HOT TOPICS ONLINE ............ *Ex-minister Walter Mzembi to spend weekend in prison after arrest* (Zimlive) *Developer gives 80-year-old plot holders 5 days to vacate their plots* (The insider) *Man bashes young brother to death* (Byo24News) *Zimbabwe central bank says there is enough ZiG to meet current and future demand* ( The Insider) *Prophet jaled 15 years for raping sick congregant* (Byo24News) *Zimbabwe: Harare's Roads Patched With Soil As City Council Fails to Procure Tar for Over a Year* (New Zimbabwe) *Zimbabwe Stands with Zambia as Nation Mourns Late President Edgar Lungu* (Lusaka Times) *Govt rolls out nationwide housing projects for ZRP Officers* (Zbc) *Zanu PF retains Gutu East seat* (Herald) ....... ©Zoomic Media https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaD22E27YScxhpM8Re26 *Ex-minister Walter Mzembi to spend weekend in prison after arrest* (Zimlive) He submits medical documents and asks court to excuse failure to appear Court date … Walter Mzembi (in mask) accompanied by officers from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission arrives at the Harare Magistrates Court on June 14, 2025 (PICTURE/ZBC) HARARE – Former foreign affairs minister Walter Mzembi was arrested on Friday and appeared in court on Saturday as prosecutors revealed he had three outstanding arrest warrants. Mzembi will spend the weekend in jail after magistrate Donald Ndirowei postponed the matter to Monday when the former foreign affairs minister will attempt to explain away his absence which stalled his criminal abuse of office trial in 2018. His lawyer Killian Mandike submitted medical documents which he said will prove that Mzembi did not wilfully default, but was in fact undergoing treatment in South Africa. Ndirowei said there was no time to hear arguments over the default, postponing the inquiry to Monday. The former Masvingo South MP, who lost his ministerial job after a military coup that ousted the late Robert Mugabe, is believed to have returned to Zimbabwe on Tuesday last week from Zambia, where he was self-exiled. On Wednesday, Mzembi made efforts to see President Emmerson Mnangagwa but was rebuffed even after arriving at State House, ZimLive understands. He returned to Zambia, returning to the country on Friday after speaking to Mnangagwa by phone, a source said. Mzembi is confident he will win the court’s favour over the administrative warrants, amid indications Zanu PF officials in Masvingo have been heavily lobbying Mnangagwa to allow him to return to the fold. Mzembi had claimed political persecution over his arrest which followed his instructions, as tourism minister, to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority to buy televisions for fan parks during the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosted by South Africa. At the end of the World Cup, Mzembi donated the televisions to the United Family International Church, founded by prosperity gospel preacher Emmanuel Makandiwa. Mzembi’s trial will be closely watched by other former Mugabe allies who are scattered around the world fearing politically-motivated arrests as Mnangagwa seeks to consolidate control over his fractious Zanu PF party. ---- *Developer gives 80-year-old plot holders 5 days to vacate their plots* (The insider) In what appears to be an act of desperation, the developer of Irene Township in Mutasa District on Thursday distributed eviction notices giving some of the 12 original plot holders five days to vacate their land. The eviction notices allegedly from the Sheriff’s Office in Mutare were distributed a day after lawyers representing six of the plot holders filed an application challenging a ruling in December that gave the developer, Ferro Consulting, the right to levy development costs from the plot holders to grant them title deeds. The plot holders bought their land in the 1980s, nearly 20 years before the developer came in. The plot holders, almost all of whom are over 80 or are now deceased, say the developer did not offer them any services at all, but they were “forced” to sign a deed of settlement with the developer in which they agreed to pay large sums of money ranging from $26 000 to $50 000 following threats that they would lose everything. They bought the plots for about $5 000. What is baffling the plot holders is that when they bought their plots it was clearly stated that whoever bought the remainder of Irene Township must “acknowledge that the 12 tenants/plot holders have paid in full for their plots and that they be allowed to take transfer when Township Planning requirements have been completed”. When they took Ferro Consulting to court last year, the High Court in Mutare ruled that while they should be given their title deeds, they should pay development costs to Ferro Consulting and should also seed portions of their land to the company to cater for development costs, endowment fees, capital gains tax, conveyancing fees, stand duty, rates and other costs. Six of the plot holders are challenging the ruling made by Judges Isaac Muzenda and Sijabuliso Siziba on 20 December 202 arguing that the developer did not carry out any development on their plots and that they signed the deed of settlement under duress. One of the plot holders, Mike Chitewere, who bought his farm in 1982, says when their case was first heard on 11 November 2024, they were told that the Chief Justice had instructed the court to conclude the case by the end of that day yet the dispute had remained unresolved for more than 20 years. He says that on 20 December, 2024, they were kept in court from 9am to 5pm. “There was no ventilation as the windows and doors remained closed, and the main entrance door was locked, a deliberate attempt to keep the applicants inside and frustrate them into settling the matter,” Chitewere says. “Some of the applicants (plot holders) fell asleep in court and lay on the floor due to exhaustion while others suffered asthmatic attacks…. Later that fateful day, two ladies could be seen now lying on the floor. As already stated, the applicants spent the whole day in that courtroom, only to be told to sign the drafted Deed of Settlement which they were not given an opportunity to read, but only initial to show that they had agreed to the proposed terms of settlement. In other words, we were made to agree to the terms of which we did not know.” Ferro Consulting must have learnt about the application challenging the ruling because it went out to the plot holders with eviction notices allegedly from the Sheriff’s office a day after the application. It gave the plot holders until 17 June to vacate. The notice of removal dated 12 June, did not have any stamp from the Sheriff’s office. One of the plot holders says her notice was handed over to her gardener. The remainder were left with one of the plot holders to distribute to his colleagues. ....... *Man bashes young brother to death* (Byo24News) by Gideon Madzikatidze in Kezi MATOBO - Blinded by love and unable to stand the sight of his younger brother's right to life over suspicious involvement towards a previous divorce with his former wife, lands Xolani Dube (36) in custody over the murder of Gift Dube. Xolani Dube was remanded in custody to 27 June 2025 at Gwanda provincial court. Appearing before Senior Magistrate, Busani Sibanda, the accused was advised to apply for bail at the High Court or seek consent of the provincial public prosecutor. Allegations were that on June 12, 2025 at around 20:00 hours at Soul Ngwenya's homestead in Mahetshe village under Chief Fuyana (Matobo) the accused person had a misunderstanding with his now deceased younger brother, Gift Dube, arising from suspicion that he (Gift) caused his divorce with former wife some months ago. Xolani wanted to chase Gift away from his room and severely assaulted the latter using a wooden axe handle, which was taken from behind the door. Due to continuous assault, Gift Dube's skull fractured, and his brain protruded and he died on the spot. Noting that he killed his brother Gift, the accused (Xolani) went to Maphisa police post and reported the matter, leading to his arrest after surrendering to law enforcement agencies. Source - Byo24News ------ *Zimbabwe central bank says there is enough ZiG to meet current and future demand* ( The Insider) In a statement yesterday to allay concerns about the availability of the local currency, the central bank says usage of the ZiG, which stands for Zimbabwe Gold, has improved significantly since its launch in April last year. Payments in the local currency increased from ZiG7.86 billion in April last year to ZiG56.8 billion as of 30 May this year. Total ZiG deposits were 16 billion as at 12 June with ZiG207 million in cash. The central bank says some banks are already dispensing ZiG at their ATMs. The ZiG has been under pressure because of the dominant use of the United States dollar but Zimbabwe says it will not ditch its own currency and will phase out the multi-currency regime by 2030. Even the International Monetary Fund is reported to be in favour of the use of the local currency. ----- *Prophet jaled 15 years for raping sick congregant* (Byo24News) by Simbarashe Sithole A Mutoko-based apostolic prophet, Tichaona Usayi (46), was slapped with 15 years in jail by a Bindura regional magistrate after raping a 17-year-old girl in the name of healing session. Magistrate Elisha Singano sentenced Usayi. Prosecutor Edward Katsvairo told the court that in December last year, Usayi came to Bindura and started a shrine at Kapfumba village, Musana in Bindura. The complainant fell sick and her parents took her to Usayi's shrine for healing. Usayi told the parents that he needed three days of prayers with the complainant, and her parents agreed. The prophet would come at midnight and collect the complainant for prayers. On 27 December, 2024 he raped her once and threatened to kill her if she reveals the case to anyone. On January 13, the complainant decided to tell her mother about the rape and the case was reported to the police. Source - Byo24News ...... *Zimbabwe: Harare's Roads Patched With Soil As City Council Fails to Procure Tar for Over a Year* (New Zimbabwe) By Darlington Gatsi CITY of Harare (CoH) has been without tar for over a year, with its workers resorting to using soil and rubble to patch roads in the capital--another sign of deteriorating basic service delivery. CoH has been struggling to maintain road networks in residential areas, with blame being apportioned to the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) for disbursing insufficient funds to the local authority. The majority of roads in Harare are riddled with potholes, with council, on numerous occasions, spotted using soil and rubble to give a semblance of road maintenance. Recently, during a full council meeting at the Town House, it emerged that CoH has not managed to buy tar, a key component in road construction. Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume attributed this to the local authority's garnished accounts, before criticising Town House officials for failing to acquire basic supplies. "Right now, I have messages from every government office in town. When they say the road is bad, people are going to pour dust. Everywhere, dust is being poured. We have money from City Parking and ZINARA that is being garnished in our bank accounts without buying tar. "Look at the embarrassment--the whole town is dusty. This is because we are patching potholes using dust," said Mafume. CoH receives remittances from its subsidiary, City Parking, and from ZINARA, which are supposed to be channelled towards road maintenance. The city's procurement department has blamed the slow approval of purchases by the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ). Harare Councillor Denford Ngadziore accused officials of dishonesty, stating that they face no hurdles when purchasing vehicles and other luxury perks. "The challenge at the city council is that there is a cartel or a system that has to be broken. If we do not do that, we will not succeed. "The management at one time bought themselves vehicles without any challenges. The challenge is, if we do not break that [system], we will remain in one place," said Ngadziore. CITY of Harare (CoH) has been without tar for over a year, with its workers resorting to using soil and rubble to patch roads in the capital--another sign of deteriorating basic service delivery. CoH has been struggling to maintain road networks in residential areas, with blame being apportioned to the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) for disbursing insufficient funds to the local authority. The majority of roads in Harare are riddled with potholes, with council, on numerous occasions, spotted using soil and rubble to give a semblance of road maintenance. Recently, during a full council meeting at the Town House, it emerged that CoH has not managed to buy tar, a key component in road construction. Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume attributed this to the local authority's garnished accounts, before criticising Town House officials for failing to acquire basic supplies. "Right now, I have messages from every government office in town. When they say the road is bad, people are going to pour dust. Everywhere, dust is being poured. We have money from City Parking and ZINARA that is being garnished in our bank accounts without buying tar. "Look at the embarrassment--the whole town is dusty. This is because we are patching potholes using dust," said Mafume. CoH receives remittances from its subsidiary, City Parking, and from ZINARA, which are supposed to be channelled towards road maintenance. The city's procurement department has blamed the slow approval of purchases by the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ). Harare Councillor Denford Ngadziore accused officials of dishonesty, stating that they face no hurdles when purchasing vehicles and other luxury perks. "The challenge at the city council is that there is a cartel or a system that has to be broken. If we do not do that, we will not succeed. "The management at one time bought themselves vehicles without any challenges. The challenge is, if we do not break that [system], we will remain in one place," said Ngadziore. ..... *Zimbabwe Stands with Zambia as Nation Mourns Late President Edgar Lungu* (Lusaka Times) Zimbabwe has extended a strong message of solidarity with Zambia as the nation mourns the passing of its sixth Republican President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu. Zimbabwean Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who delivered the message during a courtesy visit to State House, conveyed heartfelt condolences from President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe to President Hakainde Hichilema and the Zambian nation. Speaking during the meeting, President Hichilema reaffirmed his government’s commitment to a peaceful and inclusive approach in managing the funeral arrangements. He emphasised that the process is grounded in dialogue and mutual respect, rather than unilateral decisions. “We are not using presidential authority to impose decisions. Instead, we are engaging in continuous dialogue with the former first family to ensure a consensus-driven and dignified send-off,” President Hichilema said. He expressed confidence that the funeral programme will be finalised and announced once agreement is reached among all key parties. The President also described the passing of Dr. Lungu as a deeply unfortunate moment in Zambia’s history, noting with sorrow that the country is now without any surviving former Head of State. In his message, President Mnangagwa conveyed through Vice President Chiwenga that the people of Zimbabwe stand shoulder to shoulder with Zambia during this difficult time. “Zambia and Zimbabwe are one people. What affects one affects the other,” said Vice President Chiwenga on behalf of President Mnangagwa. “We grieve with you and urge the people of Zambia to remain strong.” The message underscores the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between the two neighbouring nations, whose liberation struggles and post-independence journeys have been closely linked. President Lungu passed away on June 7, 2025. The Zambian government declared a seven-day national mourning period, and dignitaries from across the region and globe have continued to pay tribute to the late leader. As the nation awaits the official funeral programme, President Hichilema has called for peace, unity, and reflection, urging all citizens to honour the late President with dignity and respect. ......... *Govt rolls out nationwide housing projects for ZRP Officers* (Zbc) Story by Peter Chivhima HARARE – SEVERAL housing projects for the security sector are on the cards countrywide, with the successful implementation of the Chimoio Camp Housing Scheme in Harare being a reference point. The four flats commissioned in Harare this Friday have a combined total of 96 housing units for members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police. ZBC News spoke to some of the beneficiaries of the initiative, which is aimed at providing decent and secure accommodation to civil servants, recognising the vital role police officers and other security service officers play in maintaining law and order. “I am so excited that I have been allocated accommodation here and this will go a long way in motivating me because I was finding it difficult to travel. I want to thank His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa for this project,” Sergeant Caroline Vuma, a beneficiary of the project said. Another beneficiary, Superintendent Molin Rumbwere also said, “I want to thank His Excellency for giving us accommodation, we are no longer stressed when comes to the issue of travelling and accommodation.” The Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Honourable Kazembe Kazembe revealed that similar projects will be rolled out nationwide. “It is an on-going project and we are going to roll out such projects countrywide. The President has made it clear that our Police officers5 must have decent accommodation. I can confirm that there are on-going projects including in Dotito in Mashonaland Central province,” he indicated. Harare Metropolitan Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Senator Charles Tawengwa applauded President Emmerson Mnangagwa for transforming Harare. “Your commitment to modernising Zimbabwe’s infrastructure is truly unparalleled, Your Excellency, two weeks ago, we witnessed the commissioning of the iconic Trabablas Interchange, a transformative project that has already significantly alleviated traffic congestion and reduced accidents. The other day, Your Excellency, we also witnessed the commissioning of the Geo Pomona Waste Management,.Thank You Your Excellency,” Senator Tawengwa said. Last year, the government commissioned all-terrain service vehicles for the police to enhance their operations. ..... *Zanu PF retains Gutu East seat* (Herald) George Maponga in BHASERA Zanu PF has retained the Gutu East seat after Cde Zvarevashe Masvingise got 9 321 votes in a parliamentary by-election held yesterday. Independent candidate Mr Gift Gonese got 2269 votes while NCA’s Mr Zivanai Nzvenga settled for 173 votes. ZEC constituency elections officer, Mr Earnest Mukwidzwa declared Cde Masvingise duly elected legislator for Gutu East after announcing the results at Alheit Mission High School around 4am today. He said there were 194 spoilt papers and the percentage poll was 48.3 percent. The landslide Zanu PF win in Gutu East cements the party’s political dominance in Masvingo Province. ----