*FOR DAILY NEWS UPDATES* *_Join our Group:_* https://chat.whatsapp.com/EQFa8axjqYiLc7BiUKVuAW *TO ADVERTISE WITH WAZO ADVERTS* *_WhatsApp:_* wa.me/263776804293 *_We have a market reach of over 400,000 Zimbabweans._* — — — — — — — — — — — — *_EVENING NEWS | 24 FEBRUARY 2025_* *1.* Chamisa accuses Mnangagwa of manipulating citizens through ‘blue lies’ *2.* Journalist who interviewed war veteran Blessed Geza turns himself in to the ZRP *3.* Health deputy minister blames staff sabotage for equipment breakdowns in public hospitals *4.* Chiefs and Sabhukus warned that selling land will lead to arrest *5.* Bulawayo baby swap scandal – Government gives update on investigations *6.* “Broke” Andy Muridzo sells Mercedes Benz gifted to him by Wicknell Chivayo *7.* 16 Zimbabweans among dozens arrested in South Africa’s Pretoria major crime crackdown against illegal foreigners *8.* Some US government workers told to justify their jobs to Elon Musk, others told to ignore him *9.* Zimbabwe tobacco growers encouraged to prioritize quality *10.* Ukraine leader Zelensky willing to give up presidency in exchange for NATO membership *11.* Google should pay R300-R500 million annually to South African media, report says *12.* Urban Connect bus accident death toll rises to 28 – 2 victims yet to be identified *13.* Triple murder suspect arrested after week on the run... Attempted to commit suicide *14.* Wife murders husband over US$1 price difference for a gas cooker *_FULL ARTICLES BELOW_* _[Note: These News Articles were Compiled and Distributed by Wazo Adverts. Source is Credited at the End of Each Article.]_ 1. *CHAMISA ACCUSES MNANGAGWA OF MANIPULATING CITIZENS THROUGH ‘BLUE LIES’* Opposition leader Advocate Nelson Chamisa has accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government of manipulating Zimbabwean citizens through “blue lies” in a bid to maintain control. Speaking out against what he described as desperate tactics by the current regime, Chamisa urged citizens to remain strong and resilient in the face of ongoing challenges. In a statement issued on Sunday, Chamisa criticized the government’s efforts to deceive the public, claiming that when those in power cannot manipulate or control the people, they resort to spreading lies. “When they can’t control or manipulate you they start to lie about you,” Chamisa said, underscoring his belief that the Mnangagwa administration is willing to use deceit as a tool for maintaining its authority. Chamisa’s comments come as Zimbabwe continues to face significant economic and political turmoil. With the country grappling with high inflation, unemployment, and widespread poverty, the opposition leader warned that the government is increasingly relying on false narratives to maintain its hold on power. Despite the government’s rhetoric, Chamisa urged citizens to stay true to their values and not succumb to manipulation. “Keep strong. Stay pure and incorruptible,” he said, encouraging people to resist efforts to undermine their integrity. He ended his statement with a hopeful note, saying, “Blessed Sunday,” urging his supporters to find strength and optimism in difficult times. The term “blue lies” implies a deliberate distortion of truth by those in power, often intended to serve the interests of the ruling regime. It reflects his belief that Mnangagwa’s government is not only failing to address the country’s pressing issues but is also engaging in deceitful tactics to divert attention from its shortcomings. As tensions continue to rise, Chamisa’s call for unity and resilience serves as a rallying cry for those dissatisfied with the current state of affairs in Zimbabwe. *_-ZimEye_* 2. *JOURNALIST WHO INTERVIEWED WAR VETERAN BLESSED GEZA TURNS HIMSELF IN TO THE ZRP* Blessed Mhlanga, a senior journalist with Alpha Media Holdings (AMH), has voluntarily turned himself in to the ZRP Law and Order division at Harare Central Police Station. This move follows a public call by national police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, for Mhlanga’s arrest last week. Mhlanga is accused of disseminating content considered detrimental to the state, allegedly violating Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. The case has drawn widespread attention due to its implications for press freedom and legal accountability in Zimbabwe. The controversy stems from a recent interview Mhlanga conducted with Blessed Geza, a Zanu PF central committee member and war veteran. During the interview, Geza issued a bold ultimatum to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, urging him to step down from office. The interview, which was widely circulated, has been cited as the basis for the allegations against Mhlanga. Last week, Mhlanga was unable to comply with the police summons due to illness. However, he has now chosen to cooperate with the authorities, presenting himself at the Harare Central Police Station to address the charges. The war veteran Blessed Geza is still at large and is said to have left the country. The police also called for his arrest and even took in his wife for questioning last week. The case has sparked a heated debate about balancing national security and freedom of expression. Section 164 of the Criminal Law Act, under which Mhlanga is being charged, pertains to distributing material deemed harmful to the state. Critics argue that the law could be used to suppress dissenting voices, while supporters maintain that it is necessary to safeguard national interests. This marks the third time Blessed Mhlanga has handed himself to the police for interviews in the past three weeks. *_-iHarare_* 3. *HEALTH DEPUTY MINISTER BLAMES STAFF SABOTAGE FOR EQUIPMENT BREAKDOWNS IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS* Government is making frantic efforts to reintroduce locum funds in all public hospitals to motivate health workers not to leave public hospitals, Health and Child Care deputy minister Sleiman Kwidini has said. Speaking during a tour of the United Bulawayo Hospitals ((UBH) last week, Kwidini said the locum funds were available to motivate hospital workers hence the need to reintroduce them. He said payment for locum duties carried out by nurses, doctors and laboratory scientists was meant to motivate them to be at work as they would be earning extra money. “It was also reducing the turnaround time for our patients in the hospital because everyone would be attended to in time. There were no shortages and it would cover the gap in human capital. So if we return this, it is another way of motivating our staff,” Kwidini said. He said there was a shortage of doctors in public health institutions because they were not being paid well. “You have seen it is an outcry which is happening in our institutions that doctors are not readily available when patients have come because some will be going out for locums. “But we are saying we had this system in our ministry so we are now engaging the ministry and other responsible authorities to reintroduce it. Then we make sure that these locums are funded, it motivates them,” he said. Kwidini said breakdowns of hospital machinery were caused by workers who to took specimens to private hospitals where they practise as locums so that they get extra cash. “Some of the problems that we see in hospitals, such as mechanical faults are caused by our people because they would want to ground the systems in the institutions and to go and practice in the private sector where they can get more money,” he said. “I have seen our chemistry machines in labs and most of them have technical faults and these technical faults are not manufacturers’ problem or the age but it is because of our people who are working on those machines. “They are creating those faults so that they can take these specimens to the private where they practise as locum practitioners.” UBH chief medical officer William Busuman called on the government to ensure doctors are attracted to work in public institutions. “We want government to reintroduce issues to do with locum for health practitioners so that they come back to public hospitals. If we have the locum funds or on-call funds, there will not be any workers who will be found in private hospitals. It is a way that we saw that may reduce a lot of challenges in the hospital,” Busuman said. *_-Newsday_* 4. *CHIEFS AND SABHUKUS WARNED THAT SELLING LAND WILL LEAD TO ARREST* Traditional chiefs and village heads (Sabhukus) have been warned against selling or facilitating the sale of land, with the government declaring that those involved will be treated as land barons and face arrest. Citizens with evidence that their local chief or village head has illegally sold state land are encouraged to come forward and report them to law enforcement. According to The Herald, village heads — especially in peri-urban areas such as Domboshawa, Seke, Nyabira, Rusape, and Chesa Farm — have illegally settled over 10,000 people. The scam often involves ordinary villagers selling their land and sharing the profits with the village head, who then forges documents and facilitates their authentication up to the chief — who also allegedly gets a cut. During a question-and-answer session in Parliament, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira, speaking on behalf of Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe, made it clear that any village head caught selling land will face prosecution. “If there are village heads selling land, we call them land barons. It is illegal, with regard to law; they are supposed to be arrested. That is Government policy or that is the law. If there is anyone with concrete evidence like what the Honourable Member alluded to, these people must be arrested, that is Government policy,” Murwira said. He was responding to Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Local Government chairperson Albert Nyakuedzwa, who raised concerns about village heads illegally settling thousands of people in peri-urban areas. Another Member of Parliament pointed out that some government officials, responsible for overseeing village heads, were aware of the illegal land deals but failed to act. Prof Murwira didn’t mince his words, stating that turning a blind eye to corruption is just as criminal as selling land illegally. “The issue that he is raising is that there are people that work for the Government and local authorities who may know what is happening and all that. That is what we call corruption, and that is why we have laws that deal with corruption, which must prosecute those people who commit corruption. The question again is, is there such law? The law is there. Firstly, they are not supposed to sell land illegally. If they do that, they will be prosecuted. Secondly, people who see people selling land illegally and just keep quiet are also involved in corruption; they will also be arrested. Corruption is illegal; selling land is illegal,” he said. *_-iHarare_* 5. *BULAWAYO BABY SWAP SCANDAL – GOVERNMENT GIVES UPDATE ON INVESTIGATIONS* The government has provided an update on the shocking baby swap incident at United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH), assuring the public that investigations are still underway. Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Sleiman Kwidini visited the hospital last Thursday and confirmed that authorities are thoroughly reviewing hospital procedures to get to the bottom of the issue. He assured the nation that findings will be made public once the probe is complete. “That matter is still under investigation, but I can assure the nation that the findings will be made public. If charges are to be brought against anyone found guilty, they will be. And if it is proven that it was simply a mistake without ill intent, the public will also be informed. It must be clear that this matter will not be swept under the carpet,” Deputy Minister Kwidini said. The deputy minister did not confirm whether the nurse involved in the incident has been suspended or is still on duty. However, a source within the hospital revealed that the issue was initially brushed aside by hospital authorities — until it was exposed by The Chronicle. The source claimed that the incident had not been formally reported to the relevant authorities. “This was a closed chapter until you guys started making noise about it. This is why even the Provincial Medical Director (PMD) was not aware of the incident. How can such a matter not be reported to the authorities? If you keep a close eye on what happens at the hospital, you will be shocked,” the source said. The case involves a mother who gave birth late last year via C-section. She was initially told she had delivered a baby boy, only to be handed a baby girl by a nurse. When she questioned the switch, she was allegedly reassured that anaesthesia from the procedure had confused her. Determined to get answers, she sought help from her family and eventually took DNA tests at a private laboratory and the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) to prove that the baby girl was not hers. *_-iHarare_* 6. *“BROKE” ANDY MURIDZO SELLS MERCEDES BENZ GIFTED TO HIM BY WICKNELL CHIVAYO* Troubled musician Andy Muridzo reportedly sold off the Mercedes Benz that was gifted to him by controversial tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo, his ex-wife Chido Manyange (Mai Keketso), has revealed. Chivayo, alongside Diana Samkange and Mathias Mhere, were gifted three brand new Mercedes Benz C Class cars by Chivayo last year. While some might have thought that Muridzo is still using the vehicle, Manyange, who is popularly known as Mai Keketso revealed that this was not the case as Muridzo had run into financial trouble and sold off the vehicle. “He sold the car because of financial problems,” she claimed in a tell-all interview with DJ Ollah 7. Mai Keketso dubbed her ex-husband a serial liar and said the musician neither had a farm as he had claimed in the past. She also said she was not back together with the musician, only a month after the pair told fans that they had decided to rekindle their romance. In an interview with H-Metro, Mai Keketso had confirmed that the two had reunited. The two had found love again on the set of a video shoot. “I am reuniting with my love, the father of my children, it’s official,” said Mai Keketso. “Andy has been working on his latest project which I am sure will shake the entertainment industry. It was in that video shooting where we renewed our love and, yes, the house is igniting in flames of love,” she said. Meanwhile, while he did not shed light on his previous marriage, Muridzo said since he had once paid lobola for Mai Keketso there was nothing to prevent them from getting back together with her again. “Ichokwadi and I was expecting your call about this. It’s not a sin to return to your family and kiss each other again. I paid lobola for Mai Keketso, so nothing stops me from reuniting with her,” he said. The musician is yet to comment on his wife’s latest bombshell revelations. *_-Nehanda Radio_* 7. *16 ZIMBABWEANS AMONG DOZENS ARRESTED IN SOUTH AFRICA’S PRETORIA MAJOR CRIME CRACKDOWN AGAINST ILLEGAL FOREIGNERS* The City of Tshwane’s weekly “Reclaim our City” crime operations have led to the arrest of 61 illegal immigrants in Sunnyside, Pretoria. Sixteen of the apprehended illegal immigrants are from Zimbabwe, four are Nigerian, nine Mozambicans, five Ethiopians and Ugandans, one Senegalese and 21 Malawians. Three other people were nabbed for knowingly employing and harbouring illegal foreigners. According to Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya, the operations targeted areas such as Sunnyside, Pretoria West and Pretoria Central as part of her administration’s efforts to combat crime. The crackdown operation was successful through the joint partnership of law enforcement from several departments, including the Gauteng Traffic Police, the Economic Development and Spatial Planning Department in Tshwane. “We are grateful to the provincial government for showing support for the city’s efforts to rid the Pretoria CBD of crime. “The operation exerted the necessary impact as proof that intergovernmental partnerships with role players can help strengthen the arm of the law,” said Moya. The operation was not all gloomy, as a Tshwane Metro Police officer helped a pregnant woman deliver a healthy baby boy. Moya revealed that the city issued 20 health compliance notices under Section 56, totalling R133 000 fines. Additionally, one fine was issued for failing to provide building plans, three were for failing to register second-hand goods, and one fine was for failure to keep record of second-hand goods. The operation also saw the closure of a bet-exchange business located at the corner of Robert Sobukwe and Troye Streets, including a takeaway store for not complying to health regulations. Law enforcement further confiscated 26 perishable goods, followed by 11 taxis for violating the National Land Transport Act of 2009, and a total of 108 560ml of liquor was seized and taken to the Pretoria West SAPS. Officials visited 24 spaza shops, one liquor outlet, two second-hand good shops, and seven drug hotspots. The operation also involved searching 456 people and 109 vehicles, and one liquor outlet was shut down. Twenty-nine vehicles were tested, while authorities searched 10 bad buildings, 44 street traders, and 34 premises. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 8. *SOME US GOVERNMENT WORKERS TOLD TO JUSTIFY THEIR JOBS TO ELON MUSK, OTHERS TOLD TO IGNORE HIM* U.S. government workers who have been buffeted by President Donald Trump's chaotic return to power face more uncertainty on Monday, when many of them will be required to justify their jobs to Elon Musk, the chainsaw-wielding billionaire tasked with slashing the federal budget. Musk's demand for civil-service workers to submit a summary of their work by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time (0459 GMT) has opened up fissures in Trump's administration. Agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Communications Commission have told employees to comply. But many others, including the departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Education, Commerce and Energy have ordered workers not to respond. The Department of Health and Human Services told its workers to cooperate, then later told them to hold off while it figured out how to "best meet the intent" of Musk's unusual directive. Workers at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau also received Musk's email, even though they have been already ordered to cease working. Musk warned federal workers to comply, writing in a Monday morning post on his social media network X: "Those who do not take this email seriously will soon be furthering their career elsewhere." He also said in a separate post that federal staff who still did not return to work in their offices following Trump's order last month would be placed on administrative leave starting this week. The world's richest person, Musk has led a downsizing effort that has laid off more than 20,000 workers and offered buyouts to another 75,000 across wide swaths of the 2.3-million strong civil service, from bank regulators to park rangers. In some cases, the government has scrambled to re-hire workers who perform critical functions like nuclear weapons oversight and bird flu response. The downsizing also prompted a wave of lawsuits, including by labor groups. Trump's administration said late Sunday it would fire 1,600 workers at the U.S. Agency for International Development and put nearly all remaining personnel on leave. Trump has already halted almost all of the agency's funding and operations, throwing global humanitarian relief efforts into chaos. The mass firings have suddenly thrust financial insecurity on workers who had counted on their jobs to provide a secure income. Charles Farinella, a fired IRS agent in New York, said he was trying to figure out whether he should cancel an upcoming dentist appointment because he has not been told whether he still has coverage through his job. "I don't know what I'm going to do at this point in time. I might have to look to sell my house, because I don't have a severance or anything," he said. "I feel pretty much devastated." Musk's job-slashing effort has rippled into the wider U.S. economy as well, forcing companies that do business with the government to lay off their own workers and defer payments to vendors. One company that works with USAID, Chemonics, said in a court filing last week that it had furloughed 750 employees, 63% of its workforce. Musk has reveled in the chaos, even wielding a chainsaw at a conservative political conference last week. The chief of Tesla (TSLA.O) and social media platform X has said he aims to cut $1 trillion from the government's $6.7 trillion budget. Trump has promised to exempt popular health and retirement benefits, which puts nearly half of the budget effectively off limits, but Musk said he would examine those programs for fraudulent payments. "We are increasingly optimistic that, as the immense waste & fraud are eliminated from Social Security & Medical that there is potential to increase actual dollars received by citizens & better healthcare!" he wrote on X on Sunday. The Government Accountability Office, a watchdog agency, estimates the total of fraud and improper payments could be as high as $521 billion annually, equal to 8% of spending last year. Opposition Democrats say the budget-cutting effort violates Congress's authority to control government spending, but they have been largely powerless to stop it. Republicans in Congress have cheered the effort as they prepare sweeping legislation of their own to enact trillions of dollars in tax cuts. But some Republicans have faced boos from voters back home who have said Musk is overstepping his authority. *_-Newsday_* 9. *ZIMBABWE TOBACCO GROWERS ENCOURAGED TO PRIORITIZE QUALITY* Predicting a significant increase in global flavor-grade tobacco supply for 2025, Zimbabwe’s Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) is urging growers to focus on quality by investing in an energy-efficient curing infrastructure, adopting precision farming techniques, and implementing improved agronomic practices. For the 2025 season, Zimbabwe saw a 2.75% increase in hectares planted, which combined with improved rainfall distribution and better agronomic practices, puts the projected national output between 280 million and 300 million kg depending on the weather. Last year’s output of 231.7 million kg of flue-cured Virginia tobacco was a 13.1% increase from 2023. The anticipated increase in Zimbabwe combined with projections that Brazil’s output will increase from 461.8 million kg in 2024 to at least 650 million kg in 2025 has experts predicting downward pressure on tobacco prices, particularly for middle to low-end grades. Tapiwa Masedza, the factory coordinator for the Tian Ze Tobacco Company, said the global demand for tobacco remains robust, with many companies struggling to meet supply orders due to last year’s reduced crop size. That combined with China’s need for top-end grades gives hope that prices will remain stable for premium leaf, however low- to medium-end grades prices are expected to drop. “While the anticipated increase in production is a testament to the sector’s resilience and growth, the potential price pressures underscore the need for strategic planning and investment in quality improvement,” Masedza said. “Mixing grades in bales, excessive moisture, and moldy tobacco can lead to discounts or rejections, ultimately affecting profitability.” TIMB is trying to help insulate local farmers from potential subdued prices resulting from excess supply with a new pricing system, expected to be implemented April 5. The system will determine the following day’s minimum price based on the average price of all tobacco sold — both at auction and through contracts — across all grades. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 10. *UKRAINE LEADER ZELENSKY WILLING TO GIVE UP PRESIDENCY IN EXCHANGE FOR NATO MEMBERSHIP* Volodymyr Zelensky said he would be willing to “give up” his presidency in exchange for peace ahead of the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. “If to achieve peace you really need me to give up my post – I’m ready. I can trade it for Nato membership, if there are such conditions,” the Ukrainian president said in response to a question during a news conference. His comments came after US President Donald Trump called Zelensky a “dictator without elections” earlier in the week. “I wasn’t offended, but a dictator would be,” Zelensky, who was democratically elected in May 2019, responded on Sunday. “I am focused on Ukraine’s security today, not in 20 years, I am not going to be in power for decades,” he added. According to Ukrainian law, elections are suspended under martial law, which has been in place since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Zelensky is meeting Western leaders on Monday, some in person in Kyiv and some online, as they work out how to provide a post-war security where the US will not. He said the topic of Ukraine joining Nato would be “on the table” at the meeting but he did not know how the discussions would “finish”. He hoped the meeting would be a “turning point”. On the topic of Trump, Zelensky said that he wanted to see the US president as a partner to Ukraine and more than a mediator between Kyiv and Moscow. “I really want it to be more than just mediation… that’s not enough,” he said. With the White House demanding that it gets access to billions of dollars’ worth of Ukraine’s natural minerals in exchange for the military aid it provided to date – and could in the future – Zelensky said US help so far had been agreed as grants, not loans. He said he would not agree to a security deal which – in his words – would be “paid off by generation after generation”. When asked about a potential mineral deal, Zelensky said “we are making progress,” adding that Ukrainian and US officials had been in touch. “We are ready to share,” the Ukrainian leader said, but made clear that Washington first needed to ensure Russian President Vladimir Putin “ends this war”. Zelensky appeared relaxed as he faced questions from the world’s media. In previous years he had been more impassioned and even emotional, but on Sunday his approach was business-like. If Ukraine’s leader rejects a Donald Trump-shaped peace proposal he does not agree with – as he suggested today – then it could have lasting consequences for the course of this war. Zelensky’s comments came hours after Russia launched its largest single drone attack on Ukraine yet, Ukrainian officials said. On Saturday night, Ukraine’s Air Force Command spokesman Yuriy Ignat said a “record” 267 Russian drones were launched in a single, coordinated attack on the country. Thirteen regions were targeted and while many of the drones were repelled, those that were not caused destruction to infrastructure and at least three casualties, emergency services said. Ukraine’s Air Force reported that 138 of the drones were shot down and 119, which were decoy drones, were lost without negative consequences, likely due to jamming. In Kyiv, the attack meant six hours of air alerts. In a statement, Zelensky thanked Ukraine’s emergency services for their response and called for the support of Europe and US in facilitating “a lasting and just peace”. In a post on X, Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska said that “hundreds of drones” had “brought death and destruction” overnight. “It was another night of explosions, burning houses and cars, and destroyed infrastructure,” she wrote. “Another night when people prayed for their loved ones to survive”. On Monday, the war will enter its fourth year. Diplomatic wrangling over a potential peace deal continues, with Ukraine, European allies and the US offering differing visions for how to end the conflict. The US and Russia held preliminary talks in Saudi Arabia this week – without delegates from Europe, including Ukraine, present – which resulted in European leaders holding a hastily-arranged summit in Paris. Zelensky criticised Ukraine’s exclusion from the US-Russia talks, saying Trump was “living in a disinformation space” governed by Moscow, prompting Trump to respond by calling the Ukrainian president a “dictator”. French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit Washington on Monday, while UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will be there on Thursday. Sir Keir has publicly backed Zelensky, reiterating the UK’s “ironclad support” for Kyiv, and said he would discuss the importance of Ukraine’s sovereignty when he speaks to Trump. Pope Francis – who is in hospital with respiratory illness – wrote in a remarks released on Sunday that the third anniversary of the war was “a painful and shameful occasion for the whole of humanity”. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 11. *GOOGLE SHOULD PAY R300-R500 MILLION ANNUALLY TO SOUTH AFRICAN MEDIA, REPORT SAYS* Google should pay South African media houses between R300 to R500 million annually over 3-5 years to compensate for lost revenue and address the imbalance in shared value, according to the Competition Commission’s Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry (MDPMI) provisional report released on Monday. The report called for action against search engines like Google and social media platforms like Meta. The MDPMI was established to investigate potential barriers to competition in the South African media landscape. Paula Fray, a panel member, explained that while Google generates R800 to R900 million from South African news content, it also undermines around R160 to R200 million in potential value for local media. Fray said: _Our assessment is that the imbalance in the share of total value is around R300 to R500 million annually._ The inquiry found that Google’s algorithm is biased, disadvantaging South African media in favour of international outlets. It also revealed that most South Africans use social media, such as X, TikTok, Meta, and YouTube, as their primary news source. The report noted that Meta and X have deprioritised South African posts with links, reducing referral traffic and that South African news outlets are struggling to monetise views on YouTube. James Hodge, MDPMI chairperson, called for South Africa to impose a 5-10% digital levy on social media and AI companies to compensate local media for lost revenue. He also stressed the need for search engines to restore referral traffic and adjust algorithms to reduce bias toward foreign platforms. Hodge recommended that Google share anonymised user data, provide SEO assistance, and pay South African media houses between R300 to R500 million annually over 3-5 years. He urged Meta to stop deprioritising news on Facebook and increase referral traffic by at least 100%. Hodge also said there is a need for Meta and X to stop deprioritising news posts with links, and for YouTube to help media outlets, including SABC, better monetise their content by increasing the revenue share to 70% and promoting higher-value direct sales. *_-Pindula_* 12. *URBAN CONNECT BUS ACCIDENT DEATH TOLL RISES TO 28 – 2 VICTIMS YET TO BE IDENTIFIED* The death toll in the accident involving an Urban Connect bus and a haulage truck along the Masvingo-Beitbridge highway has risen to 28, police has said. The accident killed 17 people on the spot, while seven others died upon admission at Beitbridge Hospital, and four more later died while receiving treatment bringing the total death toll to 28. The tragic accident occurred two weeks ago near Lutumba tollgate when a Beitbridge-bound Urban Connect bus collided with a truck transporting magnesium to Chirundu. In a statement Monday, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said two bodies remain unknown. “Reference is made to the ZRP press statement released on 21 February 2024 on a fatal road traffic accident which occurred on 13 February 2024 at the 262-kilometre peg along Masvingo-Beitbridge Road, Lutumba. “The death toll has risen to 28. “Two victims, a man and woman, are yet to be identified,” ZRP said. The crash was allegedly a result of reckless driving, as witnesses claimed the Urban Connect driver was speeding. The government last week suspended Urban Connect Holdings Pvt Ltd operating license for six months saying the bus did not have a valid passenger insurance policy or route permit, and its driver had not met the re-test requirement, violating multiple transport regulations. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 13. *TRIPLE MURDER SUSPECT ARRESTED AFTER WEEK ON THE RUN... ATTEMPTED TO COMMIT SUICIDE* After spending a week on the run, a fugitive triple murder suspect was finally arrested Sunday in dramatic fashion in Hurungwe district of Mashonaland West province. Trymore Tore (37), who had earlier been mistakenly reported as having been arrested following the gruesome killing of his wife, niece and village head, was surrounded by villagers at a homestead where he had sought food and water. According to sources, the villagers swamped the suspect, who armed himself with a knife before attempting suicide by slitting his own throat. He was later disarmed and taken to Karoi Hospital where is reportedly receiving treatment under police guard. Images of a bloodied Tore were awash on social media with villagers expressing relief that his reign of terror had been brought to an end. The gruesome murders have sent shockwaves in the Chundu chieftainship of Hurungwe district. Police say their preliminary investigations have established that Tore and his wife had longstanding domestic issues, which now deceased village head, Kuwesu Masawu (56) tried to resolve as mediator. According to the police, bodies of the three victims were found on February 17, 2025, at Mubairecheni Village, Chundu, Hurungwe. “The first victim who is the suspect’s wife, Moline Chibayanzara (21), was found dead in a pit latrine with multiple injuries on the head. “The body was wrapped in a blue blanket,” police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi said in a statement. The second victim, a 17-year-old female juvenile, who is the suspect’s niece was discovered about 60 metres from Tore’s homestead with a swollen head and a cut on the forehead. “The body was covered with tree branches and a knife was recovered beside the body.” The third victim Musawu, who was the village head, was discovered buried in a shallow grave behind the suspect’s house with a decapitated head and a deep cut on the neck. According to police, Tore and his wife were allegedly heard by villagers embroiled in a heated verbal exchange over an undisclosed matter at their homestead on February 15, 2025. Masawu was last spotted alive on February 16, 2025, proceeding to the suspect’s homestead to mediate a dispute between the couple, while the second victim was also last seen on her way to the suspect’s homestead to watch television. At the weekend, prior to Tore’s capture, police had launched an appeal to the general public to come forward with information on his whereabouts, thereby allaying earlier claims that suspect had been accounted for. “Police correct earlier report that Trymore Tore was arrested. This information was not correct and may the public be guided accordingly,” police provincial spokesperson, Inspector Ian Kohwera said. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 14. *WIFE MURDERS HUSBAND OVER US$1 PRICE DIFFERENCE FOR A GAS COOKER* A wife fatally stabs her husband during a fight over a mere $1 for a gas cooker. The man from Sally Mugabe Heights has tragically lost his life after a heated argument with his wife over a mere US$1. Liberty Takaza, 39, was stabbed twice in the chest and shoulder by his wife, Prisca Takaza, 29, during the altercation. The incident occurred on Wednesday, and Liberty succumbed to his injuries at Parirenyatwa Hospital. The argument was sparked by a gas cooker that Liberty had purchased for US$5. Prisca had budgeted for a cooker costing US$4 and was upset that Liberty had spent an extra dollar. This seemingly minor financial disagreement escalated into a violent confrontation. According to Harare provincial deputy police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Faith Mapisa, Liberty returned home intoxicated late on Thursday night. He had purchased the gas cooker top for US$5, which Prisca found unacceptable. The couple began arguing while in bed, and the situation quickly deteriorated. Liberty accused his wife of various issues, leading to a heated exchange. The argument turned physical when Liberty began choking Prisca. In the struggle, they fell to the floor near a dish full of kitchen utensils. In a moment of desperation, Prisca grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed Liberty twice — once in the right side of the chest and once in the right shoulder. Liberty sustained severe injuries and bled profusely. He was rushed to Parirenyatwa Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Prisca has since been arrested and is facing murder charges. The couple, who were married, had a history of domestic disputes, but none had previously escalated to this level of violence. Assistant Inspector Faith Mapisa provided a detailed account of the incident, confirming that Prisca is in custody and will be charged with murder. “The accused person and the deceased were related as wife and husband. The argument began over the cost of a gas cooker top and escalated into a physical altercation, resulting in the tragic death of Liberty Takaza”. *_-iHarare_*