HOT TOPICS ONLINE ............ *4 dead, 5 injured in head-on collision* (New Ziana) *Court reinstates Town Council Auditor amid ongoing resistance* (Midweek) *Man loses US$280,000 in daring bedroom wardrobe break-in* (B24) *RBZ defends Zimbabwe forex surrender requirements* (Sunday News) *Kirsty Coventry's George Shaya state funeral promise unfulfilled* (nehanda) *Mukuru loses $33,000 to armed robbers* (Midweek) *Silicosis kills 15 in Kwekwe* (Midweek) ----- https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaD22E27YScxhpM8Re26 *4 dead, 5 injured in head-on collision* The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed a tragic road traffic accident that claimed four lives and left five others injured on May 29 at around 2:00 PM, near the 44-kilometre peg along the Chegutu–Chinhoyi Road, close to Uzande Business Centre. Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the accident involved a Toyota Probox carrying seven passengers and a Toyota Lexus with two occupants. The two vehicles collided head-on under circumstances that are still being investigated. "Sadly, four people lost their lives on the spot while five others sustained varying degrees of injuries," Commissioner Nyathi confirmed. "The injured were rushed to Chinhoyi Hospital for medical treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to the same hospital for post-mortem." The victims have been identified by their families as Micah Phiri (51) of C521 DRC, Chegutu; Dadirai Nyamaka (45) of Rio Tinto, Kadoma; Munyukwi Jeremiah of 5787 White City, Chinhoyi; and Isaac Tizora (62) of 2465 Chegutu. Commissioner Nyathi urged all motorists to exercise extreme caution on the country's roads, particularly when overtaking. "The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that drivers should not overtake when it is not safe to do so. Motorists should drive responsibly and exercise maximum caution on the roads to safeguard lives," he said. Investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing. Source - New Ziana ....... *Court reinstates Town Council Auditor amid ongoing resistance* (Midweek) A Labour Court ruling last week overturned the dismissal of Manasseh Mhlolo, the internal auditor at Gokwe Town Council, who was fired eight months ago over a minor US$80 vehicle damage expense. Despite the court order, Mhlolo has faced ongoing resistance from the council's Acting Town Secretary, Engineer Melsen Masukume, preventing him from fully resuming his duties. Mhlolo, speaking to The Midweek Watch, revealed that since his return on May 20, he has been relegated to working from the council foyer, as Masukume continues to block his access to his office. "I am being persecuted and victimised to break my spirit, but audit is my calling. I have over 20 years of experience and won't be deterred," said Mhlolo. He explained that the incident in question happened in November 2023, before Masukume joined the council, when a minor accident caused a small crack on a council vehicle's fender during his trip to an IPSAS training. The council repaired the damage for US$81. "I reported the accident honestly in my audit report. If I hadn't reported it, no one would have known about the small crack," Mhlolo added. Masukume confirmed Mhlolo's return but stated that the council is awaiting a formal resolution before allowing him full access. "The court ordered his return, but the matter is now before the council. Committee and full council meetings will determine his fate," he said. Mhlolo's dismissal has deepened divisions within the council. The local authority spent over US$15,000 on a disciplinary hearing panel composed of officials from Gweru City Council and Vungu Rural District Council - some 200 km away - raising concerns about the council's priorities. Sources within the council allege that Mhlolo's firing was an attempt to stifle investigations into financial irregularities. "He did nothing wrong. His job is to ensure transparency. It's troubling that the council opposes a court ruling for his reinstatement. Spending thousands on this US$80 matter is wasteful. We call on government to intervene and restore sanity," said a source who asked to remain anonymous. Another insider highlighted rampant irregular appointments and poor service delivery within the council. "Unqualified individuals are being appointed to acting positions, destabilising the authority. Financial mismanagement is clear - over US$15,000 was spent trying to justify Mhlolo's dismissal over a minor issue. Meanwhile, Masukume has been involved in three serious accidents causing over US$20,000 in damages, yet faces no consequences. Two council vehicles remain out of service due to neglect," the source added. Residents have expressed concern that the ongoing obstruction of Mhlolo's work undermines the council's internal audit system, potentially enabling unchecked power and abuse. Gokwe Town Council continues to face criticism for struggling to deliver effective services and to pay its workers, fueling calls for urgent reform and accountability. Source - Midweek ------ *Man loses US$280,000 in daring bedroom wardrobe break-in* (B24) A 39-year-old man from Madokero, Harare, is counting heavy losses after an audacious house break-in saw him robbed of US$280,000 in cash. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the incident, which took place on May 30, 2025. According to police reports, an unknown suspect unlawfully entered the man's residence and stole a small bag containing the large sum of money, which had been hidden inside a wardrobe in the bedroom. "The ZRP is investigating a case of unlawful entry into premises and theft that occurred in Madokero, Harare, on 30/05/25. A 39-year-old man lost US$280,000 in cash after an unknown suspect broke into his house and stole a small bag containing the money, which was in the wardrobe in his bedroom," said the police in an official statement. The shocking theft has ignited a wave of reactions on social media, with many Zimbabweans expressing surprise at the sheer volume of cash kept at home. Some netizens questioned the wisdom of storing such a large amount of money in a wardrobe rather than in a secure institution such as a bank. Others have speculated that the theft could have been an inside job, suggesting that the perpetrator may have had prior knowledge of the cash stash. The police continue to investigate the case. ----- *RBZ defends Zimbabwe forex surrender requirements* (Sunday News) The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has reaffirmed the importance of current foreign exchange surrender requirements, emphasizing their critical role in supporting key economic sectors that lack direct access to foreign currency. In its 2025 Monetary Policy Statement, the central bank revised the foreign currency retention rate for exporters from 75 percent to 70 percent. This means exporters must now surrender 30 percent of their foreign currency earnings to the RBZ in exchange for the local currency, ZimGold (ZiG). The retention policy aims to strengthen critical reserves backing ZiG, promote stability in the interbank foreign exchange market, and increase foreign currency availability to priority sectors that do not generate their own forex. "The retained foreign currency is channelled to sectors requiring vital inputs but lacking direct forex earnings," the RBZ explained. Several manufacturing and mining firms have petitioned for a reduction in the mandatory surrender rate to between 5 and 10 percent, citing concerns that the current 30 percent requirement undermines profitability and limits reinvestment. Exporters argue that many essential inputs - such as fuel, raw materials, equipment, and spare parts - are priced in foreign currency, making the surrender requirement burdensome. The Horticultural Development Council has previously criticized the retention policy as "unfair and counterproductive," pointing to a significant mismatch between reduced forex retention and high US dollar-denominated costs. However, the RBZ maintains that the retention policy ensures a stable and sufficient foreign exchange supply in the interbank market to meet legitimate import needs, particularly for sectors that do not generate foreign currency. Medical imports and industrial inputs remain among the top priorities for foreign currency allocation, as the policy seeks to stimulate economic growth by safeguarding these essential sectors. Speaking at the inaugural European Union-Zimbabwe Business Forum, RBZ Deputy Governor Dr Innocent Matshe, representing Governor Dr John Mushayavanhu, highlighted the policy's strategic importance. "Export surrender requirements are critical for redistributing foreign currency in this multi-currency environment, ensuring availability for critical imports," Dr Matshe said. "Sectors that do not generate foreign currency rely on this redistribution. The current 30 percent surrender aligns with the prevailing proportion of ZiG transactions in the economy, and adjustments will continue as these proportions shift." Dr Matshe assured exporters that they would continue receiving the true value for their exports, reinforcing the central bank's commitment to market stability. Beyond market functioning, the retention policy is instrumental in building the foreign currency reserves needed to underpin the value of ZiG. Robust reserves create a buffer against external shocks and facilitate international transaction settlements, fostering confidence in Zimbabwe's financial system. As Zimbabwe navigates complex economic challenges, the RBZ's foreign exchange surrender framework remains a cornerstone of monetary policy aimed at balancing growth, stability, and sustainability. Source - Sunday News ........ *Kirsty Coventry's George Shaya state funeral promise unfulfilled* (nehanda) The widow of the late football legend George "The Mastermind" Shaya has broken her silence, revealing that a government promise of a state-assisted funeral - allegedly made by then Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry - was never honoured. In an emotional interview on The Sportlight with Yvonne, hosted by journalist Yvonne Mangunda, Agnes Shaya - affectionately known as Amai Shaya - recounted the series of events following her husband's death on August 24, 2021, at the age of 77. She said Coventry visited their home soon after Shaya's passing and made two assurances: that the government would provide a state-assisted funeral and that she was awaiting President Emmerson Mnangagwa's decision on whether Shaya would be declared a national hero. "Pakauya Minister Kirsty Coventry kuzobata maoko, vakataura zvinhu zviviri. Chekutanga, vakati vakamirira kunzwa kubva kuna President kuti George angaenda kuHeroes Acre here, pamwe chete ne state-assisted funeral," Amai Shaya recalled. ("When Minister Kirsty Coventry came to pay her respects, she mentioned two things. First, that the government would provide a state-assisted funeral and also that she was waiting for the President's response on whether George would be laid to rest at the National Heroes Acre.") She added with quiet resignation: "Asi nanhasi hapana zvakazoitwa, ndikangonyararawo hangu." ("But to this day, nothing was done, and I just kept quiet.") George Shaya, affectionately nicknamed The Mastermind, remains one of the most decorated figures in Zimbabwean football history, winning the prestigious Soccer Star of the Year award five times - a record that still stands. While tributes poured in after his death and he was widely celebrated for his football legacy, Amai Shaya revealed that the honour came too late. She lamented how her husband, despite his status as a Dynamos and national football icon, had been neglected in his later years. One of the few acts of recognition came posthumously, when Sakunda Holdings, owned by businessman Kuda Tagwirei, donated a fully furnished house in Madokero Estates to the Shaya family. While grateful, Amai Shaya shared her heartache that her husband never got to sleep a single night in the home. Breaking down in the interview, she also expressed disappointment in Dynamos Football Club, which she said had largely abandoned the former star during his final years. "The most painful thing," she said, "is knowing that his funeral could have been handled with more dignity if promises had been kept." Despite the government's silence on the matter, Shaya's name continues to be revered in Zimbabwean football circles - but for his widow, the unfulfilled promise of a state-assisted send-off remains an open wound. As Zimbabwe grapples with how it honours its sporting legends, Amai Shaya's revelation has reignited debate around how the nation treats its heroes - not only in death, but more importantly, in life. Source - nehanda ........ *Mukuru loses $33,000 to armed robbers* (Midweek) A daring gang of five armed robbers struck at Gains Cash & Carry and Mukuru outlets at Murambinda Growth Point on the night of May 24, making off with a total haul of $11,187 in US dollars and R31,300 in South African rands. The suspects, who remain at large, were heavily armed with one pistol and four wooden logs. They wore black clothing and balaclavas to conceal their identities during the heist. Manicaland Province police acting spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the brazen robbery occurred on the eve of Africa Day. He provided a detailed account of the events leading up to and during the robbery. On that fateful night, Stanley Chabooka, a security guard employed by Professional Security Pvt Ltd and stationed at Gains Cash & Carry, was on duty. Armed with a rifle and accompanied by a bulldog, Chabooka responded to two triggered alarms at approximately 7 pm and 8 pm. Following the alarms, he informed company manager Obey Mereka, who advised him to remain vigilant. Later into the night, as temperatures dropped, Chabooka tied up his dog and sought a warmer spot within the premises. It was then that the five robbers arrived. They overpowered Chabooka by tying him up with his own shoelaces. They also restrained Kudakwashe Munyoro, a truck driver from Harare who had parked at the premises, using his shoelaces. One robber armed with a pistol stayed behind to guard the two captives while the other four forced their way into the shop, breaking down three office doors along the way. They ransacked the premises and broke open a safe, stealing $2,016 belonging to Gains Cash & Carry Wholesale, $9,115 in cash, and R31,300 owned by Mukuru. After the robbers fled, the two victims managed to free themselves and promptly reported the incident to Murambinda Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). Police officers who responded to the scene recovered a dirty white glove and two wooden logs believed to have been used during the robbery. Assistant Inspector Chinyoka urged the public to assist the police by providing any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects. The investigation is ongoing. Source - Midweek .... *Silicosis kills 15 in Kwekwe* (Midweek) Kwekwe General Hospital has reported a troubling rise in silicosis-related deaths, with at least 15 people succumbing to the incurable lung disease since the beginning of 2025. Dr. Bruce Mhondiwa, Acting Medical Superintendent at Kwekwe District Hospital, confirmed the alarming figures to The Midweek Watch, noting that silicosis cases are on the increase and remain a serious public health concern. "Silicosis has become an elephant in the room and it is a condition which cannot be reversed," Dr. Mhondiwa said. "So far, 15 patients have died of silicosis since January this year at Kwekwe hospital alone." He highlighted a major challenge in diagnosing silicosis, explaining that its symptoms closely mimic tuberculosis (TB), which leads to many cases going unreported or misdiagnosed. "Silicosis is closely linked to tuberculosis and as such, some cases go unreported since most of them are being diagnosed as tuberculosis. That is the major worry because people are failing to diagnose the disease early, often confusing it with tuberculosis, which can be treated," Dr. Mhondiwa added. "Late diagnosis means some patients die without knowing they had silicosis." The disease, caused by prolonged inhalation of fine silica dust, is common among miners. In mining areas, exposure to harmful chemicals such as mercury and cyanide is believed to be exacerbating the condition. In response to the growing threat, Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube recently addressed miners in Gweru, urging them to take protective measures when working underground. He also called on local Civil Protection Units to intensify awareness campaigns about the dangers of silicosis. Silicosis is a progressive and incurable lung disease that damages the lungs' ability to function, often leading to respiratory failure. Its rise among miners signals a need for urgent health interventions, improved safety protocols, and greater community education to reduce exposure to silica dust. Health authorities continue to call on miners and those involved in mining operations to prioritize protective equipment and seek early medical attention if they experience symptoms such as persistent coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Source - Midweek