*_AFTERNOON NEWS | 19 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.* Saying Zimbabwe is full of corruption is a lack of patriotism – says Zanu PF MP *2.* Tagwirei grabs Zanu PF Central Committee post amid succession speculation *3.* Doctors welcome Mnangagwa’s hospital visits, call for urgent health sector reform *4.* UZ faces accusations of delaying wage talks amid ongoing lecturer strike *5.* No wonder the president did not tour hospitals with you – opposition MP taunts Health Minister, chucked out of National Assembly *6.* Nursing mother among 9 rural teachers arrested in Mutare protests *7.* Zimbabwe asks South Africa to back G-20 debt overhaul *8.* Cabinet proposes 98 day paid maternity leave for female employees *9.* Twice-a-year shot to prevent HIV could stop transmission — if people can get it *10.* Fraudsters impersonate CVR, solicit illegal online payments *11.* CAPS United players offered no bonus to beat “small team” MWOS *12.* Violent stepmother punches and bites teen stepson for not folding blankets *13.* Rapist robber jailed 75 years... Predator raped children, robbed grandmother *14.* Man fined US$300 for assaulting top CID officer in violent attack *_FULL ARTICLES BELOW_* _[Note: These News Articles were Compiled and Distributed by Wazo Adverts. Source is Credited at the End of Each Article.]_ 1. *SAYING ZIMBABWE IS FULL OF CORRUPTION IS A LACK OF PATRIOTISM – SAYS ZANU PF MP* Zanu PF Member of Parliament for Zvimba South Taurai Malinganiso says; saying Zimbabwe is full of corruption which can not be proved is lack of patriotism. Making a contribution in the National Assembly Malinganiso said the statement is a wrong marketing altogether. “Lack of patriotism. Without fear or favour, that is a lack of patriotism,” he said. The country recently promulgated a law which seeks to punish unpatriotic acts. Critics bemoaned the introduction of the controversial “Patriotic Act” saying it will contribute to the erosion of political and civil liberties in a country that has been in the grip of one political party since independence in 1980. President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed the new act, officially called the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Amendment Act, 2023, into law on 14 July 2024. His government said the law was indispensable to holding accountable those who jeopardised national interests. It allows for monitoring and suppressing of political organisations and journalists who are critical of the government. It carries harsh sentences, including death, for acts the government deems to be “unpatriotic”. Human rights defenders say such a law, in a country with a history of abuses of individual freedoms, will further undermine the right to freedom of expression enshrined in the constitution. *_-ZwNews_* 2. *TAGWIREI GRABS ZANU PF CENTRAL COMMITTEE POST AMID SUCCESSION SPECULATION* Controversial businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei has been co-opted into the Zanu PF Central Committee, in a surprise move that has intensified speculation over his growing political clout and potential positioning as President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s successor. In a statement released on Wednesday, Zanu PF secretary for legal affairs Patrick Chinamasa confirmed Tagwirei’s elevation, describing it as a “breath of fresh air” for the party’s fortunes in urban areas, particularly Harare. “From being, for a long time, a dormant but committed Zanu PF party cadre, loyally working quietly and outside the public limelight or glare, holding some low-ranking position in some Zanu PF Party District under Harare Province, your recent co-option into the Zanu PF Central Committee is a breath of fresh air and will certainly be impactful to Zanu PF’s political fortunes in Harare City and perhaps in other urban settings as well,” Chinamasa said. The move is being read by insiders and analysts as a strategic shift that places Tagwirei—long considered a behind-the-scenes power broker—closer to the core of the ruling party’s leadership, raising eyebrows within and outside the party. “I am, of course, referring to Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei, who has recently been co-opted into the Zanu PF Central Committee by the Zanu PF Harare Provincial Council,” Chinamasa continued. “I have no hesitation in assuring those of us who are skeptics that Harare Province will never be the same again.” He likened Tagwirei’s political emergence to a natural force: “Cde Tagwirei, who has erupted from his dormant state like a volcano, is destined to add value to our deliberations as a Zanu PF Central Committee.” Chinamasa also warned of criticism and backlash likely to follow Tagwirei’s appointment, amid longstanding public scrutiny over the businessman’s vast influence in the economy and his links to state institutions. “Welcome aboard, Cde Tagwirei, and brace yourself to the fact that there will be malcontents out there who will bay for your blood and try to throw mud at you with a view to seeking to tarnish your reputation,” said Chinamasa. “I know you are made of sterner stuff and that you can take any brickbats and insults in your stride.” He concluded with a cryptic flourish: “Those who have eyes, let them ‘eye,’ and those who have ears, let them ‘ear.’ Nokuti hatigoni kurega kutaura izvo takaona neizvo takanzwa.” (“Because we cannot remain silent about what we have seen and heard.”) As Tagwirei enters the political spotlight officially, questions now swirl around whether his ascent signals deeper shifts within Zanu PF’s succession dynamics. *_-ZimEye_* 3. *DOCTORS WELCOME MNANGAGWA’S HOSPITAL VISITS, CALL FOR URGENT HEALTH SECTOR REFORM* The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) has welcomed President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s surprise visits to two of the country’s largest referral hospitals. Zimbabwe’s struggling public healthcare system is plagued by dilapidated infrastructure, shortages of drugs and consumables and demoralised human resources. In a statement issued after the President’s “impromptu” tour of Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare on Monday, ZADHR said the visits gave him a rare opportunity to witness, first-hand, the dire conditions in public health service delivery. ZADHR urged the President to go beyond symbolic visits by establishing a Commission of Inquiry into the healthcare sector. The group said such a high-level investigation is essential for diagnosing systemic failures and ensuring meaningful reform, in line with the constitutional right to health. The statement reads in part: _The Commission of Inquiry should be mandated to enquire into the situation of health service provision by Government and its agencies with a view to ensuring service delivery that responds to the obligations created by the Constitution, which under section 76 guarantees the right to health care._ ZADHR outlined several critical areas that a proposed Commission of Inquiry should investigate. These include the effectiveness of Zimbabwe’s current health financing mechanisms, challenges in funding allocation, and the government’s adherence to the Abuja Declaration, which calls for at least 15% of the national budget to be dedicated to health. The organisation also called for transparency around the use and impact of health-related taxes—such as the “sugar tax”—since their introduction. The doctors further urged the inquiry to assess staffing levels at referral hospitals in comparison to their official establishment requirements, highlighting the poor remuneration of medical practitioners as a key factor behind the ongoing exodus of skilled personnel. ZADHR stressed that the inquiry must not be a closed-door process. They called for a robust, transparent investigation that actively involves public health institutions, medical professionals, communities, and other key stakeholders. Citizens, they said, must also be given the opportunity to share their lived experiences within the healthcare system. *_-Pindula_* 4. *UZ FACES ACCUSATIONS OF DELAYING WAGE TALKS AMID ONGOING LECTURER STRIKE* The Association of University Teachers (AUT) has accused the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) of delaying wage negotiations while using part-time staff to replace striking lecturers. This salary dispute has now lasted three months. Lecturers at UZ are asking for a monthly salary of US$2,250 due to rising living costs and difficult working conditions. AUT spokesperson Professor Obvious Vengeyi stated that the government and university have not made any significant offers, despite earlier promises. "This is a tactic to buy time while we work under unfair conditions. We are being used as cheap labor," Vengeyi said. He added that both academic and non-academic staff are united in their demands. On June 17, all state university unions attended a meeting to discuss the situation, but it was postponed to July 8. Vengeyi noted that these delays are causing frustration and distrust among university employees. In a show of solidarity, non-academic staff have decided to join the strike, increasing pressure on the university administration. Students at UZ have also expressed strong support for their lecturers. Many are worried about the long-term effects of the strike on their education. Darlington Chigwena, a spokesperson for the Zimbabwe National Students Union (Zinasu), said the quality of education is already suffering. "Our future is at risk. The academic environment is collapsing," he said. Chigwena emphasized that students see themselves as "workers in transit" and are committed to fighting for the rights of academic staff, hoping this will also benefit them in the future. A large demonstration is planned for Monday, with students expected to join their lecturers in significant numbers. "We will be there in great numbers to show our support," Chigwena promised. The University of Zimbabwe has not yet responded to the ongoing strike or the accusations made by AUT. As negotiations remain stalled, pressure is increasing on the government and university officials to address the lecturers' demands and restore normalcy at the university. *_-Bulawayo24_* 5. *NO WONDER THE PRESIDENT DID NOT TOUR HOSPITALS WITH YOU – OPPOSITION MP TAUNTS HEALTH MINISTER, CHUCKED OUT OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY* Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) MP Charlton Hwende was on Wednesday removed from the National Assembly for taunting Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora over his exclusion from President Emmerson Mnangagwa's visits to Harare's public referral hospitals. Manicaland CCC legislator Prosper Mutseyami had brought a policy question on access to health services in public health institutions. "What steps is the government taking to improve access to affordable health care and ensure the availability of essential medicines in public hospitals and clinics across the country?" Mutseyami asked. In his response, Mombeshora tried to give a background on the patient treatment processes in the country using the Shona language, despite the question being asked in English. This did not satisfy Hwende, who said, "On a point of order, the question was asked in English. The Standing Orders are clear that the Hon. Minister should respond in English." The deputy speaker reminded Hwende that the law said otherwise. After Mombeshora gave a lengthy explanation, Hwende interjected and told Mombeshora that his response was not adequate, and this was one of the reasons why President Emmerson Mnangagwa left him and his deputy behind when he visited Parirenyatwa and Sally Mugabe Hospitals on Monday. "Ndosaka makatizwa na President pavakaenda ku Parirenyatwa (That is why the President left you when he visited Parirenyatwa hospital)," shouted Hwende. Hwende was immediately shown the exit by Gezi. Hwende tried to resist the order, saying: "Minister havasi kupindura mubvunzo, ngavapindure mubvunzo, ndobudirei? (The minister is not answering the question. Why should I leave this house?)" Gezi did not tolerate any of Hwende's appeals and the MP was escorted out of the Chamber by the Serjeant-At-Arms, leading to several 'Points of Order' by other opposition members. "On a point of order Madam Speaker. The Standing Rules and Orders say that before someone is chased out of the House, he must be informed of what his offence is," MP Makumire stated. On another point of order, CCC MP Gladys. Hlatswayo requested the minister to answer the question raised by Mutseyami. "We kindly request the minister to answer the question. If he seeks to elaborate further or if he wants us to know what is happening in the health sector, he can come up with a Ministerial Statement. There is a direct question, and he just needs to answer the question." Another MP, Rungwave, stood up on a point of order and asked the minister to respond to the question instead of giving a historical background. A distraught Gezi said, "So, have you decided to disrupt the operations of the House with points of order?" Gezi responded by ordering the MPs to take their seats for house business to continue. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 6. *NURSING MOTHER AMONG 9 RURAL TEACHERS ARRESTED IN MUTARE PROTESTS* The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has condemned the alleged targeting, harassment, and arrest of its members in Mutare, Manicaland province, following a peaceful demonstration held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. ARTUZ said its Manicaland provincial structure organised a “peaceful and legal demonstration” after handing over a petition to the Public Service Commission in Mutare. The petition reportedly addressed urgent issues concerning teachers’ working and living conditions, in line with resolutions made at the union’s recent national congress to confront duty bearers. The union cited Section 65 of the Zimbabwean Constitution, which provides for the right to a fair wage, a right ARTUZ claims is being denied to teachers. Furthermore, the union highlighted Section 59, which guarantees the right to peaceful petitioning and demonstrations. ARTUZ expressed outrage at what it termed the “senseless targeting” and “overzealousness of the police” in harassing and arresting peaceful citizens. Nine ARTUZ members were reportedly detained, with some held at Sakubva Police Station and others at Mutare Central Police Station. Among those arrested is a nursing mother, whose child, ARTUZ stated, “will forever be traumatised by this barbarism.” The union has called upon the Police Commissioner General to intervene and secure the release of the detained teachers. ARTUZ also said it intends to engage both the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and the International Labour Organisation to register what it described as a “gross abuse of human and workers’ rights.” ARTUZ affirmed its commitment to confronting injustice in the education sector and saluted PTA members who joined the protest. The union asserted that Zimbabwean teachers will continue to include the right to education for learners in their demands. *_-ZiMetro_* 7. *ZIMBABWE ASKS SOUTH AFRICA TO BACK G-20 DEBT OVERHAUL* Zimbabwe has asked South Africa to help garner support for its debt to be revamped under the Group of 20's Common Framework, a step that could restore its access to international capital markets for the first time in more than 25 years. "South Africa has been approached by Zimbabwe to consider assisting the country in mobilizing international support for Zimbabwe's planned application for debt treatment under the Common Framework," South Africa's National Treasury said in an emailed response to Bloomberg questions. South Africa, led by Cyril Ramaphosa, currently holds the G-20 presidency and will hand over the reins later this year to US President Donald Trump. The framework was created in 2020 to help poor nations bring together a diverse set of creditors to restructure debts. Zambia, Ethiopia and Ghana have used the template, which has been criticized for being too slow. The framework is being "explored," according to the head of Zimbabwe's Public Debt Management Office Andrew Bvumbe. "We want to maximize the debt relief to the country," he said Wednesday by text message. Zimbabwe has made a concerted effort to restructure its $21 billion debt owed to multilateral lenders including the World Bank, European Investment Bank and African Development Bank since 2022, engaging in talks spearheaded by outgoing AfDB president, Akinwumi Adesina and former Mozambique leader Joaquim Chissano. It has appealed to 10 nations to assist in raising $2.6 billion in bridge finance but is yet to receive any concrete commitments. "South Africa has not been approached to consider providing bridge finance to Zimbabwe," the National Treasury said. Africa's largest economy is owed $24 million by its neighbor, according to data provided by the Zimbabwean Treasury. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 8. *CABINET PROPOSES 98 DAY PAID MATERNITY LEAVE FOR FEMALE EMPLOYEES* Cabinet has considered and approved the Public Service Amendment Bill, which proposes 98 days paid maternity leave for female employees. The Bill prohibits workplace harassment and ensures non-discriminatory appointments and promotions. Apparently, Cabinet also approved a homegrown traffic management system developed by TelOne. This AI-powered system, using IoT and big data, aims to reduce congestion, accidents, and violations by monitoring traffic, issuing fines, and integrating with national databases. *_-ZwNews_* 9. *TWICE-A-YEAR SHOT TO PREVENT HIV COULD STOP TRANSMISSION — IF PEOPLE CAN GET IT* The United States has approved the world’s only twice-a-year shot to prevent HIV, the first step in an anticipated global rollout that could protect millions – although it’s unclear how many in the U.S. and abroad will get access to the powerful new option. While a vaccine to prevent HIV still is needed, some experts say the shot made by Gilead Sciences — a drug called lenacapavir — could be the next best thing. It nearly eliminated new infections in two groundbreaking studies of people at high risk, better than daily preventive pills they can forget to take. “This really has the possibility of ending HIV transmission,” said Greg Millett, public policy director at amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research. Condoms help guard against HIV infection if used properly but what’s called PrEP — regularly using preventive medicines such as the daily pills or a different shot given every two months — is increasingly important. Lenacapavir’s six-month protection makes it the longest-lasting type, an option that could attract people wary of more frequent doctor visits or stigma from daily pills. But upheaval in U.S. healthcare — including cuts to public health agencies and Medicaid — and slashing of American foreign aid to fight HIV are clouding the prospects. Millett said “gaping holes in the system” in the U.S. and globally “are going to make it difficult for us to make sure we not only get lenacapavir into people’s bodies but make sure they come back” twice a year to keep up their protection. Gilead’s drug already is sold to treat HIV under the brand name Sunlenca. The prevention dose will be sold under a different name, Yeztugo. It’s given as two injections under the skin of the abdomen, leaving a small “depot” of medication to slowly absorb into the body. People must test negative for HIV before getting their twice-a-year dose, Gilead warned. It only prevents HIV transmission — it doesn’t block other sexually transmitted diseases. Some researchers who helped test the shot advise cold packs to counter injection-site pain. Global efforts at ending the HIV pandemic by 2030 have stalled. There still are more than 30,000 new infections in the U.S. each year and about 1.3 million worldwide. Only about 400,000 Americans already use some form of PrEP, a fraction of those estimated to benefit. A recent study found states with high use of PrEP saw a decrease in HIV infections, while rates continued rising elsewhere. About half of new infections are in women, who often need protection they can use without a partner’s knowledge or consent. One rigorous study in South Africa and Uganda compared more than 5,300 sexually active young women and teen girls given twice-yearly lenacapavir or the daily pills. There were no HIV infections in those receiving the shot while about 2 percent in the comparison group caught HIV from infected sex partners. A second study found the twice-yearly shot nearly as effective in gay men and gender-nonconforming people in the U.S. and in several other countries hard-hit by HIV. Ian Haddock of Houston had tried PrEP off and on since 2015 but he jumped at the chance to participate in the lenacapavir study and continues with the twice-yearly shots as part of the research follow-up. “Now I forget that I’m on PrEP because I don’t have to carry around a pill bottle,” said Haddock, who leads the Normal Anomaly Initiative, a nonprofit serving Black LGBTQ+ communities. “Men, women, gay, straight – it really just kinds of expands the opportunity for prevention,” he added. Just remembering a clinic visit every six months “is a powerful tool versus constantly having to talk about, like, condoms, constantly making sure you’re taking your pill every day.” Gilead said the U.S. list price, meaning before insurance, is $28,218 a year, which it called similar to some other PrEP options. The company said it anticipated insurance coverage but also has some financial assistance programs. Most private insurers are supposed to cover PrEP options without a co-pay although the Supreme Court is considering a case that could overturn that requirement. Congress also is considering huge cuts to Medicaid. And while community health centers still are an option, the Trump administration has largely dismantled HIV prevention work at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that would normally get the message to vulnerable populations who’d qualify for the shot, said Carl Schmid of the nonprofit HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute. Schmid worries the shot won’t meet its potential because “we’re basically pulling the rug out of HIV prevention and testing and outreach programs.” Gilead also has applications pending for the twice-yearly shot in other countries. Last fall, the company signed agreements with six generic drug makers to produce low-cost versions of the shot for 120 poor countries mostly in Africa, Southeast Asia and the Caribbean. Gilead plans to make enough shots to supply 2 million people in those countries, at no profit, until the generics are available, said company senior vice president Dr. Jared Baeten. Winnie Byanyima, executive director of UNAIDS, said in a statement the price is still too high. If it’s unaffordable, she said, “it will change nothing.” And HIV experts worry the arrangements Gilead has made to reduce costs in some countries leave out middle-income countries like some in Latin America. “Everyone in every country who’s at risk of HIV needs access to PrEP,” said Dr. Gordon Crofoot of Houston, who helped lead the study in men. “We need to get easier access to PrEP that’s highly effective like this is.” *_-ZimLive_* 10. *FRAUDSTERS IMPERSONATE CVR, SOLICIT ILLEGAL ONLINE PAYMENTS* The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has warned the public about an increase in online scams targeting people seeking services from the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR). The ministry said the fraudsters are impersonating CVR officials and misleading the public through deceptive online platforms and fraudulent service offerings. These scams reportedly involve individuals soliciting unauthorised online payments for vehicle registration services, offering to process number plates and driving licences, and instructing victims to make payments into personal accounts. Some of the fraudulent schemes include false promises of document collection directly at the CVR following payment. The CVR has clarified that its official online booking platform is exclusively for managing backlog driver’s licence appointments and is not used for vehicle registrations. The CVR also said its online booking platform has no payment requirements, stating that any requests for payment made through this platform are fraudulent. The public is reminded that the CVR does not solicit direct online payments to individual accounts. All legitimate transactions are to be verified through the official communication channels, specifically via email at [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected]. The ministry has urged members of the public to promptly report any suspicious activity or unauthorised payment requests to either the CVR offices or the Zimbabwe Republic Police. Citizens are advised to conduct all legitimate payments by visiting official CVR offices and to refrain from transferring money to personal accounts or engaging with unverified agents. *_-Pindula_* 11. *CAPS UNITED PLAYERS OFFERED NO BONUS TO BEAT “SMALL TEAM” MWOS* CAPS United president Farai Jere has ruled out increasing the players’ winning bonuses ahead of their highly anticipated clash against MWOS at Ngoni Stadium on Thursday, describing the opponents as a “small team.” Despite MWOS being unbeaten in this season’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL), Jere insists that special financial incentives are only offered when CAPS face traditional giants Dynamos or Highlanders. Speaking to the squad during a training session earlier this week, Jere said CAPS United remains a bigger brand than MWOS. Said Jere: _The fact that MWOS are the team of the moment doesn’t warrant them to be a big team and us, as CAPS United, we appreciate that they are playing well but we are not going to increase our winning bonuses._ _The winning bonuses will remain at US$500._ _We only increase our winning bonuses when we are playing either Dynamos or Highlanders._ _This season we have only lost two matches against Highlanders and TelOne away from home._ In Thursday’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League fixtures, Dynamos will host Yadah at Rufaro Stadium, while Kwekwe United take on Triangle United at Bata Stadium in Gweru. Wednesday’s matches saw TelOne and ZPC Kariba draw 1-1, while Herentals and FC Platinum played out a goalless stalemate. Highlanders secured a 1-0 away win over Manica Diamonds, Green Fuel and Scottland drew 2-2, Simba Bhora edged Bikita Minerals 1-0, and Chicken Inn beat Ngezi Platinum Stars 1-0. Following these results, Simba Bhora now sit at the top of the league with 32 points from 16 matches. MWOS are second with 31 points from 15 games, Scottland are third on 27 points from 15 matches, and TelOne occupy fourth place with 25 points from 16 games. *_-Pindula_* 12. *VIOLENT STEPMOTHER PUNCHES AND BITES TEEN STEPSON FOR NOT FOLDING BLANKETS* A woman who has been named an evil stepmother has been sentenced after she bites and punches her stepson for not folding his blankets. A 27-year-old Zimbabwean woman has been convicted of child cruelty in a disturbing case that highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence. The Chegutu Magistrates’ Court delivered its verdict this week following evidence of the woman’s violent outburst against her 13-year-old stepson. Court documents reveal the horrific April 10th incident began as a dispute over household chores. When the teenager failed to fold his blankets properly, his stepmother slapped the child multiple times, punched him in the head repeatedly, and also bit the boy. The violent attack left visible injuries on the minor, who demonstrated remarkable courage by escaping the home in Chegutu’s Industrial Area and immediately reporting the abuse to local authorities. After reporting the case, the police immediately arrested the stepmother. In her ruling, the magistrate sentenced the offender to 10 months’ imprisonment with significant conditions: • 4 months suspended for 5 years (conditional on good behaviour) • 6 months potentially waived upon completion of 210 community service hours This case has reignited discussions about child protection laws and stepparent relationships in Zimbabwe. Child welfare advocates emphasise that household chores should never escalate to physical violence, regardless of circumstances. Other people have called for the father to watch how his child is treated or get him to live with his biological mother. The suspended sentence serves as both a punishment and a warning, while the community service requirement aims to rehabilitate the offender through their contribution to society. *_-iHarare_* 13. *RAPIST ROBBER JAILED 75 YEARS... PREDATOR RAPED CHILDREN, ROBBED GRANDMOTHER* Chipinge’s reign of terror is over! Notorious pervert, John Foroma (38), has been slapped with a colossal 75-year jail term by the Chipinge Magistrates’ Court after admitting to a monstrous crime spree that shocked the nation. Foroma pleaded guilty to five counts of rape, two counts of aggravated indecent assault, and a robbery charge. His reign of terror began on 3 May 2025, in the Chief Ngungunyana area. The court heard how this fiend snuck into a home where a 13-year-old girl and her younger siblings were sleeping. Wielding a knife, he brutally raped the 13-year-old three times before sexually assaulting her 9 and 11-year-old sisters. His depravity knew no bounds, a court heard. In a separate incident, Foroma violently attacked a 63-year-old woman, stealing her Hisense cellphone. The cunning criminal later sold the phone, but the law was hot on his heels! Police tracked the stolen device, leading to Foroma’s arrest on 15 June. Justice was swift and severe. Foroma received a hefty 15 years for each of the five rape and indecent assault counts, plus an additional five years for the robbery. All sentences will run concurrently, meaning this monster will rot behind bars for an effective 75 years. *_-H-Metro_* 14. *MAN FINED US$300 FOR ASSAULTING TOP CID OFFICER IN VIOLENT ATTACK* Harare regional magistrate Clever Tsikwa on Wednesday, 18 June, fined a man US$300 for his role in the violent assault of Detective Superintendent Alexander Jachi, head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Homicide Section in Harare. Sydney Rande was convicted of assault in connection with the incident, which took place on September 30, 2023, and also involved the theft of Det Supt Jachi’s service pistol and US$140. Three other suspects, Munyaradzi Chatonzwa, Mark Tatenda Chingombe, and Simbarashe Steven Ota, were acquitted of all charges. Although Rande was initially handed a 12-month jail term, the sentence was suspended on condition he paid the US$300 fine. The court heard that Det Supt Jachi was driving his gold Toyota Fortuner from Highfield to Chitungwiza when he noticed a silver VW Polo and a red Honda Fit following him. As he neared Mbuya Dorcas Hospital, the red vehicle blocked his path, prompting him to divert to Jongwe Corner in search of safety. After parking, Rande and Chatonzwa approached him in a threatening manner. In response, Det Supt Jachi fired a warning shot into the air with his 9mm Taurus service pistol. Undeterred, Chatonzwa continued advancing and was shot in the left leg. Despite being injured, Chatonzwa struck the officer with a blunt object, knocking him to the ground. The rest of the group joined in the attack, beating Det Supt Jachi until he lost consciousness. Bystanders who attempted to help were also assaulted. During the assault, the attackers stole the detective’s wallet containing US$140, his ID cards, and his service pistol. They also deflated the tyres of his vehicle before fleeing the scene. Some of Det Supt Jachi’s belongings were later recovered from Chatonzwa. However, the stolen service pistol remains missing. *_-Pindula_*