*Lunchtime News: Tuesday 26 February 2025* *Headlines* *Geza Press Conference: Zim Makes First Cyber & Data Protection Act Arrest* *Editors Forum Condemns Arrest And Detention Of Blessed Mhlanga* *Zimbabwe Outlaws Death Penalty, Emphasizing Human Dignity* *Health Deputy Minister Blames Staff Sabotage For Equipment Breakdowns In Public Hospitals* *Chimombe, Mpofu Fraud Trial In Yet Another False Start* *Chinese Nationals Stashes Rhino Horns Worth US$350,000 In Owl Sculpture, Attempts To Smuggle Them Out Of Zim* *Land Barons In The Dock Over Donnybrook Settlement* *‘Killing Me Softly’ Singer Robert Flack Dies* *Fighting In Congo Has Killed 7,000 Since January, DRC Prime Minister Says* *Hamas Official Says Netanyahu ‘Intentionally Sabotaging’ Gaza Ceasefire* *Galatasaray Accuse Mourinho Of Making 'Racist Statements'* *Paul Pogba Met With David Beckham* Join our *Ad-free* News Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacXkvFJJhzd2UoZYF1F *Stories in Detail:* *Geza Press Conference: Zim Makes First Cyber & Data Protection Act Arrest* Zimbabwe has made its first high profile arrest under the new Cyber & Data Protection Act (CDPA), detaining journalist Blessed “Dhara” Mhlanga. He is accused of broadcasting press conferences held by a politician calling for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down. Mhlanga is a journalist with one of the largest media companies in Zimbabwe, Alpha Media Holdings (AMH). Mhlanga presented himself to the police after authorities announced on X (formerly Twitter) that they were looking for him. He was subsequently charged and detained on two counts of contravening Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. The specific charge under the CDPA is ‘Transmission of a data message inciting violence or damage to property.‘ According to Section 164 of the law, it is an offense to use digital platforms to incite violence or property damage. Offences Relating to Electronic Communications and Materials 164 Transmission of data message inciting violence or damage to property Any person who unlawfully by means of a computer or information system makes available, transmits, broadcasts or distributes a data message to any person, group of persons or to the public with intend to incite such persons to commit acts of violence against any person or persons or to cause damage to any property shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level 10 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years or to both such fine and such imprisonment. Mhlanga broadcast press conferences earlier this year by Blessed Geza, a politician and war veteran who called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign. Geza, an outspoken war veteran and critic of Mnangagwa, has gained attention for his vocal opposition. The press conferences were broadcast to AMH’s YouTube channel HStv. Protection or Suppression? The arrest coincides with efforts by Zimbabwe’s Data Protection Authority (POTRAZ) to educate companies on CDPA compliance. POTRAZ, tasked with enforcing the CDPA, has been holding workshops to promote compliance. Ironically, just last week, at one such event in Harare, a POTRAZ representative sought to allay fears that the CDPA would be used to suppress free speech, insisting its primary purpose was to protect data subjects. The Cyber and Data Protection Act was enacted in December 2021 with the stated objective of increasing “data protection in order to build confidence and trust in the secure use of information and communication technologies…” Mhlanga’s arrest has been seen by some as politically motivated. It has been condemned by Amnesty International in Zimbabwe who have called for the “immediate release of Blessed Mhlanga and the unconditional dropping of all charges against him.” While the utility of the CDPA in safeguarding the personal information of ordinary Zimbabweans on the internet is clear, Mhlanga’s case raises fresh questions about whether the CDPA will also be used as a political tool against critics of the government. *techzim* *Editors Forum Condemns Arrest And Detention Of Blessed Mhlanga* The Zimbabwe National Editor's Forum (ZINEF) has strongly condemned the arrest and detention of Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) journalist and HStv presenter Blessed Mhlanga, describing it as an attack on press freedom. Mhlanga was taken into police custody earlier today following his recent interviews with war veterans' leader Blessed Geza and other individuals. Law enforcement authorities indicated that they had been seeking Mhlanga for questioning in relation to alleged violations of Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23, which pertains to the transmission of data messages that incite violence. According to police, the charges stem from statements allegedly made by Geza, a former liberation war veteran and a Zanu-PF central committee member, during interviews conducted on January 27, 2025, and February 11, 2025. Mhlanga was interrogated about the broadcaster's operations and the press conferences addressed by Geza. Mhlanga, who is represented by lawyer Chris Mhike, is currently being held at Harare Central Police Station and is expected to appear in court tomorrow. Mhike confirmed that his client has been detained overnight in police cells. Meanwhile, Geza is now wanted by police and faces four criminal charges, including undermining the authority of and insulting the President. Authorities have also arrested Geza's wife, Roseline Tawengwa, reportedly in connection with his whereabouts, which remain unknown. ZINEF expressed deep concern over what it termed as an "unwarranted arrest and harassment" of Mhlanga, emphasizing that he was simply performing his duty as a journalist by interviewing war veterans in the public interest. The media organization highlighted that the interviews were conducted as part of legitimate journalism and media practice. "Mhlanga's arrest— which has a chilling effect on journalists' professional work— is a clear attack on press freedom and constitutionally guaranteed rights, particularly freedom of expression," ZINEF stated. "We demand the immediate release of Mhlanga and call on authorities to ensure he is not harassed, harmed, or tortured while in police custody." ZINEF further urged the Zimbabwean government to uphold constitutional rights of journalists, particularly media freedom enshrined in Section 61 of the Constitution. This section protects the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to seek, receive, and communicate information, as well as press freedom, which allows journalists to protect their sources and establish independent media outlets. While ZINEF acknowledged that freedom of expression does not extend to inciting violence, promoting hate speech, or damaging reputations, it maintained that Mhlanga's interviews were well within the bounds of media freedom and constitutional rights. The organization also called for a safe and conducive environment for journalists to operate without fear of harassment or intimidation. "We stand in firm solidarity with Mhlanga, his family, and colleagues, and we will continue to advocate for the protection of journalists' rights and the promotion of press freedom and other democratic rights in Zimbabwe," said ZINEF chairperson Dumisani Muleya. The arrest of Mhlanga has sparked concerns among media practitioners and human rights groups, who view it as part of a broader crackdown on press freedom in Zimbabwe. Observers will be closely monitoring his court appearance as calls for his release continue to mount. *Zimbabwe Outlaws Death Penalty, Emphasizing Human Dignity* Zimbabwe has taken a historic step in advancing human rights by officially abolishing the death penalty, Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi announced at the High-Level Segment of the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, yesterday. The Death Penalty Abolition Act, which came into effect on December 31, 2024, aligns Zimbabwe’s legal framework with international human rights standards. Minister Ziyambi described the move as a major milestone in the country’s justice system. “The right to life is the cornerstone of all human rights. This milestone strengthens our justice system, ensuring it is built on dignity, equity, and respect for the sanctity of human life,” he said. The new law eliminates all references to capital punishment from Zimbabwe’s statutes, particularly in cases of aggravated murder by adult males. While the Constitution previously allowed Parliament to legislate for the death penalty in such cases, lawmakers have now renounced this option. Those currently on death row will have their sentences reviewed under a system that prioritises fairness and human dignity. The new legal framework provides for sentences ranging from 20 years to life imprisonment for aggravated murder, depending on the circumstances of the crime. In addition to abolishing capital punishment, Zimbabwe has introduced significant judicial reforms to improve access to justice. The Government has decentralised courts and the Legal Aid Directorate, making legal services more accessible to the public. A performance management system has also been implemented to enhance judicial efficiency. Furthermore, Zimbabwe is expanding its Integrated Electronic Case Management System to lower courts to streamline legal processes. “We are committed to ensuring that justice is not only accessible but also efficient and effective,” Minister Ziyambi stated. Beyond legal reforms, the Minister addressed Zimbabwe’s climate challenges, highlighting the impact of El Niño-induced droughts. He outlined Government efforts to mitigate these effects through the Presidential Climate-Proof Agriculture Production Scheme, which prioritises mechanisation and irrigation. As a result, Zimbabwe has achieved self-sufficiency in wheat production and was awarded the 2024 Africa Food Prize for its efforts in sustainable agriculture and food security. On the regional front, Zimbabwe continues to play a leadership role as the current chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Minister Ziyambi reaffirmed the country’s commitment to upholding its international human rights obligations. He also condemned the economic sanctions imposed by Western nations on Zimbabwe, stating that they violate the UN Charter and negatively impact the economy and citizens’ livelihoods. “These measures violate the UN Charter, and we strongly denounce them,” he said, calling for their immediate and unconditional lifting. Minister Ziyambi concluded by reaffirming Zimbabwe’s dedication to justice, human rights, and sustainable development. “In unity, we can overcome adversity and emerge stronger,” he said. *Health Deputy Minister Blames Staff Sabotage For Equipment Breakdowns In Public Hospitals* Health and Childcare Deputy Minister Sleiman Kwidini accused hospital staff of deliberately sabotaging hospital machinery to force repairs, allowing them to work at private hospitals for extra cash. Kwidini made these remarks during a tour of the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) last week. He also announced that the government plans to reintroduce locum in all public hospitals to motivate health workers to stay in the public sector. He said: Some of the problems that we see in hospitals, such as mechanical faults are caused by our people because they would want to ground the systems in the institutions and to go and practice in the private sector where they can get more money. I have seen our chemistry machines in labs and most of them have technical faults and these technical faults are not the manufacturers’ problem or the age but it is because of our people who are working on those machines. They are creating those faults so that they can take these specimens to the private where they practise as locum practitioners. UBH Chief Medical Officer William Busuman urged the government to implement measures that will attract doctors to work in public institutions. Said Busuman: We want the government to reintroduce issues to do with locum for health practitioners so that they come back to public hospitals. If we have the locum funds or on-call funds, there will not be any workers who will be found in private hospitals. It is a way that we saw that may reduce a lot of challenges in the hospital. *Pindula* *Chimombe, Mpofu Fraud Trial In Yet Another False Start* The High Court was on Monday forced to postpone trial commencement for business partners Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe for the umpteenth time after the latter failed to show up with lawyers telling the court that he developed an infection. High Court judge Pisirayi Kwenda heard that Chimombe became sick during the weekend and his condition was expected to have improved within the next seven days. “The basis of the application is that the second accused person, Mike Chimombe is not feeling well and is not in a state that he could stand trial. I received a document dated the 22nd of February 2025 in which a medical practitioner attended to the second accused person. “The document indicates that the accused is expected to recuperate within seven days. So my application is that the matter be postponed to Monday next week, on the 3rd of March for commencement of trial,” Mugiya submitted. Trial which was supposed to start last year is now expected to start next Monday. Mpofu and Chimombe were arrested in June last year and have been in incarceration since then. Prosecutors say the pair’s fraud charges emanate from tender documents they submitted through a company called Black Deck Private Limited in September 2021 when lands and agriculture ministry invited bids for the supply of 632,001 goats under a scheme worth US$87,757,168 to distribute goats nationally. Under the scheme, beneficiaries would pass on the animals to the next needy household after kidding. It is alleged that after winning the tender, it was Black Deck Livestock and Poultry Farming, an unregistered company, which signed documents with the ministry. Mpofu represented the company and Chimombe acted as a witness. On further review of Black Deck Private Limited’s documents, it is alleged that the company had no valid tax clearance certificate from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority for 2021, and that a QR code attached to the National Social Security compliance certificate belonged to a different company called Skywalk Investments. Both documents were required for one to be eligible to bid for the tender. Acting on the misrepresentations, prosecutors say the ministry went on to pay 30 percent of the contract in the local currency, an amount of ZWL1.6 billion which was allegedly equivalent to US$7,712,197 in two instalments on April 21, 2022, and June 29, 2022. Following delays in delivering the goats, the ministry engaged Black Deck and was informed that the company had mobilised 32,500 goats across the provinces which were ready to be distributed to the final beneficiaries. A verification process by the ministry at various sites, it is alleged, showed that the company only had 3,713 goats. “After the ministry of lands realised that they were being deceived by the accused persons, they then cancelled the contract on August 29, 2022,” charges the NPA. To date, the prosecution says 4,208 goats worth US$331,445.25 have been delivered and the ministry was prejudiced of US$7,380,751.85. *ZimLive* *Chinese Nationals Stashes Rhino Horns Worth US$350,000 In Owl Sculpture, Attempts To Smuggle Them Out Of Zim* A Chinese national has been arrested on allegations of attempting to smuggle rhino horns worth US$350,000 out of the country. The horns were found stashed in an owl sculpture. The suspect is Lin Wang. He will be jointly charged with Cuthbert Maoko, a Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) official who is already on remand. Wang is being charged for contravening the Parks and Wildlife Act. He was remanded in custody when he appeared before Harare magistrate Isheanesu Matova who advised him to seek bail at the High Court. According to prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi, on 12 September 2024 Wang went to the airport holding a 13-kilogram owl-hardened plastic sculpture to which he intended to facilitate its shipment to China by processing its export papers. It is alleged that security officials observed the accused holding the parcel which looked suspicious and alerted other stakeholders. “The sculpture was put on AGS Scanner and the image was not consistent which prompted the stakeholders to want to verify what was contained therein. “The sculpture was placed on items held by Zimra on receipt number 029910A on 12 September 2024 awaiting a two months period. After the lapse of the two-month period and on the 20 November 2024, the concerned stakeholders who first witnessed the item being taken into custody by ZIMRA were again summoned to witness the breaking of the sculptor the clearing agent. “When the sculpture was broken, it was discovered that there were five rhino horn pieces which were wrapped by a newspaper and tied by a transparent plastic hidden inside.” The agent implicated the accused as the one who gave him the sculpture which contained the recovered rhino horn pieces. The agent called Wang to come to the airport to answer the questions relating to the case but the accused disappeared. The five Rhino horn pieces were seized by Zimra on notice of seizure receipt number 024315L. “The recovered exhibit was conveyed to Zimparks for assaying where it was assayed in the presence of the agent since the accused was on the run and it was found to be five pieces of rhino horns all valued at US$ 360 000.” *NewZW* *Land Barons In The Dock Over Donnybrook Settlement* A Harare land developer, Eastwind Trust, has been taken to court for allegedly developing an illegal settlement in Donnybrook Park and defying an eviction order. The company’s representatives, Rodgers Pote (43) and Trymore Arineshito (39), appeared before magistrate Tapiwa Banda on Monday as their trial commenced. The case was brought forward by Homegram Investments Limited, represented by Jason Pasade (44), who accused the duo of illegally selling and allocating residential stands on land that his company was developing. During cross-examination, Pasade stated that he only knew the accused as land barons from Ruwa. He explained that in 2020, Homegram Investments entered into an agreement to develop residential stands for members of the Freedom Fighters Development Trust. However, while servicing the stands, they discovered that Eastwind Trust had already begun selling and allocating stands on the same piece of land. "On noticing the matter, we went to the police to make a report. However, the police did not take down the case, citing that the issue is a civil matter," Pasade told the court. He further stated that his company obtained a High Court order (HC 5555/23) on September 19, 2023, to evict the illegal settlers, but the order was ignored. Prosecutor Takudzwa Mutyavaviri alleged that two months later, the High Court issued a provisional order against Eastwind Trust, yet the company still refused to vacate the land. The case highlights ongoing disputes over land ownership and illegal settlements in Harare, with authorities often facing challenges in enforcing court orders. Magistrate Banda adjourned the case, with further proceedings expected in the coming weeks. *’Killing Me Softly’ Singer Robert Flack Dies* Roberta Flack, the US singer behind a string of hits including Killing Me Softly With His Song, has died aged 88. “We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025,” a statement from her spokesperson read. “She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.” With her graceful presence, genre-crossing versatility and ability to give voice to the full range of love’s highs and lows, Flack is widely considered one of soul and R&B’s greatest ever artists. Flack was born in 1937 in Black Mountain, North Carolina, to musical parents. Her mother Irene was a church choir organist, meaning Flack was introduced to religious and classical music early on. She began playing the piano aged nine and by 15 she was admitted to Howard University to study music on a full scholarship, one of the youngest students to be accepted in the school’s history. *Fighting In Congo Has Killed 7,000 Since January, DRC Prime Minister Says* Some 7,000 people have died since January in fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the prime minister of the DRC told a high-level meeting of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday, with combatants and civilians among the dead. About 3,000 deaths were reported in Goma, Judith Suminwa said, and about 450,0000 people were left without shelter after 90 displacement camps were destroyed. Since January, the M23 rebel group, which Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of backing, has captured swathes of eastern Congo including the cities of Goma and Bukavu, and valuable mineral deposits. The latest fighting, and M23's advance, are part of a major escalation in eastern Congo of a conflict over power, identity and resources dating back to the Rwandan genocide in the 1990s. Rwanda rejects allegations from Congo, the United Nations and Western powers that it supports M23 rebels with arms and troops. Members of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) dig a common grave at the Musigoko cemetery for the burial of bodies, following clashes between M23 rebels and the Armed Forces... Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab Read more Suminwa urged the world to act and to impose "dissuasive sanctions" on Rwanda amid mass displacements and summary executions. "It is impossible to describe the screams and cries of millions of victims of this conflict," she said. UN chief Antonio Guterres, at the Geneva meeting, said human rights around the world were being "suffocated" and made reference to horrifying abuses in the Democratic Republic of Congo. "If this question of the violation of territorial integrity isn't resolved, the situation could degenerate," Suminwa told Reuters in a press briefing after her address to the Council. About 40,000 people have fled to Burundi, one of the nine countries that borders the DRC, in two weeks to escape the fighting, the U.N. said on Friday. Suminwa warned that the worsening security situation with M23 and other armed groups could spill over to neighbouring countries, posing a danger to them. *Reuters* *Hamas Official Says Netanyahu ‘Intentionally Sabotaging’ Gaza Ceasefire* A Hamas official has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of “intentionally sabotaging” the Gaza ceasefire deal after Israel postponed the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. In an interview with Al Jazeera on Monday, Basem Naim said Hamas would not engage in further ceasefire talks until Israel releases the 620 Palestinian prisoners who were meant to be freed on Saturday. “Before going to the next step, we have to be sure that the past step, which was releasing 620 prisoners, are already released,” said Naim, a member of Hamas’s political bureau. “Netanyahu is clearly sending strong messages that he is intentionally sabotaging the deal, he is preparing the atmosphere for returning back to the war.” Israel announced on Sunday that it had decided to delay the release of Palestinian prisoners who were set to be freed a day earlier in exchange for six Israeli captives held in Gaza. In a statement, Netanyahu’s office said the move came in response to captive release ceremonies held by Hamas “that humiliate our hostages” as well as “the cynical exploitation of our hostages for propaganda purposes”. Israel and Hamas have conducted a series of captive-for-prisoner exchanges since a ceasefire deal came into effect in the Gaza Strip last month. While mediators have urged both sides to continue negotiations to reach the second phase of the agreement, observers have questioned whether Netanyahu is willing to advance to that next stage. Meron Rapoport, an editor at the Israeli news outlet Local Call, told Al Jazeera on Monday that Netanyahu intends to resume the Israeli war on Gaza but is likely to face strong opposition from the Israeli public. “The expectation from the families of the hostages [who remain in Gaza] is that all the hostages should be released,” Rapoport said. Hamas is expected to release the bodies of four Israeli captives later this week as part of the ceasefire agreement. Asked about that, as well as the future of the deal itself, Naim told Al Jazeera that “all options are on the table”. “What are the guarantees that [Netanyahu] might take the other four bodies and again not release the agreed-upon number of Palestinians plus the 620 Palestinians?” the Hamas official asked. “All options are on the table, not only what should happen on Thursday but even the other elements of the deal.” *Aljazeera* *Galatasaray Accuse Mourinho Of Making 'Racist Statements'* Galatasaray said they would "initiate criminal proceedings" against Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho after claiming he made "racist statements" following the teams' 0-0 draw on Monday. It was not clear which statements Galatasaray were referring to. Speaking in the news conference after the Istanbul derby, Mourinho said the home bench had been "jumping like monkeys" and also repeated his criticism of Turkish referees, saying it would have been a "disaster" to use an official from the country. Monday's match was refereed by Slovenian Slavko Vincic after both clubs requested a foreign official take charge of the fixture. As well as the threat of legal action, Galatasaray said they would submit "official complaints" to football's governing bodies. Mourinho - a former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham manager - and Fenerbahce are yet to responded to the accusations. After the game Mourinho was asked about the performance of 19-year-old defender Yusuf Akcicek and said: "I have to thank the referee. After the big dive in the first minute and their bench jumping like monkeys on the top of the kid... with a Turkish referee you would have a yellow card after one minute and after five minutes I would have to change him." He added: "I went to the referee's dressing room after the game, of course the fourth official was there, a Turkish referee. I told him 'thank you for coming here, you come for a big match' and I turned myself to the fourth official and I said 'if you were a referee this match would be a disaster'." In a statement, Galatasaray said: "Since the commencement of his managerial duties in Turkey, Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has persistently issued derogatory statements directed towards the Turkish people. Today, his discourse has escalated beyond merely immoral comments into unequivocally inhumane rhetoric. "We hereby formally declare our intention to initiate criminal proceedings concerning the racist statements made by Jose Mourinho, and shall accordingly submit official complaints to Uefa and Fifa. "Furthermore, we shall diligently observe the stance adopted by Fenerbahce - an institution professing to uphold 'exemplary moral values' - in response to the reprehensible conduct exhibited by their manager." Two-time Champions League winner Mourinho, 62, was appointed Fenerbahce manager last summer and was banned and fined earlier this season for condemning refereeing standards in Turkey. Before Monday's game he had welcomed the decision to use a foreign official after previously describing the environment in the country as "toxic". "I think it's important for the credibility, for the image of the match," Mourinho said. BBC Sport has contacted Fenerbahce for comment *BBC* *Paul Pogba Met With David Beckham* France midfielder Paul Pogba, 31, who is a free agent after leaving Juventus in November, could join Inter Miami when his doping suspension ends next month after he met with the MLS team's co-owner David Beckham.