*AM NEWS BULLETIN 19 MAY 2025* • Firm Gold Prices Almost Double Caledonia’s Profits to US$26.9 Million • Health Minister Engages Parirenyatwa Staff Over Grievances • Zhombe Murder: Two Arrested After Fatal Bar Fight • Kenya's Ex-Justice Minister Deported from Tanzania Ahead of Tundu Lissu Case ------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------ Strong global gold prices have nearly doubled Caledonia Mining Corporation’s Q1 profits to US$26.9 million, reflecting a 48% gross margin. The surge was fueled by a 42% jump in average gold prices to US$2,896/oz and a 46% revenue increase to US$56.2 million, up from US$38.5 million in Q1 2024. CEO Mark Learmonth credited the results to resilient operations and strategic management, noting growth plans at Bilboes and Motapa, and continued investment at Blanket Mine remain top priorities for 2025. Net profit attributable to shareholders rose nearly sixfold to US$8.9 million, while adjusted earnings per share climbed to 58.5 cents from 9.7 cents. Although on-mine costs rose 12.9% to US$1,202/oz due to increased labour and energy expenses, strong gold prices offset the impact. Cash from operations more than doubled to US$13.3 million, while net debt narrowed to US$4.6 million. The US$22.35 million solar plant sale in April further boosted Caledonia’s net cash position to US$18.6 million. ------------------------------------------------ Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora visited Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare to engage directly with staff, assess conditions, and hear concerns firsthand. Speaking after the visit, Dr Mombeshora said his decision was prompted by reports of unresolved grievances from staff, particularly nurses. “I received reports about certain grievances from the nursing community here... but I felt communication was lacking,” he said. Emphasizing an open-door policy, the minister stated he chose to engage with staff directly, regardless of rank, to understand their issues without filters. “It’s not that I didn’t trust what I was told, but I wanted to hear it from the nurses themselves.” Dr Mombeshora met with the nurses who had raised the concerns and described the conversation as “very open” and the grievances as “very genuine.” He outlined the main issues raised, which included: • Inadequate salaries and allowances • Transport and accommodation difficulties • Poor working conditions The minister said efforts are underway to address these issues, particularly by reviewing allowances to help staff better support their families. ------------------------------------------------ M.I.S Borehole Drilling Company is your trusted solution for drilling, flushing, deepening, and surveying installations. Visit us at Shop Number 19, Robert Mugabe Street, Zvishavane, or call 0773 514 103 or 0715 397 320. MIS Borehole Drilling – drilling solutions you can trust! ------------------------------------------------ We Turn to Crime & Courts Where – Zimbabwe Republic Police have confirmed the arrest of two men in connection with the murder of Nkululeko Mpofu (45), which occurred at Mavule Shopping Centre in Zhombe on 16 May 2025 around 7:30 PM. According to ZRP Midlands spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, Mpofu was reportedly drinking at Mabengwani Bar when the two suspects entered. A dispute over undisclosed past grudges escalated into a fight, during which one of the suspects allegedly stabbed Mpofu with an Okapi knife. Mpofu was rushed to Zhombe Mission Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. The suspects, identified as Njabulo Moyo (21) and Progress Moyo (35) of Village Mbekiswa under Chief Ntabeni, Zhombe, were arrested following police investigations. They are expected to appear in court soon. Police have urged the public to resolve disputes peacefully and avoid violence. ------------------------------------------------ And In Regional & International News - Kenya’s former Justice Minister Martha Karua says she was deported from Tanzania after being held and interrogated for hours, allegedly to block her from attending the court case of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Karua, along with lawyer Gloria Kimani and activist Lynn Ngugi, had flown in to observe Lissu’s trial. Her party, the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), condemned the deportation as politically motivated. Tanzanian authorities have not commented. Lissu, leader of the main opposition Chadema party, faces treason charges and cannot seek bail. He was arrested in April after staging a rally under the slogan "No Reforms, No Election". His party has since been barred from contesting the October polls for refusing to sign a government-imposed code of conduct. Rights groups have criticized growing repression ahead of the elections. Chadema calls the charges against Lissu false and politically driven. Karua, a vocal advocate for democracy in East Africa, has also represented Uganda’s Kizza Besigye in a similar case. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, once praised for opening up political space, is now facing criticism that Tanzania is sliding back into authoritarianism. The ruling CCM party is expected to retain power in the upcoming polls. //////////////////////////////////////////////// That’s all for now on Great Dyke News. For these and other stories, visit our website - www.greatdykenews24.co.zw and follow our digital platforms.