Thursday 27 February 2025 *AFTERNOON 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* *Zimbabwe media suffer more persecution since Mnangagwa re-election – global report* *Nowhere-to-be-Found Cde Bombshell Geza Loses US$1.3 Million as Fallout with President Emmerson Mnangagwa Intensifies* *Magistrate recuses self from Geza case* *Zimplats faces challenges as half-year production dips amid operational disruptions* *Chitungwiza Pastor Allegedly Rapes Girl (14) And Gives Her Morning After Pills* *MPs Now Enjoy Free Parking In Harare Central Business District* *Good News for Zimbabweans: Starlink Boosts Satellite Capacity, Resumes Accepting New Customers from Sold-Out Areas in Zimbabwe* *High Court to hear Tshabangu's appeal against CCC expulsion* *Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and wife found dead in their home* *THE DETAILS WITH IGNITE MEDIA ZIMBABWE* _*Zimbabwe media suffer more persecution since Mnangagwa re-election – global report*_ _Zimbabwe ranks 116 out of 180 countries on the Global Press Freedom Index_ HARARE – Zimbabwean media have been subjected to more persecution since President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s re-election in 2023, according to Reporters Without Borders (RWB). Reporters Without Borders, an international non-profit organisation which focuses on safeguarding the right to freedom of information, ranked Zimbabwe 116 out of 180 countries surveyed and published on the Global Press Freedom Index. The best ranked country is on number 1. “Access to information has increased and self-censorship has declined. However, the media have been subjected to more persecution since President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s re-election in 2023,” says part of the report. The publication of the report coincides with the arrest and detention of Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) senior journalist Blessed Mhlanga who is accused of inciting violence through broadcasts of firebrand war veteran and nemesis to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Blessed Geza on the publication’s broadcast unit HStv. Since Mnangagwa came into power, a number of private media journalists, among them Hopewell Chinono, Garikai Mafirakureva, Wisdom Mudzungairi and many more have been arrested over politically motivated charges in Zimbabwe. The media landscape remains dominated by state-controlled media whose journalists are hardly subjected to the abuse experienced by their private media counterparts. According to the RWB, extremely harsh laws are still in effect and, when new laws have been adopted, their provisions are just as draconian as those they replaced. The amended penal code and Official Secrets Act and the new Cyber Security and Data Protection Act continue to hamstring journalism. “In June 2023, the government adopted a dangerous ‘patriotic bill’, criminalising any ‘attack on sovereignty and national interest’, threatening the work of journalists,” says RWB. The economic situation in Zimbabwe is holding back development of the media, says RWB. The cost of creating a new media outlet is prohibitive and discourages investors, while the annual licensing fees for a TV channel can reach tens of thousands of dollars. This situation allows the state to maintain its grip on the sector, with nearly 70% of print and broadcast media outlets under its control. Poorly paid journalists are exposed to the temptation of bribes, which weakens their independence. _*Nowhere-to-be-Found Cde Bombshell Geza Loses US$1.3 Million as Fallout with President Emmerson Mnangagwa Intensifies*_ Harare – In a dramatic turn of events, the State yesterday withdrew fraud charges against former Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (Arda) chairman Basil Nyabadza, who is accused of defrauding outspoken war veteran Blessed “Bombshell” Geza of US$1 362 000 in a land deal. The withdrawal comes amidst escalating tensions between Geza, a vocal critic of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and the President’s allies, raising questions about the timing and motivations behind the legal proceedings. The charges were withdrawn before a plea was taken, meaning the evidence can be reused in a subsequent trial. Prosecutor Mr. Anesu Chirenje informed the court that Nyabadza would be summoned back to court once Geza makes himself available. Nyabadza opposed the withdrawal, insisting that charges should be read to him and the trial should commence. However, the new magistrate, Mr. Donald Ndirowei, who took over from Ms. Tilda Mazhande after she recused herself citing personal reasons, sided with the State and withdrew the charges before the plea. Last week, Ms. Mazhande had put the State on notice that she would remove Nyabadza from remand if Geza failed to appear in court. The case revolves around a land deal in which Geza allegedly purchased 42,3504 hectares from Nyabadza for US$1 362 000 on October 29, 2020. According to the State, Geza was granted sole authority to subdivide, develop, and sell the land. Prosecutor Chirenje alleged that Nyabadza misrepresented to Geza that the land had title deeds, which he promised to hand over within a month. However, he failed to deliver. While Geza was in the process of obtaining subdivision permits from the Department of Physical Planning in Mashonaland West, he allegedly discovered that Nyabadza had already sold the same land to Velda Estates. The court heard that Geza attempted to resolve the matter amicably with Nyabadza, only to find that his agreement of sale had been cancelled without his knowledge. As a result, Geza was allegedly prejudiced of US$1 362 000, with no recovery made. The withdrawal of charges against Nyabadza coincides with a concerted campaign to discredit Geza, a militant war veterans leader who recently launched a scathing attack on President Mnangagwa, demanding his resignation and vowing to thwart his alleged plans to extend his rule beyond 2028. Geza has been a vocal critic of President Mnangagwa, repeatedly calling for his resignation and accusing him of failing the country. His outspoken stance has drawn significant attention to his activities and whereabouts, making him a target for those loyal to the President. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is reportedly pursuing four criminal charges against Geza, including undermining the authority of or insulting the President. Allies of President Mnangagwa, including Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, are reportedly referencing an alleged murder case against him. According to The News Hawks, the army then exfiltrated Geza into safety in South Africa, just like they did Mnangagwa in 2017 after he was fired by Mugabe as vice president. A named security agency was involved in the operation, The News Hawks reported. The unfolding events raise concerns about the politicisation of the legal system and the potential use of state resources to target political opponents. With Geza reportedly in South Africa and facing a barrage of charges, his ability to pursue the fraud case against Nyabadza remains uncertain. _*Magistrate recuses self from Geza case*_ HARARE magistrate Tilda Mazhande yesterday recused herself from presiding over a case in which former Agricultural and Rural Development Authority board chairperson Basil Nyabadza is being accused of defrauding outspoken war veteran Blessed Runesu Geza “Bombshell” of over US$1 million. The matter later resumed before Harare magistrate Donald Ndirowei. State prosecutor Anesu Chirenje withdrew charges before plea indicating that the complainant was not available for the trial. Chirenje tendered an affidavit from the investigating officer, Hillary Mazhekete, who stated that he had failed to get hold of Geza. However, Chirenje told the court that the matter will be brought back to court when Geza becomes available to testify. The accused person opposed an application by the State for the withdrawal of the case saying he wanted it to be finalised. It is the State’s case that Geza bought a piece of land measuring 42,3504 hectares from Nyabadza for US$1 362 000 on October 29, 2020. Geza was granted sole authority to subdivide, develop and sell the land. Nyabadza allegedly misrepresented to Geza that the piece of land had title deeds, which he would avail in a month. However, he failed to deliver the title deeds. It is alleged that as Geza was in the process of obtaining subdivision permits for the land from the Department of Physical Planning in Mashonaland West province, he discovered that Nyabadza had sold the land to Velda Estates. The court heard that Geza engaged Nyabadza hoping for an amicable solution, only to discover that the agreement of sale was cancelled without his knowledge. _*Zimplats faces challenges as half-year production dips amid operational disruptions*_ Impala Platinum’s Zimbabwean unit, Zimplats was affected by power supply interruptions and poor availability of trackless machinery during the half-year period to December 2024, consequently lowering mined volumes by 2.5% compared to the same period a year earlier. Zimplats has completed re-development of the large Bimha mine which now has capacity of 3.1 million tons per year. However, during the period under review, Zimplats’ mined volumes “were hampered by poor trackless mobile machinery (TMM) availability at Mupfuti, Bimha and Mupani mines” while “intermittent interruptions to power supply at operations and a slow ramp-up at Bimha Mine following several lost-time injuries” also weighed in. This forced down mined volumes by 2.5% to 3.9 million tons compared to 4 million tons in the comparable period in 2023. Tons milled also decreased by 2.6% to 3.8 million tons due to lower ore supply while metal in concentrate production declined by 2% year-on-year to 279 890 6E ounces. However, Zimplats’ 6E mill head grade improved marginally to 3.38 grammes per ton. This has been attributed to “improved mining quality across the mines and increased tonnage from higher-grade zones” at Rukodzi and Bimha mines. “Lower-than-planned concentrator production, increase in furnace lockup and the delayed commissioning of the expanded smelter converters impacted 6E production, which decreased by 15% to 279 890 ounces from 327 810 ounces. In total 23 191 6E ounces were accumulated between concentrate and final production in the period,” said Zimplats CEO, Alex Mhembere. During the half year period, Zimplats suffered a 6% dip in revenues to $350.2 million (R6.4 billion). This was caused by a 13% decline in sales volumes to 279 740 6E ounces as average metal prices were 8% higher for the period. Moreover, cost of sales decreased by 6% to $323m on the lower sales volumes, partly offset by a 7% increase in costs to $885 per 6E ounce produced. Consequently, profit before income tax was 37% lower at $8.9m after an income tax charge of $4.7m for the half year, Interim post tax profits in Zimplats improved to $4.1m compared to a loss of $8.8m in the previous contrasting period, although there was no dividend declared for the period. Zimplats accessed borrowings of US$4.5m during the half year and closed the period with cash and cash equivalents of $41.4m . The development and upgrade of Mupani Mine which will replace Ngwarati, Rukodzi and part of Mupfuti mines that are depleting “remains on schedule, with full production of 3.6 million tonnes per annum planned” for the first half of 2029. Zimplats has spend a cumulative $339m as at 31 December 2024 against an approved project budget of $386m on Mupani mine development. _*Chitungwiza Pastor Allegedly Rapes Girl (14) And Gives Her Morning After Pills*_ A 36-year-old self-styled prophet is accused of raping a 14-year-old girl who is a member of his church, the Tabernacle of Power Ministries in Chitungwiza. According to HeraldOnline, Prophet Tino, whose real name is Tendai Tinodiwanashe Mashongashika, recently appeared in court to respond to the allegations. The incident reportedly happened on January 12, 2025, after a church service held at Pastor Tino’s home in Unit A. After the service, the youth chair lady asked the girl to stay behind and help arrange the chairs. During this time, Pastor Tino allegedly took the girl into his bedroom, where he forced himself on her and raped her. Afterward, he gave her a cloth to wipe off the blood and took her to her grandmother’s house. Before leaving, he prayed for her. The girl did not initially tell anyone about the assault because Pastor Tino had told her not to. He allegedly said that no one would believe her because he is a pastor. The next morning, on January 13, at around 6 AM, Pastor Tino met the girl again and gave her morning-after pills, instructing her on how to use them. The rape was discovered on January 30 when the girl’s grandmother checked her cell phone and found WhatsApp messages from the pastor proposing love to the 14-year-old girl. The grandmother also saw that the girl had been enquiring about morning-after pills and how to terminate a pregnancy. When she confronted her granddaughter, the girl did not disclose the rape. However, the grandmother informed her aunt, and the teenager then revealed the abuse by Pastor Tino. A medical report was presented in court as evidence. _*MPs Now Enjoy Free Parking In Harare Central Business District*_ Members of Parliament are now exempt from paying parking fees in Harare’s Central Business District. This follows an agreement between Parliament and City Parking, the company that collects parking fees for the City of Harare. Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda, announced that Parliament has reached an agreement with City Parking to allow two vehicles per Member of Parliament to park for free in the CBD. Said Mudenda (via Open Parly): 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.Feedback 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. Zimbabwe has more than 200 parliamentarians who will now enjoy free parking in Harare, while ordinary citizens and residents will still have to pay US$1 per hour to park in the same area. Award-winning journalist Hopewell Chin’ono commented on the situation, saying that politics in Zimbabwe has become a business, with both the ruling and opposition parties seeking to renew their “business mandate” during election time. He posted on social media: I have told Zimbabweans that politics in Zimbabwe is now a business, where both the ruling and opposition parties come to them at election time to renew their business mandate. But due to political illiteracy, some of our citizens would die for these crooks and looters! If you want free things, join politics! The fact that both ruling and opposition parties seek a mandate from the people during elections, only to prioritise their own interests and financial gain once in power when hospitals have no medication is wild and tragic m. Political illiteracy contributes to this cycle, as citizens who are not well-informed about the political process or the motivations of their leaders are more susceptible to manipulation and empty promises. _*Good News for Zimbabweans: Starlink Boosts Satellite Capacity, Resumes Accepting New Customers from Sold-Out Areas in Zimbabwe*_ Zimbabweans can breathe a sigh of relief as Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, has begun restoring capacity in previously sold-out areas, bringing renewed hope for reliable and high-speed internet access. After months of frustration and limited availability, residents in Bulawayo and towns surrounding Harare, including Macheke and Chegutu, can now place orders for the coveted Starlink kits. While Harare itself is still awaiting its turn, the promise of restored capacity is on the horizon. Starlink’s initial launch in Zimbabwe in 2024 was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, as it offered a much-needed alternative to the slow speeds, high costs, and frequent outages that plague traditional internet service providers (ISPs). However, the surge in demand quickly outstripped supply, leading to widespread shortages and leaving many Zimbabweans unable to secure a Starlink connection. Capacity in Harare and parts of Bulawayo ran out just weeks after Starlink went live in Zimbabwe last year. In Harare, the sold-out area quickly increased to cover areas more than 100km from Harare such as Chegutu and Macheke. This sold out area is reducing though. Both Chegutu and Macheke now have capacity. Other previously sold out areas such as Mvurwi also now have capacity. The restoration of capacity in Bulawayo and surrounding areas marks a significant turning point, particularly for regions where traditional ISPs have struggled to deliver consistent and reliable service. Furthermore, previously restricted areas like Mvurwi and parts of Bulawayo are once again accepting new Starlink users. One of the primary factors contributing to the initial congestion was the proliferation of informal resellers. These individuals and businesses capitalised on the high demand by purchasing multiple kits upon launch and reselling them at a premium to customers who faced challenges such as payment restrictions or a lack of online purchasing access. As Starlink’s network quickly reached capacity, the secondary market thrived on platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. The additional capacity is therefore good news for many. As availability increases, this reseller-driven scarcity is likely to ease, providing direct access to more Zimbabweans. Beyond Zimbabwe, Starlink has also been expanding in neighbouring countries. Since mid-February, capacity has been opening up in Mozambique and Zambia, indicating that SpaceX is actively addressing network congestion across the region. The company has already restored capacity in neighbouring countries like Mozambique and Botswana. This expansion suggests a future where “sold out” becomes a thing of the past. For those eager to ditch slow internet and embrace the high-speed connectivity offered by Starlink, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to order a kit in Zimbabwe: - Visit the Starlink Website: Go to www.starlink.com. - Check Availability: Enter your address to confirm that service is available in your specific area. - Place Your Order: Once availability is confirmed, proceed with ordering your Starlink kit. - Make Payment: Complete the payment process using a valid international payment method. An Ecocash virtual mastercard can also be used. Just load your Ecocash USD wallet, make sure you have at least US$5 extra for charges (eg, If you intend to pay $200 then make sure you load at least $205 to be on the safe side). - Set Up and Enjoy: Upon arrival of your kit, follow the simple setup instructions and begin enjoying high-speed internet access. It’s crucial to act swiftly, as demand remains high and kits could sell out quickly. For residents of Harare and its surrounding areas, the wait is not over yet, but Starlink has assured that capacity will be restored soon, although a specific date has not been provided. The best course of action is to stay informed and be prepared to place your order as soon as the opportunity arises. Zimbabwe’s internet landscape is undergoing a transformation as Starlink expands its capacity in previously sold-out areas. The coming in of Starlink has forced other Internet Service Providers (both ISPs and IAPs) such as Strive Masiyiwa’s Liquid and State-owned Tel One to up their game in order to remain in business. This development signifies a significant shift in the country’s digital connectivity, offering a glimmer of hope for improved internet access and a more connected future. _*High Court to hear Tshabangu's appeal against CCC expulsion*_ Expelled Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) interim secretary-general, Senator Sengezo Tshabangu, is set to have his appeal against expulsion heard at the High Court in Harare this afternoon. In his urgent application, filed through his legal representative, Mr Kholwañi Ngwenya, Senator Tshabangu argues that the terms of office for organs of the party, as set out in Article 6 of the party constitution, expired on 27 May 2024. “Because the terms of office expired, none of the organs in Article 6 of the party constitution, and in particular Professor Welshman Ncube, had lawful and competent authority to appoint a national disciplinary committee and an arbiter general. “The panel appointed by Prof Ncube, purporting to be a national disciplinary committee, and an arbiter general purporting to be one, could not and did not lawfully sit in judgment and prosecution on Senator Tshabangu,” reads the court papers. Senator Tshabangu contends that the ruling of the purported national disciplinary committee, both in verdict and sanction, is of no consequence. _*Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and wife found dead in their home*_ Oscar-winning US actor Gene Hackman has been found dead along with his 63-year-old wife Betsy Arakawa at the New Mexico home. The couple’s dog was also found deceased besides them. While investigations were still at an early stage, no foul play is suspected in the 95-year-old’s death and that of his spouse. The two had been married since 1991. Hackman retired from acting in 2004 and had become a recluse. He is famous for movies such as Bonnie & Clyde, The French Connection, Unforgiven, and Enemy of The State. He received two Academy Awards, two British Academy Films Awards, and four Golden Globes in a career that spanned over 40 years.