*_MORNING NEWS | 17 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.* Mnangagwa visits Parirenyatwa, Sally Mugabe hospitals to "gain clearer understanding" of collapsing public health sector *2.* We are sick and tired of earning peanuts – Teachers stage protest over poor salaries *3.* Temba Mliswa’s arrest unmasks alleged high-level corruption ring in Mashonaland West *4.* Walter Mzembi further remanded in custody *5.* Harare Mayor Mafume fears temporary ban on Rufaro Stadium as facility deteriorates *6.* Widow sues Home Affairs minister, police after husband was flogged to death by cop *7.* Harare businessman loses US$500,000 in a daring daylight robbery *8.* 4 family members die in horror crash *9.* Ruwa sangoma’s “bees” land him in hot water with angry clients *10.* British nationals’ drugs trial opens... They were caught with drugs worth US$670,000 in Harare *11.* Woman who fled from sangoma naked barred from her church *12.* Hwange man jailed for stealing and slaughtering neighbour’s pigs *_FULL ARTICLES BELOW_* _[Note: These News Articles were Compiled and Distributed by Wazo Adverts. Source is Credited at the End of Each Article.]_ 1. *MNANGAGWA VISITS PARIRENYATWA, SALLY MUGABE HOSPITALS TO "GAIN CLEARER UNDERSTANDING" OF COLLAPSING PUBLIC HEALTH SECTOR* President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said his visits to Parirenyatwa and Sally Mugabe hospitals on Monday are meant to provide him with a clearer understanding of Zimbabwe's deteriorating public health sector. These visits follow a public outcry over the collapsing state of public hospitals. Mnangagwa also toured the NatPharm warehouse. Last month, Youth Empowerment Minister Tinoda Machakaire took to social media, lamenting the deteriorating conditions in public hospitals and challenged Mnangagwa to go witness the crisis firsthand. "I visited Parirenyatwa and Sally Mugabe Hospitals, as well as the NatPharm warehouse, to gain a clearer understanding of the current state of our public health services. Strengthening healthcare delivery remains a central focus of the Second Republic," the President wrote on his X account. Mnangagwa's government has been accused of neglecting Zimbabwe's public hospitals, which have dilapidated infrastructure and an inadequate supply of medicines. Healthcare workers remain poorly paid, which has led to low staff morale and a significant brain drain with skilled personnel leaving the country for greener pastures. Over the years, health workers have submitted numerous petitions and held protests calling for urgent government intervention. However, the authorities have taken little to no action, leaving hospitals in such a dire state that they are now described as death traps. Last week, the Zimbabwe Nurses Association made a desperate plea to the government to urgently address the crisis in hospitals, highlighting that lives are being lost as a result. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 2. *WE ARE SICK AND TIRED OF EARNING PEANUTS – TEACHERS STAGE PROTEST OVER POOR SALARIES* Dozens of teachers under the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) in Manicaland, Monday, staged a protest over paltry salaries and poor working conditions. Since 2018, the teachers have been demanding at least US$1,260 monthly salary from the government. They currently earn around US$300, and many struggle to afford basic necessities like healthcare, education and accommodation. "We are sick and tired of the peanuts that we are being paid. It is high time we demanded our US$1,260 salary a month. "That money will be enough to take our children to school. We also demand basic education for all. "The elites have been able to take their children to universities out of the country. Our children are languishing in poverty; it is high time we make sure that our children are taken to quality education," said one of the protesters. They also demanded meaningful collective bargaining, the restoration of their three-month vacation leave, paternity leave for male staff, and improved conditions that reflect their professional status, saying they have had enough of poverty. "We want collective bargaining that will speak to teachers' issues, we also demand the restoration of our three months vacation leave, we want men to be sent on paternity leave. We have had enough of poverty; it is time we must be seen as professionals." This comes at a time when the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) lecturers have been staging weekly protests as part of their ongoing strike against poor salaries, which has reached day 63. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 3. *TEMBA MLISWA’S ARREST UNMASKS ALLEGED HIGH-LEVEL CORRUPTION RING IN MASHONALAND WEST* Former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa, was dramatically arrested by a contingent of 12 armed Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers on Sunday. The outspoken politician claimed his arrest was linked to his persistent exposing of corruption by Mashonaland West officials, Commissioner Taonei Nyazema and Minister Marian Chombo, regarding alleged illegal mining activities in the Sanyati River area. Mliswa, whose organisation Cubs Den Consolidated is undertaking a government-approved river rehabilitation project, claimed his detention was a direct retaliation for exposing a “clandestine criminal cartel” engaged in illicit mining, shielded by bribes. He was subsequently released following the direct intervention of the ZRP Commissioner General, who pledged a thorough investigation into the unfolding saga. Writing on his X handle, Mliswa claimed the cartel is involved in illegal mining activities by certain Chinese entities in the Sanyati region, operations he said were detrimental to wildlife and a tourism program in Rengwe Conservancy. According to Mliswa, Cubs Den Consolidated, has been undertaking river rehabilitation efforts in the Sanyati area with a permit from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA). He alleged that these legitimate efforts clash with “secretive transactions” undertaken by Commissioner Nyazema and Minister Chombo. Mliswa accused the officials of accepting a US$150,000 bribe to protect illegal miners who he claimed were degrading the river through unchecked excavation. He further suggested that a lifestyle audit of Commissioner Nyazema would expose financial discrepancies, given the alleged construction of a “grandiose residence” beyond his salary. A formal complaint lodged by Cubs Den Consolidated with Brigadier General Ndlovu, Chairman of the Mashonaland West Joint Operations Command (JOC), dated June 5, 2025, details further incidents. The letter alleges a “personal vendetta” by Commissioner Nyazema against Sabhuku Mliswa and consultant E. Kandira, leading to persistent interruptions in their Sanyati River rehabilitation program. “The crux of these arrests is centred on a personal vendetta that Commissioner Nyazema holds against Sabhuku Mliswa and Mr Kandira,” the letter stated. The complaint states that on June 4, 2025, ZRP Magunje, led by Sergeant Mazavara, raided and arrested three individuals, Posewet Mereki (Rengwe Conservancy Caretaker), Boniface Siyawamaya (Operator), and Pardon Taputai (Operator), who were opening access roads for the rehabilitation. Cubs Den Consolidated asserts that a letter from EMA authorising the rehabilitation had been shared with the JOC on May 28, 2025, rendering the arrests an “unpleasant surprise.” The letter to Brigadier General Ndlovu also claims that Commissioner Nyazema demanded a US$70,000 payment from Kandira to allow Cubs Den Consolidated to continue their rehabilitation work, which Kandira reportedly refused due to its illegality. Furthermore, the complaint alleges that a Chinese mining group, Leisure Fresh (Pvt) Ltd, managed by Farai Rusike, was allowed to operate in the Sanyati River without interference after allegedly paying a fee of “close to US$150,000” to Commissioner Nyazema and Minister Chombo. Cubs Den Consolidated attached what they termed a “bogus permit” issued outside EMA’s authority. They also claim police officers were seen protecting assets of Leisure Fresh (Pvt) Ltd even after their removal from the site. In a letter dated May 19, 2025, from the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife to Minister Chombo, it was confirmed that Cubs Den Consolidated’s request to undertake rehabilitation works on the Sanyati River within Rengwe Conservancy was approved by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on December 1, 2024. The letter states the project will serve as a “prototype project for developing a national river rehabilitation framework and template” and will be implemented in collaboration with EMA and other stakeholders. A previous complaint from Cubs Den Consolidated to the Minister of Home Affairs, Kazembe Kazembe, dated April 14, 2025, also highlighted concerns. It detailed the “malicious arrest” of an assessment team member on April 4, 2025, by Karoi Police while setting up temporary cabins in Rengwe Conservancy, with no mining or rehabilitation work being conducted. This earlier complaint also “highly suspected” the involvement of Minister Chombo, Commissioner Nyazema, and Superintendent Kezias Karuru due to their “prior resistance to the project.” Following his release, Mliswa stated that the ZRP Commissioner General intervened, clarifying that the organisation “does not operate in the burgeoning manner instigated by Mash West Officer Commanding, Commissioner Nyazema.” Mliswa, however, voiced regret that the Commissioner General is “encumbered by the erratic behavior of Propol Nyazema,” whose conduct, Mliswa asserted, “tarnishes any aspirations the organization may have towards maintaining professionalism.” Cubs Den has formally requested an immediate criminal investigation by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) into the alleged conduct of Minister Chombo and Commissioner Nyazema. “We kindly request that an immediate criminal investigation be conducted by ZACC since Minister Chombo is a high-ranking government official and Comm Nyazema is a senior ranking official in the ZRP who has repeatedly hinted to his close allegiance and protection by Commissioner General Mutamba. “The criminal nature of their conduct which involves bribery, corruption, intimidation and land allocation without the requisite signatures requires a thorough criminal investigation by ZACC. ZACC provides the independence required to bring criminal and corrupt actions of Minister Chombo and Comm Nyazema to light,” the organisation stated. *_-Nehanda Radio_* 4. *WALTER MZEMBI FURTHER REMANDED IN CUSTODY* Harare magistrate Donald Ndirowei has postponed to Tuesday his ruling on Walter Mzembi’s bid to have 3 warrants of arrest issued in 2018 cancelled after his lawyers and the prosecution submitted written arguments. He returned to home from Zambia last week and was subsequently arrested. The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission said on Saturday that Mzembi had been arrested for absconding from court. He allegedly defaulted court on three occasions and left the country, hence the issuance of the warrants of arrest. *_-ZwNews_* 5. *HARARE MAYOR MAFUME FEARS TEMPORARY BAN ON RUFARO STADIUM AS FACILITY DETERIORATES* Rufaro Stadium could be on the brink of condemnation as the iconic venue continues to show visible signs of deterioration just one year after reopening to host top-flight matches. The imposing Mbare facility is struggling to withstand the demands of hosting elite fixtures, with the pitch visibly damaged, posing a danger to players. Rufaro Stadium is home to Dynamos, CAPS United, Herentals, and Scottland FC. The ground is also used by Division One clubs, further straining its capacity. With midweek Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matches scheduled, Rufaro would have hosted six encounters in 11 days, excluding Northern Region Division One games. Speaking at a recent council meeting at Town House, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume expressed concerns that the stadium could be barred from hosting top-tier matches. "Two weeks is too long. The renovations must be done because the stadium is about to be condemned again," Mafume told councillors. Should Rufaro be condemned, Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams in Harare could be left in limbo unless the City Council acts swiftly to upgrade the facility. Earlier this year, the council announced a partnership with Scottland FC, owned by Mabvuku Member of Parliament Pedzai Scott Sakupwanya, to renovate the stadium. However, no notable improvements have been made since, dashing Mafume's hopes of the venue hosting international matches. The installation of bucket seats, which Mafume had promised would be completed by mid-year, remains far behind schedule. Installation of electronic turnstiles is yet to be completed. Rufaro stadium is still using an archaic scoreboard, another task on the hands of Mafume-led Council. Rufaro Stadium reflects the broader decline of sports facilities under the Harare City Council (HCC), many of which are in deplorable condition. Mafume told councillors he was tired of apologising for the state of council-owned facilities. "The state of City Sports-let us look at them. Every time, I have to apologise when I arrive at any council facility. It is not nice. The place does not look good, but there are simple things we should fix," said Mafume. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 6. *WIDOW SUES HOME AFFAIRS MINISTER, POLICE AFTER HUSBAND WAS FLOGGED TO DEATH BY COP* The widow and family of the late Blessed Believe Juruvenge, who died after being tortured by a police officer at Ruwa Police Station, have written to the police boss and the Home Affairs minister notifying them of their intention to claim damages. Mercy Madenyika, the wife of the late Blessed Juruvenge, her mother-in-law Elipa Jimu and sister-in-law Mellisa Manyepa is the complainants on the notice served to Police Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba. Manyepa also wants to sue for the pain, suffering and humiliation she suffered at the hands of the accused cop, Prince Ndavambi, who is facing a murder charge. The trio have engaged Paidamoyo Saurombe of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZHLR). "Mellissa Manyepa experienced severe physical pain due to the assaults inflicted on her by Ndavambi, and to date, she is still experiencing pain in her legs. "Furthermore, Mellisa Manyepa felt greatly humiliated by the assaults which were perpetrated upon him by Constable Ndavambi. "Mellisa Manyepa, Mercy Madenyika and Eillipa Jim were dependent on the deceased for their maintenance and sustenance. "The deceased was their breadwinner. The deceased was employed at Bakers Inn as a driver and also did welding and operated a tuckshop to augment his salary," wrote Saurombe in the letters served on the two. According to Saurombe, Juruvenge's widow is presently pregnant. He said the death of Juruvenge at the hands of Ndavambi means that his clients have lost their source of financial support. "Furthermore, our clients are distressed and traumatised by the sudden and callous death of their husband, son and brother at the hands of Constable Ndavambi and are presently receiving psychological assistance from medical professionals. "Constable Prince Ndavambi intentionally and unlawfully caused the death of the deceased in that he continuously assaulted the deceased, realising the possibility that death would eventuate from the assaults but nonetheless proceeded with his assaults on the deceased. "In any event, Constable Ndavambi had boasted to the deceased's sister, Mellisa, that the deceased was going to be put into a coffin, thus showing that Ndavambi had formed his murderous intent while he was assaulting the deceased." Saurombe also said the death of the deceased was due to the injuries sustained from the assaults perpetrated on him by Ndavambi. He said the murder of Juruvenge at the hands of Ndavambi was a violation of his sacrosanct right to life, which is guaranteed in terms of section 48 of the Zimbabwean Constitution. "Further and in the alternative, the Officer in Charge at Ruwa Police Station failed in his duty of care to ensure that police officers at his station and under his command do not use the police premises as torture chambers or to endanger the lives of members of the public and hence the breach of this duty of care negligently caused the death of the deceased. "The assaults by Ndavambi on Mellisa Manyepa and the deceased amount to inhuman, degrading treatment and excessive use of force. "You are vicariously liable for the damage and harm suffered by our clients because Constable Ndavambi was acting within the scope and course of his duties when he fatally assaulted the deceased and assaulted Mellisa Manyepa. "Further, the conduct of the police officers in question is a breach of the constitutional obligation of the police service to protect and secure the lives of Zimbabwean citizens as provided for in terms of Section 219(1) (c) of the Constitution. "Accordingly, please be advised of our clients intention to sue for the aforementioned damages in terms of the State Liabilities Act as read with section 70 of the Police Act [Chapter 11:10), the sum of which is to be computed in and furnished to yourselves in the Summons commencing action," read the letter. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 7. *HARARE BUSINESSMAN LOSES US$500,000 IN A DARING DAYLIGHT ROBBERY* Former Dynamos chairman Rafik Adam was left bloodied when he was attacked by four armed men at his offices in central Harare yesterday morning in a daring raid in which the robbers stole US$500,000. The robbers struck at around 10am in the morning. They disguised themselves as clients when they came to Adam’s offices along Cameroon Street in the Harare Central Business District. Adam, a prominent businessman in the capital, is a former Warriors team manager and was a very influential member of the backroom staff during the Dream Team era. He is a football-loving man who has helped scores of the country’s footballers and administrators over the years. Sources have said he owns a number of properties, including the building which houses his offices, and a number of tenants usually pay their dues at the same offices. “It appears the robbers knew all this and had done their surveillance very well,” said a man who works in the area. “You can even speculate that they had some inside information and knew when Mr Adam would be in the office and the chances that there was a lot of money at that time. “They disguised themselves as people who wanted to pay their rentals, which is something that happens all the time at this office, and they then struck. “It was all done very smoothly and the only time that we heard that a robbery had taken place was when Mr Adam came out asking for help and for people to call the police. “His face was bloodied and it showed that he had been attacked but by then the robbers had disappeared. “I’m not sure whether they used a car or just slipped into the crowd.” A crowd gathered outside Adam’s offices when he cried out for help. Last night, police confirmed the robbery and said four armed robbers were involved. National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said: “The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms an armed robbery case involving US$500,000 in Harare Central Business District this morning (yesterday) along Cameroon Street. “Investigations have since started and more details will be released in due course,” said Comm Nyathi. Another witness said the robbers did not appear top have worn any masks and their faces could be traced using the CCTV cameras which are at buildings around the crime scene. Meanwhile, in a related incident, Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed another armed robbery involving US$13,000 at the house in Mt Pleasant. The house is the home of a director of the Road Angels company. Three armed robbers terrorised his family, demanded the car keys and stole the money. “Police are investigating an armed robbery in Mt Pleasant. “They approached the complainant covering their faces with face masks, armed with an unidentified black pistol, a knobkerrie, an L-shaped wheel spanner and ordered the complainant to lie down whilst pointing the pistol at him and he complied. “They then tied his hands at the back with a black shoe lace and demanded money. “The complainant told them to check in the wardrobe and they took 2000 South African Rands and went on to demand more money,” said Insp Chakanza. *_-H-Metro_* 8. *4 FAMILY MEMBERS DIE IN HORROR CRASH* Four family members, including a three-year-old girl, died on the spot when two vehicles, which had 19 people on board, were involved in an accident along the Karoi-Binga Road on Sunday. A Ford Ranger, which had 7 people on board, collided with a Honda Fit, which had 12 people on board. The accident happened at the 25km peg along the Karoi-Binga Road at about 6,30pm. Those who lost their lives are members of the Matonde family of Dixie Farm in Magunje. They are Juliet Matonde (32), Letwin Matonde (three), Debra Matonde (8) and Eunice Matonde (13). The big number of people who were travelling in the Honda Fit, a vehicle that has become notorious on Zimbabwe’s roads because of being overloaded as they are used as mushikashikas, will again cast the spotlight on the enforcement of rules on the country’s roads. National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the horror crash. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a fatal road accident which occured on 15 June 2025 at 18,30hrs at the 25km peg along the Karoi/Binga Road where a Ford Ranger vehicle with seven passengers on board collided with a Honda Fit vehicle carrying 12 passengers. “As a result, four people died on the spot while 15 were seriously injured. “The victims who died in that accident have been identified by their next of kin as (Eunice Matonde, 13, Debra Matonde, 8, Letwin Matonde, 3, and Juliet Matonde, 32.” They were all from Dixie Farm in Magunje. “The bodies of the victims were taken to Karoi District Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations and the injured were referred to the same hospital for treatment.” *_-H-Metro_* 9. *RUWA SANGOMA’S “BEES” LAND HIM IN HOT WATER WITH ANGRY CLIENTS* A self-proclaimed Sangoma from Ruwa, who says he can send bees to track down and recover stolen goods, is facing serious backlash after two clients accused him of scamming them. l A farmer from Concession says he was desperate to recover his stolen farming equipment and inputs, so desperate that he paid US$600 to a sangoma known only as Sekuru Muzura. The promise? That magical bees would trace and return his property. But after days of waiting, nothing happened. Another disgruntled client, businessman Makonza, paid US$400 to Sekuru Muzura for the same “bee service” and got nothing in return. Frustrated, he confronted the sangoma’s aides to demand his money back, and the situation turned tense. Makonza didn’t mince his words: He said he felt double-crossed—once by the thief and then by the sangoma. “Sekuru Muzura’s claims are fake; he has no such bees, which he claims have the power to locate my stolen property and force the robber to return my goods. After waiting for the given period, nothing materialised, and I realised I had suffered a double loss. Ukabirwa unorwadziwa zvekuti unofunga kuti dai akubira arwadziswawo uye adzose zvese. Sekuru Muzura decided to cash in on us, saying he has some spiritual powers. It is bad to do such a thing to our fellow countrymen, and we do not know how many others have been duped that way. I clashed with Sekuru Muzura’s aides as I was demanding my refund,” said Makonza. When journalists reached out to Sekuru Muzura, they were asked to pay a US$100 “consultation fee” just to hear his side of the story. Later, an aide downplayed the matter, claiming Muzura helps many people and couldn’t recall every case: “Muzukuru wangu tinobatsira vakawanda zvekuti handichaziva vamurikuti vakauya vakasabatsirwa. Sekuru varimumatare ndichavasvitsa shoko.” Meanwhile, social media users have been sharing a viral photo of a man covered in bees, saying it proves the power of spiritual bee retrieval. But authorities confirmed that the image has nothing to do with Sekuru Muzura or his recent drama. As the Sangoma saga continues, Harare police say the public should remain alert. Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza said there has been a rise in break-ins and thefts, especially from parked vehicles and homes. “Police have noted with concern an increase in the number of unlawful entries and theft from car cases. We continue to urge people to avoid leaving their valuables in parked cars, as well as keeping large volumes of money in homes. We are experiencing cold weather conditions, and thieves have been taking advantage of this by breaking into homes,” said provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza. *_-iHarare_* 10. *BRITISH NATIONALS’ DRUGS TRIAL OPENS... THEY WERE CAUGHT WITH DRUGS WORTH US$670,000 IN HARARE* The trial of two British nationals, who were arrested last month on suspicion of drug trafficking, is expected to open in the capital today. Tihaise Darlin Elisha 18 and Taylor Tamara Simone 20, of Birmingham, were allegedly found in possession of 129 packets of cannabis across four suitcases. The drugs have an estimated street value of US$669 000. They appeared before Harare magistrate, Donald Ndirowei, who rolled over the matter today for trial commencement. Allegations are that on May 1 at around 1pm, detectives from CID Drugs and Narcotics at the Harare Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport received information that the duo was allegedly smuggling drugs into the country. Acting on the tip-off, the detectives were deployed to the International Airport Arrivals Terminal 2 to wait for the Ethiopian Airways plane which the duo had used to fly into Harare. The detectives identified the duo as they were taking their bags on the carousel. After they collected their bags, they were summoned to the searching bay. The police recovered 66,9 kilograms of cannabis. Sheila Mupindu appeared for the State. *_-H-Metro_* 11. *WOMAN WHO FLED FROM SANGOMA NAKED BARRED FROM HER CHURCH* One of the three women, who fled from a sangoma’s shrine in Goromonzi while in a naked state at the weekend, has been banned from her church for consulting a n’anga. Pamela Bako was summoned by her church elders to explain her reason for consulting Sekuru Sinaro and disregarding her church’s beliefs. When H-Metro broke the story, one of the church members, Patience D Mhike, contacted Pamela and asked her to explain if she was the one who was mentioned in the article. Contacted for comment, Pamela confirmed her ex-communication. “The story drew the attention of our church members. “Inhamo inodariso handina wandakange ndaudza nezvekuendako asi ndinotenda kuti ndirimupenyu ini nemwana wangu. “I was asked to explain this to my church leaders and I went and explained but nothing positive came out. “I was ordered to stop attending church services. “I need help,” said Pamela. Sources close to Pamela told H-Metro that she separated with her husband and someone volunteered to accommodate her in Budiriro. “Pamela has a baby, she separated with her husband and the husband has descended heavily on her for taking the child to a sangoma,” said the source. Pamela, Shillah Mabvudzi and a colleague only identified as Talent were fed with some herbs on a mountain by the sangoma. They all started feeling dizzy and were taken to a cleansing ceremony by Sekuru Sinaro. Sinaro was in the company of two male aides. Pamela told H-Metro that she overheard the two aides plotting something sinister and she fled from the room. “Ndinodakutenda vadzimu vangu, tingadai takabatwa chibharo, takazotiza tikamhanya nemusango,” said Pamela. “We had gone for a cleansing ceremony but it ended badly after we were given some medicines to bath, drink and wash our hands with. “We questioned the viewing of a mirror in a dark room under the surveillance of two men. “Sekuru had driven away, promising to return, and the two wrestled with us, forcing us to remain. “I was with my baby I kept telling them that I was not going to sleep there. One of the men said sekuru had enough money to pay for my rentals.” She added: “They were planning to treat us as their wives overnight and that is why we ran away in the dark, in different directions, at around 7pm. “I later found my way to the main road where I managed to get transport to Harare. I arrived in Budiriro at around 11pm.” “It was horrible and frightening experience; I regret consulting that sangoma. Matambudziko anotidariso asi ndakashungurudzika chaizvo ndine mwana mumawoko.” Shillah fled to the house of a church leader Apostle Blessed Mugwambeni. *_-H-Metro_* 12. *HWANGE MAN JAILED FOR STEALING AND SLAUGHTERING NEIGHBOUR’S PIGS* A 39-year-old man from Lwendulu Village in Hwange, Trust Maphosa, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for stealing and slaughtering five pigs belonging to his neighbour. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed the case, which occurred on December 21, 2024. Maphosa unlawfully entered the pigsty of Tyson Mutale and stole five female pigs, all of which were ear-tagged and easily identifiable. Maphosa went on to slaughter three of the pigs at the scene. When confronted, he brazenly claimed ownership of the animals. Each pig was valued at US$138, amounting to a total loss of US$690 (ZWG20,700). None of the pigs were recovered. He was arrested and later appeared before the Hwange Magistrates’ Court, where he was found guilty of stock theft. Maphosa was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, with 6 months suspended for five years. An additional 6 months were suspended on condition that he pays restitution of ZWG20,700 to the complainant, leaving him with an effective jail term of 12 months. *_-Pindula_*