HOT TOPICS ONLINE .................. *Mnangagwa Pushed Out* (ZimEye) *Kasukuwere claims Mnangagwa ‘at an end’ after war veterans turn on him* (Zimlive) *CIO advises Mnangagwa to resign, says Cde Never Maswerasei* (Zw News) *UN agent backs Ramaphosa’s land ‘grab’ as step to address racial land imbalance* (Zw News) *Vendors required to use POS machines… open bank accounts under new Government policy* (Chronicles) *Police launch hunt for Geza as outspoken Mnangagwa nemesis goes into hiding* (The Zimbabwean) *Manicaland to host the 18th Sanganai/Hlanganani Tourism Expo* (zbc) *Losers withdraw appeal against Zifa's Magwizi* (zimlive) *Sir Wicknell Chivayo clears Highlanders' US$27,000 debt* *Biti tears into govt’s land title deeds* ............. ©Zoomic Media CLICK LINK BELOW TO FOLLOW THIS CHANNEL https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaD22E27YScxhpM8Re26 ... ,≈ *Mnangagwa Pushed Out* (ZimEye) By Munacho Gwamanda-A faction of war veterans aligned with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, has issued a bold ultimatum to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, demanding his immediate resignation. The group, led by activist and former ZANU-PF member Blessing Geza, has warned Mnangagwa that he risks being ousted in the same manner as the late Robert Mugabe, who was forced out of office through a military coup in 2017. Geza, who has been vocal about Mnangagwa’s alleged misgovernance, corruption, and push for an unconstitutional third term, has become a thorn in the president’s side. He has accused Mnangagwa of reneging on a supposed gentlemen’s agreement with Chiwenga, in which the presidency was expected to rotate after two terms. However, Mnangagwa’s refusal to step down has sparked growing tensions within ZANU-PF, with factions now openly expressing their dissatisfaction. The calls for Mnangagwa’s resignation come in the wake of Vice President Chiwenga’s speech at the National Heroes Acre last week, where he made a thinly veiled attack on corrupt businessmen linked to the president. Chiwenga, who played a crucial role in the 2017 coup, warned against individuals using state resources for personal enrichment, a remark widely interpreted as targeting Mnangagwa’s close associates, including his sons and powerful business allies. Sources within the security sector suggest that Mnangagwa and his inner circle are growing increasingly anxious. “The president received the message loud and clear. He is now panicking, and so is his family. His sons have been placed under heightened state security as fears grow over potential moves against them,” a senior government source revealed. As tensions escalate, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a press statement seeking the arrest of Geza, also known as “Bombshell,” on multiple criminal charges. According to the ZRP statement released on February 12, 2025, Geza is wanted for alleged theft, undermining the authority of the president, and incitement to commit public violence. The charges, however, are widely seen as politically motivated, aimed at silencing one of the most vocal critics of Mnangagwa’s leadership. Geza’s supporters argue that the accusations are trumped-up charges meant to neutralize him ahead of a potential showdown within ZANU-PF. “This is a classic tactic of the Mnangagwa regime—using the police to silence those who expose corruption and demand accountability,” said a war veteran aligned with Chiwenga’s camp. ------- *Kasukuwere claims Mnangagwa ‘at an end’ after war veterans turn on him* (Zimlive) ‘Once those war veterans say your job is done, that’s the end’ HARARE – Emmerson Mnangagwa’s days as president are numbered, former Zanu PF political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere has claimed. The ex-local government minister who self-exiled in South Africa after the collapse of Robert Mugabe’s government in a 2017 military coup says the Zanu PF leader has lost a key constituency from which he cannot recover – the war veterans. “Once those war veterans say your job is done, that’s the end. He’s hanging around, but the truth of the matter is he’s gone. The most critical branch in Zanu PF is that thing called the war veterans,” Kasukuwere said in an interview with HStv released on Tuesday. Kasukuwere spoke as a group of outspoken war veterans revealed plans for a nationwide shutdown to force Mnangagwa to step down. The group is led by Blessed Geza, who denies that they are a stalking horse for Mnangagwa’s ambitious deputy, retired army general Constantino Chiwenga. Police said Wednesday that Geza was wanted on three charges – incitement to commit public violence, undermining the authority of the president and allegedly selling three vehicles without the owner’s consent. “We have called upon Mnangagwa to step down and immediately, but he ignored. The people are going to force him to step down in line with the provisions of the constitution. Mnangagwa must just go,” Geza said on Tuesday as he ratcheted up his rhetoric which has garnered him national attention. Geza, until recently a member of Zanu PF’s central committee before his suspension, said their plan was to mobilise all Zimbabweans to reject Mnangagwa. Zimbabweans are wary of jumping into Zanu PF factional fights after they backed the military coup against Mugabe, only for the party to regroup and continue its ruinous rule to the exclusion of the opposition. Geza says that mistake will not be repeated, without disclosing further details. He said: “We have put mechanisms to make sure the revolution will not be hijacked again. All stakeholders from various parties and civic groups will be consulted on every step we take. “We want to liberate all, so this should never be viewed as a Zanu PF internal fight. It should never be converted into such.” Geza did not say when the shutdown would take place, only saying “soon.” “We’re going to call for action soon. Stock up in preparation for a national shutdown as we march to a free Zimbabwe. Fellow Zimbabweans get ready for action, be ready for action once you receive the signal,” he said. A strong push by Mnangagwa’s supporters to extend his term beyond 2028, when his second and final term is due to end, has ignited a firestorm across the country including inside his Zanu PF party. Such an extension, which lawyers say is almost improbable as it would require at least two public referendums, would almost definitely end Chiwenga’s dream of becoming president. His supporters are now pushing ------ *CIO advises Mnangagwa to resign, says Cde Never Maswerasei* (Zw News) Former military intelligence officer Never Maswerasei says the country’s security apparatus has advised President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa to step down to avoid humiliation. Through one of his X handles, International Cables Network, Maswerasei who is a former military intelligence officer says Zimbabwe Exclusive 🇿🇼 | Category 1 security detail at hand is that the deep state and security apparatus have now formally advised Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign peacefully and avoid the public humiliation that would come with any attempted resistance, a development that shook him to the core. Mnangagwa has since communicated the message to his family and his closest allies who have been the loudest in pushing for constitutional amendment to enable him to be in power up to 2033. His sons are understood to be now preparing to leave Zimbabwe before his exit. The latest developments triggered by pressers by the respected Geza-led contingent of senior war veterans have rattled the entire dynasty cabal whose prepaid lapdogs and functionaries have started going quiet. With reality kicking-in – and fast – many ZANU PF senior members are reported to be now stampeding for accommodation in the Chiwenga faction. Led by Geza, war veterans and deep state power brokers are now waiting for feedback on when Mnangagwa will be tendering his resignation. Failure to comply with the directive will lead to an altimatum being given, which will then be followed by the opening of mass protests floodgates on the streets. ---- *UN agent backs Ramaphosa’s land ‘grab’ as step to address racial land imbalance* (Zw News) The United Nations (UN) Human Rights Office in Geneva has described South Africa’s Land Expropriation Act, signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa, as a critical step in addressing the country’s racially imbalanced land ownership. This has been viewed by critics as land grab, following Zimbabwe’s footprint. The UNHR statement came in response to a question from SABC News regarding US President Donald Trump’s executive order, which misrepresented South Africa’s land policy and alleged poor treatment of the white Afrikaner minority. UN spokesperson Seif Magango said redressing racially imbalanced land ownership is vital to addressing historical injustices from the apartheid era and fostering a more equitable future. He added that the recently adopted law, signed last month by Ramaphosa, marked a significant step in this journey. However, the UN Human Rights Office urged South African authorities to ensure the law’s implementation aligns with constitutional protections and complies with international human rights standards. On Monday, Trump reiterated his negative stance on South Africa, calling the situation “very dangerous and very bad for a lot of people” while refusing to confirm his attendance at the G20 Leaders Summit later this year. The UN’s support highlights the global significance of South Africa’s efforts to address land reform while emphasizing the need for careful implementation. (SABCNews) --------- *Vendors required to use POS machines… open bank accounts under new Government policy* (Chronicles) Dr Muswere said Cabinet approved several measures to address challenges in the formal business environment, as presented by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube. Following the presentation of the Monetary Policy Statement by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe on February 6, 2025, Cabinet identified several economic challenges and has since introduced a range of short and long-term interventions. These measures aim to stabilise the economy and support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Dr Jenfan Muswere, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Servces. On food security, Dr Muswere said Cabinet received an update on the food security outlook up to March 2025, as well as the 2024/2025 Summer Season Plan, as presented by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka. Chronicles ---- *Police launch hunt for Geza as outspoken Mnangagwa nemesis goes into hiding* (The Zimbabwean) Issue chilling threat against anyone harbouring the fierce campaigner against Mnangagwa's bid to cling on Geza’s prosecution could be construed as victimisation on a man who has braved a brutal regime to decampaign Mnangagwa’s unpopular bid to stay on. HARARE – Police have launched a hunt for outspoken Zanu PF central committee member and war veteran Blessed Geza who had reportedly gone into hiding after theft and violence incitement charges have been preferred against him. In a statement Wednesday, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi issued a chilling threat against anybody who could be harbouring the fierce agitator for Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s takeover and relinquishing of power by President Mnangagwa at the end of his two-term limit. Geza, now a celebrity war veteran, is facing four charges including inciting public violence, two counts of undermining the authority of the president as well as theft. “The suspect stole and disposed three vehicles belonging to a complainant without his consent,” Nyathi said. “He is also facing two Counts of contravening Section 33 (2) (a) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act, Chapter 9: 23, ‘Undermining the Authority of or Insulting the President’. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that anyone who is harboring the suspect or assisting him to evade police questioning will be equally liable for arrest and subsequent prosecution.” Geza has gained popularity since the beginning of this year when he launched a campaign against Mnangagwa’s bid to stay beyond 2028, a time when the Zimbabwean leader’s two term limit lapses. In his place, Geza wants VP Chiwenga to take over. His outspoken demands for Mnangagwa to dump his ED2030 mantra has invited the wrath of the state which has seen police open criminal charges against him. Geza’s prosecution could be construed as victimisation on a man who has braved a brutal regime to decampaign Mnangagwa’s unpopular bid to stay on. © The Zimbabwean 2005 - 2025 -------- *Manicaland to host the 18th Sanganai/Hlanganani Tourism Expo* (zbc) Manicaland province will host the 18th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo as the prime tourism event that was only being held in Bulawayo for the past 17 years is now being taken to other provinces in line with the devolution agenda. In an interview during the tour of Mutare Sports Club in Mutare, which will be the main venue for Africa’s premier tourism event between the 10th and the 12th of September, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Babra Rwodzi spoke on the decision to take the tourism event to Manicaland province. “The decision that prompted us to host Sanganai away from the usual venue for the past 17 years, which is ZITF in Bulawayo, is to follow the vision of the President and achieve Vision 2030 of an upper middle income economy,” she said. “We have realised that we are one of the key ministries which are pillars to the economy of the country and the President has, since 2017, been telling the world that ‘I will achieve an upper middle income economy by devolving my economy and by taking all the programmes of the government to every corner of the country, leaving no one and no place behind’. Sanganai is a huge event, and we thought the event would contribute towards the growth of GDP in Manicaland. “We did not randomly choose Manicaland, but we agreed that every year, we must have a destination that we speak loud about so as to promote and market it. As a strategy, we want to go to different provinces every year. Victoria Falls is well known as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, but Victoria Falls is not Zimbabwe. This year, we are in Manicaland, and next year, we will be in Masvingo before moving to Mashonaland West. We want to promote local destinations. “We need to promote Nyanga, Hotsprings and our mountains among other destinations. Mutare Sports club will host the main events this year. Last year, tourism contributed 12 percent to the GDP overtaking agriculture due to the El Nino induced drought and mining due to the fluctuation of the prices. Hence, tourism is important for the country.” Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza is convinced that his province will benefit from hosting the event. “We are happy to be hosting this event this year and we can see that the President’s devolution policy is being implemented and as Manicaland we are ready for the challenge. “Manicaland has many outstanding tourism destinations that include Nyangani Mountains, Mutarazi falls and Zipline, Nyangome Falls, Bridal Falls, Nyachowe Falls and many more tourism destinations. “This place should be able to accommodate the event. We were projecting the tourism sector in Manicaland to contribute seven percent to the provincial GDP, but with the province hosting this big event we are now projecting it to contribute over ten percent to the provincial GDP,” he said. The Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo is an annual tourism trade fair organised by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority to showcase a wide range of Africa’s best tourism products, and attracts international visitors, exhibitors, investors, suppliers, buyers and the media from across the world. *zbc.co.zw* ..... *Losers withdraw appeal against Zifa's Magwizi* (zimlive) Former Premier Soccer League chairperson Twine Phiri and ex-ZIFA financial director Phillemon Machana have withdrawn their appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), effectively clearing the final legal obstacle to Nqobile Magwizi's January 25 election as ZIFA president. The pair had initially challenged the election process, citing alleged interference by businessman Wicknell Chivayo, who reportedly offered a $1 million sponsorship package to ZIFA and personal vehicles to electors if they voted for Magwizi. In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, Phiri and Machana said their decision to drop the appeal was motivated by a desire to foster stability and growth in Zimbabwean football. "We are withdrawing our appeal in order to allow football space to heal, stabilise, and grow in an environment where the new executive committee, led by the current president, will begin on a clean and uncontested slate," they said. The ZIFA presidential election faced criticism after several high-profile candidates, including Temba Mliswa and Walter Magaya, were barred from contesting. They failed to meet the eligibility requirement of having at least five O' Level passes, among other conditions. Despite initial allegations of interference, Phiri and Machana have now reversed their stance regarding Chivayo's role, acknowledging his historical contributions to football. "Mr. Chivayo is no stranger to football sponsorship," the statement read. "We now withdraw our suggestion that he interfered in the election. His and others' support for the game has always been invaluable, even in challenging times." Phiri and Machana emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration under the new executive committee. They urged all stakeholders to rally behind Magwizi's leadership, highlighting the need for collective efforts to ensure the stability and progress of Zimbabwean football. "Our engagements over the past few days, both solicited and unsolicited, with several key stakeholders, have influenced this latest decision," they said. "We believe football will never again experience the kind of challenges witnessed in the most recent ZIFA elections." They confirmed that their lawyers had been instructed to formally withdraw the CAS appeal, paving the way for FIFA to proceed with the induction of the new ZIFA leadership. With the legal dispute now resolved, attention turns to FIFA's role in guiding the new ZIFA executive committee through induction and governance processes. Magwizi's administration will be tasked with addressing the challenges facing Zimbabwean football and restoring public confidence in the sport's leadership. The withdrawal of the appeal marks a significant step towards unity and a fresh start for the football fraternity in Zimbabwe. Source - zimlive .... *Sir Wicknell Chivayo clears Highlanders' US$27,000 debt* Prominent businessman Wicknell Chivayo has delivered on his promise to settle Highlanders Football Club's US$27,000 debt owed to former head coach Baltemar Brito and his assistant Antonio Joao Torres. The debt had led to the Bulawayo giants being hit with a transfer ban by FIFA, severely impacting their ability to strengthen the squad. Chivayo had previously committed to resolving the issue once he received the former employees' banking details. On Wednesday afternoon, Highlanders confirmed in a statement that the debt had been cleared and expressed profound gratitude to Chivayo for his generosity. "Highlanders Football Club would like to extend its sincerest gratitude to Mr Wicknell Chivayo for his generous gesture in settling the outstanding debts of our two coaches in full, as promised. Sir Wicknell has always been a big supporter of ithimu yezwe lonke, and since 2017, he has given the club tangible support. As we prepare to celebrate our 100-year milestone, Bosso is assured of his continued kindness to this great institution. Once again, we express our deepest appreciation—Siyabonga, Tatenda, Taboka," the statement read. Chivayo, a self-proclaimed ardent supporter of Highlanders, has a long history of backing the club, contributing financially on multiple occasions since 2017. The resolution of the debt lifts FIFA's transfer ban on Highlanders, providing a much-needed boost as the club looks to maintain its competitiveness in the Zimbabwean Premier Soccer League. Highlanders, also known as "Bosso," are preparing for their centenary celebrations, and Chivayo's support comes as a morale booster during this historic milestone. Fans and stakeholders have praised his intervention, which reaffirms his commitment to one of Zimbabwe's oldest and most revered football institutions. The move marks a significant step forward for Highlanders, who can now focus on rebuilding their squad and pursuing their footballing ambitions without financial or regulatory distractions. Source - The Chronicle ----- *Biti tears into govt’s land title deeds* By TAKUDZWA MUNEMO | FORMER Finance minister and legal expert Tendai Biti has trashed government’s plan to issue title deeds to farm owners calling it a reversal of the land reform programme. The government is ploughing ahead with plans to issue title deeds, arguing that the move is aimed at promoting economic growth, food security and social stability. In a statement this week, Agriculture, Lands, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development ministry permanent secretary Obert Jiri said the title deed programme was a significant step towards securing land ownership for farmers. But Biti, the former Citizens Coalition for Change vice-president, said the title deeds were null and void as they were cancelled when the government gazetted and acquired the land. “All title deeds on agricultural land were cancelled. So (President Emmerson) Mnangagwa cannot give away as he was purported to do on December 3 title deeds on former white man’s land, on agricultural land, because those title deeds do not exist at all. This man always makes legal blunders, consistently,” he said during an online programme at the weekend. “So, Mr Mnangagwa is reversing the land reform programme. What will happen is that in 10 years’ time, cartels will be owning this land. In 50 years’ time, we are back to square zero. “We now have another land fight, this time against the cartels, black cartels. The same cartels you see in fuel, in service stations, will now be owning the land.” In a statement published in the State media, Jiri said the new title would give landowners the option to secure financing for their agricultural activities. “The title will potentially allow capital markets to improve their participation in agricultural value chains. Third, the title will allow for official farm subdivisions to cater for family inheritance. “Fourth, the title will create a new land market, creating opportunities for land transfers to qualifying Zimbabweans. “Fifth, the title provides an exit strategy for farmers who opt out of farming and will recover their investment. These options are not fully addressed by the current lease and permit regime,” he said. Jiri said with title deeds, farmers would have improved security of tenure, allowing them to make long-term investments in their land without fear of losing it. He said a citizen of Zimbabwe who holds an offer letter, permit or lease for agricultural purposes was eligible for title deeds. “A very thorough screening process has been operationalised to weed out non-genuine permits and leases,” Jiri said. He said the government had made arrangements with financial institutions to offer mortgage for the purchase of agricultural land. “Once agreed, land owners will receive title deeds, which will be issued against full payment or mortgage with the selected banks. The banks shall be making separate announcements,” Jiri said. However, citing section 295 subsection 5 of the Constitution, which states that land cannot be alienated without an Act of Parliament, Biti said the title deeds were illegal. “In other words, Parliament needs to be consulted, Parliament must agree and Parliament must come up with this. Secondly, I notice he has appointed someone to run this programme, a private individual,” he said. “He also says that this land should only be transferred to indigenous black Zimbabweans. But the Constitution in section 298 says every Zimbabwean regardless of race has the right to own land. “That is not allowed by the Constitution. The Constitution has created a land commission and the Constitution says anything to do with agricultural land, the land commission must be there. So it’s a potpourri of legal errors.” Newsday ------ *Zimbabwe: Looking Back - Maize Could Be Petrol Source* (Herald) Rhodesia should be making her own fuel to power petrol and diesel engines, and could be producing a large proportion of her needs within a few years if Government backing was won for a large-scale project. But the Government is facing problems, not only because priorities demand that available finance must be used in other directions, but because there are three different fuel production processes between which it has to choose. Two of the processes would yield power alcohol, one of them from molasses and possibly sugar as well, and the other from maize. The third process would yield a range of petro-chemicals from coal, a resource that Rhodesia has in vast quantities in many areas. Choosing between these three processes has proved difficult. It is not just a matter of relative costs of production; there are also questions of scale, of what by products could be produced and of the possibility of selling these to offset one of the production costs. There are also questions particularly looking at the processes that use sugar cane and maize. These could be subject to drought, or widely fluctuating prices that could persuade growers to sell to other buyers or to switch in more profitable crops. The process using maize might have the edge on the molasses process because it gives rise to cattle-feed by-product, but of the conversion of maize starch to alcohol is more involved than the conversion of sugar to alcohol, requiring an extra stage 10 produce sugar from the starch. ...... *Govt Says Only Wicknell Chivayo’s Allowed To Carry Money Vendors Must Open Bank Accounts* (ZimEye) Harare, Zimbabwe – In a move that has sparked widespread outrage, the Zimbabwean government has issued a directive forcing informal vendors to open bank accounts and adopt Point of Sale (POS) machines for all transactions. This mandate, supposedly aimed at boosting tax compliance and financial transparency, raises critical questions: Why are small-scale traders being aggressively targeted while politically connected individuals implicated in massive corruption scandals remain untouched? Wicknell-Chivayo-with-wads-of-cash The hypocrisy is glaring. While vendors—who earn a living selling fruits, vegetables, and second-hand clothes—are now required to submit to strict financial regulations, individuals like Wicknell Chivayo, known for flaunting stacks of US dollars and securing multi-million-dollar government contracts without accountability, continue to operate with impunity. A New Burden on Vendors, A Free Pass for the Elite Announced by Information Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere, the new policy dictates that all informal traders must open bank accounts upon registration and adopt electronic transactions as part of the formal economy. The government argues that this will improve tax collection, but critics see it as another way to target the struggling poor while the politically connected rich remain untouchable. Currently, local authorities are responsible for licensing vendors, but under the new system, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) will play a central role in ensuring compliance with tax laws. A Domestic Inter-agency Team is also being established to crack down on non-compliant vendors, raising fears of harassment and arbitrary arrests. Yet, while vendors are being policed, no such enforcement exists for high-profile figures accused of looting millions from state coffers. Selective Law Enforcement: Why No Scrutiny for Chivayo and Other Elites? Zimbabweans are still reeling from revelations of high-profile corruption cases, where individuals like Wicknell Chivayo have been linked to controversial multi-million-dollar deals. Chivayo, a known ZANU-PF associate, has publicly flaunted massive wads of cash in a country where ordinary citizens are required to justify deposits as low as US$1,000. Key Questions the Government Must Answer: 1. Why are vendors being forced into formal banking systems while individuals caught on camera counting millions in cash face no financial scrutiny? 2. Why are looters of public funds not being investigated under the same financial transparency rules? 3. How does forcing vendors to open bank accounts address the real economic crisis caused by corruption and mismanagement? The silence from authorities is deafening. Despite past scandals and public outrage, Chivayo and other politically connected elites continue to operate without any requirement to disclose the sources of their massive wealth. Meanwhile, street vendors struggling to make ends meet are being hounded by financial regulations that seem designed to oppress rather than empower. A War on the Poor? This latest move fits into a broader pattern of the Zimbabwean government targeting the most vulnerable members of society while shielding those in power. Instead of addressing real economic issues such as inflation, corruption, and unemployment, authorities have opted to police the informal sector, which provides livelihoods for millions. Experts warn that forcing vendors into the banking system without addressing the root causes of economic decay—corruption, policy inconsistency, and lack of investor confidence—will only push more people into extreme poverty. What Happens Next? With vendors now required to comply with electronic payment systems and formal banking, enforcement measures will likely lead to increased harassment from police and municipal authorities, who have a long history of cracking down on informal traders. The real question is: Will the same energy be applied to investigating and prosecuting those responsible for looting the country’s wealth? If history is any indicator, the answer is a resounding no. For now, Zimbabwean vendors must brace for yet another government policy that punishes the poor while protecting the powerful. The fight for justice continues. Have Your Say: Do you think the government’s policy is fair? Should high-profile individuals like Wicknell Chivayo also be forced to open bank accounts and declare their financial dealings? Share your thoughts! .... *ZCC bishop flogs two congregants, one dies during ‘healing’ session* (zimbabwesituation) A 36-year-old ZCC Damsko bishop has been convicted for flogging and killing a church congregant after claiming that she and her husband were mentally ill. The woman died due to the injuries she sustained while her husband sustained severe injuries. Crispen Gomori of Limpopo View in Beitbridge was convicted on Tuesday after appearing before Beitbridge resident magistrate, Mr Takudzwa Gwazemba. Gomori said he administered seven strokes on his male victim as a way of ‘healing’ him as he was ‘losing his mind’. In his defence, Gomori had argued that the couple agreed to the flogging since they are members of his church. In aggravation, the State led by Mr Tawanda Chigavazira argued that even if the couple had agreed to being flogged, the assault was severe. However, for the assault charge Gomori was cautioned and discharged after the court felt that he had suffered a misconception of religious laws. The court heard that on March 6, 2023, at around 12 pm, the complainant and his wife went to church. Upon arrival at the shrine, fellow congregants were instructed by Gomori to shackle the complainant and his wife to a tree with chains. Gomori was claiming that the two were mentally ill. The complainant and his wife spent the whole night tied to the tree until 8pm the next day when Gomori started assaulting them with a leather whip until the woman died at 4am. Upon realising that the woman had died, Gomori fled from the shrine. A police report was made, leading to Gomori’s arrest. His male victim was taken to Beitbridge District Hospital for treatment while the woman’s body was taken to the same hospital for a post-mortem. Source> zimbabwesituation ...... *Retired Soldiers ready to pick up arms as National security concerns mount against Mnangagwa* (cozwva) As national security concerns escalate, retired soldiers across Zimbabwe are preparing to re-enter active service, reaffirming their lifelong commitment to protecting the nation. Despite having formally ended their military careers, these veterans remain steadfast in their duty, proving that their oath to serve extends far beyond retirement. Recent reports indicate that the Council of Zimbabwe War Veterans Associations (COZWVA) has reaffirmed the readiness of former soldiers to step up if the country’s security situation demands it. “A soldier’s duty does not end when they retire,” COZWVA stated, emphasizing the unbreakable bond between service members and their nation. This renewed mobilization comes as Zimbabwe faces growing instability, with concerns ranging from political tensions to external security threats. Military analysts suggest that retired soldiers—many of whom possess decades of combat experience—could play a crucial role in fortifying national defenses if the situation worsens. Reintegrating retired soldiers into security operations is not an unprecedented move. Many nations recall veterans in times of crisis, leveraging their skills and discipline to bolster defense efforts. In Zimbabwe, such a development underscores the seriousness of the perceived threats and the government’s willingness to tap into experienced personnel for stability. COZWVA’s statement highlights the profound impact of military service, which instills a sense of duty and loyalty that persists long after active deployment ends. “By donning their uniform once again, retired soldiers demonstrate their willingness to put the needs of their country above their own personal interests,” the organization noted. As Zimbabwe navigates a period of uncertainty, the readiness of its retired military personnel signals a nation bracing for potential conflict. Whether or not these veterans will be officially recalled remains to be seen, but their unwavering commitment to national defense serves as a powerful reminder that their service never truly ends. Source: https://x.com/cozwva/status/1889031188016214114?t=TOBp-BUTwruOB9v3povheA&s=19 ... *27 people drown as Masvingo's rivers flood* (zbc) As the rains continue to fall across the country, many rivers are flooding including in Masvingo where a record 27 people have drowned since the beginning of the year. This Wednesday residents of Masvingo woke up to a flooded Shakashe River, with many buildings near the river having been affected including the popular joint in the province, Caravan Park. Motorists and pedestrians could be seen trying to capture some pictures of the floods, with senior residents saying they last witnessed such an incident more than 20 years ago. “I was surprised to see such kind of flooding along Shakashe River, we last experienced this around 2000 during the cyclone Eline era. With such flooded rivers it is our duty as parents to ensure the safety of our children,” said a resident. Such is also happening with the Mucheke River leading to flooding of Chimusana Bridge, a critical secondary route to residential suburbs, hence a serious traffic congestion in Masvingo during peak hours. Since last month, the Zimbabwe Republic Police(ZRP) in Masvingo has confirmed 27 cases of drowning. “As the ZRP, we appeal to the people of Masvingo to desist from crossing flooded rivers. Guardians and school authorities, please take care of your children. Do not let them go out when it’s raining or cross flooded rivers. From January up to date, we have recorded 27 cases of drowning and it’s a very big number,” ZRP’s Masvingo Provincial Spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhehwa said. Work is currently underway by the government to construct new bridges along the Mucheke River, hence congestion will be a thing of the past. Source> zbc