*FOR DAILY NEWS UPDATES* *_Join our Group:_* https://chat.whatsapp.com/CmpnkkokGOsIjQZdSBo5N1 *TO ADVERTISE WITH WAZO ADVERTS* *_WhatsApp:_* wa.me/263776804293 *_We have a market reach of over 400,000 Zimbabweans._* — — — — — — — — — — — — *_MORNING NEWS | 17 FEBRUARY 2025_* *1.* Leaked whatsApp messages expose Zanu PF’s desperate attempts to salvage Mnangagwa’s 2030 plan as former CIO agents drops truth bomb *2.* Sean Mnangagwa commanding a military battalion hunting down Cde Geza *3.* Harare City Council urges residents not to panic over discoloured tap water *4.* Job Sikhala rallies opposition stoke up of Zanu PF row as ‘revenge’ for MDC splits *5.* MPs press minister on Zimbabwe’s planned response to US’s aid freeze on HIV programmes *6.* “But they have the land” – South Africa mocks Zimbabwe over Japan’s US$2.8 million food aid donation *7.* Artuz flags gazetted education regulations *8.* MDC Councillors pay bribes to get university admission, varsity worker fired *9.* World’s first openly gay Islamic priest shot dead in South Africa *10.* ‘Disruptive, unfair and cruel’ – Jobs lost and treatment stopped as USAid freeze hits HIV care in Zimbabwe *11.* Kuda Tagwirei brings clean water and solar power to schools and clinics *12.* Jailed Zimbabwean millionaire Frank Buyanga in critical condition... R12 million bail offer denied *13.* Detective Kedha breaks down in court over US$100,000 cash cleaning fraud case *14.* Zimbabwean community in tears as man kills self and another man thrown from Johannesburg brothel’s fifth floor *15.* Businessman’s bush sex backfires badly... Robbers call wife demanding call wife demanding US$400 ransom *16.* Harare woman threatens to petrol bomb her son-in-law for not paying lobola *17.* Harare woman defrauds her niece of US$350,000 *18.* Gas explosion blows off Bulawayo house roof *_FULL ARTICLES BELOW_* _[Note: These News Articles were Compiled and Distributed by Wazo Adverts. Source is Credited at the End of Each Article.]_ 1. *LEAKED WHATSAPP MESSAGES EXPOSE ZANU PF’S DESPERATE ATTEMPTS TO SALVAGE MNANGAGWA’S 2030 PLAN AS FORMER CIO AGENTS DROPS TRUTH BOMB* Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu PF party is grappling with escalating internal turmoil as President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s loyalists push for an extension of his term of office, a move that flies in the face of the national constitution. This has sparked open defiance and growing disaffection within the party, particularly amongst its traditional support base at the grassroots level. The most critical and powerful constituency of the party, the war veterans, have openly demanded Mnangagwa’s immediate resignation. Led by respected veteran Blessed Geza, the ex-combatants have levelled serious accusations against Mnangagwa, including gross corruption, nepotism, and a betrayal of the values of the liberation struggle. Geza’s declaration, known as “Bombshell”, appears to have resonated with a significant number of party members who are increasingly disillusioned with Mnangagwa’s leadership. Many party members are now aligning with the war veterans in their opposition to the “2030 project,” the name given to the alleged term extension plan. However, Mnangagwa’s loyalists, including ministers Ziyambi Ziyambi, Owen “Muda” Ncube, and Tatenda Mavetera, have resisted the war veterans’ demands and continue to rally support for the 2030 agenda. Over the weekend, Zanu PF initiated a cell verification programme in Harare province, ostensibly aimed at gauging party loyalty. However, the programme was poorly attended, forcing its abandonment in some districts where as few as 20 members were present. This lacklustre response has been attributed to the deepening divisions within the party over the 2030 plan. “We did not attend the meeting because we do not want to be forced to support the 2030 project,” said a party member from Ward 6 in Churu constituency. “Most people think what Blessed Geza is saying makes sense.” In an attempt to revive the flagging 2030 project, Zanu-PF Chief Whip Togarepi issued instructions to all Members of Parliament (MPs) via party WhatsApp groups. “Here is a challenge honourable members,” Togarepi said in the message. “Let’s do programmes totumira pano tichiona varikushanda (and send them here so that everyone can see). Maresolutions anoda kunoudzwa vanhu kumusha totumira mavideo (we should tell people of the resolutions and send videos of our work here.)” Following Togarepi’s instruction, the party rolled out several meetings in various parts of the country over the weekend in a desperate attempt to revive the 2030 project, which now seems dead in the water owing to an avalanche of vicious opposition. “The decision to force MPs to do something about 2030 was mulled by the youths and taken over by Togarepi, who then gave the instruction through party WhatsApp groups,” said a party MP, speaking on condition of anonymity. “It appears that attempts to extend Mnangagwa’s term of office have ripped the party apart,” another Zanu PF MP stated. A warrant of arrest has reportedly been issued for Blessed Geza, but a week later, there has been no announcement from the police regarding his arrest or any information about his whereabouts. Efforts to obtain official comment from the police regarding the warrant of arrest have been unsuccessful. Former Zanu-PF political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere, a former CIO operative who also saved at Minister of Local Government in President Mugabe’s government, in an interview with HSTV last week, said Mnangagwa’s attempt to extend his term was tantamount to kicking himself out of power. He asserted that once war veterans call for his departure, his fate is sealed. *_-MyZimbabwe_* 2. *SEAN MNANGAGWA COMMANDING A MILITARY BATTALION HUNTING DOWN CDE GEZA* Tensions within Zimbabwe’s ruling party, Zanu PF, have reached a boiling point as infighting intensifies over President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s controversial bid to extend his term to 2030. The power struggle has taken a dramatic turn, with reports of a failed military operation allegedly orchestrated by soldiers loyal to Major Sean Mnangagwa, the president’s son, to capture Bombshell Geza, a key figure in the War Veterans’ opposition to Mnangagwa’s extended rule. According to sources close to the matter, Bombshell Geza, a vocal critic of the president’s ambitions, has been in hiding at a secure location. Soldiers allegedly attempted to seize him in a covert operation, but the mission failed, resulting in violent skirmishes. The incident has further exposed the deep fractures within Zanu PF and the lengths to which factions are willing to go to secure their interests. “It was chaos. Small arms gunfire erupted, and it was clear that this was not just a political dispute but a full-blown battle for control,” an anonymous source revealed. The failed operation has raised concerns about the militarisation of Zimbabwe’s political landscape and the potential for further violence as the 2030 succession debate rages on. President Mnangagwa, who came to power in 2017 following a military-assisted coup that ousted long-time leader Robert Mugabe, has faced growing opposition within his own party. His bid to extend his rule to 2030 has been met with resistance from factions who argue that the move undermines democratic principles and risks destabilizing the country. The involvement of Major Sean Mnangagwa in the alleged operation has added a new layer of complexity to the crisis. Critics accuse the president of nepotism and using his family to consolidate power, while supporters argue that the younger Mnangagwa is merely protecting his father’s legacy. Meanwhile, ordinary Zimbabweans are growing increasingly weary of the political infighting. “Manje maCitizens will come to KG6 kana zvadaro,” one Harare resident remarked, suggesting that the public may soon take matters into their own hands if the situation continues to deteriorate. Political analysts warn that the ongoing turmoil could have far-reaching consequences for Zimbabwe’s stability. “The infighting within Zanu PF is not just a party issue; it’s a national crisis,” said Dr. Tendai Moyo, a political science lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe. “If left unchecked, it could lead to widespread unrest and further economic decline.” As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on Zanu PF’s next moves. Will President Mnangagwa succeed in his bid to extend his term, or will the internal resistance force a change in direction? For now, the streets remain tense, and the future of Zimbabwe hangs in the balance. *_-Zimbabwe Mail_* 3. *HARARE CITY COUNCIL URGES RESIDENTS NOT TO PANIC OVER DISCOLOURED TAP WATER* The Harare City Council has urged residents not to panic over discoloured water coming out of the tapes, particularly in Highfields. In a public notice issued on Sunday afternoon, the Council assured the public that the water is not harmful. The discolouration is due to sludge being pushed from reservoirs that have not been supplied with water for the past two days. The council said that the system is being flushed, and the reservoir cleaning process will begin immediately. In the meantime, residents are advised to use the water for non-potable purposes, such as watering gardens. *The notice reads as follows:* The City of Harare has been notified of incidences of discoloured water from tapes particularly in the Highfields area in Harare. This has been caused by sludge being pushed from our reservoirs which has not been receiving water for the past two days due to a major fault at our Warren Control water distribution centre. The discoloured water is a result of low levels at the reservoirs and the sludge is an accumulation of water chemicals we use in the tanks over time. As there was very little water in the reservoirs, the sludge was forced out leading to the challenge being faced by residents. This is not harmful and we urge residents not to panic. Our engineers have since rectified the problem at Warren Control and the water will clear once we start pumping early tomorrow morning (16/02/25). Our treated water from Morton Jaffray Water Works near Norton is pumped to Warren Control and Lochinver reservoirs which then supply reservoirs in all our areas before being released to our homes. We urge residents in Highfields to be patient while we wait to resume pumping of water in the area and ultimately the water will clear. The system is being flushed and reservoir cleaning process will start immediately. For now, residents may use the water for other purposes such as garden watering. Any inconveniences caused are sincerely regretted. *_-Pindula_* 4. *JOB SIKHALA RALLIES OPPOSITION STOKE UP OF ZANU PF ROW AS ‘REVENGE’ FOR MDC SPLITS* Firebrand opposition politician and former MP, Job Sikhala has rallied opposition forces to take advantage of the festering fall-out between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s factions to stoke up further tensions within Zanu PF. He argues that the state and Zanu PF have been at the fore front of fanning divisions within MDC in what led to multiple splinter groups emerging from Zimbabwe’s first ever opposition to give the ruling party a run for its money in a poll. Zanu PF stares schismatic factional wars since the 2017 fissures that saw the military backed Mnangagwa faction seize control and overthrowing then President Robert Mugabe and replacing him with the once fierce detector’s former deputy. Since then, Zanu PF has managed to camouflage its factional differences. But a recent bid by Mnangagwa, through proxies, to extend his term of office beyond the two-term limit prescribed by the constitution has stirred up a hornet’s nest with a section led by war veterans openly declaring the incumbent’s unpopular bid to stay on will be blocked by all means. The tensions between the two powerful factions with military backing is feared by observers to be a national security threat, moreso, given past events of the occurrence of a coup in the country and the hitherto unresolved bombing mystery at a Zanu PF campaign star rally in Bulawayo 2018 when Mnangagwa and Chiwenga missed death. Outspoken cleric and World Council of Churches programmes director Reverend Kenneth Mtata, in a recent article, warned that “Zanu PF’s internal succession challenges are not just party issues; they are national issues”. “How succession is handled impacts democratic governance, national unity, civil-military relations, and the quality of leadership in Zimbabwe as a whole,” Mtata said. But Sikhala, arguably the most combative opposition politician since the birth of MDC, sees a way of profiting from the current Zanu PF chaos. “,,, Zanu PF has been an active participant in the factional fights in the opposition since time immemorial. They abetted, funded, encouraged, and actively participated in the opposition, tearing each other apart. They use the state apparatus such as the CIO and others to actively steer confusion. We saw the active involvement of the state apparatus in the seizure of Harvest House. “Do they think I am happy to have come out of their jail to find out the CCC party seized and torn apart. “If the opportunity arises to contribute to the confusion in the house of the ZANU PF devils, don’t wait. Seize the opportunity for the revenge mission. Actively fan the confusion. Steer the fight until the evil party has completely got obliterated from the face of the earth!!!” Sikhala posted on his X handle. MDC has split into multiple factions since formation in 1999. The split cost the opposition what could have been a sensational poll victory in 2008 when the then Morgan Tsvangirai and Arthur Mutambara led formations polled a combined 109 of 210 seats against Mugabe’s Zanu PF which won 97. Tsvangirai won 47.9% of Presidential vote and Mugabe 43.2% with Mutambara taking the rest, in a poll that could have seen Zanu PF jettisoned from power. The splits continue up to date even after the stronger faction of MDC has transformed into the now christened Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). Sikhala sees a Zanu PF hand in all the splits and calls on his opposition allies to pay the enemy with its own coin. *_-ZimLive_* 5. *MPS PRESS MINISTER ON ZIMBABWE’S PLANNED RESPONSE TO US’S AID FREEZE ON HIV PROGRAMMES* Legislators have demanded answers from health deputy minister Sleiman Kwidini on what plans government had in place to cover the gap created by the sudden withdrawal of US funding into Zimbabwe’s health system. During question time in parliament on Wednesday, Hwange West MP Vusumuzi Moyo sought to hear if government had a way of cushioning its citizens from the impact likely to be caused by the withdrawal of HIV related funding by a major donor. Moyo asked “what policy plans has the government put in place to alleviate the impact that has been created by the sudden withdrawal of US funding in our health service delivery system, especially in the fight against the HIV pandemic”. Epworth MP Zivai Mhetu also sought answers from the minister on when the government-funded condoms and Antiretroviral drugs were going to be distributed to the public. “Before the condoms and ARVs finish, we want to know when those drugs are going to be distributed to close the gap resulting from the withdrawal of the funding … before the condoms and ARVs finish, we want to know when those drugs are going to be distributed? he asked. In his response, the deputy minister, while admitting that Zimbabwe would be greatly affected, said government was on top of the situation. “Yes, there might indeed be an impact on the withdrawal of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) from World Health organisation. “In terms of issues of HIV and AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis, which has been left out by these programmes implementers were giving us.” Kwidi said it was now the mandate of the ministry and the government to make sure that the programmes do not collapse. “So, as we speak, the ministry’s technocrats are in the process of finding out how best we can human capital which was affected by these funds which have been withdrawn,” the top government official said. “Basically, the policy is already there and was existing but come up with solutions possible, especially in budgeting and also human capital which was affected by these funds which have been withdrawn. Basically, the policy is already there and was existing but what has been withdrawn is the support which we were receiving from the funders.” *_-ZimLive_* 6. *“BUT THEY HAVE THE LAND” – SOUTH AFRICA MOCKS ZIMBABWE OVER JAPAN’S US$2.8 MILLION FOOD AID DONATION* Zimbabwe is once again facing ridicule from South Africans after receiving a multi-million-dollar food aid donation from Japan to combat hunger. While the country is currently experiencing good rains, last year’s drought left many rural communities struggling with food shortages. With crop harvests still months away, thousands remain at risk of starvation. To help ease the crisis, the Japanese government, in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), has launched a three-month feeding programme worth US$2.8 million. The Lean Season Assistance Campaign will provide food relief to more than 57,000 villagers across seven districts. However, this has sparked a wave of mockery from South Africans, who took to social media to question why Zimbabwe, once the “breadbasket of Africa,” now relies on foreign aid for survival. Here’s what some South Africans had to say about the situation: @Dirtybootsmo: But… they chased out all the “oppressive foreigners,” and now they have land… why are they starving? Why do they need different foreigners to feed them? I thought they could do it all themselves, no? The irony is so thick.🤣😂🤣😂😂🤣😂🤣😂 @safferpsyche: Why accept food from foreigners when you can grow your own? @safferpsyche: Isn’t the whole point of living in a rural village to be self-sustaining and grow your own food? @GreenSpear: Oh… But they liberated themselves from the “oppression of colonialism” and drove out the “evil” white man… Weren’t they once the bread basket of southern Africa.🤔 @Hardusvosloo: Why do they need to do that!? Its a sovereign country with farmers and very fertile ground.🫣 *_-iHarare_* 7. *ARTUZ FLAGS GAZETTED EDUCATION REGULATIONS* The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) has applauded the recently gazetted education regulations, commending the government for addressing key issues, but took exception to the clause mandating parents to fund basic education. While acknowledging the inclusion of eight progressive policies and recommendations from its quarterly monitoring reports, Artuz said the requirement that parents must fund basic education violated section 75 of the Constitution, which guaranteed every citizen's right to State-funded basic education. “Section 75(1) states that every citizen and permanent resident of Zimbabwe has a right to basic State-funded education, including adult basic education and further education that the State must make available progressively through laws and other measures. “Section 75 states that access to State-funded basic education is absolute. Progressive realisation of State funding only applies to further education not basic education. We find the gazetted regulations violating this basic right,” the union said. Artuz also objected to the requirement for fee payment before schools open, citing the negative impact on payment plans that have kept learners in school. “Schools have been engaging with parents on payment plans. These regulations are against the spirit of payment plans, which have kept learners in school,” the union said. Artuz also flagged the regulations’ silence on the provision of sanitary pads for girls, a critical issue addressed in the Education Act. The union, however, applauded Primary and Secondary Education minister Torerai Moyo for addressing issues such as sexual abuse, school feeding and support for learners with disabilities and pregnant girls. However, the union found section 12(C) inappropriate as it allows parents to withdraw pregnant girls from school, potentially denying them their right to education. “Parents should not be allowed to decide on whether a pregnant girl should stay in school or not. Some parents may pull girls out of school for either cultural or religious reasons. Right to education for pregnant girls should be absolute.” It also called for consultation and the need for a more inclusive and equitable approach to education policy-making. *_-Newsday_* 8. *MDC COUNCILLORS PAY BRIBES TO GET UNIVERSITY ADMISSION, VARSITY WORKER FIRED* Two MDC councillors Kudzai Kadzombe and Denford Ngadziore have lost their places with the Catholic University of Zimbabwe (CUZ), following revelations that they had cheated their way into enrolling for degree programmes, while the university worker who had offered them the places in the Faculty of Commerce, Bachelor of Business Management and Information Technology has already been fired. The two were supposed to commence studies at the beginning of April, but the university has since advised them of its decision to terminate their offers until they get the basic requirements and seek readmission. “The two are not students of the university,” CUZ registrar Albert Mada said. “The university has advised each of them that it will happily consider admitting them into the university once they meet all the requisite admission requirements. “The university treats records of all stakeholders, including students (potential, registered or alumni), as confidential and, as such, will not divulge personal details. As public information, however, I can confirm that the university is in possession of application forms received in 2019 from the two individuals about whom you made enquiries.” Although they admitted not having the requisite qualifications as espoused by the university’s entry requirements for the particular programme, Kadzombe and Ngadziore argued that they were given special dispensation to take up their undergraduate courses. Both insisted they were victims of power struggles within the MDC-run Harare City Council centred on the shuffling of council thematic committees. “This allegation is the work of detractors and it is not true. It’s people who are trying to tarnish my image, who are spreading malicious rumours,” Kadzombe told NewsDay. “I was given a special dispensation — being mature entry and I was also given the opportunity to sit for the (‘O’ Level) subjects while I take up my undergraduate programme.” Ngadziore also maintained that they were being wrongfully accused. He said the only “O” Level subject he did not possess was Mathematics. He rubbished NewsDay’s request for him to send a copy of his “O” Level certificate. “These are all lies,” he said. “We were made to write examinations at the university (and passed). The only thing I don’t have is ‘O’ Level Maths, otherwise everything else is above board. We are actually starting in April,” Ngadziore insisted. He said the “malicious” allegations were emanating from people who felt threatened by “our progress” as they try to upgrade themselves for the benefit of the people who voted for them. According to the CUZ website, the entry requirement for the particular programme is “five Ordinary Level subjects, including English and Mathematics plus at least two ‘A’ Levels or mature entry for applicants above 25 years of age who have passed the five approved ‘O’ Level subjects”. *_-Zimbabwe Mail_* 9. *WORLD’S FIRST OPENLY GAY ISLAMIC PRIEST SHOT DEAD IN SOUTH AFRICA* Muhsin Hendricks, a pioneering figure dubbed the world’s first openly gay imam, has been shot dead in South Africa. The 57-year-old cleric ran a mosque in Cape Town intended as a safe haven for gay and other marginalised Muslims. He was killed on Saturday morning after the car in which he was travelling near the southern city of Gqeberha was ambushed. “Two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of the vehicle and started firing multiple shots at the vehicle,” police said in a statement. News of Hendricks’ death has sent shockwaves through the LGBTQ+ community and beyond, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the globe. Julia Ehrt, executive director at the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (Ilga), called on the authorities to thoroughly investigate “what we fear may be a hate crime”. “He supported and mentored so many people in South Africa and around the world in their journey to reconcile with their faith, and his life has been a testament to the healing that solidarity across communities can bring in everyone’s lives,” she said. Hendricks was killed after he had reportedly officiated at a lesbian wedding, though this has not been officially confirmed. The details of the attack emerged through security footage that was shared on social media. It shows a car pulling up and blocking the vehicle in which Hendricks was travelling as it was pulling away from the curb. According to police, the imam was in the back seat. The angle of CCTV footage reveals what happened from one side of the road – an assailant jumps out of a car, runs to the ambushed vehicle and shoots repeatedly through the back passenger window. Hendricks’ Al-Ghurbaah Foundation, which runs the Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque in the Wynberg suburb of Cape Town, confirmed he had died in a targeted attack on Saturday morning. But Abdulmugheeth Petersen, chair of the foundation’s board, appealed via a WhatsApp group for their followers to be patient, stressing the importance of protecting Hendricks’ family. Hendricks’ work challenged traditional interpretations of Islam and championed a compassionate, inclusive faith. South Africa’s post-apartheid constitution was the first in the world to protect people from discrimination because of their sexual orientation and in 2006, became the first country in Africa to legalise same-sex marriage. But despite a thriving LGBT community, gay people still face discrimination and violence. The country also has one of the highest murder rates in the world. Hendricks came out as gay in 1996, which shocked the wider Muslim community in Cape Town and elsewhere. That same year, he founded The Inner Circle, an organisation providing support and a safe space for queer Muslims seeking to reconcile their faith and sexuality before going on to establish the inclusive Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque. He was the subject of a documentary in 2022 called The Radical, in which he said about the threats he faced: “The need to be authentic was greater than the fear to die.” Hendricks often spoke about the importance of interfaith dialogue and the need to address the mental health issues and trauma faced by LGBTQ+ individuals within religious communities. He told the Ilga World Conference in Cape Town last year: “It is important that we stop to look at religion as the enemy.” Reverend Jide Macaulay, an openly gay Anglican minister, described Hendricks’ death as “truly heartbreaking”. The British-Nigerian LGBTQ rights activist runs House of Rainbow, an organisation that provides support for gay people in Nigeria where same-sex relationships or public displays of affection are illegal, and paid tribute to Hendricks’ bravery. “Your leadership, courage, and unwavering dedication to inclusive faith communities have left an indelible mark,” he said. Sadiq Lawal, a gay Muslim man living in Nigeria, told the BBC that Hendricks, had made such an impact as he had made “the impossible possible” by saying the words: “I’m a queer imam.” “He’s a mentor to many queer Muslims in Africa, especially in Nigeria, because of religious extremism,” he said. “I’m still in shock and devastated.” *_-ZimLive_* 10. *‘DISRUPTIVE, UNFAIR AND CRUEL’ – JOBS LOST AND TREATMENT STOPPED AS USAID FREEZE HITS HIV CARE IN ZIMBABWE* Chiedza Makura only learned she had been dismissed from her nursing job when a WhatsApp message came through on the evening of January 28. The 37-year-old single mother of three worked as an HIV nurse at Zim-TTech, a private voluntary organisation established out of the University of Washington’s International Training and Education Center for Health in 2003, to provide HIV and Aids-related services. “I felt shattered,” Makura told the Guardian, after finding herself out of a job and struggling to feed her family and keep them in school. For the past three years she had been earning US$500 (£400) a month. “My job was my only source of income. I still do not know what to do,” she says. Her dismissal came shortly after US President Donald Trump’s executive order pausing foreign assistance, pending a 90-day period, to developing nations. She is one of those who worked for organisations that relied on the US president’s emergency plan for Aids relief (Pepfar) and USAid. In Zimbabwe, USAid provided funding of up to US$360m to support health and agricultural programmes. Makura is one of the thousands of Zimbabwean healthcare workers who worked for non-governmental organisations and civil society groups supporting HIV and Aids-related services, who received those funds. She was responsible for collecting blood samples, measuring viral load, tuberculosis (TB) screening, TB prophylactic treatment advocacy, viral load collection and anti-retroviral therapy (ART) resupplying. About 1,2 million people taking ART were supported by USAid along with services such as counselling and testing. Clinics such as the Population Solutions for Health (PSH) and New Start centres providing counselling, free testing, voluntary male circumcision, ART and pre-exposure prophylaxis, known as PrEP, across the country were closed down on January 28. In a Press release dated January 29, the US embassy in Harare encouraged the Zimbabwean government to “take seriously its responsibility for the health of its people”. Trump’s administration gave a reprieve to some of the services on HIV and Aids after a public outcry, but in Zimbabwe, healthcare workers say they are yet to receive communication on what is exempted from the executive order. Population Solutions for Health clinics, such as this one, providing free testing, voluntary male circumcision, ART and PrEP, relied on USAid. Gumisayi Bonzo, a director at Trans Smart Trust, an organisation offering HIV and Aids services to transgender and intersex people, says they have been forced to stop implementing programmes. “All nine transgender staff who were referring transgender people for clinical services at PSH clinics lost their jobs,” Bonzo said, adding that they were also struggling with paying the rent on their offices in Harare. Hazel Zemura, director of All Women Advocacy, an organisation representing sex workers in Zimbabwe, says it is a blow to her community that clinics offering HIV and Aids services have been forced to close. “These are safe spaces where HIV key-affected populations go for ART refill, STI screening and treatment, viral load testing, cervical cancer screening, PrEP and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP),” she says, adding that they had also stopped providing services to sex workers under USAid funded programmes. Calvin Fambirai, executive director at the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights, said because the health sector in Zimbabwe was donor-dependent, any gains made over the years in areas such as HIV and Aids were likely to be eroded. “There is a need to strengthen domestic financing for health to ensure that shocks such as the withdrawal of US support are mitigated,” he said. In 2023, Zimbabwe reached 95-95-95, the UN Aids target where 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those are on ART and 95% of those on ART have achieved viral suppression. Activists attribute this milestone to donor-funded interventions, while Zimbabwe’s health sector is under-resourced. Annual funding falls short of the 2001 Abuja declaration, which calls for at least 15% of the budget to be allocated to the health sector. Martha Tholanah, an Aids activist, said it was a wake-up call for Zimbabwe to put more domestic resources towards health. “The way it has been done in such an abrupt manner is disruptive, unfair and cruel,” she said, adding that the most vulnerable people were exposed to even greater risks. “Our government needs to act. We need to see action, as words alone will not be enough to reassure citizens.” While Trump’s administration is reviewing foreign assistance during the 90 days, Makura’s future is uncertain. “My days are dark with uncertainty. I will transfer my children to cheaper schools. I should give notice of vacation to my landlord and maybe find a little room where I can squeeze in with my three children?” she said. “I am confused because of poor communication. Perhaps starting a job hunt is the only sensible action while I wait in vain.” *_-Newsday_* 11. *KUDA TAGWIREI BRINGS CLEAN WATER AND SOLAR POWER TO SCHOOLS AND CLINICS* Businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, through his Bridging Gaps Foundation (BGF), is supporting communities in Mutoko District, Mashonaland East. As reported by The NewHawks, BGF is drilling boreholes and installing water and solar systems at Kushinga Clinic, Kushinga Primary School, and Kushinga Secondary School to improve access to clean water and power. Tagwirei, who is an adviser to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and a key Zanu PF funder, owns Sakunda Holdings and several other businesses. He is also a Seventh-Day Adventist Church elder and preacher and was recently appointed to the Land Tenure Implementation Committee by Mnangagwa. BGF which he runs with his wife Sandra, has donated 15 tonnes of maize meal, 3,000 litres of cooking oil, sugar, salt, and sugar beans to benefit 1,500 households in Ward 26 of Mutoko. Tagwirei is also committed to building churches in various regions, including Mutoko. Through his foundation, Tagwirei has been providing free medical care in areas like Domboshava, Mashonaland East, and Plumtree, Matabeleland South, offering services such as dental care, blood pressure checks, antenatal care, optometry, diabetes management, and healthy eating advice. Tagwirei owns Arundel Hospital in Harare, where he provides free medical services to his church members. He also sponsors local football teams, Dynamos and Highlanders, through Sakunda. *_-Pindula_* 12. *JAILED ZIMBABWEAN MILLIONAIRE FRANK BUYANGA IN CRITICAL CONDITION... R12 MILLION BAIL OFFER DENIED* Lawyers representing incarcerated businessman Frank Buyanga Sadiqi have said the continued detention of their client has taken a toll on his health. Reports from South Africa have also indicated that Buyanga has fallen ill while in prison with his lawyers calling on the South African Judiciary to expedite the review of his case. Buyanga, through his Hamilton Foundation lawyers, said his detention contravened section 50 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which mandates that an arrested person must be brought before a court within 48 hours. He recently offered R12 million as bail, but was turned down. “Sadiqi has fallen ill in hospital. He has been subjected to unlawful detention, procedural irregularities and a blatant miscarriage of justice. “His detention contravenes section 50 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which mandates that an arrested person must be brought before a court within 48 hours,” the lawyers said. Buyanga was arrested on November 29, 2022, and was only brought to court for his first appearance on December 7, 2022. The lawyers alleged that there was abuse of power by the SA’s Hawks. “The Hawks registered a parallel criminal docket against immigration practitioners who assisted Sadiqi, acting beyond their legal mandate. “There is also false allegations and lack of evidence: The State’s case against Sadiqi lacks prima facie evidence and the complainant's credibility has been severely compromised,” the lawyers said. On his alleged escape from prison, the lawyers said their client had been falsely accused of conspiring to escape from prison, with no evidence to support these claims and these allegations were fabricated to deny him bail. “This allegation has further compromised his right to a fair trial. The statement demands the immediate and unconditional release of Sadiqi, dismissal of all charges and a thorough investigation into the abuses of power by the Hawks, SAPS and other involved authorities. “The Judiciary is urged to expedite the review of Sadiqi’s case and ensure that justice is served without further delay. The statement also appeals to the judicial and executive community, human rights organisations and all people of conscience to stand in solidarity with Sadiqi. “As reported earlier, Sadiqi’s detention has taken a toll on his health, with reports indicating that he has fallen sick in prison. His supporters argue that his prosecution is ‘concocted and malicious’ and that he has been denied his fundamental rights, including access to private medical healthcare.” Recently, Buyanga’s lawyers petitioned the South African presidency, demanding his release following his detention in a Johannesburg facility over allegations of kidnapping, fraud and financial crimes in 2022. *_-Newsday_* 13. *DETECTIVE KEDHA BREAKS DOWN IN COURT OVER US$100,000 CASH CLEANING FRAUD CASE* Detective Kedha broke down in court on Friday forcing the magistrate to adjourn proceedings. He was on the witness stand where he was testifying in his defence case. Detective Kedha, whose name is Tafadzwa Chidawa, is currently in remand prison after his bail was cancelled because he defaulted court for over a year. He broke down into tears, prompting Chief Magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti Guwuriro to adjourn the matter to today for continuation. He is being charged with his accomplices Paradza Passmore Matubu and Perseverance Chisango, Malvern Mutanda and Francis Takura. Mutanda and Takura are at large. The complainant is Melody Matanhire. Chidawa and his accomplices defaulted court in January last year after their application for discharge was dismissed by the trial magistrate Vongai Guwuriro. Their bail was withdrawn and he is expected in court tomorrow for trial continuation. The court heard that Matanhire was in an adulterous relationship with Mutanda. She was told by her lover that he was in possession of about US$100,000 soiled money, which needed some cleaning. Mutanda said the cleaning process would require at least US$20,000 clean bills which should be mixed with soiled money and some chemicals. The person who was to supply the US$20,000 would earn some interest or commission upon the successful completion of the process. Acting on the misrepresentation, it is alleged that on August 27 2020, Matanhire advised Mutanda that she had managed to secure the US$20,000. She went with Mutanda to Blue Ridge Lodge where they were going to clean the money. She took the US$20,000 from her matrimonial home in Gen Lorne, Harare. Unbeknown to her, Mutanda connived with Chidawa, Takura, Paradzai Passmore Matubu and Perseverance Chisango to steal from her. The court heard that when the lovers entered Blue Ridge Lodge, Mutanda requested US$20,000. Matanhire then handed the money to her boyfriend who then put it into a cooler box for the cleaning process to start. Chidawa and his team then entered the lodge and manhandled Mutanda while masquerading as police officers who had been looking for him. One of the gang members grabbed the cooler box and took Mutanda to a car. The other two took away Matanhire and then ‘released’ her. Mutanda and his team met and shared the US$20,000. The offence came to light after Matanhire stage managed a robbery to try and cover up for the loss to her husband. Detectives from CID Homicide arrested Mutanda and this led to the recovery of property he had bought using his loot. *_-H-Metro_* 14. *ZIMBABWEAN COMMUNITY IN TEARS AS MAN KILLS SELF AND ANOTHER MAN THROWN FROM JOHANNESBURG BROTHEL’S FIFTH FLOOR* The Zimbabwean community here is in mourning after a man committed suicide in his bedroom, with his body being discovered first by his son who was on his way to school, while another man was pushed to his death from a fifth floor brothel. Wiseman Tapiwa Mutazu (46) of Windsor, north of Johannesburg,was found hanging in his bedroom in the early hours of Wednesday. He was a glazer by profession. “It’s a very sad ending and what makes it worse is that he was discovered in that state by his 16-year-old son who was preparing to go to school. “He untied him, thinking that he was still alive,” said one of the deceased’s friends. Detectives from the South African police were called in as there were initial reports of suspected foul play. “The guy was having a lot of problems financially and on the domestic front and they were always fighting with the wife. “He had become an alcoholic, drowning his sorrows in Alomo and DeRock,” said the friend. Alomo and DeRock are very cheap imported drinks stashed in sachets which are sold on the streets. They have a very high and unregulated alcohol content. Reports suggest that when he killed himself, Mutazu and his wife were now sleeping in separate bedrooms. Sources said they were awaiting post-mortem results. Despite the controversy surrounding his death, the Windsor community rallied together to help raise funds to repatriate his body to Zimbabwe. Traffic came to a standstill on Friday night when the deceased’s body was brought to Windsor East Shopping Centre, which was his favourite chilling spot. It was a celebration of life that was characterised by song and dance. Mutazu was buried in Mhondoro yesterday. Another Zimbabwean man was thrown from a fifth floor at a popular brothel in central Johannesburg called ‘5 Industry’. He fell head first and suffered serious head injuries. The unidentified man was believed to be from Hwange and, according to sources, had gone into the apartment “to have a good time”. A witness told H-Metro: “This flat is notorious for such heinous deeds. I don’t know this guy’s name but I know he is from Hwange. “He used to speak Tonga. This is not the first time someone has been thrown out. “If you don’t pay with cash you may pay with your life.” The man’s body lay on the tarmac, in a pool of blood for hours, before it was removed by authorities. *_-B-Metro_* 15. *BUSINESSMAN’S BUSH SEX BACKFIRES BADLY... ROBBERS CALL WIFE DEMANDING CALL WIFE DEMANDING US$400 RANSOM* A businessman had a nightmare after robbers pounced on him while he was having sex with his girlfriend in a bush. They took his car and demanded cash, which he failed to provide. The robbers then called his wife, demanding a ransom of US$400, for them to release the car. The 36-year-old Jonas Sadiki was with his lover Christabel Masanga, 23, when two armed men approached them and demanded cash. The two men pounced on the duo on Valentine’s Eve, at around 8 pm, near the Kadoma Paper Mills plant. The matter was reported on Valentine’s Day at Kadoma Central Police Station under RRB 6277718. According to a memo, released by the Officer Commanding Police Kadoma District, the businessman lost a white Honda Civic, which was recovered on Valentine’s Day, an Itel, Nokia and Samsung cellphones. The car was valued at U$3 000. Allegations are that on February 13, at around 8 pm, Jonas left his wife Shuvayi Gora, 28, at Gazmak tuckshop, Rimuka, claiming he was going home. He picked up his girlfriend at her home and they went to a secluded place near Kadoma Paper Mills. Jonas and his girlfriend were having sexual intercourse in the car when two men approached them and accused them of having extra-marital affairs in the bush. The men demanded cash so that they could not divulge the case to the complainant’s wife and the public. Jonas said he had no cash but it was at his home in Morningside, Kadoma. He then drove his car to his home, together with the girlfriend, and the two men. He parked his car at his date and left the car keys in the ignition. He also left an Itel cellphone, Nokia cellphone and Samsung cellphone inside the car. One of the accused persons armed himself with a metal object and they entered Jonas’s house and searched for money and did not find any. They assaulted Jonas with a metal object but he insisted that he did not have the money. The two men then drove his car to an unknown destination. They then called his wife, Shuvai Gora, on her mobile, demanding a ransom of US$400 so that they could release the car. She negotiated and they agreed that she should pay US$200. She was told to board a mushikashika travelling from Kadoma to Chegutu and would be advised where to disembark. By then, the case had been reported to the police. A team made up of CID officers from Kadoma and Kadoma Central Police Intelligence boarded a mushikashika disguised as passengers. The team dropped her at a place where she had been ordered to disembark from the car. However, the two men spotted the police and ran away. A chase was made in an effort to arrest the accused persons but it was all in vain. No arrests were made but the team managed to recover the vehicle, which was parked in the bush. *_-B-Metro_* 16. *HARARE WOMAN THREATENS TO PETROL BOMB HER SON-IN-LAW FOR NOT PAYING LOBOLA* A man claims his mother-in-law is threatening to petrol bomb him for not paying lobola for her daughter. Luckson Kamowa has dragged his mother-in-law Tatenda Millicent to the Harare Civil Court, seeking a protection order. “Tatenda comes to my house at midnight and knocks on the windows claiming that l should not have sex with my wife because l did not pay lobola. “She is in the habit of assaulting me, alleging that l am enjoying her daughter for free. “I am now afraid as she is threatening to throw a petrol bomb inside our house and make sure we die. “Each time she insults me, she uses vulgar language which is humiliating.” He added: “I am tired of my mother-in-law’s behavior and l do not want her to visit my house. “All l want is peace in my house, l will marry my wife when l have the money, for now l do not have money. “She wants me to separate with her daughter because l am poor yet l love my wife.” Tatenda said in her response: “He changed my daughter, I feel she is no longer the daughter I gave birth to. “The court should give the appropriate judgment but l want a DNA test for my daughter. “I will not visit them but l assume my daughter was changed in the maternity ward. “All I wanted was a good future for my daughter but she does not see that.” Magistrate Meenal Naratom granted a peace order to Luckson. *_-H-Metro_* 17. *HARARE WOMAN DEFRAUDS HER NIECE OF US$350,000* A 51-year-old Harare woman appeared in court yesterday facing charges of defrauding her niece of US$350 000 through a fraudulent investment scheme that promised high returns. Doreen Mandivenga, a Sentosa resident, was arrested on February 12. She was remanded in custody pending her bail ruling on February 17. According to State prosecutor Mr Anesu Chirenje, Mandivenga allegedly lured her niece, Peacemaker Nyevero Makuve, a 39-year-old construction business director, into the scheme by claiming that it was a lucrative, risk-free investment opportunity offering a minimum 4 percent return. The alleged scam ran from May 2023 to September 2024, during which Makuve invested a total of US$350 000. Mandivenga reportedly issued promissory notes as proof of receipt and even paid Makuve US$110 000 in interest to maintain the illusion of legitimacy. However, when Makuve sought further returns or attempted to withdraw her principal investment, Mandivenga became evasive. When repeated attempts to recover her funds failed, Makuve reported the matter to the police, leading to Mandivenga’s arrest. The court heard that Mandivenga worked with an accomplice, Jesman Chonzi, who has not yet been apprehended. Authorities have confirmed that no funds have been recovered to date. *_-Herald_* 18. *GAS EXPLOSION BLOWS OFF BULAWAYO HOUSE ROOF* A horrific gas explosion blew off the roof of a house in Pelandaba West, Bulawayo, on Friday morning leaving a 29-year-old woman nursing serious burns. Bulawayo chief fire officer Mhlangano Moyo confirmed the incident, adding that gas was being sold from the four-roomed house and that the fire was confined to the sitting room. He said the fire brigade found three gas bottles weighing 2kg, 5kg, and 48kg including a scale. “A female adult sustained burns and was ferried to a local hospital by private motor vehicle,” Moyo said. He said firefighters found the house ablaze with the 48kg gas pipe leaking. “The brigade closed the leaking gas attached to the 48kg cylinder that was still releasing gas. A high-pressure hose reel with breathing apparatus stage one was put into operation,” he said. The estimated value of property lost was put at ZiG40 000 while the fire brigade saved ZiG210 000. Moyo said the fire was a result of gross negligence. He said he engaged the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority and the Environmental Management Authority to confiscate the cylinders as the sale of gas without a permit was illegal. *_-Newsday_*