*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._* — — — — — — — — — — — — *_AFTERNOON NEWS | 25 FEBRUARY 2025_* *1.* Zimbabwe politics to change very soon, Mnangagwa is now history – says Kasukuwere *2.* Zimbabwe firms brace for hyperinflation accounting under ZiG *3.* HSTv’s Mhlanga complains about inhumane treatment by police officers; state opposes bail says he will interfere with witnesses who are his juniors at work *4.* Free internet through VPNs – Econet dismisses fake post stating they will deduct money directly from your EcoCash *5.* Huge blow for Zimbabwe’s Dutch aid beneficiaries as Netherlands cuts on foreign support *6.* Breast cancer diagnoses and deaths expected to surge worldwide, says WHO *7.* Sex-starved man instructs 8 students to undress at gunpoint, rapes 4 of them 1 by 1 then robs them *8.* Murdered for stealing green mealies, body dumped at court *_FULL ARTICLES BELOW_* _[Note: These News Articles were Compiled and Distributed by Wazo Adverts. Source is Credited at the End of Each Article.]_ 1. *ZIMBABWE POLITICS TO CHANGE VERY SOON, MNANGAGWA IS NOW HISTORY – SAYS KASUKUWERE* Former Zanu PF national political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere says Zimbabwean politics will change soon and called President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa (ED) history. Kasukuwere who is one of Generation 40 faction leaders was responding to a statement by one Murakashi indentified as Dambudzo Murakashi. “After spending a night behind bars @bbmhlanga, reality had sunk in that crime does not pay… his family was out there alone! “Kumwe kufarisa nerukuda mari so kkkk… “Tskidzidzi dzotamba naye apovafurira are enjoying the comfort of their homes. @Hon_Kasukuwere,” said Murakashi. Kasukuwere responded: “You are excited for nothing youngman. Politics will change very soon and don’t rely on a spent force. “ED is history and don’t rely on him. Just some advice from me to you.” *_-ZwNews_* 2. *ZIMBABWE FIRMS BRACE FOR HYPERINFLATION ACCOUNTING UNDER ZIG* Zimbabwe’s market regulator is seeking clarity from the central bank on new rules that would require companies to report their financial statements in the nation’s gold-backed currency, forcing them to adopt hyperinflationary accounting and increase the cost of doing business. The Securities and Exchange Commission, is “engaged” with the relevant authorities on the way forward, Justin Bgoni, the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange ’s chief executive officer, said Monday. Governor John Mushayavanhu earlier this month ordered companies listed on the exchange to adopt the ZiG, short for Zimbabwe Gold, for reporting purposes with “immediate effect” including for the 2024 audited financial statements. “This requirement is consistent with the increase in the number and value of transactions settled in ZiG since its introduction on April 5,” he said. The ZiG is used in 30% of all transactions in the economy with the remainder done in US dollars. Since 2023 companies listed on the exchange have been allowed to report their results in US dollars because of the currency’s dominance in the economy and frequent collapse of the Zimbabwean dollar, which was replaced by the ZiG. Many companies, including blue-chip beverage manufacturer Delta Corp, have switched. ZSE-listed FBC Holdings warned the move could have several negative consequences. It may introduce “accounting complexities, inflation translation risks, investor concerns and regulatory challenges,” the Harare-based lender said in a recent client note. It will also require companies to adjust accounting software, financial models and auditing procedures and “the application of IAS 29 — financial reporting in hyperinflationary economies — guidelines, leading to frequent revaluations,” it said. It urged authorities to rethink their position. “Given that” the ZiG “has demonstrated instabilities in the past, a hybrid approach where businesses can choose the most relevant currency would be more practical,” FBCH said. The ZiG is the nation’s sixth attempt at a functioning local currency since 2009. It has shed 95% of its value since its debut, amid exchange-rate volatility that forced authorities to devalue the currency in September. The southern African nation’s difficult operating environment recently led to the exit of global accounting firms Deloitte LLP and PwC LLP. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 3. *HSTV’S MHLANGA COMPLAINS ABOUT INHUMANE TREATMENT BY POLICE OFFICERS; STATE OPPOSES BAIL SAYS HE WILL INTERFERE WITH WITNESSES WHO ARE HIS JUNIORS AT WORK* The lawyer representing Alpha Media Holdings (AMH ) journalist, Blessed Mhlanga who is being accused of transmission of information that incites violence or causes damage to property complained that the police have been unprofessional in the manner in which they handled his client’s matter. Mhlanga was arrested on Monday after he presented himself at Harare Central Police Station in the company of his lawyer Chris Mhike. He is charged under Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23. The charges relate to him granting an interview to Blessed Geza, a war veteran and a staunch opponent of the Mnangagwa 2030 agenda. Geza had issued press briefings through AMH broadcaster, HSTv calling for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign from office immediately. Mhlanga is the head of HSTv. “My client was invited to the police station thrice over the past four weeks with the police indicating that they wanted to have talks with him and on each occasion ,they released him indicating that they did not have any case against him. “When we knew through the police about the police’s intention my client walked in freely to the police and police read out the whole process of interviewing him and other relevant paperwork. “By lunchtime they were complete they should have taken the accused to court but alas, police decided to detain him till today,” said Chris Mhike representing Mhlanga. “The cells at Harare Central Police Station are in a sorry state with ceilings hanging down. “Our police does not provide inmates with food or water and inmates have normalised sleeping on a dry floor in this jurisdiction. “That is inhumane treatment. This conduct by the police has been sanitised by the NPA, every police report should be vetted properly.” The State said they need 72 hours to investigate the alleged complaints. The court ordered it to investigate the complaints and revert with its findings within 72 hours. Prosecutors said its witnesses are his junior colleagues. “Some of them are yet to be recorded statements by the police “Investigations are still ongoing If the accused is granted bail, he will interfere with witnesses.” The prosecutor further said, “There is a likelihood that he will commit similar offences, the same machinery which he used in the present case before the court are yet to be recovered by the police, procedures to recover same have commenced.” Mhike shot back saying “The state has failed to make a valid legal point against the granting of bail. “If the prosecution had established that the accused person was previously on remand that would constitute compelling reasons. “The reasons are unfounded and groundless. “My sister (prosecutor) made a strange comparison that because he is a political reporter he therefore is a politician. We now see the politicisation of journalism.” Mhike also said, “Silencing journalists is not part of law. “May the court be told that the so-called juniors have been visiting the accused in solidarity. “If the state thought they are dangerous they would have taken measures to reduce the visits. “Accused is a journalist whose job is to gather news and disseminate the news. “Section 61 of our Constitution speaks to freedom of expression and freedom of the media. “What happened to press freedom in this country? I am pained that I am standing in court defending a journalist’s right to freedom of expression. “The last point is that the accused did not do this once but twice, yes he didn’t do it twice but many times. It is his job.” “Whether you agree with what Geza said, the public is entitled to hear it. It’s not my client who put these statements to the public. “I pray that the court makes a finding that on the law the state has failed to find compelling reasons to detain my clients.” The hearing is ongoing, Josphat Chitambira arresting detail attached to CID Counter Terrorism Unit now testifying opposing bail. “Firstly, the witnesses we have lined up are the accused’s workmates, he is senior to them out of fear is that he will influence them and it is prejudicial. “We have 10 witnesses whom we intend to interview,” he said. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 4. *FREE INTERNET THROUGH VPNS – ECONET DISMISSES FAKE POST STATING THEY WILL DEDUCT MONEY DIRECTLY FROM YOUR ECOCASH* Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has dismissed as false a widely circulated social media post claiming the company will deduct funds from EcoCash wallets of customers who use virtual private networks (VPNs) to access free data. The post, which resembled an official Econet announcement, falsely alleged that the company had detected unauthorized VPN activity and would impose automated deductions to recover data costs. The image, which appeared to be from Econet’s official X (formerly Twitter) page, was captioned “Scam Alert” and marked “FAKE” by the company, indicating that it was not an official statement. *The fake post reads:* We’ve detected unauthorized VPN activity that’s been compromising our network security and allowing unauthorized access to our data services. Unfortunately, this has resulted in some customers using our data for free. To rectify this situation and ensure fairness for all, we’ll be implementing automated deductions from Ecocash wallets for customers who have been using the offending VPN application. The deductions will be based on the amount of data used. Please note that customers who haven’t used the VPN application will not be affected. *_-Pindula_* 5. *HUGE BLOW FOR ZIMBABWE’S DUTCH AID BENEFICIARIES AS NETHERLANDS CUTS ON FOREIGN SUPPORT* Zimbabwe’s non-governmental organisations relying on Dutch aid are set to suffer a huge blow following the Netherlands government’s new policy to cut spending of €2.4 billion on development aid abroad. The spending cut, which replicates that of the United States’ abrupt foreign aid slash recently, is set to come into effect in 2027 amid a significant number of jobs losses anticipated. Under the new policy, funding for various programmes will be terminated, in areas such as gender equality, vocational and higher education, sport and culture. Funding for climate action, civil society and UN organisations will be reduced. Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Reinette Klever said her country’s interests will take precedence in the development policy. “All the programmes we fund must contribute directly to our own interests: promoting trade, enhancing security and reducing migration,” Klever said. The Netherlands through the Dutch embassy in Harare provides aid to Zimbabwe, focusing primarily on supporting human rights defenders, promoting gender equality, climate change and economic development. Some beneficiaries and those who have benefited in some way include, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights which provides legal services to human rights defenders, Green Impact Centre, The Bioskop! Short Film Competition, an annual event in Zimbabwe that showcases and awards short films. Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association. My Trees Trust, HeForShe which involves men in the fight to end all forms of violence against women and girls and Birdlife Zimbabwe “The government will also use development aid as a way to boost security in various conflict regions surrounding Europe: West Africa, the Horn of Africa, the Middle East and North Africa. This should help avoid disruption to trade, combat the rise of terrorist or criminal organisations and prevent people applying for asylum in the Netherlands. ‘food shortages, for example, are a cause of conflict, ”Klever explained. “Giving people future prospects in those regions will enable them to build livelihoods, meaning they won’t have to make the journey to Europe.’ The government wants to make agreements with migration countries, aimed at combating migration and encouraging return,” she added. *_-ZimLive_* 6. *BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSES AND DEATHS EXPECTED TO SURGE WORLDWIDE, SAYS WHO* Breast cancer diagnoses and deaths are projected to surge worldwide by 2050, the World Health Organization’s cancer agency has said, with cases in the UK to rise by 21% and deaths by 42%. Globally, one in 20 women will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime, with cases up 38% and deaths up 68% over the next 25 years, according to an analysis by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). There will be 3.2m new cases and 1.1m deaths a year worldwide by 2050 if current trends continue, the study found. In the UK, cases are expected to rise from 58,756 cases a year in 2022 to 71,006 cases a year in 2050. Deaths will jump from 12,122 a year in 2022 to 17,261 in 2050. The findings were published in the journal Nature Medicine. “Every minute, four women are diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide and one woman dies from the disease, and these statistics are worsening,” said the IARC scientist Dr Joanne Kim, one of the authors of the report. “Countries can mitigate or reverse these trends by adopting primary prevention policies… and by investing in early detection and treatment.” The projected increase in cases worldwide is probably due to a mix of factors, including a growing and ageing global population, improvements in detection and diagnosis, and a higher prevalence of known risk factors for the disease. Factors that increase the risk of breast cancer include getting older, inherited faulty genes and a family history of the disease. Globally, most breast cancer cases and deaths occur in women aged 50 and above, who account for 71% of new cases and 79% of deaths, the IARC said. About a quarter of breast cancer cases can be prevented, the study’s authors said, for example by reducing alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight and becoming more active. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women worldwide but its burden is not evenly distributed. The IARC said diagnosis rates were highest in Australia and New Zealand, followed by North America and northern Europe, and lowest in Asia and Africa. However, death rates were highest in Melanesia and Polynesia, and in west Africa. Over the last decade, incidence rates grew by 1% to 5% a year in 27 of 50 countries studied, the IARC said. Importantly, breast cancer mortality rates decreased in 29 of 46 countries analysed. Dr Isabelle Soerjomataram, the deputy head of the IARC’s cancer surveillance branch, said: “Continued progress in early diagnosis and improved access to treatment are essential to address the global gap in breast cancer and ensure that the goal of reducing suffering and death from breast cancer is achieved by all countries worldwide.” *_-NewZimbabwe_* 7. *SEX-STARVED MAN INSTRUCTS 8 STUDENTS TO UNDRESS AT GUNPOINT, RAPES 4 OF THEM 1 BY 1 THEN ROBS THEM* Limpopo police are engaged in an urgent manhunt for a suspect who subjected four college students to a horrific ordeal, raping them at gunpoint in their residence at Tlharihani TVET College in Bolobedu over the weekend. The attack, which has left the campus community reeling, occurred on the night of 22 February, prompting serious concerns about student safety and security measures. According to police reports, the incident unfolded at approximately 23:10 on Saturday when a 20-year-old student left her dorm to fetch water. As she stepped outside, she was accosted by the armed assailant. “Suddenly she screamed for help,” said police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng, describing the terrifying moment. A 21-year-old student, hearing the commotion, rushed to the scene, only to be confronted by the sight of “an unknown African male wearing a black balaclava, black jersey, blue jeans, black gloves, white sneakers, and pointing them with a firearm,” according to Thakeng. Tragically, more female students from the Mamaila village college rushed to the scene hoping to help the first student. In total, eight students found themselves held at gunpoint by the assailant. Thakeng said the ordeal began when a 20-year-old student left the dorm to fetch water outside where she was cornered by the man. “She screamed and then another female aged 21 saw an unknown male wearing a black balaclava, black jersey, blue jeans, black gloves, white sneakers, and pointing a firearm.” The attacker then instructed all eight women to undress. “The eight female students were instructed to undress and four of them aged 20 and 21 years old were raped,” said Thakeng. After the rapes, the young women were further robbed of their possessions, including cellphones. The suspect left the scene on foot, Thakeng said. Following the horrific attacks, the suspect fled the scene on foot, taking with him a Samsung A04 and a Nokia C10 cellphone. “A case of armed robbery and four counts of rape were registered for further investigation,” Thakeng confirmed. Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has issued a directive for all available police resources to be deployed in the effort to track and apprehend the perpetrator. “The police have been instructed to use all resources by Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, to track down and trace the suspect who allegedly attacked and raped students before fleeing the scene with their valuables,” said Thakeng. Anyone who has information leading to the arrest of the armed rapist is urged to contact Detective Constable Dzumisani Mhlongo on 083 585 3885 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. The incident has sparked widespread fear and outrage among the student population, with many expressing concerns about their safety on campus. Several students, who wished to remain anonymous, shared their concerns with Daily Sun, saying they no longer feel safe. “The issue of safety is our main concern. We’re not safe at all. If something like this can happen when we’ve just opened schools, imagine what’s going to happen throughout the year. We thought staying on campus would give us security but here we are. “We call on our college management to review security measures. This is unacceptable. We can’t have students attacked on campus when there are security personnel,” the student said. The college management is now under increasing pressure to review and enhance security measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its students. The focus is on implementing stricter access controls, increasing security patrols, and improving lighting in and around the residences. The college is also working closely with the police to provide support and counselling to the victims and other affected students. *_-MyZimbabwe_* 8. *MURDERED FOR STEALING GREEN MEALIES, BODY DUMPED AT COURT* An Epworth man was arrested for fatally assaulting a man he had caught stealing his green mealies. The suspected thief’s body was subsequently dumped at the Epworth Magistrates’ Court. Isaac Mudyiwa, 49, reportedly caught Christopher Chida stealing his green mealies and assaulted him all over his body with planks. When Chida’s condition deteriorated, Mudyiwa carried and dumped him at the Epworth Magistrates’ Court. Harare provincial deputy police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Faith Mapisa confirmed the case. He said Chida’s body was found with no visible injuries and was taken to Chitungwiza Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem. *_-Herald_*