*FOR DAILY NEWS UPDATES* *_Join our Group:_* Follow the Chaminukanews24.com channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAiZu0HQbS0w1lUez3v — — — — — — — — — — — *_MORNING NEWS | 13 FEBRUARY 2025_* *1.* Kasukuwere claims Mnangagwa ‘at an end’ after war veterans turn on him *2.* CIO advises Mnangagwa to resign: Cde Never Maswerasei *3.* Zimbabwe electricity woes blamed on outdated laws *4.* Zanu PF secretary Mahiya threatens to silence war veterans opposing Mnangagwa’s extended stay in office *5.* “ZiG only by 2030?” – Mthuli Ncube reveals conditions for phasing out US$ in Zimbabwe *6.* *‘We have increased card limit to US$1 million’ – RBZ governor encourages Zimbabweans to bank their cash *7.* BCC on high alert after toddler swept by floods *8.* Tendai Biti tears into government’s land title deeds *9.* Increase in suicide cases rock Beitbridge *10.* Zesa owes US$350 million for Kariba South renovations *11.* Twine Phiri, Phillemon Machana withdraw appeal against Magwizi election as ZIFA boss *12.* UK to deny citizenship to refugees arriving on small boats *13.* Ex-Arda boss in court for defrauding outspoken Geza *14.* Zinara bumps up Bulawayo road rehab funds to ZiG61 million *15.* ZCC bishop flogs 2 congregants, 1 dies during ‘healing’ session *_FULL ARTICLES BELOW_* 1. *KASUKUWERE CLAIMS MNANGAGWA ‘AT AN END’ AFTER WAR VETERANS TURN ON HIM* Emmerson Mnangagwa’s days as president are numbered, former Zanu PF political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere has claimed. The ex-local government minister who self-exiled in South Africa after the collapse of Robert Mugabe’s government in a 2017 military coup says the Zanu PF leader has lost a key constituency from which he cannot recover – the war veterans. “Once those war veterans say your job is done, that’s the end. He’s hanging around, but the truth of the matter is he’s gone. The most critical branch in Zanu PF is that thing called the war veterans,” Kasukuwere said in an interview with HStv released on Tuesday. Kasukuwere spoke as a group of outspoken war veterans revealed plans for a nationwide shutdown to force Mnangagwa to step down. The group is led by Blessed Geza, who denies that they are a stalking horse for Mnangagwa’s ambitious deputy, retired army general Constantino Chiwenga. Police said Wednesday that Geza was wanted on three charges – incitement to commit public violence, undermining the authority of the president and allegedly selling three vehicles without the owner’s consent. “We have called upon Mnangagwa to step down and immediately, but he ignored. The people are going to force him to step down in line with the provisions of the constitution. Mnangagwa must just go,” Geza said on Tuesday as he ratcheted up his rhetoric which has garnered him national attention. Geza, until recently a member of Zanu PF’s central committee before his suspension, said their plan was to mobilise all Zimbabweans to reject Mnangagwa. Zimbabweans are wary of jumping into Zanu PF factional fights after they backed the military coup against Mugabe, only for the party to regroup and continue its ruinous rule to the exclusion of the opposition. Geza says that mistake will not be repeated, without disclosing further details. He said: “We have put mechanisms to make sure the revolution will not be hijacked again. All stakeholders from various parties and civic groups will be consulted on every step we take. “We want to liberate all, so this should never be viewed as a Zanu PF internal fight. It should never be converted into such.” Geza did not say when the shutdown would take place, only saying “soon.” “We’re going to call for action soon. Stock up in preparation for a national shutdown as we march to a free Zimbabwe. Fellow Zimbabweans get ready for action, be ready for action once you receive the signal,” he said. A strong push by Mnangagwa’s supporters to extend his term beyond 2028, when his second and final term is due to end, has ignited a firestorm across the country including inside his Zanu PF party. Such an extension, which lawyers say is almost improbable as it would require at least two public referendums, would almost definitely end Chiwenga’s dream of becoming president. His supporters are now pushing. *_-ZimLive_* 2. *CIO ADVISES MNANGAGWA TO RESIGN: CDE NEVER MASWERASEI* Former military intelligence officer Never Maswerasei says the country’s security apparatus has advised President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa to step down to avoid humiliation. Through one of his X handles, International Cables Network, Maswerasei who is a former military intelligence officer says Zimbabwe Exclusive 🇿🇼 | Category 1 security detail at hand is that the deep state and security apparatus have now formally advised Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign peacefully and avoid the public humiliation that would come with any attempted resistance, a development that shook him to the core. Mnangagwa has since communicated the message to his family and his closest allies who have been the loudest in pushing for constitutional amendment to enable him to be in power up to 2033. His sons are understood to be now preparing to leave Zimbabwe before his exit. The latest developments triggered by pressers by the respected Geza-led contingent of senior war veterans have rattled the entire dynasty cabal whose prepaid lapdogs and functionaries have started going quiet. With reality kicking-in – and fast – many Zanu PF senior members are reported to be now stampeding for accommodation in the Chiwenga faction. Led by Geza, war veterans and deep state power brokers are now waiting for feedback on when Mnangagwa will be tendering his resignation. Failure to comply with the directive will lead to an altimatum being given, which will then be followed by the opening of mass protests floodgates on the streets. *_-ZwNews_* 3. *ZIMBABWE ELECTRICITY WOES BLAMED ON OUTDATED LAWS* Zimbabwe’s Electricity Act, which establishes the Zimbabwe Electricity Regulatory Commission, is archaic and has significant gaps on addressing the country’s power outages. The Act fails to address the urgent need for infrastructure modernisation and expansion and overlooks the crucial issue of tariff setting for the financial viability of power projects among other gaps. This is contained in a report tabled in Parliament by the Portfolio Committee on Energy and Power Development. “In addition, the Act lacks detailed provisions to promote the adoption of renewable sources such as solar and wind and it also does not address the issue of tariff setting that affects the financial viability of power generation projects,” the report, produced after a visit to some of the power stations, read. “The committee also noted the Act enforcement measures for harsher penalties that were imposed for vandalism and theft.” Zimbabweans are enduring rolling electricity outages lasting many hours per day due to depressed generation capacity. As of yesterday, the country was generating 1 251 megawatts (MW) split as 1 000MW at Hwange, 185MW at Kariba, while independent power producers were contributing 66,94MW. Kariba has installed capacity of 1 050MW. The parliamentary committee said Zimbabwe was not producing enough electricity and has no bankable strategies in place to boost generation. “Zesa management cited that as a result of the climatic shift that has negatively impacted the water levels at the largest man-made lake, dam levels have been dramatically reduced, affecting the quantity of electricity produced by hydropower facilities,” the report read. “Zimbabwe Power Company pointed out that the outdated infrastructure at the Kariba and Hwange power plants, which were built approximately three and six decades ago, respectively, were posing operational issues.” The theft of power cables, transformers and other equipment, as well as the vandalism of infrastructure like power lines and substations further added to the country’s electricity challenges. “They said these illicit activities cause service delays, financial losses and increased maintenance expenses for ZETDC [Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company]. “Furthermore, ZETDC stated that it is working on how to replace copper wires that are attracting criminals and that there are rumours that the theft and vandalism are an inside job, but there is no proof to support this,” the report said. Zimbabwe’s bad debtor record has also stalled financing of power projects, the parliamentarians said. They also raised concern about the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority’s independence in determining tariff structures in line with Zesa Holdings objectives. “Additionally, the shortage of foreign currency to service power project obligations and the ongoing brain drain in the energy sector pose significant challenges.” *_-Newsday_* 4. *ZANU PF SECRETARY MAHIYA THREATENS TO SILENCE WAR VETERANS OPPOSING MNANGAGWA’S EXTENDED STAY IN OFFICE* Zanu PF Secretary for War Veterans, Douglas Mahiya, has issued threats to war veterans opposing President Emmerson 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 vocally opposed Mnangagwa’s rule, citing nepotism, corruption and economic mismanagement. Geza’s group has called for the president’s resignation, further escalating tensions within the war veterans. This reflects broader concerns over Mnangagwa’s leadership in Zanu PF while Mahiya and his faction remain committed to extending Mnangagwa’s rule. Mahiya, who was addressing war veterans at the launch of the Presidential War Veterans Fund and the Village Business Unit (VBU) empowerment programme for war veterans from Bulawayo, Matabeleland North, and Matabeleland South at Stanley Square in Makokoba, Bulawayo, on Saturday, also declared that had President Mnangagwa not been a principled leader, the ruling party could have declared a state of emergency, suspended elections, and ensured his indefinite rule under the pretext of the country being in a “war situation” due to sanctions. In his speech, Mahiya argued that the existence of Western sanctions amounted to a state of war, which, under different leadership, could have warranted the suspension of democratic processes. “We were sanctioned by the West. That’s a sign that we are in a war. When a country has sanctions, when people are in a war, they can stop going for elections because they are in a war and declare a state of emergency. Mnangagwa is a proper, listening, educated leader, but if the country was under someone else, we could have declared that ‘we are in a state of emergency and there are no elections.’ Then we would remove Mnangagwa from power only if he died,” Mahiya said. He further claimed that even former United States President Donald Trump was already being positioned for another term yet his presidency just started, suggesting the same logic should apply to Mnangagwa. “The leadership we want is not one of a person who is highly educated or who has a character that we don’t know. We want a leader who has a character and hunhu that we know, and that has been shown by Mnangagwa in the period that he has been running the country. He can extend his term so that the population can benefit,” Mahiya said. Mahiya also warned those who oppose Mnangagwa’s continued rule, stating that they would deal with them accordingly. “So if you refuse, we have the right, although forbidden by the law, to act otherwise to stop you indefinitely from saying such things,” he threatened. The Zanu PF official insisted that any war veteran who opposed Mnangagwa’s extended rule had lost their standing in the party and the liberation movement. “Therefore war veterans must stop thinking that because they went to Zambia, it gives them the power to refuse as few individuals what the majority want. It doesn’t give you power, if you do not follow what people want, your going to Zambia and being a war veteran will be useless. You won’t have standing because you are ganging against the people,” he said. “I don’t expect, as the secretary of war veterans, to hear any other war veteran say the opposite because the party’s constitution says our duty as the league is to protect the interests of the party and its leadership, which is the resolution that was made here in Bulawayo. That is the interest of the party, and we also protect the leadership.” Mahiya invoked Resolution Number One made during the Zanu PF National People’s Conference in Bulawayo last year, which endorsed Mnangagwa’s rule until at least 2030. “If I alone don’t want, when the majority of people have spoken that they want him to do that, who am I? Therefore, Resolution Number One said Mnangagwa must extend to 2030,” Mahiya said. “The president will not say what I am saying but if we take the principle of the revolution that the minority is subordinate to the majority, it means the president has to accept as well what has been said by the people. He cannot refuse it because people have said it.” The Zanu PF official condemned war veterans who opposed the resolution, saying they would not succeed, likening this period as the time war veterans worked together to oust the late former President Robert Mugabe. “You gather as 30 people, say different words, go to social media, refusing, what revolutionary principle is that when the majority of people have said what they want?” Mahiya questioned. Mahiya also claimed emerging factions among war veterans were used to destabilise Zanu PF ahead of the next elections, potentially leading to a loss for the ruling party. “There are different war veteran associations coming up so that during the next elections, Zanu PF loses since there will be disorder among the war veterans. In order to form a government of national unity, they are coming to you war veterans to divide you so that you disagree with your party and government,” he said. Mahiya’s remarks, however, have sparked concern, with critics arguing his sentiments reveal the extent to which some Zanu PF leaders are willing to subvert democracy to maintain their grip on power. Political analyst, Dr Vusumuzi Sibanda, said given the urgency of the “pro Mnangagwa 2030 team”, regardless of constitutional provisions and logic, the country was headed for a tough time. “With anti-Mnangagwa rhetoric also coming on strong, it remains to be seen whether these calls for Mnangagwa’s extended presidency will gain traction or further deepen internal divisions within the ruling party. But it is more concerning that Zanu PF is determined to violate the law to keep Mnangawga in power. It is also a time for Zimbabweans to see what is happening and act against it,” Sibanda said in an interview. *_-CITE_* 5. *“ZIG ONLY BY 2030?” – MTHULI NCUBE REVEALS CONDITIONS FOR PHASING OUT US$ IN ZIMBABWE* Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has outlined the conditions Zimbabwe has to meet to successfully phase out the US dollar and use the local currency only. He said Zimbabwe needs to reduce its debt and build its foreign currency reserves before it can resort to a monocurrency. Currently, the country is using a multi-currency system, which includes the local Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG). Mthuli said Zimbabwe needs to ensure it has enough foreign currency reserves to be able to cover six months of imports. He said this is to ensure that the ZiG doesn’t lose value. “First of all, we’ll need to be sure that we have adequate foreign reserves to be able to defend the domestic currency, the ZiG, whenever it comes under any speculative attack. There’s certain rules and benchmarks around the world such as six months import cover, for example, so we’re then able to cover six months of imports without further inflows. Really it’s about being able to defend the currency when it’s under speculative attack,” Mthuli explained. He explained that Zimbabwe needs to clear its US$21 billion external debt so that the country can access a balance of support “We need to make progress on the extent of our external arrears which obviously also pose risk to the value of any currency. If you’ve got debt arrearrs or high indebtedness externally that can that pose risk to your currency, risk to your preserved position. So again we want to make sure that our arrears clearance programme gains traction we made progress towards clearing those arrears because what that will do it will then allow us to access what we call balance of payments support,” Mthuli explained. His response comes after the RBZ reaffirmed its commitment to phase out the US dollar and make Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) the only currency by 2030. *_-iHarare_* 6. *‘WE HAVE INCREASED CARD LIMIT TO US$1 MILLION’ – RBZ GOVERNOR ENCOURAGES ZIMBABWEANS TO BANK THEIR CASH* The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has announced a major increase in the limit on bank cards to US$1 million, urging Zimbabweans to take advantage of the banking system instead of keeping large sums of cash. Announcing the 2025 Monetary Policy Statement, RBZ Governor Dr John Mushayavanhu emphasised that the increased limit would provide a safer and more convenient way for businesses and individuals to manage their money. Dr Mushayavanhu highlighted the risks of keeping large amounts of cash and urged people to embrace digital and banking solutions. According to ZBC News, the RBZ governor, “The issue here is that robbers were waylaying buses, especially cross-border traders, and robbing them of their cash. So there is no need to keep cash, given that one can just upload their money into a card, which we have increased to US$1 million.” He stressed that the higher limit allows businesses and individuals to transact seamlessly without worrying about security risks. The governor assured Zimbabweans that banking money instead of hoarding it would reduce financial risks and contribute to economic stability. “We have also adjusted interest on savings accounts, which we think makes huge sense for one to bank their savings.” He called on businesses, particularly manufacturers supplying goods to the informal market, to make use of the banking system instead of storing money in cash boxes. “There are manufacturers who are supplying goods to the informal market but are not banking their proceeds. They are keeping these monies in their cash boxes, which is not in line with the Anti-Money Laundering Act. The FIU will not just watch and will dismantle this practice.” As part of efforts to boost confidence in the banking sector, the RBZ has implemented measures to encourage deposits and digital transactions. The US$1 million card limit is one of several initiatives aimed at making financial transactions more secure and efficient. Dr Mushayavanhu reiterated that Zimbabweans should utilise formal banking channels to ensure their funds are secure and to contribute to the overall growth of the economy. “This move is designed to enhance financial inclusion, promote savings, and create a more stable financial system.” The RBZ continues to urge individuals and businesses to take advantage of these policies to ensure safer and more efficient financial management. *_-iHarare_* 7. *BCC ON HIGH ALERT AFTER TODDLER SWEPT BY FLOODS* Heavy rains pounding various parts of the country have prompted the Bulawayo Fire Brigade to deploy emergency teams in several suburbs where streams and rivers pose significant risks to schoolchildren and residents. The city has received substantial rainfall over the past few days, overwhelming emergency services as distress calls flood in from residents stranded by rising water levels in rivers and streams. On Tuesday, flash floods in the city’s western suburbs claimed the life of a three-year-old boy, Sibusiso Methembe Moyo, who was swept away near a storm drain. The toddler was in the company of his older brother when the tragedy occurred. His body was discovered yesterday along the banks of a small stream. Uncontrolled dumping of waste and streambank cultivation have been identified as major contributors to the flooding that hit parts of the city’s western suburbs following torrential rains lasting over eight hours. Bulawayo’s chief fire officer, Mr Mhlangano Moyo, said the Fire Brigade had been inundated with calls from concerned residents, particularly those worried about schoolchildren at risk of drowning in flooded waterways. In response, emergency teams were deployed to key flood-prone areas. “The city recorded significant rainfall on Tuesday, and we made a proactive decision to deploy teams to problematic streams and rivers that have, in the past, claimed lives when flooded,” he said. Mr Moyo said one such team was stationed in Pumula South, in the Makoni area, where a stream separates a school from nearby homes. Many schoolchildren are forced to cross the stream daily, exposing them to danger when water levels rise. A Chronicle news crew yesterday observed schoolchildren crossing a low-lying bridge along a stream in Pumula South. In one instance, an older boy carried a younger schoolmate on his back while rainwater surged around them. “Residents underestimate that stream but it is dangerous when flooded and the Fire Brigade is appealing to parents and guardians to pick up their children from school during the rainy season,” said Mr Moyo. Another team was deployed at a low-lying bridge along Phekiwe River on Tuesday afternoon after heavy downpours left the area submerged. Many primary schoolchildren from Rangemore suburb cross this bridge daily to attend school in nearby Nkulumane. It is one of the most flood-prone areas where we deployed emergency personnel. Our firefighters assisted schoolchildren in crossing safely after heavy rains pounded the area,” said Mr Moyo. He advised residents to seek shelter at designated safe points, including Nkulumane 12 Clinic, Mgombane Primary School, Nkulumane Police Station, and Mandwandwe High School, whenever the Phekiwe River Bridge is flooded. “It’s important for the Fire Brigade to stay pro-active and deploy teams to problematic streams and rivers which pose a risk to residents, especially school kids,” said Mr Moyo. The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) said it recorded 54,5 millimetres of rain at its Luveve station, 30mm at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport and 28 millimetres at Khumalo and Suburbs stations. Elsewhere, Maholi in Masvingo Province recorded the highest rainfall at 80mm, followed by Zvishavane (64mm) and Wedza in Mashonaland East (63mm). Plumtree and Matopo recorded 39mm and 37mm, respectively. Mr Moyo expressed concern over littering and poor waste management, which exacerbate flooding. “The city council has consistently cleared storm drains and maintained a regular refuse collection programme. However, some residents continue to dump waste illegally, which clogs drainage systems and worsens flooding,” he said. “The rains were incessant for the better part of the day on Tuesday and the amount was certainly not the same throughout the city as some areas received less while others like the western areas had higher amounts.” In Entumbane, some residents faced home flooding, worsened by their refusal to open weeping holes in perimeter walls, in defiance of council by-laws. “The storm drains are functional, but the sheer volume of rainwater overwhelmed them. In the tragic case of the drowned child, the water’s force swept him through a storm drain opening towards a larger stream,” said Mr Moyo. In Matabeleland North and South provinces, no rain-induced damage to property or loss of life has been reported since the resumption of heavy rains over the weekend. However, the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) remains on high alert. Acting Director for Local Government in Matabeleland North, Mr Tapiwa Zivoivoi, confirmed that as of yesterday, no distress calls had been received from District Development Coordinators (DDCs) across the province’s seven districts. “Since the rains resumed on Sunday, I have yet to get any distress reports from our DDCs throughout the seven districts in the province. However, all our disaster teams from district levels are on high alert,” he said. Matabeleland North has historically suffered severe flooding, particularly in Tsholotsho District. Notable flood events occurred in 1978, 2001, 2013, and 2017, leading to mass evacuations and resettlements at Sipepa Rural Health Centre and Tshino area. Similarly, the acting Director for Local Government in Matabeleland South, Mr Zacharia Jusa, confirmed that no reports of infrastructure damage or casualties had been received since the rains began. “As of now, we have no recorded cases of damage or loss of life. However, we are continuously monitoring the situation and updating our records,” he said. Flash floods are caused by a combination of factors, including heavy rainfall, saturated soil, and impermeable surfaces. Specific contributors include heavy rainfall which can overwhelm the ground’s absorption capacity, causing rapid runoff, and saturated soil and when soil is already soaked, additional rainwater flows over the surface, leading to floods. Due to urbanisation, paved surfaces and buildings reduce water absorption, increasing runoff while in terms of topography, steep slopes and low-lying areas are more prone to flash flooding. Dam or levee failures, which is the sudden release of large water volumes from breached dams can trigger flash floods. Burn Scars which are areas recently affected by wildfires absorb less water, increasing flood risks. Meanwhile, Sibusiso Methembe Moyo’s family is appealing for assistance from well-wishers to raise money towards the boy’s funeral costs. “We would appreciate any form of assistance from food for the mourners and funds to bury my nephew. My sister is struggling financially and cannot afford to give her son a decent burial,” said Ms Sibangani Sibanda, the deceased’s aunt Mourners are gathered at house number 70206 New Lobengula. The family can be reach on 0775172440 or 0773327976. *_-Chronicle_* 8. *TENDAI BITI TEARS INTO GOVERNMENT’S LAND TITLE DEEDS* Former Finance minister and legal expert Tendai Biti has trashed government’s plan to issue title deeds to farm owners calling it a reversal of the land reform programme. The government is ploughing ahead with plans to issue title deeds, arguing that the move is aimed at promoting economic growth, food security and social stability. In a statement this week, Agriculture, Lands, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development ministry permanent secretary Obert Jiri said the title deed programme was a significant step towards securing land ownership for farmers. But Biti, the former Citizens Coalition for Change vice-president, said the title deeds were null and void as they were cancelled when the government gazetted and acquired the land. “All title deeds on agricultural land were cancelled. So (President Emmerson) Mnangagwa cannot give away as he was purported to do on December 3 title deeds on former white man’s land, on agricultural land, because those title deeds do not exist at all. This man always makes legal blunders, consistently,” he said during an online programme at the weekend. “So, Mr Mnangagwa is reversing the land reform programme. What will happen is that in 10 years’ time, cartels will be owning this land. In 50 years’ time, we are back to square zero. “We now have another land fight, this time against the cartels, black cartels. The same cartels you see in fuel, in service stations, will now be owning the land.” In a statement published in the State media, Jiri said the new title would give landowners the option to secure financing for their agricultural activities. “The title will potentially allow capital markets to improve their participation in agricultural value chains. Third, the title will allow for official farm subdivisions to cater for family inheritance. “Fourth, the title will create a new land market, creating opportunities for land transfers to qualifying Zimbabweans. “Fifth, the title provides an exit strategy for farmers who opt out of farming and will recover their investment. These options are not fully addressed by the current lease and permit regime,” he said. Jiri said with title deeds, farmers would have improved security of tenure, allowing them to make long-term investments in their land without fear of losing it. He said a citizen of Zimbabwe who holds an offer letter, permit or lease for agricultural purposes was eligible for title deeds. “A very thorough screening process has been operationalised to weed out non-genuine permits and leases,” Jiri said. He said the government had made arrangements with financial institutions to offer mortgage for the purchase of agricultural land. “Once agreed, land owners will receive title deeds, which will be issued against full payment or mortgage with the selected banks. The banks shall be making separate announcements,” Jiri said. However, citing section 295 subsection 5 of the Constitution, which states that land cannot be alienated without an Act of Parliament, Biti said the title deeds were illegal. “In other words, Parliament needs to be consulted, Parliament must agree and Parliament must come up with this. Secondly, I notice he has appointed someone to run this programme, a private individual,” he said. “He also says that this land should only be transferred to indigenous black Zimbabweans. But the Constitution in section 298 says every Zimbabwean regardless of race has the right to own land. “That is not allowed by the Constitution. The Constitution has created a land commission and the Constitution says anything to do with agricultural land, the land commission must be there. So it’s a potpourri of legal errors.” *_-Newsday_* 9. *INCREASE IN SUICIDE CASES ROCK BEITBRIDGE* Beitbridge residents have expressed concern over a spate of suicide cases that have claimed the lives of three females, including a 14-year-old believed to have been chastised by a relative over illicit romance. The border town has recorded at least three cases in as many weeks, all passion-related, while about six sudden deaths were reported in the same period. Officer Commanding Beitbridge Police District Chief Superintendent Mesuli Ncube confirmed two of the deaths and said he had no information on the others. “A young girl (14) committed suicide after being reprimanded by a parent for arriving home late,” he said. “Another woman is also known to have taken her life in yet unknown circumstances.” It is understood the 14-year-old was seeing a married man whose wife visited her parents to register her displeasure. The now-deceased arrived home late where she was met by an unfriendly atmosphere and a verbal attack, resulting in her ingesting rat poison. The other woman, a known shoe vendor, committed suicide after discovering that her husband was dating a woman older than her. A third woman, who lived in the Mazondo Area in Dulivhadzimu high-density suburb, reportedly committed suicide in unexplained circumstances. Elsewhere, a young man identified as Mashudu from Chicago village drowned in a failed attempt to swim in an area away where he had visited. Also, a child from Makakavhule is reported to have drowned in the swollen Mzingwane River after slipping off the back of a relative attempting to cross the flooded river. On Tuesday, people gathered in Dulivhadzimu for the funeral of a toddler burnt to death in a house she lived with her mother. In an unrelated incident, a four-day-old baby was found near St Mary’s Secondary School. The child is safe at Beitbridge District Hospital and her mother, who has since been identified, is helping police with investigations. Meanwhile, Beitbridge ward 3 councillor Takavingei Mahachi has appealed to residents to seek solutions to their problems instead of resorting to suicide. “We must have people who sell drugs and these poisons registered and controlled because children and suicidal people are accessing them easily,” he said. *_-Southern Eye_* 10. *ZESA OWES US$350 MILLION FOR KARIBA SOUTH RENOVATIONS* Power utility, Zesa Holdings (Zesa) owes US$350 million for renovations at the Kariba South Power Station as its foreign currency obligations continue to weigh down its operations. Kariba South currently has a capacity of 1 050 megawatts (MW), but is only producing 250MW because of depleted water levels at the lake due to climate change. Zesa owes US$2 billion, which it has been failing to service owing to a subsidised tariff regime that had been prevailing over the years. As previously reported, the average price per kilowatt hour for electricity in the region is US$0,1254, but locally, Zesa was charging US$0,10, leaving it operating from a loss-making position. But an increase in November 2023 saw Zesa charge US$0,12 per kilowatt-hour, though still below the regional average. In an update on the current state of electricity supply in Zimbabwe, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Energy and Power Development revealed that the Kariba and Hwange power plants infrastructure was built three to six decades ago. “According to Zesa Holdings, they possess huge loan burden in renovating some of the units at Kariba, South which amounts to $350 million,” the committee said. “Zesa created a huge debt burden on the utility, including foreign currency commitments for loan repayments and spare parts purchase. “Management added that repayments need to be done in foreign currency, and they have resorted to exporting power in order to generate foreign currency.” The committee called on Treasury to support Zesa in servicing its debt. “Treasury should timely disburse funds to service loans for power projects to ease Zimbabwe’s history of debt servicing challenges and improve the country’s creditworthiness and facilitate access to affordable energy financing,” the committee said. These foreign currency obligations are causing the power utility to be left unable to service even the Hwange Thermal Power Plant, which has the capacity to generate 1 520MW, is only managing 760MW. “Inasmuch as the transmission and distribution lines are functioning well, Zesa management highlighted that Zimbabwe is still facing serious power outages because the distribution supply of electricity is not meeting the nations demand,” the committee said. “The committee noted that the major challenge is of all power plants not producing their optimum capacity. In addition, ZPC (Zimbabwe Power Company) pointed out that Kariba South is producing 250MW only, Hwange power station is producing 750MW and IPPs are adding 69MW making a total of 1079MW which cannot sustain the whole nation yet the nation’s demand is from 1 500MW to 2 350MW.” The committee revealed that Zimbabwe Power Company, a Zesa subsidiary, has resorted to importing power from the neighbouring countries like Namibia in order to reduce load-shedding. “The committee cited that considering the state we are in as a country, if there are no strategies that are going to be implemented sooner to boost generation, the nation will be suffering for a long haul,” the committee said. *_-Newsday_* 11. *TWINE PHIRI, PHILLEMON MACHANA WITHDRAW APPEAL AGAINST MAGWIZI ELECTION AS ZIFA BOSS* Former Premier Soccer League boss Twine Phiri and ex-ZIFA financial director Phillemon Machana have withdrawn their appeals at the Court of Arbitration for Sports where they were challenging Nqobile Magwizi’s election as ZIFA president, clearing the last legal hurdle to his January 25 election. The two men filed the appeal claiming interference in the election after businessman Wicknell Chivayo offered $1 million in sponsorship to the association and personal vehicles to electors if they elected Magwizi. In a statement on Wednesday, Phiri and Machana said they were withdrawing their appeal “in order to allow football space to heal, stabilise and grow in an environment where the new executive committee led by the current president will begin on a clean and uncontested slate.” Several high profile candidates including Temba Mliswa and Walter Magaya were barred by ZIFA after failing to meet conditions for running in the election, including a requirement to have obtained five O’ Level passes. Phiri and Machana said Chivayo was no stranger to football sponsorship and they now withdrew their suggestion he interfered in the election. They added: “Our engagements over the past few days, both solicited and unsolicited with several key stakeholders, have influenced this latest decision. “We are grateful that in this season, ZIFA has attracted massive support and contributions from diverse sections of the population to whom we are indebted. Individuals like Mr. Chivayo and corporates alike have historically stood with the nation and the footballing world, sacrificing personal resources even in dire times. Such support is always encouraged and welcome and must not stop. “We therefore announce as we hereby do, that we are withdrawing the CAS appeal. Likewise we urge all stakeholders to accept and appreciate our decision and in equal measure, to rally behind and support the new executive committee. “It is our belief and understanding that going forward, football will never experience the kind of challenges that were witnessed in the most recent Zifa elections. “Resultantly, we have instructed our lawyers to do the needful and withdraw the CAS appeal.” The withdrawal of the appeal clears the path for FIFA to carry out induction processes for the new ZIFA boss. *_-ZimLive_* 12. *UK TO DENY CITIZENSHIP TO REFUGEES ARRIVING ON SMALL BOATS* The government has toughened up rules making it almost impossible for a refugee who arrives in the UK on a small boat to become a British citizen. New guidance states that anyone who enters the UK illegally having made a dangerous journey, which could be via boat, but also by means such as hiding in a vehicle, will normally be refused citizenship, regardless of the time that has passed. In a statement, the Home Office said the strengthened measures made it clear that anyone who entered the UK illegally would face having a British citizenship application refused. But, the change has been condemned by the Refugee Council and some Labour MPs – including Stella Creasy who said the change “meant refugees would forever remain second class citizens”. Changes, first disclosed by the Free Movement blog, were introduced to guidance for visa and immigration staff on Monday. The changes mean that anyone deemed to have entered the country illegally – including those already here – will not be able to apply for citizenship. Described as a “clarification” to case worker guidance when assessing if a claimant is of “good character’, it says: “Any person applying for citizenship from 10 February 2025, who previously entered the UK illegally will normally be refused, regardless of the time that has passed since the illegal entry took place.” Another new entry to the same guidance says: “A person who applies for citizenship from 10 February 2025 who has previously arrived without a required valid entry clearance or electronic travel authorisation, having made a dangerous journey will normally be refused citizenship. “A dangerous journey includes, but is not limited to, travelling by small boat or concealed in a vehicle or other conveyance.” Previously, refugees who had arrived by irregular routes would need to wait 10 years before being considered. Under UK law, it is now an offence to enter the country without permission, while international law states that refugees should not be penalised for illegal entry. It comes after Labour’s new border security bill, which scraps the Conservatives’ Rwanda plan and boosts police powers against people smugglers, cleared its first vote in the House of Commons on Monday. The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill sets out Labour’s plan to treat people smugglers like terrorists, and creates a new crime of endangering another person during an illegal crossing in the Channel. The Home Office also published footage of enforcement teams raiding 828 premises, including nail bars, car washes, and restaurants, as part of a UK-wide crackdown on illegal working earlier this week. The Refugee Council estimates the guidance will prevent at least 71,000 refugees from obtaining British citizenship. Enver Solomon, CEO of the charity, said the government’s move “flies in the face of reason”. “The British public want refugees who have been given safety in our country to integrate into and contribute to their new communities, so it makes no sense for the government to erect more barriers. “We know that men women and children who are refugees want to feel part of the country that has given them a home, and support to rebuild their lives. “We urge ministers to urgently reconsider.” Meanwhile, immigration barrister Colin Yeo claimed on social media that it is a “clear breach of the refugee convention”. Although the Conservatives have yet to respond to the government’s decision, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch told the BBC last week that she believes the right to citizenship and permanent residency “should only go to those who have demonstrated a real commitment to the UK”. Badenoch spoke about her proposals to toughen up citizenship rules by making it more difficult for new immigrants to be able to permanently settle in the UK. Citizenship applications will continue to be considered on a case-by-case basis, it is understood. A Home Office spokesperson said: “There are already rules that can prevent those arriving illegally from gaining citizenship. “This guidance further strengthens measures to make it clear that anyone who enters the UK illegally, including small boat arrivals, faces having a British citizenship application refused.” *_-ZimLive_* 13. *EX-ARDA BOSS IN COURT FOR DEFRAUDING OUTSPOKEN GEZA* A case in which former Agricultural and Rural Development Authority board chairperson, Basil Nyabadza is being accused of allegedly defrauding outspoken Zanu PF central committee member and firebrand war veteran, Blessed Runesu “Bombshell” Geza, of US$1 362 000 starts tomorrow. According to prosecutor Anesu Chirenje, on October 29, 2020, Geza bought a piece of land from Nyabadza measuring 42,3504 hectares for US$1 362 000. Chirenje said Geza was granted sole authority to subdivide, develop and sell the piece of land. When the agreement of sale was done, Nyabadza allegedly misrepresented to Geza that the piece of land had title deeds and promised to avail the document in a month, but failed to do so. Chirenje told the court that while Geza was in the process of obtaining subdivision permits for the land from the Department of Physical Planning in Mashonaland West province, he discovered that Nyabadza had sold the same land to Velda Estates. The court heard that Geza engaged Nyabadza hoping for an amicable solution only to discover that the agreement of sale had been cancelled without his knowledge. The matter was reported to the police. Geza was prejudiced of US$1 362 000 and nothing was recovered. Nyabadza, who is being represented by Tazorora Musarurwa, appeared before Harare magistrate Tilda Mazhande, and trial commencement was deferred to tomorrow. Geza grabbed the headlines recently after he called on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down accusing him of a cocktail of wrongdoings, among them running down the economy. Mnangagwa’s loyalists want his term of office extended to 2030 in line with a Zanu PF resolution adopted at the party’s annual conference in Bulawayo last year. But Geza insists that the 2030 agenda should be resisted. *_-Newsday_* 14. *ZINARA BUMPS UP BULAWAYO ROAD REHAB FUNDS TO ZIG61 MILLION* Bulawayo City Council’s 2025 Emergency Roads Rehabilitation Programme 2 (ERRP2) has been allocated more funding, after getting ZiG61 986 822 from the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) compared to the ZiG18 568 731 allocated last year. According to the latest council report on the road rehabilitation programmes for both 2024 and 2025, the department of works reported last month that Bulawayo was facing challenges with procurement of materials and hiring of plant and equipment. This was attributed to delays from the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Praz), special procurement oversight committee and lack of participation by key contractors and suppliers. Council said most companies that participated had a tendency of inflating prices, resulting in costs exceeding the amounts budgeted for the projects. “The ERRP2 allocation for the year 2024 was ZiG18 568 731 for procurement of the asphalt batching plant (including supporting equipment) and for routine maintenance works. To date, Zinara has disbursed ZiG11 916 058,85,” the report read. “The disbursed funds had been earmarked for the hire of asphalt batching plant, procurement of pothole patching materials, premix for localised overlay and pavement reconstruction works, road marking and traffic signs using both in-house teams and contractors.” Council also indicated that the challenges it faced were that some contractors and suppliers were demanding payment in US dollars, hence the delay in utilising the disbursed funds. Other challenges were a result of delayed procurement processes due to low uptake by contractors, which delayed the utilisation process and sole suppliers advising that they were not registered with Praz and this necessitated retendering. “Zinara allocation for 2025 was ZiG61 986 822 for both routine and periodic maintenance work. The department intended to spend 70% (ZiG43 390 775,40) of the allocation on periodic maintenance works (that is Matopos Road overlay works) and the remaining 30% (ZiG18 596 046,60) on routine maintenance citywide (that is, pothole patching, crack sealing and slurry sealing),” the report said. Council also indicated that there was a need to improve visibility of the road line marking of all existing bays and marking of new parking bays. Indications were that the tender for the supply of road line marking paint had been awarded and it was expected that deliveries would start last month. The department said it was expecting to acquire a road line marking machine to capacitate internal teams. “They should go a long way in improving signage and marking maintenance activities. The department had also proceeded with the use of the RFQ [request for quotation] for the hire of a contractor to undertake marking of roads and signage in and around the central business district,” the report said. Councillor Roy Sekete applauded the works department saying at least 29% of the fuel allocated by Zinara had been returned. He said in some high-density suburbs, there were roads that were still good, but required attention before they deteriorated. Councillor Donaldson Mabuto noted that Zinara was engaged at different levels, but raised concern over its remittances which are in ZiG, yet almost all services required the use of US dollars. He suggested the use of pavers on some of the roads that have developed potholes. Town clerk Christopher Dube said Zinara’s conditions were not favourable, adding that it was difficult to do pothole patching due to lack of resources. *_-Newsday_* 15. *ZCC BISHOP FLOGS 2 CONGREGANTS, 1 DIES DURING ‘HEALING’ SESSION* A 36-year-old ZCC Damsko bishop has been convicted for flogging and killing a church congregant after claiming that she and her husband were mentally ill. The woman died due to the injuries she sustained while her husband sustained severe injuries. Crispen Gomori of Limpopo View in Beitbridge was convicted on Tuesday after appearing before Beitbridge resident magistrate, Mr Takudzwa Gwazemba. Gomori said he administered seven strokes on his male victim as a way of ‘healing’ him as he was ‘losing his mind’. In his defence, Gomori had argued that the couple agreed to the flogging since they are members of his church. In aggravation, the State led by Mr Tawanda Chigavazira argued that even if the couple had agreed to being flogged, the assault was severe. However, for the assault charge Gomori was cautioned and discharged after the court felt that he had suffered a misconception of religious laws. The court heard that on March 6, 2023, at around 12 pm, the complainant and his wife went to church. Upon arrival at the shrine, fellow congregants were instructed by Gomori to shackle the complainant and his wife to a tree with chains. Gomori was claiming that the two were mentally ill. The complainant and his wife spent the whole night tied to the tree until 8pm the next day when Gomori started assaulting them with a leather whip until the woman died at 4am. Upon realising that the woman had died, Gomori fled from the shrine. A police report was made, leading to Gomori’s arrest. His male victim was taken to Beitbridge District Hospital for treatment while the woman’s body was taken to the same hospital for a post-mortem. *_-Herald_*