🙏🏻 📰 Tuesday 4 February 2025 *MORNING ZIMBABWE NEWS HUB UPDATES* *THE HEADLINES* *Any Attempt To Extend Mnangagwa’s Rule Will Be Met With Resistence – Nkomo* *Electorate must petition their legislators not to participate in debate to postpone elections: Kaitano* *Mnangagwa Resorts to Expelling Party Members Opposed to His Term Extension* *War veteran who called for Mnangagwa’s resignation, Blessed Geza expelled from ZANU PF* *Anti-2030 War Veteran Fighting For Life After Mysterious Hit-and-Run Accident* *Mnangagwa Surrendered State Power To His Wife & Children – War Vet Geza* *ZIMRA tightens tax grip on working class: Introduces PAYE Employee Management Module* *Harare City Council workers stage go-slow after two months without salaries…* *…As 12 Luxury Cars For Harare City Council Bosses Are Bought* … *Zim municipality nurses and allied workers declare incapacitation* *Nearly half of Zimbabwean women suffer from GBV* *Man jailed after conning a Harare resident US$10k promising to double it using juju* *Mnangagwa, Ruto to lead two-day SADC-EAC joint meeting on DRC this week* *Total garage fined over excessive ethanol in their petrol* *Chinese Steel Producer Disco Zimbabwe Begins Manufacturing Rebars* *Wicknell Chivayo Buys Two-Storey House for Sister in Australia* *Key Witness Testimony Exonerates Couple Of Fraud Allegations In Dr Gideon Gono Fraud Case* *Clueless RBZ to focus on price stability, economic growth* *STANDARD SPORT* *PSG, Villa win transfer window; Man United, Arsenal biggest losers* *Chelsea rally to beat West Ham 2:1 and creep back into top-4* *Villa sign Asensio and Disasi on loan* *Spending up on last year as Man City go big in transfer window* *'A brutal reality for Man Utd' - McNulty's deadline day verdict* *Full list of transfer deadline day deals* *Rashford unlikely to play for Man Utd again* *Newcastle United are lining up a move for Bournemouth's Netherlands forward Justin Kluivert, 25, in case they lose Sweden striker Alexander Isak, 25, in the summer* *Newcastle and Tottenham could revive their interest in Crystal Palace's England defender Marc Guehi, 24, in the summer when he enters the final year of his deal, after Spurs had an offer rejected late in the January window* *Napoli coach Antonio Conte is disappointed that the club were not able to sign Manchester United's Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho, 20, or Germany forward Karim Adeyemi, 23, from Borussia Dortmund in January after selling Georgia winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, 23, to Paris St-Germain* *Manchester United and Bayern Munich both wanted France forward Christopher Nkunku in January but ended their interest because of Chelsea's valuation of the 27-year-old* *Athletic Bilbao's 22-year-old Spain winger Nico Williams remains Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta's priority signing* *THE DETAILS WITH STANDARD NEWSZIMBABWE* _*Any Attempt To Extend Mnangagwa’s Rule Will Be Met With Resistence – Nkomo*_ ZAPU President Sibangilizwe Nkomo has warned that any attempt by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to extend his rule beyond 2028 will face strong resistance, reported CITE. While categorically rejecting support for a coup, Nkomo said ZAPU demands fair and transparent elections in 2028, adding that Mnangagwa must step down once his second and final term ends. Speaking to journalists in Bulawayo, Nkomo condemned Mnangagwa’s efforts to prolong his presidency, labelling them as “the grandfather of all illegalities.” He said: Mnangagwa sneaked into power on the back of a military coup in 2017 and now seeks to extend his rule by staging another coup against the constitution of Zimbabwe. It is a treasonous ambition that no patriotic Zimbabwean should entertain. We are Standard News Zimbabwe. Nkomo asserted that since Zimbabwe gained independence from Britain in 1980, ZANU PF has consistently taken the country’s citizens for granted. He said: Our considered view is that this chicanery dates back to 1980 when Zanu stole the people’s votes after we attained our independence from colonial rule. ZANU PF chose to replace the colonial regime, inspired and instructed by the Rhodesian era and continues to take the citizens of Zimbabwe for granted. The people, along with ZAPU and even the ancestors, are fed up. Nkomo dismissed the ZANU PF national conference held in Bulawayo in October 2024, where delegates resolved to extend Mnangagwa’s presidential term from 2028 to 2030, declaring that only those who profit from death and suffering are advocating for such a move. He said: We categorically reject claims that Zimbabweans wish to endure more suffering beyond 2028. Only the merchants of death and suffering can agitate for the extension of Mr Mnangagwa’s presidential term even by a week. His first term, powered by a military coup, and the second one, secured from a stolen mandate in August 2023, have been disastrous enough for the people. There is no vision that Mr Mnangagwa is presiding over. There is no iota of evidence to suggest that in 2030, Zimbabwe will provide upper-middle income for ordinary Zimbabweans. Nkomo said any attempt by President Mnangagwa to extend his rule beyond 2028 will face the resistance “it rightfully deserves.” Mnangagwa’s administration will see a side of us they have never witnessed before. We will take the lead in making this country ungovernable as long as there is no electoral mandate from the people. We will only respect the will of the people derived from free and fair elections in 2028, as prescribed by the constitution. We also call on the people of Zimbabwe to withdraw their consent and refuse to be governed by Mr Mnangagwa’s government beyond 2028. Civil disobedience will be encouraged while further steps to undermine Mnangagwa’s rule will be considered should his rogue regime foolishly choose to dig in. _*Electorate must petition their legislators not to participate in debate to postpone elections: Kaitano*_ Emmerson Mnangagwa himself is the architect of all this, given that he proclaimed not too long into his first term of office that he would be around in 2030. It is clear then that the bringing in of Sebenzo Tshabangu to recall elected CCC members of Parliament was Emmerson Mnangagwa’s plan to extend his stay by gaining a two-thirds false majority in Parliament so that Zanu PF parliamentarians, with their colleagues appointed by Tshabangu, could amend the constitution to fraudulently extend Mnangagwa’s and their term in office. This is a Standard News Zimbabwe news production. Mnangagwa wants to hoodwink gullible Zimbabweans into believing that Vision 2030 is his brainchild. Vision 2030 is a global target initiated by the United Nations, adopted by some continental bodies such as the African Union, and cascaded to individual countries globally. There is, therefore, no justifiable reason to postpone elections because of Vision 2030. Imagine what chaos the world would be if all countries pursuing Vision 2030 extended the terms of their current which are bound to end before 2030. This attempt must be resisted. I would like to thank everyone who has spoken against the fraudulent attempt to extend Mnangagwa’s term of office, and would want to encourage all Zimbabweans, wherever they are, to resist Zanu PF’s evil machinations. The electorate in various constituencies should petition their representatives in Parliament not to participate in any debate that concerns the postponement of elections. We have been told the voice of the people is the voice of God, so legislators must respect the Will of the people if they are petitioned. And all the principled legislators, even without being petitioned, should walk out of the August House to kill off the debate. Any legislator who stays in Parliament to participate in such a debate will have exposed themselves as a sellout. The electorate must democratically deal a huge blow to any legislator who ignores this call and participates in the debate. How on earth can there be a country that willy-nilly postpones elections to extend the term of office of a leader where there are term limits, without the will of the people? It is only fashionable with dictators who are backed by criminals that surround them. The Zanu PF Congress is attended by less than five thousand people in a country with over 16 million people based in Zimbabwe, and a few more millions based in the Diaspora who are contributing heavily to the economy. Elections should only be deferred when there is a high-profile public disaster such as a pandemic of high proportion, or a national disaster that brings the operations of a country to a halt, and should be held as soon as practicable after the disaster. Interestingly, elections are still more than three years away, giving enough time for Emerson Mnangagwa to implement all the measures he thinks can uplift the country. There are countries like New Zealand whose parliamentary terms are only three years, and one has to win the next election for another three-year term. A good leader must be able to accomplish their vision in the allocated term and mentor others to lead after them. Emmerson Mnangagwa has been in power since 2007 and must stand down at the 2028 elections. People of Zimbabwe, from the Zambezi to the Limpopo, and those in the Diaspora, let us join hands to thwart this minister that want to deny us our democratically enshrined rights to choose our leaders every five years. Kennedy Kaitano _*Mnangagwa Resorts to Expelling Party Members Opposed to His Term Extension*_ In a move that underscores growing internal strife within ZANU PF, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration has resorted to expelling party officials who oppose his controversial term extension. The latest casualty is Blessed Geza, a war veteran and Central Committee member, who has been unanimously recommended for expulsion by the ZANU PF Mashonaland West province. The decision to oust Geza was made during a meeting held at North Court in Zvimba East Constituency, attended by thousands of party supporters. Geza has been accused of undermining and threatening Mnangagwa, with party officials labeling his actions as treasonous. Ziyambi Ziyambi, a ZANU PF Politburo member and Justice Minister, condemned Geza for allegedly using his position to attack the party’s leadership, stating that such behavior violates the party’s constitution, which demands loyalty to elected leaders. Ziyambi claimed that Geza should have waited for the 2027 party Congress if he wished to challenge Mnangagwa’s leadership, rather than publicly denouncing him. However, critics argue that the expulsion is less about party discipline and more about silencing dissent, as Mnangagwa seeks to extend his rule beyond the constitutional two-term limit. This is a Standard News Zimbabwe news production. Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, the Mashonaland West provincial chairperson, echoed Ziyambi’s sentiments, accusing Geza of being “out of line” and urging him to leave the party if he wishes to oppose Mnangagwa. She emphasized the province’s unwavering support for Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income society. The War Veterans League has also condemned Geza, with Secretary Douglas Mahiya asserting that the decision to extend Mnangagwa’s term reflects the will of the majority. Mahiya dismissed any opposition to the term extension, stating that the minority must submit to the majority’s decisions. Meanwhile, the ZANU PF Masvingo provincial executive has suspended two other officials, Gutu East MP Benjamin Ganyiwa and Chiredzi North MP Roy Bhila, for allegedly bringing the party into disrepute and fostering division. Ganyiwa faces multiple charges, including holding unauthorized meetings and promoting factionalism. These expulsions and suspensions highlight the increasing authoritarianism within ZANU PF, as Mnangagwa tightens his grip on power. Critics argue that the party is using disciplinary measures to purge dissent and consolidate control, rather than addressing the growing discontent among its ranks. As Mnangagwa pushes for his term extension, the expulsions of Geza, Ganyiwa, and Bhila serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of opposing his leadership. The move has raised concerns about the future of internal democracy within ZANU PF and the broader implications for Zimbabwe’s political landscape. _*War veteran who called for Mnangagwa’s resignation, Blessed Geza expelled from ZANU PF*_ Blessed Geza, a ZANU PF Central Committee member and war veteran who declared that “the only 2030 President Mnangagwa will see is half past eight on the clock” has been expelled from the party. The ZANU PF Mashonaland West provincial leadership led by Mary Mliswa, Tapiwa Masenda and Ziyambi Ziyambi held meeting to fire Geza. The venue of the presser was supposed to be ZANU PF headquarters but was relocated indefinitely to North Code Mt Hampden premises. Reports suggest that they were blocked from holding the meeting to fire Geza at the party HQ _*Anti-2030 War Veteran Fighting For Life After Mysterious Hit-and-Run Accident*_ In a tragic development, one of the war veterans who has been fiercely critiquing plans to prolong President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s stay in power until 2030, was involved in a car accident over the weekend raising suspicion. Unconfirmed reports indicate that Joaquim Chivandire, a vocal critic pushing for Mnangagwa to step down, was the victim of a hit-and-run incident while returning home from a meeting. Several media outlets have reported that the accident was serious, and Chivandire is currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital. However, details about his condition and the exact location of the incident remain unclear. It is also unknown at this time whether the hit-and-run was intentional or accidental. The news was first shared by the Children of War Veterans Association (COZWA) on X (formerly Twitter). Their post stated: “Breaking News:- Cde Joaquim Chivandire Mash East Provincial member War Veteran Association & an Anti-2030 activist was involved in a serious hit & run accident yesterday when he was coming from an anti-2030 meeting He is currently hospitalized. It’s not known if there was any foul play.” Another Anti-2030 War Veteran Expelled From Zanu PF Adding to the tension, Chivandire’s accident occurred just hours before another war veteran opposed to Mnangagwa’s extended rule, Geza was expelled from Zanu PF. Geza’s expulsion was decided during a Zanu PF Mashonaland West provincial leadership meeting on Monday. Party members, including senior officials, war veterans, Politburo members, and Central Committee representatives, convened at NorthCourt Stadium in Zvimba East Constituency, where they ultimately voted to remove him from the party. _*Mnangagwa Surrendered State Power To His Wife & Children – War Vet Geza*_ Tension within Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU PF party has reached a boiling point, with Blessed Geza’s recent allegations against President Emmerson Mnangagwa sparking intense debate. Geza claims that Mnangagwa has relinquished state power to his family members, leaving citizens to suffer in poverty. The stark contrast between the luxurious lives of Mnangagwa’s children, who allegedly drive Rolls-Royce cars to work, and the struggles of ordinary soldiers, who frequently protest against the government over salary issues, has fueled widespread outrage. Geza’s statements have also struck a chord with those in exile, who are now being urged to return home and join the fight for freedom. This call to action is particularly poignant, given the role that some of these individuals played in removing former President Robert Mugabe from power. Their realization that they may have simply replaced one authoritarian leader with another has added to the growing sense of disillusionment with Mnangagwa’s government. The internal power struggle within ZANU PF is further complicated by the increasingly public rift between Mnangagwa and his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga. Chiwenga’s ambitions to succeed Mnangagwa have been well-documented, and the recent “ED 2030” campaign, which aims to extend Mnangagwa’s presidency beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms, has only added fuel to the fire. As the situation continues to unfold, concerns are growing about the potential for violence and instability. The military’s influence in Zimbabwean politics, combined with Chiwenga’s history as a former commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, raises the specter of another military intervention. The possibility of civil unrest and conflict is also very real, particularly if the political impasse is not resolved. This is a Standard News Zimbabwe news production. Geza’s claims highlight the stark contrast between the luxurious lives of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s children and the struggles of ordinary soldiers. He alleges that it’s unfair for Mnangagwa’s children to drive Rolls-Royce cars to work while fellow soldiers are protesting against the government over salary issues. This criticism touches on the broader issue of economic inequality and the perceived extravagance of Zimbabwe’s ruling elite. Geza’s statement also implies that the Mnangagwa family’s wealth and influence are at odds with the struggles of ordinary Zimbabweans. The image of Mnangagwa’s children driving Rolls-Royce cars, which can cost upwards of $300,000, is particularly galling when set against the backdrop of Zimbabwe’s economic crisis. President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration has been accused of perpetuating corruption in Zimbabwe through cartels, leaving civil servants in a state of virtual slavery. These cartels have allegedly infiltrated various sectors, including mining, energy, transport, and agriculture, allowing them to accumulate wealth and power. Mnangagwa’s government has been criticized for its failure to address corruption, with some arguing that it has instead enabled and profited from it. The ruling ZANU-PF party has been accused of maintaining a tight grip on power through corrupt means, including embezzlement, bribery, and extortion. The situation has led to widespread poverty, with 67% of Zimbabweans living below the poverty line and 13% in extreme poverty. Civil servants, in particular, have been affected, with many struggling to make ends meet due to low salaries and high inflation. The cartels, allegedly linked to Mnangagwa’s family and allies, have been accused of smuggling gold, diamonds, lithium and other precious minerals out of the country, depriving Zimbabwe of much-needed revenue. The First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa, and one of the President’s sons, Collins Mnangagwa, have been implicated in a gold smuggling ring and earlier, the Asian Television Channel, Aljezeera, published the Gold Mafia documentary, which the government, including Parliament of Zimbabwe, refused the media or Civil Society Organizations to pursue the alleged corruption and smuggling case and no action was taken against the alleged perpetrators. Geza’s assertion that ZANU-PF members lack principles and are content with merely clapping hands while struggling in poverty is a scathing critique of the party’s culture and ideology. According to Geza, ZANU-PF members have become adept at blindly supporting the party’s leadership, even when it means ignoring the dire economic circumstances that many of them face, his statement suggests that ZANU-PF members have been reduced to mere sycophants, more concerned with maintaining their loyalty to the party than with addressing the pressing issues affecting their lives. This criticism implies that the party’s members have lost sight of their core values and principles, instead prioritizing their loyalty to the party leadership above all else. This is a Standard News Zimbabwe news production. The image of ZANU-PF members “clapping hands” while “swimming in poverty” is a powerful metaphor that highlights the disconnect between the party’s rhetoric and the harsh realities faced by its members. It suggests that the party’s leadership is out of touch with the needs and concerns of its own members, and that the members themselves are complicit in their own oppression. Geza’s criticism also raises questions about the role of ideology and principle in ZANU-PF’s politics. If the party’s members are indeed more concerned with maintaining their loyalty to the party leadership than with upholding core principles, then what does this say about the party’s commitment to its own ideology? Is ZANU-PF a party driven by principle, or is it simply a vehicle for maintaining power and privilege? He concluded by warning a senior party member from Murewa of his/her utterance. “We didn’t fight for any tribe, you can call us names, some calls us dogs, you made person from Murewa, ask your colleagues, will deal with you,” said Geza. _*ZIMRA tightens tax grip on working class: Introduces PAYE Employee Management Module*_ The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has upped the ante in tightening the taxation grip on workers after launching an Employee Management Module, under its popular TaRMS platform. The new module comes into operation with effect from January 2025 when PAYE Returns are submitted. The new development comes shortly after the taxman subjected professionals like architects, engineers and those who benefit from lucrative consultancy work to tax payment. The just-introduced module aims to streamline the registration of employees and the declaration of their earnings, making the tax process more efficient for employers. “The Employee Management Module will provide a platform for entities to register their employees and declare their earnings, allowing for automatic tax computation by the system. Each registered employee will be allocated a Tax Identification Number (TIN), and those who are already registered will retain their existing TINs,” explained Mr Misheck Govha, ZIMRA Domestic Taxes Commissioner. The new Employee Management Module will include several features the most notable being the Comprehensive Employee Registration, Flexible Registration Options, Additional Tax Credits, Auto-filling of PAYE and AIDS Levy. “Under the Employee Management Module, employers will be able to auto-fill PAYE and AIDS levy. After generating earnings for all employees, the PAYE and AIDS Levy will automatically populate on the PAYE return within the Tax Returns Management module. “Additionally, Employers can choose to register employees individually or utilize the Employee Upload Function to register multiple employees at once,” explained Commissioner Govha. To fully benefit from the system’s Comprehensive Employee Registration, Employers must declare essential information when registering employees, including marital status, blindness, physical disabilities (for both employees and their children), and the date of birth. This data will enable the system to automatically grant applicable tax credits. “ZIMRA encourages all taxpayers and employers to familiarize themselves with the new Employee Management Module to ensure compliance and a smooth transition,” emphasised Govha. The new Module also provides for Additional Tax Credits under which employers will also have the opportunity to declare other tax credits, such as Medical Aid Contributions and Medical Expenses Credits, during the earnings declaration process. _*Harare City Council workers stage go-slow after two months without salaries…*_ HARARE City Council (HCC) workers have downed tools in protest against poor welfare conditions and non-payment of salaries, adding to the municipality’s growing challenges. The workers have not been paid for two months, and the council has failed to honour its promise to pay them on time. poster Their situation has been worsened by the ongoing economic difficulties, which have significantly eroded the value of their yet-to-be-paid salaries due to inflation. In a letter addressed to HCC’s senior officials, the Zimbabwe Municipalities Nurses and Allied Workers Union (ZIMNAWU) president Simbarashe Tafirenyika expressed concerns over the council’s delays in paying its workers, which has led to severe financial strain. “This unacceptable situation has drastically impacted workers’ livelihoods, working conditions, and overall well-being. The delay in salary payments has caused financial hardship and discontent, as salaries are being eroded by inflation. “This has left our members incapacitated, which in turn affects service delivery. We urge the City of Harare to address these delays and ensure that workers are paid on time. Please note that employees have not been paid for December 2024 or January 2025, and February is already approaching. “According to Statutory Instrument 13 of 2015, workers should be paid by the 28th of each month. We urge your office not to stagger salary payments and to pay all workers at once, as the current situation is causing disharmony in the workforce due to the instability of our local currency,” read the letter. _*…As 12 Luxury Cars For Harare City Council Bosses Are Bought*_ HARARE City Council’s procurement manager was yesterday grilled over the purchase of 12 high-end Toyota Fortuner GD6 vehicles for all directors plus a 13th luxurious Toyota Prado VX200 for the town clerk, amid concerns that council is prioritising executive comforts over essential services. This comes amid revelations that the top brass mutually agreed to keep a low profile by not driving their luxury Toyota Fortuner GD6 vehicles to work, instead using smaller vehicles or discreetly parking their high-end cars at a distance from Town House to avoid drawing attention to their luxury perks. The startling revelations came out yesterday when the city’s procurement management unit supply chain manager, Mr Never Murerwa, appeared before the commission into Harare City Council chaired by retired judge Justice Maphios Cheda. He admitted before the commission that council was wasting ratepayers’ money by buying expensive vehicles at the expense of service delivery. This is a Standard News Zimbabwe news production. “We received information that there are 12 new Toyota GD6 which were given to officials. And they are even shy to drive them. They park them in parkades and they walk to Town House,” Ms Joyce Shumba, one of the witnesses told the commission. “And then after work, they walk to the parkade. Why can’t they drive their official vehicles? Because they know that they were not supposed to have vehicles prioritised for official issue.” When questioned about the purchase of luxury vehicles for top directors, Mr Murerwa deflected responsibility, stating that he had no authority to refuse the acquisition, and instead shifted the blame to the human resources department. He was also grilled over the procurement of a Toyota Prado VX 200 series for the town clerk – a vehicle normally assigned to Cabinet ministers. “I reported to you that your office ratified the procurement of a Ministerial vehicle for a town clerk who is, according to grading in Government systems, at the level of a chief director who cannot have such a type of vehicle for their grade,” Ms Shumba said. When asked whether the council was now equating the town clerk to a Minister, Mr Murerwa again shifted the blame to the human resources department. Several high-ranking officials from the Harare City Council have testified before the commission, lifting the lid on a complex web of corruption within the council and officials feeding from the trough. The officials who have appeared before the commission include suspended town clerk Eng Hosiah Chisango, principal housing officer Edgar Dzehonye, acting finance director Godfrey Kusangaya, acting valuations and estates manager Peter Dube, business committee chair Clr Lovemore Makuwerere, audit chair Clr Blessing Duma, city housing director Addmore Nhekairo, acting chamber secretary Warren Chiwawa, environmental management committee chair Clr Cecilia Chimbiri, acting head of revenue collection Alfred Guni, and Mr Nelson Chamisa. Herald _*Zim municipality nurses and allied workers declare incapacitation*_ Details to follow…. _*Nearly half of Zimbabwean women suffer from GBV*_ NEARLY half of Zimbabwean women have experienced gender-based violence (GBV), with many suffering abuse at the hands of those closest to them, European Union (EU) ambassador to Zimbabwe, Jobst von Kirchmann has said. Speaking after a HeForShe march against GBV recently held in Harare, Kirchmann said 42.5% of women in the country have been subjected to some form of GBV, which shows a deep-rooted crisis that continues to affect families and communities. “The numbers are alarming, 42.5% of women in Zimbabwe experience GBV, often at the hands of those closest to them. That means almost every second woman you see here today has experienced GBV. This is a Standard News Zimbabwe news production. “Today, we are not just marching, we are making a statement. A statement that GBV has no place in our homes, workplaces, communities, or public spaces,” Kirchmann said. The EU ambassador also urged boys and men to respect women and girls. “Men, I want to speak directly to you. We need to do better. Most cases of GBV are caused by men, and this must stop. “Let us start by treating women and girls with dignity and respect, by listening to their voices, valuing their contributions, and standing up against violence wherever we see it. “Let us be role models for the boys and young men in our lives.Together, we can break the cycle of violence,” he added. HeForShe movement, which was launched by UN Women in 2014, calls on men and boys to join the fight for gender equality not as bystanders, but as active partners and advocates. _*Man jailed after conning a Harare resident US$10k promising to double it using juju*_ A 49-year-old Harare man has been sentenced to one-year imprisonment following a conviction for conning a fellow resident of US$10,500 after promising to double the money using magic. The convict is Jean-Pierre Kingombe. This is a Standard News Zimbabwe news production. He was jailed by a Harare magistrate after a full trial. Prosecutors proved that in October 2022, Kingombe and his accomplice who is still at large, convinced the complainant that they could double his money using ‘magic’. “After demonstrating the ‘process’ with small amounts, the complainant handed over US$7000 for duplication. “The offender swapped the money with blank papers,” the court heard. The complainant later gave an additional US$3500 for ‘chemicals’ and ‘accommodation’ to Kingombe who then became evasive until the victim reported the matter to the police. _*Mnangagwa, Ruto to lead two-day SADC-EAC joint meeting on DRC this week*_ Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa and Kenya’s William Ruto will lead a joint summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East Africa Community (EAC) on the conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The summit takes place on Friday and Saturday. President Ruto confirmed the news and said both President Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda will be present. A ministerial meeting takes place on Friday before the Heads of State convene on Saturday. Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia have also confirmed their participation. _*Total garage fined over excessive ethanol in their petrol*_ HWANGE – A Total service station in Hwange’s Baobab neighbourhood has been fined $500 by the Hwange Magistrates’ Court for breaching fuel blending regulations. The court heard that on December 27, 2024, the service station unlawfully blended unleaded petrol with more than 25 percent ethanol, exceeding the legally mandated ratio of 80 petrol to 20 percent ethanol. The improperly blended fuel was valued at $17,880. This comes as COMOIL was last week fined US$250 by the Lupane Magistrates’ Court after being found guilty of selling petrol with ethanol content exceeding the legally allowed limit. _*Chinese Steel Producer Disco Zimbabwe Begins Manufacturing Rebars*_ Chinese steel manufacturer Disco Zimbabwe has announced the production of its first reinforced steel bars (rebars), marking a significant milestone in the country’s industrial sector. The rebars, essential for construction projects, are being manufactured locally as part of the company’s efforts to support Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development and reduce reliance on imports. This is a Standard News Zimbabwe news production. Disco Zimbabwe commenced operations in June last year, initially producing pig iron. The company has now expanded its production line to include rebars, with a target output of 600,000 tonnes of steel products in its first phase. This move is expected to bolster Zimbabwe’s construction industry and contribute to the nation’s economic growth. The production of rebars locally is a strategic step toward reducing the country’s dependency on imported steel products. Zimbabwe has historically relied on foreign markets to meet its steel demands, but Disco Zimbabwe’s entry into the market is set to change this dynamic. Boosting Local Industry and Reducing Imports The company’s investment aligns with the government’s broader agenda to promote local manufacturing and industrialisation. By producing rebars domestically, Disco Zimbabwe is not only creating employment opportunities but also helping to conserve foreign currency previously spent on imports. “This is a significant development for Zimbabwe’s construction sector,” said an industry expert. “Local production of rebars will lower costs for builders and developers, making infrastructure projects more affordable and accessible.” Disco Zimbabwe’s expansion into rebar production is part of its long-term vision to establish a robust steel manufacturing hub in the country. The company’s state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technology are expected to set new standards in the local steel industry. A Step Toward Self-Sufficiency The launch of rebar production comes at a time when Zimbabwe is intensifying efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in key sectors. The government has been actively encouraging foreign investment and partnerships to drive industrial growth and reduce the import bill. Disco Zimbabwe’s contribution to the steel industry is a testament to the potential of such collaborations. With its ambitious production targets, the company is poised to play a pivotal role in transforming Zimbabwe’s construction and manufacturing landscape. As the country continues to prioritise infrastructure development, the availability of locally manufactured rebars is expected to accelerate the pace of construction projects, from residential buildings to large-scale public works. Looking Ahead Disco Zimbabwe’s entry into the rebar market signals a new era for Zimbabwe’s steel industry. The company’s commitment to quality and efficiency is likely to inspire further investments in the sector, paving the way for a more self-reliant and industrially vibrant Zimbabwe. _*Wicknell Chivayo Buys Two-Storey House for Sister in Australia*_ Flamboyant businessman Wicknell Chivayo has once again made headlines after splurging millions of United States dollars to buy a property for one of his sisters based in Australia. The ecstatic sister took to her Instagram account and shared the news with her followers. Sister Celebrates Lavish Gift on Instagram In one of the pictures shared to her Instagram story, Chivayo’s sister posed in front of the property whose purchase was facilitated by Jordan Chircop. She captioned the picture, “Ka homeowner ❤️❤️❤️‼️‼️‼️Thank you Wicknell!” In another picture, Chivayo’s sister thanked her millionaire entrepreneur brother for buying a house for her with the caption, “Yassss Mukoma Wicky to the people!!” _*Key Witness Testimony Exonerates Couple Of Fraud Allegations In Dr Gideon Gono Fraud Case*_ A key witness’ testimony has cleared a couple of fraud allegations in the Dr Gono Fraud Case earlier today. This is a Standard News Zimbabwe news production. The ongoing legal battle surrounding allegations of fraud and corporate directorship disputes has taken a significant shift as no substantive evidence was brought against Beverly Aisha Makoni and Clark Clever Makoni. The lack of evidence has cast doubt on the validity of the charges. Key Testimony from Ayoob Omar Ayoob Omar, who serves as the director and secretary of Valley Lodge Private Limited, confirmed that he had no knowledge of any fraudulent activities involving the accused couple. Consequently, he said that he did not find it necessary to report any case to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) or the Zimbabwe Republic Police. Furthermore, Omar explicitly stated that he had no grievances against the couple and was unaware of any fraudulent actions they might have committed. Magistrate’s Observations During the court proceedings, Magistrate Stanford Mambanje reviewed the submitted evidence and noted that the documentation provided through Ayoob Omar did not directly implicate Valley Lodge Private Limited in any wrongdoing. Omar further testified that the leadership structure of Valley Lodge had remained unchanged, contradicting previous allegations that Gideon Gono had orchestrated modifications to the company’s directorship. Prosecution Faces Challenges State prosecutor Heather Muwokoto was informed that there had been no officially sanctioned changes to the company’s directorship. Additionally, the court noted that no corporate resolution had been presented, granting authority to anyone to act on behalf of Valley Lodge. The legal proceedings will continue on 7 February 2025 as the court seeks to resolve the matter conclusively. Previous allegations against the couple In October, the couple was cleared of fraud allegations against the former RBZ governor after another key witness’s testimony proved them innocent. _*Clueless RBZ to focus on price stability, economic growth*_ THE Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) is expected to outline fresh measures to anchor durable price stability, stimulate the economy and engender market confidence when Governor Dr John Mushayavanhu delivers the bank’s 2025 Monetary Policy Statement (MPS) later this month. Zimbabwe has been grappling with several economic challenges, chief among them inflation, high cost of funding, tight liquidity, foreign currency shortages or limited access and constrained productivity in key sectors such as manufacturing and agriculture. The MPS is expected to give businesses, market watchers and the public clues on the central bank’s strategy to address underlying challenges in the economy. Dr Mushayavanhu told The Herald Finance and Business that the bank’s strategy would seek to balance stimulating economic growth and ensuring macroeconomic stability. “In an environment where high inflation pressures coexist with recovering economic output, our monetary policy must be both well-calibrated and flexible. “We are tasked with the dual challenge of reducing inflation without undermining the strides made in boosting economic growth,” he said. Zimbabwe’s economy faces headwinds similar to challenges experienced globally post-the Covid-19 economic era, which forced the central bank to take calculated measures to balance growth and price stability. The domestic economy’s conundrum reflects the broader global economic and geopolitical dynamics. Central banks globally have been struggling with ensuring mutual trade-off between tight monetary policy to contain inflation and the risk of stifling growth. “Efforts to bring down high inflation inherently risk dampening economic activity. It is a balancing act that requires precision and responsiveness to shifting economic conditions,” Dr Mushayavanhu noted. In response to some of the challenges, the RBZ recently introduced the Targeted Finance Facility (TFF), designed to stimulate production while keeping inflation and exchange rate stability in check. The TFF is expected to underpin the ambitious target of achieving 6 percent economic growth in 2025. This is a Standard News Zimbabwe news production. “Our approach is not a one-size-fits-all solution,” the central bank chief explained. “Instead, we are leveraging tailor-made, targeted measures that support sectors with the greatest growth potential, thereby mitigating the adverse effects of necessary monetary tightening.” The MPS will thus offer direction on interventions to navigate the delicate interplay between monetary restraints and economic expansion. “We must be prepared to recalibrate our policy stance as the balance of risks evolves. Our objective is to secure a sustainable path for growth while anchoring inflation expectations,” Dr Mushayavanhu said. Recent inflation data underscores the urgency of the task at hand. According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat), the ZiG Consumer Price Index (ZiG CPI) surged to 183.76 in January 2025 from 166.30 in December 2024, marking a significant month-on-month increase from 3,7 percent to 10,5 percent. The US dollar CPI climbed from 108.91 to 121.43, with the monthly inflation rate escalating from 0,6 percent to 11,5 percent. The weighted CPI, which aggregates the ZiG and US dollar indices, rose from 112.39 to 125.40, reflecting an 11,6 percent increase. “These figures illustrate the dynamic interplay of local and foreign currency transactions, which is driving economic progress across sectors,” ZimStat said. These developments signal both opportunity and uncertainty. The RBZ’s planned measures, including the TFF and MPS, suggest that the central bank is acutely aware of the challenges confronting the economy. “Our policies are designed to support a resilient economic recovery, balancing the imperative of growth with the necessity of stability in these challenging times,” Dr Mushayavanhu said. Herald *STANDARD SPORT* _*PSG, Villa win transfer window; Man United, Arsenal biggest losers*_ For Europe's biggest clubs and leagues, the time for transfers in the 2024-25 season has come and gone. The winter window closed at 11 p.m. BST (6 p.m. ET) in England, Italy and Spain on Monday, an hour earlier in France and even earlier in Germany. It remains open in select countries such as Turkey and the Netherlands, but there's little room for more major deals. All parties -- clubs, players, managers and agents -- will now sit back and assess. Some got their wishes and some didn't. Some excelled in their movements over the summer, while others will be lamenting missed opportunities. With that, let's look back at what happened during the window and neatly sort the results into winners and losers (with a few who sit in between). Here's who nailed it -- and who didn't. PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN There is no doubting who won this window, as PSG landed one of the world's best wingers -- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia -- for a fee of just €60 million. The Georgia international's transfer was being valued at double that just a few months ago, so they really pulled off a coup and "Kvaradona" should have a major impact. If that wasn't enough, the French champions also made a cool €46m profit on midfielder Xavi Simons' permanent switch to RB Leipzig for €50m, moved on defender Cher Ndour to Fiorentina, and also found a home for misfiring forward Randal Kolo Muani, who was sent on loan to Juventus for the rest of the season. ASTON VILLA Aston Villa were among the busiest clubs in Europe during this window and in one fell swoop, they were able to solve all of their profit and sustainability rules (PSR) issues. A €77m move to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr for 21-year-old striker Jhon Durán will aid the club's finances for years, and they did well to find permanent homes for Jaden Philogene (Ipswich Town) and Diego Carlos (Fenerbahçe), as well as loans for Emiliano Buendía (Bayer Leverkusen), Kosta Nedeljkovic (RB Leipzig) and Samuel Iling-Junior (Middlesbrough). Marcus Rashford (on loan from Man United) will replace Durán with the hope of reigniting his career, and Donyell Malen (€25m, Borussia Dortmund) should provide another option up front. The late loan move for PSG's Marco Asensio is another low-risk, high-reward arrival to help Villa push forward on multiple fronts between now and the end of the season. A more experienced right-back than Andrés García (€8m, Levante) might have been on the cards, but it was the loan signing of Chelsea centre-back Axel Disasi that tipped Villa over into winners. If they hadn't signed someone to plug the gaps in their defence, it would have been bad. MAN CITY On the face of it, spending over €200m to sign four players should qualify Man City as winners, right? Well, the problem is that while struggling City definitely needed an injection of new blood this window, the players they signed aren't a great solution to their immediate issues. This is a Standard News Zimbabwe news production. Young defenders Abdukodir Khusanov (€48m, Lens) and Vitor Reis (€35m, Palmeiras) aren't really yet ready for the pace of the Premier League, though they can fill some of the gaps left by City's injuries. Up front, the club spent €60m (plus another €10m in add-ons) to sign in-form striker Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt, but they are playing him out of position as a withdrawn striker (basically a No. 10) rather than as a No. 9 or out wide on the left where he would be more comfortable. The only obvious fit was the signing of former Barcelona defensive midfielder Nico Gonzalez from FC Porto and even then, City were forced to fork over an extra €20m than what they wanted to, paying his €60m release clause. It could be that it takes another year or so before these signings can be properly judged, but right now it doesn't feel as if they are the answer. TOTTENHAM Tottenham are in the middle of an injury crisis, especially in defence, and manager Ange Postecoglou was pretty vocal about needing some reinforcements if they are to move up from 14th place in the table in the second part of the season. The loan signing of centre-back Kevin Danso (with an obligatory €25m deal set for the summer) will bolster them slightly, but an offer of €75m to land Crystal Palace's Marc Guéhi, which was rejected, showed how much the club wanted to do. And they failed to add more cover. They needed a backup goalkeeper and 21-year-old Antonin Kinsky hit the ground running as he was thrown into action from the off, but 18-year-old South Korea prodigy Yang Min-Hyeok, who was then sent on loan to QPR, wasn't going to be enough in attacking areas. So, tipping them from losers to neutral was the deadline-day signing of Bayern forward Mathys Tel on loan, with an option to sign permanently in the summer. The club did well to persuade him to join, given he rejected a €60m permanent move last week, and he could make an immediate difference in attack. BOURNEMOUTH This one is more about who the club were able to keep hold of rather than who they signed. Teenage arrivals Matai Akinmboni, Julio Soler, Kai Crampton and Zain Silcott-Duberry might not immediately make an impact as they are ones for the future, but Bournemouth will be delighted to have kept hold of their main stars as they push for a spot in Europe this season. While loan exits for Philip Billing (Napoli) and Max Aarons (Valencia) were sanctioned, Bournemouth kept hold of Milos Kerkez, Illia Zabarnyi and Dean Huijsen -- all of whom were attracting interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe. That is no mean feat. Losers MANCHESTER UNITED Will a 20-year-old full-back solve all of Man United's issues? The club did well to land highly rated Patrick Dorgu for €30m from Lecce and he is a good fit for Amorim's 3-4-2-1 formation, but they really needed more. Loan exits for Antony (Real Betis), Rashford (Aston Villa) and Tyrell Malacia (PSV) opened up room on the wage bill, but the signing of 18-year-old defender Ayden Heaven from Arsenal was not going to set pulses racing at Old Trafford. A goal-scoring forward was needed, while a serious injury to Lisandro Martinez could see them regret not adding more to their defensive ranks. ARSENAL Arsenal are the second-highest scorers in the Premier League, but they still needed to sign another forward player if they want to challenge Liverpool for the title. Kai Havertz has done OK, with 15 goals in all competitions to date, but injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus have left the squad short of options up front and that's not going to change now. *Chelsea rally to beat West Ham 2:1 and creep back into top-4* Chelsea recovered to beat their former manager Graham Potter's side West Ham United 2-1 with a second-half strike from substitute Pedro Neto and an own goal by Aaron Wan-Bissaka lifting them to fourth place in the Premier League on Monday. Portugal international João Félix was not in the squad for Chelsea as ESPN sources report that the attacker in in the process of finalizing a loan move to AC Milan before the winter transfer window closes. The result took Chelsea two points above fifth-placed Manchester City and Newcastle United in sixth and within four points of Nottingham Forest, who are third. Jarrod Bowen, in his first game back after a month out with a foot fracture, put the Hammers ahead when he pounced on a back pass by defender Levi Colwill three minutes before halftime and fired a left-foot shot past Filip Jorgensen in Chelsea's goal. This is a Standard News Zimbabwe news production. The goal livened up the game after a messy first half, with Chelsea's Enzo Fernández, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Jadon Sancho all missing good chances. West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola ensured West Ham went into the break in the lead when he tipped a spinning Palmer free kick over the bar three minutes after the opener. Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca, criticised recently for failing to make timely substitutions, sent on Neto for Sancho and Marc Guiu for Nicolas Jackson seven minutes into the second half and the hosts looked brighter for the change. Portugal winger Neto snatched the 64th-minute equaliser after latching onto a ricocheted shot from teammate Fernández. After a lengthy VAR check for offside, the goal was given. Palmer created the winner 10 minutes later, with his cross deflected by Wan-Bissaka into his own net to the despair of West Ham boss Potter on his return to Stamford Bridge. It was only the second win for Chelsea in their last eight league games. Standard News Zimbabwe sports tit bits: *Villa sign Asensio and Disasi on loan* *Spending up on last year as Man City go big in transfer window* *'A brutal reality for Man Utd' - McNulty's deadline day verdict* *Full list of transfer deadline day deals* *Rashford unlikely to play for Man Utd again* *Newcastle United are lining up a move for Bournemouth's Netherlands forward Justin Kluivert, 25, in case they lose Sweden striker Alexander Isak, 25, in the summer* *Newcastle and Tottenham could revive their interest in Crystal Palace's England defender Marc Guehi, 24, in the summer when he enters the final year of his deal, after Spurs had an offer rejected late in the January window* *Napoli coach Antonio Conte is disappointed that the club were not able to sign Manchester United's Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho, 20, or Germany forward Karim Adeyemi, 23, from Borussia Dortmund in January after selling Georgia winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, 23, to Paris St-Germain* *Manchester United and Bayern Munich both wanted France forward Christopher Nkunku in January but ended their interest because of Chelsea's valuation of the 27-year-old* *Athletic Bilbao's 22-year-old Spain winger Nico Williams remains Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta's priority signing* This is a Zimbabwe news Hub production.