HOT TOPICS ONLINE ........ *David Chapfika dies in tragic car accident* (B24) *Zimbabwe: No Wonder the President Did Not Tour Hospitals With You - Opposition MP Taunts Health Minister, Chucked Out of National Assembly* (New Zimbabwe) *Zim ferrochrome sector set for major expansion* (Zimbabwe Independent) *Zim records rise in HIV/Aids deaths* (NewsDay) *UZ drives research for HIV cure* (Newsday) *Karoi council in bond paper scandal* (Newsday) *Family of man killed in police custody to sue police chief, home affairs minister* (Zimlive) *Half-a-million debt gets Prophet Magaya in hot soup, GetBucks Microfinance goes after his estate* (my Zimbabwe) *Kasukuwere bemoans corruption, cruelty as his friend is ‘jailed’* (Zwnews) *Mukuru Breaks Silence After Money ‘Disappears’ from Accounts* ( iHarare) *ED’s Young Female Business Associate Dies* (ZimEye) ....... ©Zoomic Media Group :https://chat.whatsapp.com/IfsYfBmCx8mCtw9ldegiFN ..... Channel:https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaD22E27YScxhpM8Re26 *David Chapfika dies in tragic car accident* Former Deputy Minister of Finance and long-serving ZANU PF politician David Chapfika has died in a fatal road accident near Chabwino, along the bridge at Stondon, authorities confirmed on Thursday. Chapfika, a veteran legislator who once represented Mutoko South Constituency and served in various key roles within ZANU PF - including his current position in the party’s Central Committee - was driving a Mercedes-Benz ML when the vehicle collided with another car. He died instantly at the scene. Police are still investigating the circumstances of the crash, and details of the other occupants involved, if any, were not immediately available. The news of Chapfika’s death has sent shockwaves across political circles and his home district of Mutoko, where he was known for his loyalty to the ruling party and long-standing service in both Parliament and government. Chapfika previously served as Deputy Minister of Finance during the era of former President Robert Mugabe and was instrumental in shaping various fiscal policies in the early 2000s. A qualified economist, he also served on several parliamentary committees during his political career. In 2021, Chapfika was the subject of false reports claiming he had died from COVID-19-related complications—claims that were publicly refuted. Sadly, this time, his passing has been confirmed by both family members and party officials. In recent years, Chapfika had largely retreated from frontline politics. . Despite stepping away from frontline politics, Chapfika remained a keen observer and critic of national affairs. Friends say he frequented SAPES Trust in Harare, run by academic and public intellectual Professor Ibbo Mandaza, where he would often share candid views about the state of the nation. Chapfika was reportedly critical of the Mnangagwa administration, describing it as corrupt and incompetent in private conversations. His death follows that of his younger brother, businessman MacDonald Chapfika, who collapsed and died outside the Munhumutapa government offices in 2019 after a meeting with top officials concerning a maize import deal. He was 57. David Chapfika's passing is being mourned across political, business and civil society spheres. Though his political career was turbulent, his contributions to Zimbabwe's banking sector, his parliamentary leadership, and his service in government have left an indelible mark. Family, friends, and colleagues describe him as a thoughtful leader and a repository of institutional memory, particularly on the evolution of Zimbabwe's banking and economic systems. Plans for his burial are yet to be announced. ----- *Zimbabwe: No Wonder the President Did Not Tour Hospitals With You - Opposition MP Taunts Health Minister, Chucked Out of National Assembly* (New Zimbabwe) 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 l 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. Read the original article on New Zimbabwe. ....... *Zim ferrochrome sector set for major expansion* (Zimbabwe Independent) By Freeman Makopa | Although the country is not yet among the world’s top five producers of ferrochrome — a key ingredient in stainless steel — Mines minister Winston Chitando says the trajectory has changed dramatically in recent years. ZIMBABWE is positioning itself to become a serious contender in the global ferrochrome market, buoyed by a surge in investment and a wave of expansion projects that could significantly ramp up national output. Although the country is not yet among the world’s top five producers of ferrochrome — a key ingredient in stainless steel — Mines minister Winston Chitando says the trajectory has changed dramatically in recent years. “If you look at the top ferrochrome producers — say, the top five — Zimbabwe currently does not feature among them,” Chitando told the Zimbabwe Independent in an interview this week. “The reason, of course, is the lack of sufficient capital flowing into the mining industry historically. “However, since the onset of the Second Republic, we have seen unprecedented investments in mining.” He said among the key beneficiaries of this investment surge was the ferrochrome subsector, where production capacity has expanded significantly. One of the largest players, Afrochine Smelting, ramped up its operations between 2018 and 2020 and now produces approximately 180 000 tonnes of ferrochrome annually. In addition to major producers, the country has about 10 small-scale operations contributing between 3 000 and 80 000 tonnes each. Chitando said Zimbabwe was expected to produce around 270 000 tonnes of ferrochrome this year. While this still lags behind output from global leaders such as South Africa and Kazakhstan, it represents a substantial increase from previous years. Chitando said the most transformative project currently underway was the Palm River initiative, which has already commenced production at an initial capacity of 100 000 tonnes. Once fully operational, he said, the facility was projected to deliver up to one million tonnes per year — an output that could significantly elevate Zimbabwe’s position on the global ferrochrome stage. Chitando revealed that several investors — both local and international — were expressing keen interest in Zimbabwe’s chrome belt. “Some are looking to expand existing operations, while others are preparing to establish new ventures,” he said. With global demand for ferrochrome rising steadily, Zimbabwe could be on the verge of a mining boom, provided current investment momentum is maintained and policy support remains strong. To that end, the government has introduced a new chrome mining policy designed to ensure that resource extraction translates into meaningful industrial development. Under the policy, Chitando said, any chrome mining application covering more than 100 hectares should now include a commitment to either build or expand smelting infrastructure. This approach is intended to promote domestic value addition rather than simply exporting raw minerals. “The whole idea is whoever gets a chrome mining concession above 100 hectares, there should be a clear demonstration that it's going to feed into expansion of an existing asset, or it's feeding into an asset, a furnace capacity, which is being developed,” he said. The policy also aims to curb speculative acquisition of mining titles and to promote sustainable development amid increasing investor interest. Chitando said several large-scale projects were under negotiation, with both regional and international companies exploring Zimbabwe as a growth destination for ferrochrome production. However, challenges remain. Zimbabwe continues to grapple with persistent electricity shortages and logistical bottlenecks, including inadequate railway infrastructure to transport bulk materials to ports. Environmental and social concerns linked to some unregulated chrome operations are also emerging as pressing issues. Despite these hurdles, there is cautious optimism within the mining sector. As geopolitical tensions reshape global supply chains, Zimbabwe’s potential as a stable and alternative source of strategic minerals is attracting renewed international attention. The United Kingdom and the European Union, in particular, are under pressure to diversify their mineral supply chains away from politically sensitive regions such as Russia. In this context, Zimbabwe’s resurging ferrochrome sector could offer a compelling alternative — if supported by consistent policy execution and infrastructure development. ... *Zim records rise in HIV/Aids deaths* (NewsDay) By Nqobani Ndlovu Health and Child Care minister Douglas Mombeshora, however, was quick to allay the fears saying the increase in HIV/Aids-related deaths was not related to funding cuts. ZIMBABWE has recorded an increase in HIV/Aids-related deaths for the period January to June this year compared to the same period in 2024 amid concerns by lawmakers that foreign aid cuts to life-saving programmes are begging to be felt. Health and Child Care minister Douglas Mombeshora, however, was quick to allay the fears saying the increase in HIV/Aids-related deaths was not related to funding cuts. Kwekwe legislator Corban Madzivanyika had asked Mombeshora to provide statistics of people who succumbed to the chronic disease in Zimbabwe during the first half of the year. “My response to question number 9 is that Aids deaths in 2024 from January to June were 5 712. Forthe same period, January to June 2025, there were 5 932,” Mombeshora said in response on Wednesday in Parliament. “This means that in 2025, there were 220 more deaths compared to 2024 over the same period.” Madzivanyika followed up with a supplementary question asking, “Is it not that this increment represents the challenge that we are now facing or the burden that has now increased, now that development partners have left Zimbabwe in terms of funding for HIV and Aids-related programmes?” Mombeshora said the increase could not be attributed to the withdrawal of funds by partners. According to Mombeshora, the country’s hospitals were fully stocked with life-saving drugs before the funding cuts. “From January to June, the commodities for HIV/Aids had already been procured and the programmes have been progressing well,” he said. “I think I have said this before in this Parliament that all patients on HIV treatment should not panic because we have enough medicines for them. “I cannot give a specific reason now to say why we have these figures. Usually, we wait until the end of the year.” He added: “You may find that maybe by the end of the year, we may have fewer figures for this year than last year. “At the end of the year, that is when we start looking at month by month and try to see where we have missed it or find the reasons why the figures are going up, but at the moment, it is not related to the withdrawal because the commodities are there.” Emakhandeni-Luveve lawmaker Discent Bajila and his Chiredzi Central counterpart, Ropafadzo Makumire, were, however, not convinced by Mombeshora’s explanation. “We are left with 12 days of this month. What happens to our capacity to handle HIV/Aids cases post the 30th of June?” Bajila asked. Makumire added: “What could be attributed to this increase, if he is denying that it has something to do with the withdrawal of donor funding?" Mombeshora insisted that there was no need for panic in terms of availability of stocks of life-saving drugs. “As the government, we have already procured commodities at the present moment to take us up to the end of September and we are still receiving more commodities to take us up to the end of the year. So, there are no shortages at all,” Mombeshora said. Temporary Speaker of the National, Joe Tshuma, defended the minister, saying he had clearly explained himself on the matter. “Whatever happened between January and June, it definitely could not have been the issue of a lack of medicine,” Tshuma said. “So, I do not know what you want him to clarify. Did you want him to be God to tell you he knows how people have died? I think your question is a bit impossible.” United States President Donald Trump froze many foreign aid programmes early in his presidency, before reinstating some life-saving assistance, including part of the United States President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief, its global HIV initiative. The Trump administration also decided to stop funding UNAids, the UN’s HIV/Aids programme that serves communities around the world. According to the World Health Organisation, Zimbabwe has successfully achieved the 95-95-95 UNAids Fast-Track targets for adults, underscoring the country’s ongoing commitment to tackling the HIV epidemic. These targets mean that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are receiving treatment and 95% of those on treatment have achieved viral load suppression. ------ *UZ drives research for HIV cure* (Newsday) She was speaking in an interview on the sidelines of the ongoing Sadc Joint Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Education in Harare yesterday. THE University of Zimbabwe Clinical Trials Research Centre (UZ-CTRC) is continuing research into finding a cure for HIV as the country seeks to ensure the chronic disease ceases to be a public health threat by 2030. UZ-CTRC has been at the forefront of developing and testing strategies to prevent and treat HIV, tuberculosis, COVID-19, cancer and other conditions. Senior research nurse, Vanessa Gatsi, said UZ-CTRC’s research helped to shape the country’s HIV prevention guidelines and influence progress in the region. “Because of our research, Zimbabwe became the first country in Africa to approve the Dapivirine vaginal ring and the injectable PrEP,” she said. “We also supported health workers in clinics by training them to administer the new PrEP injections and to counsel clients so they could choose the best HIV prevention method available.” She was speaking in an interview on the sidelines of the ongoing Sadc Joint Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Education in Harare yesterday. UZ-CTRC’s work has directly contributed to the development of HIV prevention guidelines, including PrEP for adults and nevirapine prophylaxis to stop mother-to-child transmission. The centre also championed the introduction of universal antiretroviral therapy, also known as treatment as prevention. Research counsellor Caroline Mugocha said the UZ-CTRC remained focused on testing the latest prevention technologies to reduce new HIV infections. “We are currently evaluating the use of monoclonal antibodies to prevent HIV infection in both adults and infants. We are also testing HIV vaccine candidates identified by researchers in Africa and around the world,” she said. She said the centre’s close collaboration with the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) made it possible for new prevention products to be registered quickly. “Our partnership with MCAZ during clinical trials allowed Zimbabwe to be the first African country to approve these products,” she said. As UZ-CTRC continues its pioneering research, the centre remains committed to supporting Zimbabwe’s efforts to end HIV as a public health threat by 2030. ....... *Karoi council in bond paper scandal* (Newsday) A report, presented in Parliament by the Public Accounts Committee this week, exposed how public funds were pillaged by council officials. THE Auditor-General has unearthed suspected abuse of public funds in well-orchestrated theft and cover-up by the procurement team at the Karoi Town Council in Mashonaland West province. A report, presented in Parliament by the Public Accounts Committee this week, exposed how public funds were pillaged by council officials. The report cited a case where the municipality received reams of bond paper instead of safety belts. "The committee noted that the arrangement to purchase 48 reams of bond paper instead of safety belts was likely a cover-up for misappropriation of public funds,” the report read. “The cost of the 48 bond paper reams does not add up to US$1 100 paid for safety belts.” The committee called for an investigation by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission. Mashonaland West Parliamentary Proportional Representative Mutsa Murombedzi said the report exposed procurement fraud at the Karoi municipality. "In 2018, council paid US$1 100 for safety belts and an extension ladder. What did it receive? It received 48 reams of bond paper,” she said. “No documentation, no procurement records, just paper. This is not just an accounting error; this is theft. "The Public Accounts Committee report on the Karoi Town Council reads like a catalogue of corruption, masked as incompetence, excused as oversight and prolonged under the guise of reforms.” Hurungwe East MP, Chenjerai Kangausaru, said the exposé was disturbing. "What we are confronted with today is a disturbing portrait of neglect, mismanagement and failure to uphold these sacred values; values upon which the trust between citizens and their government is built,” he said. “This report is not merely an administrative postscript. “It is a wake-up call to restore discipline, integrity in our local governance systems, particularly in a town as strategically positioned as Karoi, at the heart of Hurungwe, rich in human potential and public expectation.” Murehwa South MP, Noah Mangondo, said the findings of the committee exposed weaknesses inherent in most local authorities. "Karoi Town Council is not an exception,” he said. “There is a trend in our local authorities which needs to be nipped in the bud, hence the serious recommendations made by the Public Accounts Committee.” When contacted for comment, Karoi Town Council chairperson, Kudakwashe Chigumo, said they were seized with the matter to uncover what transpired. “Pending issues will get addressed. We don’t believe in sacred cows. We are getting there and we are getting it right," Chigumo said. .... *Family of man killed in police custody to sue police chief, home affairs minister* (Zimlive) ‘The murder of Blessed Juruvenge at the hands of Constable Ndavambi was a violation of his sacrosanct right to life’ ByLindie Whiz Victim … Believe Blessed Juruvenge who was killed in custody HARARE – The family of a man tortured to death at Ruwa Police Station while in custody is suing home affairs minister and police commissioner general Stephen Mutamba. The incident took place on May 27 after Blessed Believe Juruvenge, a tuckshop owner, was arrested by Constable Prince Ndavambi on assault allegations. Ndabambi allegedly tortured Juruvenge and his sister demanding a bribe in exchange for their freedom. Juruvenge succumbed to his injuries while his sister Melisa Manyepa is still receiving treatment. Juruvenge’s pregnant widow, Mercy Madenyika, Manyepa and the deceased’s mother Elipa Jim have written to Kazembe and Mutamba notifying them of their intention to sue. The three are being represented by Paidamoyo Saurombe and Tinashe Chinopfukutwa of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR). Ndavambi has since been charged with murder and is out on bail. In their notice of intention to sue Mutamba and Kazembe for damages, Madenyika, Manyepa and Jim stated that they are distressed and traumatised by the sudden and callous death of their husband, brother and son at the hands of Constable Ndavambi and are presently receiving psychological assistance from medical professionals. They say Ndavambi intentionally and unlawfully caused the death of Juruvenge in that he continuously assaulted him realising the possibility that death will eventuate from the assault. “The murder of Juruvenge at the hands of Constable Ndavambi was a violation of his sacrosanct right to life, which is guaranteed in terms of section 48 of the constitution while the assaults on Manyepa and the deceased man amounted to inhuman, degrading treatment and excessive use of force,” their letter said. The trio also said the officer in charge at Ruwa Police Station failed in his duty of care to ensure that police officers 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 Juruvenge. Madenyika, Manyepa and Jim indicated that they were dependents of Juruvenge, who was employed at Bakers Inn as a driver and also did welding and operated a tuckshop to augment his salary. Mutamba and Kazembe, the trio stated, are vicariously liable for the damage and harm which they suffered because Constable Ndavambi was acting within the scope and course of his duties of employment as a police officer, when he fatally assaulted Juruvenge and battered Manyepa. The protested against Ndavambi’s conduct and that of his accomplice police officers saying it 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. The trio advised Mutamba and Kazembe that the sum of the damages, which they are claiming, will be computed and furnished to them in summons to be served on them. During Ndavambi’s court hearing, prosecutors narrated the harrowing experience the siblings endured at the hands of police officer, who had arrested Juruvenge for assaulting a man who bought goods from his tuckshop with a fake $100 note. His sister Melisa Manyepa was arrested for allegedly harbouring him as police were looking to arrest him. Prosecutors allege that Ndavambi assaulted Manyepa on the legs with a hoe handle while she was seated until the hoe handle broke. During the attack, a female police officer who was in the room pleaded with Ndavambi to stop assaulting Manyepa but he ignored her. Constable Ndavambi is alleged to have gone into the holding cells and dragged Juruvenge to the room where Manyepa was and began assaulting him all over the body while he was handcuffed. According to Manyepa’s estimation, the assault on Juruvenge lasted between 40 minutes to one hour. Manyepa allegedly started crying and Ndavambi told her she was going to cry until tears of blood stream out from her eyes. Constable Ndavambi allegedly then showed Manyepa a nearby zinc coffin and told her that Juruvenge was going to go into the coffin because police officers in Ruwa heavily assault people. Ndavambi released Manyepa with orders to go and look for $100 to secure her brother’s freedom. Juruvenge asked for water from Manyepa but Ndavambi and the female police officer ordered her not to give him. Ndavambi, it is alleged, then grabbed Juruvenge by the neck and frog-marched him out of the office to the ground outside where he continued his assault. He later locked him up in the cells. The following morning, on May 28, 2025, and around 9:AM, the officer in charge at Ruwa Police Station called Manyepa enquiring about her whereabouts and also asked her to bring Juruvenge’s ID. When she arrived at the station, Manyepa was advised that her brother had stopped breathing during the night and he had been taken to a clinic where he died. ...... *Half-a-million debt gets Prophet Magaya in hot soup, GetBucks Microfinance goes after his estate* (my Zimbabwe) By Lloyd Sibindi Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries founder Walter Magaya is facing a severe financial predicament as GetBucks Microfinance has taken legal action to recover a substantial debt of US$420,140. The microfinance institution has approached the High Court seeking to liquidate Magaya’s estate, alleging that the prominent cleric has deliberately frustrated their efforts to recover the funds, claiming he possesses no assets. The legal battle stems from a previous High Court order issued last year against Magaya, his wife Tendai, and their company, Planet Africa (Private) Limited, where the couple serve as directors. The order mandated the payment of US$420,140.72, along with accrued interest, to GetBucks. Subsequently, a writ of execution was issued, leading to the attachment of Planet Africa’s immovable property: a piece of land identified as the Remainder of Stand 166 of Prospect, measuring 3.2323 hectares. This property, held under Deed of Transfer number 407 6118 dated 27 July 2018, was declared executable by the High Court and scheduled for sale on 28 March 2025, serving as security for the outstanding debt. However, GetBucks asserts that their attempts to execute the judgement have been thwarted by Magaya and his wife, who have allegedly engaged in acts of insolvency. According to court documents, just days before the scheduled sale, the respondent, Planet Africa, voluntarily opted for Corporate Rescue, effectively obstructing the sale of the immovable property. GetBucks argues that, given the apparent lack of further assets belonging to Magaya and his wife, coupled with their alleged obstruction of execution attempts, the couple are insolvent and their estates should be liquidated. “There being no further assets of the 1st and 2nd Respondent and after frustration of all execution avenues to frustrate the judgment of this court and to render it a brutum fulmen, it follows that the two are insolvent and their estates should be liquidated,” GetBucks stated in their application. The microfinance institution further alleges that Magaya and his wife are “generally unable to pay debts which are due and payable” and have “abused procedures to frustrate execution.” They also claim that entities linked to the applicant, including PHD Ministries and The Walter Magaya Family Trust, have been used to obstruct the genuine execution of court orders. “These include the PHD Ministries and The Walter Magaya Family Trust,” GetBucks asserted in the application. GetBucks also highlighted Magaya and his wife’s prominent status in society, with Magaya being a well-known prophet at PHD Ministries. “The two have presented themselves as individuals with nothing and have used entities as agents. They should show the court how they are settling personal obligations and sustaining themselves,” the application reads. GetBucks has requested the court to grant a provisional order pending confirmation for the liquidation process to commence promptly, arguing that a “prima facie case has been made entitling the applicant” to such an order. Furthermore, GetBucks is seeking costs on a higher scale, alleging “classic abuse of proceedings to frustrate court orders and the creditor.” They argue that Magaya’s actions have “put [the] Applicant out of pocket unnecessarily” and forced them to resort to this application, warranting punitive costs. “This is classic abuse of proceedings to frustrate court orders and the creditor. Applicant has been put out of pocket unnecessarily by the 1st Respondent and have been forced to resort to this application. Costs on a punitive scale are warranted in cases of abuse of processes,” the application states. The matter was scheduled for a virtual hearing on Wednesday. This is not the first time Magaya has faced scrutiny over land deals. In January 2025, he was once again accused of defrauding his congregants in a failed residential stands scheme, adding to a history of similar accusations. The scheme, launched in 2016, promised to provide 1,000 residential stands at Danglasedale farm on the outskirts of Bulawayo. Magaya, through Planet Africa, sold the plots for US$4,000 each, promising to construct houses for the beneficiaries, who were primarily members of his church. The beneficiaries were to make monthly mortgage instalments based on the property’s value. However, documents revealed that payments were made interchangeably to Planet Africa and the PHD Ministries offices, raising concerns about the project’s accountability. Despite the promises, the construction of houses never materialised. One beneficiary, Willie Chidhlori, stated that he and many others had to sell family assets to raise the money for the residential stands. “A lot of people including myself sold assets in order to raise the required amount. Some even sold their stands in high density suburbs such as Cowdray Park in order to buy the Danglasedale stands which were bigger and had better value,” Chidhlori told NewsHub. Progress on the project stalled in 2017 after most beneficiaries had paid in full. The church attributed the abandonment of the project to an “unconducive political environment” following Operation Restore Legacy, the military-assisted removal of the late Robert Mugabe from power in November 2017. As the years passed, Magaya’s followers were given further excuses, including the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which the church claimed had worsened its financial situation. “The advent of COVID 19 stalled everything. When we tried to follow up on the issue after the pandemic, we were told that the church had no money because people were unable to pay tithes during COVID. We were told that the money we paid was tied to the project,” added Chidhlori. Other victims, who preferred to remain anonymous, said they made numerous visits to the PHD Ministries offices in both Bulawayo and Harare, but to no avail. Some members have reportedly left the church in frustration, while others have since passed away without receiving their stands. “All we want from Magaya is our money. We know he has the capacity to pay us back,” one victim stated. Magaya’s spokesperson, Admire Mango, did not respond to requests for comment. In mid-2020, hundreds of Magaya’s congregants besieged the PHD Ministries office in Cape Town, demanding their money back after Magaya failed to deliver on stands that he had promised them. A year before, he was implicated in a US$900,000 land scam involving the illegal sale of Kalulu Farm in Goromonzi. ...... *Kasukuwere bemoans corruption, cruelty as his friend is ‘jailed’* (Zwnews) Former ZANU PF national political commissar and cabinet minister Saviour Kasukuwere has bemoaned rampant in the country and cruelty. Kasukuwere’s sentiments comes at the time his right hand man, Walter Mzembi is in custody facing criminal charges. Mzembi was arrested nearly two weeks ago after he returned from self imposed exile in Zambia. He was accused of skipping court appearance after being arrested for criminal abuse of office. “Double C. Corrupt and Cruel . In both instances it’s to the maximum! “Sleeping fully aware that we have a thief around !!! Muchiziva kuti uyu ANOBA.. “As Mtukudzi would say! Uchiziva kuti unahwo hutachiona,” Kasukuwere posted on his X handle. Zwnews .... *Mukuru Breaks Silence After Money ‘Disappears’ from Accounts* ( iHarare) Popular money transfer platform Mukuru has moved to calm customers after a technical glitch caused panic on Thursday, 19 June 2025, when users noticed their account balances had suddenly disappeared. Mukuru Breaks Silence After Money ‘Disappears’ from Accounts The company explained that the issue was purely display-related; the money didn’t actually vanish, but a technical error made it seem that way. In a Facebook update, Mukuru said its team was working closely with partners to restore accurate balance displays and reassured users that their funds remained safe. The message read: “Mukuru Update! We’re currently finalising the last updates for everyone. Our team is working closely with our partner to restore all balances. 🧡 Rest assured, your money is completely safe. We’ll send you a message as soon as everything is back to normal in the coming hours. 📲 Thank you once again for your continued patience and trust. 🙏🏾” Chin’ono Steps In After Followers Raise the Alarm Renowned journalist Hopewell Chin’ono said he got involved after concerned followers flooded his inbox and Facebook page asking for help. According to Chin’ono, he reached out directly to Mukuru and spoke to one of the company’s directors, who confirmed the error was software-related and not a case of lost money. He said customers had nothing to worry about and the problem would be resolved by Friday, 20 June 2025. “One of my followers posted this request on my Facebook page, and others inboxed me. “Sir, please talk to the CEO from Mukuru, our money disappeared from our accounts this morning,” he said. I sent a message to them and received a call from one of the directors. He said they had a software problem, which is being attended to. He assured me that nobody will lose their money. Everything will be back to normal tomorrow,” Chin’ono said. ......... *ED’s Young Female Business Associate Dies* (ZimEye) By A Correspondent- One of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s business allies, Zvishavane-based entrepreneur Alice Pote, has died. She was 33. Pote, a financial director at the family-owned conglomerate Pote Holdings and founder of Stallion Cruise Bus Company, died on Monday from acute respiratory failure and pulmonary embolism, according to a post-mortem report. Her death has sent shockwaves through business and political circles, not only for her youth but also because of her family’s reported close ties to President Mnangagwa—ties that have allegedly secured them lucrative government contracts across sectors. Family sources told this publication that the Pote family shares a blood relationship with Mnangagwa, a connection thathas long raised eyebrows over how Pote Holdings has expanded rapidly under Zimbabwe’s current political dispensation. The company—headed by Alice’s brother, prominent businessman Anthony Clever Pote—is a sprawling empire with interests in construction, transport, tourism, retail, agriculture, earthmoving, mining, micro-finance, and hospitality. It enjoys a visible footprint in Zvishavane, Masvingo, and the broader Midlands Province. Insiders allege that the family has benefited from preferential treatment in the awarding of state tenders, often out-competing other companies due to their political proximity to the president. Speaking last night, Mr Pote confirmed the death and paid tribute to his sister’s contribution to the business. “Alice has left us without saying goodbye. I am devastated. She was one of the directors of Pote Holdings, a pillar of strength. She has been behind the success of our business empire. She just left us at 33, very young and promising,” he said. Alice was the second-last born in the family and survived by three children. She will be buried tomorrow in Chivi, Takavarasha area, Marecha Village. Mourners are gathered at House Number 956, Eastlea, Zvishavane.