything from German cars to Italian olive oil. *Reuters* *Israel Maintains Minimal Aid Deliveries To Gaza Amid Hunger Crisis* Aid agencies have continued to criticise Israel after it announced it had sent a small convoy of trucks carrying vital supplies into Gaza. COGAT, the Israeli military body responsible for civil affairs in the occupied Palestinian territory, confirmed on Friday that 107 trucks had entered the enclave the previous day, loaded with flour, medicine and equipment. However, aid agencies and others have condemned Israel’s policy to allow only minimal volumes of aid into Gaza, which the Israeli military has been blockading for close to three months. They insist that the supplies are nowhere near enough for the millions trapped in the territory, and add that even the small amounts making it in are not making it to people due to Israeli attacks and looting. The shipments follow Israel’s announcement on Sunday that it would permit "minimal" humanitarian aid into the territory for the first time since implementing a total blockade in early March. Amid warnings of mounting famine and humanitarian disaster, Israel said that the decision to allow aid into Gaza was driven by diplomatic concerns. Global outrage has been rising as the 11-week siege has progressed, leaving Gaza’s 2.1 million people on the brink of starvation, with medicine and fuel supplies exhausted. The United Nations’ Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher has branded the aid deliveries "a drop in the ocean" and warned that far greater access is required to address the escalating crisis. The UN estimates that at least 500 trucks of aid are needed daily. Since Monday’s announcement, only 300 trucks have made it in, including Thursday’s convoy, according to COGAT. *Attacks and looting* Aid agencies also state that even the aid that is being allowed into Gaza is not reaching people. "Significant challenges in loading and dispatching goods remain due to insecurity, the risk of looting, delays in coordination approvals and inappropriate routes being provided by Israeli forces that are not viable for the movement of cargo," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said. Hamas officials said on Friday that Israeli air strikes had killed at least six Palestinians guarding aid trucks against looters. An umbrella network of Palestinian aid groups said that just 119 aid trucks have entered Gaza since Israel eased its blockade on Monday, and that distribution has been hampered by looting, including by armed groups of men. "They stole food meant for children and families suffering from severe hunger," the network said in a statement. The UN’s World Food Programme said on Friday that 15 of its trucks were looted in southern Gaza while en route to WFP-supported bakeries. *Aljazeera* *Man Utd Tell Staff Of Job Losses In Second Round Of Redundancies* Manchester United have told some staff working at their Carrington training ground that they will lose their jobs in the second round of redundancies since Sir Jim Ratcliffe bought into the club last year. Club insiders say the actual process, which could lead to 200 staff losing their jobs, has been ongoing for a number of weeks, with most staff already aware if they are to remain at the club or not. However, BBC Sport has been told some staff connected to the first team were not informed of their fate until Friday so that preparations for Wednesday's Europa League final against Tottenham were not disrupted. It is anticipated that the sports science, medical and scouting departments will be among the areas that could be affected, with up to 200 jobs set to go. Now the game is out of the way, staff in the affected areas are being informed. Sources claim those staff had earlier been told their positions would be clarified at a later date. It means in cases of specific roles in those areas being cut back, staff affected are being told whether they are to remain at United or not. Morale around the club is said to be at a low ebb given this latest news has come so soon after the defeat by Tottenham in the Europa League final. Club sources are adamant the timescale for the redundancies has not changed. United had about 1,100 employees before the first wave of cuts last year. About 250 employees were made redundant during the first round of redundancies, saving the club between £8m and £10m. United chief executive Omar Berrada said earlier this year that between 150 and 200 redundancies were set to follow. Defeat in Bilbao means United will be without European football next season for only the second time since 1990, leaving a £100m hole in the club's finances. Ratcliffe has embarked on a series of cost-cutting initiatives since purchasing a minority stake in the club in February 2024. Club ambassadors, including Sir Alex Ferguson, have had their roles reprised, while a canteen for staff was closed and replaced with the offer of free fruit. Ratcliffe and fellow co-owner Avram Glazer attended Wednesday's final in Bilbao, with Ferguson pictured alongside them. Sources have told BBC Sport that a number of cars were driven to Bilbao before the final for the use of Ratcliffe and senior club officials during their time in Spain. The club stuck to plans to hold a barbecue for the first-team squad and family members at Carrington following the defeat by Spurs. But the latest cutbacks come against a bleak financial backdrop, with United losing more than £370m over the past five years. According to their 2024 accounts, they owe £313m in outstanding transfer payments to other clubs.Manchester United have told some staff working at their Carrington training ground that they will lose their jobs in the second round of redundancies since Sir Jim Ratcliffe bought into the club last year. Club insiders say the actual process, which could lead to 200 staff losing their jobs, has been ongoing for a number of weeks, with most staff already aware if they are to remain at the club or not. However, BBC Sport has been told some staff connected to the first team were not informed of their fate until Friday so that preparations for Wednesday's Europa League final against Tottenham were not disrupted. It is anticipated that the sports science, medical and scouting departments will be among the areas that could be affected, with up to 200 jobs set to go. Now the game is out of the way, staff in the affected areas are being informed. Sources claim those staff had earlier been told their positions would be clarified at a later date. It means in cases of specific roles in those areas being cut back, staff affected are being told whether they are to remain at United or not. Morale around the club is said to be at a low ebb given this latest news has come so soon after the defeat by Tottenham in the Europa League final. Club sources are adamant the timescale for the redundancies has not changed. United had about 1,100 employees before the first wave of cuts last year. About 250 employees were made redundant during the first round of redundancies, saving the club between £8m and £10m. United chief executive Omar Berrada said earlier this year that between 150 and 200 redundancies were set to follow. Defeat in Bilbao means United will be without European football next season for only the second time since 1990, leaving a £100m hole in the club's finances. Ratcliffe has embarked on a series of cost-cutting initiatives since purchasing a minority stake in the club in February 2024. Club ambassadors, including Sir Alex Ferguson, have had their roles reprised, while a canteen for staff was closed and replaced with the offer of free fruit. Ratcliffe and fellow co-owner Avram Glazer attended Wednesday's final in Bilbao, with Ferguson pictured alongside them. Sources have told BBC Sport that a number of cars were driven to Bilbao before the final for the use of Ratcliffe and senior club officials during their time in Spain. The club stuck to plans to hold a barbecue for the first-team squad and family members at Carrington following the defeat by Spurs. But the latest cutbacks come against a bleak financial backdrop, with United losing more than £370m over the past five years. According to their 2024 accounts, they owe £313m in outstanding transfer payments to other clubs. *bbc*

*Journalist-cum-Zanu PF Apologist Reuben Barwe Gets Toyota Land Cruiser VXR LX 300 Series Plus US$100K from Chivayo* Controversial businessperson Wicknell Chivayo has continued in his car donation expedition blessing veteran newsreader Reuben Barwe with a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser VXR LX 300 Series. Join our *Ad-free* News Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacXkvFJJhzd2UoZYF1F Posting on his X handle, Chivayo said this is his token of appreciation to one of the country’s greatest newsreaders of all times. “Rrrrrrrrrueben Barweeeee , ZBC News… Harare!”…For over three decades, this has been a SIGNATURE sign-off by one of the most DECORATED veteran journalist and DISTINGUISHED news reporter that Zimbabwe has ever had. I remember so vividly in 1987 when I was still in Grade 2, as a young boy watching ZBC TV News at 8pm on a “BLACK AND WHITE” screen, ndaingo mirira that part ONLY when you sign off in STYLE, after eloquently delivering your report which would always be the first on MAIN NEWS. You gained so much FAME for your unique style of reporting in communities, at schools and even street corners, where EVERYONE would imitate your unmistakable and CATCHY style. “Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrueben Barweeeee” In fact, I remember at one time being called REUBEN when I had reported my sisters for their mischief. You have seen and REPORTED Zimbabwe’s history and delivered each day’s NEWS and current affairs as a PRO!!! From the struggles of the past, to the celebrations of our independence, Heroes Days, and Defence Forces Days, through the dark days of COVID-19, and through every twist and turn of this country’s journey. You have kept the Nation INFORMED and INSPIRED for a better tomorrow. From the days of the late President Mugabe to the Second Republic under President E. D. Mnangagwa, you have remained LOYAL, diligent and DEDICATED to your craft, delivering news accurately with an unmistakable pride of being ZIMBABWEAN. This has been your remarkable journey from being a Junior News Reporter to a CELEBRATED CHIEF CORRESPONDENT !!! But beyond the microphone, beyond the camera, beyond the newsroom, you have shown UNMATCHED PATRIOTISM, carrying Zimbabwe’s story both locally and across borders. You have been CRITICIZED, threatened and tested beyond measure but you stood FIRM, loyal to your profession, LOYAL TO YOUR COUNTRY and loyal to your people.

*BREAKING NEWS: Trump Meets Ramaphosa* - In a heated meeting, Trump played a video of Malema’s party chanting ‘kill the Boer' - Trump urges Ramaphosa to arrest Malema - However, Billionaire Johann Rupert told Trump that "there is no targeted killing of white farmers in South Africa." - Rupert said everyone is affected by the crime crisis "We have too many deaths. But it's not only white farmers. It's across the board. It’s all races. We need technology, Mr President. We need drones," Rupert told Trump. - He also said he is easily one of the biggest targets of EFF leader Julius Malema's attacks - Looking at Steenhuisen, Rupert said the DA leader may not openly admit it, but that the Cape Flats in the Western Cape has one of the highest cases of criminality/violent crime - He said South Africa needs Elon Musk's Starlink to help fight the crime problem - Rupert also blamed illegal immigration for the escalating crime in the country "We have a serious problem with illegal aliens," he said. *Malema's Response* A group of older men meet in Washington to gossip about me. No significant amount of intelligence evidence has been produced about white genocide. We will not agree to compromise our political principles on land expropriation without compensation for political expediency. Join our *Ad-free* News Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacXkvFJJhzd2UoZYF1F

*Evening News Round-up: Saturday 24 May 2025* *Headlines* *Road To State House: Tagwirei Enlists Presidential Guard Chief’s Wife As Campaign Chief* *No Rally At Mnangagwa’s Precabe Farm, Says ZANU PF Amid Tagwirei Storm* *Teachers Plead For Intervention Over Living Wage Dispute* *Gono To Testify Against Business Couple Accused Of Hijacking His Company* *South Africa Crime Statistics Debunk 'White Genocide' Claims: minister* *UN Rights Chief Urges Warring Sides In South Sudan To 'Pull Back From The Brink'* *Ugandan Activist Alleges She Was Raped While In Tanzanian Detention* *EU Vows To Defend Interests After Trump Threatens 50 Percent Tariffs* *Ukraine Says 15 People Hurt In 'Massive' Russian Attack On Kyiv* *UN Chief Says Gaza Entering ‘Cruellest Phase’ Of War As Palestinians Starve* *Bashir Takes Six To Seal England Win Over Zimbabwe* *Ronaldo 'Could Play' In Club World Cup: Infantino* Join our *Ad-free* News Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacXkvFJJhzd2UoZYF1F *Stories in Detail:* *Road To State House: Tagwirei Enlists Presidential Guard Chief’s Wife As Campaign Chief* The wife of Presidential Guard Commander Brigadier General Fidelis Mhonda was the main co-ordinator of Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s event on land tenure held in Masvingo on Friday, it has emerged. Nyasha Mhonda appeared at the event wearing a beret written ED – President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s initials. The event was widely seen as the launch of Tagwirei’s ambitious bid to succeed Mnangagwa, allegedly with the Zanu PF leader’s backing. Tagwirei has been linked to a plot to succeed Mnangagwa by stopping his deputy Constantino Chiwenga from succeeding him. He has not publicly spoken about his political intentions. The businessman’s entry into politics was announced in March when Zanu PF’s provincial executives in Masvingo and Harare called for his co-option into the central committee. Since then, Tagwirei has not looked back, allegedly using a war-chest from questionable government contracts to buy his way to the presidency. Outspoken war veteran Blessed Runesu Geza recently claimed that Tagwirei was paying General Mhonda US$25,000 every month for his protection. His wife’s appearance at the event will fuel speculation about his role in Zanu PF’s succession politics. The Masvingo youth programme, seen as the beginning of a journey to introduce and endear himself with various provinces. The meeting was dubbed the “Land Tenure Implementation Leadership Success Series Programme”, an initiative Tagwirei said would be rolled out countrywide. It is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, led by the minister Tatenda Mavetera. The launch was attended by Masvingo minister Ezra Chadzamira, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Commissioner Stanley Kondongwe, Zanu PF Masvingo chairman Rabison Mavhenyengwa and his deputy, Trust Mugabe, among others. Tagwirei described the programme under which the government plans to give resettled farmers title deeds as a bold step towards youth empowerment through agricultural productivity and land utilisation. He said Zimbabwe’s economic future lies in unlocking the potential of its young people, particularly in the land and natural resource sectors. According to Tagwirei, there was a need to bring women into land reform decision-making structures and promote innovation and sustainability in land use. Tagwirei is leader of the recently formed Land Tenure Implementation Committee which has been criticised by the war veterans as an attempt to reverse the land reform programme. War veterans, led by Joseph Chinguwa, have since made a Constitutional Court application challenging the programme, arguing that farmers will be forced to buy the land from the government to obtain the promised title deeds. Best Zinyama, a local youth activist and agricultural student, said the programme lacks transparency and risks becoming a vehicle for political patronage. “It’s deeply troubling that this launch was attended only by political figures and loyalists. Where are the voices of the young people who are supposed to benefit from this? How are land allocations going to be handled? Who will monitor the process?” he questioned. Tagwirei insisted that the goal is to build a new generation of land-conscious leaders who can contribute meaningfully to the country’s development. *Zimlive* *No Rally At Mnangagwa’s Precabe Farm, Says ZANU PF Amid Tagwirei Storm* ZANU PF has strongly dismissed claims that a star rally is planned for President Mnangagwa’s Precabe Farm, saying the only event taking place involves top leadership — not the public. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), party official Farai Muroiwa Marapira labelled circulating rally posters as fake. “The poster below is fake. Only Politburo and Central Committee Members will be visiting the President’s farm tomorrow,” wrote Marapira on 24 May 2025. He added that the visit was to “drive and establish a manufacturing economy backed by the throughput of a vibrant farming and mining industry.” The situation took a twist when a post from an account purporting to belong to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (@ZACConline) alleged a deeper agenda. “Why did @marapira_farai wait until this morning to deny a @ZANUPF_Official star rally planned for Precabe Farm?” the post questioned. The post, which has since gone viral, alleged that the event was a covert operation to elevate controversial businessman Kuda Tagwirei to the ZANU PF Politburo and eventually the Presidium. “Who is funding this jaunt at Precabe — obviously it’s Tagwirei… We cannot watch quietly a process to elevate the man behind the massive corruption and grand theft of national funds and minerals,” the post continued. It ended by urging Politburo members to reject the move and instead “pass a resolution for the arrest of Tagwirei and his accomplices.” ‘That account was hijacked’ However, hours before the controversial post went out, another account claiming to be the official ZACC handle, @ZACConline_, issued a warning. “Kindly note that the account @ZACConline was hijacked in June 2024, and efforts to reclaim it have been futile,” it stated on 23 May 2025. This means the dramatic statement may not be from ZACC at all — though it had already sparked intense debate online. *Chin’ono wades in* Award-winning journalist Hopewell Chin’ono didn’t miss the moment to weigh in on the confusion. “Efforts to recover it were futile because you are a bunch of incompetent people appointed based on where you come from or who you are related to… Useless people!!” he posted, referring to government appointees. The alleged rally, the hijacked ZACC account, and the accusations around Tagwirei have all collided into a cloud of confusion, with no clear resolution in sight. ZANU PF has not commented further beyond Marapira’s initial statement. *Teachers Plead For Intervention Over Living Wage Dispute* PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged traditional leaders and key government ministries to intensify efforts to combat social ills such as drug abuse, gender-based violence (GBV), child pregnancies, and early marriages. Mnangagwa was speaking at the launch of the cultural month in Chiredzi Thursday where he said these challenges threaten the moral fabric of Zimbabwean society despite progress in cultural revival. "While our commemorations continue to chronicle our success stories in cultural renaissance, we still grapple with societal ills affecting the moral fabric of our nation. These include; drug and substance abuse, gender-based violence, child pregnancies and early child marriages, among others. "I call upon traditional leaders, and the ministries responsible for Social Welfare as well as Primary and Secondary Education, among other stakeholders, to scale up the implementation of concrete interventions for the benefit of our children and the youth, who are the future of this nation," Mnangagwa said. Zimbabwe is grappling with an alarming rise in drug and substance abuse cases, particularly among the youth. At the same time women’s rights statistics say that nearly half of the country’s female population has been subjected to GBV, while child marriages still persist with one in three women having been married in childhood. The President also said the government has committed to investing in education, infrastructure, and the arts to support cultural preservation, creative industries, and the development of cultural centres. "From the government’s side, we stand ready to invest in education, infrastructure, and the arts as well as to support initiatives that promote cultural preservation and the creative industries. "Funds have also been set aside to establish, renovate, and equip culture centres across the country. These centres will serve as hubs for preserving and promoting Zimbabwe’s diverse cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, art, and crafts. "Additionally, the development of film studios to boost the local film industry, along with funding for infrastructure, equipment, and capacity building programmes for filmmakers, are being supported and prioritised." *NewZW* *Gono To Testify Against Business Couple Accused Of Hijacking His Company* The trial of local businessman Clark Makoni and his wife Beverly, who face charges of fraudulently transferring former Reserve Bank Governor Gideon Gono’s company into their names, is nearing its conclusion, with Gono scheduled to appear in court. The State indicated that only two witnesses, Gono and investigating officer Eric Chacha, remain to testify before their case closes. Gono is scheduled to give evidence in court on June 13. At the start of their trial before regional magistrate Stanford Mambanje, the couple denied the fraud allegations, frequently referencing Gono and claiming that all previous witnesses were unaware of their agreements with him while eagerly awaiting his testimony. The trial continued on Friday with the State presenting evidence from Fadzai Chiro, a former accountant at Valley Lodge, who testified she met Clark during her 2023 job interview and was seeing Beverly for the first time in court. She told the court that her job was to prepare monthly reports, budgets and salary schedules. The State alleges the couple forged a CR14 form, appointing Clark as director and company secretary and Beverly as his deputy. They are further accused of misrepresenting themselves to the bank as new shareholders to change account signatories, subsequently taking over the complainant’s company, accessing its bank accounts, and stealing funds. While Chiro stated she only learned of the allegations when her statement was recorded, previous witness Lindiwe Sabeka claimed the couple, acting as estate agents managing Valley Lodge, misappropriated money as salaries. As the accountant, Chiro stated she no longer had complete knowledge of everyone on the salary schedules and might miss names if asked to list them. She explained that the front office received money, which was then transferred to the accounts office, and she paid individuals based on instructions from her manager, Elizabeth Tachiona, confirming she never paid commission to the couple nor knew of Galwex, the company auditor Sabeka allegedly came from. *263chat* *South Africa Crime Statistics Debunk 'White Genocide' Claims: minister* South Africa's latest crime statistics debunk claims that a genocide is being committed against white people, the country's police minister has said. The widely discredited allegation was amplified by US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, in an extraordinary meeting with his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa. Trump told Ramaphosa that white farmers in South Africa were being killed and "persecuted". On Friday, South African Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said that between January and March, five out of the six people killed on farms were black and one was white. The white victim lived on a farm, while the black people who were killed comprised two farm owners, two employees and one manager. Mchunu said that in the previous quarter, from October to December 2024, 12 murders on farms were recorded. One of the 12 - a farm owner - was white. It is the first time that South Africa's crime statistics have been broken down by race, but Mchunu said he had done so as a result of the recent genocide claims. "The history of farm murders in the country has always been distorted and reported in an unbalanced way," he said. In February, a South African judge dismissed the idea of a genocide as "clearly imagined" and "not real", when ruling in an inheritance case involving a wealthy benefactor's donation to a white supremacist group. Claims of genocide in South Africa have been circulating for years, catching the attention of right-wing groups in the US. Ramaphosa visited the White House on Wednesday in an attempt to reset the countries' relations after Trump granted asylum to nearly 60 Afrikaners - descendants of mainly Dutch settlers who arrived in the 17th Century - saying they were "victims of unjust racial discrimination". During the meeting, which was broadcast live, Trump ambushed Ramaphosa with videos and images intended to support his claim of a white genocide. The BBC found that this "evidence" contained numerous falsehoods. "We have respect for the US as a country, we have respect for the people in that country and for President Trump, but we have no respect for the genocide story. It is totally unfounded and unsubstantiated," Mchunu said on Friday. A spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office also condemned Trump's comments. "These are very serious issues. One should not use this word [genocide] casually without deep knowledge of what this means. Looking at the history of South Africa, it is wholly inappropriate," Ravina Shamdasani is quoted by the AFP news agency as saying. South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world and Mchunu acknowledged that crime was a huge problem. However, he added that all sections of society were affected. The minister also rejected allegations, repeated by Trump, that government was expropriating land held by white farmers. Earlier this year, Ramaphosa signed a controversial law which allowed the government to seize privately owned land without compensation in some circumstances. The South African government says no land has been seized yet under the act. The law follows years of calls for land reform in South Africa, where the white minority possess the vast majority of privately held land and wealth in the country, more than 30 years since the racist system of apartheid ended. Relations between South Africa and the US have slumped since Trump took office in January. As well as offering asylum to Afrikaners, the US leader has cut aid to South Africa and expelled its ambassador. *BBC* *UN Rights Chief Urges Warring Sides In South Sudan To 'Pull Back From The Brink'* The United Nations rights chief urged on Friday for warring sides in South Sudan to pull back from the brink, warning that the human rights situation risks further deterioration as fighting intensifies. "The escalating hostilities in South Sudan portend a real risk of further exacerbating the already dire human rights and humanitarian situation, and undermining the country’s fragile peace process," said the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk. "All parties must urgently pull back from the brink," he added. Since May 3 fighting has intensified, with OHCHR citing reports of indiscriminate aerial bombardments and river and ground offensives by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces SSPDF on Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA-IO) positions in parts of Fangak in Jonglei State and in Tonga County in Upper Nile. At least 75 civilians were killed and 78 others injured by the fighting, which displaced thousands from their homes between May 3-20, the agency said. Civilian-populated areas have been targeted, including a medical facility operated by Doctors Without Borders (MSF), it added. *Reuters* *Ugandan Activist Alleges She Was Raped While In Tanzanian Detention* A Ugandan activist who was arrested and held for days in Tanzania and later found at the border between the two countries has told the BBC that she was raped while in detention. Expanding on the earlier remarks of her rights group who said she showed "indications of torture", Agather Atuhaire alleged that people dressed in plain clothes "blindfolded" her, after which she was hit, "violently" stripped and sexually assaulted. Atuhaire had been held incommunicado in Tanzania alongside fellow Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi, who was on Thursday found at the border with his home country. The Tanzanian authorities have not commented. Regional rights groups have called for an investigation and the US Department of State's Bureau of Africa Affairs said it was deeply concerned by the reports of the two activists' mistreatment. "The pain was too much," said Atuhaire, showing the BBC a scar from where she said she had been handcuffed. She added that she was "screaming so hard" that they had to cover her mouth. Atuhaire told the BBC about her alleged rape in graphic detail. She said she also heard screams from Mwangi, and that those holding him had threatened to circumcise him. The pair had gone to Tanzania to show solidarity with opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who appeared in court on Monday after being charged with treason Mwangi recounted his alleged experience in a post on X: "We had been tortured, and we were told to strip naked and to go bathe. We couldn't walk and were told to crawl and go wash off the blood." Despite being allowed into the country, Mwangi and Atuhaire were not permitted to attend the hearing and were arrested. On Monday, President Samia Suluhu Hassan had warned that she would not allow activists from neighbouring countries to "meddle" in her country's affairs and cause "chaos". Atuhaire was found abandoned at the border on Thursday night after being held in custody since Monday, Agora Centre for Research, the Uganda-based rights group that she leads, posted on X. Uganda's high commissioner to Tanzania Fred Mwesigye said Atuhaire had "safely returned home" and had been "warmly received by her family". Mwangi, who was earlier found abandoned on a roadside in northern Tanzania near the Kenyan border, said he had heard Atuhaire "groaning in pain" when they were held together on Tuesday. "Any attempt to speak to each other during the night we were tortured was met with kicks and insults. We were removed from the torture location in different vehicles," Mwangi added. He said those who were holding them were getting orders from a "state security" official, who directed the activist to be given a "Tanzanian treatment". Mwangi's disappearance had sparked widespread concern across Kenya, with his family, civil society and human rights groups staging protests and demanding his release. On Wednesday, the Kenyan government formally protested against his detention, accusing the Tanzanian authorities of denying consular access despite repeated requests. Earlier on Thursday, Kenya's foreign affairs ministry issued a statement saying it had not been able to access the activist. Regional rights groups have called for an investigation into the alleged mistreatment of the activists by the Tanzanian authorities and urged all East African countries to uphold rights treaties. The US Department of State's Bureau of Africa Affairs said it was deeply concerned by the reports of the two activists' mistreatment, noting that Ms Atuhaire had been recognised by the department "in 2024 as an International Women of Courage Awardee". "We call for an immediate and full investigation into the allegations of human rights abuses. We urge all countries in the region to hold to account those responsible for violating human rights, including torture," it tweeted. *BBC* *EU Vows To Defend Interests After Trump Threatens 50 Percent Tariffs* The European Union has said it will defend its interests after United States President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 50-percent tariff on all goods from the 27-member bloc. The EU’s top trade official, Maros Sefcovic, said in a post on X that he spoke on Friday with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on the issue. "The EU is fully engaged, committed to securing a deal that works for both," he said, adding that the EU Commission remains ready to work in good faith towards an agreement. "EU-US trade is unmatched and must be guided by mutual respect, not threats. We stand ready to defend our interests." Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that he is "recommending" a huge 50 percent duty on the EU starting on June 1 since talks with them "are going nowhere". Speaking later in the Oval Office, the Republican president emphasised that he was not seeking a deal with the EU but might delay the tariffs if more European companies made major investments in the US. "I’m not looking for a deal," Trump told the reporters. "We’ve set the deal. It’s at 50 percent." European leaders warned the tariffs will hurt both sides. German economy minister Katherina Reiche said everything must be done "to ensure that the European Commission reaches a negotiated solution with the United States" while French foreign minister Laurent Saint-Martin said the bloc prefers de-escalation but is "ready to respond". If implemented, the tariffs would mean that the EU will have higher import taxes on its hundreds of billions worth of exported goods compared with China, which had its tariffs cut earlier this month to allow more negotiations between Washington, DC, and Beijing. In early April, Trump announced a 20 percent tariff on most EU goods but brought it down to 10 percent until July 8 to allow time for more negotiations. Trump has complained that existing frameworks are "unfair" to US companies as the European bloc sells more goods to its ally than it buys from it. Trump on Friday also warned that the US tech giant Apple could also be hit with a 25 percent import tax on all iPhones not manufactured but sold in the US. His announcements online dealt another blow to stock markets both in the US and in the EU, with the S&P 500 down about 0.8 percent and the pan-European STOXX 600 index falling about 1.2 percent. *Aljazeera* *Ukraine Says 15 People Hurt In 'Massive' Russian Attack On Kyiv* Russia launched dozens of drones and ballistic missiles at Kyiv overnight in one of the biggest combined aerial attacks on the Ukrainian capital of the three-year war, damaging several apartment buildings and injuring 15 people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in a social media post it had been a "tough night" for Ukraine, and called for new international sanctions to pressure Moscow into agreeing to a ceasefire. In the early hours of the morning, Reuters witnesses saw and heard successive waves of drones flying over Kyiv, and a series of explosions jolted the city. The capital also reverberated with the sound of anti-aircraft batteries trying to bring down the drones. Pictures from Reuters photographers showed an orange-red glow lighting up the city as plumes of smoke blew across the horizon. On the top floor of one apartment building, smoke and flames billowed out of a balcony window as firefighters tried to approach. By daybreak, government officials reported damage in six districts of the Ukrainian capital, and a total so far of 15 people wounded. Three required hospitalisation. Two of the injured were children, the officials said. The Kyiv city military administration described it as one of the most massive combined drone and missile attacks of the war. The attacks come as U.S. President Donald Trump is encouraging Russia and Ukraine to sit down for ceasefire talks to end the war, but has pushed back against a European plan to impose new sanctions on Russia. Halyna Tatarchuk, a 63-year-old pensioner, was in her apartment when a drone hit the building. She and her husband were in the corridor, away from the windows. "That saved us," she said. She fled to a bomb shelter at a nearby school, then at daylight returned to inspect the damage. All the windows of her apartment were smashed, and the floor was covered in fragments of glass. "I'd like Trump to see this," she said, standing in her kitchen. "What's he doing? Can he really not see this? ...It's the destruction of a people, they are just destroying us," she said, referring to the Russian military. In the street below her third-floor windows, trees had been splintered by the blast and car windows were smashed. Municipal workers were using a mini-excavator to clear up debris from the ground. *Reuters* *UN Chief Says Gaza Entering ‘Cruellest Phase’ Of War As Palestinians Starve* Palestinians in Gaza are enduring "what may be the cruellest phase of this cruel conflict," says the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, warning that Israel’s escalating military campaign and prolonged blockade have pushed the population to the brink of famine. "For nearly 80 days, Israel blocked the entry of life-saving international aid," Guterres said in a statement on Friday, condemning the scale of human suffering. "The entire population of Gaza is facing the risk of famine." Although Israel has allowed only several hundred trucks to cross into Gaza this week following a partial easing of its 11-week siege, Guterres described the flow of supplies as woefully insufficient. "All the aid authorised until now amounts to a teaspoon of aid when a flood of assistance is required," he said. The UN chief said the Israeli campaign has intensified with "atrocious levels of death and destruction," while access for humanitarian groups remains dangerous and erratic. "Eighty percent of Gaza has been either declared an Israeli militarised zone or is under evacuation orders," he noted. "Without rapid, reliable, safe and sustained aid access, more people will die – and the long-term consequences on the entire population will be profound," Guterres told reporters in New York. In Gaza, Palestinians are struggling on a daily basis to "find food and drinking water, and still queueing for hours in front of whatever is left of the operational local community kitchens that are providing only a tiny amount of food for a hungry population," said Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud, reporting from Gaza City. Israel claims about 300 trucks have entered Gaza since Monday through the Karem Abu Salem crossing, known as Kerem Shalom to Israelis, but the UN says only a third of those deliveries have reached warehouses inside the enclave due to security constraints and chaos on the ground. The figure is far short of the more than 500 trucks that entered Gaza daily before the start of Israel’s war on Gaza in October 2023. A new United States-backed delivery mechanism – run by the newly established Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) – is expected to take over aid distribution by the end of the month. Under the plan, private contractors would escort supplies to secure hubs, where civilian teams would handle distribution. But the UN has refused to participate, saying the scheme does not meet basic humanitarian standards. "The United Nations has been clear: we will not take part in any scheme that fails to respect international law and the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality," Guterres said. He stressed that the UN already has the infrastructure to respond. "The supplies – 160,000 pallets, enough to fill nearly 9,000 trucks – are waiting," he said. "This is my appeal for life-saving aid for the long-suffering people of Gaza: let’s do it right. And let’s do it right away." *Aljazeera* *Bashir Takes Six To Seal England Win Over Zimbabwe* Shoaib Bashir's six-wicket haul broke Zimbabwe's feisty resistance and led England to victory by an innings and 45 runs inside three days of the one-off Test. Off-spinner Bashir claimed 6-81 at Trent Bridge, his best figures in Test cricket, to dismiss the tourists for 255 in their second innings. As a tune-up for the challenge of India to come later this summer, the home side were not wholly impressive, particularly their seam bowling on the third morning. On a lifeless surface, England collectively lacked penetration and were often loose, allowing Sean Williams to tuck in for 88 from 82 balls. He added 122 for the third wicket with fellow left-hander Ben Curran, who survived two catch attempts and overturned being given lbw in his 37. Bashir removed both either side of lunch. Although Sikandar Raza made 60, England chipped away at the other end. The undoubted highlight was Harry Brook's spectacular catch at second slip to remove Wesley Madhevere, Ben Stokes' third wicket of the match on his return from hamstring surgery. Bashir mopped up the tail. Already in this match, the 21-year-old had become the youngest England bowler to 50 Test wickets and this performance made him only the fourth to have three five-wicket hauls before the age of 22. This was England's first Test in five months, a curtain-raiser for the marquee series against India and Australia. Even though there were moments when this meandered like a pre-season friendly, there were still positives for England to take. England's 565-5 declared in the first innings included much-needed centuries for Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope. Bashir took a career-best nine wickets in the match and, crucially, Stokes looked fit enough to play a full role as an all-rounder. There were times when the pace bowlers struggled, albeit in benign conditions. Sam Cook, on debut, did little to suggest England were wrong to overlook his strong domestic form for so long and Gus Atkinson was largely unthreatening. Josh Tongue, in his first Test for almost two years, was occasionally lively. England can ponder their pace options for India, especially with Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse returning. A bigger decision will be whether to recall Jacob Bethell, and for whom. A white-ball series against West Indies, under new captain Brook, begins on Thursday. Then come the 10 Tests that will define the tenure of Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum. *BBC* *Ronaldo 'Could Play' In Club World Cup: Infantino* Fifa president Gianni Infantino has claimed "there are discussions" over Cristiano Ronaldo playing at the Club World Cup this summer. Ronaldo's club, Al-Nassr of the Saudi Pro League, failed to qualify for the expanded 32-team tournament in the United States. But Infantino says the 40-year-old Portugal forward, who is out of contract this summer, could still feature in the new-look event. During an interview with YouTuber and streamer IShowSpeed, Infantino talked about Ronaldo's great rival Lionel Messi playing in the tournament's opening game on 14 June for his Inter Miami side. He then added: "And Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup. "There are discussions with some clubs, so if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup... who knows, who knows." Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2022 after leaving Manchester United mid-season and the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's contract expires on 30 June. This year's Club World Cup will be the first to be played in the summer and the first to feature more than eight teams. World football's governing body Fifa has therefore introduced an additional transfer window from 1-10 June, allowing clubs to complete deals in time for the tournament. Spanish newspaper Marca, external reported last weekend that an unnamed Brazilian club had made an offer to Ronaldo. Botafogo are one of four Brazilian teams to have qualified and their coach Renato Paiva was asked about Ronaldo, external last Sunday. He laughed before saying: "Christmas is only in December. But if he came, you can't say no to a star like that. "I don't know anything - I'm just answering the question. But, as I said, coaches always want the best. Ronaldo, even at his age, is still a goal-scoring machine. In a team that creates chance after chance, he would be good." Botafogo are owned by American businessman John Textor, who also holds a majority stake in Crystal Palace. Ronaldo won the Champions League four times during nine seasons with Real Madrid before joining Juventus in 2018. Real and Juve are among the 12 European clubs that have qualified, which includes Premier League teams Chelsea and Manchester City. Between them either Ronaldo or Messi won the Ballon d'Or from 2008 to 2017, before Messi won it three more times to give the Argentine forward, 37, a record eight wins. Messi's Inter Miami are in the same group as Egypt's Al Ahly, Portuguese side Porto and Brazilian club Palmeiras. *BBC*