*FOR DAILY NEWS UPDATES* *_Join our Group:_* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAiZu0HQbS0w1lUez3v — — — — — — — — — — — — *_MORNING NEWS | 16 FEBRUARY 2025_* *1.* Zanu PF’s Mahiya threatens to silence war veterans opposing Mnangagwa’s extended stay in office *2.* Zimbabwe heading towards electricity crisis – says Parliament *3.* Zimbabwe braces for HIV resurgence as US Aid evaporates *4.* Zanu PF youths to abide by people’s wishes *5.* Beitbridge-Masvingo road accident death toll rises to 25; Police identify some victims of bus, haulage truck collision *6.* HIV patients spend long hours in queues to get treatment amid nurse shortage following USAID funding cessation *7.* Zanu PF councillor accused of fleecing vendors *8.* Man kills ‘cheating’ wife after busting her with lover *_FULL ARTICLES BELOW_* 1. *ZANU PF’S 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_* 2. *ZIMBABWE HEADING TOWARDS ELECTRICITY CRISIS – SAYS PARLIAMENT* Zimbabwe risks plunging into an energy abyss that could severely undermine its economic prospects if it fails to address its ongoing power challenges, a parliamentary report has revealed. The dossier, recently tabled by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Energy and Power Development, paints a bleak picture of the country’s electricity situation. It revealed the significant challenges faced by the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), which have led to critically low levels of electricity production. Currently, Zimbabwe’s main power sources are operating far below their capacity. While these sources have a combined generation capacity of 2,570 megawatts (MW), they are producing only 1,079 MW, leaving the country with a staggering deficit of 1,560 MW. To bridge this gap, the national utility has been forced to import electricity from neighbouring countries. The portfolio committee warned that the situation could deteriorate further if medium and long-term solutions are not implemented urgently. “However, in as much 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 noted that the major challenge is of all power plants are not producing their optimum capacity. “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,” reads the report. The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) has attributed the shortfall to outdated power infrastructure, the impacts of climate change, and the theft and vandalism of power lines and substations. The low power generation has resulted in widespread load-shedding, with residential areas experiencing power cuts lasting more than 12 hours daily. Speaking in Parliament recently, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Member of Parliament, Ropafadzo Makumire, said there are far-reaching implications of the electricity crisis on key sectors of the economy, particularly healthcare. “In the health sector, you find that there are machines like ventilators which use electricity. It means that in the district hospitals where there are no dedicated lines, there will be no electricity. “So, major surgical operations cannot go ahead in this state. It means that people die because of lack of electricity and people who will be forced to walk for long distances are brought here in Harare. “This then increases the number of people being assisted. If you look at the mortuaries where these bodies are placed, you find that it is not accessible because the bodies will be in a decomposing state. This matter should be looked at with urgency so that we do not continue with this predicament,” said Makumire. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 3. *ZIMBABWE BRACES FOR HIV RESURGENCE AS US AID EVAPORATES* Rumbidzai, a sex worker from the bustling settlement of Epworth in Harare, has been taking antiretroviral drugs since 2017. For over two years, the mother of three has relied on mobile clinics that regularly visit her community to offer vital services such as ARVs, as well as condoms and HIV testing. For years, the familiar sight of mobile health clinics rolling through the densely populated streets of the settlement meant survival for Rumbidzai and thousands like her. These clinics were lifelines, bringing essential HIV medication, testing and protection directly to those who needed it most. Since Jan. 20, the clinics have all vanished — casualties of a sweeping United States foreign aid suspension that has left Zimbabwe’s most vulnerable populations in crisis. “I don’t want to die — my children are still young. Who will take care of them?” says Rumbidzai, requesting only her middle name be used due to concerns about stigma. A recent directive from US President Donald Trump ordering the United States Agency for International Development to cease operations has led to the shutdown of numerous crucial programs in Zimbabwe, directly impacting organisations such as Population Solutions for Health and CeSHHAR, which have long been a lifeline to sex workers. “Our lives are hanging by a thread.” “The sex workers are crying; they are afraid of dying,” says Chipo, an outreach worker who has served these communities since 2015. She asked only to use her middle name for fear of retribution. In Harare alone, she says, mobile clinics are serving nearly 6,000 sex workers — all now left scrambling for basic health care. Zimbabwe has about 1.3 million people living with HIV/AIDS and close to 95% are on ARV treatment, a significant part of which is funded by the US, primarily through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief program, known as PEPFAR. In 2023, the allocated resources for HIV in eastern and southern African countries totalled 9.3 billion US dollars. Domestic funding covered about 40% of that amount, while the rest was provided by external sources, primarily PEPFAR and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Community-based mobile health clinics have proven to be an effective model for delivering health care to vulnerable populations, especially in countries with lower gross national incomes. These clinics are especially valuable for people who may not typically visit public health centers, such as people engaged in transactional sex. Beauty Magora, who began sex work in 2015 and now serves as a community mobilizer, is worried about her upcoming HIV prevention treatment. She typically receives preexposure prophylaxis treatment every two months through mobile clinics, which provided the service free of charge. PReP is an injectable antiretroviral treatment that diminishes the chance of contracting HIV. With the clinics suspended, she’s uncertain about switching to tablet medication. “I don’t know if there will be any effects if I switch to tablets,” she says. Magora’s uncertainty reflects a broader crisis affecting the estimated 45,000 female sex workers in Zimbabwe, more than half of whom are HIV-positive. The impact reaches beyond medication. Condoms, once freely distributed, have become precious commodities. “Local clinics only give us three to four strips per week,” Rumbidzai says. “In our trade, that’s not enough. People will take risks when supplies run out — something we desperately want to avoid.” A shortage of condoms will lead to the creation of a breeding ground for infections and reinfections, affecting not just sex workers but their clients as well, says Muchanyara Cynthia Mukamuri, chairperson of the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe. At the same time, a huge portion of funding for antiretroviral therapy came from the US, she adds. “If that is withdrawn, will Zimbabwe be able to cope with the rise of need for HIV prevention, treatment and all these things?” Mukamuri emphasizes that with all the natural resources Zimbabwe possesses, the country should now strive for self-sufficiency. “We need to revisit our strategies, refocus our efforts, and redirect our resources to ensure that people living with HIV are not left at the mercy of whoever decides to provide — or withhold — resources,” she says. Meanwhile, Rumbidzai is clinging to hope for a change in policy. “If anything, Trump should lighten his heart, because our lives are hanging by a thread,” she says. *_-CITE_* 4. *ZANU PF YOUTHS TO ABIDE BY PEOPLE’S WISHES* Zanu PF youths will abide by resolutions made at the 21st Annual National People’s Conference in Bulawayo, where the party unanimously agreed that President Mnangagwa should stay on beyond 2028. This was said by Secretary for Youth Affairs Cde Tinoda Machakaire while addressing thousands of young people during the Seke inter-district meeting held at Dunota Farm. The meeting was attended by the ZANU PF Mashonaland East provincial executive, led by its chairperson Cde Daniel Garwe, as well as Deputy Secretary for Youth Affairs Cde John Paradza. “My deputy, Cde Paradza, came to me last year with resolutions made by youths. One of the resolutions was for President Mnangagwa to remain in office beyond 2028,” he said. “After receiving the resolution, I did my job as the Secretary for Youth Affairs and made sure the resolutions got to the conference. At the conference, the youths’ resolution was adopted. “So, the resolution to allow President Mnangagwa to remain was also raised by youths and was adopted. This is what the youths want.” Cde Machakaire took the opportunity to call on youths to remain disciplined and loyal to the party. “Love one another, always be disciplined and remain united. This makes the party strong,” he said. “There are some who are always on social media and talking negatively about our leaders. That is wrong and as youths, you should shun that habit. Always respect your leaders.” In his remarks, Zanu PF youth chairperson for Mashonaland East province Cde Isaac Tasikani said youths from the province will always follow the party’s resolutions. “As youths from Mashonaland East, we do not disengage ourselves from what the party would have agreed on. “These are the youths from all the districts in Mashonaland East who made a resolution that President Mnangagwa should remain in office until 2030. “So, today, we are here to give these youths feedback on the resolution they made,” he said. “The resolution was adopted during the conference held last year. All wings agreed on that resolution. We did not see anyone going against it.” In his address, Cde Garwe said: “The resolution was adopted; it was not opposed at all. “And we came back from Bulawayo and started to hold inter-district meetings, informing people about the outcome of these resolutions. “Now, as we spread this message, there are some who have taken to social media to say bad things about me and about the President, but let it be. “No matter how they talk or what they say, Vision 2030 is a reality, it is unstoppable.” Meanwhile, another inter-district meeting in Mashonaland West province saw party cadres implore President Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030 to guarantee the achievement of Vision 2030. Party members also castigated Cde Blessed Geza following his calls for President Mnangagwa to resign. The inter-district meeting was held at Neuso Business Centre in the Mhondoro-Mubaira constituency. “Our President is a listening leader, who has provided 4 000 chicks to the constituency that we have distributed accordingly,” said Mhondoro-Mubaira Member of Parliament Cde Chamu Chiwanza. “His gesture and fatherly love qualify him to be in office until 2030.” Through the Constituency Development Fund, Cde Chiwanza said, the area was headed for massive infrastructure rehabilitation and development. Zanu PF provincial chairperson Cde Mary Mliswa-Chikoka said calls for President Mnangagwa to stay on were coming from the people. “The President has never requested that his term of office be extended,” she said. “We the people have called that he should be in office until 2030. “This is not anywhere near third-term bidding, as he is not interested in running for any more terms.” *_-Sunday Mail_* 5. *BEITBRIDGE-MASVINGO ROAD ACCIDENT DEATH TOLL RISES TO 25; POLICE IDENTIFY SOME VICTIMS OF BUS, HAULAGE TRUCK COLLISION* The death toll of the deadly accident that occurred along the Beitbridge-Masvingo road has climbed from 24 to 25. This follows the passing away of one victim while receiving treatment in hospital. The crash involved an Urban Connect bus and an Auro Transport Haulage truck near Lutumba Tollgate, on February 13, 2025. The accident claimed 24 lives on the spot, while another victim died later in hospital, bringing the total death toll to 25. Police also confirmed that 29 injured passengers are receiving treatment at Beitbridge District Hospital, while two others remain admitted at Gwanda Provincial Hospital. Thirteen critically injured passengers were transferred to United Bulawayo Group of Hospitals for further medical care. In a statement, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi identified 21 of the 25 deceased victims, who have already been confirmed by their next of kin. The victims are: Gwiba Kezias (51) of Stoneridge, Harare, Mudzingwa Origin (47) of Sese Village, Masvingo, Tsitsi Mukaro of Dulibadzimu, Beitbridge, Emma Mukaro of Dulibadzimu, Beitbridge, Punich Masvenhise (45) of SDP, Beitbridge, Richard Kandororo (37) of Maridale, Norton, Vincent Bvumbe (35) of Shule Shule, Beitbridge, Petronella Murungweni (26) of Mashavire, Beitbridge, Jeke Paradzai (46) of Glen Norah, Harare. Other were named as Abel Rumbwere of Mashavire, Beitbridge, Melissa Jackson (21) of Warren Park, Harare, Natasha Tembo of SDP, Beitbridge, Gilbert Gwinyai Mafi of Mbare, Harare, Elizabeth Mauto (48) of Seke, Chitungwiza, Faustina Zhakata Chibamu of Budiriro 5, Harare, Mutsekwa Josphine of Dulibadzimu, Beitbridge, Mollicious Kahanda (37) of Holiday Inn, Beitbridge, Douglas Mandira (43) of Marlborough, Angela Tembo of SDP, Beitbridge, Taziva Nyashega of Hatcliffe, Harare, Elton Marima of Old Medium, Beitbridge. The identities of four others remain unknown and police are calling upon the public to help identify the bodies. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 6. *HIV PATIENTS SPEND LONG HOURS IN QUEUES TO GET TREATMENT AMID NURSE SHORTAGE FOLLOWING USAID FUNDING CESSATION* HIV patients in Epworth constituency on the outskirts of Harare are currently facing hours-long queues for life saving medical services due to severe nurse shortages following the cessation of USAID funding. Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s America First policy, the US Embassy in Zimbabwe paused all U.S. foreign assistance funded by or through the State Department and USAID for review. This move has led to the temporary suspension of services at New Start Centres and truck stop clinics across the country impacting patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and those seeking PrEP refills. Additionally, USAID withdrew its nursing staff. Speaking in a parliamentary session Wednesday, Epworth Member of Parliament, Zivanai Mhetu raised concerns over shortages of nurses, condoms, and antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) in his constituency demanding to know when the government will restore normal HIV services. Mhetu said condoms and ARVs were almost running out. “When are nurses coming and when are condoms and ARVs going to be distributed? “We were mocked in the constituencies, especially from my area, there are so many long and scary queues because (USAID) withdrew the services of their nurses. “Before the condoms and ARVs finish, we want to know when those drugs are going to be distributed,” Mhetu said. Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda said the funding gap wrought by Trump’s policy shift was being looked into. “lt is work in progress to close the gap resulting from the withdrawal of the funding and that will include those medical devices that the people so affected require will be addressed through that task force that has been formed by the minister,” said Mudenda. Approximately 1.2 million Zimbabweans benefit from the U.S President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and over 1,600 public hospitals and clinics have received training and technical support from the U.S. government. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 7. *ZANU PF COUNCILLOR ACCUSED OF FLEECING VENDORS* A Zanu PF councillor in Bulawayo has been accused of fleecing a number of vendors after promising to ensure they are allocated vending bays in the city centre. The vendors said ward 1 councillor, Josiah Mutangi, made them pay US$200 each for the promised vending bays last year. Since then, Mutangi has reportedly failed to deliver even after the informal traders took him to the police in November. “In November last year we took the matter to the police and he was directed to give us our money, but he said the stands are already there but till today we are yet to receive our money or vending stands we were promised,’’ said one disgruntled vendor. Another vendor said Mutangi has been evasive, a charge that he denied when contacted for comment. "I don’t allocate stands; I am a councillor who works for service delivery and it not duty of the councillor to distribute stands,’’ he said. Mutangi said he only has an association which offers loans to informal traders. *_-Newsday_* 8. *MAN KILLS ‘CHEATING’ WIFE AFTER BUSTING HER WITH LOVER* Police in Mashonaland Central province have arrested a Bindura man for killing his wife after catching her red-handed in a compromising position with another man suspected to be her lover. Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident. “Police in Bindura arrested Justice Pondani (34) for a case of murder which occurred on February 12, 2025, at a house in Woodbooke, Chiwaridzo in Bindura. “The suspect attacked his wife Grace Chareka (34) by pushing her head several times against the wall after allegedly finding her with a boyfriend. The victim died on the spot,” said Nyathi. Meanwhile, police in Nyanga are investigating circumstances surrounding a case of murder in which a form four student struck his father, Tazvionesa Chitehwe (47) to death with an axe on the head after an argument on February 13, 2025, at Nyamugafata Village. The suspect had spent two days away from home without the victim’s knowledge on his whereabouts. *_-NewZimbabwe_*