*FOR DAILY NEWS UPDATES* *_Join our Group:_* https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ik7izhIMNFeIcsFtsqIW1w *TO ADVERTISE WITH WAZO ADVERTS* *_WhatsApp:_* wa.me/263776804293 *_We have a market reach of over 400,000 Zimbabweans._* — — — — — — — — — — — — *_EVENING NEWS | 8 FEBRUARY 2025_* *1.* It's your own fault – Zanu PF blames ‘mismanagement’ for businesses shutting down across the country *2.* Former Zengeza MP Job Sikhala whilst having private meeting *3.* Cybersecurity threat – Econet hit by ‘data breach’ as hacker threatens to sell customer database *4.* US$100 daily allowances on top of salary – Scottland FC sets new standard in Zimbabwe football *5.* Duo arrested for defrauding car importers of US$20,000 *6.* Nephew pours beer on his uncle then beats him up *7.* Man steals US$5,000 hidden in woman's shoe *8.* Midlands man jailed for 20 years for murder *_FULL ARTICLES BELOW_* _[Note: These News Articles were Compiled and Distributed by Wazo Adverts. Source is Credited at the End of Each Article.]_ 1. *IT'S YOUR OWN FAULT – ZANU PF BLAMES ‘MISMANAGEMENT’ FOR BUSINESSES SHUTTING DOWN ACROSS THE COUNTRY* Zimbabweans are reeling after the ruling Zanu PF party claimed that mismanagement is to blame for the closure of several businesses across the country. This statement comes after numerous well-established retail outlets shut down, citing the increasingly difficult operating environment in the country. While Zanu PF insists that the cause lies with business owners’ poor management, the public response has been one of anger and disbelief, with many pointing to the broader economic issues at play. *Poor management claims from Zanu PF* Zanu PF has distanced itself from the mounting number of business closures, rejecting accusations that the country’s economic turmoil is to blame. Farai Marapira, the party’s Director of Information, made a bold claim during an interview on ZiFM, stating that the closures were primarily caused by poor management at the helm of these businesses. Marapira insisted that the government’s role was not to blame, stating; “The businesses closing down are a result of poor management, and not a problem caused by the party or government. We have made efforts to create a conducive environment for business growth.” He added that the party has worked tirelessly to implement policies to stimulate the economy, asserting that the blame for the closures should be placed squarely on the shoulders of business owners who, in his view, failed to manage their operations effectively. However, Marapira’s comments have sparked widespread backlash. Many Zimbabweans believe that the party’s response conveniently deflects attention from the underlying problems plaguing the economy, including inflation, currency instability, and the lack of consistent power supply. The government’s failure to address these systemic issues has left businesses in a state of constant struggle. *Zimbabweans voice outrage* On social media, Zimbabweans have been quick to express their discontent with Zanu PF’s dismissal of the economic hardships faced by business owners. Critics argue that it is impossible to ignore the fact that the economic landscape has drastically changed in recent years, making it much harder for companies to remain afloat. Karl (@ckwaraz), a social media user, expressed his dismay, calling Marapira’s comments “absolute nonsense.” He added; “Even when you are employed to do propaganda, you still need to have some shame.” Karl’s tweet reflected the widespread sentiment among many Zimbabweans who feel that the ruling party is attempting to downplay its own role in the country’s economic challenges. Kudai Mutisi (@KMutisi), a prominent Zanu PF activist, pointed out the flaws in the party’s reasoning, adding; “Folks, you have one country & you have one life, STOP defending the RUINOUS and outright SENSELESS policies.” Mutisi went on to question how management could have “suddenly become poor after all these years” of successful operation for many of the businesses now closing down. Further fueling the outrage, social media users pointed to the government’s poor economic policies as the real cause behind the closures. Many believe that the policies, such as those implemented by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, have exacerbated the situation, driving businesses to the brink of collapse. “The management SUDDENLY became poor after all these years?” questioned Mutisi. “There are natural ‘environments’, then there are man-made ones… you can’t make dumb policies and then demand businesses to keep adapting.” *The competition on the pavement* Setfree Nherera Mafukidze (@cdesetfree) highlighted a critical issue that is often overlooked by Zanu PF – The rise of informal businesses that are now directly competing with formal retail outlets. Street vending and informal markets have become commonplace across Zimbabwe’s cities, leading to a sharp increase in competition for formal retailers. Many businesses that were once thriving have seen their customers divert to cheaper options sold by street vendors. “Zimbabwe has been turned into an informal economy with the mushrooming of tuckshops down town and even street vending of groceries,” Mafukidze remarked, noting that these informal traders have the advantage of lower overhead costs compared to large retailers. Without the burdens of paying rent, utilities, or salaries, these vendors can offer products at lower prices, which has made it increasingly difficult for traditional shops to compete. This shift has had a particularly devastating impact on well-established businesses such as OK Zimbabwe, Bata, and others, which now find themselves struggling against these informal competitors. According to Mafukidze; “Now you have people selling exactly the same products as those sold in these shops and at these shops’ doorsteps.” He further explained that informal vendors now dominate the areas right outside major retail outlets, driving customers away with their competitive pricing. Mafukidze argued that Zanu PF’s leadership is out of touch with the realities faced by business owners, adding, “Marapira should think better, the country is sunk because of poor economic policies, people are jobless and as a result they become the competition to formal retail businesses.” *A long history of economic struggles* The closure of businesses in Zimbabwe is nothing new. In fact, the country’s economy has been on a downward spiral for close to a decade, with many prominent companies either downsizing or shutting down entirely due to the worsening economic conditions. Major companies such as Standard Chartered, Barclays Bank, and Unilever have already pulled out of the Zimbabwean market in recent years, citing the volatile economy as a primary factor in their decisions. Luther Malcom Hove (@Luther_Hove), pointed out the long history of business closures, stating; “More than 50 businesses have closed shop since the 2017 coup and suddenly you think it’s poor management!” Hove’s comment reflects the frustration felt by many who see the government’s response as an attempt to rewrite the history of the country’s economic decline. “OK has been operating in Zimbabwe for more than 60 years then all of a sudden they fail to manage their business? How have they operated?” Hove continued, referencing the retail chain OK Zimbabwe. “This isn’t new. It’s been sector by sector. Started with parastatals. NRZ, Air ZIM, ZISCO etc. Apply your logic, management failure to NRZ, Air Zim.” Hove’s statement emphasised the systemic nature of Zimbabwe’s economic decline, which has impacted both state-owned and private companies. *_-iHarare_* 2. *FORMER ZENGEZA MP JOB SIKHALA WHILST HAVING PRIVATE MEETING* Former Zengeza Member of Parliament Job Sikhala has been arrested in Mutare. Sikhala together with 40 others were arrested a few minutes ago at a venue where they were having a private meeting. Apparently, Sikhala has been arrested several times for allegedly plotting to protest against the government and most cases found not guilty. He recently spent more than 500 days behind bars, with the courts denying him bail. More details to follow… *_-ZwNews_* 3. *CYBERSECURITY THREAT – ECONET HIT BY ‘DATA BREACH’ AS HACKER THREATENS TO SELL CUSTOMER DATABASE* Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, one of the country’s leading telecommunications providers, has reportedly fallen victim to a significant data breach. A threat actor claims to be selling a database containing the personal information of 852,791 Econet customers. The leaked data allegedly includes full names, email addresses, physical addresses, Twitter handles, mobile numbers, and potentially more sensitive information. This breach, if confirmed, could have far-reaching consequences for both the company and its customers. *Details of the alleged breach* The threat actor announced the breach on a popular hacking forum, BreachForums, claiming to have access to Econet’s customer database. A screenshot of the threat message was shared by FalconFeeds.io, a reputable cybersecurity alert service, on X (formerly Twitter). The message reads: “Hello BreachForums Community, Today, I am selling the database econet.co.zw Breach. Data breach: 13/1/2025. Data contains: 852,791 customer [records].” *Econet Wireless Zimbabwe faces alleged data breach* The hacker did not specify how the data was obtained or whether it includes financial information. However, the inclusion of personal details such as email addresses, phone numbers, and physical addresses raises serious concerns about potential identity theft, phishing attacks, and other forms of cybercrime. *Econet’s silence fuels uncertainty* At the time of writing, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has not released an official statement regarding the alleged breach. Social media users are urging Econet to act swiftly to verify the claims, secure its systems, and communicate transparently with affected customers. *Social media erupts with reactions* News of the alleged breach has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with many customers expressing concern over the safety of their personal information. Here are some of the reactions; @PhilChard: This is scary. Most Zim banks still send login OTPs via text and their apps don’t allow for 2 Factor authentication. @dingiilizwe: Eh! This is surprising and terrifying because Econet is the largest service provider and financial institutions haven’t evolved from OTPs. Even then, I doubt this data will be worth an awful lot to the hackers. But I wouldn’t be surprised if Econet just ignored all this lol 😂 @MunhengaWenungu: This is deeply concerning. @kwirirayi: This can’t be good. *_-iHarare_* 4. *US$100 DAILY ALLOWANCES ON TOP OF SALARY – SCOTTLAND FC SETS NEW STANDARD IN ZIMBABWE FOOTBALL* Scottland FC is making waves in Zimbabwean football. The Premier Soccer League newcomers are paying their players a US$100 (approx. ZAR1,900) allowance per training session. This is on top of their monthly salaries, setting a new benchmark in local football. *Players earn US$1,700 (ZAR32,300) in training allowances* Scottland FC, owned by businessman Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya, has rewarded its players handsomely during pre-season. A source told the local daily The Chronicle: “The allowances started on 12 January and ran until 31 January. Each player received a total of US$1,700 (approx. ZAR32,300). This is on top of their monthly salaries. The management wanted to ensure that players were fully committed to training.” The Tonderai Ndiraya-coached side trained six days a week during this period. This means each player earned an additional US$1,700 before even receiving their salaries. Another source close to the club added: “Most clubs in Zimbabwe struggle to pay players on time, let alone provide training incentives. What Scottland FC is doing is unheard of. Players are receiving US$100 (ZAR1,900) after every training session. No team in the league is offering anything close to this.” *Massive investment in football* Scottland FC’s approach is setting a new precedent. Many Premier League clubs have historically struggled to pay competitive wages, with some failing to meet their contractual obligations. The club’s financial commitment has shocked many in the football community. The club’s spending does not stop at allowances. It has also made high-profile signings, including: • Walter Musona – Last year’s Soccer Star of the Year. • Lynoth Chikuhwa – First runner-up for Soccer Star of the Year. • Khama Billiat – Former Kaizer Chiefs star. These signings underline Scottland FC’s intent to compete at the highest level. *Praise and concerns from football stakeholders* Scottland FC’s financial model has drawn both admiration and scepticism. Some believe it is a game-changer, while others question its sustainability. Stanley Gama, Head of Corporate Communications at the City of Harare, praised the club’s model, stating: “This year I want my Harare City FC to gain promotion but we need our stakeholders to provide resources. We need to emulate the way a club like Scottland FC is being run. The boys at Scottland get US$100 (ZAR1,900) a day, on top of salaries. This is proper empowerment of the young men.” In response to a question on the January salaries, he further confirmed that Scottland FC had also paid players’ salaries: “Yes boss. I understand this morning. I have a young man there who confirms that they were paid.” However, some insiders have raised concerns about the sustainability of the model. A local football analyst, who preferred to remain anonymous, said: “This is a great initiative, but is it sustainable? Football clubs need long-term financial planning. If sponsors pull out, will the club be able to maintain these payments? Many clubs have collapsed due to mismanagement of funds.” Despite these concerns, Scottland FC remains confident in its financial stability. A club official stated: “We have structured our finances in a way that ensures these payments are covered. The club owner, Pedzai Sakupwanya, is fully committed to the long-term success of Scottland FC.” With such financial backing, Scottland FC appears ready to challenge for top honours. The question remains — will other teams follow suit, or will this remain an outlier in Zimbabwean football? *_-iHarare_* 5. *DUO ARRESTED FOR DEFRAUDING CAR IMPORTERS OF US$20,000* Two Beitbridge-based customs clearing agents, Lloyd Mawadze (36) and Lauren Mawadze (32), have been arrested for allegedly defrauding vehicle importers of nearly US$20 000 over two years, going on the run after each fraud and theft case. They were tracked down recently in Beitbridge district after a series of investigations. The two reportedly used their positions to receive funds from unsuspecting car importers, promising to facilitate the import of vehicles from South Africa. Instead, they would disappear with the money, leaving their victims empty-handed. The pair is alleged to have duped four victims of R81 500, US$11 700, and Z$17,5 million in 2023 and 2024. Represented by Mr Muchiwande Sithole of F Chauke and Associates, they denied charges of fraud and theft of trust property when they appeared before Beitbridge resident magistrate Mr Takudzwa Gwazemba. Both were remanded in custody until February 11. Prosecutor Mr Tawanda Chigavazira said that in August 2023, the Mawadze duo started their criminal career by allegedly swindling Harare resident Tendai Tshuma of US$600 and Z$17,5 million, claiming the funds would cover import duty for a Ford Ranger single cab. After receiving the money, they vanished. In another instance, the two allegedly took US$4 100 from Tendai Tobias Bonga, who had enlisted their services to pay import duty for a Mercedes-Benz C180. They disappeared after receiving the money. In January 2024, they purportedly conned Tinashe Kutsukutsa out of US$7 000 intended for buying a car and paying duty. *_-Herald_* 6. *NEPHEW POURS BEER ON HIS UNCLE THEN BEATS HIM UP* A 38-year-old man from Makovhula Village, Lupane, appeared before the Lupane Magistrates’ Court on assault charges. Xolani Sibanda poured beer over his uncle, Nene Moyo, and proceeded to assault him using his fists and slapped him following a family dispute. In a statement on X, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said the incident occurred on 28 October 2024 at Ndengwende Business Centre. Sibanda was sentenced to 175 hours of community service. *_-Chronicle_* 7. *MAN STEALS US$5,000 HIDDEN IN WOMAN'S SHOE* A 30-year-old man from Runhanga Village, Domboshava, appeared at the Rusape Magistrates’ Court on theft charges. In a statement on X, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said Emmanuel Munetsi allegedly stole US$5,000 from Susan Zimbudzi, a 58-year-old woman from Village 13, Chinyika West, Headlands. Munetsi, who claimed to be helping Zimbudzi purchase a vehicle, had been staying at her homestead. On 19 January, while Zimbudzi was away tending to her cattle, Munetsi entered her bedroom and stole the money hidden in a shoe. He later left for Harare under the pretext of searching for a suitable vehicle. The theft was subsequently discovered, leading to his arrest. The stolen money has not been recovered. Munetsi was remanded in custody until 2 February. *_-Chronicle_* 8. *MIDLANDS MAN JAILED FOR 20 YEARS FOR MURDER* A man from Mzila Village, Chief Sogwala, Lower Gweru, was arraigned before the Gweru High Court Circuit on murder charges. The incident took place at Ngwenya Mine, Ranch Farm, Shamrock, Lower Gweru. Colleen Ngwenya had a misunderstanding with the now-deceased, who was a security guard at the mine. The deceased informed Ngwenya that weapons were not allowed on the premises, seized his knives, and advised him to collect them when he left the mine. A few hours later, Ngwenya waylaid the deceased and stabbed him in the buttocks and back. The deceased was found bleeding and lying on the ground by a passerby, who rushed to seek help. When the passerby returned with assistance, they found the deceased no longer breathing. In a statement on X, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said Ngwenya was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment. *_-Chronicle_*