Tuesday 10 June 2025 *AFTERNOON NEWS UPDATES* _• USD: ZiG Official Exchange – Z$26.50_ • _Black Market Rate - Zig 40: USD1_ • _Innscor in-store – Z$35_ • _KFC, Slice, Eat'n'Lick – Z$35_ https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaDbHKp3GJOtlMM4PA39 https://wa.me/263718497005?text=advert *THE HEADLINES* *Govt To Slash Regulatory Fees In Key Sectors To Boost Competitiveness – Mthuli* *N Richards Closes Mutare Branch, As Pick n Pay Closes Dangamvura And Sakubva Branches Amid Economic Collapse* *Ramaphosa gets a R26.5bn World Bank loan for infrastructure development projects…* *…As Mnangagwa meets IMF delegation amid worsening economic crisis* *Chamisa denies launching meme coin: Says X Account Hacked After Bizarre Crypto Post* *Level Of Bedbug Infestation In Bulawayo Not Severe – Council* *Foreigners Score Major Win in SA: Supreme Court blocks Home Affairs Minister from deporting 200,000 Zimbabweans with ZEP permits* *Boy (9) killed, stomach ripped for letting cattle stray onto suspect’s field* *Govt warns of carbon monoxide poisoning as woman, daughter dies from suffocation* *ZESA warns of power outages in Harare region* *UZ rocked by alarming academic scandal* *Businessman Robbed US$185k While Sleeping At Lover’s House* *Corruption Has Denied Us Justice : Grieving Family* *Love triangle ex-Minister transferred to Mpilo Hospital* *More Horror for Chillmaster in Cupable Homicide Case: High Court to Review Zimdancehall Star’s Lenient Sentence* *New scam on Google Play targets your crypto wallet, don’t fall for it* Details _*Govt To Slash Regulatory Fees In Key Sectors To Boost Competitiveness – Mthuli*_ The Government is set to gazette new, lower regulatory fees for three critical agricultural value chains, beef, dairy, and food processing, to make local businesses more competitive. In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube said the adjustments are part of broader efforts to ease the cost of doing business. He said: We are making very good progress. The issue really is regulatory fees; it’s not taxes… are collected by the Central Government through ZIMRA (Zimbabwe Revenue Authority) and the regulatory fees are collected by agencies, in line with regulatory processes. New members who wish to receive daily news updates from Ignite Media Zimbabwe should WhatsApp ‘join’ to 071 9999 012. So far, we have been focusing on the dairy sector, the food processing sector, but also the beef and meat processing sector. There is a lot going on there, and very soon you will see us gazette the new fees that will really lower these fees. In the beef value chain, stakeholders such as farmers, abattoir operators, and meat processors currently contend with a range of regulatory charges, including livestock movement permits, veterinary inspections, meat grading, and slaughter fees. Many of these costs are imposed by different agencies, often duplicating requirements, thereby increasing the cost of formal operations. The food processing sector, encompassing bakeries, canneries, beverage manufacturers, and small-scale agro-processors, faces a similarly burdensome regulatory environment. Operators are required to pay for inspection services, product certification, health and safety licences, and local authority permits. These fees are often charged annually, placing a heavy financial strain on businesses, particularly start-ups and smaller players. Minister Ncube added that once the revised regulations are finalised for the beef, dairy, and food processing sectors, the government plans to extend the reforms to other key areas of the economy. He said: We are moving in stages. After these three sectors, we are going to move on to the next sectors. So, we will keep going in stages. There is a lot of work to do, but we are on to it. We really want to lower the cost of these fees. Herald _*N Richards Closes Mutare Branch, As Pick n Pay Closes Dangamvura And Sakubva Branches Amid Economic Collapse*_ N Richards, once one of Zimbabwe’s leading wholesalers and retailers, has shut down its Mutare branch, located opposite Sakubva Stadium near the old Mabhëro Market, marking another blow to the country’s formal retail sector. The closure follows similar shutdowns of its Hatcliffe and Tynwald outlets in Harare earlier this year, as operational challenges escalate amid deepening economic instability. This trend is symptomatic of broader turmoil in Zimbabwe’s formal retail sector, where even major players like OK Zimbabwe and Spar are scaling back operations. Spar recently closed its Queensdale store, while Food Lover’s Market announced the impending closure of its Avondale and Borrowdale branches in June 2025. Botswana-owned Choppies exited the Zimbabwean market entirely in 2023, and Mahommed Mussa has reduced its shop space by 60%. The Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) has sounded alarm bells, attributing the crisis to policy inconsistencies, particularly the government’s handling of the dual currency system. Though Zimbabwe officially operates a multi-currency regime, authorities require businesses to accept the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency alongside the US dollar at a fixed exchange rate.New members who wish to receive daily news updates from Ignite Media Zimbabwe should WhatsApp ‘join’ to 071 9999 012.The artificial rate, however, often diverges sharply from the black market, forcing formal businesses into heavy losses. Retailers face the added burden of sourcing supplies predominantly in US dollars while selling in the weaker ZiG. Compounded by high operating costs, power shortages, shrinking consumer spending, and harsh regulatory obligations, formal businesses are fast becoming unsustainable. Zimbabwe’s economic woes are rooted in years of monetary mismanagement. After the 2008 hyperinflation crisis wiped out the Zimbabwean dollar, the country dollarized in 2009. However, policy flip-flops returned in 2016 with the introduction of bond notes, which eventually morphed into the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) dollar. In 2023, the government introduced the ZiG in another attempt to stabilize the currency, but confidence remains low. Exchange rate distortions, lack of foreign currency reserves, and erratic fiscal policies continue to undermine recovery efforts. As formal retail collapses, informal traders—who operate outside tax and regulatory frameworks—have taken over. Selling mostly in US dollars, these street vendors and tuckshops have lower overheads and more flexible sourcing channels, allowing them to undercut formal supermarkets. Their dominance is visible across towns and cities, including high-density suburbs and rural growth points. The CZR has urged President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to enact urgent reforms. “The fiscal, monetary, regulatory, and statutory frameworks have created an uneven playing field,” said CZR in a recent statement. “While formal businesses crumble, the informal sector thrives unchecked, eroding market share and economic confidence.” The closure of N Richards outlets and other big brands evokes memories of the 2008 meltdown when hyperinflation led to the collapse of nearly all formal business operations. Without swift and meaningful policy reform—particularly in stabilizing the currency and curbing inflation—the country risks repeating that tragic history. Zimbabwe’s formal retail sector is now at a tipping point, with N Richards’ exit from Mutare adding to a growing list of casualties and casting a dark shadow over the future of structured commerce in the country. Meanwhile, Pick n Pay's Mutare branches in Dangamvura and Chikanga will close on June 10, 2025, following an official write-off notification for all Zimbabwean branches. Economists attribute this decision to the country's struggling economy. _*Ramaphosa gets a R26.5bn World Bank loan for infrastructure development projects…*_ The World Bank has approved a $1.5 billion (approximately R26.5 billion) loan to support structural reforms aimed at boosting South Africa's infrastructure. The Washington-based lender said in a statement the operation will address the nation's challenges of low growth and high unemployment by easing constraints in its energy and freight transport sectors. South Africa has vowed to modernise state-owned enterprises and open key sectors to competition to boost its moribund economy. The bank said its programme will help by improving energy security, increasing freight transport efficiency, and supporting the shift to a low-carbon economy. New members who wish to receive daily news updates from Ignite Media Zimbabwe should WhatsApp ‘join’ to 071 9999 012. "Our ongoing partnership with the World Bank will assist us to move forward with greater speed on the reforms vital to transforming our infrastructure landscape," said Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in the statement. The loan will make available funds for state-owned Eskom Holdings to bolster the grid for renewable generation and Transnet, South Africa's port and rail company to increase freight transport capacity. _*…As Mnangagwa meets IMF delegation amid worsening economic crisis*_ President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday held a high-level meeting with an International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation currently in Zimbabwe for an Article IV Consultation, as the country grapples with deepening economic turmoil marked by an artificial exchange rate, a debilitating liquidity crunch, and a fragile local currency. The IMF mission, led by Wojciech Maliszewski, is in the country to assess Zimbabwe's economic performance and policy direction. The consultation comes at a time when Zimbabwe's economic indicators are flashing red despite claims of stability by monetary authorities. The IMF team is expected to meet with Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, Permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Governor John Mushayavanhu, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya, and other senior government and central bank officials. They will also hold consultations with Members of Parliament, civil society, the private sector, and international development partners. The visit forms part of the IMF's regular Article IV Consultations, which provide a comprehensive assessment of member countries' economic health. This mission will also evaluate progress on the Staff Monitored Programme (SMP) - a precursor to any debt restructuring or financial support - and examine Zimbabwe's broader macroeconomic policies. While the Reserve Bank insists the newly introduced Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency is performing well, economic realities on the ground paint a far grimmer picture. Companies are collapsing under the weight of cash shortages, unemployment is rising, and inflation - though suppressed on paper - continues to erode household incomes. Mushayavanhu's tight monetary policy has been credited with reining in headline inflation, but critics argue that it has done so at the cost of liquidity and economic growth. "The economy is being choked by excessive efforts to maintain a rigid exchange rate," an economist familiar with the consultations said. "The ZiG's apparent stability is not organic; it's imposed through strict controls and a deliberate squeeze on money supply. This is unsustainable and harmful." Since the introduction of the ZiG in April 2024, the currency has struggled to gain public confidence and utility in daily transactions. Analysts say the combination of high debt overhang, rigid monetary controls, and deteriorating economic conditions has only worsened poverty levels, driven mass migration, and destabilised the private sector. Speaking in a video released by the Presidential Communications Department, Finance Minister Ncube acknowledged the gravity of the situation. "The IMF Mission has come here for two main purposes," he said. "One is to conduct the Article IV Consultation and assess the state of the economy - to talk about our development trajectory. The second is to discuss the Staff Monitored Programme, which is a critical step in our arrears clearance roadmap. We've also been discussing how to maintain the fiscal discipline we initiated and ensure expenditure remains within our means." New members who wish to receive daily news updates from Ignite Media Zimbabwe should WhatsApp ‘join’ to 071 9999 012. The IMF last conducted an Article IV mission in Zimbabwe earlier this year, from 30 January to 13 February. Discussions then centred on macroeconomic stability and the need for structural reforms, including the resolution of longstanding debt arrears, which have blocked Zimbabwe's access to international financing. As the IMF team continues its mission in Harare, pressure is mounting on the government to adopt more sustainable policies that balance inflation control with economic growth and public welfare. For now, however, the country remains stuck in a cycle of suppressed figures, failing businesses, and eroding livelihoods - with little relief in sight. _*Chamisa denies launching meme coin: Says X Account Hacked After Bizarre Crypto Post*_ Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa says his X (formerly Twitter) account was hacked after a post promoting a cryptocurrency called “God Is In It” or $GIT appeared in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The tweet went live shortly after 3 AM CAT and was taken down less than two hours later, just before 5 AM. At 6:25 AM, Chamisa addressed the incident via his WhatsApp channel, telling followers he was working to “regain control” of the compromised account. The statement, while reassuring some supporters, also triggered new questions, chief among them: who deleted the tweet if Chamisa hadn’t yet regained access? He wrote: To my fellow citizens, I wish to kindly inform you that my X (formerly Twitter) account has been hacked and compromised by cybercriminals. Our cybersecurity team is working diligently with X support team to fix this problem, regain control and implement remedial measures. We will keep you updated on the status of the account recovery and any actions being taken.~nc. The X post was accompanied by two videos purportedly showing Chamisa dressed in a nightgown and holding a piece of paper with “$GIT” written on it, while speaking to the camera. While some users on the platform speculated that the footage was AI-generated or manipulated, others appeared convinced. One self-described investor, Jahman Adamski, claimed he had purchased $500 worth of the token. He wrote: Dear @nelsonchamisa: If you are going to come up with ‘your account was hacked’ it’s a load of nonsense. There is not a single picture of you on the internet in a gown or doing a video in a gown. I want my $500 I aped back. Cybersecurity breaches among public figures are not uncommon, but the incident has stirred speculation and confusion online, particularly given the religious branding of the cryptocurrency in question, which mirrors Chamisa’s signature campaign slogan, God Is In It. _*Level Of Bedbug Infestation In Bulawayo Not Severe – Council*_ The City of Bulawayo has confirmed a handful of bedbug cases in parts of the western suburbs following social media reports and subsequent investigations. Initial claims surfaced online around May 7, suggesting a widespread infestation in areas including Nketa, Nkulumane, Njube, and Mpopoma. However, according to a public notice issued by Town Clerk Christopher Dube on Tuesday, 10 June, only three cases were verified, two in Mpopoma and one in Njube. The remaining allegations were found to be false.New members who wish to receive daily news updates from Ignite Media Zimbabwe should WhatsApp ‘join’ to 071 9999 012. In response, the city conducted fumigation at the affected Njube property, incurring a chemical cost of US$47. A private pest control company handled the situation in Mpopoma. A new press report received on June 9 prompted further investigation in Mpopoma, where two additional homes showed mild signs of bedbug presence. The notice reads: The level of the bedbugs is not severe as a few traces of bedbugs were noted. The local authority has sought to assure residents that the situation is under control and being closely monitored. The city has pledged readiness to respond promptly to any new reports. Residents are urged to report suspected or confirmed cases to the City of Bulawayo Customer Contact Centre via 02922 71290 or WhatsApp on 0774 668 432. _*Foreigners Score Major Win in SA: Supreme Court blocks Home Affairs Minister from deporting 200,000 Zimbabweans with ZEP permits*_ In a significant victory for nearly 200,000 Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has dismissed with costs the Department of Home Affairs’ attempt to overturn an interim interdict protecting them from arrest and deportation. The ruling, delivered on Friday, ensures that the interdict remains in place pending further court proceedings initiated by the Zimbabwe Immigration Federation. The Federation is challenging the authority of the Minister of Home Affairs to terminate the ZEP regime, arguing that such a decision rests solely with Parliament. The special permit dispensation, in effect since 2009, has allowed approximately 180,000 Zimbabwean nationals to live and work in South Africa. Vindren Magadzire, director of the Zimbabwe Immigration Federation, explained that his organisation’s case centres on the termination of the ZEP programme by the Minister of Home Affairs back in 2021, when then home affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced the termination of the ZEP. “The programme allowed approximately 180,000 Zimbabweans to live and work in South Africa. In 2021, the minister of home affairs announced plans to terminate the ZEP permits, sparking legal actions from the Zimbabwe Immigration Federation,” Magadzire told IOL in an interview. Magadzire further elaborated on the Federation’s motivation for taking legal action, stating, “The Zimbabwe Immigration Federation was inspired to go through courts due to the South African minister of home affairs’ decision to terminate the permits. The decision would have significant implications for approximately 180,000 Zimbabweans living and working in South Africa under the ZEP permit program.” The Federation is seeking a court declaration that the termination of the ZEP permits is unlawful, a setting aside of the termination decision, and the protection of permit holders’ rights. Magadzire believes that a lasting solution would be granting ZEP holders permanent residence status in South Africa. The legal battle has a complex history. In June 2023, the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg ruled on two matters related to the attempted termination of the ZEP regime. One was an application by the Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF), in which the court declared the minister’s decision unlawful and directed him to reconsider it following a “fair process”. The court also granted protection to ZEP holders in the interim. The Federation’s case was slightly different. It secured an interim interdict (Part A) preventing the arrest and deportation of ZEP holders pending a review (Part B) of the minister’s decision. The Minister then applied to the Supreme Court of Appeal to have the Part A order set aside, arguing that the pending review was now moot, given that his appeals in the HSF matter had been rejected and he was now “following a fair process” as ordered by the court.New members who wish to receive daily news updates from Ignite Media Zimbabwe should WhatsApp ‘join’ to 071 9999 012. However, the Federation opposed the appeal, arguing that an interim order was not appealable in law and that it had amended the relief it was claiming in Part B, raising distinct issues not considered in the HSF matter. Judge David Unterhalter, writing for the court, noted that while both the HSF and Federation matters had “covered the same territory”, the Federation had now raised other distinctive grounds. These included the argument that the minister had not established “good cause” for terminating the ZEP, given that the circumstances in Zimbabwe have not materially changed. Furthermore, the Federation argued that the minister had made an error in law by basing his decision on the belief that ZEP holders would be required to leave South Africa. They contended that those who had fled Zimbabwe would qualify as refugees and enjoy protection under the principle of non-refoulement, preventing their deportation. These grounds were not covered in the HSF review findings. As Nicole Fritz, executive director of the Helen Suzman Foundation, said last year, “When the minister first signalled his intention to appeal the court’s June 2023 judgment, the foundation asked him to leave the ZEP in place until he exhausted the appeal process. The minister refused.” The court had previously stated that the minister’s appeal had no prospects of success, but Home Affairs persisted, taking the matter to the Supreme Court of Appeal. Judge Unterhalter emphasized that the HSF order remitted the matter back to the minister for reconsideration following a fair process. He stated that “The premise of the HSF order is that it is open to the minister to exercise his powers under the Immigration Act to decide whether or not to extend the ZEP regime.” In contrast, the Federation’s claim is “predicated upon the proposition that the minister cannot exercise this power and no point would be served in sending it back to the minister. Rather the ZEP holders enjoy constitutional rights to remain in South Africa, unless Parliament decides otherwise.” Judge Unterhalter said this, if granted, was “considerably more far-reaching, because it reaches into the future and is not based upon a reconsideration by the minister of his decision to terminate the ZEP regime”. Ultimately, the Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed the minister’s appeal and ordered him to pay the costs. Judge Unterhalter clarified that this decision should not be interpreted as a finding on the prospects of the grounds advanced by the Federation, which will be adjudicated in the High Court in due course. The Zimbabwe Immigration Federation will now proceed with Part B of its court challenge, seeking a ruling that only Parliament has the authority to terminate the constitutional rights of the 180,000 ZEP holders. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the future of Zimbabweans living and working in South Africa under the ZEP programme. _*Boy (9) killed, stomach ripped for letting cattle stray onto suspect’s field*_ The Zimbabwe Republic Police in Chinhoyi say they have arrested Lloyd Gwenhere (32) in connection with a case of murder which occurred at Chogi Farm. This was after the victim, Munyaradzi Shumba (9) was found dead with a ripped stomach. The neck and left hand were cut, while the victim’s private parts were missing. Meanwhile, for some, this could be seen as if it was a ritual murder. Apparently, police say the suspect was allegedly seen assaulting the victim for letting cattle stray onto his field. The law enforcement agencies are on record urging people to respect the sanctity of human life. _*Govt warns of carbon monoxide poisoning as woman, daughter dies from suffocation*_ The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services Nick Mangwana has warned of carbon monoxide poisoning as cold weather continues. Posting on his X handle, said as the cold weather continues, citizens should be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.New members who wish to receive daily news updates from Ignite Media Zimbabwe should WhatsApp ‘join’ to 071 9999 012. His warning comes after a mother and daughter in Mutoko, Maita and Loveness Gambara, lost their lives after using a charcoal heater in a poorly ventilated room. They were buried last weekend. “Let’s ensure there is proper ventilation when using heaters and please note that using charcoal indoors if it has to be done then, a lot caution has to be exercised. Stay warm, stay safe,” he said. Carbon monoxide is a gas that has no odor, taste or color, it comes from burning fuels, including gasoline, wood, propane or charcoal. Appliances and engines that aren’t well vented can cause the carbon monoxide to build up to dangerous levels. A tightly enclosed space makes the buildup worse. The most common causes of carbon monoxide building up are incorrectly installed or poorly maintained or ventilated appliances – like stoves and hot water heaters. Poorly ventilated fireplaces and other gas- or wood-burning appliances can also pose danger. _*ZESA warns of power outages in Harare region*_ The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) has warned of power outages in the Harare region. In a public notice, the power utility through its distribution arm the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company said the planned outages are to facilitate maintenance works. However, electricity users have been advised to treat all power lines as live to avoid the danger of electrocution. _*UZ rocked by alarming academic scandal*_ The University of Zimbabwe (UZ) – the country’s oldest and most reputable institution of higher learning – has plunged into a serious academic scandal as it takes a further battering on its already badly damaged image, the Association of University Teachers (AUT), which represents lecturers, says. UZ is no longer considered a top university in Africa as before; it is currently poorly ranked N0. 49 in Africa according to Unirank’s 2025 rankings. Before that, the UZ used to be in the top 25 universities in Africa, but its current ranking reflects a serious decline due to political and socio-economic challenges in Zimbabwe. At one time, it plunged to 62 out of 100, reflecting the country’s education decline amid a protracted economic crisis. With the current strike and its disruptive impact and such academic scandals in the process, the UZ is facing a gloomy future unless urgently rescued. According to AUT, students at UZ, which is now fast being reduced to a Banana institution by Professor Paul Mapfumo and his incompetent administration, are now permitted to submit any material as dissertations and projects without proper supervision or a formal defence in front of an academic board. Instead, students simply submit whatever they have, and the chairperson arbitrarily assigns a mark. Consequences of Compromised Standards: Degradation of Academic Rigour: By abandoning essential academic rituals such as supervision and defence, UZ risks producing graduates who lack the necessary knowledge and skills. Loss of Credibility: This scandal severely damages the credibility of UZ degrees, undermining the institution’s reputation nationally and internationally. Turning into a Banana University: The absence of proper academic oversight highlights how UZ has devolved into an institution where standards are sacrificed for expediency. Roles of Key Stakeholders VC Paul Mapfumo: His leadership is under scrutiny for allowing these malpractices to thrive. ZIMCHE Board @ZimcheOfficial: The Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education’s inaction has enabled the erosion of academic standards. Minister Frederick Shava @mhtestd: His failure to intervene decisively exacerbates the crisis. Call to Action: The academic community must urgently demand accountability and restore rigorous standards, including proper supervision and defence of dissertations and projects, to protect UZ’s future. Newshawks _*Businessman Robbed US$185k While Sleeping At Lover’s House*_ A local businessman lost his firearm and US$184,900 in cash at his lover’s house in Ruwa on Saturday. Joseph Maruta, 40, collected US$181,000 cash from a farm where he supplied potato seeds in Kwekwe that day. He went home to Kambuzuma, collected his pistol and went to his girlfriend Leoba Hunda’s place in Springvale in Ruwa. He took the bag containing the cash and the firearm, which was loaded with two magazines of 15 rounds each into the house. His girlfriend locked the door and they proceeded to the bedroom and retired to bed. At around 2am, Joseph heard an alarm sound and his girlfriend proceeded to check. She returned to the bedroom and told him the alarm had gone off at her neighbour’s house. When Maruta woke up in the morning, he noticed that the bag containing the cash and the firearm was missing. Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the case.New members who wish to receive daily news updates from Ignite Media Zimbabwe should WhatsApp ‘join’ to 071 9999 012. “Police are investigating an unlawful entry and theft case in Ruwa. They noticed that the complainant’s rear windscreen was damaged. “The complainant lost his firearm and a total of US$184,900,” said Insp Chakanza. H Metro _*Corruption Has Denied Us Justice : Grieving Family*_ A family at Ottoman Farm in Makonde is demanding justice for their 12-year-old son who was killed by a combine harvester three years ago. The boy was struck on the head by a combine harvester, resulting in severe skull injuries and a broken leg. His parents say they need closure and justice has not been served for their child. Douglas Zhanero, who was driving the combine harvester, was cleared of culpable homicide charges. However, the late boy’s mother, Tafadzwa Chineni, says justice was not served. She recounted the harrowing moment she received the tragic news. “We were informed that our son had been run over by a tractor. ‘‘We then swiftly went to the scene and, a few minutes later, my husband arrived and we took off the blanket so that we could identify the body. “My husband observed that the body of our child did not look like someone who had been run over by a tractor. “My husband asked the driver, (Douglas) Zhanero, who admitted that he, indeed, was the one who had run over our child.” The case spilled into court. “We were called to court several times. “Zhanero initially pleaded guilty but later changed his plea to not guilty. “He was a disciplined child and we believe that the truth must prevail for the sake of our son’s memory and the family’s peace.” Tichaona Moffart, the father of the child, said: “We feel that corruption may have influenced the case.” Zhanero said he was acquitted of culpable homicide. “What happened on that particular day, at first, I thought that I was the one who had run over the child. It was my first time to encounter such a situation,” said Zhanero. The owner of the farm, Brink Bosman, said his name should not be sucked into the case. “The accusations against me are fabricated. They can investigate me if they want to. The police must also investigate the family of the child who died,” said Bosman. H Metro _*Love triangle ex-Minister transferred to Mpilo Hospital*_ Former Cabinet minister and Binga legislator Joel Gabbuza is fighting for his life at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo after sustaining serious injuries in a brutal attack last Friday in Kamativi, Matabeleland North. His condition is reported to be critical following emergency surgery. Gabbuza, a seasoned politician and former Water Resources and Development Minister during the Government of National Unity, was reportedly assaulted after being found in a compromising situation with a married woman in Siamakwa village, Tinde ward 18. Sources within the village told Southern Eye that the incident unfolded after Gabbuza allegedly gave the woman a lift earlier in the day and later decided to spend the night at her homestead. In the early hours of Friday morning, two men believed to be the woman's estranged husband and his relative allegedly stormed the house armed with knives and attacked the former minister. Gabbuza suffered multiple stab wounds, mainly to the head and hands. He was initially rushed to Hwange Colliery Hospital before being airlifted to Mpilo Central Hospital due to the severity of his injuries. Medical sources yesterday confirmed that his condition remains critical, with doctors monitoring him closely following emergency surgical procedures. The violent incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and sparked debate over the conduct of public figures. While some residents expressed concern and sympathy for the former minister, others described the incident as a scandal of his own making. Gabbuza, a long-serving parliamentarian who once served as a key ally to the late Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, spent over two decades in Parliament, first as a Member of Parliament and later as a senator. He remains an influential political figure in Matabeleland North, particularly in Binga district. As of Monday, the suspects believed to be behind the attack were still at large. Police confirmed they are actively investigating the matter. "We are still investigating. The information we have is that the suspects are in hiding, but we are pursuing them," said national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi. The incident has added to growing concerns over personal security and rising cases of violent crime in domestic disputes, particularly in rural communities. Authorities are urging anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspects to come forward as investigations continue. _*More Horror for Chillmaster in Cupable Homicide Case: High Court to Review Zimdancehall Star’s Lenient Sentence*_ Zimdancehall artist Chillmaster may not be out of the woods yet. The High Court is set to review the sentence he received after being convicted of culpable homicide for fatally hitting a pedestrian while driving without a licence. The Tragic Accident Along New Chitungwiza Road The accident happened on 9 April 2025 along New Chitungwiza Road and claimed the life of 50-year-old Custon Charumbira. Chillmaster, whose real name is Gift Hombarume, was reportedly driving without a valid driver’s licence when the tragic incident occurred. He was later convicted and sentenced by Magistrate Tatenda Mukurunge to two years in prison. One year was suspended on condition that he perform community service at Stoneridge Primary School. The second year was also suspended, provided he doesn’t commit a similar offence within five years. He was also fined US$200 for driving without a licence. New members who wish to receive daily news updates from Ignite Media Zimbabwe should WhatsApp ‘join’ to 071 9999 012. Now, Judge President Mary Zimba-Dube will lead the High Court’s review of that sentence. The review falls under Section 58(3)(b) of the Magistrates Court Act, which allows for higher scrutiny of decisions to ensure they meet the standards of “real and substantial justice.” The key question for the court is whether the sentence was fair and balanced, especially given the seriousness of the offence. Despite the loss of their loved one, the Charumbira family has chosen to forgive Chillmaster. In a victim impact statement, they acknowledged his remorse and the steps he’s taken to make things right. Family spokesperson Lucia Charumbira said the musician went beyond just apologising. He helped with funeral costs, offered cattle in line with cultural customs as compensation, and promised to take care of the children Custon Charumbira left behind, including paying school fees and monthly groceries until they complete school. These gestures, along with his status as a first-time offender, were considered by the magistrate when passing sentence. But the High Court will now decide whether those factors were enough, or whether the sentence needs to be revisited. _*New scam on Google Play targets your crypto wallet, don’t fall for it*_ Just when you thought Google Play was safe, we have talk about this kind of crap again. Some scammers have been sneaking in fake crypto wallet apps and robbing people. You know, the same old grind. Hackers hijacked legitimate developer accounts (some with over 100k downloads), uploaded fake versions of popular wallets like SushiSwap, PancakeSwap, and Raydium, and used those apps to trick users into handing over their seed phrases. Once you do that, you’re toast, your wallet is gone. If you’re not familiar, a seed phrase is a secret set of 12 or 24 words that acts like the master password for your crypto wallet. Anyone who has it can take all your coins, no PIN, no extra steps. It’s a clever scam. By hijacking known accounts, these apps look trustworthy. But it’s pure shenanigans inside. Why Zimbos should be extra careful You know how we love “get rich quick” crypto WhatsApp groups and shiny new wallet apps? Well, that’s exactly the type of crowd these scammers are targeting. And let’s be honest, crypto in Zim is DIY of the Wild Wild West vaiety. If you lose your coins there’s no Reserve Bank toll-free line to call. If you’re hit, your $200 in USDT or Bitcoin is gone. Forever. Security guys gave us some quick tips: If any app asks you to type in your seed phrase, be very suspicious. Verify you’re downloading the wallet from the official source, not some Play Store lookalike. If in doubt, don’t type anything. Ask someone who knows. Oh, the first thing should be to delete any of the following apps if you still have them installed: Pancake Swap Suite Wallet Hyperliquid Raydium BullX Crypto OpenOcean Exchange Meteora Exchange SushiSwap Harvest Finance Blog You can still do your crypto thing Crypto is great. But it’s also the Wild West. And right now, the Play Store is letting too many scammers through the gate. So, before you go chasing those next 1000% gains, protect what you already have. It’s better to have your 15c than to lose it whilst trying to quickly turn into a dollar, as that old childhood song goes. Oh, it should be obvious, don’t go around typing your seed phrase all over the place.