*FOR DAILY NEWS UPDATES ON CHAMINUKANEWS24. COM* Follow the Chaminukanews24.com channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAiZu0HQbS0w1lUez3v — — — — — — — — — — — — *_MORNING NEWS | 28 FEBRUARY 2025_* *1.* “They don’t represent us” – Outrage as MPs get free parking in Harare CBD *2.* Harare deploys new police unit against vendors *3.* You cannot be on national duty every week – Ministers under fire for evading Parliament, failing to respond to policy questions *4.* Cde Geza interview – AMH journalist Blessed Mhlanga’s bail ruling deferred *5.* Impala Platinum seeks meeting with Mnangagwa over Zimbabwe forex rules *6.* Fraud scandal rocks Mutare City Council *7.* Residents hail police blitz on Bulawayo drug lords *8.* Africa’s medical system risks ‘collapse in next few years’, warns health leader *9.* Rains derail Manicaland housing project *10.* London to Africa – Son (ages 14) takes parents to court after they send him to a boarding school to in Ghana *11.* Zimbabwe courts frowned upon death penalty: AG *12.* Wicknell Chivayo buys Scott Sakupwanya’s Scottland FC jersey for US$250,000 *13.* Zimbabwean cataract patients regain sight through “Bright Journey” program *14.* Police nab bus driver en route to Zimbabwe with millions worth of abalone *15.* N’anga arrested for stealing over US$20,000 from Masvingo police boss *16.* Boss beaten up by mourners over negative remarks at funeral in Rusape Follow the Chaminukanews24.com channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAiZu0HQbS0w1lUez3v *_FULL ARTICLES BELOW_* 1. *“THEY DON’T REPRESENT US” – OUTRAGE AS MPS GET FREE PARKING IN HARARE CBD* Zimbabweans are furious after the government granted Members of Parliament (MPs) free parking in Harare’s central business district (CBD). Under the new arrangement, each legislator can register two vehicles that will be exempt from parking fees. Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda recently announced that Parliament had reached an exclusive agreement with Harare City Council’s City Parking, allowing MPs to enjoy free parking in the CBD. “I also wish to inform the House that the Administration of Parliament has reached an agreement with the City Parking, to exempt two vehicles belonging to each of the Members of Parliament from paying parking fees in the Harare Central Business District,” Mudenda said. To qualify, MPs must provide proof of ownership for the two vehicles they wish to register. Mudenda instructed: “You are therefore requested to submit copies of registration of the two vehicles to the Human Capital Department in office No. 340 on the Third Floor in order to finalise the arrangements.” The announcement sparked widespread disapproval among Zimbabweans, who feel that MPs should not be receiving such privileges while the citizens they represent continue to struggle. Many took to social media to express their outrage: @charambazezai: So being in Parliament is just about MPs and not those that they represent right. They should be the last to get all these privileges after fighting for the disadvantaged in society like the disabled and the elderly. Nxaaa @TTMambeu: When you have a different set of rules for a certain group of people in the same country then you must know it’s a banana republic. The councillors will ask for the same favor. Saaaaaad! @eskay897: These MPs are supposed to be representatives of the poor, needy & impoverished masses, yet all we hear about is how busy they are negotiating for car loans, free fuel, free parking, free housing etc for themselves. Tsvee kugadzira nekuita advocate for citizen-centric laws argh🙄 @tidzo: These are the things that make it hard for these guys to fight for the people. There shouldn’t be two tiers of law. Everyone shld experience the same Zimbabwe otherwise things won’t improve. @Thembichunga: People responsible for imposing punitive taxes on the people exempt themselves from these taxes. Duty free cars, toll free roads and now free parking. This my people is why we get unfair laws coming from this body. They don’t represent us. *_-iHarare_* Follow the Chaminukanews24.com channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAiZu0HQbS0w1lUez3v 2. *HARARE DEPLOYS NEW POLICE UNIT AGAINST VENDORS* The City of Harare has created a new municipal police unit tasked with raiding illegal traders and arresting litterbugs in the central business district. This emerged during a meeting held at Town House yesterday, where mayor Jacob Mafume said council wanted to restore order in the city. “We have created a special unit in our municipal police, that is going to be enforcing anti-litter by-laws,” Mafume said. “Certainly, in other countries, you don’t roast maize in the middle of town and so forth. “These are the things that we are going to be planning back on with the special units of the police to make sure that the areas are clean.” Mafume said the municipality was committed to ensuring that informal traders are allocated safe and proper vending spaces. “We need to have some streets where we do not permit anyone to sell anything in the market or anywhere and then other streets we can agree, after consultation with the informal sector and the residents, where we can allow them to be able to do the same implementation for designated areas, so that we can establish policies,” he said. Combined Harare Residents Association director Ruben Akili said council was to blame for lawlessness in the city centre because of its failure to provide alternative vending spaces. “The local authority probably spends more on enforcing rather than constructing markets,” Akili said. “It is very important that resources are channelled towards building markets in areas where these people can be allowed to do their work.” With companies closing shop and job scarcity, the majority of Zimbabweans are resorting to informal trading to feed their families. There are no statistics on the number of informal traders in the capital, but estimates point to several thousands. *_-Newsday_* Follow the Chaminukanews24.com channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAiZu0HQbS0w1lUez3v 3. *YOU CANNOT BE ON NATIONAL DUTY EVERY WEEK – MINISTERS UNDER FIRE FOR EVADING PARLIAMENT, FAILING TO RESPOND TO POLICY QUESTIONS* A number of cabinet ministers are under fire for not participating in Parliament business, a concern that has been raised by Speaker Jacob Mudenda. During Wednesday’s Question and Answer (Q &A) session, Mudenda revealed that quite a number of cabinet ministers had given apologies on the pretext of being on national duty, something he said should be investigated. The Q & A session is one of the most important Parliament business schedules where the public gets answers to policy questions asked by their constituency representatives (MPs) from cabinet ministers. In recent years, cabinet ministers and the two VPs have evaded the session, leaving citizens without crucial information needed for development’s sake. Several MPs have raised their concerns since the previous Parliament until now (10th Parliament), with the Speaker at one point having threatened to report culprits to President Emmerson Mnangagwa. “After listening to this, there are quite clear apologies that have been very consistent to you. And my suspicion is that these ministers who make apologies cannot be on national duty every week. “I am therefore directing the truck and the staff to make a proper analysis of those ministers who have been consistently telling their apologies,” said Mudenda. He added, “And such apologies do not seem to answer that, actually. And where you have deputy ministers, again, consistently accepting themselves as an apology, that cannot be accepted. Second, in terms of the Constitution, Provisional Section 107, Subsection 2, it is very clear that every Vice President, minister, and deputy minister must attend parliament and parliamentary committees in order to answer questions concerning matters for which he or she is collectively or individually responsible. Chiwenga and Mohadi rarely come to Parliament during the Q and A session. He went on, “The challenges government is facing and what government is doing about those challenges. And that erodes public trust in the government of the day. We cannot afford to miss that golden opportunity. “We should not. And above all, it is the taxpayer who shoulders the responsibilities of us being in our offices. And that must be respected.” The Speaker highlighted that some important written questions had not been answered since 2024 to date. Said Mudenda, “And the apology must be taken sooner rather than later. That’s the first observation. The second observation is that when His Excellency addressed the cabinet, the 25th cabinet session, he made a very telling statement in which he was appealing to all the ministers and their deputies to perform in terms of their contribution on this. “I have been analysing questions, written questions, which have not been attended to. And I will go through them. A question to the Minister of Industry and Commerce (Mangaliso Ndlovu). One question has been outstanding since the beginning of the programme. “Then we have three questions outstanding from the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development. Outstanding since 27 November 2024 up to February 2012, 2025. “Then we have six questions that have not been attended to by the honourable Minister of Health and Childcare (Douglas Mombeshora) from 16 October 2024 to 12 February 2025. Another six questions that have not been attended to since 16 October 2024 from the Minister of Public Services and Social Welfare up to 12 February 2025. “Then we have 11 questions that have not been attended to by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion (Mthuli Ncube) from 16 October 2024 right up to 12 February 2025. “And so all the questions are outstanding. I have analysed them, and then the Minister of Finance has seven questions outstanding, prepared since 16 October 2024 up to 12 February 2025. “Three questions meant for Foreign Affairs Ministers then Fredrick Shava now headed by Amon Murwa) prepared from 30 October 2024 up to 12 February 2025. “There were three questions for the Minister of Local Government and Public Works ( Daniel Garwe)” As he continued with his list, Mudenda said he was doing this analysis in order to demonstrate that Parliament owes it to the public. “We owe it to Parliament that these questions of national interest must be dealt with and give the opportunity for other ministers, again as I said, to shine on government policy and indicate to the world that something is happening in spite of the Secretary’s concerns. “l hope and trust I will not be forced to analyse again such reports.” *_-NewZimbabwe_* 4. *CDE GEZA INTERVIEW – AMH JOURNALIST BLESSED MHLANGA’S BAIL RULING DEFERRED* There was heavy police presence at the Harare Magistrates Court yesterday where a bail ruling was expected for Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) senior journalist Blessed Mhlanga, who is facing two counts of inciting public violence. The ruling was deferred to today after the magistrate handling the case Farai Gwatima did not turn up due to personal commitments. Mhlanga appeared before magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa clad in the khaki prison garb. The Heart & Soul TV (HStv) head of news, who is being charged with transmitting messages to incite public violence, has been in remand prison since Monday when he was arrested after handing himself to the police. He is being represented by Chris Mhike. Mhlanga is denying the charge, arguing that heis being persecuted for practising his profession. His lawyer has accused the State of treating Mhlanga like a terrorist. Mhike said the police were unprofessional in the way they handled the matter after inviting Mhlanga three times for questioning. “... And on each occasion, they released him saying there was no case,” he submitted. The State is opposing bail saying Mhlanga may interfere with investigations or commit a similar offence. The State alleged that on two separate dates this year, Mhlanga broadcast content deemed harmful to public peace. The alleged content quoting outspoken war veteran and Zanu PF central committee member Blessed “Bombshell” Geza was broadcast on AMH’s terrestrial television station, HStv. AMH are the publishers of daily NewsDay, weeklies The Standard and Zimbabwe Independent. It is alleged that on January 27 this year Mhlanga recorded the video inciting public violence and uploaded it on YouTube. The court heard that the video included the following statements: “It is clear that (President Emmerson) Mnangagwa has failed. He is not fit to run this country and his time to go is now. We ask him to go peacefully. “If he refuses to take heed of this advice, we have no option, but to ask the people of Zimbabwe to deal with a rogue President... You think we are fools, go peacefully... If you think this is a joke, it’s your fault, resign ‘peacefully’...” The prosecution also alleged that on February 11 this year, Mhlanga broadcast a video on the same internet platform allegedly also seeking to incite public violence. Mhlanga’s bail ruling was attended by scores of colleagues, human rights’ lawyers, politicians, among other citizens. Media rights groups have called for for Mhlanga’s release. Meanwhile, New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has joined the call for Mhlanga’s unconditional release. “It is absolutely shameful that Blessed Mhlanga has been thrown behind bars simply because he gave voice to a war veteran’s criticism of Zimbabwe’s government,” said CPJ Africa programme co-ordinator, Muthoki Mumo, in Nairobi. “Zimbabwean authorities should free Mhlanga unconditionally and respond to their citizens’ concerns, rather than punishing the messenger.” *_-Newsday_* 5. *IMPALA PLATINUM SEEKS MEETING WITH MNANGAGWA OVER ZIMBABWE FOREX RULES* Impala Platinum (Implats) is seeking a meeting with Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa to discuss foreign exchange retention rules that make it increasingly difficult for the miner to invest in the southern African country. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe recently increased the amount of dollar receipts it retains, which potentially increases the cost of goods and services that have to be procured in the local currency. “We are concerned about the need for increased access to forex by the Zimbabwean government. It is something that needs to be discussed between our company and the government,” said Nico Muller, CEO of Implats. “It is something that is on the agenda for us to have a discussion with the finance minister [Mthuli Ncube] as well as the principle [Mnangagwe]. It is not something I want to scrub under the carpet.” Implats’ 85% owned Zimplats borrowed money in order to pay for capital goods because the cash it was receiving from the dollar receipts fell short, said Meroonisha Kerber, Implats CFO in a presentation of the firm’s interim results on Thursday. “From an efficiency point of view it makes sense to borrow there [in Zimbabwe] as well as from a discipline perspective because, as we have said, all our operations have to fund all of their own capital,” she said. Implats said earlier today that it was assessing its portfolio in the event that poor platinum group metal prices persisted. Muller identified the firm’s Canadian mine Lac des Iles (Impala Canada) and Marula as the most vulnerable assets. Lac des Iles would be run down as the firm had last year targeted its high margin ounces, reducing its reserve life. Regarding Marula, a decision has to be made in two years regarding a second phase expansion which would access up to 24 years of reserves. It first, however, had to become cash flow positive, said Muller. Muller said most of the cost cuts, including job losses, had been done with little now to reduce in overall corporate overheads. “We are now at portfolio decisions,” he said. There were several shafts in the firm’s flagship Rustenburg division that were also “sailing close to the wind”, he told media earlier in the day. Implats has invested heavily in the processing capacity of its Zimplats. Said Muller: “We have always been positive about our investment orientation with regards to Zimbabwe. We do believe the Great Dyke offers the best available resource out there. “We have had a very constructive, healthy, long-standing relationship with the government and that has not necessarily changed.” *_-NewZimbabwe_* 6. *FRAUD SCANDAL ROCKS MUTARE CITY COUNCIL* The laissez-faire approach to business at Mutare City Council was severely exposed when the local authority’s chief cashier — Adelaide Jani — was left to perform her duties without adequate supervision, resulting in misappropriation of thousands of dollars. The case has implicated several senior officials from the human resources and finance departments, amid stinking allegations of workplace romance and gross negligence. Jani’s meteoric ascent from a humble role in vehicle clamping to cashier, and subsequently chief cashier within a year, has raised eyebrows and intensified scrutiny. Although Mutare City Council Town Clerk, Mr Blessing Chafesuka confirmed that they are investigating the matter, he declined to disclose details regarding Jani’s alleged offence. “Yes, we are currently investigating the matter. Unfortunately, it is premature to reveal any details relating to the case at this stage, until we complete our investigations and possibly hand over the matter to the police,” said Mr Chafesuka. According to reliable sources, Jani, in her capacity as chief cashier operating in the Sakubva area, allegedly exploited a weakness in the local authority’s control systems to steal money that would have been collected as revenue from council service charges. When contacted for comment, Mutare City Council acting finance director, Mr Ronald Guni, said: “She was promoted from vehicle clamping to cashier, and then chief cashier within a year due to her hard work. It has nothing to do with me. In any case, promotions within the council are a process that does not allow interference from me as her Head of Department. This matter is being investigated, and if necessary, a police report will be filed.” Jani allegedly utilised her acquired ICT knowledge, believed to have been obtained from her son, who was once attached to the local authority’s computer lab, to execute the theft. The Manica Post can also reveal that Jani offered to resign last week, but her resignation was turned down. This publication also understands that Jani allegedly used the proceeds of crime to purchase a house in Dangamvura Area 15 and a Toyota Harrier. The case is expected to be reported to the police today (Friday). *_-Manica Post_* 7. *RESIDENTS HAIL POLICE BLITZ ON BULAWAYO DRUG LORDS* Bulawayo residents say they will continue supporting police in the fight against drug syndicates following the arrest of some drug lords early this month in the city. Bulawayo United Residents Association chairperson Winos Dube said there should be no let-up in the fight against drug and substance abuse. “We are very proud of our police in the city as they are protecting us,” he said. “This is evidenced by the arrest of drug syndicates last week as this proves they are protecting our youth from consuming drugs which are harmful to their health.” Dube encouraged residents to expose drug lords in their communities so that they can be arrested. “Most illegal activities occur in our residential areas and it is necessary for us to engage the police so that those conducting the activities may be arrested, hence giving us better lives,” he said. “We appeal to the police to protect the source of information on tip-offs so that residents may have confidence to inform the police without fear of being exposed so that those conducting illegal activities within the city face the full wrath of the law.” Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association provincial secretary for administration, Thabani Ndlovu called for stiffer sentences on drug peddlers. “This will send a signal to others that anyone found on the wrong side of the law will be punished accordingly,” he said. “As residents, we have to have good relations with our police as they work towards protecting us and our children from drug lords.” President Emmerson Mnangagwa has also called for stiffer penalties on drug peddlers. Last year, government admitted that Zimbabwe was facing a growing problem of substance abuse especially among unemployed youth. Researchers have attributed the increase to waning parenting, poverty, idleness, broken homes, social influence and stress, among other issues. According to Afrobarometer, the problem can only be solved through the intervention of schools and family members. *_-Newsday_* 8. *AFRICA’S MEDICAL SYSTEM RISKS ‘COLLAPSE IN NEXT FEW YEARS’, WARNS HEALTH LEADER* Health services in Africa are at risk of “collapse in the next few years” due to soaring chronic diseases, a senior public health leader has warned. Foreign aid to Africa has been focused on infectious diseases, leaving conditions such as cancer and diabetes to escalate, said Dr Githinji Gitahi, group CEO of Amref Health Africa. In sub-Saharan Africa, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including hypertension, diabetes and heart disease accounted for 37% of deaths in 2019, up from 24% in 2000. They are forecast to become the leading cause of death in the region by 2030 – driven by factors such as unhealthy western-style diets, less active lifestyles and air pollution. “Aid is not charity” and will inevitably follow donor countries’ own interests such as stopping infectious diseases that could spread overseas, said Gitahi, who called for Africa’s leaders to step up their own work on controlling NCDs. Gitahi spoke to the Guardian at the Global NCD Alliance Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, earlier this month, a gathering of more than 700 delegates from 89 countries. The challenge is vast, according to Gitahi. “Africa has a big risk of collapse of health systems in the next few years because of NCDs […] 50% of all admissions in a typical African hospital are NCDs, yet 80% of NCD care is out of pocket. And governments don’t have money to actually take care of NCDs.” The blame lies with multinational corporations chasing profits, he said, and with governments failing to bring in regulations to put a brake on their activities. “Politicians think about the next election,” he said. “This issue is about the next generation.” Gitahi, from Kenya, said global health and foreign aid spending had historically focused on diseases that could affect the donors themselves. Less than 3% of development spending for health goes to NCDs. “That is why there is so much focus on TB, HIV, because when you keep HIV low in Kenya, you keep it out of your country because people travel, and people carry diseases,” he said. “But for cancer, for hypertension, for diabetes… that’s non-infectious. “The people who should care about that are their governments because [NCDs] are taking away people from active social and economic participation. Because the governments don’t have enough money […] it is likely to continue being a neglected problem.” The forum’s delegates were meeting as a result of decisions by the US administration to freeze much of its overseas aid spending and to issue stop work orders to current programmes. Amref’s work has been affected, Gitahi said. “We do about $250m [£197m] of work a year […] about $50m of that is actually US government partnerships,” he said, in areas including maternal and child health, HIV work and laboratory and health system strengthening. Some Amref staff have been placed on unpaid leave, Gitahi said, though he was optimistic that some of the work will restart after the 90-day review period announced by Donald Trump’s officials. “We hope that at the end of it, they will continue with programming, as they say, that’s aligned to their foreign policy, but actually protects communities and community lives and protects Americans themselves,” Gitahi said. “I keep saying aid is not charity. Aid is strategic investment by a country to protect its own internal interests. That’s what it has always been.” African governments will need to become more efficient and to tackle corruption, he suggested, and to embrace taxation of unhealthy goods, such as tobacco, alcohol and sugar, with the proceeds earmarked for health programmes. They will also need to work on the prevention of ill health, Gitahi said, suggesting they “copy and paste” regulations from western countries that ban things such as the advertising of foods high in sugar, salt or fat to children. US funding accounts for half of all development assistance in Africa, he said, or $6.5bn out of $13bn. African governments will not be able to completely replace lost funding, Gitahi said, because their economies are not large enough. It may mean reframing goals to provide universal health care to cover “100% of the poor” rather than the entire population. “Africa cannot raise enough money from its fiscal space, from its GDP, to actually take care of all social services,” he said. “Africa needs solidarity.” In the end, the international community should see that solidarity was important for global security, he said. “When you have a weak health system in any country, it is like having an insecure airspace in any country. That [poses] a risk to the entire world.” *_-NewZimbabwe_* 9. *RAINS DERAIL MANICALAND HOUSING PROJECT* A housing project being undertaken by the Destiny of Africa Network (Danet) Manicaland has been disrupted by the incessant heavy rains. Makoni Rural District Council (RDC) partnered Destiny of Africa Network Manicaland for the housing project in Nyazura, Makoni district. “We have briefly stopped the development of the housing stands because of the incessant rains we are facing in Makoni district,” cleric David Bati from Danet told NewsDay. Danet Manicaland chairperson Wilson Masokowere expressed gratitude to the Makoni RDC for availing land for the housing project. “It (Makoni RDC) was quite impressed with our projects in Mutare and it invited us and gave us a piece of land with 483 stands and we have started servicing them,” Masokowere said. He said Danet hoped the area would be a fully established suburb by the end of the year. He commended the government for its support during the year and affirmed Danet’s continued collaboration in the provision of affordable housing stands. Masokowere advised home seekers to be on the lookout for dubious land developers. *_-Newsday_* 10. *LONDON TO AFRICA – SON (AGES 14) TAKES PARENTS TO COURT AFTER THEY SEND HIM TO A BOARDING SCHOOL TO IN GHANA* A 14-year-old boy has lost a court case he brought against his own parents after they moved him from London to Ghana to go to boarding school. The boy, described in court as shy, articulate, a keen cook and footballer, said his parents had tricked him into going to Africa, saying it was to visit a sick relative. He said had he known he was being sent to boarding school “there would have been no way I would have agreed to it”. But the High Court in London also heard his parents were worried he was being “groomed” into criminal activity. In a written statement to the court, he said: “I feel like I am living in hell. I really do not think I deserve this and I want to come home, back to England, as soon as possible.” In his judgement, High Court judge Mr Justice Hayden said he recognised that “this is, in many ways, both a sobering and rather depressing conclusion.” He said that he was satisfied that the parents’ wish for their son to move to Ghana was “driven by their deep, obvious and unconditional love”. The boy was at risk of suffering greater harm returning to the UK, he said. He said that the boy’s parents believe “and in my judgement with reason” that their son has “at very least peripheral involvement with gang culture and has exhibited an unhealthy interest in knives”. The boy’s father told the judge the couple did not want their son to be “yet another black teenager stabbed to death in the streets of London.” The boy, who had lived in the UK since birth, said he was “mocked” and “never settled in” at the school in Ghana. He said he “could also barely understand what was going on and I would get into fights”. The boy wrote that he was “so scared and desperate” that he emailed the British High Commission in Accra as well as contacting the charity Children and Family Across Borders, who it is believed put him in touch with lawyers at the International Family Law Group. “I am from London, England, and I want to go back home,” he wrote. He said he had been “mistreated” at the school, adding: “I’m begging to go back to my old school.” However the High Court heard that the boy’s parents had sent him because they feared for his safety in London. In a statement, his mother said sending him to Africa was “not a punishment but a measure to protect him”. She referred to the murder of Kelyan Bokassa, the 14-year-old boy who was stabbed to death on a bus in Woolwich in January. That was “every parent’s worst nightmare”, she said. She said she did not believe her son would survive in the UK and did not want to be part of her son’s “destruction”. Rebecca Foulkes, representing the boy’s father, said the boy met 11 of the points on a checklist produced by the children’s charity NSPCC to indicate whether a child might have joined a gang or was being criminally exploited. That included being absent from school, having unexplained money, buying new things, and carrying weapons. She said it was not only the parents who were worried. His school claimed it had “suspicions about him engaging in criminal activities” and had observed him in expensive clothes and with mobile phones. The boy said he had never been part of a gang, nor “involved in gangs in any way”. He said he “does not know anyone involved in a gang” and he does not carry a knife. He acknowledged in his statements that “my behaviour wasn’t the best” and said he thought that was the reason his parents sent him to Africa. The case centred on the question of parental responsibility, and whether the parents acted unlawfully by sending their son to boarding school without his consent. In a statement issued after the judgement, his parents said: “This has been a really difficult time for us all.” They added: “Our priority has always been protecting our son and our focus now is on moving forward as a family.” James Netto from the International Family Law Group, who represented the boy, said the court judgement had been a “real shock” to the teenager. “He was obviously incredibly disappointed, incredibly upset and is considering his next steps carefully.” *‘I want to have an education’* The boy’s barrister, Deirdre Fottrell KC, pointed out the school was not simply far from home – but a completely different jurisdiction. The boy wrote that his education was suffering. He felt the Ghanaian classes were not as challenging as those in his English school, and he had been out of formal education entirely since last summer, studying online. He wrote: “I want to have an education again and grow up like a normal person. I feel like my brain is hurt here. I feel like now I am dumber than people I used to be smarter than.” The boy’s father has recently visited him in Africa, and he told the court that he and his son had got on well. He said he would like his son to remain in Ghana, and said they visited a different boarding school where the boy could be considered for a place. The father said they were both very impressed. However, questioned by Ms Fottrell, he acknowledged there was no place in that school until September, and that his son had not said he wanted to go there. The boy’s solicitor said he had recently seen a rise in similar cases where teenagers were trying to return to the UK. “Teenagers are often placed in exceptionally challenging or vulnerable situations, and are now beginning to turn to the court for protection,” Mr Netto said. He said he had seen cases where “in their parents’ eyes” young people were “falling in with the wrong crowd or are adopting what their parents see as unorthodox or challenging behaviours”. Following the judgement, he added: “We have already received enquiries from young people in exactly the same situation as this young man.” *_-NewZimbabwe_* 11. *ZIMBABWE COURTS FROWNED UPON DEATH PENALTY: AG* Zimbabwean courts viewed the death penalty and the conditions surrounding it as a human right violation, often commuting death sentences to life imprisonment. This was said by Attorney-General Virginia Mabiza at the United Nation’s Biennial High-Level Panel Discussion on the Judiciary’s Role in Advancing Human Rights. Mabiza outlined the historical context of the death penalty in Zimbabwe, tracing its roots from the pre-colonial era. She said significant legislative changes began to reduce the scope of capital punishment after independence in 1980. Between 1980 and 2005, 105 convicted offenders were sadly executed. Since 2005, no executions have taken place in Zimbabwe, a trend that Mabhiza attributed to judicial discretion and policy decisions against capital punishment. “The courts have consistently identified extenuating circumstances to mitigate sentences, thereby avoiding the imposition of the death penalty,” she said in a statement. According to Mabhiza, the Human Rights Council received her report with enthusiasm as several countries praised Zimbabwe’s commitment to human rights. In 2013, Zimbabwe adopted a new Constitution that included the Bill of Rights, explicitly exempting women, individuals under 21 and those over 70 from the death penalty. This marked a pivotal step towards compliance with international human rights standards, she said. In 2024, the country enacted the Death Penalty Abolition Act [Chapter 9:26], which outlawed the death penalty. A new provision in the Defence Act introduced by the Death Penalty Abolition Act, 2024, however, allows for the reinstatement of the death penalty when a state of public emergency is declared in terms of section 113 of the Constitution. At least 59 people were known to be on the death row in Zimbabwe as at the end of 2023. As of today, 24 African countries have fully abolished the death penalty, including four — Chad, Central African Republic, Sierra Leone and Zambia — which did so in 2020. Globally, 113 countries are full abolitionist. *_-Newsday_* 12. *WICKNELL CHIVAYO BUYS SCOTT SAKUPWANYA’S SCOTTLAND FC JERSEY FOR US$250,000* Local football is undergoing a massive financial revolution. Amid the mouthwatering transfer fees and salaries being tabled for the PSL stars, one of the biggest protagonists behind Scottland has gone a notch higher. The newcomers last night unveiled their 2025 Adidas playing, travelling and training kits at a glitzy ceremony attended by captains of industry. That wasn’t all. A jersey signed by all Scottland players was auctioned for US$250 000. Wicknell Chivhayo’s ICM Communications bought the piece. Other entities, including GetBucks, bought loads of replica jerseys at US$100 each. In the end, the team grossed well above US$270 000 in one night. *_-Herald_* 13. *ZIMBABWEAN CATARACT PATIENTS REGAIN SIGHT THROUGH “BRIGHT JOURNEY” PROGRAM* With her vision restored after a successful cataract surgery, 80-year-old Mariya Sangare beamed with joy as she prepared to embrace a new chapter in life, thanks to a team of Chinese doctors. “I can now see everything clearly. There is nothing I cannot see,” Sangare said at the official launch of the “Bright Journey” program on Wednesday at the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe. Sangare is one of 600 Zimbabwean patients benefiting from the China-aided program, which provides free cataract surgeries. A team of 12 specialists from China’s Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital has been carrying out the surgeries under the program, which began on Feb. 12. “The Chinese doctors are highly skilled, and we are very happy,” Sangare said. For patients like Sangare, whose lives were hindered by blurred vision, the initiative offers a renewed sense of independence and hope. “This initiative has helped me a lot. My grandchildren can now eat peanut butter from the peanuts I grow. I could not farm this year because of my cataracts,” she said. Cosmas Chipengo, a 25-year-old recipient of the surgery, said restoring his eyesight means he can now return to work after seven months. “I want to thank the Chinese doctors because we could not afford the medical expenses. This program has done a great thing for us,” he told Xinhua. Zimbabwean Minister of Health and Child Care Douglas Mombeshora said that preventable blindness from cataracts remains a major public health issue in the country, but the “Bright Journey” program is helping address the challenge. “This moment represents not merely the commencement of a medical project, but the beginning of a bright journey, an important initiative that seeks to restore sight to 600 Zimbabweans, empowering them to reclaim their autonomy and reintegrate fully into society,” Mombeshora said. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 125,000 people in Zimbabwe were living with blindness in 2021, with 62,500 cases caused by cataracts. Due to the high cost of treatment, many low-income individuals, particularly in rural areas, are unable to access care, leading to preventable blindness. Speaking at the launch, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said that the program not only reflects China’s commitment to global health cooperation but also strengthens the deep and enduring friendship between China and Zimbabwe. This year marks both the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Zimbabwe and the 40th anniversary of their medical cooperation. “With the launch of this program, we add another milestone to our anniversary celebrations,” Zhou said. The impact of the program extends beyond restoring sight as it enhances Zimbabwe’s medical expertise in eye surgeries and fosters knowledge exchange between Chinese and Zimbabwean medical professionals, the ambassador added. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 14. *POLICE NAB BUS DRIVER EN ROUTE TO ZIMBABWE WITH MILLIONS WORTH OF ABALONE* Komani police arrested a 48-year-old bus driver in the Komani CBD on Sunday, February 23, while en route to Zimbabwe. The driver was found in possession of 26 boxes of abalone valued at R2 million. Reporting on the incident, police spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela stated that the Queenstown dog unit (K9) received information about a bus from East London heading to Zimbabwe with tower batteries. According to her, following this tip-off, the bus was intercepted in the Komani CBD and searched. “Upon searching, five solar batteries worth R25,000, six solar panels valued at R12,000, four tower batteries worth R160,000, inverters worth R200,000, and 10 boxes of medication were also recovered,” she added. The 48-year-old driver of the bus was arrested on charges of possession of abalone, suspected stolen property, contravention of the Medicines Act 101 of 1965, contravention of the Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998, and damage to essential infrastructure. The suspect is expected to appear before the Komani Magistrate’s Court today, February 25. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 15. *N’ANGA ARRESTED FOR STEALING OVER US$20,000 FROM MASVINGO POLICE BOSS* A self-claimed traditional healer, Petros Chiropa (35), of Matondo Village in Chigodora, was sentenced to an effective 54 months in jail for theft of trust property and money laundering. Chiropa was found guilty of stealing US$20 100 from top cop, Assistant Commissioner Florence Marume, who is employed by the Zimbabwe Republic Police in Masvingo. In addition to the 54-month jail term, Chiropa was ordered to restitute Assistant Commissioner Marume US$8 100, which is the balance from the stolen amount of money. Mutare provincial magistrate, Ms Annie Ndiraya presided over the matter, while Mr Tafadzwa Zulu prosecuted. Chiropa was found guilty on two counts of theft of trust property, as defined in Section 133 (2)(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23 as well as contravening Section 8 (1)(a)(b) as read with Section 8, part 6, of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act, Chapter 9:23. The trial was also marked by Chiropa’s initial release on bail, and subsequent absconding. He was later re-arrested, and locked in remand prison for violating his bail conditions. Chiropa had pleaded not guilty to the charges, but was convicted due to overwhelming evidence that was produced in court – earning himself an effective 54 months in jail. In denying the charges, Chiropa had argued that he was a famous traditional healer of means. Chiropa dismissed the allegations as fabricated to nail him, claiming he only knew Assistant Commissioner Marume and her domestic worker, Precious Nyasha Manyawu, who was entrusted with the money, through an unnamed church. Assistant Commissioner Marume had employed Manyawu as her domestic worker for eight years without any incident. Ms Ndiraya asserted that Chiropa had influenced Manyawu to steal the money from her employer. Interestingly, it has emerged in court that Manyawu had a romantic relationship with Chiropa, through which they connived to steal the money. Further revelations in court exposed Chiropa’s lavish spending spree, which included the unlawful purchase of a Toyota Runx, two double beds, three wardrobes, a 55-inch Plasma TV, and a 250-watt solar panel, among other household items. For her role in the crime, Manyawu has since been punished, and currently serving time at Mutare Remand Prison. Her exact sentence could not be verified at the time of going to print. Ms Ndiraya’s further inquiry into Chiropa’s profession caught him off-guard, prompting a confused and contradictory response. Chiropa claimed that apart from being a traditional healer, he was also a truck driver and businessman. Mr Zulu told the court that Manyawu was entrusted with the money by Assistant Commissioner Marume for safekeeping. “However, when Assistant Commissioner Marume asked for the money on December 16, 2023, Manyawu failed to produce it. An investigation was launched, and it was discovered that Chiropa had taken the money and converted it to his own use, with Manyawu’s assistance. The total value stolen is US$20 100 and US$12 000 was recovered,” said Mr Zulu. *_-Manica Post_* 16. *BOSS BEATEN UP BY MOURNERS OVER NEGATIVE REMARKS AT FUNERAL IN RUSAPE* Rusape General Hospital’s human resources officer, Collin Mukondomi, was allegedly bashed by angry mourners during a church service on Tuesday, following a contentious eulogy that purportedly enraged the deceased’s relatives and friends. Mukondomi shocked the mourners when he allegedly described the late Martin Karichi, who died last Saturday, as someone with a poor work record and alleged that he would take medication from the hospital pharmacy and illegally treat people. Enraged mourners and relatives allegedly dragged Mukondomi out of St John’s United Methodist Church in Vengere, and assaulted him before he made a hasty retreat from the funeral. The church’s laity leader, Mr Philip Kanengoni, confirmed the incident, but declined to elaborate. “Sorry, I am not comfortable to discuss that issue with the Press,” said Mr Kanengoni. Another senior church member, who opted to remain anonymous citing protocol, confirmed that Mukondomi’s behaviour was uncouth as it is unAfrican to speak ill of the dead. “Mrs Mushawa, who was nominated to speak on behalf of Sekuru Karichi’s former colleagues, delivered a heartfelt tribute, recounting their positive working relationship until his retirement. “However, Mukondomi took to the podium and began making disparaging remarks about Sekuru Karichi, shocking relatives, church members and friends. He claimed that the late Sekuru Karichi was incorrectly addressed as ‘Dr’ since he was merely a nurse aide, and alleged this led to unauthorised use of hospital medications. “Mukondomi also boasted about saving Sekuru Karichi from dismissal and demoting him to a general hand. As the human resources officer, he emphasised his authority to hire and fire staff. The mourners erupted in outrage, prompting the director of ceremonies to intervene and seize the microphone. “Sekuru Karichi’s relatives manhandled Mukondomi, causing chaos in the church. He was dragged outside and assaulted before fleeing from the premises. We never expected such behaviour from a former colleague, especially one in a senior position. It was completely unacceptable,” said a senior church member. Mukondomi admitted sharing the lesser-known aspects of Sekuru Karichi’s character, claiming he saw nothing wrong with his actions since he had been invited to speak about the late man’s work history. He denied being assaulted, arguing that he left peacefully. “I was given a slot to speak as someone who had worked with the deceased. I thought they wanted to hear about his work history, so I shared how we had worked well together. However, I also revealed some of the deceased’s lesser-known qualities; which made some mourners uncomfortable. “As a nurse aide, there were some misconduct issues, and we had demoted him to a general hand. The mourners took issue with my decision to share this information publicly. “One person approached me and asked why I had shared those details. I apologised, explaining that I had thought the mourners wanted to hear about the deceased’s history. ‘‘I was asked to leave the church. Others, however, saw no problem with my speech and wanted me to return. There was commotion between those who supported me and those who opposed me. ‘‘That was the source of the uproar. No one assaulted me. Someone opened my car door and told me to leave; so I did,” explained Mukondomi. Mukondomi later contacted The Manica Post, acknowledging that his actions were wrong and expressed remorse for his words. He said he was waiting for tension to ease before approaching Sekuru Karichi’s relatives to apologise. “I wish to extend my sincerest apologies to all concerned parties. I have not yet approached them, as I believe emotions are still running high, but I intend to do so. My comments were inappropriate, and I am not proud of them. What I said was not right,” said Mukondomi before hanging up. *_-Manica Post_*