HOT TOPICS ONLINE ................. *TRIVIAL: Nick Mangwana in trouble for calling President Mnangagwa ‘a slay’* (Zw News) *UN applauds Zim for abolishing death penalty* (Herald) *Zimbabwe's Democracy dies as Kazembe orders police to hunt down anyone who speaks against ED* (Crime watch) *More funding woes for Zimbabwe NGOs* (NewZimbabwe) *Discipline and legacy highlighted as key; Brigadier General Million Ndlovu takes over command of Two Infantry Brigade* (Zbc) *Zim’s brick manufacturing industry in crisis as Chinese dominance grows* (by CITE) *Man jailed for assaulting pregnant wife* (Byo24News) *Dozens of cross-border traders injured in bus accident* (Zw news) *State Forced To Withdraw Arda Boss Case After Failing To Locate Blessed Geza* (ZimEye) *Zinara Introduces Tollgate Express Lanes: No Fees, No Waiting in Line for Exempt Vehicles* (iharare) *RIP: Zim father was shot and killed at his own Son's Burial; see what happened to one of the killer* (feednews.com) *Zimbabwe could clear arrears with bold reforms, World Bank says* (Bloomberg) *Two Police Officers Demand US$60 Weekly Bribe From Transport Operator* *Chiredzi Student (14) Creates Thermal Cooker Using Kaylites* *Mashonaland man kills wife, village head and neighbour, stabs himself* (the chronicle) ------ ©Zoomic Media https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaD22E27YScxhpM8Re26 .... *TRIVIAL: Nick Mangwana in trouble for calling President Mnangagwa ‘a slay’* (Zw News) President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s sense of humor has attracted affection and mockery in equal measures. The picture of President Mnangagwa wearing a Masaai Shuka, has gotten Zimbabweans online talking with some praising him and yet others making fun of him. However, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services has attracted a backlash after captioning the image of the President as slaying. “Mudhara slaying a Maasai Shuka cloth😊,” he posted on his X handle. Meanwhile, according to the Cambridge Dictionary the word slay means, to impress someone very much or to be very good or impressive: The actors slay me with the quality of their acting. I came here to slay. Or to kill in a violent way: slay a dragon St George slew the dragon, which obviously is not Mangwana meant. Below are the comments: kutipa Varanaka @Chamosimba · 2h As we are gearing for 2030, our President is slowly becoming an international President. If we extend his term to 2030,he will become a world leader by 2030 with the way things are going.He is now becoming the only African president to talk about others are fading into irrelevant. Vim IL Sung ✊🏾Juche🧠🦾 @VimILSung · 1h He’s been slaying for the last 45 years. Even over girlfriends #godfreymajongwe. Nduna Dexter @NdunaDexter1 · 1h Aikaka chef. Douglas Karikoga @VaKarikoga · 2h Looks nice without that scarf. Chaki @ChakareTafadzwa · 1h Did you just use the word “slay” to describe a President? Dennis #godisinit #disbandzec @ZECzim @SLmore08 · 22m Cde Blessed Geza havaitirwe zvehu slayer, vanoundura munhu. Bootlicking ndedzenyu imwi vana @nickmangwana nana Mavetera munenge muchitsvaga mafevha kuna Dambudzo. Zhou @zimizhou · 2h Perm sec vanekahu stupidity. NdauTribe @RangaNaiti · 1h Nhai Mkoma Nick Muntu mukuru unozi slay ere. Xander 22 @Xanderkej91 · 1h Kuita kunge chikwambo kudaro Black Hammer 🔨 @marowa_regy · 1h Matopedza pamati slaying. jzroyalty14 @jzroyalty008 · 2h Looks cool,and it’s good to be African as a PanAfricanist. Zwnews © 2025 Zw News Zimbabwe ...... *UN applauds Zim for abolishing death penalty* (Herald) The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has commended Zimbabwe for officially abolishing the death penalty. This recognition followed an address by the Attorney-General of Zimbabwe Mrs Virginia Mabiza, at the UN’s Biennial High-Level Panel Discussion on the Judiciary’s Contribution to Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland. In her presentation on Tuesday, Mrs Mabiza outlined the historical context of the death penalty in Zimbabwe, detailing its evolution through three distinct phases. These are the pre-colonial era, which emphasised restorative justice, the colonial period, marked by retributive practices and the post-colonial era, which focused on justice and human rights. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, said Zimbabwe’s decision aligns with a growing global trend, as 113 countries have abolished the death penalty completely. Mrs Mabiza explained that the death penalty was introduced by colonial powers in the 18th century and persisted even after Zimbabwe gained Independence in 1980. She said at that time, a range of offences — including murder, treason and aggravated robbery — were punishable by death. “Since then, various legislative and policy interventions were implemented to gradually reduce the number of crimes attracting the death penalty,” said Mrs Mabiza. “In 2013, the number of offences attracting the death penalty had been reduced from nine to only one namely murder committed in aggravating circumstances. “This ensured compliance with the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 52 on reducing the number of offences that attract the death penalty.” Mrs Mabiza highlighted the judiciary’s critical role in this transformation, noting that higher courts have consistently found the death penalty to violate human rights, leading to many sentences being commuted to life imprisonment. Since 2005, no executions have taken place in Zimbabwe, a testament to the Judiciary’s discretion and evolving legal framework. She said the adoption of a new Constitution in 2013 marked a pivotal point, incorporating a Bill of Rights that explicitly exempted vulnerable groups from capital punishment. Mrs Mabiza said this reform, along with the strong political will from President Mnangagwa, culminated in the enactment of the Death Penalty Abolition Act in 2024 which prohibits the imposition of the death penalty. After Mrs Mabiza’s address, Zimbabwe drew praise from numerous countries, including Belgium and Switzerland. .... *Zimbabwe's Democracy dies as Kazembe orders police to hunt down anyone who speaks against ED* (Crime watch) In a surprising turn of events, Minister Kazembe of Zimbabwe has recently issued a direct order for the arrest of individuals who insult President Emmerson Mnangagwa. This move has sparked immediate concerns about the state of freedom of speech in the country. During a public address, Minister Kazembe made it clear that any form of criticism or insult directed towards the president would be treated as a criminal offense. This significant shift in policy has already begun to create waves of anxiety among citizens and human rights organizations. Legal analyst Thomas Moyo expressed his concerns about the implications of this order, stating that it effectively criminalizes any criticism against the president, no matter how mild or justified. The chilling effect on democratic freedoms is a cause for alarm. Sarah Ndlovu, a human rights activist, voiced her worries about the dangerous trend this order sets. She emphasized that when individuals cannot express their opinions about their leaders freely, it indicates a regression rather than progress in democratic principles. The announcement has sparked heated debates on social media, with many Zimbabweans expressing their concerns about the practical implications of this order. Journalist James Mutasa highlighted the fear that now permeates discussions about the president's policies. Opposition politicians have strongly criticized the move, with party spokesperson Mary Chikwanda denouncing it as an attempt to stifle legitimate criticism and govern through force rather than transparency. International observers have also raised red flags about the authoritarian nature of this development. Democracy watchdog representative Peter Thompson warned that arresting individuals for insulting a leader is a sign of growing authoritarianism within the government. Despite the lack of specific guidelines on what constitutes an "insult," the police have begun preparing to enforce the order. A senior police officer, speaking anonymously, admitted that they are waiting for detailed instructions on how to carry out the arrests. Civil society groups are mobilizing to challenge the legality of this directive, with human rights lawyer Linda Moyo asserting that it goes against fundamental constitutional rights. The order will be scrutinized in court for its implications on freedom of speech. The timing of the order has raised suspicions about its motives. Political analyst John Sibanda pointed out that the order coincides with increased public criticism of the government's economic policies, suggesting a connection between the two. As Zimbabweans grapple with this new reality, some are resorting to coded language and metaphors to express their opinions, while others are refraining from engaging in political discussions altogether. The silence in public spaces is palpable as citizens navigate the restrictions on free speech. International diplomatic missions have expressed concerns about the implications of this order on democratic freedoms in Zimbabwe. However, government officials justify it as necessary to uphold the presidency's dignity and respect. For now, an uneasy quiet has settled over Zimbabwe as individuals carefully choose their words, mindful that criticizing the president could result in arrest. The long-term impact of this order on the country's democratic space remains uncertain. Source: https://x.com/crimewatchzw/status/1893752918144098700?s=46 .... *More funding woes for Zimbabwe NGOs *(NewZimbabwe) Zimbabwe and other African nations are set to face increased pressure on their health, education, and development sectors following major international aid cuts by the United Kingdom (UK) and Netherlands. The UK government has decided to slash its UKAID budget from 0.5% of GDP to 0.3%, diverting the funds to boost military spending by £13.4 billion annually. The move, described as a "painful choice," was announced by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer as part of efforts to strengthen Britain's defense against global security threats, particularly in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin's ongoing war in Ukraine. "That is not an announcement I am happy to make," Starmer told Parliament. "We will do everything we can to return to a world where that is not the case, and rebuild a capability on development, but at times like this the defense and security of the British people must always come first." Zimbabwe, despite not being a Commonwealth member, has been a recipient of UK aid, receiving over £31 million from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) between 2024 and 2025. UKAID funding has supported over two million women and babies in accessing maternal and neonatal healthcare, while also assisting Zimbabwe in preparing for potential health crises. With the UK cutting its aid budget and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) also scaling down operations under Donald Trump's recent foreign policy stance, concerns are mounting over the fate of African health and education programs that have long depended on Western funding. Beyond the UK, the Netherlands has also announced a major shift in its development funding policy. On Tuesday, Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Reinette Klever stated that all aid programs must now serve the Netherlands’ own interests, such as boosting trade, enhancing security, and reducing migration. "All the programs we fund must contribute directly to our own interests: promoting trade, enhancing security, and reducing migration," Klever said. As a result, funds previously allocated to civil society organizations (CSOs) in Africa will now be redirected to North Africa and the Middle East, with a focus on preventing migration to the Netherlands and strengthening border security. The withdrawal of key donors threatens to cripple Zimbabwe’s already struggling health and education sectors, both of which rely heavily on foreign assistance. UKAID has played a crucial role in funding hospitals, clinics, and humanitarian programs, benefiting millions of vulnerable Zimbabweans. The cuts could also affect cash transfer programs that support people at risk of hunger. Since 2014, UKAID has assisted over 9.8 million people globally through direct funding or partnerships with CSOs. However, with funding priorities shifting towards military and security interests, developing nations may be forced to find alternative sources of support. Analysts warn that Zimbabwe and other African countries must now take urgent steps to strengthen domestic revenue generation and public service funding to mitigate the impact of shrinking international aid. Source - NewZimbabwe ----- *Discipline and legacy highlighted as key; Brigadier General Million Ndlovu takes over command of Two Infantry Brigade* (Zbc) DISCIPLINE among members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) has been identified as a vital component in the country’s defence and security apparatus. The two Infantry Brigade has a new command after Brigadier General Million Ndlovu took over from Brigadier General Charles Mashava at a colourful handover and takeover ceremony held in Harare this Wednesday. Handing over the command and Brigade formation colours, Brigadier General Mashava implored his successor to carry forward the Brigade’s legacy of excellence and commitment to service, while Brigadier General Ndlovu pledged loyalty to the nation. “In that regard, I want to urge my successor to take note of those projects that remain outstanding and embrace them so that the dream reaches fruition. That leaves me to thank Commander ZNA for giving me the opportunity to lead this great formation and for me to preside over this important parade. Your wise counsel and guidance has always given us the impetus and energy to carry or also embark on the new journey and mandate,” said Infantry Brigade Outgoing Commander, Brigadier General Mashava. “As I take over Command from, my former DS / teacher, Brigadier General Charles Mashava who taught me a lot during his days at the Staff College, I would like to thank the outgoing Commander for his selfless service to the two Infantry Brigades. I will endeavour to build from where he left and I will always knock on his door for advice and wisdom, he will no longer be my DS but will be my consultant,” said Infantry Brigade Incoming Commander, Brigadier General Ndlovu. “My clarion call to service to all the officers and men of 2 Infantry Brigade is to continue to give the same support that you were rendering to the outgoing commander. I want us to work as a team together to fulfil our obligation as a brigade,” Commander Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Lieutenant General Anselem Sanyatwe challenged the incoming Commander to consolidate the Brigade’s achievements and mission of safeguarding national security. “The people of Zimbabwe have high hopes and expectations for the future and as the Zimbabwe National Army, we should ensure that the conducive and tranquil environment prevails so that all government developmental programmes, citizenry of this nation and its visitors alike enjoy a sense of belonging and security in this beautiful motherland. We should all therefore understand the government’s vision for development in its entirety to contribute meaningfully to improving the lives and security of our people in this regard, the modernization of the ZNA’s capabilities is one of my priorities despite the prevailing economic challenges. We shall therefore continue to engage government through the ministry of defence to ensure that ZNA gets the requisite equipment to ensure that it remains a formidable force, operationally ready and capable of responding rapidly to any eventuality,” said Commander ZNA, Lieutenant General Anselm Sanyatwe. Brigadier General Mashava has been appointed ZNA Director General of Civil Military Relations at the ZDF Headquarters. Meanwhile, in a separate ceremony, Commander Air Force of Zimbabwe Air Marshal Jacob John Nzvede presided over the promotion and investiture of Air Commodore Ekironi Madzanira who has been elevated from the rank of Group Captain to Air Commodore upon his retirement. “We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Commander In Chief of the Defence Forces for conferring the esteemed rank of Air Commodore upon Madzanira. This honor is a testament to Air Commodore Madzanira’s exceptional leadership, dedication, and service to the nation. As Air Commodore Madzanira embarks on this new chapter, we urge him to continue demonstrating the highest level of discipline and integrity that has defined his illustrious career. His commitment to excellence has undoubtedly inspired countless individuals, and we have no doubt that he will continue to make Zimbabwe proud,” he said. “Discipline is the cornerstone of our success, and it is imperative that the new crop of officers remain steadfast in maintaining high standards as they take up the mantle of leadership,” said Air Commodore Madzanira. The twin milestones come at a time when the ZDF is demonstrating remarkable achievements, including recent rescue operations for individuals marooned by incessant rains. ------ *Zim’s brick manufacturing industry in crisis as Chinese dominance grows* (by CITE) The once-thriving brick manufacturing industry in Zimbabwe is now a shadow of its former self, with Chinese companies dominating the sector and local manufacturers struggling to survive. This stark reality was laid bare by Kipson Gundani, Chief Executive Officer of Africa Roundtable, during the National Competitiveness Commission’s Inaugural Competitive Summit held last week in Bulawayo. Gundani lamented the decline of local brick manufacturers, attributing their struggles to outdated technology, lack of investment, and an uncompetitive macroeconomic environment. Zimbabwe was once home to three major local brick manufacturers but the industry has seen one company fold, leaving only two struggling players. These remaining manufacturers are further hamstrung by their inability to operate during the rainy season due to outdated equipment and technologies. In contrast, over ten Chinese-owned brick manufacturers have entered the market, leveraging advanced technology and efficient production methods to dominate the sector. While Chinese companies can produce bricks on demand, local manufacturers often require customers to wait up to three months for their orders to be fulfilled. “Competitiveness presupposes that there is efficiency,” Gundani said during his address on industry and business perspectives on competitiveness. “For you to be competitive, you have to be efficient. You have to be producing the right product at the least possible price.” Gundani said local manufacturers are unable to compete due to a lack of investment in retooling and modernisation. Many are still using equipment from the 1970s and 1980s, a legacy of Zimbabwe’s prolonged economic decline and the absence of productive financing in the market. Gundani highlighted the financial challenges facing local manufacturers, noting that some require US$5 million to retool and modernise their operations. However, accessing credit at reasonable interest rates is nearly impossible in Zimbabwe’s current economic climate. With interest rates exceeding 20 percent, borrowing for retooling purposes is simply not viable for most businesses. “You cannot even get margins in terms of profits that can beat that,” Gundani said. “So it defeats the whole purpose of borrowing in the first place.” Gundani explained how the technological gap between Chinese and local manufacturers is another critical factor where Chinese companies have invested heavily in advanced manufacturing techniques, allowing them to produce bricks quickly and efficiently. In contrast, local manufacturers rely on labour-intensive methods that are both slower and more costly,which slow down competitiveness. “It helps significantly leapfrog and be competitive if we use the right technologies,” Gundani said. “No local manufacturer at the moment, brick manufacturers, can compete with the Chinese because they are using top-notch technologies. They can produce whilst you are waiting for your bricks. But if you look at the other brick manufacturers, probably, you pay now and wait for three months for those bricks to be delivered.” According to Gundani, the pricing problem extends beyond the cost of credit while other chief economists like Christopher Mugaga from the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce and Cornelius Dube from the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries said Zimbabwe’s macroeconomic environment is characterised by high inflation, currency instability, and a lack of confidence in the financial system. These factors have created a vicious cycle that undermines competitiveness, with Gundani citing how the high cost of transporting goods due to the dilapidated state of the country’s rail network adds another layer of inefficiency. “It actually costs seven times cheaper to transport goods by rail compared to roads. If you look at the capacity of our NRZ and the lack of investment in that crucial national asset, you discover we are actually incurring more costs in moving goods across the country than we ought to be,” he said. “This can be resolved by simply having a functional rail system in this country.” The decline of local brick manufacturers has broader implications for Zimbabwe’s economy. With local manufacturers struggling to compete, this has led to job losses and a decline in the formal sector, worsening Zimbabwe’s already high levels of unemployment and informalisation. Gundani warned the growth of the informal sector is a symptom of deeper structural issues in the economy. “Informalisation is on the growth, and there’s no debate about that,” he said. “What we are also seeing is a tacit agreement by the Treasury to say the informal sector is growing as evidenced by following them through and trying to extract a few dollars through some taxes that the Treasury is introducing.” However, Gundani argued taxing the informal sector is not a sustainable solution. Instead, he called for a reduction in taxes and a focus on creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. “Cut the cloth, reduce the taxes, allow the private informal sector to grow, and also incentivise those who have the capacity in the informal to form,” he said. By lowering the tax burden and providing access to formal value chains, the government could encourage informal businesses to formalise and contribute to the economy in a meaningful way. Gundani’s address at the summit served as a wake-up call for policymakers and industry stakeholders. “We need to allow the laws of economics to take place,” he said. “That is, allow the market to function. And you can only intervene when there is failure.” © The Zimbabwean 2005 - 2025 ----- *Man jailed for assaulting pregnant wife* (Byo24News) by Simbarashe Sithole An abusive husband was dragged to court after he assaulted his four-month-pregnant wife with open hands, booted feet and clenched fists. Bhirivisi Special (36) appeared before magistrate Joshua Nembaware who slapped him with a year jail term. Nembaware conditionally suspended six months of the jail term and the remaining six is effective. Prosecutor Selestine Madziwa told the court that on February 17, the wife Moreen Sibanda (36) accused his wife of having extramarital affairs and a misunderstanding arose. The husband became furious and assaulted his wife with clenched fists and booted feet and she got injured. Source - Byo24News .... *Dozens of cross-border traders injured in bus accident* (Zw news) A number of cross-border traders were injured when a Blue Circle Bus that they were travelling in from Harare to Lusaka plunged into an embankment just after Chirundu Border Post on Tuesday night. Witnesses and some of the injured passengers said the accident could have been a result of speeding. The injured were taken to Mutenderi Hospital in Zambia for treatment. The Zimbabwe Republic Police is on record calling on the motoring public to exercise extreme caution on the roads, especially during the wet season as some roads become slippery. In most cases accidents have been attributed to human error, miscalculations while overtaking. The Herald ...... *State Forced To Withdraw Arda Boss Case After Failing To Locate Blessed Geza* (ZimEye) By A Correspondent | ZimEye | The State was on Wednesday forced to withdraw charges against former Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (Arda) former boss, Basil Nyabadza, accused of defrauding war veteran Blessed Geza of US$1,3 million in a land deal. The withdrawal before plea came after State’s failure to locate Geza who is currently in hiding following police announcements that he is wanted over a slew of criminal charges, including Insulting President Emmerson Mnangagwa and theft. The Investigating officer, Hillary Mazhekete told court that he went to Geza’s last known address intending to serve him with summons to attend court and give his testimony but could not locate him. In an affidavit tendered before Harae regional magistrate Donald Ndirowei, Mazhekete also said Geza was not reachable on his mobile phone. The magistrate who was presiding over the matter Tilda Mazhande had also recused herself citing personal reasons. Ndirowei granted an application of withdrawal of the charges by prosecutor Anesu Chirenje ruling that the matter will continue by way of summons.-ZimEye It is state’s case that October 29, 2020, Geza bought a piece of land from Nyabadza measuring 423504 hectares for US$1 362 000. The state alleges that Geza was granted sole authority to subdivide, develop and sell the piece of land. When the agreement of sale was done, Nyabadza allegedly misrepresented to Geza that the piece of land had title deeds and promised to avail the document in a month, but failed to do so. The court heard that while Geza was in the process of obtaining subdivision permits for the land from the department of physical planning in Mashonaland West province, he discovered that Nyabadza had sold the same land to Velda Estates. It is further alleged that Geza engaged Nyabadza hoping for an amicable solution only to discover that the agreement of sale had been cancelled without his knowledge. ----- *Zinara Introduces Tollgate Express Lanes: No Fees, No Waiting in Line for Exempt Vehicles* (iharare) Zimbabwe has introduced express lanes for vehicles that are exempt from tollgate fees allowing them not to wait in line. The new system will be tested for legislators and government officials at three tollgates: Skyline, Dema, and Eskbank, before being rolled out nationwide. How MPs Can Benefit from Zinara’s Tollgate Express Lanes Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda shared the news, confirming that the Zimbabwe National Road Authority (Zinara) had set up express lanes for exempt government vehicles. “I wish to inform the House that ZINARA has introduced express lanes to Government exempted vehicles at selected tollgates; starting with a pilot programme at Skyline, Dema and Eskbank tollgates,” Mudenda said. He clarified that to use the express lanes, vehicles must be fitted with an e-tag. The new lanes are wider and clearly marked as ‘Express Lanes.’ The e-tag will be scanned automatically, allowing the tollgate boom to open without the need for payment. “The infrastructure has been established featuring extra wide detour lanes designated as ‘Express Lanes’. To use the express lane, vehicles must be equipped with an e-tag which will be scanned by the system. Once detected, the boom banner will automatically open,” Mudenda explained. Installation of e-tags for Legislators Mudenda also informed legislators that the Zinara team will visit the new Parliament Building on February 26 and March 5, 2025, to install the e-tags. “Please note that express lanes will not have a cashier on duty. In line with this, the ZINARA team will visit the new Parliament Building on the 26th of February and 5th of March 2025 from 0900 hours to 1600 hours for the installation of the e-tags,” Mudenda advised. He also revealed that each legislator would have two vehicles registered under their name that are exempt from paying tollgate fees. “All Members of Parliament are encouraged to bring their two exempted vehicles along with their registration books for this installation exercise. Kindly note that failure to have electronic tags installed on exempt vehicles may cause significant inconvenience when passing through the tollgates,” Mudenda said. In 2020, Zinara resolved to exempt government-issued traditional chiefs’ vehicles from paying tollgate fees while motorists living within a 10km radius of the tollgate are given a single discounted pass daily. Source: iharare ....... *RIP: Zim father was shot and killed at his own Son's Burial; see what happened to one of the killer* A 54-year-old father was shot and killed at his son’s funeral in Mbare, Harare, in a shocking act of violence that left two people dead. According to police reports, two gunmen ambushed the grieving father at Magaba Flats on Saturday morning, shooting him in the back of the head. The attackers fled the scene, but one of them made a fatal mistake—he returned to ensure the victim was dead. Enraged mourners immediately captured the gunman, a 26-year-old man, and delivered brutal street justice. Witnesses say the mob used steel stanchions and concrete slabs to beat him to death. Reports later confirmed that the deceased gunman was out on bail for a prior murder charge and had violated his bail conditions by returning to the community. Mbare detectives have launched two separate murder investigations into the incident. Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the tragic event and urged the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. The Mbare Community Policing Forum (CPF) expressed deep concern over the escalating violence. CPF spokesperson Tawanda Chiweshe condemned the killings, warning that crime was becoming more personal and unchecked. Zimbabwe’s Minister of Home Affairs, Kazembe Kazembe, also criticized the presence of illegal firearms, calling for stricter enforcement to curb violent crime. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Mbare Police Station at +263 242 668700 or report anonymously to Crime Stop at 08600 10111. Source: https://x.com/IOL/status/1888201138370953576?t=eoQ6HU4RZyJ-SO0zZeV12Q&s=08 ..... *Zimbabwe could clear arrears with bold reforms, World Bank says* (Bloomberg) Zimbabwe could clear its arrears and rework $21 billion in debt that’s kept it locked out of international capital markets for more than a quarter of a century if it implements fiscal reforms, the World Bank said. “By adopting a bold set of fiscal reforms, it can turn the page on a prolonged history of macroeconomic instability, and set the foundations for a credible national budget that is efficient, able to manage unforeseen fiscal risks, and can ensure a stable and competitive currency,” the World Bank said in its review of Zimbabwe’s public finances on Wednesday. “In turn, this would open up the historic possibility of arrears’ clearance and debt resolution, which would release major additional resources in concessional multilateral financing for public and private investments.” poster It would also put Zimbabwe on a high-growth path and a more stable macroeconomic trajectory, the Washington-based lender said. The southern African nation defaulted on debt from lenders such as the World Bank, the Paris Club and the African Development Bank in 1999. In the past three years, it’s made concerted efforts to exit default. It’s enlisted AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina and former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano to negotiate with creditors, hired Global Sovereign Advisory, a Paris-based consultancy, and started paying reparations to farmers and nations whose land it seized in the 2000s. Changes the World Bank recommends include removing monetary and exchange-rate distortions to enable low and stable inflation, reducing the public-service wage bill by eliminating duplicate and redundant roles and doing away with value-added tax exemptions and zero-rating to increase revenues. The nation introduced the ZiG, short for Zimbabwe Gold, in April last year to eventually replace the dollar in local transactions. Multiple previous attempts at creating a local unit have failed and led to spiralling inflation. The central bank has introduced a plethora of steps to support the ZiG including curbing the money supply and forcing companies to price their products in the local currency, favouring the informal sector that sells goods at the higher unofficial exchange rate. The World Bank also urged Zimbabwe to reverse the trend toward informalization by removing macroeconomic obstacles, high compliance burden for small businesses and taxing formal transactions. NewZimbabwe.com ...... *Two Police Officers Demand US$60 Weekly Bribe From Transport Operator* The Chinhoyi Magistrates Court has convicted Desire Mangombe (30) and Macdonald Tapesa (32), both traffic officers from ZRP Chinhoyi Traffic, for criminal abuse of office. They were found guilty of demanding a US$60 weekly bribe from a transport operator in exchange for allowing free passage. From January 2022, the officers allegedly extorted bribes from Tafadzwa Bvunzawabaya, a manager at Wolfspack Transport Services. On September 15, 2022, a team from Police General Headquarters Harare set up a trap operation using marked US dollar notes. The officers accepted the bribe at their station, leading to their arrest and the recovery of the trap money. Both officers were convicted under Section 174(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23] and sentenced to 490 hours of community service. In a separate case, the Harare Magistrates’ Court has convicted two Mbare police officers for corruption. Naume Dube (31) and Victoria Shonhiwa (36), constables at Mbare Police Station, were found guilty of criminal abuse of duty. On March 11, 2024, they were caught soliciting US$1 from every motorist passing through the station’s main gate. After receiving a tip-off, officers from the Internal Investigations Department set up surveillance and observed the two officers accepting bribes. Dube was found with US$80 in her shirt pockets, while Shonhiwa had US$40. A list of motor vehicle registration numbers was also recovered. The officers were arrested and handed over to the Police Anti-Corruption Unit. The US$120 and the list of vehicles were presented in court as evidence. Pindula ..... *Chiredzi Student (14) Creates Thermal Cooker Using Kaylites* A 14-year-old Form 3 pupil at Chiredzi Government High School has designed an insulated slow cooker as part of her project under the heritage-based curriculum. An insulated slow cooker is a kitchen appliance that cooks food slowly while maintaining a consistent temperature. The insulation helps retain heat, making the cooking process more efficient and energy-saving. School head, Victor Zvada, told The Mirror that the student, Dorcas Zemayema, made the cooker using kaylites and polyester cloth. Said Zvada: One of our learners has come up with an insulation slow cooker as part of her Heritage Based Curriculum where learners are supposed to come up with projects focusing on producing goods and services useful to the economy. Zvada added that Dorcas skipped Form 2 because of her exceptional grades and is considered a promising academic star. Dorcas explained that she was inspired to create the project after realizing that the cooker helps reduce pollution, save electricity, and prevent deforestation. She said: I was inspired to come up with this project because the insulation slow cooker saves electricity as you only heat the pot for 30 minutes on the electric or gas stove before placing it in the slow cooker. It also saves deforestation as there will be no need for firewood. The cooker can be used for a long time before it starts losing heat. She said she chose kaylites because they are easily available on the streets and are biodegradable. Dorcas’s Chemistry teacher, Manzini Mubengo, who assisted her with the project, said the cooker can preserve heat for up to 8 hours. He said: This insulation slow cooker preserves heat for almost 8 hours and the cooker is user friendly, you can place your pot inside the cooker even while travelling as the bag does not allow heat to escape. This is part of their heritage-based curriculum, she was supposed to come up with a project and I assisted her. ....... *Mashonaland man kills wife, village head and neighbour, stabs himself* (the chronicle) The community of Hurungwe, Mashonaland West, is in shock after a 37-year-old man allegedly went on a brutal killing spree, murdering three people, including his wife, the village head, and a neighbor, with an axe and a knife. The horrific killings took place between 15 and 17 February 2025 in Mubairacheni Village, Chief Chundu. Trymore Tore, the accused, is said to have carried out the gruesome acts following a domestic dispute with his wife, Moline Chibayanzara, before escalating his violence to the village head, Kuwesi Masau, and a neighbor, Anety Nabwalo. First victim: Wife murdered in domestic dispute Reports suggest that Tore's violent outburst began when he attacked his wife, Moline Chibayanzara, using an axe to hack her to death following a heated argument. In a desperate attempt to cover up the crime, Tore disposed of her body in a pit latrine. Village head and neighbor targeted next After the initial attack, the village head, Kuwesi Masau, reportedly sought to investigate the crime. In response, Tore allegedly turned on Masau, fatally assaulting him with the same axe before burying his body in a shallow grave, just 40 cm deep. The third victim, Anety Nabwalo, was stabbed with a kitchen knife and her body was later discovered 60 meters from Tore's home, hidden under tree branches. A blood-stained axe and a knife, believed to be the murder weapons, were later recovered from the scene. Tore's violent actions have left the community stunned, with many struggling to come to terms with the brutality of the killings. Failed suicide attempt and arrest Before his arrest, Tore reportedly attempted to take his own life, stabbing himself six times, but he survived the self-inflicted injuries. He was found alive and was taken into police custody. The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) confirmed the incident, adding that Tore is currently hospitalized under police guard and has been remanded to 10 March 2025. Authorities revealed that Tore, who reportedly has no family ties in the area, had been threatening villagers prior to the killings, creating an atmosphere of fear in the community. In light of his alleged crimes, Tore's own life is now at risk due to widespread public outrage. The shocking nature of the killings has sent waves of disbelief through the community, with many demanding justice for the victims. As the case unfolds, authorities continue to investigate the details of Tore's actions, while the community calls for answers. Source - the chronicle