ZiMetro News

ZiMetro News

6/17/2025, 3:24:16 PM

Ex-minister Walter Mzembi will stand trial coming from prison after Harare magistrate Donald Ndirowei revoked his bail, finding him in wilful default after he skipped his trial back in 2018. Mzembi’s lawyers argued he was was undergoing cancer treatment. Trial continues July 1 Join Our WhatsApp Channel - https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VayakkT60eBljXo25N2V

ZiMetro News

6/17/2025, 1:08:16 PM

*Chivayo's US$439 Million Cancer Deal: A 'Presidential Scheme' or Public Plunder?* HARARE, ZIMBABWE – Prominent businessman and ZANU PF affiliate, Wicknell Chivayo, finds himself at the heart of another national controversy. A South African-registered entity, TTM Global Medical Exports (Pty) Ltd, which is reportedly linked to Chivayo, has been awarded a colossal US$439 million (approximately R7.9 billion) contract. The agreement is for the supply of crucial cancer treatment machines to various hospitals across Zimbabwe. Sources within the government suggest this substantial deal is part of a "presidential scheme aimed at providing cancer treatment equipment." However, the transaction is already drawing heavy criticism from various quarters, with many labelling it as another questionable arrangement involving the often flamboyant and contentious businessman. The contract, which ZiMetro News understands was purportedly signed by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Martin Rushwaya, outlines annual payments of US$109,320,600 (roughly R1.97 billion) to TTM Global over a four-year period. Of particular concern is the fact that TTM Global Medical Exports (Pty) Ltd was only incorporated in November 2024 – a mere seven months before securing this exceptionally lucrative health sector contract. Opposition politician and respected lawyer, Fadzayi Mahere, has publicly challenged Chivayo on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), raising a series of pointed questions: "Dear @wicknellchivayo, On what date did your South African company, TTM Global Medical Exports (Pty) Ltd, tender for the supply of cancer treatment equipment? Do you have a copy of the call for public tenders? Can you explain why the value of the contract is half a billion US dollars? On what basis was your company awarded the contract given that this company came into existence in November 2024, meaning that it is less than a year old? Why is the physical address of your company a hotel? Is it a briefcase company? Does your company manufacture cancer treatment equipment at Da Vinci Hotel and Suites?" Official records show that the company is registered at the Da Vinci Hotel and Suites in Sandton, Johannesburg. This location, a luxury hotel and shopping complex, is not known to house any medical equipment manufacturing facilities, further fueling suspicions surrounding the deal. As of the time of this report by ZiMetro News, Wicknell Chivayo has not issued any public response to the questions raised. This developing story continues to generate significant public interest and scrutiny. Chivayo's US$439 Million Cancer Deal: A 'Presidential Scheme' or Public Plunder? Join Our WhatsApp Channel - https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VayakkT60eBljXo25N2V

ZiMetro News

6/17/2025, 12:55:02 PM

*Escalation in Middle East: Iran Launches Fresh Strikes as Trump Denies Ceasefire Focu* Tensions in the Middle East have dramatically escalated as the fifth day of hostilities between Israel and Iran began with a new barrage of strikes launched by Iran. This comes amidst a backdrop of denial from US President Donald Trump, who refuted claims that his early departure from the G7 summit was specifically to pursue a ceasefire deal. ZiMetro News has learned that US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning, calling for the immediate evacuation of all residents from Tehran. This urgent directive followed closely on the heels of Israeli forces advising residents in parts of north-eastern Tehran to vacate their areas in anticipation of targeted strikes on what they identified as "military infrastructure." These significant announcements underscore the deepening conflict between Iran and Israel, now entering its fifth day, with both nations continuing to exchange strikes and no immediate signs of de-escalation. Overnight, reports from Tehran indicated widespread explosions and intense air defence activity. Iranian state media confirmed that Israeli airstrikes had indeed hit the capital, with a direct strike reportedly impacting the country’s state-run television station during a live broadcast, plunging it into darkness. On Monday, Iran initiated a pre-dawn missile assault on Israel, which tragically resulted in the deaths of at least eight people. This act prompted further retaliatory strikes from Israel throughout the day. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted on Monday that the ongoing strikes have significantly set back Iran's nuclear program by "years." He also confirmed daily communication with President Trump, who had unexpectedly left the G7 summit in Canada. While initial reports suggested Trump's early exit was to focus on a ceasefire agreement in Washington, the US President has since publicly denied this specific purpose. ZiMetro News continues to monitor this rapidly unfolding situation, bringing our readers the latest updates and reactions from the region and around the world as these dramatic events unfold in the Middle East. Join Our WhatsApp Channel - https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VayakkT60eBljXo25N2V

ZiMetro News

6/17/2025, 12:37:35 PM

*Harare Councillors Clash Over Retirement Age Extension to 70* Harare, Zimbabwe – ZiMetro News can exclusively report on a brewing storm within the City of Harare council chambers, where councillors are at loggerheads over a contentious proposal to extend the mandatory retirement age for municipal workers to 70 years. The capital’s local authority finds itself in a heated internal debate following its adoption of a national directive that raises the compulsory retirement age. This policy shift has ignited significant concerns among some council members, who argue that it creates a disadvantage for both senior employees and the city’s burgeoning unemployed youth population. During a recent full council meeting, officials reviewed a human resources report which formally incorporated the national mandate. This move comes on the heels of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s statutory instrument, which extended the retirement threshold for public sector workers, including those employed by local government entities. Councillor Denford Ngadziore (Ward 16) emerged as a prominent voice of opposition, strongly asserting that municipal authorities should not automatically rubber-stamp every directive issued by the central government. “This decision directly impacts youth opportunities,” Ngadziore emphatically stated to ZiMetro News. “We have countless university graduates who have been waiting for decades to secure employment, while we continuously extend the service periods of current employees.” The councillor highlighted the council’s steadily increasing retirement policy over the years: “We’ve moved from 55 to 60, then 65, and now 70. Where does it end? Soon we’ll be discussing 75 or 80 years as the retirement age.” Ngadziore also raised poignant concerns regarding senior workers who are still performing physically demanding roles. “It’s troubling to see elderly employees climbing onto tipper trucks,” he noted. “We must respect their right to a dignified retirement and the enjoyment of their pension, just as we protect against child labor.” In contrast, Councillor George Mujajati, who chairs the Council’s Human Resources Committee, confirmed the directive’s adoption. “We’ve formally accepted the government policy and are currently executing the implementation process,” Mujajati stated. The contentious debate is set to continue as Harare grapples with the delicate balance between adhering to national directives and addressing the realities of its local workforce, including the pressing needs of generational employment. ZiMetro News will continue to follow this story closely as councillors seek to reach a consensus on whether the retirement age will ultimately be increased or not. Join Our WhatsApp Channel - https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VayakkT60eBljXo25N2V

ZiMetro News

6/17/2025, 12:36:50 PM

*RBZ Halts Gold Coin Sales After “Mop-Up” Exercise* The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has officially halted the sale of the country’s gold coins, effective immediately. This move marks the successful conclusion of a “mop-up” initiative designed to clear existing stock, as confirmed by the central bank. In a statement issued on June 16, 2025, RBZ Governor Dr. John Mushayavanhu clarified that this suspension is the culmination of a successful clearance sale, not the recommencement of new gold coin minting, which ceased in April 2024. “The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe wishes to advise the transacting public that the mop-up sale of gold coins has been suspended, with immediate effect, following the successful completion of the exercise,” Dr. Mushayavanhu stated. He further explained, “This was a sale meant to clear remaining stock and not the minting of new gold coins which had been suspended in April 2024. The latest round of gold coin sales also included coins redeemed by holders.” The gold coins were initially introduced by the RBZ in July 2022 as a strategic store of value to counter high inflation and the depreciating Zimbabwe dollar. Their price was directly linked to international gold prices, with an added margin for handling costs. The central bank assured the public that gold coins currently in circulation remain valid financial instruments. Holders are still able to trade or redeem them. “The Reserve Bank further advises that future gold coin sales will be undertaken upon accumulation of a sizeable quantity from redemptions,” Dr. Mushayavanhu added. These coins, purchasable with either Zimbabwe dollars or foreign currency, played a crucial role in the nation’s monetary policy by absorbing excess liquidity in the market. While the RBZ did not release specific figures for the total number of gold coins sold during this recent mop-up phase, previous reports indicated sales exceeding 35,000 units, valued at over ZW$30 billion (approximately R1.4 billion). The RBZ reiterated its dedication to fostering financial stability, promising to introduce new financial instruments to encourage savings. “The Reserve Bank would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to continuously avail alternative financial market instruments to promote savings, as well as achieve its monetary policy objectives,” Dr. Mushayavanhu concluded. This significant announcement comes as the central bank maintains stringent monetary controls, especially following the launch of the new structured currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), in April 2025.

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, 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

5/17/2025, 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

5/26/2025, 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.