*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._* — — — — — — — — — — — — *_MORNING NEWS | 26 FEBRUARY 2025_* *1.* More war vets fight in Cde Geza’s corner and criticize Mnangagwa – “We agree with Geza and those who are demanding change” *2.* Half of stock sold in Zimbabwean tuck shops are fake goods – Ministry official *3.* Duo arrested with a gun at Mnangagwa function *4.* GEO Pomona’s waste deal yet to kick off as garbage piles up in Harare... It’s a scheme to pocket council money – Resident says *5.* Parliament slams police over deadly pirate taxi pursuits *6.* African countries urged to mobilise alternative funding for HIV, TB and malaria prevention amid financing crisis *7.* Bridges destroyed, schools hard-hit by heavy rains *8.* Police crackdown on local companies *9.* SADC confronts health emergencies facing region *10.* Relief as dam levels increase *11.* Industry doubts 3% inflation rate is still achievable by year end *12.* Mighty Warriors eye return leg victory against Angola *13.* Parent, teacher in an ugly fall out... She accuses him of sexually abusing her daughter *14.* Sex starved landlord kidnaps female tenant for turning down his request for sex *15.* Serial fraudsters nabbed in US$40,000 job scam *16.* Man impregnates cousin then hangs himself *_FULL ARTICLES BELOW_* _[Note: These News Articles were Compiled and Distributed by Wazo Adverts. Source is Credited at the End of Each Article.]_ 1. *MORE WAR VETS FIGHT IN CDE GEZA’S CORNER AND CRITICIZE MNANGAGWA – “WE AGREE WITH GEZA AND THOSE WHO ARE DEMANDING CHANGE”* A groundswell of discontent is brewing within the ranks of Zimbabwe’s war veterans, with a growing number voicing their support for Zanu PF central committee member Blessed “Bombshell” Geza’s recent call for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down. The War Veterans Pressure Group (WVPG) has become the latest voice to condemn Mnangagwa’s government, citing alleged suppression of dissent, constitutional violations, and a perceived abandonment of the values that underpinned Zimbabwe’s hard-won independence. The WVPG’s criticism follows Geza’s much-publicised and scathing attack on Mnangagwa’s leadership, which has reportedly forced the former into hiding. The pressure group’s statement underscores a growing sense of disillusionment among veterans who feel that the current administration has strayed from the principles of the liberation struggle. “To that end, our perception of the situation in the country resonates with that expressed by comrades, specifically, Cde Geza and war-time commanders who are demanding change,” the group stated, aligning themselves with Geza’s sentiments and the broader calls for reform. The WVPG went on to paint a grim picture of Zimbabwe’s current state, accusing State authorities of systemic abuse, economic mismanagement, and implementing policies that “reverse the gains of the revolution.” The group’s statement paints a picture of a nation “adrift in a sea of corruption, kleptocracy and lawlessness,” warning that the current trajectory dishonours the sacrifices made during the liberation war. The lobby group accused Mnangagwa’s government of betrayal following its decision to compensate white former farmers who lost their farms during Zimbabwe’s land reform programme at the turn of the century. In 2019, Mnangagwa’s government agreed to pay US$3,5 billion as compensation for farm improvements to farmers who lost their land during the fast-track land reform exercise. The government has also allowed former white farmers to apply to get their seized properties back. At least 4 000 former white farmers lost their land during the land reform programme. Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion minister Mthuli Ncube early this month said the government would pay 94 former farm owners from countries such as Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands and the former Yugoslavia. The farmers are covered under Bilateral Investment Protection and Promotion Agreements (BIPPAs) that Zimbabwe signed with the farmers’ countries. Ncube said US$20 million would be paid from the 2024 budget and another US$20 million the 2025 budget. The WVPG also criticised Mnangagwa’s administration for bypassing parliamentary oversight in decisions related to the Compensation Deed and a new land policy requiring veterans to purchase land titles for properties they fought to reclaim. Citing sections 293(3) and 295(4) of the Constitution, which mandate legislative involvement in such matters, the group declared the move “a regressive betrayal of our fallen heroes.” The veterans also denounced the controversial “2030 Agenda,” an proposal by Mnangagwa’s allies to extend his term by two years, labelling it a “nefarious subversion of the Constitution”. The WVPG’s statement detailed past confrontations between the group and State institutions, including the 2021 arrest of 39 members during a peaceful gathering at Africa Unity Square in Harare. The veterans had gathered to deliver a petition urging the government to honour a High Court order directing payment of a monthly pension equivalent to US$2 000, as stipulated under Statutory Instrument 280 of 1997. According to the WVPG, the charges against the activists were dropped three years later due to lack of evidence, following prolonged legal harassment. “This exemplifies the State’s ironfist approach to silencing dissent,” the group asserted, linking the incident to broader accusations of authoritarianism. Among their demands, the veterans called for urgent economic interventions to address rising prices and inequality, alongside sweeping political reforms to curb graft and State capture. They also demanded compensation for victims of the 1980s Gukurahundi massacres — a period of State-sanctioned violence targeting dissenters — and the return of properties seized from the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army. Furthermore, the group urged the government to prioritise the benefiting of citizens from natural resources over foreign interests. Veterans of the Liberation Struggle minister Monica Mavhunga was not answering her phone when NewsDay tried to seek a comment from her. Meanwhile, former Zanu PF political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere has weighed in on the growing dissent, suggesting that President Mnangagwa’s days in office are numbered. Kasukuwere, who has been in self-imposed exile in South Africa since the 2017 military coup that ousted Robert Mugabe, believes that Mnangagwa has lost a crucial constituency from which he cannot recover: the war veterans. “Once those war veterans say your job is done, that’s the end. He’s hanging around, but the truth of the matter is he’s gone. The most critical branch in Zanu PF is that thing called the war veterans,” Kasukuwere said in an interview with HStv released two weeks ago. Kasukuwere, a former Minister in the Robert Mugabe government and also a former CIO operative, spoke as a group of outspoken war veterans revealed plans for a nationwide shutdown to force Mnangagwa to step down. The group is led by Blessed Geza, who denies that they are acting as a front for Mnangagwa’s ambitious deputy, retired army general Constantino Chiwenga. Police have since said that Geza was wanted on four charges – incitement to commit public violence, undermining the authority of the president, vehicle theft and allegedly selling three vehicles without the owner’s consent. *_-MyZimbabwe_* 2. *HALF OF STOCK SOLD IN ZIMBABWEAN TUCK SHOPS ARE FAKE GOODS – MINISTRY OFFICIAL* Nearly 50 percent of groceries seized from tuck shops and vending stalls during the ongoing blitz against counterfeit and smuggled goods in Zimbabwe have been tested to be fake and a potential health hazard, a top official with the country’s industry ministry has told parliament. Giving oral evidence before Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Industry and Commerce on Tuesday, chief director for commerce in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Douglas Runyowa said the proliferation of counterfeit products in Zimbabwe has reached alarming levels. “Most of what we have seen in the informal sector is quite shocking, and in our awareness programmes, we are saying it might be cheap but it’s coming at an expense to your health, because we cannot guarantee what is not there. “Our health authorities have not certified some of those goods safe and fit for human consumption, hence we really need to intensify our efforts through an all-stakeholder approach and its a fight that would also be needed for our portfolio committee to help us intensify, because really what is out there is quite scary,” he said. Runyowa told the legislators that a recent survey conducted by the ministry revealed that 50 percent of goods sold in informal retail shops do not meet the required standards. “I would like to, not to scare you, but to advise you that we recently carried out a survey with the Standards Association of Zimbabwe where we went and bought products from the shelf and took them for testing and compared what was written in the results; 50 percent of the products did not comply. You can actually see fake Vaseline, fake flour, fake rice, fake toothpaste, and this is an alarming rate,” he said. The ministry official said the blitz, which began last year, has been successful. “You will be aware that over the last quarter, going back to October, there has been intensified blitz against counterfeit goods, against smuggled goods, so much so that even this afternoon we are actually destroying about four tonnes of goods that were actually confiscated during that practice, to ensure that we remove them from the shelves, because we cannot guarantee our people that they are actually consuming safe goods,” he said. He appealed for parliament’s support in the fight the rot. “We want to also join hands with you in this particular fight, which we have really intensified from our side as a ministry,” he said. The proliferation of both informal traders of groceries and the products themselves has seen formal retail shops such as big supermarket chains suffer business losses as locals turn to the spaza shops to acquire their goods. Some of the retail shops have since closed shop or reduced their operations following competition from the informal sector. *_-ZimLive_* 3. *DUO ARRESTED WITH A GUN AT MNANGAGWA FUNCTION* Two men were arrested after being found with a gun at a function presided over by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Beitbridge on Monday this week. Alexander Simbarashe Mutendera (40) and Emmanuel Nyamarebvu (50), employed by the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) as chief finance officer and driver, respectively, were remanded to March 19 for trial on US$100 bail each. They were charged with possession of a firearm without a licence. Their lawyer Jabulani Mberesi of Tavenhave and Machingauta said the two were pleading not guilty and would argue that the alleged firearm was a blank pistol used to scare away animals at a farm. Beitbridge resident magistrate Takudzwa Gwazemba, in granting bail, said the State failed to present reasonable grounds for bail denial. He also ordered the release of the car belonging to the duo’s employer after Mberesi argued that the car had nothing to do with the alleged offence and holding it would hinder the operations of their employer. Mberesi also said the possibility of a conviction was almost zero considering that the firearm was not a real gun. On February 24 this year, the two were guests at the ground-breaking function officiated by Mnangagwa at the Xintai Palm River Metallurgical and Energy Industrial Park in Beitbridge. At the security checkpoint the firearm, which is a Blow F92 pistol, without a serial number, was discovered under the driver’s front seat resulting in the duo's arrest. Tawanda Chigavazira, who was prosecuting, did not oppose the release of the car on the ground it did not belong to Mutendera and Nyamarebvu but their employer. He also requested a long remand period saying the Ballistics Section take time to test and verify firearms. *_-Newsday_* 4. *GEO POMONA’S WASTE DEAL YET TO KICK OFF AS GARBAGE PILES UP IN HARARE... IT’S A SCHEME TO POCKET COUNCIL MONEY – RESIDENT SAYS* GEO Pomona, a private company awarded the mandate to oversee waste management in Harare, is yet to begin its operations, with residential areas accumulating uncollected garbage. Following pressure from the Ministry of Local Government, the Harare City Council entered into an agreement last year with GEO Pomona Waste Management, allowing the company to collect 650 tonnes of refuse daily at a rate of US$40 per tonne. However, two months into the year, piles of garbage remain a common sight in Harare, with some areas going for weeks without refuse collection, leading to the rise of illegal dumping sites. The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) director, Reuben Akili, says the deal was designed to benefit top officials without considering residents’ input. “As CHRA, we have always maintained that the GEO Pomona project has nothing to do with refuse collection or improving waste management in the city. As you can see, those who championed this dubious project now have egg on their faces, as it is clear this initiative will fail. It has nothing to do with service provision but is rather a scheme to dig deeper into the pockets of local authorities. “Unfortunately, it has become expensive for them to collect waste and dump it at Pomona because the dump site has been privatised under dubious circumstances, in a manner that is both fictitious and clandestine,” Akili told NewZimbabwe.com. The Harare City Council succumbed to government pressure after initially opposing the takeover by GEO Pomona, which is led by controversial businessman Delish Nguwaya. GEO Pomona was established in 2022 after a Dutch waste management firm, Geogenix BV, secured a US$350 million waste-to-energy deal with the city. GEO Pomona’s operations with the City of Harare have been a source of contention among residents. When approached for comment, GEO Pomona’s public relations officer, Siphathisiwe Masuku, told NewZimbabwe.com that the delay in implementing the deal was due to a transitional process. “We recognise the challenges of waste collection and fully acknowledge the significant responsibility entrusted to us. Currently, we are in a transitional period and are finalising key logistics. Our goal is to establish an efficient and sustainable waste management system that serves the city effectively. Achieving this requires careful planning, coordination, and preparation. “During this transition period, the City of Harare continues to handle door-to-door waste collection while we work closely with them to finalise key logistics. This includes defining operational zones, identifying transfer points, and securing garages for vehicle servicing and parking. “Additionally, we are actively engaging with the City of Harare on the transfer of employees, as we are committed to retaining experienced personnel who bring valuable expertise. Once everything has been finalised, we will announce the official launch date,” said Masuku. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 5. *PARLIAMENT SLAMS POLICE OVER DEADLY PIRATE TAXI PURSUITS* Parliament has raised concerns over the vehicle pursuits of pirate taxis commonly known as “mushikashika” and commuter omnibuses by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers, which have become a danger to the public. Speaking on a point of national interest recently in the National Assembly, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Member of Parliament, Traswell Chikomo, said that the ZRP’s conduct is endangering public safety. “In Harare, we are facing a challenge regarding the battle between commuter omnibuses and the police. You would find that there are running battles between the police and commuter omnibus operators. “The police will be targeting commuter omnibuses and when commuter omnibuses are offloading people, the rank marshals tip them off and they try to evade the police. You would find that passengers get hurt and some are affected by that Hon. Speaker, this is not sustainable,” said Chikomo. The Glen View legislator added that punitive measures should be taken to address the cat-and-mouse game between commuter omnibuses and the ZRP. “As a nation, I think we need to enact laws which will help in this situation because now people are no longer free because of the races between the commuter omnibus and the police,” said Chikomo. ZRP officers have been involved in running battles with commuter omnibuses and pirate taxis. These confrontations have resulted in the loss of innocent passengers’ lives. However, in a surprising response, the Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda, dismissed Chikomo’s concerns. “If they are not guilty, why do they run away? Do innocent people run away? If a car is stationary and the driver is in the car, when the police come, why do people run away when they are innocent? So, inform combi drivers to drive their vehicles accordingly. There is no need to run away,” said Mudenda. Commuter omnibuses remain a preferred mode of transport, despite some operating outside the parameters of the law. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 6. *AFRICAN COUNTRIES URGED TO MOBILISE ALTERNATIVE FUNDING FOR HIV, TB AND MALARIA PREVENTION AMID FINANCING CRISIS* Southern African Development Community (SADC) health ministers have called upon governments to mobilize alternative funding sources to sustain critical health programs, including HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria prevention, treatment and control. SADC held a two-day virtual extraordinary meeting of health ministers last week to address critical health challenges facing the SADC region. Addressing a post-cabinet media briefing Tuesday, information minister Jenfan Muswere said SADC health ministers endorsed key health initiatives to address the challenges. “In addition, member states were urged to mobilise alternative funding through public-private partnerships and domestic resource mobilisation for critical health programmes, including HIV, TB and malaria prevention, treatment and control. “The Meeting also endorsed the SADC TB Strategic Plan, expansion of the E8 Malaria Elimination Initiative to all 16, SADC Member States under the auspices of SADC, a project to accelerate the implementation and investment into the SADC Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) strategy, the feasibility study on the establishment of a Southern Africa Health Organisation and the establishment of the SADC Pooled Procurement Services (SPPS) as an Autonomous Special Purpose Vehicle under the principle of subsidiarity,” Muswere said. This comes at a time when the region is facing funding shortages following an executive order freezing almost all United States foreign aid in line with President Donald Trump’s “America First”. Over 50 African countries have been benefiting from the U.S President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief which provided critical HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 7. *BRIDGES DESTROYED, SCHOOLS HARD-HIT BY HEAVY RAINS* Heavy rains across most parts of the country have damaged critical infrastructure, including bridges, cutting off some rural communities and forcing residents to walk long distances to access transport and other essential services. In response, the Government has begun assessing the extent of the damage, while the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority has warned that some water bodies may now harbour swept-away crocodiles. In addition to bridges, the heavy rains have destroyed public infrastructure such as schools and other social amenities. The condition of the country’s roads has also deteriorated since the rainy season began. Rain-related incidents have resulted in the deaths of over 50 individuals countrywide. The Civil Protection Unit (CPU) and other emergency rescue services are urging the public to avoid crossing flooded rivers. Mr Christopher Shumba, the director-general of the Rural Infrastructural Development Agency (RIDA), stated that the rains have damaged infrastructure in many parts of the country, leaving some communities isolated. He added that the agency is currently assessing the extent of the damage to aid Government planning. “The rains have caused extensive damage to infrastructure although I don’t have the exact statistics of the damaged areas off hand. We have reports of damages in provinces such as Matabeleland South, Midlands, Masvingo, Manicaland and Mashonaland Central,” he said. “We are not experiencing flash flooding but due to excessive rains, the impact is gradually excessive. “We are in the process of conducting follow-ups to assess the impact in communities. We know that there are communities that have been cut off. So, we are compiling data so that we can respond to those areas.” Authorities have discouraged motorists from crossing flooded rivers after videos of public service vehicles risking passengers’ lives have gone viral. Nkayi District Development Coordinator, who also chairs the area’s CPU, Ms Matilda Mlotshwa, said two dams in the area burst their walls on Saturday. “We are assessing the damage but the situation is bad. Some roads have been cut off. The road leading to Sikhobokhobo area from Nkayi Centre has been cut off while some crops were washed away after Sombengo Dam in Ward Nine and Fako in Ward 26 in Somthanyelo Village burst,” said Ms Mlotshwa. She said communities are now forced to walk up to 30km to catch buses as the roads have become impassable. Matobo district development coordinator, Mr Obey Chaputsira, said rains have extensively damaged the Bulawayo-Maphisa Road and feeder roads to Maphisa from local business areas. He, however, said the district has been fortunate that no bridge has been washed away. In some places, some bus operators plying rural routes have been recorded driving through flooded rivers, which raised concerns over public safety. Two buses were recorded crossing a flooded Whovi River in Matobo District with one almost plunging into the river. This has attracted criticism from commuters. Bulawayo Bus Operators Association chairman Mr Patrick Dube, who owns Green Horse buses, has bemoaned the calibre of drivers that are getting licenses describing some of them as irresponsible. He said as owners they are concerned with the safety of the public. “When we employ them, we also reaffirm that they should not cross flooded rivers. But when they are out on the job they do as they please. “Some of them have been fired for crossing flooded rivers. But the unfortunate thing is that even after losing their jobs they will go to another company and be employed “We receive drivers who are tested for their competence by the Vehicle Inspection Department. They also undergo defensive driving tests before being allowed to drive public service vehicles,” he said. “One of the things that they are taught in defensive driving and part of that training is that they should not cross flooded rivers. “Even the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe also teaches them that. But when they get on the roads they do what is against the law.” Mr Dube appealed to road authorities to urgently fix the country’s roads as most of them have become untraffickable. He said bus crews are now travelling almost double the time they should due to the state of the roads. The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) has said due to rains, some of the country’s dams are now spilling and warned of downstream flooding. Following the spilling of water bodies and flooding of rivers, authorities have urged members of the public to be on high alert as crocodile attacks become highly possible as the reptiles can be swept away to new water bodies. In 2023, an unsuspecting 53-year-old old woman survived a crocodile in Kana River, Lupane, in an area never known to harbour the dangerous reptiles. Zimparks spokesperson, Mr Tinashe Farawo, said members of the public must always be on high alert whenever there are flash floods in their areas. “We are saying all water bodies must henceforth be treated with high suspicion. The authority has of late been receiving reports of crocodile attacks right across the country and these reports have been on the increase this time around due to increased rainfall activity,” said Mr Farawo. Over the past two months, ZimParks has recorded over 20 cases of crocodile attacks, resulting in eight fatalities and three serious injuries. Crocodiles are known to pose significant risks to livestock, and recently ZimParks emphasized the need for caution and advised farmers to avoid leaving livestock unattended near rivers and lakes, as this can attract crocodiles and lead to devastating losses. *_-Chronicle_* 8. *POLICE CRACKDOWN ON LOCAL COMPANIES* Police have intensified a crackdown on local companies, particularly those in the food and beverage industry, urging them to comply with the country’s laws by ensuring they possess all requisite operating documents. This follows a raid earlier this week on a company in Waterfalls, amid allegations that it was manufacturing illicit alcoholic beverages. However, it was later revealed that the company was producing a ginger-based drink. The discovery of thousands of such beverages at the premises has prompted police to widen their investigations into the matter. Speaking after a visit to the site yesterday, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi expressed concern over the operations of certain businesses, particularly regarding public safety, health, and security. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police is concerned with the way some companies are operating, especially with regards to the safety, health, and security of the public,” said Commissioner Nyathi. “As you can see, this is another raid by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, where we have established that this company was operating and, in the process, manufacturing a product— whether it’s a beverage, alcoholic or non-alcoholic — without clarity on its contents.” He further highlighted that the company lacked the proper licensing to produce the product in question and that the beverage had not been certified by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ). “Above all, they have no licence to be producing this product. This product has also not been certified fit for sale or supply to the public by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe, especially considering some of the medicinal qualities being claimed on the labels. These claims have not been substantiated,” he said. Commissioner Nyathi raised further concerns over the absence of expert medical examination of the product, which he described as a violation of the country’s laws. “Then you also have the issue of food standards, where you find that some of the conditions under which this purported beverage is being manufactured are not safe for any product intended for public consumption.” He issued a stern warning to businesses, emphasising adherence to national laws and regulations. “As the police, we want to urge business people and companies that, in whatever they are doing, they must, first and foremost, consider the laws of the country. Secondly, they must prioritise the safety of the public. “Thirdly, they must ensure that all processes they undertake fully comply with Government regulations.” Comm Nyathi confirmed that suspects had been apprehended and that investigations were ongoing. “We are conducting investigations. Yes, we have picked some suspects, and we will be issuing a detailed statement as investigations progress,” he concluded. *_-Herald_* 9. *SADC CONFRONTS HEALTH EMERGENCIES FACING REGION* SADC is confronting the health emergencies facing the region. Government has received and noted the report on the virtual SADC Extraordinary Meeting of Health Ministers, which was held last week. The report was presented to the Cabinet by Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora. Speaking during the Post-Cabinet briefing, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said the virtual SADC Extraordinary meeting of Health Ministers addressed critical health challenges facing the region and adopted several key decisions to strengthen collective responses to these challenges. Key highlights of the proceedings and outcomes included the ongoing health emergencies in the SADC region, such as Mpox Outbreak and Marburg Virus Disease. The SADC member states were urged to share information on disease outbreaks timeously in order to effectively address cross-border transmission. The meeting of the Health Ministers also endorsed the following: • The SADC TB Strategic Plan; • The expansion of the E8 Malaria Elimination Initiative to all 16 SADC Member States under the auspices of SADC; • A project to accelerate the implementation and investment into the SADC Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Strategy; • The feasibility study on the establishment of a Southern Africa Health Organisation; and • The establishment of the SADC Pooled Procurement Services (SPPS) as an Autonomous Special Purpose Vehicle under the principle of subsidiarity. Min Muswere said in addition, the SADC Member States were urged to mobilise alternative funding through public-private partnerships and domestic resource mobilisation for critical health programmes, including HIV, TB and malaria prevention, treatment and control. Min Muswere said the Cabinet received an update on the state of preparedness to host the 15th Meeting of the Contracting Parties on the Convention on Wetlands (COP15). “The nation is informed that subsequent to winning the bid to host the COP15, Zimbabwe has already made significant milestones towards hosting the 15th edition of the Conference of Parties (COP15) from 23 to 31 July 2025 at Elephant Hills Hotel in Victoria Falls. “The Conference will run under the theme, ‘Protecting Wetlands for our Common Future.’ “Preparations for the Conference are at an advanced stage. “The Conference is expected to showcase Zimbabwe’s tourist destinations, including the Victoria Falls, Zambezi National Park and the Kasibo Wetland.” *_-H-Metro_* 10. *RELIEF AS DAM LEVELS INCREASE* Water levels in dams across Zimbabwe have risen in response to rains received nationwide with some reservoirs reaching full capacity, offering relief after months of water insecurity. Most major dams have also seen notable increases, bolstering water reserves for agriculture and domestic use in the country with reservoirs such as Lake Mutirikwi and Silalabuhwa Dams now at 100% capacity, signalling a strong recovery. Other key reservoirs, such as Manyuchi (99,5%) and Tugwi-Mukosi (96%) have also reached significant levels. However, some dams remain at critically low levels, raising concern over water supply in certain regions including Bulawayo and the Matabeleland region with Inyankuni Dam at 9,8%, Lower Ncema being among the lowest at 7% while Upper Ncema (35,2%) and Mzingwane (33,3%) are also struggling despite the favourable rains. In the Mashonaland region, Mazowe (32,8%) remains below optimal levels, prompting calls for continued monitoring and conservation efforts. On a positive note, several dams have recorded substantial water retention, including Zhovhe (92,6%), Masembura (93,1%), and Arcadia (82,6%). Urban supply dams such as Chivero (73,2%) and Upper Insiza (75,4%) indicate stable conditions for major cities like Harare and Bulawayo. In an interview with NewsDay yesterday, Zinwa spokesperson Marjorie Munyonga yesterday said the national dam level average had risen to 85,8%. “Water levels in the country’s major dams remain on an upward trend on account of the rains being received in different parts of the country. As of February 24, 2025, the national dam level average had risen to 85,8% with the dams gaining a cumulative 28,9% since December 19, 2024,” she said. “This is 18,3% higher than the 10,6%, which the dams gained during the same period in the past season. The country’s two largest inland water bodies, Tugwi-Mukosi and Mutirikwi, which are both in Masvingo are already full and spilling.” Munyonga said improved dam levels marked a significant recovery from recent dry spells that threatened agricultural productivity and water supply. “Dams in Matabeleland North province had the highest percentage gains in terms of inflows at 66,1%, followed by dams in Bulawayo province with 44,4%. Mashonaland East province has so far recorded the least inflows of 5%, followed by Mashonaland West whose dams gained a cumulative 8,1% since December 19, 2024. The gains are expected to improve as more inflows are anticipated,” she said. Munyonga called on communities downstream of dams to be on high alert, monitor the movement of children and livestock as well as ensure that all water abstraction equipment along river channels is removed or properly secured. *_-Newsday_* 11. *INDUSTRY DOUBTS 3% INFLATION RATE IS STILL ACHIEVABLE BY YEAR END* The Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) has expressed doubts over the fiscal authorities’ capability to attain a 3% month-on-month inflation rate by year-end. Presenting the 2025 National Budget, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, projected annual inflation rate for Zimbabwe in 2025 is expected to be within single digits on the strength of stable month-on-month inflation below 3% based on tight fiscal and monetary policies; essentially indicating a significantly lower inflation rate compared to previous years. However, the latest CZI inflation tracker doubts the possibility of attaining the set inflation target. “The high inflation rate for January 2025 threatens to make it difficult for this to be realised. The elevated ZWG month-on-month inflation rate poses a significant challenge to achieving a low annual ZWG inflation rate by May 2025, when the annual inflation figure will be reported,” the industry lobby group said. In January 2025, CZI said there was an observed decline in the parallel market premium as ZWG depreciated faster in the parallel market compared to the official market. The ZWG depreciated on both the official and the parallel market by about 4,8% and 0,6% respectively between the period 1st of October 2024 to 29th of January 2025. As a result, the exchange rate premium also declined from 38% on the 1st of October to 34% on the 29th of January 2025. “The tight liquidity stance which has seen the scarcity of ZWG has helped create some stability of the exchange rate. However, the value of 34% is still high as it creates access challenges to US$ for compliant retailers and encourages arbitrage opportunities,” the inflation tracker added. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 12. *MIGHTY WARRIORS EYE RETURN LEG VICTORY AGAINST ANGOLA* Zimbabwe senior women’s football team is hoping for a positive outcome on Wednesday when they host Angola at Lucas Moripe stadium in South Africa in a Women’s Africa Cup Of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier second-leg match. Having suffered a 2-1 defeat in Luanda last week, Zimbabwe will be hoping to overcome their counterparts with a wider margin to keep their hopes of playing next year’s WAFCON alive. The winner between Zimbabwe and Angola will play Malawi in the final qualifying round. Mighty Warriors coach Sithethelelwe Sibanda says she is expecting a positive outcome. “I am hopeful that with what we have done, we are going to be much better than what we were in the first leg. “Also I am just hoping that everyone shows the positivity we saw at training,” she said. Zimbabwe last beat Angola in 2019 during the Women’s COSAFA Cup tournament, when they picked a 4-1 win. The Mighty Warriors are expected to have a huge fan backing as two buses ferried supporters from Zimbabwe to South Africa. Mighty Warriors captain Emmaculate Msipa added, “We prepared very well for the second leg, and the coaches have done their part meaning it is now up to us. “We are going to play to the best of our abilities and try to utilise every chance, so we will see how it will go on the pitch”. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 13. *PARENT, TEACHER IN AN UGLY FALL OUT... SHE ACCUSES HIM OF SEXUALLY ABUSING HER DAUGHTER* A St Peter’s Kubatana Industrial Training College teacher was confronted by the mother of a student who accused him of allegedly turning his house into a love nest. The mother of the student was not happy that Kudakwashe Jongwe took her daughter for shopping before the two went to his house. The mother of the student told H-Metro that Jongwe had been sexually harassing her daughter. “Jongwe is unprofessional and he has been harassing my daughter considering his love comments to her. “In short, he was sexually harassing her and I smelt a rat and refused to sign the trip document. “He then took her for shopping, although she was not part of the trip. “After taking our matter to the principal, he defended him and that angered me.” Jongwe confirmed to H-Metro that there was an altercation with the mother of one of his students. “Yes, the parent came here fuming about her daughter,” said Jongwe. “I had included the student on the list of those I was taking to Bulawayo since she is part of the SRC team. “I took her along with other students to shop for groceries for the trip and that angered the parent. “The parent refused to sign and authorise for her to be part of the trip. “She was quick to accuse me of bedding her daughter and we clashed over such allegations. “I never turned my house into a brothel as alleged. “Instead, the students coming to my house will be attending extra lessons.”He added:”I conduct extra lessons at a house opposite my house. “I stay with one of my sisters called Vimbai and there is no where I would accommodate students for sexual abuse. “Anywhere, come in person and see my principal for clarity,” said Jongwe. *_-H-Metro_* 14. *SEX STARVED LANDLORD KIDNAPS FEMALE TENANT FOR TURNING DOWN HIS REQUEST FOR SEX* A 53-year-old Bulawayo landlord has been ordered to perform 560 hours of community service for kidnapping his tenant for more than 12 hours after she refused to have sex with him. Esau Sibanda, who resides in Lobengula suburb, was convicted on his own plea of guilty to illegal possession of drugs by Western Commonage magistrate Ms Sibanda was sentenced to 16 months in prison, four of which were suspended for five years on condition that he did not commit a similar offence within that period. The remaining 12 months were also suspended on condition that Sibanda performs 560 hours of Skhetile Moyo. community service at Njube Police Station. According to the State case as presented by the prosecutor, Ms Melisa Dube, the incident occurred on February 5 at a house in Lobengula whereby Sibanda kidnapped Mrs Estel Mwembe (36) by locking her inside the house for more than 12 hours. "It was around 7pm when Sibanda went to Mrs Mwembe's house and upon arrival demanded to have sexual intercourse with her," she said. Ms Dube told the court that Sibanda is the landlord to Mrs Mwembe. "After Mrs Mwembe refused his request, Sibanda demanded that she pays the outstanding amount of last month's rent. She then went inside her room and Sibanda locked the door from outside." The court heard that Mrs Mwembe was rescued the following morning at around 11am when the neighbours noticed her absence. *_-Chronicle_* 15. *SERIAL FRAUDSTERS NABBED IN US$40,000 JOB SCAM* In a major breakthrough, detectives in Chipinge have arrested two elusive suspects — Patricia Muyambo Magazini and Mandras Muyambiwa — accused of perpetrating over 100 cases of fraud in which they duped unsuspecting job seekers of US$40 247 since last year. The suspects allegedly targeted unsuspecting job hunters in Mutare, Harare, Gutu, Zaka, Beitbridge, and Rusape, with their hard-to-detect criminal activities. The cunning duo, who posed as recruitment agents for Mashoko Mission Hospital in Bikita, were finally caught in the act, bringing relief to numerous unsuspecting citizens they had duped. ZRP Chipinge Urban Officer-in-charge, Inspector Anos Chindanya confirmed the arrest following a series of public outcry. “A series of reports at the station, from November 2024 to January 2025, highlighted an increase in fraud cases where perpetrators posed as agents offering assistance in securing jobs as nurses or general hands at Mashoko Mission Hospital in Bikita. “Investigators revealed that multiple complainants’ reports listed the same contact numbers, leading to an investigation into the identities of the users. The police obtained the suspects’ personal information, location, and communication server details through collaboration with a local service provider. By triangulating the suspects’ location using boosters, the police tracked them down to Masvingo Province, where upon arrival, encountered the hostile husband of one of the suspects, who was reluctant to cooperate. After re-contacting the service provider, the police managed to track and apprehend Patricia Muyambo Magazini in Nyika’s Duma location the following day. Her co-accused, Mandras Muyambiwa was arrested in Zaka,” he said. Following the arrest, over 50 complainants positively identified the accused persons, who during interviews, admitted to conning people by claiming to have connections with the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s recruitment team, offering employment as registered general nurses, drivers, and staff nurse cadre. “Magazini confessed to being unemployed, and working with Muyambiwa to commit the fraud to raise funds for a transportation services start-up. They had set aside US$26 000 for this purpose. An examination of the suspects’ belongings uncovered the SIM cards the complainants had identified as the contact numbers of their swindlers,” he said. Acting Officer Commanding Police in Chipinge District, Superintendent Godfrey Likalawe added: “One of the complainants, despite lacking qualifications, managed to convince several church members to send money to the accused via various platforms, including Mukuru, with the promise that their names would appear in The Herald on January 19, 2025. The accused claimed technicalities would delay the publication of names until January 25, but when this didn’t happen, the complainants reported the matter to the police. “A total of US$40 247 was defrauded from all complainants, and the arrest led to the clearance of 100 reported fraud cases. The suspects were taken to court and were remanded in custody.” One of the victim, Ms Chipo Hlumani, of Gaza, Chipinge, recounted her experience at the hand of the accused duo. “I lost money after a prophetess from my church was contacted by Muyambo Magazini, who claimed that she wanted to thank her for spiritual guidance by securing jobs for church members at Mashoko Mission Hospital.” “I believed Magazini was a registered agent due to the names and proof of payments she provided, as well as stamped documents from the hospital. I paid US$540 out of the required US$1 400, but when my child was not called for the January intake, I approached Magazini, whose responses seemed untruthful. I reported the matter to ZRP Chipinge. After this experience, I advise job seekers to be cautious and visit company offices instead of relying on online accreditation copies without official verification,” she said. In a similar case, Ms Memory Jambaya was duped US$300 after applying for a general hand position at Mashoko Mission Hospital. Jambaya paid the training fee and received receipts via church acquaintances persuaded by Magazini. However, when Ms Jambaya was not selected for the January 2025 intake, she became suspicious and demanded a refund, which Magazini refused to honour, saying she would squeeze her in the May intake. However, she relocated from her hood, leaving the victim in limbo. “I would like to express gratitude to ZRP Chipinge Urban for their exceptional work in maintaining high standards of policing in our community,” she said. Superintendent Likalawe urged communities to exercise caution when interacting with strangers, particularly those met on social media platforms. “Avoid paying for unrendered services, especially to unknown individuals with anonymous accounts. While we understand the desperation that comes with job hunting, we encourage everyone to verify and authenticate job postings on WhatsApp and Facebook before making any payments,” he said. *_-Manica Post_* 16. *MAN IMPREGNATES COUSIN THEN HANGS HIMSELF* Police in Bulawayo are investigating a case of sudden death involving an 18-year-old man who committed suicide after he allegedly impregnated his cousin. The incident was confirmed by Bulawayo police acting spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele who identified the now deceased as Meluleki Sibanda of Cowdray Park in Bulawayo. She said on February 21 this year, Sibanda’s father confronted him over the allegation that he had impregnated his cousin and promised to settle the matter with other family members and the police. “On the same day at around 10pm, the family retired to bed. Early in the morning at around 6am, the deceased’s father woke up, got outside the house and discovered that Sibanda was hanging from a mango tree near their gate and was already dead,” Msebele said. She said the matter was reported to the police and Sibanda’s body was taken to Mpilo Central Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem. Meanwhile, Msebele has urged parents and guardians to cautiously deal with such serious issues without inducing fear in those involved to avoid such incidents. *_-Newsday_*