Wednesday 12 February 2025 *💠MORNING NEWS UPDATES* *📰THE HEADLINES* *Mnangagwa fires minister as Zanu PF factional wars escalate* *Electronic payments now compulsory for all businesses in Zimbabwe* *Zim unveils measures to boost formal business environment* *Over 60% Of Retailers Have No Stock* *Govt ready to work with like-minded countries amid US aid pause* *inDrive taxi driver kidnaps client* *Harare men locked up for stealing seven ostriches* *Two Arrested In Harare For Selling Fake Brake Fluid* *Nyamandlovu villagers stranded for two days waiting for food aid* *Mufakose residents up in arms with drug cartels after addict butchers own mother* *Haaland outscores Mbappé, but City squander yet another lead, beaten 3:2 by Madrid* *Leboeuf sees no way back for Man City against Real Madrid* *Vinícius Júnior said a banner from Manchester City fans -- backing Rodri in their Ballon d'Or dispute -- helped inspire him to put in a man-of-the-match performance in Real Madrid's 3-2 comeback win* *Man City's lack of belief and ageing team exposed by ruthless Real Madrid* *Can Everton upset Liverpool in last derby at Goodison Park?* *Arsenal, Chelsea & Liverpool eye Huijsen* *Liverpool are interested in signing France-born England Under-21 winger Mohamed-Ali Cho, 21, from Nice* *Chelsea are preparing a £58.3m (70m euros) summer bid for Atletico Madrid's 21-year-old Spain defender Pablo Barrios* *Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is planning to cut more jobs to help free up cash for new signings* *Aston Villa and Paris St-Germain did not include a buy option into the loan deal for Spain midfielder Marco Asensio, 29, but both clubs are open to a potential permanent move in the summer* *Roma want to do a permanent deal with AC Milan for Belgium midfielder Alexis Saelemaekers, 25, but a swap deal involving English striker Tammy Abraham, 27, is not on the table* FOLLOW THIS CHANNEL https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaifFH90QealiZ3Gv21T *THE DETAILS WITH IGNITE MEDIA ZIMBABWE* _*Mnangagwa fires minister as Zanu PF factional wars escalate*_ President Emmerson Mnangagwa has sacked Apollonia Munzverengwi as Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution. Munzverengwi was immediately replaced with Hwedza North MP Itayi Ndudzo. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya announced the changes in statement on Tuesday but did not give any reasons behind the sacking of the minister, a relative to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. “His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde E.D Mnangagwa has, in terms of Section 108 (1a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, removed Hon. Apollonia Munzverengwi from the Office of Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mashonaland east with immediate effect,” Rushwaya said. Munzverengwi was appointed Provincial Affairs Minister for Mashonaland East in 2018. While there were no reasons given, it is possible the minister’s sacking could be linked to soaring Zanu PF factional wars as she is said to be related to Chiwenga. _*Electronic payments now compulsory for all businesses in Zimbabwe*_ Zimbabwean businesses, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are now required to adopt electronic payments as part of government measures to address challenges in the formal business environment, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere announced Tuesday. The mandatory use of electronic money is among several short-term interventions approved by cabinet to increase tax compliance, formalise informal sector operations, and enhance economic stability. Under these reforms, vendors must register with local authorities, open bank accounts, and acquire Point of Sale (POS) machines. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Muswere said the measures, presented by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, aim to ensure “every eligible taxpayer pays tax” through a compulsory payment system, enforced by a “Domestic Inter-agency Team” tasked with ensuring informal sector compliance with tax laws. The government also endorsed refinements to the foreign exchange system, including reducing the foreign currency retention rate for exporters from 75 percent to 70 percent and lowering bank charges and minimum deposit interest rates. Medium-term interventions include streamlining regulatory processes, improving electricity supply through power plant construction, enforcing local procurement policies, and incentivizing alternative energy use. To further support MSMEs, the government pledged to create designated workspaces, simplify taxes, strengthen business development, and ban the importation of second-hand goods. “These measures will provide the necessary support for MSMEs to transition into formal businesses, addressing long-standing challenges in the economy and fostering sustainable growth,” Muswere said. _*Zim unveils measures to boost formal business environment*_ Cabinet has approved various measures aimed at tackling challenges in the formal business environment and supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting. The Cabinet aims to bring all businesses into the tax bracket and enhance the effectiveness of the foreign exchange market to strengthen the economy. Dr Muswere said the measures encompass immediate actions and long-term strategies designed to streamline operations and improve the business climate. “The Government seeks to bring all businesses into the tax bracket and enhance the effectiveness of the foreign exchange market. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. “In the long-term, Government will address the business environment in order to streamline fees, charges and minimise duplication of work by Government agencies as well as improve electricity supply. Such an environment will enable MSMEs to graduate into formal businesses,” said Dr Muswere. All businesses will be required to use electronic money, supported by a new compulsory tax payment system to ensure compliance among taxpayers. A team will be established to ensure tax compliance within the informal sector, with vendor licensing requiring consultation with the central Government. Vendors will be required to obtain Point-of-Sale (POS) machines and open bank accounts upon registration and licensing. Enhancements to the foreign exchange system will reduce the foreign currency retention level for exporters from 75 percent to 70 percent and lower bank charges. Medium-term measures will focus on lowering the cost of doing business by reducing fees and minimising duplication of work by government agencies. Dr Muswere said strict adherence to the Indigenisation and Empowerment Act will be enforced, promoting local procurement to support the local industry. Government plans to expedite the construction of power plants and upgrade distribution networks to enhance electricity availability. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Measures will include establishing designated workspaces, creating a favourable regulatory environment, and simplifying taxes and rates. Dr Muswere emphasised that the measures are part of a broader vision to create a robust and resilient economy that supports all sectors, particularly MSMEs, which are vital for job creation and economic growth. State Media _*Over 60% Of Retailers Have No Stock*_ According to recent data, over 60% of retailers are experiencing significant issues with stock availability, meaning a large portion of their inventory is frequently out of stock, leading to empty shelves and lost sales opportunities for customers. Key points about this statistic: Impact on customers: When products are consistently out of stock, customers become frustrated, may leave the store without purchasing anything, and may even choose to shop elsewhere in the future. Causes of stock shortages: Factors like supply chain disruptions, unexpected demand surges, production delays, and poor inventory management can contribute to this issue. Financial consequences: For retailers, frequent stockouts can result in substantial lost revenue and damage to brand reputation. _*Govt ready to work with like-minded countries amid US aid pause*_ GOVERNMENT is ready to work with countries and organisations that are willing to work with Zimbabwean authorities while gender programmes will continue despite the United States pulling the plug on its funding, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises minister Monica Mutsvangwa has said. United States President Donald Trump introduced a raft of measures that saw the cutting of financial aid driving many government interventions including gender mainstreaming. Speaking on the sidelines of the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Development Partners Engagement Meeting in Harare this week, Mutsvangwa said the US was entitled to do what it pleased. Newsday _*inDrive taxi driver kidnaps client*_ A 33-YEAR-OLD Harare taxi driver has been convicted by magistrate Lisa Mutendereki on charges of kidnapping a woman from Braeside. Talent Mhembere pleaded not guilty during trial. Harare magistrate Lisah Mutendereki ruled that there was overwhelming evidence after the State managed to prove a prima facie case. The complainant is Faith Gwena (28). This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Circumstances are that on November 19 last year, Gwena requested an inDrive taxi and she was charged US$2,50. She intended to travel from number 88 Fife Avenue to Riverside Walk Avondale. Mhembere came driving a white Nissan Expert, picked her up and drove to her destination. Upon reaching the destination, the complainant tendered US$10 but Mhembere did not accept the money indicating that he did not have change. The court heard that Gwena opted to pay through EcoCash, but Mhembere insisted on cash. After Mhembere noticed that the complainant did not have a smaller amount, he started his vehicle, locked the doors and drove towards King George Road at high speed. Upon reaching Total Service Station, Avondale, Gwena shouted for help and a well-wisher tried to block the convict’s vehicle but he manoeuvred, turned right into King George Road and drove northwards. When they were approaching Engine Service Station, the convict made a phone call to Purazi who told him to drive to Avondale Police Station. Purazi then demanded money from the complainant and she gave him the US$10 note. Purazi then threw US$7 change on the ground before they sped off. She filed a police report leading to Mhembere's arrest. He now awaits sentencing. Newsday _*Harare men locked up for stealing seven ostriches*_ Two Harare men landed in the dock on allegations of stealing seven ostriches from Haka Game Park in Harare. The two are Wisdom Supayi and Francis Office both from Epworth. They appeared before Harare magistrate Isheanesu Matova charged with three stock theft counts. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The two will be back in court Wednesday for their bail application. It is Sthe tate’s case that the ostriches are valued at US$7,000. Prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi alleges that on 3 February 2025 at around 0130 hours, the two accused persons together with the other four accomplices who are still at large went to Haka Game Park. The court heard they scaled the security fence and gained entry into the ostrich pen. It is alleged that they killed four ostriches using a log and went away with the carcasses unnoticed. A police report was made. They went back again on February 7, killed another ostrich and left unnoticed. The court heard that on 9 February 2025 at around 1200 hours, the two accused persons and their four accomplices who are still at large went back again and used the same modus operandi to gain entry into the park. They allegedly killed two ostriches but were spotted by security guards who fired at them. Supayi and his accomplices managed to escape leaving behind the ostrich carcasses and that is when a police report was made. “An investigation led to the arrest of Supayi at his place of residence and he had gunshot wounds on both legs. “Ostrich feathers were recovered from the accused’s house. Supayi indicated that he was shot in Haka Game Park where they were found killing Ostriches using a log and he implicated Office who was later arrested. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. “Parks and Wildlife official was summoned to CID MFFU Harare and proceeded Haka Game Park where he assayed, examined the killed birds and identified as two ostriches valued at US$ 2,000. “He also assayed the feathers were recovered at the houses of the two accused persons and identified them as ostrich feathers,” the State alleges further. _*Two Arrested In Harare For Selling Fake Brake Fluid*_ Police in Harare have arrested two people, Selina Nyurwa (33) and Ashley Kasambarara (32), for allegedly selling counterfeit brake fluid and prime bond silicon. The arrests followed a tip-off received by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), revealing that a foreign-owned company was distributing fake automotive products. In a statement issued on Tuesday, 11 February, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests. He said: The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Selina Nyurwa (33) and Ashley Kasambarara (32) for selling counterfeit products in Harare. _*Nyamandlovu villagers stranded for two days waiting for food aid*_ Sources who spoke to CITE said the villagers were stranded in the bush as they also had to wait for authorities overseeing the distribution process, who had travelled to Bulawayo. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The delay was further compounded by poor road conditions, which forced the distribution to take place in a bushy area. Some sources added that several villages were left out of the distribution altogether due to missing documentation. “After waiting for two days, villages 3, 4, and 5 (Zimdabule villages), as well as villages 7A, 7B, and 14 (Igusi), did not receive any food aid because their paperwork was missing,” a source revealed. When contacted for comment, Ward 10 Councillor Johannes Sibanda downplayed the situation, dismissing reports that villagers had been stranded for two days. “The first thing is that two days means 48 hours, and I think the person reporting this does not understand what two days really means. The vehicle was carrying wheat, and it is not the first to use that road. Even buses travel on the same route. Yes, the road has potholes, especially now that it’s raining, but that is normal,” he argued. However, in a contradictory statement, Councillor Sibanda admitted that the vehicle got stuck in a bushy area and suggested that the driver might have been unfamiliar with the route. “Maybe the driver didn’t know the road, and different vehicles have different power levels. This one simply didn’t have enough power,” he added. Regarding claims that some villages did not receive food aid, Sibanda dismissed them, stating that aid distribution was not meant to take place in the bush where the vehicle had broken down. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. “It is not true that some people didn’t receive the wheat. Since the vehicle got stuck in the bush, alternative transport had to be arranged, which may have caused delays, but no one was left out,” he said. _*Mufakose residents up in arms with drug cartels after addict butchers own mother*_ HARARE – Residents of Harare’s crime-ridden Mufakose high density suburb have declared war on local drug lords following the savage killing of a woman who was last week stabbed 19 times on the neck by her drug addicted son. Nyasha Bandawe, 22, known by his alias “Nyale”, stabbed his mother Hilda Drawu to death after a domestic row and this has ignited fury amongst residents who blame drug abuse among the youth as the cause of unending crimes in the community. Fed-up, some locals have now taken it upon themselves to fight the drug scourge while blaming police for not taking stern action against known drug peddlers. They have planned a demonstration for February 22 according to Agatha Chiseya, representative for residents. “We are compiling names and locations of all drug dealers then we hand them over to the police,” she said. Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi told ZimLive that authorities are on high alert. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. “Let all the people give us the names of the drug peddlers and the names of police officers in complicity with the criminals. “We are now having these murders cases associated with drug abuse. “The issue of drugs is quite a serious one and the police are taking serious measures to eradicate the scourge,” he said. Illegal drugs on the local market includes crystal meth (Mutoriro Dombo Guka), Bronclear (Bronco, Cough Syrup which is an overdose of Codeine), Red beret (all various types of backyard wines costing 0.50c a bottle or Cup), Skunk (Synthetic Cannabis) and Antipsychotics (Mangemba). A resident, Amos Mbeve claimed Marimba and Warren Park police stations were aware of the nefarious operations by drug peddlers, but drugs still continued to be sold on the streets. “The police are aware, and some who are in charge get bribes from these drug cartels. “Our children are dying; some end up mentally challenged and we have no future at all. “Police just come and go with pockets full; we actually have names, and one is called Mutambisi,” he said. Notorious drug lords named by residents include Norman ‘Nomara’ Magorisi, Barbra Goto, Boss Dhaa, Benson, Mukanya, Amai Gwaze, Mai Henry, Dread Isaac, Sauro, Mai Mukodzei, Sandra Makovere and Amai Ngoni amongst the few, who also supply other high-density suburbs such as Glen Norah and Highfields. ZimLive established that there is also naming and shaming of innocent individuals after suspicious score settling motives were evident from other residents. Member of Parliament for Mufakose, Susan Matsunga told ZimLive that she has engaged the police to deal with the drug lords. “The issue is quite serious, and we have engaged the top police hierarchy to deal with the matter. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. “We must deal with the drug sellers and all those involved, ” she said. Far from the madding crowd, Mufakose suburb is home to talented sportsmen and artists, soccer stars Moses Chunga, Khama Billiat, Memory Mucherahohwa, Joel Shambo, tennis player Martin Dzuwa, ward-winning martial artist Wilfred Mashaya, Singers Tobias Ariketa, Bethan Pasinawako, Honeyvibes, Mzimba and many other inspiring stars. _*Haaland outscores Mbappé, but City squander yet another lead, beaten 3:2 by Madrid*_ MANCHESTER, England -- Real Madrid scored two late goals to beat Manchester City 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday and take a giant step towards the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League. Pep Guardiola's side were leading 2-1 after 86 minutes thanks to two goals from Erling Haaland, but former City forward Brahim Díaz came off the bench to equalise before Jude Bellingham scored a stoppage-time winner to stun the hosts. It means Real Madrid will be in pole position to progress ahead of next week's second leg at the Bernabéu. City went in at half-time 1-0 up thanks to Haaland's first-ever goal against Real Madrid. Kylian Mbappé equalised for the Spanish side only for City to take the lead again against the run of play. Phil Foden was brought down in the penalty area and Haaland stepped up to score from the spot. It looked at that point that City and Guardiola would take a narrow lead to Madrid. But that was before a calamitous closing spell for the Premier League side. First, goalkeeper Ederson miscued a clearance under no pressure to gift Real Madrid the chance to equalise through Brahim. The 25-year-old had only been on the pitch two minutes before he rifled his finish into the net after Vinícius Júnior's shot had rebounded back off Ederson. The City custodian was at fault again for Real Madrid's third. Ederson was caught in no-man's land as Vinícius ran through, lifting the ball over as Bellingham ran in to tap into an empty net -- prompting wild celebrations on the Real Madrid bench. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The job isn't done, but Carlo Ancelotti's side will now be heavy favourites to go through. _*Leboeuf sees no way back for Man City against Real Madrid*_ Details to come… _*Vinícius Júnior said a banner from Manchester City fans -- backing Rodri in their Ballon d'Or dispute -- helped inspire him to put in a man-of-the-match performance in Real Madrid's 3-2 comeback win*_ Vinícius Júnior said a banner from Manchester City fans -- backing Rodri in their Ballon d'Or dispute -- helped inspire him to put in a man-of-the-match performance in Real Madrid's 3-2 comeback win in the Champions League on Tuesday. Fans at the Etihad unfurled a banner ahead of the knockout phase playoff first leg showing City midfielder Rodri with the Ballon d'Or trophy he won ahead of Vinícius last year, along with the Oasis song title "Stop Crying Your Heart Out." Vinícius was named Player of the Match by UEFA after starring for Madrid on the night, including creating Jude Bellingham's 92nd-minute winner by lobbing a pass over City's stranded goalkeeper Ederson. "I saw [the banner]," Vinícius told Movistar. "But when opposition fans do things, it always gives me more strength to play a great game, and here I did that. ... [City] know our history, and everything we've done in this competition." Madrid boycotted the Ballon d'Or ceremony in October last year, in protest of Vinícius missing out on the trophy. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. _*Man City's lack of belief and ageing team exposed by ruthless Real Madrid*_ Manchester City's fans started the night by unfurling a huge flag taunting Real Madrid and Vinicius Junior for their angry reaction to Rodri beating the Brazilian to last year's Ballon d'Or. 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out' was the message, the words of the Oasis hit accompanied by an image of Rodri kissing the coveted trophy at the ceremony boycotted by Real in protest at the decision. Firing barbs at the most ruthless and experienced operators in Champions League history is a dangerous occupation, and so it proved. All the tears belonged to City and their supporters at the final whistle after a trademark smash-and-grab late surge gave Real a potentially decisive 3-2 advantage after the first leg of this play-off to reach the last 16 of the Champions League. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Real's relentless, concrete-clad confidence in themselves and street wisdom honed over years of experience and triumphs, saw them turn a 2-1 deficit after 86 minutes into a victory, Carlo Ancelotti's side preying on City's own painful lack of self-belief. The contrast was stark, City wilting visibly in the second half, then consumed by anxiety and nerves once their former midfielder Brahim Diaz restored parity with four minutes of normal time left. City are never home and hosed this season. Real Madrid never believe they are beaten. And this was the case again as Pep Guardiola's team lost from a winning position for the fifth time this campaign. It is perhaps an insight into City's current state of mind and form that the two late goals conceded here made it eight goals shipped in the final 16 minutes of their past five Champions League games, the most of any side. Guardiola is currently presiding over a team with too many miles on the clock, too many players not fully fit – or not fit at all in Rodri's case. The cracks are starting to look beyond repair. Rodri was watching from the sidelines, having been included in City's Champions League squad in the hope he may recover from his knee injury this season, and on that giant flag. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. How City needed his calming influence, quality and steel on the pitch as they were overcome late on once more. There was ill-fortune, too, as Jack Grealish went off injured after 30 minutes, having played in the manner of a man with a point to prove to his manager. Real could scent the nerves and anxiety on the pitch and off. Jude Bellingham's injury-time winner almost had a sense of inevitability as City's scrambled minds led to mistakes. The punishment came from close range, England's talisman turning home with erratic keeper Ederson out of his ground after being lobbed by Vinicius Junior. It was Real Madrid being, well, Real Madrid. Nothing is ever settled against them until the final whistle sounds. It leaves City, given their current form and propensity for collapse, almost needing a miracle in the second leg at The Bernabeu. And miracles only tend to happen to the team in white in that iconic, unforgiving arena. The tale was also told in the tired legs that consumed City in the second half, when Real ran the show, missing a host of chances as they assumed control, before Kylian Mbappe's half-hit finish equalised Erling Haaland's early strike. It was totally against the run of play when the striker restored City's lead, which they held until Real's trademark late surge. City may yet defy the odds in Madrid, but come what may, this season continues to carry all the air of an era ending, a great team reaching the end of the road. Ederson, so reliable in goal for so long throughout City's many glories, now looks vulnerable. The great Kevin De Bruyne, at 33, and 30-year-old Bernardo Silva, were laboured and peripheral. John Stones tried to act as a defensive screen but Real carry too much threat in the shape of Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, with Bellingham always ready to add his own menace, as he did to decisive effect. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Guardiola looked pained and frustrated, as well as frantic at times in his technical area, saying: "Many times it happens this season. I know the quality of Real Madrid. We took the game in the second half and tried to attack too quickly. It happens because they are an exceptional team. "It happens many times this season. Bad decisions, that's all. I take it. It's not about you and me, or just the team, it's everyone." He added: "We are just not stable enough. I've been here for many years and we've been an extraordinary team, a machine every three days. "This year, I accept when the opponent is better but at the moment I'm not good enough to give composure to the team to manage these situations. It's the truth. "The accountability belongs to all of us, not just the players. For me, it would be easy to blame a specific player but that is ridiculous and doesn't work. It is me first and the players as well. "The truth is that we are not stable enough in those moments. Today is not an exception, it happened many times. Today is what it is, tomorrow you have to continue and have fresh legs and fresh minds." Guardiola has a monumental task to pull off a victory at The Bernabeu – but the body of evidence is also increasing to suggest he has a similar job to revive Manchester City's fallen champions. _*Can Everton upset Liverpool in last derby at Goodison Park?*_ Premier League leaders Liverpool face Everton on Wednesday night in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park; Arne Slot's side travel across Stanley Park holding a six-point lead over Arsenal, with this their match in hand on the Gunners; original game was postponed in December. _*Arsenal, Chelsea & Liverpool eye Huijsen*_ Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are interested in Bournemouth's 19-year-old Spain Under-21 defender Dean Huijsen, who has a £55m release clause in his contract Ignite Media Zimbabwe sports tit bits: *Liverpool are interested in signing France-born England Under-21 winger Mohamed-Ali Cho, 21, from Nice* *Chelsea are preparing a £58.3m (70m euros) summer bid for Atletico Madrid's 21-year-old Spain defender Pablo Barrios* *Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is planning to cut more jobs to help free up cash for new signings* *Aston Villa and Paris St-Germain did not include a buy option into the loan deal for Spain midfielder Marco Asensio, 29, but both clubs are open to a potential permanent move in the summer* *Roma want to do a permanent deal with AC Milan for Belgium midfielder Alexis Saelemaekers, 25, but a swap deal involving English striker Tammy Abraham, 27, is not on the table*