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Sad News:*Three infants aged 1, 3 and 4 years died after being swept by a flooded river* (ZRP) *Mnangagwa faces litmus test* (B24) *'Leave my wife alone as Hero' as Geza's earth- shattering message after CID's third wife raid leaks* *Zimbabwe Has Enough ARVs For Six Months – Health Minister* (The Zimbabwe) *Zanu-PF councillor arrested for stealing agricultural inputs* (newzimbabwe) *Why no one trusts ED’s words* (Newsday) *Son of Zanu PF Midlands stalwart Charles Simbi in court on armed robbery charges* (Zimlive) *VP Chiwenga's monthly salary revealed, what he takes home will leave you in shock* (feednews.com) *Tugwi-Mukosi shoots to 97% full* *HStv journalist Blessed Mhlanga who interviewed Geza has been hospitalized* (zw news) *Is it True Passion Java Has Been Deserted by Own Wife?* (ZimEye) ------- Zoomic Media https://chat.whatsapp.com/JuCIubgOuJg7F6II7ObGzg Sad News:*Three infants aged 1, 3 and 4 years died after being swept by a flooded river* (ZRP) The ZRP reports a sad incident in which three infants aged 1, 3 and 4 years died after being swept by a flooded river while sleeping under Tare Bridge along Gokwe-Siabuwa Road on 14/02/25. The fourth victim, a male infant (3) is still missing. The victims and their parents were part of a church gathering which had sought shelter under the bridge during a heavy downpour. ....... *Mnangagwa faces litmus test* (B24) President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his Zanu-PF allies face a significant political test at the National Youth Day commemorations at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo tomorrow, as tensions over the increasingly contentious ED2030 campaign - widely seen as a bid to extend his presidency - continue to rise. The commemorations, rooted in the 21st February Movement established to honor the late former President Robert Mugabe's birthday, will be addressed by Mnangagwa. Although the event is primarily focused on youth empowerment, the underlying political tensions and high-stakes contest over Mnangagwa's future will add a major dimension to proceedings. The theme of the event, "Empower Youth, Secure the Future," will bring together thousands of young people from across the country. However, political observers expect the gathering to serve as a crucial barometer for Mnangagwa's leadership, particularly in light of his repeated denials—seven times this week alone—of any intentions to amend the constitution to extend his presidency beyond two terms. Mnangagwa and senior party officials are already in Bulawayo for the commemorations, but the key question remains: Is the ED2030 campaign truly over, or is it merely shifting strategies? Zanu-PF's factional battles will be on full display, with allies of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga closely monitoring whether Mnangagwa's supporters will continue pushing the 2030 slogan or if they will be silenced following the President's public disavowal of term extension plans earlier this week. A senior Mnangagwa ally, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that the party's position on the issue remains unclear. "There is a party resolution on this matter, and a constitutional process had already begun. We will hear from senior comrades on how to proceed, but the President cannot just throw us under the bus like this and leave us exposed to those who want him out." Meanwhile, a senior figure within Chiwenga's military-backed faction stated: "Tomorrow will be crucial; we want to see if Mnangagwa will allow his people to chant the 2030 slogan and how he reacts. If they continue, it means he is still backing them and misleading the nation. If they stop, it means he has finally silenced them. This event provides the best platform to gauge his true position." While youth empowerment and investment initiatives will officially take center stage, the real focus will be on Mnangagwa's every move and statement. His response to any chants or signs of continued support for ED2030 will be analyzed as an indicator of his commitment—or lack thereof—to stepping down at the end of his term. Overall, the National Youth Day commemorations in Bulawayo are set to be a pivotal event, not just in celebrating the role of young people in Zimbabwe's future, but also in shaping the political landscape within Zanu-PF as succession battles and power struggles intensify. Source: B24 ........ . *'Leave my wife alone as Hero' as Geza's earth- shattering message after CID's third wife raid leaks* Roseline Ndaizivei Tawengwa, who is married to Blessed Geza, a war veteran and member of the Zanu PF central committee, has recently been taken from her home in Norton by detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Harare. The operation was led by a detective known as Maziti, according to her lawyer, Beatrice Mtetwa. This incident marks the third time that Tawengwa has been questioned regarding her husband's whereabouts. The situation has drawn attention as it unfolds in a tense atmosphere. Tawengwa's home, which is located in Norton, has become a focal point for these police actions. On each occasion, she has faced inquiries about where her husband might be. This repeated questioning raises concerns about the nature of the investigation and the implications it has for Tawengwa and her family. Beatrice Mtetwa, a well-known lawyer who has represented numerous high-profile cases, has been vocal about the circumstances surrounding her client. She has expressed her concerns over the treatment of Tawengwa and the potential overreach by law enforcement. Mtetwa's involvement signals the seriousness of the situation, and her presence adds a layer of legal scrutiny to the proceedings. The backdrop of this incident is significant, as it highlights the ongoing tensions within Zimbabwe's political landscape. Blessed Geza, Tawengwa's husband, is not just any individual; he is a figure linked to the Zanu PF party, which has been a dominant force in Zimbabwean politics. His status as a war veteran adds another layer of complexity, as the military and political histories in the country are deeply intertwined. Witnesses at the scene reported seeing detectives arriving in unmarked vehicles and approaching Tawengwa's home with purpose. The operation seemed well-coordinated, suggesting that the investigation is serious and possibly far-reaching. As she was taken away, friends and neighbors looked on with concern, unsure of what this would mean for her and her family. This development also reflects broader issues regarding freedom and security in Zimbabwe. Many people are watching closely, as this case may serve as a barometer for how the government handles dissent and political opposition. The repeated questioning of Tawengwa raises questions about the rights of individuals who find themselves entangled in political matters, especially when family members are involved in controversial political affiliations. As more details emerge, the public and legal experts alike are eager to see how this situation unfolds. The involvement of a prominent lawyer like Beatrice Mtetwa suggests that Tawengwa's case will not go unnoticed. It may become a symbol of the struggles faced by families caught in the crossfire of political tensions in Zimbabwe. https://x.com/zimlive/status/1892650805993382381?t=P7GgOxfEROxDy37xgIx_Sg&s=19 ... *Zimbabwe Has Enough ARVs For Six Months – Health Minister* (The Zimbabwe) Health and Child Care Minister, Douglas Mombeshora, assured the public that Zimbabwe has enough stock of anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs to last for the next six months. Heap of medicine pills. Close up of colorful tablets and capsules He also said that efforts to procure additional supplies to cover the remainder of the year are already underway. Mombeshora made the remarks during Wednesday’s question time in the National Assembly, where lawmakers raised concerns following the global suspension of development and humanitarian aid by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The minister said the Government is committed to safeguarding the country’s progress in combating HIV and AIDS. He said: We are doing everything to ensure that we don’t reverse the gains we have made in the fight against HIV and AIDS. As a matter of policy, we already have supplies of the ARVs for the next six months and procurement processes to get drugs that will last until the end of the year is already underway. Mombeshora added that even if the U.S. government were to reverse its policy, it would not impact the contingency measures implemented by the Government. He said: We will soon come to this August House seeking your support for additional funding to ensure that there are no disruptions in the supply of the drugs. Mombeshora revealed that 31 per cent of the country’s ARVs were procured through U.S. funding, while the remainder were purchased by the Government through the National Aids Council and other development partners. Zimbabwe achieved the 95-95-95 targets in 2022, which aim to ensure that 95 per cent of people living with HIV are aware of their status, 95 per cent are receiving treatment, and 95 per cent of those on treatment have a suppressed viral load. ........ *Zanu-PF councillor arrested for stealing agricultural inputs* (newzimbabwe) The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested a Zanu-PF councillor and a Karoi-based police officer on allegations of stealing presidential agricultural inputs and Agriculture Rural Development Authority (ARDA) inputs, respectively. The councillor, Chishamiso Linda Ellah, who represents Makoni Ward 11, was arrested alongside Enita Choga, a former Grain Marketing Board (GMB) employee, and Crispen Makoni. The trio is accused of diverting 400 bags of 50kg fertiliser worth US$12,000 and selling them to buyers in Rusape. They have since appeared before Mutare Magistrate Annie Ndiraya and were granted bail of US$200 each. ZACC confirmed the arrest in a statement, saying, "They face a charge of theft as defined in Section 113 of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act, Chapter 9:23." Talent Nyamuzuwe prosecuted the case. Meanwhile, Gideon Msambakurima, a 39-year-old police officer stationed in Karoi, was arrested on allegations of defrauding ARDA of over US$4,700 in fertiliser supplies. Msambakurima appeared before Provincial Magistrate Vakai Douglas Chikwekwe at Chinhoyi Magistrates Court and was remanded to March 4, 2025, on US$200 bail. State prosecutor Brian Machekera alleged that Msambakurima, who joined the ARDA Joint Venture Farming programme, was allocated 8 metric tons of Calcium Ammonium Nitrate fertiliser for his 20-hectare maize plot. However, weeks later, he allegedly used the same batch number to fraudulently obtain an additional 6 metric tons of Windmill Ammonium Nitrate fertiliser, despite having exhausted his allocation. ZACC has vowed to intensify its crackdown on corruption involving state resources, warning that more arrests could follow as investigations continue. Source - newzimbabwe ........... *Why no one trusts ED’s words* (Newsday) PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa reiterated at a hastily arranged meeting with editors that he will not be seeking term extension to 2030. He said on several occasions that he was a constitutionalist, adding that as one of the people involved in the constitution-making process in 2013, he would not dare violate the supreme law of the land which he helped to craft. This is not the first time he has said he will not seek a term extension. Those allegedly pursuing the agenda, he said, were like barking dogs. He is “unpushable”, he said, interestingly at a time when his loyalists are saying the exact opposite of what he is telling the world. Ironically, while the national broadcaster, ZBC, was airing Mnangagwa’s meeting with media heads, it was simultaneously running a ticker of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services minister Jenfan Muswere saying constitutional amendments to extend ED’s rule to 2030 are ready. Who is ED trying to hoodwink with his rhetoric? Muswere was quoted in the Press saying there was nothing unethical in amending the Constitution: Letters: Ensuring Africa’s food security through availability of quality seeds Is military's involvement in politics compatible with democracy? “There is nothing unconstitutional about amending the Constitution. The role of Parliament is multifaceted, encompassing oversight, representation and legislative responsibilities, which include amending the Constitution,” he said. “Notably, our current Constitution is not the first we have had. We began with the Lancaster House Constitution and in 1999, a new Constitution was proposed, which went to a referendum where the majority voted against it. “In 2013, under the inclusive government, we adopted our present Constitution. Parliament’s duty is to enact laws, including delegating legislative authority to other legally and properly constituted institutions. Therefore, it’s untrue to claim that a Constitution cannot be amended; after all, the Constitution is made for the people.” This was a veiled statement implying that they have no problem in amending the Constitution to extend Mnangagwa stay in power to 2030. His five-year two terms end in 2028 and even if the ruling party wants to forge ahead with the amendments, the supreme law of the land stipulates that Mnangagwa cannot be a beneficiary of the changes. What is more baffling is that despite Mnangagwa maintaining several times that he will not seek to extend his tenure, he has not publicly chastised those insisting on him staying put. Mnangagwa should have roasted those bringing up the subject for discussion within party channels, on Zanu PF social media handles or in the mainstream media. Zanu PF secretary for war veterans Douglas Mahiya recently threatened war veterans opposing Mnangagwa’s extended stay in office, saying they could be “stopped from speaking indefinitely”. His comments appeared to be directed at a group of war veterans led by Blessed Runesu Geza, who have vehemently and unequivocally opposed Mnangagwa’s rule, accusing him of nepotism, corruption and economic mismanagement. Since Mnangagwa explicitly made it clear last year that he is opposed to a presidential term extension, by now, that subject should have been water under the bridge. He should show sincerity by publicly telling those pushing the idea that they must cease and desist. ---- *Son of Zanu PF Midlands stalwart Charles Simbi in court on armed robbery charges* (Zimlive) Nyasha Osward Simbi allegedly led armed gang that targeted mine for gold and cash Nyasha Osward Simbi identified as one of seven men who allegedly raided gold mine near Gweru while armed with a pistol, knobkerries and machetes GWERU – Former Gweru councillor and Midlands Zanu PF stalwart Charles Simbi’s son and a relative have been arraigned before the Gweru Magistrate Courts facing armed robbery charges along with five others. Nyasha Osward Simbi, 27, of Southview in Gweru and a relative, Alex Simbi, 42, of Mkoba 6 in Gweru, are employed at Thunderbird 42 Mine, operated by Charles, 56. Charles, a losing Zanu PF candidate for the Mkoba parliamentary seat, also has a pending fraud case, where he allegedly forged land ownership papers using his wife Zodwa Thembinkosi in a bid to seize mining claims at a farm just outside Gweru. The two, Nyasha and Alex, are allegedly part of a seven-man gang that robbed individuals at nearby MT Mine on February 8, 2025, at approximately 3AM using a pistol, machetes, and knobkerries while demanding cash and gold. The other five suspects are Kimton Sibanda, 25, and Samu Sibanda, 24, both from Beneti Village in Lower Gwelo under Chief Sogwala; Takudzwa Nyoni, 33, of Cowdray Park in Bulawayo; Hercluse Nhongo, 29, of Clifton Park in Gweru; and Bright Ndlovu, 43, from Malamulela Village under Chief Nduku in Zhombe. They were arrested by police a day after the robbery on February 9, 2025. Court papers seen by ZimLive show that the seven are facing two counts of armed robbery and one count of assault. The National Prosecuting Authority alleges that the gang arrived at MT Mine and threatened Shepherd Kutse and Norman Mahlani with knobkerries and a pistol, and further assaulted them with machetes all over their bodies demanding cash and gold. “They went on to take a Samsung A33 cellphone (from Kutse) and a Samsung S23 (from Mahlani),” read the court papers. On the third count, the seven are facing assault charges as defined in Section 89 of the Criminal Law and Reform Act, Chapter 9:23. “One or more of them assaulted Stephen Ndlovu with machetes and knobkerries, demanding cash and gold. The complainant managed to escape. The complainant sustained a cut on the left leg,” the NPA alleges. The gang was positively identified by witnesses and the complainants. The accused were remanded in custody to February 25, 2025, and are being represented by lawyer Esau Mandipa of Mandipa, Makwara, and Chikukwa Legal Practitioners. ........ *VP Chiwenga's monthly salary revealed, what he takes home will leave you in shock* (feednews.com) Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s salary has come under scrutiny following revelations that he takes home ZW$69.2 million annually, translating to a monthly salary of ZW$5.8 million. This figure, based on reports from 2023, equates to approximately US$8,964 per month at the prevailing official exchange rate at the time. The disclosure comes as Zimbabwe continues to grapple with economic instability, rising inflation, and a struggling local currency. Many Zimbabweans have expressed concern over the earnings of top government officials, particularly in light of widespread poverty, stagnant wages in the public sector, and an ongoing cost-of-living crisis. According to sources, the Vice President’s earnings reflect official government salaries, which have been adjusted in response to inflation. However, critics argue that the wages of high-ranking officials remain disproportionately high compared to the meager earnings of ordinary citizens. Public servants, including teachers and healthcare workers, have long decried their low salaries, with many earning a fraction of what top government officials take home. Calls for wage increases in critical sectors have been met with resistance, as the government cites budgetary constraints. Economic analysts note that while Chiwenga’s salary may appear substantial in local currency, the continuous depreciation of the Zimbabwean dollar diminishes its actual purchasing power. “The real issue is not just the figures but the widening gap between government officials and the ordinary citizen. The public will always question such salaries when basic services remain inadequate,” said an economic expert who preferred anonymity. As Zimbabwe heads into another uncertain financial year, many are calling for transparency in government spending and fair wage adjustments to bridge the economic divide. Whether or not the administration will respond to these concerns remains to be seen. ........ *Tugwi-Mukosi shoots to 97% full* MASVINGO – Tugwi Mukosi Dam water level shot to 97% full yesterday and the chances of it spilling anytime are high. The dam which is the country’s largest inland dam with a capacity of 1, 8 billion cubic metres last spilled over in 2022 and Zinwa has warned people living downstream of possible heavy floods. The water level rose sharply from 79% on Monday last week, attaining a gain of 18% within seven days as heavy rains continue to pound the southern part of Zimbabwe. Tugwu Mukosi is 1288 times larger than the second largest Mutirikwi also found in Masvingo Province. Mutirikwi has a capacity of 1, 4 million cubic meters. Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) confirmed the development in a statement released on Monday. “ZINWA would like to advise the public that due to increased rainfall activity within the Tugwi-Mukosi catchment area, water levels have increased so much that the lake is now expected to spill should the wet spell persist. “In view of the above, the Authority would like to advise communities downstream of the dam to be on the high alert and to exercise extreme caution as the risk of flooding is now high,” said Muchena. Source: Masvingomirror ....... *HStv journalist Blessed Mhlanga who interviewed Geza has been hospitalized* (zw news) Heart and Soul TV journalist Blessed Mhlanga says he has been hospitalized, after his health suddenly started deteriorating. Mhlanga posted the following message on his X handle: Dhara Blessed Mhlanga HSTV@bbmhlanga “I tripping, I am falling and I can’t get up.” My health is failing me, my mind spinning. “I am in a hospital right now. “But I am grateful of the support that I have received from you, my employers and my family. This is a trying time for me. All I am doing is my job.” Zwnews ...... *Is it True Passion Java Has Been Deserted by Own Wife?* (ZimEye) ZimEye reached out to Java to inquire about this, and he replied, saying: “It’s Tatelicious who started it all by saying I went to Cape Town. When I had finished my meeting, I said, ‘Let me stay,’ and I have a house at the beach. So I was wearing my beachwear. I was five minutes from the house when it was said of me that I had gone mad. But the internet is the internet.” Java was asked about the reported clearing of his wife’s Instagram account of his pictures. He said, “We cleared our Instagram accounts and handed them to the church staff to manage.” He also added that he is now involved in building and managing his church. How big is your church? Java was asked. “I have 38 branches,” he said. Java also took time to insult senior war veteran Blessed Geza, saying he will not be able to fix the country as promised. Which are you in the cosmos of politics in Zimbabwe? he was asked. He replied, “There is a mudhara I saw who was talking too much. “There is only one side of politics in Zimbabwe, the only side of ED Mnangagwa,” he said. When asked how he could support someone who was recently described by his own prophet as a condemned politician humbled to the point of eating grass like cattle, he said, “There is nothing like that. There is no such prophecy,” he said. “The day when I announced, ‘Pamberi naED,’ God had told me he’s the leader of my choice, so for such a person to end up eating grass, it’s impossible,” he said. He added, “It’s impossible; it’s impossible. That man is God’s messenger,” he said.- ZimEye ....