*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 | 28 FEBRUARY 2025_* *1.* Mnangagwa urges police to tackle traffic chaos and rising road carnage *2.* Chitepo School of Ideology not a Zanu PF Project, says minister *3.* RBZ introduces mandatory interest on bank deposits, slashes bank charges in monetary policy update *4.* Factionalism rocks Zanu PF's in Bulawayo tourism guide *5.* ZiG the cancerous disease killing OK supermarkets *6.* Judge president issues interim order barring Tshabangu’s recall from Parliament *7.* Journalist Blessed Mhlanga to spend 2 more weeks in prison as bail denied *8.* South Africa president moves to ‘mend relations’ with Donald Trump following aid cuts *9.* Japan gives Zimbabwe US$2.8 million in food aid amid drought crisis *10.* Prophet Madzibaba Heavynisher (aged 19) arrested in Kwekwe for staging fake witchcraft incident *11.* Bank teller sentenced to 4 years after falsifying deposits to steal US$ *12.* Man 73 burnt beyond recognition in Chitungwiza house inferno *13.* Sex-starved son bashes his mother *_FULL ARTICLES BELOW_* _[Note: These News Articles were Compiled and Distributed by Wazo Adverts. Source is Credited at the End of Each Article.]_ 1. *MNANGAGWA URGES POLICE TO TACKLE TRAFFIC CHAOS AND RISING ROAD CARNAGE* President Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to tackle the growing traffic chaos on the country’s roads by implementing an electronic management system and addressing the rising road carnage. Mnangagwa made the call while delivering the keynote address at a police recruit graduation ceremony at Mkushi Academy in Harare on Thursday, 27 February. He said: The high rate of indiscipline on our roads, which has resulted in the loss of countless lives due to road carnage, is disturbing. More worrisome is the fact that a total of 4 069 people were killed in road traffic accidents in 2024 compared to 2 104 in 2023, reflecting an astonishing 93% increase. The ZRP is challenged to tame the traffic jungle by speedily implementing the Electronic Traffic Management System. I call upon all Zimbabwean citizens to respect the country’s traffic laws and cooperate with law enforcement agencies. Mnangagwa also urged the graduating police officers to reject all forms of corruption. He said: As officers in the field, you will encounter all forms and types of temptations that will test your character, judgment, resolve and indeed your patriotism. Remain resolute and demonstrate high levels of integrity. Shun corruption by whatever name. The image of the country and indeed of the Zimbabwe Republic Police rests upon your shoulders. Guard it jealously. *_-Pindula_* 2. *CHITEPO SCHOOL OF IDEOLOGY NOT A ZANU PF PROJECT, SAYS MINISTER* The Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology is not a Zanu PF project, as alleged by anti-government forces, but a national institution, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe has said. Minister Garwe stated that the school is driving a national ideological programme as guided by President Mnangagwa and is not affiliated with any political party. “Ideology has no political face but carries a national identity—that of Zimbabwe. It is important to understand that this is a national programme, not a Zanu PF project, as has been falsely claimed,” said Minister Garwe. He added that his ministry would soon be working with various state universities to advance different agendas related to local governance. Chitepo School of Ideology is an institution designed to foster national consciousness and prioritise national interests above all else. It is one of several such institutions in the region, established by revolutionary movements, with the objective of instilling the spirit of revolution in the youth and the population at large. The Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School in Tanzania serves as the headquarters for all former liberation movements in Southern Africa. *_-Chronicle_* 3. *RBZ INTRODUCES MANDATORY INTEREST ON BANK DEPOSITS, SLASHES BANK CHARGES IN MONETARY POLICY UPDATE* The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has announced sweeping changes to the banking sector, making it mandatory for banks to pay interest on deposits. The policy, aimed at encouraging savings and financial inclusion, is part of a broader effort to restore confidence in the banking system. RBZ stated: “The mandatory interest rates mean depositors can now earn interest on their deposits as expected under standard banking practice.” Under the new policy, depositors will earn the following minimum interest rates: • ZiG savings: Increased from 3.5% to 5% per annum. • ZiG time deposits: Raised from 5% to 7.5% per annum. • USD savings: Adjusted from 1% to 2.5% per annum. • USD time deposits: Up from 2.5% to 4% per annum. These new rates are designed to provide a fair return on deposits and incentivise Zimbabweans to keep their money within the formal banking system. Many depositors had previously complained that keeping funds in bank accounts was costly, as account maintenance fees and other charges often outweighed any benefits. RBZ has also taken steps to ease the financial burden on customers by significantly reducing bank and transaction fees. One of the most notable changes is the exemption of bank charges for customers with low balances. “Customers’ balances in bank accounts below US$100 or ZiG equivalent are exempted from bank charges.” For many Zimbabweans, particularly low-income earners, monthly bank charges had become a major concern, often leading to accounts falling into negative balances. This new policy aims to make banking more accessible and affordable for all. Additionally, RBZ has scrapped transaction fees on small Point of Sale (POS) and mobile money transactions. “Point of Sale (POS) transactions for amounts less than US$5 or ZiG equivalent no longer attract any transaction charges. This also includes mobile money transactions.” This measure is expected to encourage the use of electronic payments for everyday transactions, reducing reliance on cash and promoting financial inclusion. In another major policy shift, RBZ has increased the annual limits on prepaid international debit and credit cards. The limit has been doubled from US$500,000 to US$1,000,000, allowing businesses and individuals greater flexibility in cross-border transactions. “This measure allows for greater flexibility and convenience for both individuals and businesses when doing cross-border transactions.” The increase in international transaction limits is expected to benefit businesses that rely on imports, as well as individuals making online purchases or travelling abroad. It also aligns with efforts to reduce the need for carrying large amounts of physical cash across borders, a practice that has long been a security concern. These new policies mark a significant shift in Zimbabwe’s banking landscape. The introduction of mandatory interest on deposits means customers will finally be rewarded for keeping their money in banks. The removal of fees for small transactions and low-balance accounts is also expected to encourage more people to use formal banking services. With these measures, RBZ aims to create a banking environment that is both fair and beneficial to depositors while also promoting economic stability. Whether these changes will fully restore public confidence in the banking system remains to be seen, but they are certainly a step in the right direction. *_-iHarare_* 4. *FACTIONALISM ROCKS ZANU PF'S IN BULAWAYO TOURISM GUIDE* The Zanu PF cell verification programme in Bulawayo has been marred by factionalism and infighting within the ruling party, sources have revealed. The exercise, which is essential for party organisation, has been delayed twice under unclear circumstances, with insiders attributing the setbacks to internal party divisions. Zanu PF is currently divided along two main factions: one loyal to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the other supporting his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga, who is considered a leading figure in the party's succession race. Tensions have intensified following reports that Mnangagwa's loyalists are pushing for an extension of his term by two years, from 2028 to 2030, despite the President's repeated declarations that he intends to step down in 2028 as per the Constitution. These unresolved tensions have impacted party activities, with the cell verification exercise being one of the casualties. Originally scheduled for February 15, the programme was first rescheduled to Sunday, February 23. However, it was once again postponed. A source close to the proceedings confirmed that the exercise would not take place as planned, and that it had been pushed to March, though no official explanation was given. "The situation remains tense. We were supposed to have cell verification on Sunday, but for the second time, it was postponed to March," the source said. "Factionalism is clearly at play here." Another insider confirmed that the new dates for the programme are set for March 1 and 2. In response, Zanu PF Bulawayo province spokesperson Archibold Chiponda dismissed claims that factionalism was responsible for the delays, attributing the postponements to scheduling conflicts with other significant events. "First, there was a youth inter-district event, then a national war veterans fund lunch, and last week, there were National Youth Day commemorations," Chiponda explained. "The programme was postponed for logistical reasons, not because of factionalism. We are an organised organisation and do not engage in strategic ambiguity."Bulawayo tourism guide Despite the official statements, the delays have raised concerns about the ongoing factional strife within Zanu PF, which has plagued the party for years. The factional infighting traces its roots to the era of former President Robert Mugabe, whose failure to manage succession issues ultimately led to his downfall in a military coup in November 2017. The coup, led by Chiwenga, paved the way for Mnangagwa to take power. As the cell verification programme is rescheduled for early March, it remains unclear whether the internal tensions within Zanu PF will continue to disrupt the party's activities in the lead-up to crucial elections. *_-Bulawayo24_* 5. *ZIG THE CANCEROUS DISEASE KILLING OK SUPERMARKETS* When Zimbabwe’s recently minted local currency – awkwardly named Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) – was introduced in April last year, it was hyped by authorities and their supporters as a panacea to the country’s protracted currency crisis which sits at the heart of the deeply entrenched economic problems facing the nation. ZiG was supposed to ensure currency and exchange rate stability, as well as inflation or price stabilisation. Authorities crowed and bleated noisily practically on a daily basis all over the media, claiming to have finally figured out the solution – meaning a paltry US$575 million and 2.7 tonnes of gold. Serious analysts saw through the snake oil currency initiative. In a bid to ensure ZiG survival, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor John Mushayavanhu is running a tight monetary policy regime which has brought structure-induced macroeconomic stability; pseudo-stability not rooted in fundamentals. Mushayavanhu has tightened liquidity, starved the market and put breaks on everything on money velocity or circulation at a significant and devastating cost to the economy. In the process, people, families and individuals, and businesses a re now suffering even more as a result. Companies are closing and job losses mounting. OK Zimbabwe Limited, one of the country’s largest retail chains, says currency and exchange problems drove it to the brink. An OK group trading overview to shareholders obtained by The NewsHawks yesterday says: “The business procured stock in (United States Dollars) USD currency from April-June 2024 and signed contracts with suppliers to that effect. Before this period, the business was severely under-stocked as suppliers were not keen to supply in ZWL (RTGS). This was to achieve the following: i. (a) To secure the best price in USD and be able to compete with the informal sector;(b) To achieve price stability and be able to advertise and hold the prices;(c) To get extended trading terms from the suppliers. In this case, the suppliers agreed to 90-day trading terms ii. Management made this decision informed by the USD collections of over 75% that they were colleycting during the period before April 2024; iii. Unfortunately, and in an unforeseen move, the RBZ introduced the ZWG (ZiG) currency on the five days into April and the USD collections dropped to levels below30%; iv. Engagements with the suppliers to accept ZWG in exchange for their USD balances were not successful as most of them were prepared to wait out the 90 days hoping to receive USD; v. From July 2024, the business reverted to ZWG procurement and started operating on very short trading terms, including pre-payments for fast-movingproducts such as cooking oil. However, the ZWG resulted in an increase in USD prices on the shelves which resulted in a decline in customer footfall. This also resulted in trading stocks being held for extended periods, whilst creditors balance continued to age. vi. The devaluation of the ZWG on 27 September 2024 resulted in the business requiring more ZWG to settle suppliers at an exchange rate of 26 after havingsold products at 13. vii. The business tried and was unable to access banking facilities since October 2024 due to the liquidity challenges. Engagements on this frontcontinues as the business is currently not over-borrowed.” Apart from OK, other retailers are in a similar position, just like more different businesses as well, highlighting accelerating economic decline and a bleak future in the short to medium term. Currency and exchange rate volatility have been major challenges facing businesses and the economy in Zimbabwe. The country’s multi-currency system, which was introduced in 2009, has been plagued by exchange rate distortions, currency fluctuations, and a shortage of foreign currency. *_-Newshawks_* 6. *JUDGE PRESIDENT ISSUES INTERIM ORDER BARRING TSHABANGU’S RECALL FROM PARLIAMENT* Judge President Justice Mary Zimba-Dube yesterday ordered the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party not to recall expelled interim secretary-general Senator Sengezo Tshabangu from Parliament until his High Court application challenging his dismissal is heard. Senator Tshabangu approached the High Court seeking an order to prevent his recall, citing his party, the Speaker of Parliament, and the President of the Senate as the first, second, and third respondents, respectively. Lawyers representing Tshabangu approached the court for case management in two matters: an interdict in the case of Sen Tshabangu v CCC and Others, and a declarator in the case of Sen Tshabangu v Sesel Zvidzai and Others. In the interdict matter, Justice Zimba-Dube recorded an undertaking from the first respondent (CCC) that it would not take any steps to recall the applicant or undermine case number HCH 830/25 (Senator Tshabangu’s court case against his expulsion). The Speaker of Parliament’s lawyers acknowledged the order. In the declarator matter, the respondents are required to file their opposing papers by the end of Tuesday, 4 March 2025, while the applicants must file their answering affidavit and heads of argument by close of business on Monday, 10 March 2025. The matter has been set down for hearing on Thursday, 13 March 2025. Senator Tshabangu has cited Mr Sesel Zvidzai, Ms Concillia Chinanzvavana, Mr Gilbert Kadogora, Mr Shepherd Mushonga, and the CCC as the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth respondents, respectively. The four individuals were members of the disciplinary committee that expelled him. This interim order ensures that Senator Tshabangu retains his parliamentary seat pending the outcome of his legal challenge. *_-Chronicle_* 7. *JOURNALIST BLESSED MHLANGA TO SPEND 2 MORE WEEKS IN PRISON AS BAIL DENIED* Alpha Media Holdings publisher Trevor Ncube on Friday condemned President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration after a Harare magistrate denied bail to journalist Blessed Mhlanga. “It is saddening, it is heart-breaking, but it was to be expected,” Ncube told reporters outside the court. “The real surprise would have been if the court had seriously applied itself to the case before it.” Harare Magistrate Farai Gwatima denied Mhlanga bail, remanding him in custody until March 14. “The release of the accused would put the nation in unrest and undermine peace and security,” Gwatima ruled. Following the decision, Ncube decried what he called the “selective application of the law” in Zimbabwe. “Blessed did not say any of the things he is accused of saying. He is not HSTV or AMH—he is simply a journalist practicing his profession, which is constitutionally protected,” Ncube said. He accused the judiciary of operating under Mnangagwa’s control. “President Mnangagwa owns the courts. They have said they own the military, they own the police, and they will do as they please. What we saw today is not justice. It is not fair, and it is not supported by our Constitution,” he said. Ncube warned that the ruling put journalists at risk. “It is clear that under these circumstances, you do this job at your own risk. The courts will not protect you; they will side with the regime. But this should not make us afraid. We must continue to do what is right—by the law, by our Constitution, and by the public,” he said. He also linked the case to Zimbabwe’s broader business environment, arguing that a fair legal system was crucial to the country’s credibility. “The application of the law must reflect fairness and justice. What happened today is a bad reflection on our country,” Ncube said. *_-ZimLive_* 8. *SOUTH AFRICA PRESIDENT MOVES TO ‘MEND RELATIONS’ WITH DONALD TRUMP FOLLOWING AID CUTS* South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has indicated his willingness to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in an effort to mend strained relations between the two nations. Speaking at a conference organized by U.S. bank Goldman Sachs in Johannesburg, Ramaphosa expressed his desire to “do a deal” with Trump to resolve tensions over South Africa’s land reform policies. This development follows Trump’s decision to cut aid to South Africa, citing concerns over the country’s land expropriation policies and its stance on international legal matters. The fallout between the two leaders has further complicated diplomatic and economic ties, with Ramaphosa now seeking to rebuild relations through direct engagement. According to a Reuters report, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that he wanted tensions with the U.S. to ease following Trump’s recent executive order but emphasized his long-term goal of visiting Washington to restore diplomatic ties. “We don’t want to go and explain ourselves. We want to go and do a meaningful deal with the United States on a whole range of issues,” Ramaphosa said, adding that he was “positively inclined to promoting a good relationship with President Trump.” While the report did not specify the exact nature of the potential deal, it suggested that discussions could involve trade, diplomatic, and political matters. Defending South Africa’s land reform policy, Ramaphosa reaffirmed that the process was constitutional and aimed at addressing historical injustices from the apartheid era. He denied claims that the law permitted arbitrary land seizures, emphasizing that land expropriation would be conducted fairly. Before recent tensions, South Africa and the United States maintained strong economic ties, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $21 billion in 2023. The U.S. also provided nearly $440 million in assistance to South Africa that year, according to the most recent U.S. government data. Additionally, the U.S. remains a key investor in South Africa, with over 600 American companies operating in the country, employing approximately 148,000 people. However, these economic relations have been strained following the Trump administration’s decision to cut aid to South Africa. Trump condemned South Africa’s land reform policy, arguing that it violated property rights and posed risks to economic stability. His administration also cited South Africa’s stance on international issues—particularly its genocide accusation against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ)—as a contributing factor in the decision to suspend aid. *_-ZimLive_* 9. *JAPAN GIVES ZIMBABWE US$2.8 MILLION IN FOOD AID AMID DROUGHT CRISIS* Japan has extended a helping hand to Zimbabwe by providing food aid worth US$2.8 million because of the El Nino drought. Shinichi Yamanaka, the Japanese ambassador to Zimbabwe, made this announcement during the National Day celebrations held at the Japanese Embassy in Harare. The event, which took place on Wednesday, was organized to honour His Majesty, the Emperor of Japan. Ambassador Yamanaka emphasized Japan’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe during this challenging time, stating; “Japan responded to the drought challenges in Zimbabwe and provided food aid worth US$2.8 million.” The El Niño-induced drought has left millions of Zimbabweans facing the threat of starvation. In response, President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the drought a national disaster last year and appealed for US$3 billion in humanitarian aid. The government has since begun distributing food supplies with the support of various humanitarian agencies and international partners. Ambassador Yamanaka highlighted the role of the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) in supporting agricultural initiatives in Zimbabwe. “JICA is actively involved in promoting rice and horticultural crop production in the country,” he said. Additionally, Japan is aiding Zimbabwe in expanding its sesame seed production, further strengthening the economic ties between the two nations. The relationship between Japan and Zimbabwe continues to grow, with both countries collaborating on various projects to improve the quality of life for Zimbabweans. Ambassador Yamanaka expressed confidence in the positive impact of Japan’s assistance in education, health, gender equality, and mine clearance. “Through international organizations and NGOs, our support has brought significant relief to the people of Zimbabwe at the grassroots level,” he said. Another notable development is the resumption of petalite exports to Japan after a two-year hiatus. Petalite, a mineral essential for producing traditional earthenware pots in Japan, is once again being traded between the two nations. Additionally, coffee exports to Japan have resumed after a 20-year gap, marking a new chapter in their trade relations. Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Amon Murwira, praised Japan for its unwavering support. “We deeply appreciate Japan’s co-operation in implementing infrastructural development projects, including the rehabilitation of key highways such as the Hellgate section in Makuti,” he said. Minister Murwira also emphasized the importance of agricultural collaboration in achieving food security. “In the field of agriculture, we are working closely with Japan to ensure that our people lead prosperous, happy, and fulfilling lives,” he added. *_-iHarare_* 10. *PROPHET MADZIBABA HEAVYNISHER (AGED 19) ARRESTED IN KWEKWE FOR STAGING FAKE WITCHCRAFT INCIDENT* A self-proclaimed 19-year-old prophet from Kwekwe and a 45-year-old woman have been arrested for allegedly faking a witchcraft incident to boost the prophet’s popularity. Speaking to The Chronicle, Midlands Provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, confirmed the arrests of Prophet Brighton Muroyi, also known as Madzibaba Heavynisher and Revai Kweza. He said the duo is being charged with causing a public nuisance. “Arrested are the self-proclaimed Prophet Brighton Muroyi, also known as Madzibaba Heavynisher, aged 19, of an Apostolic Faith Sect, and Revai Kweza, the alleged ‘witch,’ a 45-year-old woman from Mkoba 18, Gweru,” he said. The incident took place on 17 February in Kwekwe. Investigations revealed that Muroyi had hired Kweza to stage a fake supernatural event at his shrine, hoping to gain attention and build his reputation. Kweza was hired to pretend to be a trapped witch. “On 17 February, at around 8 AM, Revai Kweza was found seated inside a locked and gated house in Mbizo 3, Kwekwe. The house is located near a Johane Masowe eChishanu Apostolic Faith Sect shrine. She was dressed in black skin-tight clothing, a black bra, and a black headscarf,” said Inspector Mahoko. News of the trapped witch spread like wildfire, drawing a large crowd. Police responded to the scene and began questioning Kweza, who soon admitted to being part of a staged hoax. She implicated Brighton Muroyi, revealing that the entire incident had been planned to increase his popularity. “During questioning, Kweza implicated Brighton Muroyi. It was later established that they had staged the entire event to increase Madzibaba Heavynisher’s popularity,” he added. Further investigations uncovered WhatsApp messages between the two, detailing their arrangement, including the payment Kweza was set to receive for playing the role of a witch. Both suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue. *_-iHarare_* 11. *BANK TELLER SENTENCED TO 4 YEARS AFTER FALSIFYING DEPOSITS TO STEAL US$* The Harare Magistrates’ Court has sentenced a bank teller, Walter Matare, to 4 years in prison for fraud. However, 1 year of the sentence was suspended if he repaid US$40,377, the amount he defrauded from EmpowerBank between January and June 2023. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Matare manipulated the bank’s system by claiming Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL) deposits as United States Dollar (USD) deposits. This allowed people connected to him to withdraw USD, even though they had deposited ZWL. The fraud was discovered in June 2023 when Matare deposited one of his accomplices’ accounts, which was immediately withdrawn, raising suspicions. An investigation revealed that Matare had been treating ZWL deposits as USD at a 1:1 exchange rate, allowing his accomplices to withdraw the money in USD right after it was deposited. *_-Pindula_* 12. *MAN 73 BURNT BEYOND RECOGNITION IN CHITUNGWIZA HOUSE INFERNO* The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed a tragic fire incident which occurred at a house in Zengeza 2, Chitungwiza on 26/02/25. A man (73) was burnt beyond recognition after the house he was in caught fire. The blaze also destroyed property which was in the house and shattered window panes. According to police investigations are in progress to determine the cause of fire. In other news, police in Mabvuku have arrested a suspected mental patient, Blessing Fungai Kamwe (42) for a case of murder which occurred at a house along 10th Close, Sunningdale 2, Harare on 26/02/25. The suspect hit the victim, Samson Mukonda (92) with a galvanised water pipe several times all over the body for unknown reasons. The victim died upon admission at a hospital in Harare. *_-ZwNews_* 13. *SEX-STARVED SON BASHES HIS MOTHER* The love of sex has caused a Plumtree man to do the unthinkable of assaulting his mother whom he accused of chasing away his wife at her house. Evans Ndlovu (32) was dragged to Plumtree magistrates courts after assaulting his biological mother. He pleaded guilty to the charge before magistrate Joshua Nembaware. Nembaware sentenced him to two years in jail which was conditionally suspended to 420 hours of community service. Ndlovu told the court that he assaulted his mother because she chased away his wife and he was now sex starved since his wife was chased away. "Your worship l assaulted my mother because she chased away my wife now l am sex starved what is the next move since l no longer have a wife," lamented Ndlovu. The court heard that on February 22 Ndlovu had a misunderstanding with his mother Greater Ndlovu whom he accused of chasing away his wife. He became violent and started assaulting her with cleanched fists and booted feet. The mother managed to escape and flex to her brother's home and Ndlovu followed her while insulating her. A police report was filed leading to his arrest. Selestine Madziwa prosecuted. *_-Bulawayo24_*