*_MORNING NEWS | 14 JUNE 2025_* *_Join our Group:_* https://chat.whatsapp.com/LDUL4HF8Hyo4MaUUiGXvKz *TO ADVERTISE WITH WAZO ADVERTS* *_WhatsApp:_* wa.me/263776804293 *_We have a market reach of over 400,000 Zimbabweans._* — — — — — — — — — — — — *1.* University of Zimbabwe withholds salaries of striking lecturers *2.* Geo Pomona's tax holiday – Questions mount over dodgy Harare waste management deal *3.* Harare fails to procure tar, patches roads with soil *4.* Minister Masuka shields farmers from middlemen’s price exploitation as government expands GMB grain collection *5.* Grave concerns raised as ECD children walk through cemeteries to go to school *6.* President mourns India plane crash victims *7.* Freeman, Killer T, Master H lead City to City Tour takeover at HICC in Harare *8.* Mai TT declares war on content creators profiting from her imag *9.* ZRP Ford Ranger and donkey-pulled cart midnight accident ends in tears – Bulawayo police officer thoroughly beaten *10.* Prophet jailed 15 years for raping sick congregant *11.* Witchcraft scare in Glen View 1 as tortoise wearing beads, black cloths and hair weave storms tuckshop *12.* Man (aged 28) dies in horrific scotch cart accident *_FULL ARTICLES BELOW_* _[Note: These News Articles were Compiled and Distributed by Wazo Adverts. Source is Credited at the End of Each Article.]_ 1. *UNIVERSITY OF ZIMBABWE WITHHOLDS SALARIES OF STRIKING LECTURERS* The University of Zimbabwe (UZ) has withheld the salaries of striking lecturers as turmoil continues at the institution. The lecturers have now reached 58 days of industrial action, demanding a salary increase that aligns with Zimbabwe's soaring cost of living. While UZ has remained silent on the strike, it has retaliated by withholding salaries from the defiant lecturers, who are steadfast in their demand for a return to pre-2018 wages of US$2,250 per month for junior staff - up from the current US$230. Obvious Vengeyi, spokesperson for the Association of University Teachers (AUT), condemned the move as an attempt to force an end to the strike. "Of course, it is an act of trying to force our members to return to work for the US$230 they initially rejected. It's a way of arm-twisting certain members of our community to resume teaching. "Many here who have not been paid have resolved that, whether they receive the US$230 or not, they will not return. The majority of us have not been paid - yes. But we remain committed. Until junior lecturers get US$2,250, we will not go back to class," said Vengeyi. The university's latest move follows its hiring of adjunct lecturers last month to fill gaps left by the striking staff. However, the AUT has dismissed this as futile, claiming most replacements lack the qualifications to teach at a university level. "There is no teaching happening at the university. No supervision is taking place. A few scabs have been hired to replace -sort of the lecturers on strike," said Vengeyi further. The prolonged strike has disrupted examinations, with planned sittings facing further delays, potentially derailing the academic year. Last month, six students were arrested after staging flash protests demanding the lecturers' return, signalling the growing unrest on campus. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 2. *GEO POMONA'S TAX HOLIDAY – QUESTIONS MOUNT OVER DODGY HARARE WASTE MANAGEMENT DEAL* If the controversy surrounding the Geo Pomona waste management contract was not already festering, it has now been rubbed raw by revelations that the company is enjoying a tax holiday, meaning it will not be remitting a single cent to Treasury. This is despite the millions of United States dollars Geo Pomona is due to get from the City of Harare (CoH) under the contentious agreement. According to the contract, which NewZimbabwe.Com has seen, Geo Pomona stands to rake in over US$30 million annually from the CoH, yet will contribute nothing in tax revenue. The "schedule of payments and tax and duties" section of the contract explicitly states that Geo Pomona has been granted duty-free and tax-free status for the entire duration of the agreement. Treasury has so far remained tight-lipped on the justification for this extraordinary concession. "Contracting party shall ensure that the contractor is granted duty exemption and income tax exemption for the period of the contract," the document states. "The contracting party shall pay US$2,701,404.00 (Two million Seven Hundred and one thousand four hundred and four United States Dollars only) excluding value-added tax every month with effect from signature of the contract. The amount is based on the refuse collection and street cleaning service rendered by the contractor," it continues. Further adding to the sense of unease is the apparent erosion of the CoH's control over waste management, a function ostensibly outsourced but not supervised. Former Mt Pleasant MP Fadzayi Mahere has also weighed in, questioning the logic behind the tax exemption. "Why does the agreement stipulate that Geo Pomona will pay 0% tax yet it is being paid so handsomely through public funds? What is the legal basis of this irrational tax exemption?", she wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday. While Geo Pomona is ostensibly led by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Delish Nguwaya, persistent reports suggest he is merely a figurehead. Whispers persist that the real power brokers are members of the "First Family," specifically Sean Mnangagwa, son of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The Geo Pomona deal appears to have usurped the CoH's legal responsibility for refuse collection and street cleaning in the capital. Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume was unavailable for comment, citing his absence from the country. CoH spokesman Stanley Gama also directed inquiries to Mafume. Intriguingly, President Mnangagwa recently showered praise on Mafume, describing him as a "cooperative" and "helpful" mayor. This endorsement is somewhat unusual, given that Mafume is a member of the opposition. Critics suggest the praise is part of the complex political landscape surrounding the Geo Pomona deal. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 3. *HARARE FAILS TO PROCURE TAR, PATCHES ROADS WITH SOIL* The City of Harare (CoH) has been without tar for over a year, forcing municipal workers to patch roads using soil and rubble, a stark indicator of the worsening state of basic service delivery in the capital. Residents and motorists have for months navigated roads riddled with potholes and dust, as the council struggles to maintain residential road networks. The situation has been exacerbated by what the local authority says is insufficient funding from the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA). During a recent full council meeting at the Town House, it was revealed that CoH has been unable to purchase tar—a critical material for proper road repairs—due to garnished accounts restricting its spending. Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume condemned the current state of affairs, highlighting the embarrassment caused by the dusty and deteriorating roads. He said the council's efforts to patch potholes with dust were driven by financial constraints. "Right now, I have messages from every government office in town. When they say the road is bad, people are going to pour dust. Everywhere, dust is being poured. We have money from City Parking and ZINARA that is being garnished in our bank accounts without buying tar. Look at the embarrassment—the whole town is dusty. This is because we are patching potholes using dust," Mafume said. The council depends heavily on remittances from its subsidiary, City Parking, and funds from ZINARA, which are supposed to be allocated for road maintenance. However, these funds have been restricted, limiting the council's capacity to properly service roads. Adding to the woes, the city's procurement department has cited delays in approval of purchases by the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) as another obstacle. Meanwhile, Harare Councillor Denford Ngadziore accused council officials of dishonesty and mismanagement, alleging a corrupt system that prioritizes luxury purchases over essential service delivery. "The challenge at the city council is that there is a cartel or a system that has to be broken. If we do not do that, we will not succeed. The management at one time bought themselves vehicles without any challenges. The challenge is, if we do not break that [system], we will remain in one place," Ngadziore said. With residents growing increasingly frustrated by the poor road conditions, calls are mounting for urgent reforms and better resource management to restore Harare's crumbling road infrastructure. *_-Bulawayo24_* 4. *MINISTER MASUKA SHIELDS FARMERS FROM MIDDLEMEN’S PRICE EXPLOITATION AS GOVERNMENT EXPANDS GMB GRAIN COLLECTION* The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) is expanding its grain collection network to 1,800 depots across Zimbabwe, aiming to protect farmers from unscrupulous buyers offering prices below the government-approved rate. Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Rural Resettlement Minister Dr. Anxious Masuka confirmed the move during a National Assembly session, warning farmers against selling their maize cheaply. Zimbabwe is anticipating a record-breaking 2.2 million tonnes of maize from the 2024-2025 cropping season, a significant milestone for the country’s agricultural sector. However, Dr. Masuka emphasized that the government had set the official grain price at US$376 per tonne, with payments structured at 70% in U.S. dollars and 30% in local currency to ensure farmers receive fair compensation. “Farmers must check prices before selling their crops. We cannot allow middlemen to take advantage of their hard work,” he stated. Reports from Mashonaland West reveal that buyers are already targeting farming communities, offering as little as US$300 per tonne—well below the gazetted price. “We have received disturbing reports that opportunistic buyers are undermining farmers with unfair deals. We urge farmers to wait for GMB’s official collection points to be confirmed before selling,” Dr. Masuka stressed. To handle the historic harvest, GMB will increase its depots from 58 to 1,800, repurposing locations previously used for social welfare food distribution and presidential agricultural programs as grain collection centers. “If we could distribute farming inputs at these locations, we can also collect grain from the same points,” he explained. In low-yield areas, GMB will deploy mobile collection units instead of permanent depots, ensuring farmers can schedule grain deliveries. “Where daily collection isn’t necessary, farmers can coordinate with GMB on designated dates for mobile collection,” Masuka noted. To streamline grain transportation, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has commissioned 20 new 40-tonne trucks, while Arda has been allocated 10 trucks to assist with nationwide grain collection. According to The Herald, these measures aim to prevent price exploitation and improve grain marketing efficiency. Farmers are urged to confirm official GMB rates before selling their produce, ensuring they receive fair compensation and avoid manipulation by unauthorized buyers. *_-Afrogazette_* 5. *GRAVE CONCERNS RAISED AS ECD CHILDREN WALK THROUGH CEMETERIES TO GO TO SCHOOL* The shortest route connecting schoolchildren from two primary schools in Bulawayo’s Old Magwegwe suburb to their homes in nearby Pelandaba West suburb is a dusty trail that cuts through a local cemetery. The sight of young children, some as young as four in Early Childhood Development (ECD) classes, walking through the heart of Pelandaba Cemetery in its current state deeply unsettles Elma Sibanda, an elderly resident of Old Magwegwe. Overgrown grass — potentially harbouring snakes and other reptiles — unkempt graves, and stolen fencing now tell the silent story of how one of the city’s oldest burial grounds, Pelandaba Cemetery, has been neglected by the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) over the years. To Sibanda, a deeply held cultural taboo is being broken daily. She watches in disbelief as young children, some barely more than toddlers, innocently use the cemetery’s pathways — passing strangers’ graves — as their regular shortcut home from school. “I’ve lived in Old Magwegwe for over 60 years, and I remember when the cemetery was a sacred place. The only time we saw people there was during burials or tombstone unveilings. “Now, we see little ones walking right through the cemetery on their way home from Magwegwe Primary School and Ntshamathe Primary School. These are the closest schools to the new suburb, and the cemetery route is the shortest way home.” Even more than the cultural unease, Sibanda is deeply troubled by the cemetery’s deteriorating condition. “I can’t recall the last time I saw council workers cutting the grass or clearing the shrubs. Even as an adult, I feel uneasy walking through the cemetery with its tall grass and neglected graves. Yet, I see children doing it every school day,” she lamented. A visit by the Saturday Chronicle to Pelandaba Cemetery revealed an overwhelming sense of abandonment. Waist-high grass choked the pathways, the perimeter fence had long been stripped away, and graves stood in silent testament to years of neglect. An anonymous council employee, however, shifted responsibility, stating it is solely up to the deceased’s relatives to maintain individual graves. “The council is meant to keep the general area tidy by cutting the grass after the rainy season, but we haven’t been provided with the tools needed to begin clearing Pelandaba Cemetery,” the employee said. Bulawayo’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Edwin Ndlovu, expressed significant concern regarding the deteriorating condition of the city’s cemeteries, squarely blaming widespread vandalism perpetrated by residents. “We’re facing a serious issue where residents steal cemetery fences and vandalise infrastructure, including water taps. Residents, through ward councillors and associations, must be reminded that cemetery infrastructure belongs to the city and should be protected by all,” said Ndlovu. Maintaining the cemeteries, he acknowledged, remains a formidable challenge for the council, hindered by persistently limited resources. “It’s no secret that resources are scarce. Ideally, the council would allocate funds for cemetery upkeep after the rainy season to manage overgrown vegetation,” he said. Just recently, councillors sounded the alarm over the deteriorating state of graves at Luveve Cemetery, with heavy rains having washed away some, exposing coffins. Ward 15 Councillor Ashton Mhlanga was quick to voice his deep concern. “Some graves have been eroded by recent rains, leaving coffins exposed. The Council must urgently raise awareness — through flyers and social media — urging residents to cease illegal vending at cemeteries. The flyers should also stress the importance of timekeeping during burials to maintain dignity and order,” said Mhlanga. BCC’s Chamber Secretary, Sikhangele Zhou, urged residents to uphold the dignity and respect due to cemeteries. She highlighted that vending, eating, and fouling at burial sites are deeply antithetical to cultural values, calling on the community to embody the spirit of Ubuntu in these sacred spaces. “The Assistant Director of Health Services (Environmental) explained during a council meeting that the issue of washed-away graves is being addressed. Gravel has been delivered to Luveve Cemetery, and restoration of the affected graves is underway. This problem is common at Luveve, especially after heavy rains.” The absence of a perimeter fence at Luveve Cemetery has allowed livestock — donkeys and goats — to roam freely among the graves. “Some of the animals belong to villagers from St Peters, just beyond Pumula Old, who let them graze freely and only retrieve them when they stray into nearby suburbs like Luveve, Gwabalanda, and Cowdray Park,” said a Luveve resident. In its latest council minutes, BCC announced a shift from installing fences around cemeteries to planting a hedge known in IsiNdebele as ingotsha, which is well-suited to the local climate and thrives even during the dry season. *_-Chronicle_* 6. *PRESIDENT MOURNS INDIA PLANE CRASH VICTIMS* Zimbabwe stands in solidarity with India following the crashing of an Air India flight on Thursday, President Mnangagwa has said. The plane crash killed all but one of the 242 passengers on board. In a condolence message, the President said Zimbabwe’s thoughts and prayers were with India and the bereaved families during this difficult time. Zimbabwe and India traditionally enjoy cordial relations. “I extend my deepest sympathies to the Government and people of the Republic of India following the tragic plane crash of Flight 171. “Zimbabwe stands in solidarity with the Indian nation during this time of mourning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families, and we wish a swift and full recovery to the injured,” wrote President Mnangagwa on his official X handle. The Boeing aircraft bound for Gatwick Airport in London was carrying 242 passengers and crew when it came down in a residential area, crashing into a medical college hostel outside the airport during lunch hour. Passengers aboard the plane comprised 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian. The survivor is a British national of Indian origin. Air India confirmed the fatalities in a statement. “Air India confirms that flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London, Gatwick, on 12 June 2025, was involved in an accident. The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew. “The aircraft crashed shortly after take-off. We regret to inform that, of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole survivor is being treated in a hospital,” the airline wrote on its official X handle. Air India said it had since dispatched a team of caregivers to render additional support, while also conveying its condolences. “Air India offers its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. “Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones. “A team of caregivers from Air India is now in Ahmedabad to provide additional support. “Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident,” said the airline. Footage from the area showed smoke billowing from the crash site, with parts of the plane scattered around the building into which it crashed. The tail of the plane was stuck on top of the building. According to air traffic control at Ahmedabad’s airport, the plane gave a mayday call, signalling an emergency, but after that, there was no response, according to reports. Aviation-tracking site Flightradar24 said the plane was a wide-body, twin-engine Boeing Dreamliner plane that is one of the most modern passenger aircraft in service. According to the Aviation Safety Network database, this was the first recorded crash of a Boeing 787 aircraft, which has a good safety record. The last fatal plane crash in India before Thursday’s, was in 2020 and involved an aircraft from Air India Express, the carrier’s low-cost arm. Twenty-one people were killed when the aircraft overshot a runway at Kozhikode International Airport in southern India. *_-Herald_* 7. *FREEMAN, KILLER T, MASTER H LEAD CITY TO CITY TOUR TAKEOVER AT HICC IN HARARE* Gateway Stream Media, a subsidiary of Rainbow Tourism Group, is set to host the Harare leg of the City To City Tour on June 28, 2025, at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC). The event will feature a star-studded lineup that includes headline performances by Freeman HKD, Killer T, Master H, and Enzo Ishall, alongside supporting acts Nisha T, Chillmaster, and Tamy Moyo. Organizers have also indicated the presence of a surprise guest performer. Elton Kurima, Gateway Stream Media Manager, commented on the upcoming event, stating, “The Harare tour will be different, filled with high energy, stunning ambience, a different set up that will give a memorable musical experience.” The HICC, the chosen venue, has been fitted with new heating systems to maintain a comfortable environment for attendees. The organizers further promised that an ample parking facility will also be available on site. Regarding ticket sales, Kurima announced, “The Phase one tickets are already out, with standard tickets at US$10 and VIP tickets at US$20. Phase two tickets will go on sale this Saturday, priced at US$15 for standard and US$30 for VIP.” The City To City Tour aims to showcase Zimbabwean musical talent. Prior to the Harare engagement, the tour has held events in Bindura, Gweru, Masvingo, and Mutare. Gateway Stream Media, described as an award-winning entertainment platform and music promoter, has partnered with various artists and hosted shows since its establishment in 2020. Tickets are currently available for purchase at the Rainbow Towers Hotel & Conference Centre, New Ambassador Hotel, and all MedOrange Pharmacies in Harare. Standard tickets are priced at US$10 and VIP tickets at US$20. *_-Nehanda Radio_* 8. *MAI TT DECLARES WAR ON CONTENT CREATORS PROFITING FROM HER IMAGE* Social media personality Mai TT, real name Felistas Murata, has vowed to take legal action against content creators who use her image in videos containing negative commentary. She has warned that those monetizing her likeness without permission will face serious repercussions under copyright laws. Murata, known for her outspoken nature, took to social media to express frustration over creators profiting off her identity while publishing insulting or misleading content. She made it clear that both real and animated depictions of her fall under copyright protection and will be dealt with accordingly. “You will not use my face to make money while tearing me down. I am coming for every single person who posts my image in videos filled with insults and negativity. “If you have nothing good to say, don’t put my face on it—don’t even use a cartoon of me. I’m tracking all of you”,she declared. According to Nehanda Radio, Murata has assembled a specialized team to monitor copyright violations, particularly on YouTube, where content creators generate revenue from videos featuring her likeness. She warned that repeat offenders risk account suspensions or permanent bans once copyright strikes are enforced. “We know all the loopholes, and we’re closing them one by one. If we keep hitting these accounts with copyright strikes, they’ll be banned for good. This is not a warning—it’s a promise”, she stated. Murata emphasized that her efforts will be relentless, declaring that violators will not escape consequences. “I will not stop! I will not tire! This ends now,” she vowed. Her intensified crackdown has sparked discussions on digital content ethics, with some questioning the balance between copyright enforcement and free speech. While critics argue that creators should have fair use protections, Murata remains firm in her mission to safeguard her image and brand. As her legal battle escalates, content creators who misuse her likeness may face severe penalties under copyright law. *_-Afrogazette_* 9. *ZRP FORD RANGER AND DONKEY-PULLED CART MIDNIGHT ACCIDENT ENDS IN TEARS – BULAWAYO POLICE OFFICER THOROUGHLY BEATEN* Hold onto your hats, folks, because the sleepy village of Upper Rangemore on the outskirts of Bulawayo, has just witnessed a showdown for the ages – a clash of horsepower versus donkey-power that ended with more laughs than injuries (well, almost!). Picture this: it’s the dead of night, the crickets are chirping, and a poor, unsuspecting police officer is about to have his evening commute turned upside down by a rogue scotch cart and a family with a serious aversion to car insurance. The story begins at approximately 1:23 AM on 9 June 2025. Manase Madzimu (41), a resident of the ZRP Hillside camp in Bulawayo, was cruising along in his grey Ford Ranger, registered as AGQ 1338. Now, whether he was on a top-secret mission or just craving a midnight snack, we may never know. But what we DO know is that out of nowhere, a metal object protruding from a scotch cart decided to give his Ranger a little love tap from behind. Ouch! Behind the reins of this donkey-powered chariot was none other than Wilson Nyirenda (41), who, according to the “source” (well, the police report), appeared utterly unfazed by the vehicular violation he had just committed. Perhaps he thought it was just a friendly game of bumper cars, donkey-style! Now, Mr. Madzimu, being a man of the law (and probably not thrilled about his Ranger’s new dent), wasn’t about to let this slide. So, in a move straight out of a slapstick comedy, he engaged in a high-speed (well, relatively high-speed) chase after the scotch cart, determined to bring this donkey-driving desperado to justice! The chase led them all the way to the Mbuwa plot in Rangemore, where things went from “slightly ridiculous” to “full-blown hilarious.” Madzimu, fueled by righteous indignation and possibly a bit too much coffee, jumped out of his Ranger and approached Nyirenda for answers. But little did he know, he was about to step into a trap worthy of a Looney Tunes cartoon! Nyirenda, sensing trouble, let out a scream that could rival a hyena on helium, summoning his sons, Mthokozisi Nyirenda (16) and Mpumelelo Maphosa (22), from the depths of the night. And just like that, our poor Ranger driver found himself facing a three-on-one ambush that would make even Jackie Chan sweat! According to court records, the Nyirenda clan unleashed a flurry of punches, slaps, and even a good ol’ fashioned flogging with a log! Yes, you read that right – a LOG! It’s safe to say that Mr. Madzimu probably regretted not just letting the donkey and cart go on their merry way. The assault was so intense that our police officer had to seek medical attention, shelling out a whopping US$60 to get patched up. We can only imagine the conversation he had with the doctor: “So, how did you get these injuries, officer?” “Well, doc, it all started with a donkey…” The trio appeared before Western Commonage Magistrate, Archie Wochiwunga, where they admitted to their roles in the brawl. However, they claimed they were simply protecting their father from a “furious man charging towards their homestead in the middle of the night.” Ah, the age-old excuse of “self-defence against a slightly dented Ford Ranger”! All three pleaded guilty to assault charges, and the case has been postponed to 25 June 2025, for sentencing. One can only imagine what kind of punishment awaits them – perhaps community service involving cleaning up after rogue donkeys? *_-MyZimbabwe_* 10. *PROPHET JAILED 15 YEARS FOR RAPING SICK CONGREGANT* A Mutoko-based apostolic prophet, Tichaona Usayi (46), was slapped with 15 years in jail by a Bindura regional magistrate after raping a 17-year-old girl in the name of healing session. Magistrate Elisha Singano sentenced Usayi. Prosecutor Edward Katsvairo told the court that in December last year, Usayi came to Bindura and started a shrine at Kapfumba village, Musana in Bindura. The complainant fell sick and her parents took her to Usayi's shrine for healing. Usayi told the parents that he needed three days of prayers with the complainant, and her parents agreed. The prophet would come at midnight and collect the complainant for prayers. On 27 December, 2024 he raped her once and threatened to kill her if she reveals the case to anyone. On January 13, the complainant decided to tell her mother about the rape and the case was reported to the police. *_-Bulawayo24_* 11. *WITCHCRAFT SCARE IN GLEN VIEW 1 AS TORTOISE WEARING BEADS, BLACK CLOTHS AND HAIR WEAVE STORMS TUCKSHOP* A peculiar incident in Glen View 1, Harare, has left residents on edge, sparking fears of witchcraft after a tortoise, bizarrely adorned with beads, black cloths, and a hair weave, was spotted wandering around local tuckshops. The sighting has ignited speculation and unease amongst locals, with some suspecting sinister forces at play. The unusual scene unfolded on Tuesday along Thirty Three Crescent, leaving residents speechless. Mrs. Molline Murambiza (42), a local shop owner, recounted her initial shock: “The tortoise first appeared on Tuesday morning and spent the whole day walking around while people were afraid to touch it. Today, (Wednesday), it was there again, wandering around our tuckshops on Thirty Three Crescent until it eventually went into one of the unused tuckshops.” The spectacle drew crowds, with onlookers gathering for two days to witness the strange sight. The tortoise, decorated in such an unnatural manner, has fuelled suspicions of dark practices. Mrs. Murambiza voiced her concerns, stating: “These could be the works of witches because no wild tortoise is dressed with beads and tied with cloths like that. Or sometimes people are trying to intimidate each other over disagreements they had. It is a bad thing for people to use wild animals like that.” Adding to the mystery, the owner of the tuckshop where the tortoise eventually sought refuge, identified only as Chihera, claimed to know nothing about the incident. “I don’t know anything about this tortoise because I closed my tuckshop a long time ago. I only heard today that it had entered my shop, there’s nothing there, I stopped using this shop a long time ago,” she said. The incident has clearly unsettled the community. Mrs. Ottillia Mazhindu (39), another resident, expressed her unease: “Mashura chaiwo in our area to see such things, we don’t know if it’s a witch’s tortoise since it’s tied with beads and cloths, truly witches are at work.” Echoing these sentiments, Mrs. Calex Kamombe (39) said: “We don’t know who threw this tortoise and what their purpose is. We are now living in fear for our lives and the lives of our children.” The situation took a dramatic turn when Mr. Tafirenyika Maronje (46), a local vendor, discovered the tortoise hiding amongst cardboard boxes in his shop. “I saw that tortoise hiding in here, it had beads and black cloths, it was scary,” he said. As he removed the animal with a stick, onlookers screamed in fear. Amidst the commotion, accusations flew. One man was overheard claiming that some market and tuckshop women were using muti (traditional medicine) to attract customers. The situation escalated further when a visibly intoxicated man, known only as Thanx and said to reside on 32 Crescent, arrived and confronted journalists at the scene. He then seized the tortoise, throwing it into the air before kicking and stomping on it, sending the crowd into further panic. “Why are you taking pictures of me? Get out of here or I’ll get police to arrest you, leave that tortoise alone, what’s wrong with it?” Thanx shouted, before taking the tortoise and heading towards the Glen View 1 Shopping Centre. The incident has drawn condemnation from traditional leaders. Mr. George Kandiyero, head of the Zinatha (Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association), strongly condemned the abuse of the animal. “Wild animals need to be protected and not abused, people who do this should be reported to the police and arrested,” he said, adding that the organisation was concerned about the increasing abuse of animals such as mipurwa (a type of lizard) and other reptiles. ZimParks spokesperson, Mr. Tinashe Farawo, reiterated that the abuse of wild animals is a crime and urged the public to report any such incidents to the police. This bizarre incident highlights a growing concern in Zimbabwe regarding the association of tortoises with witchcraft. In August last year, a 58-year-old woman was fined for threatening her employer with a tortoise adorned with red floor polish and a red cloth tied around it with needles, demanding her unpaid wages. Sithembiso Budzirikawa appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court on charges of contravening the Wildlife Act after threatening the Human Resources Manager, claiming she would use the tortoise to get her money. It was later discovered that she had taken the tortoise from a farm without a permit. Further highlighting the issue, a Marondera man recently confessed to using a live tortoise as a mubobobo, a witchcraft-related charm used for supernatural sexual abuse. Siriro Satande’s shocking admission emerged during a hearing before Chief Mutasa, following accusations from his nephew, Hazvineyi Satande, who claimed his family was plagued by witchcraft and an evil spirit. Hazvineyi testified that his family suffered from mental illness, which he attributed to witchcraft, claiming it had led to the deaths of his parents. During a cleansing ceremony at Siriro’s home, a prophet discovered the tortoise hidden in his underwear, with old coins attached to its legs. Siriro admitted to using the reptile for sexual gratification, claiming the pain in his leg subsided after it was removed. These incidents underscore the deeply ingrained beliefs surrounding witchcraft in some communities and the disturbing trend of using animals, particularly tortoises, in these practices. *_-MyZimbabwe_* 12. *MAN (AGED 28) DIES IN HORRIFIC SCOTCH CART ACCIDENT* A 28-year-old man from Tshemahali village, Madlambuzi, Plumtree has died after a donkey-drawn scotch cart overturned upon hitting a tree trunk. The accident occurred around 9 a.m on Monday on an unnamed dust road, leaving the community in shock. Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Chiratidzo Dube confirmed the deceased as Luckson Ndlovu, who had set out to collect firewood with his wife, Caren Dube (22), when the scotch cart lost control and overturned, trapping him beneath it. Nearby villagers rushed to assist and transported him to Ntoli Hospital, but he was pronounced dead upon arrival due to severe injuries. According to SouthernEye, Ndlovu’s body has been taken to Plumtree District Hospital mortuary, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted. Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution when using traditional transport methods, emphasising the importance of road safety to prevent similar tragedies. *_-Afrogazette_*