ZiMetro News

ZiMetro News

5/17/2025, 12:21:40 PM

*Parents Demand Action Over Kumalo Primary Head Amid Embezzlement Allegations* Concerned parents and guardians at Kumalo Primary School in Bulawayo are pressing for immediate action from education authorities following the continued presence of the school’s headmistress, Stella Mhlanga, despite facing serious allegations of financial misconduct. Mhlanga and four other staff members were arrested on 14 April 2025 after a government audit—prompted by concerns raised by the School Development Committee (SDC)—uncovered alleged embezzlement of school funds. The financial discrepancies were first flagged in February, leading to the probe. Although charges have been laid and bail proceedings are scheduled for 28 May 2025, Mhlanga remains in her role, sparking frustration among parents who say her continued leadership undermines accountability. “It’s unacceptable that someone facing such serious accusations is still running the school,” said one parent, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal. “She should have been suspended pending the outcome of the case.” Another parent echoed the sentiment, stressing the importance of transparency and ethical leadership in education. “It sends the wrong message to pupils and the community. We expect better from those entrusted with our children’s learning,” the parent said. Bulawayo’s Provincial Education Director, Bernard Mazambani, confirmed that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has initiated disciplinary action. “We are conducting our own internal investigations, separate from the criminal process. In fact, there are two cases underway. One involves charges already laid against Mhlanga, and the other concerns financial mismanagement reported by the SDC,” he explained. Mazambani noted that the province had recommended Mhlanga’s suspension during the investigation. However, the final decision was reversed by higher authorities within the Ministry. He added that an investigation team from Matabeleland North recently visited the school and met with the SDC and staff linked to the case—Mhlanga did not attend that meeting. This is not Mhlanga’s first brush with controversy. In August 2024, she was suspended and replaced by deputy head Eneles Sibanda while disciplinary hearings were pending. Oddly, she was reinstated on 4 September 2024, even before the initial suspension period ended. Her scheduled hearing on 29 August was never held after the presiding official, Lameck Mudyiwa, failed to appear. Further back, in 2021, Mhlanga drew national attention when an explicit photo believed to be of her appeared on her WhatsApp status. Though she quickly deleted the image, it had already been widely circulated. Following a police probe, she was arrested and her Samsung Galaxy Note (model N910F) was examined by cybercrime experts in Bulawayo, who found four pornographic images on the device. She was charged under Section 26 of the Censorship and Entertainment Control Act [Chapter 10:04], which deals with the possession of prohibited content. However, she was acquitted in April 2022, after arguing that the phone previously belonged to her sister in South Africa and had been reset before she received it. Magistrate Marygold Ndlovu ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove its case. Despite this acquittal, the string of controversies has led to renewed calls for accountability, with many parents now urging the Ministry to act swiftly and decisively in the interest of transparency and restoring trust in school leadership. Join Our WhatsApp Channel - https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VayakkT60eBljXo25N2V

ZiMetro News

5/17/2025, 12:07:49 PM

*Government Admits Health Workers Are Underpaid and Undersupported* Harare, Zimbabwe – The government has acknowledged the difficult working and living conditions faced by Zimbabwe’s healthcare workers, including doctors and nurses, many of whom are underpaid and lack access to adequate housing and transportation. This admission came during a visit by Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals on Friday, 16 May. The minister was accompanied by Deputy Minister Sleiman Kwidini, Permanent Secretary Aspect Maunganidze, and other senior officials. The visit aimed to engage directly with hospital staff and gain first-hand insight into the challenges they are grappling with. Speaking to the media after his meeting with personnel ranging from frontline nurses to senior administrators, Dr. Mombeshora said: “Their salaries are clearly insufficient. They’re struggling with transport, housing, and workplace conditions. We’re now exploring possible interventions, including improving allowances to help ease their burden.” The minister said his visit was prompted by a report from the Secretariat of Health and Welfare at Parirenyatwa, which highlighted growing dissatisfaction among staff. While those concerns had been relayed through formal channels, Dr. Mombeshora said he preferred to hear directly from the affected workers: “Although the issues had already been escalated to senior levels, I felt it was important to engage with the staff personally. I operate an open-door policy and welcome feedback from all employees, regardless of their position.” During the visit, Mombeshora urged health professionals to avoid airing grievances on social media, emphasizing the importance of direct communication with the ministry to ensure matters are handled appropriately. To address the immediate accommodation shortage, the minister revealed that the government is planning to construct staff flats at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, where land is available. In the long term, he said, the goal is to build individual houses for healthcare professionals. On the issue of salaries, he noted that the Health Service Commission is working on measures to improve remuneration for medical personnel. He also indicated that many of the staff’s concerns could be addressed in the upcoming Mid-Term Budget Review, to be presented by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube. “These concerns are legitimate,” Mombeshora concluded. “We are committed to finding practical solutions to support the vital work our health professionals do every day.” https://zimetro.co.zw/government-admits-health-workers-are-underpaid-and-undersupported/

ZiMetro News

5/26/2025, 8:58:56 AM

*Mnangagwa signs law compelling motorists to buy radio licences* HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed into law a contentious measure requiring motorists to purchase a radio licence before they can renew their vehicle licences, a move expected to generate tens of millions annually for the cash-strapped Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC). The new law, published in General Notice 1034 of 2025 in the latest Government Gazette dated 23 May 2025, states: “The following law, which was assented to by His Excellency the President, is published in terms of section 131(6)(a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe – Broadcasting Services Amendment Act (No. 2 of 2025).” Motorists must now present a valid ZBC radio licence or exemption certificate when applying for vehicle registration, insurance, or licence renewal. With radio licences pegged at US$30 per quarter or US$120 per year, and around 800,000 vehicles renewing annually according to the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA), ZBC could collect at least US$96 million per year. If all 1.2 million registered vehicles complied, revenue could exceed US$144 million. The amendment has drawn sharp criticism from motorists and opposition groups, who accuse ZBC of serving as a propaganda mouthpiece for Zanu PF. Critics say the new law unfairly penalises ordinary citizens. “The amendment is an unreasonable burden on the average motorist,” said car owner Lazarus Bhebhe. “My radio, like many imported from Japan, can’t even receive local stations.” Another motorist, Lucky Makomo, added: “It’s absurd to pay for a service we can’t use.”. ZBC has previously launched aggressive enforcement campaigns demanding licence fees even from car owners whose radios are either non-functional or incompatible with local broadcasting standards. The broadcaster has long relied on licence fees and state bailouts amid its failure to commercialise its monopoly. ZBC’s bias in favour of Zanu PF has been consistently cited by international observer missions monitoring Zimbabwe’s elections, fueling calls for reform.

ZiMetro News

5/17/2025, 8:46:24 PM

*Repeated Fires in Mbare Trigger Concerns Over Sabotage of Informal Traders* A massive fire tore through Mbare’s Magaba industrial area late last night, inflicting severe losses on Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) traders and raising fresh suspicions of arson. The blaze, which destroyed essential tools and goods, has once again plunged local entrepreneurs into economic despair—amid growing calls for government intervention. Traders watched helplessly as their workshops and wares—grinders, fridges, drills, and plumbing materials—were reduced to ash. For many, the fire wiped out their only means of income. “I lost everything,” one distraught trader told ZBC News. “I had just restocked. Now I’m left with nothing. This was how I survived.” Another trader echoed the sentiment: “The fire came just after I brought in new stock. I stood there and watched it all disappear into flames. It’s beyond heartbreaking.” A visibly shaken woman added, “I earned a living here to feed and clothe my children. I have no idea what comes next.” Chairperson of the Mukuvisi Manufacturing Traders Association, Mr. Christopher Makopa, said initial estimates place the value of the destroyed property at around US$15,000. He applauded the fire brigade’s rapid response, which he said prevented even greater destruction. “The incident is tragic for all traders involved,” Makopa said. “Had the fire brigade not responded as quickly as they did, the damage would have been far worse.” While the cause of the blaze is yet to be determined, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) National Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed that an investigation is currently underway in coordination with the fire department. “We are working closely with the Fire Brigade to determine what triggered the fire in Mbare,” said Commissioner Nyathi. However, the frequency of such fires in Mbare—Zimbabwe’s largest informal trading hub—has begun to raise red flags. Last year’s fire at the Mbare Musika vegetable market, which led to large-scale government-led reconstruction efforts, remains fresh in the minds of residents and observers. In light of repeated incidents targeting key informal trading zones, questions are mounting about possible foul play and sabotage. The destruction of infrastructure that sustains low-income livelihoods has prompted growing suspicions that these are not accidental events but potentially deliberate acts aimed at destabilizing informal economic actors. Observers are calling for a thorough forensic investigation into the latest blaze, with some suggesting that political or economic motives may be behind the repeated targeting of strategic trading areas. There is increasing talk within ruling party circles of a more direct ZANU PF intervention in securing, rebuilding, and potentially modernizing informal markets. Party insiders argue that this would not only safeguard informal traders but also restore order and accountability to spaces long plagued by poor infrastructure, lawlessness, and fire hazards. Whether accidental or not, the Magaba fire may serve as a catalyst for decisive state involvement, especially as authorities weigh long-term solutions for the safety and formalization of informal trade in high-risk zones. As affected traders wait for answers and assistance, the spotlight now turns to the findings of the police investigation—and whether the government will step in once again to rebuild and restructure Mbare’s vital trading ecosystem. Join Our WhatsApp Channel - https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VayakkT60eBljXo25N2V

ZiMetro News

5/17/2025, 11:57:59 AM

*Popular Bouncer 'Mugo' Perishes in Borrowdale Road Accident* IN MEMORIAM 🕊️ Sensei Mugove “Mugo” Muhambi (1980s–2025) Karateka • Fitness Coach • Mentor • Actor Beloved Martial Artist and Community Leader Dies in Borrowdale Crash HARARE — Zimbabwe is in mourning following the tragic death of renowned karate instructor and fitness trainer Sensei Mugove Muhambi, who passed away in a fatal road accident on the morning of Saturday, 17 May 2025. According to reports from The Herald, the crash occurred at approximately 7:00 AM near St George’s College along Borrowdale Road. Sensei Mugo was driving a Honda Fit when the vehicle veered into the opposite lane and collided head-on with a Toyota GD6. He died instantly at the scene. An eyewitness told ZBC News that the Honda Fit appeared to be speeding before it suddenly crossed into oncoming traffic. A Life Shaped by Discipline and Purpose Sensei Mugo, as he was widely known, was born into a large, athletic family. One of seven siblings, he followed in the footsteps of his late elder brother, Elson Muhambi, a professional boxer under Mau Mau Boxing. Mugo began his martial arts journey in primary school, first training in Seido Kan karate under Shihan Misheck Chiwayo before committing to the rigorous, full-contact Kyokushin style under Shihan Tendayi Marange. His dedication saw him rise to the rank of 4th Dan black belt and become a Kyokushin Kan branch chief in Zimbabwe. In 2016, he was elected Vice President of the Zimbabwe Karate Union, marking his contribution to the national development of the sport. In addition to his martial arts career, Sensei Mugo was a respected fitness coach, training many across Harare to pursue discipline, wellness, and self-improvement. He also took his talents to the screen, acting as "Zola" in a ZBC drama series — a role that endeared him to many outside the sports community. Tributes Pour In News of Sensei Mugo’s untimely passing has sparked widespread grief. Friends, students, colleagues, and public figures have taken to social media to honour his legacy. Advocate Fadzayi Mahere, a prominent lawyer and public figure, posted a heartfelt tribute along with a gym photo of the two, writing: "A mentor, a motivator, a gentle warrior. Your energy lifted us all. Rest in power, Sensei Mugo." Other tributes followed: @PTChimusoro: "Tashorter. May he rest well. His vibe will never be forgotten. He’s taken the last upper cut, left hook!" @tapera_david: "Heartbroken 💔 Sensei Mugo. A great teacher. Inspired us to push our limits. His impact on the community will never be forgotten. My deepest condolences to his family and all who knew him. 🙏🏻💔 MHDSRIEP." @ossymassy23: "So sad, may his soul rest in peace." A Legacy That Lives Beyond the Mat Sensei Mugove Muhambi leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, humility, and empowerment. Through martial arts and fitness, he uplifted thousands and inspired a generation to find strength through discipline. As Zimbabwe bids farewell to a national treasure, his teachings and spirit will endure — not just in karate dojos or gyms, but in the lives he touched with compassion, strength, and unwavering dedication. 🥋 Rest in peace, Sensei. Oss. 🕯️ Join Our WhatsApp Channel - https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VayakkT60eBljXo25N2V

ZiMetro News

5/17/2025, 9:07:10 PM

*Concerns Mount Over Lack of Transparency in Geo Pomona’s National Rollout* Geo Pomona Waste Management, the company at the center of a contentious deal to manage Harare’s waste, has revealed plans to expand its operations across Zimbabwe’s provinces—despite having no formal agreements with local authorities outside the capital. The company’s executive chairman and CEO, Dilesh Nguwaya, announced the ambitious expansion during a recent visit to Belarus, where Geo Pomona signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Belarusian government to acquire waste management trucks and equipment, reportedly under a Zimbabwe government-facilitated deal. “We’re scaling up what we started in Harare to the rest of the country,” Nguwaya said, emphasizing that the goal is to oversee solid waste collection across all ten provinces. “Geo Pomona is stepping up to manage waste nationally.” However, critics say the move raises red flags—primarily because the company has not secured contracts with other local councils, and because the rollout appears to be proceeding without public tenders, thanks to what Nguwaya described as “Cabinet authority” granted in 2022. Geo Pomona’s entry into the waste sector was controversial from the outset. The company was awarded a 30-year contract by the Ministry of Local Government in 2022 to run Harare’s Pomona waste site and convert garbage to energy. Under the deal, Harare was obligated to deliver a minimum of 550 tonnes of refuse daily in the first year—rising to 1,000 tonnes by 2027—with fixed payments running into tens of millions of US dollars annually, even if the city failed to meet delivery targets. The city council initially resisted the agreement, arguing it had not been involved in the procurement process. When Harare failed to pay the $40 per tonne charge imposed by Geo Pomona, the central government took over payments—deducting the funds from the city’s devolution budget, effectively redirecting public money to cover a deal it did not negotiate. Now, with a nationwide expansion on the horizon, observers fear that other municipalities may face similar bypassing of local governance structures, with central government potentially imposing the same model countrywide. Nguwaya, a known associate of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s son, was previously implicated in corruption allegations involving COVID-19 medical procurement through another of his companies, Drax International. Although the courts later cleared him of wrongdoing, the controversy continues to cast a shadow over his business dealings. Analysts warn that Geo Pomona’s expansion could mark the beginning of a centralized, non-transparent control over municipal services—sidestepping local authorities and competitive procurement. There are growing calls for clarity on how the company was awarded authority to roll out nationwide waste services, especially in the absence of council tenders or public consultations. “If local authorities are excluded from waste management decisions, it undermines the principles of devolution and local accountability,” said one urban governance expert. As new trucks and equipment are expected to arrive from Belarus in the coming months, Geo Pomona’s reach may soon extend far beyond Harare—raising critical questions about transparency, governance, and who ultimately benefits from Zimbabwe’s public service contracts. Join Our WhatsApp Channel - https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VayakkT60eBljXo25N2V

ZiMetro News

5/28/2025, 7:06:13 PM

*Gokwe Vendor Jailed After Forcibly Drawing Blood From Child To Test HIV Status* A 33-year-old vendor, Mavis Sibanda, has been found guilty of assault after a disturbing incident in which she forcibly drew blood from a young girl in an attempt to test her HIV status. The verdict was handed down by the Gokwe Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 28 May 2025. The National Prosecuting Authority confirmed the conviction, detailing that the assault took place on 26 May at approximately 10 AM at Sai Mart Supermarket, formerly known as Choppies, at Gokwe Centre. The NPA said: The offender called the victim over to her market stall and then requested the victim’s right forefinger, grabbed it, inserted a needle and drew a blood sample which she placed on an HIV testing kit. After the incident, the victim was left crying and she encountered two men who asked her why she was crying. Upon explaining what had taken place, the two men escorted the victim to her place of residence where they told the victim’s father what had transpired. A police report led to Sibanda’s arrest. She was convicted and sentenced to 24 months in prison. Join Our WhatsApp Channel - https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VayakkT60eBljXo25N2V

ZiMetro News

5/27/2025, 5:24:51 AM

🌱 Seed Co 85th Anniversary Scholarships now open! ___________________________ Applicants must be African citizens pursuing a degree in an agricultural field, such as: 🌾 Agronomy 🐄 Animal Science 🌻 Horticulture ⚙️ Agricultural Engineering 🌱 Sustainable Agriculture ___________________________ Eligibility: ✅ Citizens/residents of Seed Co operating countries ✅ Enrolled in full-time undergraduate/graduate programs ✅ Passionate about agriculture & in financial need ___________________________ Benefits include: 💰 Stipends 🎓 Educational support 🌍 Impactful careers ___________________________ ⏰ Deadline: June 30, 2025 🔗 For more info, visit https://lnkd.in/gvrFB62S

ZiMetro News

5/17/2025, 12:01:42 PM

*ZACC Disowns Fake Anti-Smuggling Operations on Highways* The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has issued a public alert disassociating itself from unauthorized individuals conducting bogus anti-smuggling operations while falsely claiming to represent the commission. In a statement released on 15 May 2025, ZACC made it clear that it is not participating in any anti-smuggling initiatives on the country’s roads and condemned those involved in these unlawful activities. “These individuals are impersonating ZACC officers and setting up fake highway operations under the guise of law enforcement,” the commission said. “They are not only breaking the law but also scamming citizens out of money through intimidation and extortion, all while harming the credibility of legitimate security institutions.” The Commission strongly urged these individuals to stop immediately, warning that anyone found impersonating its officials would face arrest and prosecution. ZACC also issued a reminder to the public to remain alert and take steps to protect themselves, including: Always asking for official identification Refusing to pay bribes Reporting suspicious behavior to authorities Verifying the identity of those claiming to be ZACC agents For further inquiries or to report suspected cases of impersonation, the public can contact ZACC spokesperson Simiso Mlevu at +263 719 565 463 or via email at [email protected]. https://zimetro.co.zw/zacc-disowns-fake-anti-smuggling-operations-on-highways/

ZiMetro News

5/17/2025, 11:50:02 AM

*Prosecutor-General Urges Patience on High-Profile Corruption Cases* Prosecutor-General Justice Loyce Matanda-Moyo has called on Zimbabweans to exercise patience as state agencies handle complex corruption investigations involving prominent figures. During a meeting with the recently appointed Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) commissioners in Harare on Thursday, Matanda-Moyo emphasized that some high-profile cases require extensive time due to their intricate nature. She highlighted how drawn-out such investigations can be by referencing the case of Nigeria’s late President Sani Abacha, whose money laundering scandal took nearly 15 years to resolve. “High-profile cases are always handled without political interference,” she said. “They take time due to the complexity of the evidence involved. Once the investigations are complete, prosecutors proceed to court. The Abacha case is an example — it took over a decade to reach resolution. We ask Zimbabweans to be patient and allow the due process of investigations to unfold.” Despite these assurances, public confidence in Zimbabwe’s anti-corruption efforts remains low. Many citizens feel that those with political connections often escape accountability, fostering a growing perception that justice is selectively applied. The term “catch and release” has become a common expression of public frustration — referring to the frequent pattern where suspects are arrested or charged, only for the cases to quietly vanish before trial or conviction. One such case is that of Ezra Chadzamira, Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs, who was accused of illegally seizing land from a widow to build a private school. Though there appeared to be substantial evidence, the case was quietly removed from the court roll — a procedural move that often results in a case fading from public scrutiny unless it is reactivated. Another example is Hosiah Chisango, the former Harare Town Clerk, who faced corruption allegations related to questionable procurement practices. His case was eventually dismissed under unclear circumstances, raising doubts about the legal system’s independence. Prominent businessman Wicknell Chivayo has also been linked to multiple corruption allegations, including controversial government contracts and leaked recordings allegedly implicating him in bribery. Yet, he has consistently avoided prosecution, reinforcing perceptions of impunity for the politically connected. These instances have deepened public concern that Zimbabwe’s justice system applies different standards depending on one’s influence or affiliations — leaving ordinary citizens feeling powerless in the face of elite privilege. Join Our WhatsApp Channel - https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VayakkT60eBljXo25N2V