*Wednesday 26 February 2025* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaatWAaBadmi3bUGfI3K *HEADLINES* *Lawyer questions involvement of terrorism unit in Blessed Mhlanga case* *State Forced To Withdraw Arda Boss Case After Failing To Locate Blessed Geza* *Mnangagwa In Rare Maasai Attire: Appealing To His Ancestors As His 2030 Agenda Faces Collapse?* *TRIVIAL: Nick Mangwana in trouble for calling President Mnangagwa ‘a slay’* *Tshabangu fears imminent recall from parliament, goes to court* *Harare City Council “keen to interview” controversial socialite Malloti for breaking clamp in viral video* *More woes for Zimbabwe, Africa as UK, Netherlands announce cuts on aid fund* *Plumtree Man Jailed 15 Years For Raping Ex-Wife | Mutare Man Forces Himself On Ex-Girlfriend* *Fin Min Ncube push for homegrown solutions to African economic problems* *Ukraine’s Zelenskyy says framework economic deal with US is ready but security guarantees undecided* *Trump to sell US citizenship via ‘gold cards’ for US$5m to wealthy foreigners* *NEWS IN DETAIL* _*Lawyer questions involvement of terrorism unit in Blessed Mhlanga case*_ The bail hearing of Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) senior reporter Blessed Mhlanga saw a heated exchange in court on Tuesday, as his lawyer, Chris Mhike, challenged the involvement of the Counter Terrorism Unit in a case centered on journalism. The core of the dispute revolved around the state’s assertion that Mhlanga’s reporting, specifically the dissemination of videos featuring calls for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s resignation, constituted incitement to public violence. During cross-examination, Mhike pressed Detective Josphat Chitamira from the CID Counter Terrorism Unit on the rationale behind their involvement. “Why are you involved in a journalism case?” Mhike asked, challenging the officer’s presence. The officer responded that he was not treating the case as terrorism and that his involvement stemmed from “administrative assignments.” Mhike further questioned, “Do you believe my client is a terrorist?” The officer declined to answer directly, stating, “Belief has nothing to do with facts.” When pressed further, the officer admitted, “I don’t know if he is a terrorist.” Mhike then questioned the deployment of a counter-terrorism expert on a journalist, to which the officer replied, “There’s nothing wrong with it.” The focus then shifted to the specifics of the alleged offence. The officer stated that Mhlanga “transmitted data” via YouTube, specifically through the channel HSTV. When questioned about Mhlanga’s connection to HSTV, the officer admitted he did not know Mhlanga’s full name and acknowledged that HSTV is not a “natural person, but rather natural persons acting on its behalf.” Mhike argued that the state had failed to provide sufficient evidence to deny his client bail. He emphasised that Mhlanga’s actions were those of a journalist performing his duties. Mhike stated, “It’s not a crime to disseminate information,” and “freedom for the media will not lead to violence.” He further argued that section 50 of the constitution favors bail. The state opposed bail, citing concerns that Mhlanga would interfere with witnesses, who are his workmates, and that he might continue to disseminate similar content. The state also claimed that the equipment used in the alleged offence had not been recovered. The state argued Mhlanga “is not a proper candidate to be admitted for bail” due to his senior position at his workplace and the possibility of him influencing witnesses. They also stated that “he is likely to continue disseminating such data which may lead to him to commit offences” and “He may have access to the said equipment- cameras, inciting public violence.” Mhike countered that the state had not provided compelling reasons to deny bail, and proposed a bail amount of US$100, along with conditions that Mhlanga reside at his given address and not interfere with state witnesses. The case centres on Mhlanga’s coverage of press conferences held by Zanu-PF central committee member Blessed Geza and other war veterans, who called for President Mnangagwa’s resignation. The state alleges that Mhlanga’s dissemination of these videos constituted incitement to public violence. Harare regional magistrate Farai Gwatima is set to rule on the bail application on February 27th. _*State Forced To Withdraw Arda Boss Case After Failing To Locate Blessed Geza*_ 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. _*Mnangagwa In Rare Maasai Attire: Appealing To His Ancestors As His 2030 Agenda Faces Collapse?*_ President Emmerson Mnangagwa has raised eyebrows after being pictured in rare Maasai attire, a striking departure from his usual formal dress code. The unexpected appearance has sparked widespread speculation, with some suggesting that Mnangagwa could be appealing to his ancestors for divine intervention as his grip on power weakens and his much-publicized Vision 2030 agenda faces mounting obstacles. The symbolism of his attire has not gone unnoticed. The Maasai people, known for their warrior traditions, have historically resisted colonisation and maintained their cultural identity. Could Mnangagwa, feeling besieged by internal and external threats, be drawing strength from the resilience of the Maasai, or is this an elaborate political move to portray himself as a leader deeply connected to African traditions? The timing of this symbolic dress-up raises more questions than answers. Mnangagwa’s rare appearance in Maasai garb comes in the wake of a recent alarming security incident in Beitbridge. Police confirmed the arrest of two armed men attempting to gain access to a groundbreaking ceremony attended by the president. The incident occurred at a security checkpoint just a few hundred meters from the venue where Mnangagwa, alongside Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, was officiating a high-profile event attended by approximately 1,000 people. Beitbridge Police District commander Chief Superintendent Mesuli Ncube confirmed the arrests, stating, “We are investigating such a case. Our Criminal Investigation Department is holding some men in connection with that offense, and that is all I can say for now.” The arrests have only heightened concerns over Mnangagwa’s security, particularly amid growing unrest within the ruling ZANU-PF and increasing military activity in the capital. Harare residents were recently startled by the sight of army tanks rolling through the streets, an eerie reminder of the days leading up to the 2017 coup that ousted Robert Mugabe. The government dismissed the movement as routine drills, but sources within the security establishment suggest otherwise. Many believe it was a calculated show of force amid intensifying factional battles in ZANU-PF, with Mnangagwa and his deputy, Chiwenga, locked in a behind-the-scenes power struggle. Meanwhile, war veteran and ZANU-PF central committee member Blessed Geza has added fuel to the fire by publicly demanding Mnangagwa’s resignation. In a blistering attack, Geza accused the president of failing to govern effectively, citing economic collapse, deepening corruption, and rising discontent within the party and the nation at large. “Mnangagwa has lost control of both the economy and the state apparatus. His leadership is a disaster, and the country is on the brink,” Geza fumed in a widely circulated statement. His remarks come as speculation grows over Chiwenga’s ambitions for the presidency. The former army general, who played a key role in removing Mugabe, is believed to be consolidating his influence within the military and the party. _*TRIVIAL: Nick Mangwana in trouble for calling President Mnangagwa ‘a slay’*_ 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: 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. _*Tshabangu fears imminent recall from parliament, goes to court*_ Sengezo Tshabangu, the interim Secretary-General of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has found himself at the center of a legal battle after he approached the High Court seeking an order to prevent the Speaker of Parliament from recalling him. Tshabangu's legal move comes in the wake of his expulsion from the CCC party, with his fears mounting that he may soon face a parliamentary recall, which would strip him of his position as a Senator from Matabeleland North Province. The expulsion has thrown Tshabangu into uncertainty, as the move to recall him from Parliament becomes imminent. In his application, Tshabangu argues that the Speaker of Parliament, acting on the expulsion notice from CCC, should be barred from taking any steps to affect his recall. He contends that his swift expulsion was from a process that was flawed and lacked transparency. Tshabangu has turned to the High Court for intervention, seeking a ruling that will block any potential action by the Speaker, who holds the power to execute such recalls, citing concerns about procedural fairness and his rights as a duly elected representative. Separately, Tshabangu wants the High Court to declare his expulsion from CCC null and void. He argues that the terms of office of CCC officials ended in May last year. As the legal battle continues, political observers are closely watching the case, as it could set a significant precedent regarding the rights of parliamentarians who are expelled from their parties and the constitutional processes involved in recalling them. The CCC has not yet commented on the matter, but sources suggest that the party may have taken this step as part of its broader strategy to deal with internal divisions and ensure party discipline. The High Court is expected to hear Tshabangu's case in the coming weeks, and the outcome will have serious implications for his political career, as well as the broader political landscape in Zimbabwe. _*Harare City Council “keen to interview” controversial socialite Malloti for breaking clamp in viral video*_ The City of Harare has said it is keen to interview controversial socialite Malloti following a viral video in which she broke a clamp affixed on her Nissan Note along Kwame Nkrumah Avenue in the Central Business District (CBD). In the viral video, Maloti born Namatai Bhobho is seen moving her car back and forth in an attempt to dislodge the clamp, ultimately succeeding but causing damage to the car’s front bumper. As she was driving away, a man in civilian clothes is seen picking up the broken clamp and aiming it at Malloti’s car’s windscreen, breaking it. After the incident, Malloti took to her Instagram saying, “These people clamped me at 4 PM, where should I have gone at that time to pay for the fine?” “I am loaded with badness in my real life, it’s better to get a screen for $70 than to give these people even a dollar. It’s not about money, I just refused to be weighed down and wasting my time. First thing tomorrow morning is replacing the screen; as long as these people haven’t eaten my money, it’s a win for me.” However, in a statement, the City of Harare said the man who damaged her windscreen is not an employee adding that they were keen to interview the owner of the car as breaking a clamp affixed on a car is an offence. “We have taken note of the video of a blue motor vehicle Registration number AGG7256 which had been clamped by our parking marshals in the Central Business District. “The vehicle is seen being driven back and forth and in the process breaking the clamp. The video further shows a man in civilian attire throwing a piece of the broken clamp on the windscreen of the speeding car. The City wishes to put the following on record: “The man who is seen throwing the metal object at the car is not a member or an employee of the City of Harare. “The breaking of a clamp affixed on a motor vehicle by an authorised officer is an offence. “Consequently Harare Traffic Enforcement Unit is keen to interview the owner of the motor vehicle registration number AGG 7256 in connection with the breaking of a clamp,” the notice reads. “Members of the public are encouraged to comply with the Harare (Clamping and Tow) bylaw 2005 which states that the release of clamped vehicles is upon payment of prescribed fines.” Malloti made headlines earlier this year following revelations that she has been on the South African Police Services (SAPS) wanted list since 2017. According to SAPS records, a warrant of arrest for one Namatai Bhobho who is facing charges of armed robbery was issued on January 19, 2018, at the Wynberg Magistrate Court in South Africa. _*More woes for Zimbabwe, Africa as UK, Netherlands announce cuts on aid fund*_ PRESSURE to deliver is expected to mount on Zimbabwe and other African governments following decisions by the United Kingdom (UK) and Netherlands to significantly cut international aid, in moves that could impact health, education and development sectors. Described as a ‘painful choice,’ funding to UKAID will now be cut to 0.3% of the country’s GDP from 0.5% so as to finance a yearly increase of £13.4 billion in military funding. The decision, announced by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer seeks to create enough funds for increased expenditure of the former colonial power’s defence. Meant to ensure Britain is adequately funded to respond to Russian President Vladimir Putin, cutting of the aid budget comes barely a month after American President Donald Trump all but stopped USAID operations across the globe. The absence of USAID and UKAID could halt operations in the health and education sectors. “That is not an announcement I am happy to make,” Starmer said in 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 defence and security of the British people must always come first. “That is the number one priority of this government.” Russia is currently locked in a war with Ukraine following the latter’s decision to join America’s group of allies, NATO. Putin threw northern Europe into war in protest, arguing agreements entered into at the end of the cold war for NATO and the European Union (EU) not to expand eastwards were not being respected. According to the UK government’s official website, UKAID was supposed to help over two million women and babies “access essential maternal and neo-natal healthcare, whilst supporting the government of Zimbabwe to prepare for future epidemics and pandemics.” Despite not being a member, Zimbabwe has benefitted over £31 million from the UK’s Commonwealth Office (FCDO) between 2024 and 2025. Over a million women and children have accessed UKAID funded or maintained hospitals and clinics across the country, with more notable investments across Africa’s health sector. It has also deposited cash to millions who are at risk of hunger. Across the globe, over 9.8 million have been assisted, directly or through civil society organisations (CSO’s) since funding to UKAID started in 2014. Netherlands, which has always been a key funder of various sectors within Zimbabwe’s waning economy, said Tuesday, whatever programme they fund should now benefit them directly. “All the programmes we fund must contribute directly to our own interests: promoting trade, enhancing security and reducing migration,” said the Netherlands Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Reinette Klever. Funds, initially earmarked for CSOs will, according to Klever, be redirected to North Africa and the Middle East where they will be used to strengthen security, prevent people from moving to Netherlands and seeking asylum there. Zimbabwean, and most African health institutions are generally poorly funded. Their education sector also thrives on the benevolence of Western development partners. _*Plumtree Man Jailed 15 Years For Raping Ex-Wife | Mutare Man Forces Himself On Ex-Girlfriend*_ A 38-year-old man from Plumtree has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for raping his ex-wife. In a separate case, a 36-year-old man in Mutare has received an effective 18-year sentence for raping his ex-girlfriend. Case 1: Plumtree In the Plumtree Regional Magistrates’ Court, the first man was sentenced for a crime committed on January 22, 2021. He ambushed his 28-year-old ex-wife while she was walking home with friends. He chased her companions away and forced her into a nearby bushy area. There, he threatened her with a knife, ordered her to undress, and raped her without protection. After the assault, he attempted to take her to his home to smuggle her to South Africa against her will. However, he learned that her family was searching for her. He borrowed a bicycle and took her back to her family home. The victim reported the incident to the police, leading to his arrest. Case 2: Mutare In the second case, the Mutare Magistrates’ Court sentenced a 36-year-old man to 20 years in prison, with 2 years suspended for 5 years, for raping his ex-girlfriend in Dangamvura. The two were in a relationship from October 2023 to April 2024, but she ended it due to his violent behaviour. After their breakup, he continued to force himself on her, leading her to seek a protection order, which was granted on January 2, 2025. Just hours after being served with the order, on January 3, 2025, he stormed her home, dragged her to a disused house, locked the door with barbed wire, and raped her. The victim managed to escape while he was sleeping and reported the crime. _*Fin Min Ncube push for homegrown solutions to African economic problems*_ Minister of Finance and Investment Promotion Professor Mthuli Ncube has called for homegrown solutions to African problems as foreign aid withers. Ncube made the call while attending the Group of 20 Finance Ministers meeting in Cape Town, representing Southern African Development Community (SADC) Finance Ministers, as Chair. “I am attending the G20 Finance Ministers meeting in Cape Town, representing SADC Finance Ministers, as Chair. “A key issue is Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM) in order to finance our development in the face of declining overseas development assistance. “While raising domestic revenues from taxation is key, discussions also see the need to balance this with incentives for growth. Strong growth is an enabler. One thing to watch is cost of collecting taxes. “Increased digitisation, including developments in AI, offers immense opportunities for domestic resource mobilization and efficient tax audits,” he said. He added that while capital market development is also critical for domestic resource mobilisation, they are a source of Debt finance for governments and private sector, and equity finance for private sector. _*Ukraine’s Zelenskyy says framework economic deal with US is ready but security guarantees undecided*_ President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the White House on Friday to sign a long-sought minerals deal that will closely tie the two countries together for years to come. Trump made the announcement at start of the first Cabinet meeting of his second term, hailing the deal as “a very big agreement.” The Republican president has long complained that the United States has spent too much taxpayer money to support Ukraine in the war with Russia that began when the Kremlin invaded three years ago. Trump has framed the emerging deal that would give the U.S. access to so-called rare earth deposits in Ukraine as a chance for Kyiv to pay back the U.S. for aid already sent for the war effort under Democratic President Joe Biden. “The previous administration put us in a very bad position, but we’ve been able to make a deal where we’re going to get the money back and and a lot of money in the future,” Trump said. Zelenskyy said a news conference early Wednesday in Kyiv that a framework of an economic deal had been reached, but that it did not yet include U.S. security guarantees, which his country sees as vital. The full agreement could hinge on the upcoming talks in Washington. The framework is a preliminary step toward a comprehensive package that will be subject to ratification by the Ukrainian parliament, Zelenskyy said. Ukraine needs to know first where the U.S. stands on its continued military support, Zelenskyy said. He said he expected a wide-ranging conversation with Trump. The economic agreement “may be part of future security guarantees, but I want to understand the broader vision. What awaits Ukraine?” Zelensky said. _*Trump to sell US citizenship via ‘gold cards’ for US$5m to wealthy foreigners*_ President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a new pathway to U.S. citizenship in the form of a pricey gold card that will be sold for US$5 million and he said it was “somewhat like a Green Card, but at a higher level of sophistication.” “We’re going to be putting a price on that card of about $5 million and that’s going to give you [permanent resident] Green Card privileges, plus it’s going to be a route to citizenship,” Trump said from the Oval Office. “Wealthy people will be coming into our country by buying this card. They’ll be wealthy and they’ll be successful and they’ll be spending a lot of money and paying a lot of taxes and employing a lot of people. “And we think it’s going to be extremely successful and never been done before.” Asked by reporters whether Russian oligarchs would be eligible to apply, Trump replied “yeah, possibly. I know some Russian oligarchs that are very nice people.” The proposed gold card would be among the most expensive visa programs in the world. It would replace the current EB-5 immigrant investor visa program which allows individuals to reside in the US in return for job-creating investments of at least $1m or $800,000 in distressed parts of the country.