*FOR DAILY NEWS UPDATES* *_Join our Group:_* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAiZu0HQbS0w1lUez3v — — — — — — — — — — — — *_MORNING NEWS | 18 FEBRUARY 2025_* *1.* I am stepping down in 2028: Mnangagwa *2.* Armed men hunt for journalist who interviewed Cde Geza *3.* Mnangagwa employs time buying tactics to neutralise Cde Geza Revolution *4.* State newspaper, The Herald, justifies use of cardboard boxes on patients – Full article *5.* Life overseas is not what most assume – says Zimbabwean journalist now based in the UK *6.* OK Zimbabwe blames ZWG devaluation; calls for market-determined exchange rates *7.* Chiwenga’s wife drops fraud charges against Gray Homes owners in botched US$1 million construction deal *8.* Illegal miners invade children's home, fields *9.* Zanu PF members urged to shun social media abuse *10.* Rains claim 40 lives, damage properties in Zimbabwe *_FULL ARTICLES BELOW_* _[Note: These News Articles were Compiled and Distributed by Wazo Adverts. Source is Credited at the End of Each Article.]_ 1. *I AM STEPPING DOWN IN 2028: MNANGAGWA* President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said he will not be persuaded by the push to extend his tenure, saying he will let Zanu PF and the country move on after 2028. Critics say yesterday’s remarks could be a response to pushback from Zanu PF members, civil society organisations, the church and war veterans against plans to prolong Mnangagwa’s tenure. Zimbabwe has been at a crossroads after a section of the ruling party launched a campaign for constitutional amendments to facilitate the extension of Mnangagwa's term by two years to 2030. Fielding questions during the Inaugural Meet-The-Editors Session in Harare, Mnangagwa pledged to abide by the Constitution and leave office when his two terms end in 2028. “I have my two terms and when the time comes, the country and the party will move on by electing my successor. I have said clearly that I have two terms and these two terms are definite. And I am so democratic and when they come to an end, I will step aside and my party will elect my successor that is as clear as day. Those who have other imaginations, we have a democratic society that allows them to dream,” he said. This is the fourth time that Mnangagwa has said he will not stay beyond his tenure. However, party loyalists have in the past acted contrary to his assertions, insisting they will not be denied their wish for Mnangagwa to stay on. War veterans secretary Douglas Mahiya recently declared that Zanu PF will tear the Constitution if it becomes a stumbling block in the party's plans to extend Mnangagwa’s stay. The church last month urged Mnangagwa to resist the seduction of power, saying the call to extend the presidential term and postpone 2028 elections was “an invitation for the President to be a co-conspirator in overthrowing the Constitution of the country which the President is elected to uphold, respect and defend.” Zanu PF passed a resolution at last year’s people’s conference calling on the government to prepare for presidential tenure extension as a thank-you gesture for Mnangagwa's efforts towards reviving the economy. However, the push to amend the Constitution has been rapped with firebrand war veteran and Zanu PF central committee member Blessed “Bombshell” Geza calling on Mnangagwa to step down, declaring that the 2030 the president will see is half past eight on his watch. During the meeting Mnangagwa blamed the challenges in Zanu PF to people pretending to be party members when they intend to divide it. He also committed to avoid anyone who persuades him to stay in power. “I will persuade the persuaders not to persuade me. It is not easy to have everybody on board at the same time. But as we move on, people will understand the trajectory,” he said. “Any policy enunciated by any political party can be subjected to interrogations by other elements in society and democracy.” Critics say Mnangagwa must censure his loyalists pushing the 2030 agenda to send a clear message that he will not be cajoled by their antics. Mnangagwa acknowledged the challenges being faced in the country, saying he wished the economy was “better than where we are.” He said challenges were buffeting economies worldwide and “we are doing our best to manage our economy.” “Recently, we have had good rains. And our economy is agriculture-driven. We are having a good season. It's a huge impetus for a positive trajectory for the growth of our economy,” Mnangagwa said. Asked to comment on the slow pace of the anti-graft fight, which critics have equated to a barking dog, Mnangagwa said the dog would stop barking and bite. *_-Newsday_* 2. *ARMED MEN HUNT FOR JOURNALIST WHO INTERVIEWED CDE GEZA* Renowned journalist Blessed Mhlanga has revealed that three individuals armed with pistols visited his offices looking for him on Monday morning. Mhlanga was the first to interview Zanu PF central committee member and war veteran Blessed Geza who recently gave President Emmerson Mnangagwa an ultimatum to voluntarily step down or be forced out. Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, Blessed Mhlanga narrated how three individuals visited his office on Monday morning looking for him. He added that the individuals did not disclose why they wanted to see him. Mhlanga claims that minutes after the frightening visit, he received a call from ZRP Law and Order summoning him. Blessed Mhlanga said he will visit the ZRP Law and Order offices in the company of his lawyers on Tuesday. “It’s not a laughing matter at all. Three persons armed with pistols came to my office this morning looking for me. They did not say why they needed me. Then minutes later, I got a call inviting me to Law and Order. I will be presenting myself to the police with my lawyers tomorrow,” Mhlanga said. This marks the second time in two weeks that Mhlanga has been summoned by the ZRP. Earlier this month, he was called to the Harare Central Police Station. Mhlanga was accompanied by Misa Zimbabwe’s external legal counsel Chris Mhike. Following their meeting at the police station, Mhike revealed that the authorities wanted to discuss the status of a six-year-old case involving former Deputy Finance Minister Terrence Mukupe. “We were astonished to arrive at the police station to be informed, after some dilly-dallying by officers in attendance at the station, that police only wanted to establish the status of Mhlanga’s very old case against Terrence Mukupe, Zimbabwe’s former deputy finance minister,” Mhike explained. The case dates back to May 2018, when Mukupe allegedly assaulted Mhlanga during a live political debate and confiscated a phone belonging to Mhlanga’s wife. Mhike noted that both criminal and civil actions were initiated, with the civil case resolved in June 2018 and the criminal charges being dropped through mutual agreement shortly after. He emphasized that the police had been informed of the termination of these proceedings, leaving the rationale for Mhlanga’s recent summons unclear. *_-iHarare_* 3. *MNANGAGWA EMPLOYS TIME BUYING TACTICS TO NEUTRALISE CDE GEZA REVOLUTION* This statement by President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa declaring that he will not extend his term beyond 2028 appears less a firm commitment to constitutional adherence and more a strategic decoy aimed at defusing immediate political pressure. A closer analysis suggests several underlying dynamics at play. First, the announcement seems timed to placate a vocal segment of the war veterans, the GEZA REVOLUTION, whose calls for his resignation letter have grown increasingly insistent. By publicly stating that his tenure is fixed, President Mnangagwa seeks to create a narrative of adherence to constitutional limits. However, this move could be interpreted as a temporary measure designed to ease external pressures while 2030ists (probably including him) internally regroups. This pronouncement is a strategy to buy time. The repeated emphasis on not overstaying his term masks a broader tactical recalibration. Behind closed doors, there are strong indications that his inner circle or “foot soldiers” has been instructed to continue advancing this agenda. This suggests that while the rhetoric emphasizes term limitations, the operative strategy might focus on maintaining or even expanding this agenda through less transparent means. Furthermore, dismissing or downplaying the veterans’ demands in public statements could be interpreted as an attempt to isolate dissenting voices on a formal platform, while silently shifting political power structures to ensure that pressure points are neutralized. In this sense, the statement acts as a dual purpose tool l but publicly, it reassures certain constituencies and international onlookers regarding a commitment to term limits, and privately, it allows the 2030ists to consolidate the constitutional amendment plan in a potentially reconfigured political landscape. In conclusion, while President Mnangagwa’s statement nominally addresses concerns over an extended term, the evidence suggests it may be more of a tactical façade. The alignment of this announcement with ongoing internal communications urging his supporters to “pursue the agenda” hints at a calculated effort to leverage apparent concessions while safeguarding long-term political control. If you look closely, on the headlines, ZANU PF CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO PRESIDENTIAL TERM LIMITS SAIL THROUGH. This shows inconsistency between the President’s message and the status quo, why is Zanu PF moving ahead with an amendment that the beneficiary is not interested in? This facade, therefore, appears designed less to HUKU-WING people and more to delay confrontation with war veterans and other political adversaries, providing the 2030ists with critical time to regroup and strategise. If sincere, the President should just read the riot Act against all those moving forward with this idea because this will just work as his strategy that when the plan fails, he will entirely throw his lieutenants under the bus, but if the plan succeeds he again will come and say, I AM A CONSTITUTIONALIST, I WILL ABIDE BY WHAT THE “NEW CONSTITUTION” will be saying, that is going beyond 2028. Unfortunately, Zimbabweans are now clever to see through such chicanery. _Byron Dzinorevei is a political analyst_ *_-ZwNews_* 4. *STATE NEWSPAPER, THE HERALD, JUSTIFIES USE OF CARDBOARD BOXES ON PATIENTS – FULL ARTICLE* Many Zimbabweans rely on social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook and X for their news, exposing themselves to misinformation and biased sources. A recent social media frenzy centred around the use of cardboard boxes as makeshift plaster in first aid management following a tragic accident that claimed the lives of 25 people when an Urban Connect bus collided with a truck near the Lutumba tollgate along the Masvingo-Beitbridge highway. Major talking point: The use of cardboard boxes on injured patients has sparked debate, with some experts defending the practice. Is there anything wrong with using cardboard box makeshift plasters? According to a Harare-based surgeon, it is common to use cardboard box slabs to immobilise an injured limb or suspected fracture during patient transportation or while waiting for X-rays. No there isn’t! This approach is widely accepted for immediate coverage of limbs in emergencies. Responding to Farai Maguwu on X, Australia-based medical practitioner, Thabisa Sibanda, cautioned against invading privacy when sharing images of patients with makeshift slabs. “First, I wish to express my displeasure at the apparent invasion of privacy viz a viz this photo. Secondly may I offer a word of caution. This lady may be waiting for surgery and the surgeon felt no need to remove the prehospital makeshift slab in place.” What’s the advantage of this? Does it work? In emergencies where victims may be far from healthcare facilities, cardboard boxes are crucial to prevent further injury and stabilise fractures during transport. Community healthcare workers and first aid responders can easily utilise cardboard boxes to immobilise limbs and provide temporary support until patients receive proper medical care. Verdict: Using cardboard boxes for emergency handling of accident victims is cost-effective, widely accepted, and practical in Zimbabwe. These makeshift plasters help prevent further injury and facilitate the initial treatment of fractures before patients receive proper medical attention. Ultimately, patients will require a real plaster cast to hold the fracture in place while it heals, but cardboard boxes play a vital role in the initial stabilisation process. *_-Herald_* 5. *LIFE OVERSEAS IS NOT WHAT MOST ASSUME – SAYS ZIMBABWEAN JOURNALIST NOW BASED IN THE UK* Blogger Makomborero ‘Mako Gold’ Mutimukulu has revealed that life in the UK for Zimbabweans who are based there is not as rosy as is widely perceived here back home. The former Zimpapers sports journalist is now based in England but is back home on holiday. He told journalist Yvonne Mangunda, on her podcast The Spotlight With Yvonne, that there was a misconception that the UK was some sort of an El Dorado where milk and honey flowed on the streets. He said: “Munhu akanzi ayenda ku UK, don’t put too much pressure on that person, give them time to settle because what we see here Yvonne kana tiri kuno uku and the stuff that you experience uko when you are there, kungoti vanhu vanonyepa havo and havazokuudza chokwadi kuti vakomana aaahhh pakaipa but it’s what it is. “I see people breaking down, I see people crying. “If you have got relatives who live in the UK, give them time to settle down and the most important thing is check on them. “Mental health is a big issue. “To have people who look for you it’s massive. I once switched off my phone and I had a person who looked for me, she had to ask my friend if I was okay. “The time I switched it on and saw all the messages I felt amused and even if that person asks for a US$20 why not.” He added: “Ndakaisa status playing football with whites and you just say kowakuvhaira ndikandirewo ka US$20, do you know why I am playing football with those guys, I am trying to fit in and get my life going. “All the jokes that people make on social media about those living in the Diaspora zvinosvika and it’s unfortunate that others are not strong, they end up getting affected in a big way. “When you guys do your programmes don’t be too serious, the reason we watch is because life there is too serious. “Don’t hit us with serious issues, yes, I want to know about what is going on around Zimbabwe. “I used to be very serious but now I am watching all the skits on social media because ndakatowona kuti ukaita serious unobaya. “Speaking as someone who is going back, please check on us that are we okay, how are you doing, having someone asking if you’re okay is enough,” he said. The blogger said the part where he talked about life in the UK attracted the biggest interest. “This bit has given me the most feedback from the interview I had with Yvonne Tendai Mangunda,” he said on his social media platform. “The brothers here need a hug, 8/10 days we are not OK. But tozviudza ani? Mentally we are drained, emotionally we are all over the place and varidzi venzvimbo havatide. “But sema ghetto yout tohardira. “Most of the men are under pressure, tochema nenyaya hwani − huyai nemore money padheni. Mari yacho toiwana kupi tichishanda mabasa anosekwa? “Hakuna madeal… mastraight zhet. “Munhu anenge atoisa 100 percent effort but still not good enough. Anozongozvibuka oti chero zvazvaita… God knows I have tried my best. “Not appreciated, not respected − outcasts in what supposed to be greener pastures. Kana une hama kuchando just check on them… Hi wangu, urisei? That means a lot.” Here are some of the comments from those who watched the interview; • Europe is one of the best places to work and live in, problem is munoenda kunoita the lowest ranked jobs. Footballers, engineers and all those working professional jobs are making a killing the world over. The biggest question is ukuitei ikoko, Kana wakasiya ku Herald chienda ku Sky Sports or something not kunotsvaira. Chero kuno vanotsvaira havana deal. − Brian Bafoe Zulu • One thing pissing me off is how suspicious a black man is before the eyes of the police. Ma 1. − Elphas Mabuza • UK yakatiraramisa tikaendeswa ku school, but now yave overrated.− Lovemore Chipunda • Wapedza Mako, ini now I understand why most people vekumusha vachiita suicide although ini hangu handizosvike level iroro but kana usina kusimba kunoku unozvipfuudza. − Joel Joshua Gwavava • Uuuum apa mataura semunhu mukuru akoma, touching words. − Pride Darrel Nyere • Diaspora itori ma1..Dzimwe nyika dzikatoita worse because communication chaiyo haibude vanhu veko chaivo vanenge vasingagone chirungu chaicho. − Dickel Mack • Diaspora can rip you apart kana ukasasimbe…kunotoda Moyo weBere pamwe pacho. − Tendai Makanjera • Tongohardira kudiwa hatidiwe hedu ndochokwadi but maintainer focus, nothing lasts forever. − Farrel Chiyangwa • Wapedza Marko, hakuna kucheaper kuno. − Soccer Analysis and Updates *_-H-Metro_ 6. *OK ZIMBABWE BLAMES ZWG DEVALUATION; CALLS FOR MARKET-DETERMINED EXCHANGE RATES* Leading retailer Ok Zimbabwe says the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s (RBZ) decision to devalue the ZWG currency doubled the entity’s US$-denominated loans and credits. The supermarket chain is currently reeling under pressure to keep its heads above water as most shelves have gone empty without any stocks. At the heart of the problems is supplier resistance to offering commodities, which are often paid for in local currency. The situation has led many suppliers to channel their commodities to the informal market, which often enjoys easy access to the much-needed greenback. Presenting a trading update for the third quarter period, OK Zimbabwe’s group company secretary, Margaret Munyuru, bemoaned the impact of the central bank’s decisions. “The local currency unit (ZWG) experienced a sharp devaluation at the end of September 2024 as monetary authorities sought to improve the viability of the exchange rate system for the broader economy. Invariably, the devaluation had the net effect of nearly doubling existing US Dollar denominated obligations in loans and creditors’ balances,” she said. In September 2024, the RBZ devalued the ZWG currency by 43% to keep pace with exchange rate premiums which had seen the official rate at the time stuck at ZWG13,80 when the parallel market rate had gravitated to a premium of ZWG30 against the greenback. The move effectively worsened most retailers’ and companies’ balance sheets as they now had to pay more for their debts. Munyuru said during the period, the group had outstanding and overdue creditors’ balances which were predominantly denominated in US$ sales collection. She attributed the low stocking levels to the direct manifestation of sub-economic pricing arising out of exchange rate distortions and suppliers’ need for foreign currency invoicing to cover their operational and raw material needs. Resultantly, volumes during the period decreased by 36% in comparison to the same period last year. The reduction for the quarter also translated to a 36% revenue decline. Despite the challenges, the business has since begun to restock with support from suppliers as well as financial institutions that continue to assist with short-term funding structures. New alternative procurement models have been developed which include, but are not limited to, a structured stock supply arrangement with a third party for supplier assurance purposes as the business works to restore critical supply relationships with both local and foreign suppliers. “The fortunes of the country’s formal retail sector hinge on the stability of our exchange rate regime. There is a need for absolute clarity on the roadmap towards a full market-determined exchange rate system. Such a liberalized system will go a long way in restoring the competitiveness of the formal retail sector,” added Munyuru. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 7. *CHIWENGA’S WIFE DROPS FRAUD CHARGES AGAINST GRAY HOMES OWNERS IN BOTCHED US$1 MILLION CONSTRUCTION DEAL* The State on Monday withdrew criminal charges against a Harare couple and owners of a top construction company, Gray Homes, who were accused of duping Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s wife Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga of nearly US$1 million. The couple, Annavestah Mudiwa (39) and her husband Gray Mudiwa failed to complete a double-storey mansion, warehouse and shopping mall despite receiving the payment from Miniyothabo. The case was withdrawn before Harare magistrate Donald Ndirowei but no reasons were given in court. The State was alleging that sometime in March 2023, the couple duped the complainant into believing that they could construct for her a double-storey house, a cottage and a precast wall. “They misrepresented their capacity and falsified that they could and would complete the project in 90 days. “This excited the complainant leading to her dispatching US$560,000 to the accused persons,” the state said. It was alleged that after receiving the funds, the accused persons diverted them to their own use, and did not complete the project prejudicing Chiwenga of US$389,100. In the second count it was alleged that sometime in June 2023, the accused persons misled the complainant into believing that they were able to construct a Warehouse at Chivaraidze Farm in Goromonzi while they knew and were certain that they could not work on the construction. Acting on the misrepresentation Chiwenga again proceeded to give to the accused persons US$550,000. “After receiving the funds, the accused did not complete the projected and converted funds amounting to US$390,000 to their own use. The accused did not complete the project as was promised,” said the state. It was alleged that nothing was recovered. In the last count it was alleged that in September 2023, using the same modus operandi, the accused persons convinced Chiwenga that they were able to construct a Shopping Mall at Silalatshani Business Centre in Filabusi on behalf of the complainant while they knew that they had no capacity to do so. “The accused was given US$158,000 due to the misrepresentation. “After receiving the funds, the accused persons diverted funds worth US$151,000 to their own use. “As a result of the accused’s actions, the complainant suffered a total financial prejudice in the sum of US$151,000 and nothing has been recovered so far,” the court heard. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 8. *ILLEGAL MINERS INVADE CHILDREN'S HOME, FIELDS* Villagers in Gwanda, Matabeleland South province, have flagged the activities of rogue artisanal miners wreaking havoc in their communities after they invaded a field at a children’s home. The gold miners have also been accused of destroying homesteads and fields. In an interview, Gwanda North legislator Desire Nkala said the communities in the constituency were facing challenges with miners from other regions swooping on their resources. “We are having a serious challenge as rogue miners have a tendency of mining inside people’s homes and fields making our livelihoods hard. They have even dug within our foster children's home Kip Keino in the presence of policemen,” he said. Nkala said the destruction of people’s property exposed police's failure to deal with illegal mining in the country. “The illegal miners mostly are from other regions and they always use dangerous weapons like machetes to fight members of our community for spaces leaving people injured while some have reportedly been killed in the fights,” he said. Nkala said they had approached officials from the Mines and Mining Development ministry although their efforts were in vain. “This challenge is also exacerbated by lack of formal employment opportunities in the country and this has forced our children to resort to illegal mining that is currently the only opportunity for them,” he said. Nkala said they had lost livestock due to open pits left by illegal miners and as result they were being deprived of draught power, worsening poverty in the area. “The illegal mining activities have led to destruction of our dams and rivers due to siltation leading us to harvest little water making the development of our area difficult,” he said. Nkala said it was unfortunate that government had failed to protect citizens from illegal mining which was stalling development in the country. “It is very sad as we have lost some members of community as the government fails to protect the citizens and some are employed by organisation and are given very little salaries and exposed to harsh conditions at work,” he said. Matabeland South deputy provincial mines director Chancellor Chidziva said the department had not received reports concerning illegal mining activities. “We have not received such reports but we will look into and address it correctly through the ministry,” Chidziva said. Matabeland South provincial manager for the Environmental Management Agency Decent Ndlovu said police was stationed within the Kip Keino foster home for the protection of the area. “However, at the moment I heard that they had left the area and we are yet to find information on the reason why they left the area," he said. Ndlovu said they had not received any information concerning the illegal mining activities within the foster children's home. *_-Southern Eye_* 9. *ZANU PF MEMBERS URGED TO SHUN SOCIAL MEDIA ABUSE* Zanu PF chairman for Mashonaland East Cde Daniel Garwe has told party members and supporters to desist from abusing social media and put the name of the revolutionary party into disrepute. Cde Garwe made the remarks during his interface with party members and supporters from Ward 10 in Murewa District where he thanked them for voting for Zanu PF in large numbers and ensuring a resounding victory for the President and the people’s party. The meeting was also held to update the party membership on the outcomes of the Zanu PF Annual People’s Conference held in Bulawayo last year. The interface was attended by members of the provincial executive led by Cde Lincon Matare who is the provincial commissar. Cde Garwe said it is not a culture of Zanu PF members to disrespect the leadership. “You are all aware that we voted in our huge numbers in 2023 and our President and Zanu PF won. “President Mnangagwa then said every Member of Parliament should just go back to the people and thank them for the outstanding work they did. We have been doing that and today we are here. “So we are here to thank you on behalf of the President. We are also appealing for you to shun social media abuse. “There are some who are always saying bad things about our leadership on social media. Those are not Zanu PF members or supporters. “We do not tolerate such wayward behaviour where the Presidium is always attacked on social media. Social media should be used responsibly,” Cde Garwe said. He said if not contained, social media could be used to destroy the revolutionary party. Cde Garwe took the opportunity to enlighten people on Cde Blessed Geza’s behaviour, urging them to stop listening to what ever he says. “Now after we voted for the President, there are some like Blessed Geza who are saying ill things about the President. We believe that there are some people who are sending him to do that. To me, Geza is a sell out. He has completely sold out. “If he has things to say to the President, he should engage him and not resort to attack him on social media. As we speak, he is a wanted man for various offences he allegedly committed.” President Mnangagwa had done a lot in a space of five years, hence he was the people’s favourite, said Cde Garwe. “He has done a lot, some which could not be done in the first dispensation. He is indeed a hard worker. Because of him, we are food secure. Every person who prepares plots for Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme received inputs. He is also reviving irrigation equipment in all farms. “Last season, he made sure everyone is proofed from the El Nino-induced drought that affected most parts of Southern Africa, therefore no one starved. Remarkable strides have been made also in the education sector through Heritage Based Education 5.0. Our education system has been transformed. “Also in the health sector, the President made sure devolution funds are put to good use. A lot of clinics have been built for the benefit of the people. Road infrastructure is being improved. “The First Lady is, on the other hand working flat out to restore our culture and traditions. This is commendable.” Cde Garwe said besides being an excellent example of a hard and dedicated worker, President Mnangagwa was a unifier par excellence. “He is saying all of us, regardless of political affiliation, should join hands and build the Zimbabwe we want. He is saying ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’. No one should come and build this nation for us, only us as a people should do that. We do not expect other nations to come and build Zimbabwe for us. “The President is saying let us build this nation using our abundant resources and we are doing that.” He urged everyone present to always pray for the nation and ask God to continue blessing Zimbabwe. “Go and pray without ceasing, pray for the nation, pray for Zimbabwe and pray for our President.” In his remarks, Murehwa ZANU PF District Coordinating Committee chair Cde Israel Maliki urged members to remain united, saying there is strength in unity. “Zanu PF is a party with direction. It is strong and is organised as well as united. The party is alive despite the fact that there are some who say ill things about the leadership on social media. As Zanu PF, we are supposed to remain disciplined and respect our leadership. “Be wary of social media. There are some forces who are working restlessly to recolonise Zimbabwe and they are using social media. Now it is our duty to stop that. We must protect our party and our nation. It is uncultural to disrespect our leaders. We should have Ubuntu.” *_-Herald_* 10. *RAINS CLAIM 40 LIVES, DAMAGE PROPERTIES IN ZIMBABWE* A total of 40 people have lost their lives across the country due to rain-induced incidents since the start of the 2024/25 summer season, including seven children who drowned in the past four days. A five-year-old Early Childhood Development learner at Donkwe Donkwe Primary School in Kezi, Matobo District, Matabeleland South, was swept away by a flooded stream on Friday afternoon while on her way home from school. Promise Ncube was travelling with two other five-year-olds after school had finished at midday. They had walked about five kilometres towards Sigwaza Village when heavy rains began. Matabeleland South acting police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Stanford Mguni, said the three learners started running towards home but encountered a fast-flowing stream on the way. “The other two learners managed to cross, but the deceased was swept away as she attempted to follow her classmates. Upon witnessing the tragic incident, her companions rushed home to inform their parents, who quickly attended the scene and managed to retrieve the body a few metres from the road,” said Ass Insp Mguni. He said police attended the scene and transported the body, which is awaiting a post-mortem. “Investigations are ongoing, but as the police, we continue to urge parents and guardians to always escort young children, especially during the rainy season. School authorities are also advised not to release such young learners to travel home unaccompanied,” said Asst Insp Mguni. In Mawabeni, Umzingwane District, Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) employees discovered the body of a seven-year-old boy floating in the filter at its slow sand filter at Mawabeni Water Supply yesterday while carrying out their duties. In a recent report on rain-induced incidents and drownings, the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) stated that on Sunday, a six-year-old ECD pupil at a Lupane school went missing and was later found dead in a nearby river. “Her lifeless body was discovered trapped in roots, with scars on her face and private parts. The circumstances surrounding her death remain unknown, leaving the community shaken and searching for answers,” said the agency. “The District Civil Protection structures are intensifying education and awareness in communities about the dangers of rainfall season hazards, including crossing flooded rivers.” The CPU also reported that on Friday last week, heavy rainfall in Gokwe South, Midlands province, caused the Tare River to flood its banks. A group of over 50 members of the Johane Masowe eJerusalem Sect, who had taken shelter under the Tare River Bridge during a night vigil, were swept away by the floodwaters while asleep. “Unfortunately, four minors — Muchiringani Devine (4), Muchiringani Beauty (9 months), Tsiva Pamela (20 months), and Shava Effort (3) — lost their lives. Three bodies were retrieved, while the search for the remaining minor is ongoing. “The Department of Civil Protection has facilitated the burial of the minors through Doves Funeral Services,” the CPU report stated. According to the agency, since the start of the 2024/25 rainy season, the Midlands province has recorded the highest number of deaths, with 10 fatalities, followed by Manicaland province, with eight. Matabeleland North, South, and Bulawayo have recorded four and two deaths, respectively. Mashonaland Central and Masvingo have also recorded four fatalities, Mashonaland East and West three each, while Harare is the only province with no reported deaths. In other rain-related incidents, a herd of seven cattle was struck by lightning in Boyi Village, under Chief Nemangwe in Gokwe South District, on Sunday. Meanwhile, in Chiredzi, a marooning incident was reported on Sunday involving 13 people stranded on Lisungwe Island, located at the confluence of the Save and Runde Rivers in Mahenye. The group had been marooned for three days. “Rescue efforts have been underway through the District Civil Protection Search and Rescue subcommittee, Chilo Gorge Lodge, and the Gonarezhou Conservation Trust, with six people successfully rescued so far,” the report stated. “Plans are in place to rescue the remaining seven individuals. However, one person is reportedly refusing evacuation, claiming to have sufficient food and being unharmed.” In Nkayi District, Matabeleland North, a lorry loading river sand at the Tshangani River near Zinyangeni Business Centre was completely submerged on Friday last week when water levels suddenly rose. The lorry’s engine failed to start, prompting the driver to seek help. Upon his return, he found the river had overflowed, and the lorry was fully submerged, with only a small part protruding. “A lorry loading river sand in the river was suddenly submerged when the water level rose rapidly. The engine failed to start, prompting the driver to seek help. Upon his return, he found the river had overflowed, but fortunately, no one was trapped inside the submerged vehicle,” said the CPU. *_-Chronicle_*