🗞️ *GREAT DYKE NEWS BULLETIN – May 27, 2025 HEADLINES*: • *Karo Platinum Makes Progress, Eyes $165 Million Boost* • *Wheat Planting Urgency as May 31 Deadline Nears* • *Labour Court Set to Welcome New Judges* • *Ghana Embassy in U.S. Temporarily Shut Over Visa Scam* • *Minister Chitando Vows to End Irresponsible Mining Practices in 2025* • *ZMF, Govt Raise Alarm Over Rampant Illegal Chrome Mining in Great Dyke* • *Filabusi Baby Murder Shocks Community* • *Four Die in Masvingo Road Crash* • *Man Detained After Car Ploughs into Pedestrians During Liverpool FC Parade* ----------------------------------------- 🔹 *Karo Platinum Makes Progress, Eyes $165 Million Boost* Karo Platinum, a subsidiary of Tharisa, has announced that all earthworks have been completed at its new mining site in Ngezi. The company is now in advanced discussions to raise $165 million in funding to bring the long-awaited project to completion. Managing Director Bernard Pryor said that approximately $140 million has already been spent on development. “We are in the contracting phase for mining operations, and tenders have already gone out,” he revealed. Tharisa’s Financial Director Andrew Henwood added that negotiations with African banks are progressing, and a gold streaming agreement could contribute up to $100 million in funding. Once operational, the mine will produce an estimated 226,000 ounces of platinum annually, making it Zimbabwe’s third-largest producer after Zimplats and Unki. 🔹 *Wheat Planting Urgency as May 31 Deadline Nears* The Ministry of Agriculture has issued an urgent call for farmers to complete wheat planting by the May 31 deadline, citing increased risk of frost and early rains that could severely affect yields if planting is delayed. Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri emphasized that although harvesting of summer maize crops has been slowed by cooler weather, government support in the form of seed, fertilizers, fuel, dryers, and electricity is being provided. “We urge all farmers to expedite wheat planting before the month ends. Every day counts,” said Jiri. Wheat is a strategic crop for food security in Zimbabwe, and the country is targeting a significant increase in output this season to cut reliance on imports. --------------------- 📢 *ADVERT* 💧 M.I.S Borehole Drilling Company Are you in need of clean and reliable water access? Look no further! M.I.S Borehole Drilling Company specializes in: • Borehole Drilling • Flushing • Deepening • Site Surveying & Installation 📍 Visit us at Shop Number 19, Robert Mugabe Street, Zvishavane 📞 Call: 0773 514 103 or 0715 397 320 ✅ M.I.S – Drilling Solutions You Can Trust! ----------------------------- 🔹 *Labour Court Set to Welcome New Judges* The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has begun public interviews in Harare to fill eight vacant positions at the Labour Court. The move is part of efforts to strengthen the judiciary's ability to manage the increasing volume of labour disputes arising from economic challenges and workplace conflicts. Chief Justice Luke Malaba is presiding over the interviews, which began today with 13 of the 27 shortlisted candidates undergoing assessments. Among those being interviewed are Innocent Bepura and Bianca Makwande, both experienced legal professionals. The public interviews are in line with constitutional requirements for transparency and merit-based appointments, and are expected to conclude by the end of the week. 🔹 *Ghana Embassy in U.S. Temporarily Shut Over Visa Scam* Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has shut down its embassy in Washington, D.C., following the discovery of a large-scale visa fraud scheme allegedly run by locally recruited staff. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed that for five years, applicants were directed to an unofficial website where they were charged exorbitant fees not sanctioned by the government. The proceeds were reportedly pocketed by the embassy staff involved. All embassy employees have been recalled pending investigations, and criminal charges are likely to follow. The Ghanaian government has apologised to affected applicants and assured a swift resolution of the matter. 💬 *QUOTE OF THE DAY* *"A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself." – Franklin D. Roosevelt* 🔹 *Minister Chitando Vows to End Irresponsible Mining Practices in 2025* Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando has vowed to crack down on reckless mining operations that are damaging the environment and harming local communities. “There is a lot of mining taking place in a manner that is irresponsible—and it has to be stopped,” Chitando said during a recent media briefing. “The environment and the community should be happy, not sad. The moment they are sad, there is something wrong.” He stressed that 2025 should mark a turning point: “This year, we have to sort it out once and for all.” His remarks come in the wake of increased public pressure over the unregulated activities of some artisanal and small-scale miners, especially in the Great Dyke region. 🔹 *ZMF, Govt Raise Alarm Over Rampant Illegal Chrome Mining in Great Dyke* The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) and the government have expressed grave concern over the growing wave of illegal chrome mining in the Great Dyke, particularly in areas such as Impinge, Bigdell, Mvurwi, Amazon, and Guruve. ZMF president Henrietta Rushwaya said even licensed miners have joined the illegal rush, operating beyond their claim boundaries and without Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA). “These activities are being carried out under the cover of darkness and are destroying ecosystems,” she said. The government has hinted at tighter regulations and stepped-up enforcement to combat the crisis. 🔹 *Filabusi Baby Murder Shocks Community* Police in Filabusi are investigating a disturbing case after the mutilated body of an eight-week-old baby boy was discovered at Ukuzwisisa Village in the Marubamba area on May 25th. Authorities say the infant’s mother had left him asleep in a spare bedroom while she went to have breakfast in a nearby kitchen hut. Upon her return, she found the baby’s nose and right cheek cut off. The Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed the incident and is appealing to anyone with information to come forward. The community has been left in shock and mourning. 🔹 *Four Die in Masvingo Road Crash* A fatal accident involving a Govasberg bus and a tractor claimed four lives earlier today along the Masvingo-Mbalabala Road. According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the crash occurred at around 11:00 AM near the 34-kilometre peg. Preliminary reports suggest the bus was attempting to overtake when it collided head-on with the tractor. Several passengers sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby health facilities. Police are still investigating the circumstances leading to the crash. 🔹*Man Detained After Car Ploughs into Pedestrians During Liverpool FC Parade* Merseyside Police in the UK have detained a man after a vehicle drove into a crowd of football fans during Liverpool FC’s Premier League title parade. The incident happened on Water Street where thousands had gathered to celebrate. It is unclear how many people were injured, but authorities have cordoned off the area. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the scenes "appalling" and thanked emergency responders for their swift reaction. An investigation is now underway to determine if the act was deliberate. 💡 *HEALTH TIP OF THE DAY* Drink at least 2 litres of water a day! Staying hydrated improves energy, concentration, and even supports your immune system. Don’t wait to feel thirsty—sip throughout the day! 🖥️ For these and more stories, visit 👉 www.greatdykenews24.co.zw 📲 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and WhatsApp for updates!