*FOR DAILY NEWS UPDATES* *_Join our Group:_* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAiZu0HQbS0w1lUez3v — — — — — — — — — — — *_HEADLINES | 26 FEBRUARY 2025_* *1.* Mnangagwa has failed dismally to meet people’s expectations – Survey reveals *2.* Blessed Mhlanga – Why his arrest is unlawful and State-facilitated abduction *3.* E-Creator latest – State withdraws charges against defendants *4.* War vets to meet Mnangagwa following launch of War Veterans Welfare Fund *5.* Village heads cashing in on shortage of housing in urban areas, sell 10 000 plots but it’s all illegal *6.* Dozens of cross-border traders injured in bus accident *7.* TikTok battle for Zimbabwean celebrity couples to see who has more fans and money *8.* US$41,000 ‘bank fraud’ duo push for discharge *_FULL ARTICLES BELOW_* 1. *MNANGAGWA HAS FAILED DISMALLY TO MEET PEOPLE’S EXPECTATIONS – SURVEY REVEALS* President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who came to power with a lot of promise seven years ago, has failed dismally to meet people’s expectations, according to a survey by Afrobarometer. The survey, carried out in June last year but only released this month, says 91% say Mnangagwa has failed to deliver on jobs and 81% say he has failed to narrow the gap between the rich and the poor. He has also failed badly in improving the living conditions of the poor, keeping prices stable and fighting corruption. A staggering 98% of the people from Manicaland said Mnangagwa had failed to create jobs. Mnangagwa’s administration, however, says the President has made tremendous strides in improving the lives of Zimbabweans through its policy of leaving no one and no place behind. According to a brief on the Zimbabwe embassy in Ankara, Turkiye, Mnangagwa has successfully implemented 187 of the 235 promises that he made. He is on track to propel Zimbabwe to an upper middle income economy by 2030, the brief says. *_-Zim Insider_* 2. *BLESSED MHLANGA – WHY HIS ARREST IS UNLAWFUL AND STATE-FACILITATED ABDUCTION* The recent move by Zimbabwe police to take Mr Blessed Mhlanga, a well-known journalist, into custody without following due process is and ought to be understood for what it is. That move, at the very least, can be said to be an unlawful arrest and, at the very worst, it is and should be understood as a State-facilitated abduction! By definition, abduction is the act of taking someone away by force or deception; which is precisely the case here. The said Mr Mhlanga was taken by force, under the guise of bogus charges which do not hold even an ounce water (deception). In circumstances where a journalist conducts an interview with a person of interest, the journalist cannot be held responsible for the views of the interviewee. Secondly, and more interestingly, the said Mr Mhlanga is not an independent journalist; he is not the owner of the said media house. He is merely an agent of the company, who was acting in the course of his employment. As such, it does not follow that he can personally be liable for the alleged wrongful conduct on behalf of the media house he is employed by. The principle of vicarious liability immediately kicks in under these circumstances. In furtherance of the above, there are directors, persons who signed off on the production and broadcasting of the said interview and, against that back drop, a question has to be asked – are they also being prosecuted? If the answer to that question is not in the affirmative then, surely, the charges cannot be said to be genuine and or a bona fide investigation leading to a just outcome; they are simply bogus. Another point or consideration; an arrest on the basis that the interviewee shared some opinions which may have been a breach of certain acts in the criminal codification brings to surface the fact that the rule of law isn’t necessarily adhered to in the said jurisdiction. It is a well-known and established principle of law that everyone is entitled to the presumption of innocence. And, if we are to be true to this principle, it does not follow that a journalist can be arrested on suspicion that the interviewee shared opinions that may be argued to have been incitement of violence and or undermining the office of the President. The State’s averement would be that the journalist amplified remarks by the interviewee and, in so doing, can be said to have aided and abetted the accused. However, before the interviewer is even considered for liability, there needs to be a determination on the question of whether or not the remarks made by his guest were in, and of themselves, criminal in nature. A decision has to be made by a competent court of law. In circumstances where that determination has NOT been made, any proceedings against the journalist are, at the very least, premature and lack any basis at law and hence the assertion that this is a State-facilitated abduction! The fact that an abduction has been made by State agents using State resources and hiding behind the law does not, in fact, change what this is; it is still an abduction. It remains an abduction and should be addressed and understood as such. To call this an arrest sanitises and legitimises the said abduction. There is no basis at law for this so-called ‘arrest’. Journalism is not a crime, an unlawful arrest as a means to intimidate the journalist is accurately called an abduction. In opposing ‘bail’, or in refusing to do the right thing, the State incompetently argued that Mr Mhlanga could not be released on bail on the basis that, inter alia, the equipment used has not been ceased. Therefore, the likelihood of him committing similar offences is high. What the State immured in its arguments is the fact that, the said equipment does not belong to the journalist but is the property of the company he works for. This argument exposes the fact that, the aim of opposing bail is not a bona fide objection in the interest of justice but rather selective persecution of the journalist. Firstly, if the equipment is out there and the concern is he may have access to it, why not order the company to restrict him from access to the said equipment? Secondly, the argument that he may interfere with potential witnesses who are his junior colleagues further proves he acted in the course of his employment and the absence of any claims by his employer that he acted outside the ambit of his employment further solidifies the fact that he acted in the course of his employment and if there is any case to answer then the company is answerable. This misplaced and overzealous persecution of a journalist is one example of malicious prosecution to instil fear into all journalists. Release Blessed Mhlanga! We condemn State-facilitated abductions!! _Sound of Justice!! Delaney Phiri lecturer at the University of London._ *_-NewZimbabwe_* 3. *E-CREATOR LATEST – STATE WITHDRAWS CHARGES AGAINST DEFENDANTS* In a shocking turn of events, the State has officially dropped charges against multiple defendants in the E-Creator Ponzi scheme case. The Harare Magistrate’s Criminal Court at Rotten Row confirmed that only one person will now stand trial — Zhao Jiaotong, the alleged mastermind behind one of Zimbabwe’s biggest financial scandals in recent years. “The charges against several individuals have been withdrawn before plea,” a court official stated. “The State will now focus its prosecution efforts on the principal suspect, Zhao Jiaotong.” *The rise and fall of E-Creator* The E-Creator saga began in early 2023 when Zhao Jiaotong, a 39-year-old Chinese national and entrepreneur, allegedly launched an online Ponzi scheme disguised as an e-commerce investment platform. The scheme promised investors massive monthly returns, drawing in thousands of hopeful participants eager to earn passive income. Registered as E-Creator Electronic Commerce (Pvt) Ltd on 7 February 2023, the company operated from the 10th floor of Joina City in Harare. Investors were lured in with a tiered membership system, where a minimum investment of US$15 for VIP 1 status could supposedly yield up to US$50 per month. Higher tiers promised even greater returns, creating an irresistible lure for many Zimbabweans looking for financial relief. E-Creator’s credibility was bolstered by aggressive social media promotions. Popular socialites like Tarisai Cleopatra Munetsiwa, known as Madam Boss, and Admire Mushambi, popularly called Mama Vee, heavily advertised the scheme. National television and online platforms also ran promotional campaigns, further enticing potential investors. By mid-2023, trouble started brewing. Investors reported delays in withdrawals, and on 5 July, the company abruptly shut down. A message appeared on its website claiming that Zhao had absconded to China with the invested funds Investigations later revealed that Zhao had been managing over 50 EcoCash SIM cards, moving nearly US$1 million in investor money before the collapse. *Charges dropped, but Zhao remains on trial* Following the collapse, several individuals linked to E-Creator were arrested. Among them were Trymore Tapfumaneyi and Justin Kuchekenya, who played key roles in the company’s operations, as well as Abraham Mutambu, who was apprehended after attempting to evade arrest by fleeing to his rural home in Chihota. However, in a dramatic courtroom decision on Tuesday, the State withdrew charges against Tapfumaneyi, Kuchekenya, Mutambu, William Chui, and Edwinah West. Prosecutors announced that Zhao would be the sole individual facing trial. Legal experts suggest that the withdrawal may be a strategic move. “It is common in financial crime cases for the State to streamline its prosecution,” said one legal analyst. “Focusing on the main suspect could increase the chances of securing a conviction.” *Public reaction and the road ahead* The decision to drop charges against multiple individuals has sparked widespread debate. While some see it as a tactical move to strengthen the case against Zhao, others worry that key figures involved in the scheme may escape accountability. “We invested our hard-earned money,” said one victim of the scheme. “Now they are letting some of these people walk free? It’s unfair. We need justice.” Authorities have since intensified efforts to educate the public on financial fraud and investment scams. The E-Creator scandal has exposed the risks of get-rich-quick schemes, prompting regulators to urge citizens to conduct thorough due diligence before investing in online platforms. Meanwhile, the trial of Zhao Jiaotong is expected to set a legal precedent for financial crime cases in Zimbabwe. Many are watching closely to see if justice will be served and if any compensation will be made available to the victims. “The case is ongoing,” a court official confirmed. “We encourage all affected individuals to follow the proceedings closely.” *_-iHarare_* 4. *WAR VETS TO MEET MNANGAGWA FOLLOWING LAUNCH OF WAR VETERANS WELFARE FUND* Zimbabwe’s war veterans are set to meet President Emmerson Mnangagwa in the coming weeks, following the successful rollout of the War Veterans Welfare Fund across all ten provinces, War Veterans League secretary Douglas Mahiya announced Thursday during the launch of the Harare provincial fund. “Our veterans, who sacrificed everything for this nation, will soon have an audience with His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, to discuss their welfare and the future of these transformative programs,” Mahiya declared to a crowd of officials, veterans, and supporters at the Zanu PF headquarters. “This is a testament to our government’s unwavering commitment to those who fought for our freedom.” The announcement came during the high-profile launch of three landmark initiatives under the Presidential War Veterans Fund, a sweeping package aimed at uplifting liberation war veterans through economic empowerment, improved infrastructure, and social support. Presidential advisor Dr. Paul Tungwarara, who spearheaded the fund’s nationwide rollout, outlined the programs as critical to fulfilling Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 agenda, which seeks to position Zimbabwe as a middle-income economy. The initiatives include the Presidential War Veterans Fund, offering interest-free loans starting at US$150,000 per province, with plans to scale allocations to US$1 million per province to stimulate veteran-led enterprises. A parallel War Veterans Borehole Drilling Scheme will address water insecurity in rural communities, while the Presidential Rural War Veterans Housing Scheme aims to overhaul housing infrastructure for veterans. “These heroes battled tirelessly for our freedom. It is our responsibility to ensure their legacies endure,” said Tungwarara, striking a tone of reverence for the veterans’ sacrifices. He framed the programs as a bridge between Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and its modern development goals. “Their courage inspires us to reject division and work collectively toward economic sovereignty,” he added. Tungwarara did not shy from addressing political tensions, condemning unnamed groups allegedly using social media to destabilize Mnangagwa’s administration. “Let me be clear: you cannot challenge the President without confronting the entire presidium and Cabinet,” he asserted. “We remain focused on positive efforts for Zimbabwe’s future.” His remarks underscored the government’s dual focus on veteran welfare and political cohesion, urging citizens to “shun division” and support national development. Veterans were also called upon to repay loans to sustain the fund’s growth, ensuring its longevity for future generations. While the fund prioritizes veterans, Tungwarara emphasized its broader societal impact. “When a veteran thrives, their community thrives,” he said, highlighting the borehole scheme’s potential to improve food security and the housing program’s role in rural development. The Harare launch marked the final provincial rollout, capping weeks of activations that have drawn praise from veteran groups. “This is the first time we’re seeing tangible support scaled nationwide,” said Anna Moyo, a war veteran from Harare. “The loans will revive my poultry business — it’s a lifeline.” As veterans prepare to engage Mnangagwa directly, the government faces heightened expectations to deliver amid economic headwinds. Tungwarara closed the event with a rallying cry: “Let us move forward together under Vision 2030, for the sake of our beautiful nation.” The initiatives signal Mnangagwa’s intensified push to address veteran welfare — a demographic long vocal about marginalization — while positioning his administration as a guardian of stability and unity. For many, the promised meeting with the President offers hope that their voices will now shape policies bearing their name. *_-ZiMetro_* 5. *VILLAGE HEADS CASHING IN ON SHORTAGE OF HOUSING IN URBAN AREAS, SELL 10 000 PLOTS BUT IT’S ALL ILLEGAL* Village heads have sold land to more than 10 000 people after colluding with chiefs while government officials are turning a blind eye to what is essentially a chain of corruption, Parliament was told last week. The issue was raised by Makoni South legislator Albert Nyakuwezwa when he asked that the Ministry of Local Government was doing to stop this rot. Foreign Affairs Minister Amon Murwira who stood in for the Minister of Local Government Daniel Garwe said village heads who sold land were essentially land barons. “If there are village heads selling land, we call them land barons. It is illegal, with regard to law, they are supposed to be arrested, that is Government policy or that is the law.,” Murwira said. “If there is anyone with concrete evidence like what the Hon. Member alluded to, these people must be arrested, that is Government policy.” Mount Darwin North legislator Labbany Munemo said government officials were aware of these illegal settlements. “Government employees who are in charge of this know very well that such people are settling illegally. They wait until these people finish building their homes, then they start to destroy their houses,” he said. Murwira said selling land is illegal and corruption is illegal, so these people must be arrested. “I would like to appreciate the question posed by the Hon. Member, the issue that he is raising is that there are people that work for the Government and local authorities who may know what is happening and all that. That is what we call corruption and that is why we have laws that deal with corruption, which must prosecute those people who do corruption… “Corruption is illegal, selling land is illegal. All these things lead to prosecution. Anyone who sees such things happening must report to the nearest police station so that the judiciary system may assist in that area and so that those people may go to where they belong, which is the jail,” he said... *_-ZimInsider_* 6. *DOZENS OF CROSS-BORDER TRADERS INJURED IN BUS ACCIDENT* A number of cross-border traders were injured when a Blue Circle Bus that they were travelling in from Harare to Lusaka plunged into an embankment just after Chirundu Border Post on Tuesday night. Witnesses and some of the injured passengers said the accident could have been a result of speeding. The injured were taken to Mutenderi Hospital in Zambia for treatment. *_-Herald_* 7. *TIKTOK BATTLE FOR ZIMBABWEAN CELEBRITY COUPLES TO SEE WHO HAS MORE FANS AND MONEY* A number of celebrity couples will battle it out on TikTok to find out who has more fans and money. The competition will be held on Friday on TikTok and is courtesy of actor and social media influencer, Ashwin Quintan Africa Chiradza, who is popularly known as Handsome Gudo. Handsome Gudo has become a hit with many celebrities and followers after launching the Celebrity Couples Box Game on TikTok. Some of the competitors include Kim and Tanaka, the Nyathi Family, Ryanesu, Astra and Aalyah and the Musekas Family. The winners of this competition will have to face Tytie & Kikie in the final. In an interview, Handsome Gudo said the competition is for couples to engage in a battle to show who has more money and fans. “The fans will support their favourite couples and each and every gift inenge ine mari yayo. “We want to see who will win since these are the most famous couples in Zimbabwe. “Who will get more money than the other in one hour?” He said the TikTok Celebrity Box Games were back. “I decided to end the month of love with a celebration and have these popular couples − Nyathi Family, Kim & Tanaka, Ryanesu & Aaliyah & Astra (Mai kirifodhi) − in a competition. “The winner of this competition will have to face Tytie & Kikie in the finals. “We now have sponsors for our TikTok shows, which is now making it easy for us to reach out to international celebrities, big thanks to Nexus Enterprise. “I am urging all Zimbabweans to come and support their favourite couples on the day.” He aded: “Each family will be in their box and we will have the audience showing their love through gifts and then after one hour we do the count down from 10 to Zero and see which family has gotten the most gifts. “Each one of these families have millions of followers combined across all social media platforms. “We are happy and hopeful that it’s going to be a successful show.” He said that the panel will have Mai Reign Tumai, LoveJoy Chivhayo Maraz, Mr M, Sis Tendy, Kay the Girl Mom, Mejury, Mai Mimi and the moderators are Chassie, Queen Tait & Passio. *_-B-Metro_* 8. *US$41,000 ‘BANK FRAUD’ DUO PUSH FOR DISCHARGE* Two men who allegedly defrauded CBZ Bank by using title deeds belonging to a deceased person to secure a US$41,000 loan have been further remanded to March 13 for a ruling on their application for discharge. Anoop Ranmanlal Desai, director of Phenduka Supplies Pvt Ltd, and Prosper Moyo, son of the deceased whose title deeds were used in the loan application, appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Ms Sibonginkosi Mnkandla facing fraud charges. The State closed its case yesterday after leading its final witness, Detective Sergeant Jacob Kachitsa, the investigating officer. He told the court that Desai and Moyo allegedly worked in cahoots with another suspect, Rahmiben Tharolbual Desai, who is still at large. Det Sgt Kachitsa further testified that the late John Nkonyane Moyo, whose title deeds were fraudulently used, had three children, including Prosper. It is alleged that Prosper facilitated the submission of the property deeds to Desai, leading to the fraudulent acquisition of the loan. Witnesses from CBZ Bank testified in court and produced paperwork as evidence supporting the State’s case. The prosecutor Nomthandazo Mafu told the court that on 6 July 2016, Desai and Prosper, in collaboration with Rahmiben Tharolbual Desai, approached CBZ Bank to apply for a loan on behalf of Phenduka Supplies Pvt Ltd. “The accused persons presented title deeds for a property registered under the late John Nkonyane Moyo as collateral. They were given guarantor forms that were required to be signed by John Nkonyane Moyo,” said Ms Mafu. They later returned the documents to CBZ Bank, purportedly signed by John Nkonyane Moyo, well aware that he was deceased. The court heard that CBZ Bank processed the loan application based on the provided documents, approving a loan of US$30 000 in 2016. The funds were deposited into CBZ Bank account number 026023699010014, which belongs to Phenduka Supplies Pvt Ltd. CBZ Bank later registered a mortgage bond for US$41 000. However, after Desai failed to repay the loan, the account was downgraded to recoveries in 2019. It was during the bank’s efforts to auction the property that it was discovered that the property belonged to a deceased individual and, therefore, could not be sold. “As a result of the accused persons’ actions, the bank suffered an actual prejudice of US$30 000, plus US$11 000 in accrued interest,” said Ms Mafu. *_-B-Metro_*