Tuesday 25 February 2025 *MORNING NEWS UPDATES* _• USD: ZiG Official Exchange – Z$25.69_ • _Black Market Rate - Zig 30:USD1_ • _Innscor in-store – Z$35_ • _KFC, Slice, Eat'n'Lick – Z$35_ New members who wish to receive detailed local, regional and international news from Ignite Media Zimbabwe should "follow" our channel on the link below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaASRLX6mYPM2XphWy2n *For advertising inquiries call, text or Whatsapp us on +263 778 242 692* *THE HEADLINES* *Draconian Law: Zimbabwe Makes First Cyber & Data Protection Act Arrest After Journalist Is Detained for Broadcasting Press Conferences* *ZINEF condemns arrest and detention of Blessed Mhlanga* *TIMB bans private sale of non-contract tobacco* *US$7 million Presidential Goats scheme fraud trial postponed again; lawyer says Chimombe is sick and needs time to heal* *Plug financial leaks first before borrowing US$21m: Harare residents* *Harare has no businesses database* *Zimbabwe expands steel industry as global plants shut down* *‘Zim on real path to industrialisation’* *Avocado exports spur Tanganda revenue to US$25,7 mln* *Zim registers decline in cotton output- CZI* *Temporary Teachers Are Back* *Chinese national stashes rhino horns worth US$350,000 in owl sculpture, attempts to smuggle them out of Zim* *‘Killing Me Softly’ singer Robert Flack dies* *Congo says rebel uprising has killed over 7,000 in less than 2 months* *UK will impose sanctions on Rwanda ‘soon’ in response to Congo conflict* *Hundreds of Congolese police join rebels in occupied city* *IGNITE SPORT* *Galatasaray to report Jose Mourinho to FIFA, UEFA for 'racist statements'* *Chelsea are over-reliant on Cole Pamer - Enzo Maresca* *Man Utd eye unhappy Lookman* *Man City target Leverkusen's Wirtz* *Sweden striker Alexander Isak may be allowed to leave Newcastle if they do not qualify for next season's Champions League, with Liverpool and Arsenal interested in the 25-year-old.* *Nigeria striker Ademola Lookman, 27, will leave Atalanta after falling out with manager Gian Piero Gasperini* *France midfielder Paul Pogba, 31, who is a free agent after leaving Juventus in November, could join Inter Miami when his doping suspension ends next month after he met with the MLS team's co-owner David Beckham* *Belgium midfielder Kevin de Bruyne is waiting to see if Manchester City still want him next season, with the 33-year-old having accepted he will only play a bit-part role if he agrees a new contract* *Croatia midfielder Luka Modric, 39, can stay at Real Madrid for as long as he wants, according to manager Carlo Ancelotti* *Real Madrid are not negotiating a deal for 33-year-old Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk, whose contract at Liverpool expires this summer* *England manager Thomas Tuchel has held talks with Arsenal full-back Ben White over an international return, with the 27-year-old having not played for the Three Lions since 2022* *THE DETAILS WITH IGNITE MEDIA ZIMBABWE* _*Draconian Law: Zimbabwe Makes First Cyber & Data Protection Act Arrest After Journalist Is Detained for Broadcasting Press Conferences*_ Zimbabwe has made its first high profile arrest under the new Cyber & Data Protection Act (CDPA), detaining journalist Blessed “Dhara” Mhlanga. He is accused of broadcasting press conferences held by a politician calling for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down. Mhlanga is a journalist with one of the largest media companies in Zimbabwe, Alpha Media Holdings (AMH). Mhlanga presented himself to the police after authorities announced on X (formerly Twitter) that they were looking for him. He was subsequently charged and detained on two counts of contravening Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. The Legal Basis for the Charges The specific charge under the CDPA is ‘Transmission of a data message inciting violence or damage to property.‘ According to Section 164 of the law, it is an offense to use digital platforms to incite violence or property damage. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Offences Relating to Electronic Communications and Materials 164 Transmission of data message inciting violence or damage to property Any person who unlawfully by means of a computer or information system makes available, transmits, broadcasts or distributes a data message to any person, group of persons or to the public with intend to incite such persons to commit acts of violence against any person or persons or to cause damage to any property shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level 10 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years or to both such fine and such imprisonment. Mhlanga broadcast press conferences earlier this year by Blessed Geza, a politician and war veteran who called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign. Geza, an outspoken war veteran and critic of Mnangagwa, has gained attention for his vocal opposition. The press conferences were broadcast to AMH’s YouTube channel HStv . Protection or Suppression? The arrest coincides with efforts by Zimbabwe’s Data Protection Authority (POTRAZ) to educate companies on CDPA compliance. POTRAZ, tasked with enforcing the CDPA, has been holding workshops to promote compliance. Ironically, just last week, at one such event in Harare, a POTRAZ representative sought to allay fears that the CDPA would be used to suppress free speech, insisting its primary purpose was to protect data subjects. The Cyber and Data Protection Act was enacted in December 2021 with the stated objective of increasing “data protection in order to build confidence and trust in the secure use of information and communication technologies…” Mhlanga’s arrest has been seen by some as politically motivated. It has been condemned by Amnesty International in Zimbabwe who have called for his “immediate release of Blessed Mhlanga and the unconditional dropping of all charges against him.” While the utility of the CDPA in safeguarding the personal information of ordinary Zimbabweans on the internet is clear, Mhlanga’s case raises fresh questions about whether the CDPA will also be used as a political tool against critics of the government.techzim _*ZINEF condemns arrest and detention of Blessed Mhlanga*_ The Zimbabwe National Editor's Forum (ZINEF) has strongly condemned the arrest and detention of Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) journalist and HStv presenter Blessed Mhlanga, describing it as an attack on press freedom. Mhlanga was taken into police custody earlier today following his recent interviews with war veterans' leader Blessed Geza and other individuals. Law enforcement authorities indicated that they had been seeking Mhlanga for questioning in relation to alleged violations of Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23, which pertains to the transmission of data messages that incite violence. According to police, the charges stem from statements allegedly made by Geza, a former liberation war veteran and a Zanu-PF central committee member, during interviews conducted on January 27, 2025, and February 11, 2025. Mhlanga was interrogated about the broadcaster's operations and the press conferences addressed by Geza. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Mhlanga, who is represented by lawyer Chris Mhike, is currently being held at Harare Central Police Station and is expected to appear in court tomorrow. Mhike confirmed that his client has been detained overnight in police cells. Meanwhile, Geza is now wanted by police and faces four criminal charges, including undermining the authority of and insulting the President. Authorities have also arrested Geza's wife, Roseline Tawengwa, reportedly in connection with his whereabouts, which remain unknown. ZINEF expressed deep concern over what it termed as an "unwarranted arrest and harassment" of Mhlanga, emphasizing that he was simply performing his duty as a journalist by interviewing war veterans in the public interest. The media organization highlighted that the interviews were conducted as part of legitimate journalism and media practice. "Mhlanga's arrest— which has a chilling effect on journalists' professional work— is a clear attack on press freedom and constitutionally guaranteed rights, particularly freedom of expression," ZINEF stated. "We demand the immediate release of Mhlanga and call on authorities to ensure he is not harassed, harmed, or tortured while in police custody." ZINEF further urged the Zimbabwean government to uphold constitutional rights of journalists, particularly media freedom enshrined in Section 61 of the Constitution. This section protects the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to seek, receive, and communicate information, as well as press freedom, which allows journalists to protect their sources and establish independent media outlets. While ZINEF acknowledged that freedom of expression does not extend to inciting violence, promoting hate speech, or damaging reputations, it maintained that Mhlanga's interviews were well within the bounds of media freedom and constitutional rights. The organization also called for a safe and conducive environment for journalists to operate without fear of harassment or intimidation. "We stand in firm solidarity with Mhlanga, his family, and colleagues, and we will continue to advocate for the protection of journalists' rights and the promotion of press freedom and other democratic rights in Zimbabwe," said ZINEF chairperson Dumisani Muleya. The arrest of Mhlanga has sparked concerns among media practitioners and human rights groups, who view it as part of a broader crackdown on press freedom in Zimbabwe. Observers will be closely monitoring his court appearance as calls for his release continue to mount. _*TIMB bans private sale of non-contract tobacco*_ THE Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has directed that all free-funded tobacco will be sold through the auction system this year. Tobacco production is grown under two arrangements in Zimbabwe namely contract and self-financing. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The directive from TIMB is part of latest regulations put in place ahead of the 2024/25 tobacco marketing season, which will protect farmers from unfair prices. This comes amidst the backdrop of the strong performance of the tobacco industry in recent years, including record-breaking production, growing export earnings and sustainability initiatives. State media _*US$7 million Presidential Goats scheme fraud trial postponed again; lawyer says Chimombe is sick and needs time to heal*_ Jailed businessman, Mike Chimombe failed to show up for trial Monday in a case he is accused of defrauding the state of US$7 million in a Presidential Goats Scheme. According to a letter from doctors submitted before High Court judge, Chimombe is currently ill and will require at least seven days to recuperate. His lawyer, Ashiel Mugiya asked for a postponement of the trial to next Monday to allow his client to heal. “The basis of the application is that the second accused person, Mike Chimombe is not feeling well and is not in a state that he could stand trial. I received a document dated the 22nd of February 2025 in which a medical practitioner attended to the second accused person. “The document indicates that the accused is expected to recuperate within seven days so my application is that the matter be postponed to Monday next week, on the 3rd of March for commencement of trial,” Mugiya submitted. The court heard the letter was written by Dr D Ngwaru. Mugiya also requested a court order directing that Chimombe be examined by a state doctor. “I so pray that this directive will be issued by the court,” he said. Witness Mabhaudhi representing the state said he was not opposed to the postponement but shot down the request to have a court order issued as requested by Mugiya. “It’s unlike a mental health issue. No one is challenging that medical report. “We expect him (Chimombe) to be here on Monday so there is no need for him to be examined by a doctor. The matter has been remanded so that should suffice,” he said. - Fraud-accused Mpofu, Chimombe’s trial fails to take off - Chimombe, Mpofu denied bail; judge says duo faces 20-year jail term if convicted The presiding judge Pisirayi granted a postponement of the trial to Monday but agreed with the state and said he would not issue a court order for Chimombe to be seen by state doctors. Chimombe is jointly charged with his colleague Moses Mpofu. The two have been in custody since their arrest in June last year with all their attempts to secure freedom having failed. There have been many false starts to the duo’s trial from the time they were indicted last year. The two made a lengthy application for referral of their case to the Constitution Court without luck. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Their trial has also been postponed on several occasions for various reasons. _*Plug financial leaks first before borrowing US$21m: Harare residents*_ Harare residents have expressed outrage over the City Council’s proposal to borrow over US$21 million to improve service delivery. The residents insist that the council must first plug its financial leakages before assuming more debts. The outrage comes at a time when the city is reportedly losing over US$70 million annually due to the absence of an effective Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. This also comes at a time when the city has lost track of a US$4.5 million loan advanced to its subsidiary Harare Quarry, amidst reports that the city is still using outdated methods, such as memory sticks, to store financial records. Top city officials are also drawing huge salaries and perks at the expense of funding service delivery and paying municipal workers. The cash-strapped City published a notice yesterday in the press seeking permission to borrow US$21,299,800 to finance various service delivery initiatives. The city intends to use the money to, among other capital projects, upgrade three bus termini at a cost of over US$2 million, buying five refuse compactors for US$600 000 and 52 tractors at US$2.6 million, with each tractor costing approximately US$50 000. Additionally, the council is also seeking to buy vehicles at US$1,3 million, a front-end loader at US$157 500, and a solar-powered borehole at US$8 500. In an interview, Harare Residents’ Trust director Mr Precious Shumba said: “The City of Harare is in no position to consider borrowing money for any reason.” “They first have to have a functional, transparent and accountable billing system. Currently, they have failed to plug financial leakages on funds generated by strategic business units and cattle farms and have opaque procurement systems.” Mr Shumba raised concerns that the US$21 million loan could be misused by city officials for personal gain. “Where you see the council intending to borrow, it means that they have already lined up the service providers who will give bribes to the council’s technocrats and councillors as inducements to facilitate the illegal procurement deals. “Given these challenges, the Harare Residents’ Trust objects to the borrowing powers being sought and demands that the council facilitates meetings where these issues are shared with residents and other critical stakeholders.” Herald _*Harare has no businesses database*_ Harare City Council is currently functioning without a comprehensive database of shops and businesses within the city, raising concerns about mismanagement and corruption at the local authority. This lack of oversight has reportedly allowed council bosses to allocate themselves sectors to manage, potentially lining their own pockets, The Herald can reveal. Compounding the issue, the city has been without an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for six years, leading to significant failures in tracking overall cash flows. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. As a result, Harare has been unable to collect revenue from its 130 beerhalls for 13 years, with three of these establishments having been corruptly sold due to the absence of a proper database. The prevalence of fake shop licences has surged, causing the local authority to miss out on potential revenue. Both legitimate council officials and impersonators are exploiting loopholes in the business licensing department, extorting money and goods from shop owners without licences. Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume confirmed the absence of a database. “A contract to monitor those (shops and businesses) was suspended mid-way,” he said. When pressed to elaborate, Councillor Mafume became evasive. However, a letter written to Clr Mafume by Ten Ten Tech, which was once engaged by Harare City Council for partial management of its business premises, revealed that in just four years, the private company had collected more than US$20 million. The system was in operation from October 2017 to May 2021 and provided comprehensive daily reports regarding the revenue that was collected. This allowed City of Harare officials to be fully aware of revenues accrued at all times. “Over the period that the system was operational a total of US$15 062 851 and ZWL 49 944 432 was collected,” reads the letter. Ten Ten Tech’s contract was terminated amid a cloud of chaos and presently the company is still seeking to be paid for services rendered. On his part, Councillor Denford Ngadziore, chairperson of the Small and Medium Enterprises Committee, said that the city is now charging US$50 monthly for small shop licences. This is a reduction from the previous US$600 licence fee, which he said had become untenable for many small businesses. The new policy allows for charging fees rather than licences, accommodating the numerous subdivided shops in the city. Yet Clr Ngadziore could not reveal the number of shops that are operating in Harare, which have been accused of snatching customers from established businesses and not paying taxes. According to Clr Ngadziore, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development recognises businesses operating within a 10 by 10-metre space as fitting under the SMEs policy. The full implementation of this policy is expected to create an additional 150 000 trading spaces throughout Harare and that could earn the local authority no less than US$7.5 million per month but nothing of that sort exists. Mr Rueben Akili, director of the Combined Harare Residents Association, linked the lack of a business database to the absence of a functional ERP system, suggesting deliberate negligence to enable arbitrage and abuse. “The failure by the local authority to have a functional ERP system is deliberate so that people may abuse/loot council resources,” he said. Herald _*Zimbabwe expands steel industry as global plants shut down*_ While steel plants worldwide face closures, Zimbabwe is making significant strides in expanding its steel industry. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony for the US$3.6 billion Palm River Energy Metallurgical Special Economic Zone in Beitbridge, a project poised to boost the country's mining, energy, and industrial sectors. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Countries such as South Africa are struggling to keep their steel plants operational. ArcelorMittal, one of the world's largest steel producers, is in talks with the South African government to prevent the shutdown of its Vereeniging and Saldanha steel plants. The global steel industry has been hit by high energy costs, declining demand, and economic uncertainties. In contrast, Zimbabwe is attracting major investments in steel production. The Palm River Energy project will incorporate mining, power generation, coke production, and steel manufacturing. It is expected to transform the Matabeleland region into an industrial hub, boosting employment and economic growth. President Mnangagwa, accompanied by Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, led the ceremony alongside key government officials, including Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, Mines Minister Winston Chitando, and Chinese embassy representatives. Mining sector stakeholders and Beitbridge community leaders also attended the event. The 5,163-hectare industrial park will be developed in five phases over 12 years, with an initial investment of US$237 million for the first phase, set to be completed in two years. The project will ultimately produce stainless steel, strengthening Zimbabwe's mining and energy sectors. President Mnangagwa emphasized that the investment highlights growing confidence in his administration's economic policies. In 2018, he declared Beitbridge a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to attract foreign direct investment and improve local business competitiveness. The SEZ model is central to Zimbabwe's strategy to stimulate industrial growth. As global steel plants struggle, Zimbabwe's commitment to value addition, industrialization, and energy production is positioning the country as a key player in the steel sector. The Palm River Energy project is expected to enhance export potential, create jobs, and contribute to economic transformation in the region. _*’Zim on real path to industrialisation’*_ Zimbabwe is on the right path to industrialisation with more strategic investors now gaining confidence in the Government’s national development trajectory anchored on the robust re-engagement and engagement policy, President Mnangagwa has said. The President said the country was attracting more investment in the infrastructure, mining and energy sectors from both new and old strategic partners. He made the remarks while presiding over the groundbreaking ceremony at the Palm River Energy Project in Beitbridge where the Government, in collaboration with a Chinese mining company, is setting up a US$3.6 billion Energy Metallurgical Special Economic Zone and Industrial Park. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. President Mnangagwa said the development of industries and embracing value addition were critical in driving the country’s economic growth. “This project is a testament to the many successful partnerships between the Government and the private sector, as we work together to ensure the development of our country,” said the President. “This ceremony follows hard on the heels of other projects which are at various stages of implementation, since the advent of the Second Republic. “The progress we are seeing here is also a positive result of my Government’s Engagement and Re-Engagement Policy that has led to growing confidence in Zimbabwe as a favourable investment destination.” State media _*Avocado exports spur Tanganda revenue to US$25,7 mln*_ LISTED producer, packer and distributor of tea, Tanganda Tea Company’s (TTC) revenue surged to US$25,7 million attributed to strong avocado exports in the just-ended financial year. Presenting an Annual Report for the year ended September 30 2024, TTC board chairman, Herbert Nkala said revenue during the period significantly improved. “Revenue for the year of US$25,7 million grew by 9% from the prior year of USD23.6 million primarily attributable to an increase in avocado export volumes and the recovery of their selling prices as Covid-19 pandemic restrictions eased. “The company achieved a profit after tax of US$1.4 million from a loss of US$3.1 million in the previous year,” he said. During the period, Avocado production of 3 976 tons grew by 84% over prior year production of 2 156 tons due to the increased maturity profile of the plantations. The crop’s exports grew by 40% to 2 997 tons from 2 148 tons achieved in the prior year. Growth in export volumes was buttressed by the firming of export prices to an average 75 US cents per kg from 44 US per kg cents achieved in the prior year following global easing of Covid-19 imposed restrictions. The company sold 60% of its non-exportable secondary grade for oil extraction and to the retail and informal sector, while 40% was unsalable. In the ensuing financial year, it is expected that the previously unsalable secondary grades will be channelled towards crude oil extraction. Macadamia production of 1 626 tons increased by 77% over prior year production of 921 tons. Exports declined by 3% to 1 508 tons from 1551 tons in the previous year, due to logistical issues caused by rescheduled ships, affecting the last consignment of 286 tons. The decline in packed tea sales volumes of 7% from 1 873 tons in the prior year to 1 733 tons in this financial year was due to packaging material supply constraints, depressed performance from the traditional formal customers and overall macroeconomic dynamics. “The operating environment is expected to remain complex, largely influenced by adverse developments on currency and inflation. The effects of the El Nino-induced drought are likely to persist until the next harvesting period in April 2025,” added Nkala. _*Zim registers decline in cotton output- CZI*_ Data from the Conferderation of Zimbabwe Industries has shown output decline in Zimbabwe’s cotton industry. This has affected industries such as textiles and retail. According to the data. output fell from 360,000MT in 2011 to 13,000MT in 2024, ‘starving local industries and increasing fabric imports.’ Zimbabwe has the capacity to gin 750,000MT per year. However only a fraction is processed locally, “amissed opportunity for value addition and jobs,” according to CZI. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Cotton is a drought-resistant crop that is grown in most arid and semi-arid areas in Zimbabwe where there is marginal rainfall. Furthermore, cotton growing in Zimbabwe, qualifies as the second highest export earner after tobacco. Cotton contributes close to 10% of the Gross Domestic Product. The crop is more important in the agro-processing industry for its value chain processes that involve the sustenance of various downstream industries, such as the textile, ginning, spinning and weaving trades. _*Temporary Teachers Are Back*_ Government has given the greenlight to parents to employ temporary teachers in critical shortage subject areas of sciences and early childhood development (ECD) while awaiting recruitment of permanent educators by the Public Service Commission. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has set a target to employ 8 000 teachers this year as it continues to address the teacher deficit in schools. ECD has the highest shortage of teachers with science and mathematics, among the worst affected subjects. Responding to questions from legislators during Question and Answer time in Parliament, Primary and Secondary Education Deputy Minister Angeline Gata said School Development Committees (SDCs) have been granted permission to employ relief teachers when they can afford them. “As a ministry, we have gone public on the shortage of teachers at ECD and other science learning areas,” she said. “We have even extended that to other levels/grades that could be experiencing critical shortages in schools. “We are grateful that our request is receiving attention from the employer (PSC). Over the years, the ministry has been getting the services of what we call para-professional teachers,” said Deputy Minister Gata. “These were engaged by our School Development Committees (SDCs) to alleviate the shortage of teachers in our schools. The School Development Committees were given the mandate to do so by the ministry on a temporary basis.” She said the relief teachers will be replaced when the PSC deploys qualified teachers to concerned schools. Deputy Minister Gata said the Government does not interfere with the contracts between relief teachers and parents. “The contracts of these para-professionals were between the schools and members concerned and they were only contracted subject to the availability of funds to pay them by the schools,” said Deputy Minister Gata. Chronicle _*Chinese national stashes rhino horns worth US$350,000 in owl sculpture, attempts to smuggle them out of Zim*_ A Chinese national has been arrested on allegations of attempting to smuggle rhino horns worth US$350,000 out of the country. The horns were found stashed in an owl sculpture. The suspect is Lin Wang. He will be jointly charged with Cuthbert Maoko, a Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) official who is already on remand. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Wang is being charged for contravening the Parks and Wildlife Act. He was remanded in custody when he appeared before Harare magistrate Isheanesu Matova who advised him to seek bail at the High Court. According to prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi, on 12 September 2024 Wang went to the airport holding a 13-kilogram owl-hardened plastic sculpture to which he intended to facilitate its shipment to China by processing its export papers. It is alleged that security officials observed the accused holding the parcel which looked suspicious and alerted other stakeholders. “The sculpture was put on AGS Scanner and the image was not consistent which prompted the stakeholders to want to verify what was contained therein. “The sculpture was placed on items held by Zimra on receipt number 029910A on 12 September 2024 awaiting a two months period. After the lapse of the two-month period and on the 20 November 2024, the concerned stakeholders who first witnessed the item being taken into custody by ZIMRA were again summoned to witness the breaking of the sculptor the clearing agent. “When the sculpture was broken, it was discovered that there were five rhino horn pieces which were wrapped by a newspaper and tied by a transparent plastic hidden inside.” The agent implicated the accused as the one who gave him the sculpture which contained the recovered rhino horn pieces. The agent called Wang to come to the airport to answer the questions relating to the case but the accused disappeared. The five Rhino horn pieces were seized by Zimra on notice of seizure receipt number 024315L. “The recovered exhibit was conveyed to Zimparks for assaying where it was assayed in the presence of the agent since the accused was on the run and it was found to be five pieces of rhino horns all valued at US$ 360 000.” _*’Killing Me Softly’ singer Robert Flack dies*_ Roberta Flack, the US singer behind a string of hits including Killing Me Softly With His Song, has died aged 88. “We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025,” a statement from her spokesperson read. “She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.” With her graceful presence, genre-crossing versatility and ability to give voice to the full range of love’s highs and lows, Flack is widely considered one of soul and R&B’s greatest ever artists. Flack was born in 1937 in Black Mountain, North Carolina, to musical parents. Her mother Irene was a church choir organist, meaning Flack was introduced to religious and classical music early on. She began playing the piano aged nine and by 15 she was admitted to Howard University to study music on a full scholarship, one of the youngest students to be accepted in the school’s history. _*Congo says rebel uprising has killed over 7,000 in less than 2 months*_ KINSHASA, Congo — More than 7,000 people have died this year as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have captured unprecedented amounts of territory in mineral-rich eastern Congo, Congo’s prime minister said Monday, as the European Union announced it would review an agreement with Rwanda on critical raw materials. Judith Suminwa Tuluka told the U.N. Human Rights Council that the security and humanitarian situation in the region “has reached alarming levels.” The conflict has accelerated in recent weeks, with the rebels taking the key city of Goma in January and Bukavu, another provincial capital, this month. M23 is the most potent of the many armed groups vying for a foothold in Congo’s east, which has trillions of dollars of mostly untapped mineral wealth crucial to the world’s technology. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Pressure grew on Rwanda. The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, called Congo’s territorial integrity “non-negotiable” and said EU defense consultations with Rwanda have been suspended — they cooperate on missions in Mozambique and elsewhere — and their memorandum of understanding regarding critical raw materials will be under review. _*UK will impose sanctions on Rwanda ‘soon’ in response to Congo conflict*_ GENEVA, Switzerland – Britain will introduce sanctions soon against Rwanda over fighting in neighbouring Congo, a minister in the UK Foreign Office told Reuters on Monday. Asked if Britain would impose sanctions on Rwanda, Ray Collins, who covers Africa policy as a junior minister in the foreign office, replied “Yes”. Asked when, he said “Soon”. The “UK has made its position clear to Rwanda and will act soon,” he added, speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of a U.N. Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva. Rwanda is facing global pressure over allegations it supports the M23 group which, since January, has captured swathes of eastern Congo including the cities of Goma and Bukavu, and valuable mineral deposits. _*Hundreds of Congolese police join rebels in occupied city*_ Crowds of Congolese police officers who switched to the M23 rebel group sang and clapped in occupied Bukavu city on Saturday, preparing for retraining under the authority of the rebels who are intent on showing they plan to stick around and govern. The M23 rebels advanced a week ago into eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's second-largest city, which was rocked by looting and unrest as Congolese forces withdrew without a fight. The M23's capture of swaths of eastern Congo and valuable mineral deposits has fanned fears of a wider war and led the United Nations Security Council to demand unanimously Friday that it cease hostilities and withdraw. In Bukavu, there was no sign this call would be heeded. The assembled police, wearing brand new uniforms and black berets, were told they would leave for a few days of training and come back to support the M23 rebels. "May you come back to us in good shape so that together we can continue to liberate our country," said Police Commander Jackson Kamba. Around 1,800 police officers have surrendered and were going for retraining with 500 more due to do so, said Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesperson for the AFC rebel alliance that includes the M23 group. The Congolese government did not immediately respond to a request for comment. *IGNITE SPORT* _*Galatasaray to report Jose Mourinho to FIFA, UEFA for 'racist statements'*_ Turkish Süper Lig leaders Galatasaray said they will "initiate criminal proceedings" and report Fenerbahçe manager Jose Mourinho to FIFA and UEFA over what they call "racist statements." The move comes after the two sides played to a 0-0 draw in a tense league match in Istanbul on Monday night. Mourinho had welcomed the appointment of a non-Turkish referee, with Slovenian Slavko Vinčić chosen to officiate. After the match, Mourinho made a point of praising the referee, highlighting the fact he was not from Turkey. "The performance of the referee was a top performance," Mourinho told his postmatch news conference. "Anyone, not just from this country but also abroad, watched a big football match. I think the man responsible for that was the referee. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. "I went to the referee's dressing room after the game. Of course, the fourth official was there, a Turkish referee. And I told him [the referee], thank you [for coming] here. "I turn myself to the fourth official and I told [him] this match, if you are the referee ... would be a disaster. When I say him, I say the general tendency." Mourinho was also asked about an incident early in the game involving his 19-year-old defender Yusuf Akcicek, to which he said: "Again, I have to thank the referee because with a Turkish referee after the big dive and the first minute and their bench jumping like monkeys on top of the kids. "A Turkish referee would have [given Akcicek] a yellow card after one minute, and after five minutes I would have to change him." Galatasaray responded with a statement: "Since the commencement of his managerial duties in Türkiye, Fenerbahçe manager Jose Mourinho has persistently issued derogatory statements directed towards the Turkish people. "Today, his discourse has escalated beyond merely immoral comments into unequivocally inhumane rhetoric. "We hereby formally declare our intention to initiate criminal proceedings concerning the racist statements made by Jose Mourinho, and shall accordingly submit official complaints to UEFA and FIFA. "Furthermore, we shall diligently observe the stance adopted by Fenerbahçe -- an institution professing to uphold 'exemplary moral values' -- in response to the reprehensible conduct exhibited by their manager." Mourinho has been critical of the officiating in Turkey this season. In January, he said there was a "toxic" environment around referees in the Süper Lig. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. _*Chelsea are over-reliant on Cole Pamer - Enzo Maresca*_ Enzo Maresca has said Chelsea are over-reliant on Cole Palmer and rejected criticism of the midfielder's body language in recent games. Chelsea slipped to seventh in the Premier League with a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa on Saturday, a game in which Palmer missed a clear chance with the scores level. He has not scored in his last six matches dating back to Jan. 14 and also wasted a good opportunity to put Chelsea 2-0 up at Manchester City last month, a match they went on to lose 3-1. Speaking on Tuesday ahead of the visit of rock-bottom Southampton, Maresca said: "I am always concerned about general performance but I am not concerned about Cole because Cole is a human being and during the season he can have some moments where he struggles a little bit more. "The problem with Cole is probably that we rely on Cole for everything and I said since we start we need to rely on the team. For sure, we need big players, top players like Cole but we are not worried about Cole at all." Palmer appeared to vent his frustration on several occasions at Villa Park, following on from similar incidents in successive defeats to Brighton but Maresca denied there was any underlying unhappiness. "At the end, also there are team mates that can be frustrated with the chances we miss against Villa and against City. I think both chances were Cole, no? Very clear," he said. "The other day we were 1-1, to score [to go] 1-2 [up], ten minutes to go. Against City, it was 0-1 could be 0-2 after 10 minutes and I didn't see his team mates frustrated so Cole is just upset just because we are not winning games, no more than that." Asked how the 22-year-old -- who had enjoyed a prolific campaign until his recent slump -- could get back to the form which saw him amass 14 goals and six assists from 26 league games, Maresca replied: "Just continue working in the way he is working. The other day I think, yes, he had a great chance but overall the performance from Cole ... as I said every game we expect from him a goal or assist so it is difficult. "He is a human being. In this moment probably his performance also reflects a little bit the team performance -- that we struggle to score goals -- and we need to be a little more clinical in chances." Maresca also confirmed Filip Jørgensen will continue in goal after his last-minute error gifted Villa their win. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Jorgensen had replaced Robert Sánchez following a string of mistakes but Maresca said: ""If we need to change players every time there is a mistake, we need to change players game by game, many players. But no, nothing has changed." Meanwhile,Trevoh Chalobah is sidelined for around 10 days with a back problem. _*Man Utd eye unhappy Lookman*_ Manchester United and Newcastle look set to battle it out to sign unsettled Atalanta star Ademola Lookman, while James McAtee has been lined up to replace Florian Wirtz at Bayer Leverkusen. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip from around the globe. _*Man City target Leverkusen's Wirtz*_ Manchester City are chasing Bayer Leverkusen's Germany midfielder Florian Wirtz, 21, with English midfielder James McAtee, 22, potentially moving the other way Ignite Media Zimbabwe sports tit bits: *Sweden striker Alexander Isak may be allowed to leave Newcastle if they do not qualify for next season's Champions League, with Liverpool and Arsenal interested in the 25-year-old.* *Nigeria striker Ademola Lookman, 27, will leave Atalanta after falling out with manager Gian Piero Gasperini* *France midfielder Paul Pogba, 31, who is a free agent after leaving Juventus in November, could join Inter Miami when his doping suspension ends next month after he met with the MLS team's co-owner David Beckham* *Belgium midfielder Kevin de Bruyne is waiting to see if Manchester City still want him next season, with the 33-year-old having accepted he will only play a bit-part role if he agrees a new contract* *Croatia midfielder Luka Modric, 39, can stay at Real Madrid for as long as he wants, according to manager Carlo Ancelotti* *Real Madrid are not negotiating a deal for 33-year-old Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk, whose contract at Liverpool expires this summer* *England manager Thomas Tuchel has held talks with Arsenal full-back Ben White over an international return, with the 27-year-old having not played for the Three Lions since 2022* This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production.