*_MORNING NEWS | 18 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 accused of “monetizing national problems” with untendered US$439 million contract... Wicknell Chivayo gets US$52.5 million advance payment *2.* Government urged to stop mushika-shika operations *3.* There is enough ZWG supply – RBZ says as traders flag banknotes shortages *4.* Mnangagwa accused as ally, Billy Rautenbach gains 1,000 hectares of farmland ‘illegally’ *5.* Concerns rise over drug and substance abuse *6.* 11 cars stolen in single day as police warn motorists to stay vigilant *7.* Too many areas requiring urgent attention – Presidential Spokesperson says following Mnangagwa's visit to public referral hospitals *8.* After Harare City Council probe, government hints at Commission of Inquiry into Bulawayo's operations *9.* Zimbabwe embraces smart city technology to tame traffic offences *10.* Zera flags Gweru, Kwekwe as hotspots for fuel adulteration *11.* Lawyers question Mai Jeremaya’s statements in alleged rape case *12.* Harare City Council official jailed 3 years for stealing over $21 million in fraud scheme *13.* 4 family members killed in horror Honda Fit and Ford Ranger accident, 15 others battling for life *14.* Armed robber shot dead and nabbed at scene *_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 ACCUSED OF “MONETIZING NATIONAL PROBLEMS” WITH UNTENDERED US$439 MILLION CONTRACT... WICKNELL CHIVAYO GETS US$52.5 MILLION ADVANCE PAYMENT* President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s recent visit to Parirenyatwa and Sally Mugabe Hospitals, along with the NatPharm warehouse, on Monday, June 16, has ignited a fresh controversy, with Jealousy Mawarire accusing the tour of being a “poor window dressing gimmick” to justify a massive, untendered cancer treatment equipment contract. Mawarire is a former spokesperson for the National Patriotic Front (NPF) and a former close associate of the late former President Robert Mugabe. President Mnangagwa had said on X (formerly Twitter) that his hospital visits were aimed at gaining a clearer understanding of the current state of public health services. However, Mawarire scoffed at the explanation, alleging the tour was designed to “justify, as usual, the monetisation of our problems.” Mawarire linked the visit to a US$437,282,400.00 contract for cancer treatment equipment. He claims this deal was signed between the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) and TTM Global Medical Exports (PTY) Limited, a South African company reportedly linked Wicknell Chivayo, without going to tender. Wrote Mawarire: _We know you have already, through your office, signed a $439 million dollar contract with a South African company, TTM Global Medical Exports without going to tender._ He further alleged an abuse of the recently introduced “sugar tax” being collected by the government. Mawarire pointed fingers at Chivayo, referring to him as Mnangagwa’s “obese proxy,” and claiming Chivayo originated a “silly ‘presidential scheme for the provision of cancer treatment equipment’ proposal” that the OPC subsequently approved. Questions are being raised regarding a recently awarded US$439 million contract for the supply of cancer treatment equipment to the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), particularly concerning the terms of payment and the background of the company involved. The contract, which is linked to businessman Wicknell Chivayo, has drawn sharp criticism from former CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere. According to Mahere, a key term of the contract stipulates an advance payment of US$52.5 million to the supplying company, TTM Global Medical Exports (Pty) Ltd, before any equipment is delivered. Commenting on the procurement contract, Mawarire labelled the entire arrangement a “scam.” Mawarire criticised the timing of President Mnangagwa’s hospital tour, coming two months after the contract was allegedly signed. He called it a “poor retrospective gimmick meant to sanitise the more than $400m heist that Rushwaya and ED pulled with the TTM Global scandal.” He also singled out Martin Rushwaya, who accompanied President Mnangagwa on the tour, as “the most scandalous & corrupt govt official that Zimbabwe has ever had since 1980.” *_-Pindula_* 2. *GOVERNMENT URGED TO STOP MUSHIKA-SHIKA OPERATIONS* The Zimbabwean government has been urged to help and stop Mushika-shika operations around the country A prominent political figure has called for immediate government action against unlicensed taxi operators, known locally as “mushika-shika,” which have been linked to numerous road accidents and passenger safety violations. Zanu PF Midlands Province Proportional Representative, Honourable Tsitsi Zhou, raised the pressing issue during a National Assembly session today, emphasising the grave dangers posed by these illegal transport operations. “These unregulated vehicles routinely flout passenger capacity limits, with compact cars like Honda Fits carrying up to eleven passengers – far exceeding their designed safety limits,” Zhou stated during her address to parliament. The parliamentary representative highlighted how these pirate taxis have become a significant contributor to Zimbabwe’s road accident statistics, resulting in preventable fatalities and serious injuries nationwide. “The mushrooming of these illegal operators has created a transportation crisis that demands immediate government intervention,” Zhou added, noting the particular risk to commuters who rely on these unsafe vehicles. Honourable Zhou formally requested Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona to provide a comprehensive statement outlining current measures being implemented to combat illegal taxi operations, planned road safety initiatives to reduce accidents, and enforcement strategies for vehicle capacity regulations. The appeal comes amid growing public concern about transportation safety standards and the need for stricter enforcement of existing traffic laws. Transportation analysts have echoed these concerns, noting that properly regulated public transportation systems typically experience significantly fewer accidents than unregulated operations. “When vehicles operate outside the law, they inevitably compromise passenger safety,” noted one Harare-based transportation consultant. “This parliamentary intervention could mark a turning point in Zimbabwe’s road safety efforts.” As the government considers its response, commuters and road safety advocates await concrete actions to address this pressing public safety issue. *_-iHarare_* 3. *THERE IS ENOUGH ZWG SUPPLY – RBZ SAYS AS TRADERS FLAG BANKNOTES SHORTAGES* The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) says adequate stocks of ZWG notes are available to meet the current trade demands across the key economic sectors. The announcements come at a time when the majority of citizens outside the capital of Harare have never felt the texture of the ZWG notes. In provinces such as Bulawayo and the Midlands, up to Beitbridge, traders have resorted to the use of US$ and the South African Rand as change due to the scarcity of ZWG notes. Even in Harare, citizens continue to struggle to access the local unit in hard cash for transactional purposes. As a result, the ZWG accessibility problems, which characterised the local unit since its launch on April 5 2024 have persisted for more than a year, prompting analysts to blame such a tight grip for the eroding confidence in the currency. In a recent statement, RBZ governor Dr John Mushayavanhu said he had noted concerns coming from the transacting public relating to the availability of ZWG cash and its usage, particularly from areas outside Harare. "The RBZ wishes to advise that usage of the local currency, ZWG, has improved significantly in the economy. Precisely, the proportion of local currency settlements on the National Payment System from ZWG7,86 billion in April 2024 to ZWG56,8 billion (43%) as at May 30 2025. In tandem, the Reserve Bank has been disbursing adequate cash to banks in line with demand. "As at June 12 2025, the total ZWG deposits in the economy amounted to about ZWG16 billion, of which over ZWG207 million was cash held by banks, which meets optimal requirements and is sufficient to support daily deposits and withdrawals by the public," he said. Mushayavanhu said the central bank is currently working with banking institutions to ensure the wider availability and distribution of ZWG cash through banking halls and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). "The prevailing currency and exchange rate stability, coupled with measures being taken by the government to increase the usage of ZWG in the economy is expected to result in increased usage of the local currency in both electronic and physical form," he added. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 4. *MNANGAGWA ACCUSED AS ALLY, BILLY RAUTENBACH GAINS 1,000 HECTARES OF FARMLAND ‘ILLEGALLY’* Accusations of corruption and scrutiny are mounting against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration, as his ally, Muller Conrad ‘Billy’ Rautenbach, is set to receive over 1,000 hectares of farmland, displacing local farmers, as compensation for a property he allegedly never owned.” This controversial deal, first exposed by the NewsHawks, is leading to the eviction of productive local farmers, including war veterans, and is being widely decried as a ‘brazen’ case of unjust enrichment, fraud, and systemic corruption at the highest levels of government. The controversy centres on Springs Farm in Goromonzi, Mashonaland East Province, and the adjacent Stuhm Farm. Productive local farmers are facing eviction to make way for an urban development project spearheaded by Rautenbach, sparking outrage and claims of deception, fraud, and corruption. Critics argue that this move is a stark example of the Mnangagwa administration’s alleged deep-seated corruption and large-scale looting of public resources. War veterans and even Zimbabwe’s reigning Young Farmer of the Year are among those slated for eviction, a decision seen by many as a betrayal of those who fought for the country. Mnangagwa reportedly ordered the eviction of farmers from Springs and Stuhm to compensate Rautenbach for land he purportedly lost in Harare. This alleged loss stems from a failed attempt by Rautenbach to evict residents, identified as Zanu-PF supporters, from Aspindale Park. A letter dated March 14, 2025, from Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe to Rautenbach’s Marimba Residential Properties Limited, confirms the government’s offer of over 1,000 hectares of land as “total and final compensation” for properties in Aspindale Park and Salisbury Park, totaling approximately 180 hectares. “The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works is pleased to offer you Subdivision B of Springs measuring 671.7604 hectares and Remainder of Lot 2 of Stuhm inclusive of Lot 1 of Lot 2 of Stuhm and Lot 2 of Lot 2 of Stuhm measuring collectively 412.1091 hectares,” read part of the letter. “This offer forms as the total and final compensation for Stand 48 Aspindale Park Township of Subdivision A of Aspindale Park of Subdivision A and B of Lochnivar measuring 100.01 hectares and the Remaining Extent of Salisbury Park of Lochinvar measuring 80.7875 hectares which the Government allocated to housing cooperatives. “The Ministry shall facilitate title deeds processing once you accept the offer. Government also expects simultaneous transfer of your properties to the State in order to bring the compensation issue to finality.” Investigations have, however, revealed that Rautenbach may not have held legal title to the Aspindale Park land for which he is being compensated. A High Court ruling on March 25, 2019, indicated that Rautenbach’s companies, Marimba Residential Properties and Marimba Industrial Properties, were not registered with the Registrar of Companies at the time they claimed title over the land in June 2018. The land in question at Aspindale Park was originally allocated to the Joshua Nkomo Housing Co-operative by the government in 2004 for residential development. The co-operative and its affiliates proceeded to develop and allocate stands to beneficiaries who then built homes, only for Rautenbach to later claim ownership. Attempts by then-Local Government Minister July Moyo to withdraw the Aspindale Park land from the cooperatives were thwarted by the High Court. Justice Philda Muzofa’s judgement declared the Minister’s decision null and void. Despite this High Court ruling, Mnangagwa reportedly instructed Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Anxious Masuka to compensate Rautenbach with Springs and Stuhm farms, a significantly larger area of over 1,000 hectares for the 180 hectares purportedly lost. Farmers at Springs Farm have reportedly protested the evictions, highlighting their significant investments in developing the land over the past 23 years, including irrigation systems, agricultural equipment, livestock, and infrastructure. Some farmers have even entered into joint ventures with investors, with the government as a party to these agreements. As if that is not enough, a new dispute is emerging over attempts to allocate more land on Stuhm Farm to Rautenbach. This land was reportedly sold to Members of Parliament from the eighth parliament under Goromonzi District in 2019, with lease agreements completed shortly thereafter. *_-Nehanda Radio_* 5. *CONCERNS RISE OVER DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE* Avenues Clinic chief financial officer Peddy Chigunduru has identified drug abuse as one of the biggest killers among men across the globe. Zimbabwe is currently grappling with a deadly phase of the vice, with efforts being made to solve the challenge, including police operations targeting drug users and suppliers. Speaking on the sidelines of a careers expo on Monday, Chigunduru said: “We are seeing a lot of issues related to drug abuse, leading to the subversion of the future of our young minds. It is very important during Father's Day and Mental Health Month to ensure that young boys and girls interact with those who have been successful and provide role models so that they come out of any drug abuse situation. “They instead re-energise and redirect their efforts to be able to pursue lifelong dreams free of drug abuse and drug addiction. That's one of our main goals in this clinic, where they live in private also and we are trying to make sure that in every situation we play our part as a corporate social responsibility to provide our input in terms of mental health awareness and remediation.” Medical Investments Limited, which runs Avenues Clinic, on Monday hosted more than 100 learners from various schools in commemoration of Fathers’ Day, where they received career guidance from senior staff. The “Careers Expo” for boys in the sciences and business fields’ initiative mirrored an event hosted for Women’s Day in the spirit of balance and inclusivity. The expo was dedicated to empowering young men with approximately 125 students from Allan Wilson, Harare High, Mufakose 1 High and St George’s College attending the event, which featured insightful presentations by accomplished professionals who shared their career journeys and offered guidance. Zimbabwe is grappling with a deadly phase of the vice, with efforts being made to solve the challenge, including the police, who have since launched several operations targeting drug users and suppliers. Chigunduru said the Avenues Clinic had engaged in mentorship, sponsorship and counselling services for those who suffered mental health and drug abuse issues. “We continue to invest in collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and other private hospitals in the country. The ultimate goal is to provide a healthy youth, a healthy nation and a healthy future for all,” he said. Meanwhile, acting principal nursing officer Elizabeth Mhanya told journalists on a tour of the facilities that they have refurbished 60% of the hospital. “We are there to offer quality nursing care to our patients and we also realise that you can’t do that without a clean and appealing environment. We have covered a lot of ground, about 50-60% of the clinical areas where patients' health experiences have been motivated. To complement that, we ensure that we have highly qualified nurses, so in our care areas, like the intensive care, the theatre, maternity, we have specialised skills, midwives for maternity, intensive care nurses for the critical care area, operating theatre nurses for the theatres,” she said. Mhanya said the hospital had high-tech equipment. *_-Newsday_* 6. *11 CARS STOLEN IN SINGLE DAY AS POLICE WARN MOTORISTS TO STAY VIGILANT* At least 11 vehicles were stolen in Zimbabwe in a single day, prompting police to issue a warning to motorists over the growing trend of vehicle thefts, some involving cars left unlocked or with keys still in the ignition. Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said in a statement on Monday that the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) was deeply concerned about the spike in motor vehicle thefts countrywide, particularly from residential areas, overnight parking spots, and when motorists offer lifts to strangers. On 11 June 2025, police recorded a spike in thefts, including five separate incidents in Harare and Mashonaland West involving six vehicles. In Avonlea, Harare, thieves broke into a company premises and stole two vehicles — a Toyota Hilux and a Mazda BT50 — along with generators, cement, refrigerators, solar batteries, money-counting machines and a digital camera. The Toyota Hilux was later found abandoned in Majuru Village, Kutama. On the same day in Mutorashanga, a complainant left his Honda Fit parked behind a shop with the keys still inside. By midnight, the car was gone. In Karoi, a 29-year-old man lost his Toyota Fun Cargo after allowing a man identified only as Moses Kachasu to sleep inside the vehicle overnight. Though the owner kept the keys in his room, the suspect somehow started the car and drove off, “apparently using unknown means to start and drive the vehicle away,” said Nyathi. Meanwhile in Ruwa’s Fairview Park, a 45-year-old man parked his Nissan Caravan NV350, locked it, and went to bed — only for burglars to break into the house, steal household items and the car keys, and drive away with the vehicle. Another Honda Fit was stolen in central Harare after being left unlocked at the corner of Leopold Takawira and Samora Machel Avenue while the owner attended to other business. Commissioner Nyathi urged motorists to remain vigilant, avoid leaving keys in unattended vehicles, and ensure vehicles are properly secured at all times — whether at home or in public parking areas. “It is the responsibility of drivers and vehicle owners to assist in the maintenance of law and order, especially in securing vehicles at home, parking areas in Central Business District and other places,” said Nyathi. *_-ZimLive_* 7. *TOO MANY AREAS REQUIRING URGENT ATTENTION – PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON SAYS FOLLOWING MNANGAGWA'S VISIT TO PUBLIC REFERRAL HOSPITALS* President Emmerson Mnangagwa's spokesperson George Charamba, has acknowledged the dire state of Zimbabwe's public hospitals, highlighting infrastructure decay, policy gaps and systematic overload. Charamba was speaking following Mnangagwa's visit to Zimbabwe's main referral hospitals, Parirenyatwa and Sally Mugabe, on Monday. The visits follow public outcry over the dysfunctional state of public hospitals. Mnangagwa's government has long neglected general hospitals, which now face crumbling infrastructure, medicine shortages, costly patient care and poor wages that have led to low staff morale and a massive brain drain. "Our role as Presidential staffers was to note areas requiring immediate, medium and long-term interventions, and they were just too many, in order to help shape effective health delivery policy. "It was clear from the visit that the whole health delivery hierarchy needed attention. "Failures at basic primary levels like clinics, municipal clinics and district hospitals transmitted themselves all the way to referral hospitals, leading to a system which is creaking from an overload, disrepair and fresh investments. "Interventions have got to be systemic, a lack which in fact explains the rise of top-notch private care-givers who are a ringing antipode to massive failures in the public health system," Charamba wrote on his X account. Zimbabwe's referral hospitals are overloaded and overwhelmed, as most primary care clinics are incapacitated and unable to handle even basic health issues. The presidential spokesman also said Mnangagwa witnessed the Parirenyatwa Hospital's Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Wing operating without curtains or heating, compromising patient privacy and comfort. Many wards do not have enough blankets, and most have broken windows. Charamba added that there are serious administrative inefficiencies across the Ministries of Finance, Local Government, and Health that urgently require a more hands-on approach. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 8. *AFTER HARARE CITY COUNCIL PROBE, GOVERNMENT HINTS AT COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO BULAWAYO'S OPERATIONS* As the Commission of Inquiry probing the operations of the Harare City Council wrapped up and submitted its findings, the government has hinted that a similar approach could be replicated for other local authorities, with Bulawayo identified as being riddled with maladministration. The Commission, which was chaired by retired judge Justice Maphios Cheda, on Tuesday submitted its report to President Emmerson Mnangagwa after a year-long investigation into the Harare City Council. The Commission uncovered the shortcomings of the Harare City Council, which is dogged by corruption, resulting in poor service delivery in the capital. Speaking after the presentation of the report at State House on Tuesday, the Minister of Local Government, Daniel Garwe, said local authorities are plagued by decay stemming from poor governance. "That is why the President has put in place a Commission of Inquiry, it is born out of the decay in the way our local authorities, especially our urban authorities, are being run. Harare City Council is number one, and Bulawayo City Council is number two going forward. "I do not know yet, but we have made the recommendation that we need to have a thorough investigation of all our urban local authorities because there is a lot of decay," said Garwe. During the hearings, which were conducted over a period of nine months, the Jacob Mafume-led council was exposed for its extravagance, with officials taking home hefty perks. This is despite the council bemoaning a shortage of funds in its operations, which has seen it failing to provide basics to residents. A clean-up is expected to be conducted at Town House once President Mnangagwa has reviewed the report and its recommendations. With the findings remaining confidential for now, Garwe said his ministry now awaits further instructions from President Mnangagwa. "They have finished the report. The chairman and myself, as the Minister of Local Government, have come to present the report. "The details of the report cannot be disclosed today because the President has to go through the report, sit down, finalise it, and give us the way forward," he said. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 9. *ZIMBABWE EMBRACES SMART CITY TECHNOLOGY TO TAME TRAFFIC OFFENCES* The government has approved the implementation of the Smart City concept, which aims to curb traffic offences and reduce road accidents. The Smart City initiative will be rolled out by telecommunications company TelOne. The system will incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI), including components such as cameras with automatic number plate and facial recognition capabilities. Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing, Tuesday, the Minister of Information said the home-grown system would address traffic violations using modern technology. "The government is set to accelerate the implementation of a Home-Grown Smart Traffic Management System, after Cabinet approved the rollout of a proof of concept in 2020, which was subsequently utilised during the COVID-19 period and thereafter. "This is meant to address unwarranted traffic congestion, road accidents, and traffic law violations. This innovative system utilises advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and big data analytics to enhance traffic flow, road safety, and transparency," said Muswere. Zimbabwe has lagged behind in addressing traffic violations, with offenders often escaping punishment due to an archaic ticketing system. However, given Zimbabwe's ongoing power and internet challenges, there is scepticism over the feasibility of the system's success in the country. Muswere added that the system would be implemented in phases, starting with Harare and Bulawayo. "The Home-Grown Traffic Management System will be rolled out in phases, commencing with Harare and Bulawayo, followed by other major towns. To support effective implementation, several key enablers will be monitored, including a robust project governance framework, reliable power sources, stable internet connectivity, and strategic system integration with supporting platforms and institutions. "Specialised courts will assist in expediting justice delivery as the system operates. This localised approach is expected to foster knowledge transfer, skills development, and national pride while promoting self-reliance and sustainability," he said. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 10. *ZERA FLAGS GWERU, KWEKWE AS HOTSPOTS FOR FUEL ADULTERATION* The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) has identified Gweru and Kwekwe as high-risk zones for widespread fuel fraud, warning that unscrupulous traders are adulterating fuel with paraffin. The illicit practice, often targeting fuel destined for Bulawayo or Harare, can inflict serious damage on vehicle engines, leading to costly repairs, diminished performance and even total engine failure. The issue came to the fore during a recent stakeholder engagement and awareness workshop held in Gweru, which aimed to educate the public and business operators on legal frameworks ensuring commercial activities do not pose risks to human life or the environment. Mr Hugh Mlauzi, Zera Regional Compliance Officer, confirmed the findings. “As Zera, we have identified Gweru and Kwekwe as high-risk areas for fuel fraud, where unscrupulous traders are suspected of diluting fuel destined for Bulawayo or Harare with paraffin.” He elaborated on the dangerous methods involved, explaining that siphoning fuel from tankers presents numerous health and safety hazards, including respiratory complications, loss of consciousness, and the inherent risk of sparks or fires due to the highly flammable nature of fuel. Mr Mlauzi noted that such incidents typically occur when tankers travelling from Harare to Bulawayo are parked overnight in either Gweru or Kwekwe’s industrial areas. “The illegal activity of mixing substances such as paraffin with petrol or diesel takes place before continuing the journey to Bulawayo,” he said. He said that trucks coming from Botswana and South Africa via Bulawayo and Masvingo also stop in Gweru for fuel dilution and smuggling. He added that Zera has introduced measures to curb the growing problem, including the deployment of chemical engineers to monitor suspected sites in both cities. “We have chemical engineers who are working tirelessly, especially in the identified hotspots, visiting every fuel station to collect samples of petrol and diesel for testing, to ensure they meet the required standards,” said Mr Mlauzi. He also issued a warning about the dangers associated with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) “orphan gas cylinders” produced by unverified manufacturers, which are prone to explosions during storage or transportation. Mr Mlauzi underscored the importance of purchasing standardised cylinders from reputable dealers, to protect lives and property. “We have seen an increase in orphan gas cylinders, which pose a serious risk to communities and must be avoided at all costs. Zera refers to smuggled LPG cylinders as ‘orphans’ because, in the event of an accident, it is difficult for victims to claim compensation. We also urge LPG traders to use recommended sheds made of steel rods and wood to protect both equipment and customers,” he said. Mr Mlauzi further expressed concern over the proliferation of illegal LPG retail outlets, particularly at bus terminals and tuck shops, which often lack adequate safety measures. “We will work closely with the Environmental Management Agency and local authorities to tackle these issues. We urge LPG retailers to register for proper licences, obtain certificates of occupation from city councils, fire clearance from the chief fire officer and EMA clearance. After completing these processes, a retailer can be issued with an LPG licence, which must be renewed annually,” he said. *_-Herald_* 11. *LAWYERS QUESTION MAI JEREMAYA’S STATEMENTS IN ALLEGED RAPE CASE* Lawyers representing the two men accused of raping social media star Mai Jeremaya said there were descrepancies between her evidence-in-chief and the three statements which she gave to the police. Mai Jeremaya, whose real name is Ashley Masendeke, is accusing Thabo Blessing Dube and Martin Charlie of gang raping her at a lodge in Harare on April 30 this year. The rape trial resumed yesterday with Mai Jeremaya being cross examined on her evidence-in-chief given last Friday. Dube and Charlie’s lawyers – Shepherd Makonde and George Manokore – asked Mai Jeremaya why there were discrepancies between her evidence-in-chief, which she gave in court, and her three statements given to the police. The defence insinuated that a man called Sam, who is a key figure in this case after Mai Jeremaya claimed he was the person who first contacted her first prior to the rape, was a product of her fictitious creation. “I take it it’s you who just saved his number as Sam because, according to the evidence before this court, you never met with this Sam,” said Makonde. In response Mai Jeremaya said she had made the conclusion that it was Dube who was using the pseudonym ‘Sam’ to lure her. Asked to produce any forensic evidence from mobile service providers to show that, indeed, it was the same number which Dube was using, Mai Jeremaya said she did not have such evidence. Due to time constraints, the matter was rolled over to Friday when the defence is expected to cross examine her on the merits of the case. On Friday, in her evidence-in-chief Mai Jeremaya said she pleaded with Charlie to use a condom just before she was allegedly raped. The social media star painted a graphic picture of how she was raped and how the incident has destroyed her eight-year-old relationship with her partner. Mai Jeremaya told the court that: • She started crying when she realised she was about to be raped by Charlie. • Fear of her attacker forced her to remove her clothes, when Charlie removed his clothes, she pleaded with him to use condoms. Charlie allegedly fondled her and demanded that she should kiss his private parts. • After being allegedly raped by the duo, she initially decided she was not going to tell anyone about her ordeal because she feared the backlash, including the embarrassment she would have to endure. • One of her attackers scared her when he claimed he had access to some classified information and he would hunt her down and find her wherever she would hide. • She suffered physically and has since been forced to rely on medication, including some which she reacted to, which makes it difficult for her to sleep. • She now suffers from anxiety and although she was having challenges with her partner, before this incident, she feels the case has destroyed that partnership. The duo are denying the charges and are claiming the two parties agreed to have sex in exchange for a payment. Charlie claims Mai Jeremaya allegedly demanded for an advance payment of US$20, which was given. *_-H-Metro_* 12. *HARARE CITY COUNCIL OFFICIAL JAILED 3 YEARS FOR STEALING OVER $21 MILLION IN FRAUD SCHEME* A former Harare City Council official has been sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted of masterminding a fraud scheme that saw over ZWL$21 million siphoned from municipal accounts between 2022 and 2023. Tafadzwa Dzapasi, who was employed as a Debtors Control Officer, was found guilty by the Harare Magistrates’ Court for orchestrating a sophisticated scam that involved manipulating dormant council accounts and suspense funds to divert large sums of public money for personal gain. According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), Dzapasi exploited loopholes in the council’s accounting systems over a period spanning November 2022 to May 2023. “The Harare Magistrates’ Court has sentenced Tafadzwa Dzapasi, a former Debtors Control Officer at the City of Harare, to an effective 3 years imprisonment after he was found guilty of fraud that resulted in losses amounting to millions of Zimbabwean dollars,” the NPAZ stated. The fraud centred on dormant accounts — accounts with unused but available credit balances — and suspense accounts, which hold temporarily receipted funds where client reference information is incomplete. Dzapasi transferred funds from these accounts to those with outstanding arrears, creating a false appearance that payments had been made. One of the most telling instances occurred on 20 December 2022, when Dzapasi intercepted a suspense account containing legitimate payments from clients. He redirected ZWL$1,393,875.35 and masked the transaction as a routine banking deposit. The audit report revealed that the City of Harare suffered staggering losses in early 2023: In February 2023, the council was defrauded of ZWL$7,414,378.27. The following month, in March 2023, losses escalated to ZWL$12,166,651.76. Combined with earlier incidents, the total prejudice to council amounted to more than ZWL$21 million. However, it remains difficult to establish a precise USD or Rand equivalent of the losses. This is due to the volatile exchange rate of the Zimbabwean dollar, which has fluctuated significantly in recent years because of inflation, monetary policy changes, and other economic factors. “He manipulated dormant accounts and transitory funds to misrepresent payments. His actions deceived the City of Harare into believing that debtors had settled their payments, while in reality, no money had been received,” the NPAZ said. The fraud only came to light after an internal audit flagged inconsistencies in the records. Suspicious movements in dormant and suspense accounts prompted investigators to dig deeper. “The matter came to light following an internal audit, which exposed the offender’s suspicious transactions,” said the NPAZ. The conviction has sparked public concern about the internal controls at one of Zimbabwe’s largest urban authorities. *_-iHarare_* 13. *4 FAMILY MEMBERS KILLED IN HORROR HONDA FIT AND FORD RANGER ACCIDENT, 15 OTHERS BATTLING FOR LIFE* A tragic road accident along the Karoi-Binga Road has claimed the lives of four members of the same family, including a three-year-old girl. The collision, involving a Ford Ranger and a Honda Fit, occurred on Sunday evening, leaving 15 others seriously injured. The accident took place at approximately 6:30 PM, at the 25-kilometre peg along the Karoi-Binga Road. Both vehicles involved were heavily laden, with the Ford Ranger carrying seven passengers and the Honda Fit carrying a staggering twelve. 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.” The deceased have been identified as members of the Matonde family from Dixie Farm in Magunje. They are Juliet Matonde (32), Letwin Matonde (three), Debra Matonde (8), and Eunice Matonde (13). “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.” The Honda Fit, a vehicle increasingly common on Zimbabwe’s roads, often overloaded and used as illegal taxis known as “mushikashikas,” has once again brought the issue of road safety and enforcement of traffic regulations into sharp focus. The sheer number of passengers crammed into the Honda Fit raises serious questions about adherence to safety standards and the effectiveness of current enforcement measures. *_-MyZimbabwe_* 14. *ARMED ROBBER SHOT DEAD AND NABBED AT SCENE* Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo convened court at Parirenyatwa Hospital yesterday where a suspected armed robber is being held after being shot during a robbery attempt. Gift Moffat, 39, of Glaudina Park was not asked to plead when he appeared before the court. He was remanded in custody until the matter is finalised and is now under the guard of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services. Prosecutor Nomsa Kangara alleged that on June 15, Moffat and his accomplices connived to steal from Takunda Ushe, 45, the managing Director of Financial Clearing Bureau. Armed with an unidentified pistol, the gang broke into the firm’s premises at number 24 Harvey Road and stole US$565. One of the guards heard the noise and contacted Ushe who in turn contacted the Safeguard Security Company Reaction Team. The Reaction Team rushed to the scene and, as they entered the yard, they saw Moffat and his accomplices coming out of the offices through the window. The Reaction Team guards gave chase and managed to apprehend Moffat after he was shot. The caretaker also caught another robber but he managed to escape after he was rescued by his accomplices who hit the caretaker with a pistol butt at the back of the head. *_-H-Metro_*