*Morning News: Sunday 9 February 2025* *Headlines* *BREAKING: Namibia's Founding President Sam Nujoma Dies* *Will ED Freebies Silence War Veterans?* *Opposition Leader Job Sikhala, 21 Associates Arrested in Mutare* *SADC and East African Community Army Chiefs To Meet Within 5 Days* *Winky D’s Siya Video Reaches One Million Views Within A Week* *Girl (13) Turned Into Sex Slave* *ZIMRA Team Uncover A Goblin (Chidhoma) Hidden Among Smuggled Goods From South Africa To Zimbabwe* *Real Madrid, Atletico Penalty Drama, Draw Keeps LaLiga Title Race Tight* Join our *Ad-free* News Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacXkvFJJhzd2UoZYF1F *Stories in Detail:* *BREAKING: Namibia's Founding President Sam Nujoma Dies* Pan Africanist and Namibia’s founding president, Sam Nujoma has died. President Nangolo Mbumba announced Sunday that Nujoma died last night. He was 95. “It is with utmost sorrow and sadness that I announce this morning of the 9th of February 2025 to the Namibian people, our African brothers & sisters and the world at large, about the passing of our revered freedom fighter and revolutionary leader, H.E. Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma. "President Nujoma passed on at the age of 95 on the 8th of February at 23.45 in Windhoek, Namibia," the Namibian Presidency said via its official X account. Nujoma led Namibia’s liberation struggle as the leader of Swapo between 1960 and 1989, becoming the country’s first president in 1990. He served as head of state until 2005. Nujoma led Swapo for 47 years between 1960 and 2007. More details to follow.... *Will ED Freebies Silence War Veterans?* The recent demands by war veterans, led by Blessed Runesu Geza, for President Emmerson Mnangagwa's resignation have exposed the deep-seated frustrations within the country's leadership. The veterans’ accusations of corruption, nepotism and economic mismanagement are a scathing indictment of Mnangagwa's administration. As the economy teeters on the brink of collapse, the government's attempts to bribe the war veterans with lucrative offers are a shameful display of desperation. Reports indicate that Mnangagwa has offered the veterans cash, residential stands in urban areas, complete with title deeds, as well as boreholes and other incentives. These offers are a clear attempt to buy their silence and maintain ED's grip on power. But the war veterans are having none of it. They're standing firm in their demands for Mnangagwa's resignation. Their concerns are not about personal gain, but about the emancipation of ordinary Zimbabweans from the shackles of poverty and economic misery. Furthermore, the war veterans’ outrage is compounded by the brazen attempt by Mnangagwa followers to extend his term limit unconstitutionally. Despite claiming to be a constitutionalist, Mnangagwa's supporters, including government ministers, are openly campaigning for him to stay in office until 2030. This move is a blatant disregard for Zimbabwe's Constitution, which limits presidents to two terms. The war veterans, and indeed many Zimbabweans, see this as a desperate bid to cling to power, rather than addressing the country's pressing issues. The war veterans’ bravery in speaking truth to power is a beacon of hope for a country that has been ravaged by corruption and mismanagement. Their stance is a reminder that the struggle for Zimbabwe’s freedom and prosperity is far from over. As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the war veterans will not be silenced or bought off. They will continue to demand accountability from their leaders and fight for a better future for all Zimbabweans. The question now is: will President Mnangagwa listen to the war veterans' demands and step down, or will he continue to cling to power? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain — the people of Zimbabwe will not be silenced. *Standard* *Opposition Leader Job Sikhala and 21 Associates Arrested in Mutare* Mutare, Zimbabwe – Prominent opposition politician Job Sikhala and 21 members of his National Democratic Working Group were arrested in Mutare on Thursday afternoon, according to police confirmation. The arrests have sparked concerns over political freedoms and the treatment of opposition figures in Zimbabwe. National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident, stating, “I can confirm that Job Sikhala and 21 others have been arrested in Mutare. More details will be released in due course.” Sources indicate that Sikhala and his group were apprehended in Penhalonga, a mining area on the outskirts of Mutare. While the exact circumstances surrounding the arrests remain unclear, speculation suggests that political tensions may have played a role. Sikhala, a vocal opposition leader, was released from prison last year after spending nearly 600 days in detention. His previous arrest drew widespread condemnation from human rights groups, who accused the Zimbabwean government of using arbitrary detentions to suppress dissent. This is not the first time members of the National Democratic Working Group have faced legal challenges. Last year, five members of the group were arrested in Harare for allegedly holding an unsanctioned gathering. The latest arrests are expected to reignite criticism of the government’s handling of opposition figures and its perceived crackdown on political freedoms. As the situation unfolds, more details regarding the arrests and potential charges are anticipated from authorities in the coming days. *SADC, East African Community Army Chiefs to Meet Within 5 Days* AFRICAN leaders have called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which will be enforced by army chiefs within five days. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) leaders held a joint summit in Tanzania, Saturday, to find a way forward and an end to the crisis in the eastern DRC where Rwanda backed March 23 Movement (M23) rebels have captured Goma. The two regional blocs both expressed concern over the crisis and directed military generals to lead the ceasefire process as well as assist injured soldiers and facilitate repatriation of those slain in the attacks. “The Joint Summit directed the EAC-SADC Chiefs of Defense Forces to meet within five (5) days and provide technical direction on immediate and unconditional ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, provision of humanitarian assistance including repatriation of the deceased and evacuation of the injured,” a communique on the resolutions of the summit reads. The summit also called for the reopening of main supply routes and Goma airport. “Develop a securitisation plan for Goma and surrounding areas, opening of main supply routes including Goma-Sake-Bukavu; Goma-Kibumba-Rumangabo- The African leaders also called for negotiations and dialogue with all state and non-state parties (military and non-military) including the M23. They also directed that modalities for withdrawal of uninvited foreign armed forces from the territory of the DRC be developed and implemented. Soldiers from South Africa, Burundi, Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda have been sent to DRC as part of a regional development community mission and 16 of them were killed two weeks ago by the M23 rebels. Over 400,000 Congolese have been displaced since January due to the violence. *Winky D’s Siya Video Reaches One Million Views Within a Week* ZIMDANCEHALL king, Wallace Chirumiko popularly known as Winky D’s Siya music video has surpassed one million YouTube views just a week after its release. The visuals, which currently hold the number one spot on YouTube trending, were released on February 1 as he celebrated his 42nd birthday. Also known as The Gaffa President, he released an extended play (EP) called Pabho without any prior promotion or notice. The EP consists of six tracks, beginning with PaTonaz, Siya, Kudhakwa, Fake Love, Zvatanga, and Pabho which features Bling 4. *Girl (13) Turned Into Sex Slave* A 13-YEAR-OLD teenager from Buhera, was allegedly kidnapped as a sex slave by her friend and mother, and subjected to unprotected sex with multiple men by the duo which pocketed the earnings. The suspects, Lisa Gosho (19) and her 38-year-old mother, Nyaradzai Chitsamba, appeared before Rusape regional magistrate, Mr Francis Mapfumo, facing kidnapping charges as defined in Section 93(1)(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act — which makes it illegal to detain someone without legal authority and restrict their movement. During the hearing, the self-acting duo was not asked to plead and was denied bail. They were remanded in custody to February 13 for routine remand. Rusape District Public Prosecutor, Ms Event Dhliwayo presented a disturbing case in court, where Gosho allegedly lured the girl to her mother’s house with mango fruits. The girl was allegedly detained for 12 days, forced into prostitution, and only released at night to meet sex clients at Murambinda Town Centre. “The complainant was reported missing by her guardian on January 4, 2025 at ZRP Murambinda. Lisa Gosho and the complainant are friends. Nyaradzai Chitsamba is Gosho’s biological mother. “On January 3, 2025, around 11am, at Murambinda Town Centre, Gosho approached the complainant, who was playing with her friends, and asked her to accompany her home to collect some mangoes. “The unsuspecting girl agreed. Upon arrival, Gosho introduced the complainant to Chitsamba as her friend. Later that day, around 4pm, Gosho took the complainant to a walled house in Jaru location, where she was detained, and denied permission to return home. Gosho hired different men and forced the complainant to have unprotected sexual intercourse with them, receiving payment for the services,” said Ms Dhliwayo. Ms Dhliwayo further alleged that the following day, the victim was relocated to a village near the town centre, and forced to meet sexual clients at night. “On January 4, 2025, around 4pm, Gosho moved the complainant to Dave Village, under Chief Nyashanu, and left her in Chitsamba’s custody. “Chitsamba detained the complainant in a room, providing only a bucket as a toilet, and releasing her at night. “The complainant was denied access to neighbours. Gosho would pick up the complainant at night and take her to Murambinda Town Centre, where she was forced to have unprotected sexual intercourse with multiple men. “Afterwards, Gosho would return the complainant to Chitsamba, who would lock her in a room. “The matter came to light on January 15, 2025 when the complainant’s guardian received a tip-off that the missing child had been spotted with Gosho at Murambinda,” she said. Ms Dhliwayo added: “Acting on this information, two police officers joined forces with the guardian and proceeded to Dave Village to search for the complainant. Upon arrival, they encountered Chitsamba, who denied ever seeing the complainant. “Despite Chitsamba’s denial, police officers conducted a thorough search of the premises, and discovered the complainant hidden behind a door in the kitchen. The complainant was rescued and taken to Murambinda Mission Hospital for medical attention. A subsequent medical report confirmed that she had been sexually abused.” *ZIMRA Team Uncover A Goblin (Chidhoma) Hidden Among Smuggled Goods From South Africa To Zimbabwe* Recently, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has been actively involved in combating smuggling across the country’s borders, particularly from South Africa. One of the most unusual seizures was a “goblin” or “chidhoma,” which was discovered hidden among smuggled goods coming from South Africa into Zimbabwe. This peculiar find highlights the creative methods smugglers use to evade detection, often hiding illicit items among legal goods. The confiscation of such unusual items underscores the vigilance and thoroughness of ZIMRA’s inspections. ZIMRA’s efforts are part of a broader initiative to curb smuggling, which has been a significant challenge for Zimbabwe’s economy. Smuggling not only deprives the government of revenue but also poses risks to public safety by introducing unregulated and potentially harmful goods into the market. In a recent nationwide crackdown, ZIMRA, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, seized smuggled goods worth approximately US$2.4 million. This operation targeted cross-border trade routes, focusing on commercial and passenger vehicles to enforce compliance and combat smuggling. The operation resulted in the seizure of dozens of vehicles, including buses and haulage trucks, along with illicit goods such as second-hand clothes and unregulated foodstuffs. ZIMRA Commissioner-General Regina Chinamasa emphasized that the operation aims to encourage voluntary compliance and promote ethical business practices. Chinamasa noted, “This operation is designed to curb smuggling, encourage voluntary compliance, and promote ethical business practices. Once compliance improves, these controls will remain part of ongoing risk management strategies.” The initiative also involves setting up 24-hour roadblocks and conducting surprise raids on retail shops. Businesses unable to provide documentation for the legal importation of goods face heavy fines and confiscation of their stock. In another significant operation, ZIMRA intercepted a major smuggling ring at the Beitbridge Border post during the 2024 Easter Holiday. The operation resulted in the seizure of 113.7 kilograms of cannabis and 2,682 bottles of Benylin cough syrup, valued at approximately US$140,520. *Real Madrid, Atletico Penalty Drama, Draw Keeps LaLiga Title Race Tight* MADRID -- Real Madrid's 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in Saturday's derby means there's no change at the top of the table, with just one point still separating the two teams. Julián Álvarez's first-half penalty had Atletico hoping they might secure their first win at the Santiago Bernabéu since 2016, but Kylian Mbappé's equalizer early in the second half meant the visitors had to settle for a point. Real had the better of the second half as both goalkeepers, Thibaut Courtois and Jan Oblak, making important late saves. Here are three talking points, after a result that leaves LaLiga's title race wide open. 1. Penalty call means more ammunition for ref debate After all the noise this week -- the refereeing complaints, the open letters, the social media posts -- it was time for the football. Or was it? The build-up to this derby was dominated by Real's demands for "structural reform" of refereeing, and Atletico's critique of their rivals for putting officials under pressure. So of course, when the game began, it was no different. Naturally, the spotlight was on referee Cesar Soto Grado and his VAR colleague Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea. There were deafening whistles for both officials' names when they were read out over the stadium tannoy, pre-match. The only question was: when would the first big decision come? And would they get it right? For the first half hour of the game, very little happened: it was exactly the game Atletico and Simeone wanted, with not much football and precious few chances. Then, that moment of polémica (Spanish for "controversy") arrived. Aurélien Tchouaméni, once again playing out of position at centre-back, reached for the ball inside the box and seems to catch Samuel Lino's foot with his studs. A long, drawn-out VAR check followed. Tchouameni had trodden on Lino's foot, but by the time the contact came, the ball had gone. Referee Soto Grado came across to check the pitchside monitor, and as the stadium held its breath -- or rather, whistled vociferously -- he awarded a penalty that Julian Alvarez coolly converted, chipping the ball down the middle of the goal. It was the first penalty awarded against Real Madrid all season in LaLiga, but that won't stop the incident being endlessly debated and cited. At halftime, there were more whistles as Soto Grado walked off the pitch, but that was as much a reflection of fan frustration at Real's performance as anything. In the first half, they had created very little, with an xG (expected goals) of just 0.23. 2. Mbappé leads the fightback to underline his improving form After the break, Real Madrid looked a different side. It took just five minutes in the second half for Mbappé to equalize, pouncing on the ball inside the box, after Jude Bellingham's shot had been blocked by defender José María Giménez. Mbappé's instinctive, confident finish, struck hard into the ground to bounce up and past goalkeeper Jan Oblak, was one of a player whose form continues to curve upwards. The France star now has 23 goals in all competitions this season, with nine of those coming already in 2025. Further proof of his form could be seen in the pre-game as he briefly celebrated with LaLiga's Player of the Month award. Mbappé is becoming one of this team's leaders, and his reaction to the goal -- racing back to the centre circle, hungry for more -- showed that. The goal was also a precursor to Madrid's best spell in the match. Moments later, Bellingham headed against the crossbar, reaching the ball just a fraction of a second ahead of Mbappé. Madrid were well on top, but Oblak kept Atletico in the game, weathering the storm. Later, Mbappé could have provided the perfect finale, but he was denied by Oblak in the 89th minute; at the other end, Courtois saved too in added time.