*Evening News Roundup: Wednesday 18 June 2025* *Headlines* *Public Outcry: Chivayo Dismisses US$439 Million Cancer Equipment Contract As Fabrication* *Auxillia Mnangagwa A No-Show At London Summit...Protesters Celebrate* *Lawyers Question Mai Jeremaya’s Story As Court Hears That She Told Thabo’s Friend To Wear A Condom At The Lodge* *Legends Night Heads to Kadoma – Intotal Band to Light Up Odyssey Poolside* *'I May Do It, I May Not': Trump Considers Direct Strikes On Iran* *Thousands Of Starving Palestinians Queueing For Food Were Attacked By Israeli Forces In Northern Gaza* *Kenyan Police Shoot Bystander At Close Range During Latest Protests* *Premier League fixtures: Arsenal Open At Man United, Both Face Tough Starts* Join our *Ad-free* News Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacXkvFJJhzd2UoZYF1F *Stories in Detail:* *Public Outcry: Chivayo Dismisses US$439 Million Cancer Equipment Contract As Fabrication* Wicknell Chivayo has dismissed growing public outrage over a leaked document alleging that his company, TTM Global Medical Exports (Pty) Ltd, was awarded a US$439 million contract to supply cancer treatment equipment without going through a public tender process. The purported deal, which began circulating online earlier this week, has drawn sharp criticism from the public and opposition figures, including lawyer Fadzayi Mahere and Jealousy Mawarire. In response to the criticism, Chivayo took to his social media platforms on Wednesday, 18 June 2025, to dismiss the claims as false and branded the alleged contract a fabrication. He wrote: I am here in Paris on holiday, please don’t bother me. For a whole group of opposition outfits to team up and make noise about an unsigned FAKE document is embarrassing desperation for political relevance. Please put some respect on my name—when I said I’m on track to be a billionaire by Vision 2030, did you think I meant selling mice? Politics didn’t work out, but at least try to PRETEND to understand the basics of LAW—an unsigned contract is not worth the paper it’s printed on. I thought lawyers argued FACTS backed by concrete EVIDENCE, but here you are, barking instead. You are too desperate for content and have nothing else to do but circulate unfounded and nonsensical misinformation. I will never stop working hard, moving from strength to strength. But if you’re just sitting around waiting for me to fail, please find something else to do that gets you likes. George Charamba, the President’s spokesman, also dismissed the alleged US$439 million cancer treatment equipment contract as fake. Via his Jamwanda2 X page, Charamba took aim at those sharing the leaked document, calling them “fools” and saying that the Office of the President and Cabinet does not handle procurement on behalf of any Ministry. He wrote: THIS IS PLAIN FOLLY!!! HOW IS PROCUREMENT FOR A MINISTRY OR WHOLE GOVT DONE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT AND CABINET??? Are these guys literate? Or even intelligent liars????? Madununu!!!! *Auxillia’s Mnangagwa A No-Show At London Summit...Protesters Celebrate* Zimbabwe’s First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa, was noticeably absent from the First Ladies of Africa Impact and Resilience (FLAIR) summit in London on Tuesday. Mnangagwa’s no-show for the event came as protesters turned up to oppose her appearance over claims of corruption and human rights violations. She had been listed as one of the speakers at the two-day gathering, which is being held at the Royal Leonardo Hotel near Tower Bridge from 17 to 18 June. But rather than flying into the UK, she jetted off to Dubai a couple of days early for another event, the Merck Foundation’s First Ladies Initiative Summit, which runs from 18 to 19 June. According to The Standard newspaper, Labour MP Dawn Butler’s decision to pull out of the London summit sparked a bit of panic among the organisers. They apparently held an emergency meeting and quietly dropped Auxillia from the programme. Presidential spokesperson George Charamba, however, played it down, saying the First Lady opted out of the UK event herself because she had “a full plate” with other commitments. Speaking to ZimLive, Charamba said: You can be invited, but you can also turn down an invite. Protesters gathered outside the hotel holding banners condemning alleged human rights abuses by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government. Earlier, the activists had submitted a petition to 10 Downing Street, calling on the UK government to deny the Zimbabwean First Lady a visa. *Lawyers Question Mai Jeremaya’s Story As Court Hears That She Told Thabo’s Friend To Wear A Condom At The Lodge* The rape trial of social media personality Ashley Msendeke, who is popularly known as Mai Jeremaya, took a dramatic turn yesterday as lawyers representing the two accused men, Thabo Blessing Dube and Martin Charlie, raised concerns about inconsistencies in her testimony. Mai Jeremaya has accused Dube and Charlie of gang raping her at a lodge in Harare on April 30 this year. The trial, presided over by regional magistrate Letwin Rwodzi, resumed with Mai Jeremaya being cross-examined on her evidence-in-chief, which she gave last Friday. Dube and Charlie’s legal representatives, Shepherd Makonde and George Manokore, questioned Mai Jeremaya about discrepancies between her court testimony and the three statements she provided to the police. The defence insinuated that a man named Sam, a key figure in the case whom Mai Jeremaya claimed initially contacted her, was a figment of her imagination. “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 stated that she had concluded that Dube was using the pseudonym ‘Sam’ to lure her. When asked to produce forensic evidence from mobile service providers to support her claim, Mai Jeremaya admitted that she did not have such evidence. Due to time constraints, the matter was adjourned until Friday, when the defence is expected to cross-examine her further on the merits of the case. On Friday, during her evidence-in-chief, Mai Jeremaya testified that she pleaded with Charlie to use a condom just before she was allegedly raped. She painted a graphic picture of the alleged rape and how it has impacted her eight-year relationship. 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, and 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 not to tell anyone about her ordeal due to fear of backlash and embarrassment. - One of her attackers scared her by claiming he had access to classified information and would hunt her down wherever she hid. - She has suffered physically and now relies on medication, some of which has caused adverse reactions, making it difficult for her to sleep. - She now suffers from anxiety and believes the incident has destroyed her relationship, despite pre-existing challenges. The social media star, who waived her right to anonymity typically afforded to victims in sexual abuse cases by publicly discussing the case on social media, also shared details about her personal life. Asked what she does for a living, Mai Jeremaya said she was an actress. “I’m an actress and a musician, I’m a social media influencer.” She added: “I’m not formally married but I’ve been cohabiting with my husband for the past eight years and we have three children.” She recounted the events leading up to the alleged rape, stating: “On the day in question, I was in Westgate where I had visited my family friend with my children and I responded to a WhatsApp message from one Sam.” “It wasn’t the first time he had messaged me, previously he had requested for the price that I would charge for advertising his trucks.” “On April 9, I had received a call from one Dube who had said he was from Elite Driving School and wanted me to shoot an advert for them but he never came to the meeting as I was with my husband.” “When I got into town on the 30th, I contacted Sam, asking for directions to where we would meet, and I had emphasised that I didn’t have money to use to get back home.” “Sam gave me a number to call saying he was busy but his driver would pick me up, I called the number and waited for hours before Charlie came to pick me up.” She told the court that she was under the impression they were going to ‘Sam’s office. “I was then shocked when we got into the ‘office’ to see a bed and the two locked me in the room.” “When I realised that I was about to be raped I started crying and Dube warned me that it would infuriate Charlie.” “Dube left the room and Charlie started taking off his clothes, I demanded that he use condoms.” “Because I was afraid when Charlie started removing his clothes I also removed my dress and left my bra and pulling socks on.” “He started fondling me and I removed the rest of my clothes. He raped me before Dube came and joined in.” Asked by prosecutor Mashingaidze if she was in agreement, Mai Jeremaya said: “I don’t believe I was in agreement but I was acting out of coercion and fear, if I had wanted to engage in sexual activity it would have been with Sam, not these boys.” “Initially, I had decided that I wasn’t going to tell anyone about my ordeal because, besides that I have a public persona, I didn’t want to be embarrassed.” “He had scared me by saying he had access to classified information and he had told me scary stories and he would find me wherever I would be.” “I suffered physically as I had to take medication which I reacted to, I have anxiety, I can’t sleep even though we were having problems with my husband. I think this destroyed my marriage, I have been embarrassed.” Dube and Charlie have vehemently denied the charges, claiming that the encounter was consensual and that Mai Jeremaya initiated the meeting via text message to Charlie. They stated that Mai Jeremaya was picked up by Charlie in Harare CBD, and they proceeded to Eastlea to pick up Dube and his girlfriend. The duo claimed that after dropping off Dube’s girlfriend, Charlie went to buy lunch, leaving Dube and Mai Jeremaya alone in the car. They allege that Mai Jeremaya then revealed she had recently separated from her husband and was desperate for money. According to Dube and Charlie, Mai Jeremaya complimented Charlie’s car and iPhone, describing him as “well-off,” before proposing an hour of consensual sex for US$20. Dube claims he conveyed this message to Charlie, and they agreed to engage in consensual sexual activity at a lodge for the agreed-upon fee. Charlie testified that after arriving at the lodge, Mai Jeremaya allegedly demanded advance payment, which was given. She then voluntarily undressed, engaged in foreplay, including kissing and caressing Charlie, assisted him in wearing a condom, and actively participated during the intercourse. The duo further claimed that after the sexual encounter, Mai Jeremaya demanded US$500, claiming she had given Charlie “extras” by kissing and engaging in foreplay. When Charlie refused, she allegedly reduced the amount to US$300, which he still couldn’t afford. They assert that Mai Jeremaya never expressed any distress or lack of consent. Dube and Charlie further allege that Mai Jeremaya later engaged controversial private investigator Tafadzwa Chidawa, who kidnapped them and their parents, demanding US$500, which they refused to pay. They claim that the rape allegations stemmed from this failed extortion attempt. The trial continues, with the defence set to further cross-examine Mai Jeremaya on Friday. The case has drawn significant public attention due to Mai Jeremaya’s social media presence and the conflicting accounts of the events. *Legends Night Heads to Kadoma – Intotal Band to Light Up Odyssey Poolside* Music fans in Kadoma are in for an unforgettable experience as Odyssey Lodge partners with Jose Sax Simple Impact to bring Legends Night to the city on Sunday, 22 June. The show will feature the phenomenal Intotal Band, who have captivated crowds across Zimbabwe with their energetic and soulful tribute to the country’s musical legends. The event will be held poolside at the luxurious Odyssey Hotel, a venue known for its breathtaking golf course views, five-star accommodation, and top-tier conferencing facilities. To make the night even more exciting, entry is free for ladies, adding a touch of celebration and inclusivity to what promises to be an epic musical evening. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to avoid disappointment. This Kadoma edition follows a sold-out February show at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), where Intotal Band stunned the audience with rich renditions of timeless hits from Oliver Mtukudzi, Leonard Dembo, Thomas Mapfumo, and more. That edition, dubbed Legends Night 4, drew thousands and cemented the band’s position as one of Zimbabwe’s most compelling live acts. In April, the band took the show to Bulawayo for the first time. The concert received rave reviews, with fans praising the band’s authentic sound, emotional storytelling, and nostalgic fashion sense — all wrapped in a deep appreciation for Zimbabwean musical heritage. Now, Kadoma gets its turn. Local fans can expect the same electrifying atmosphere, heartfelt performances, and soul-lifting sounds that have defined this musical series. Odyssey Hotel, which also hosts the Kadoma Music Festival — this year in October is set to feature international artists Busy Signal and Chris Martin — continues to raise the bar for live entertainment in the region. This Sunday’s show promises a family-friendly, high-energy experience under the stars, complete with live band vibes *Nhau/Indaba* *'I May Do It, I May Not': Trump Considers Direct Strikes On Iran* Donald Trump says "I may do it, I may not do it", when asked about whether the US will join Israeli strikes on Iran. • The US president adds: "Nobody knows what I want to do. But I can say this: Iran's got a lot of trouble and wants to negotiate" - the Iranians responded by saying they would not "grovel at the gates of the White House" • Earlier, Iran's supreme leader warned Trump of "irreparable harm" if the US joins Israeli attacks • Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also said Iran would not surrender, following from the US president • Israel says it's still hitting Iranian targets, including the internal security headquarters - while Iran warns people in the Israeli city of Haifa to leave *Thousands Of Starving Palestinians Queueing For Food Were Attacked By Israeli Forces In Northern Gaza* Israeli forces targeted Palestinians gathered at an aid center in the Sudaniya area, established by the US and the Israeli-led Gaza Humanitarian Relief Foundation. Dozens more Palestinians have been killed as Israeli soldiers yet again opened fire on crowds trying to reach the Israeli and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) food distribution centres. Access for aid trucks into Gaza remains severely restricted, forcing large crowds to gather at limited distribution points. Israel’s 621-day genocidal war on Gaza has resulted in the deaths of more than 55,600 people, most of whom are women and children. *Kenyan Police Shoot Bystander At Close Range During Latest Protests* Security forces and hundreds of men armed with whips and clubs clashed with protesters in Kenya, with a police officer’s shooting of an unarmed bystander triggering widespread anger. Tensions were already high in the East African country as it marked a year since massive Gen Z-led protests over the state of the economy, and the latest demonstrations were sparked by the death of a man in police custody earlier this month. In Nairobi’s business district, the epicentre of last year’s demonstrations, small groups of protesters gathered on Tuesday, initially peacefully, to call for an end to police brutality. But they were quickly attacked by hundreds of men on motorbikes, known in Kenya as “goons”, armed with makeshift weapons. As shop owners hastily closed their businesses, police actively protected the armed men and fired tear gas at protesters, who responded by throwing stones and burning at least two of their motorbikes. There was outrage after videos circulated of a police officer shooting a bystander at point-blank range in the head. The man, who had been selling face masks, was still alive despite the severe injury. “We handed him over to Kenyatta National Hospital, and he was taken to the ICU. He was very critical. He was still breathing,” said Vincent Ochieng, a disaster recovery officer for the Kenya Red Cross. While the police did not directly deny any cooperation with the armed “goons”, it said in a statement it “does not condone such unlawful groupings”. It also said the officer who shot the man in the head “using an anti-riot shotgun” had been arrested. Get real-time breaking news alerts and stay up-to-date with the most important headlines from around the globe. The government had been eager to avoid unrest this year, with its latest finance bill avoiding the tax rises that led to weeks of protests in June and July 2024. But people have taken to the streets over the death of 31-year-old teacher Albert Ojwang in police custody earlier this month. Protesters are demanding the resignation of a senior officer they blame for the death. Last year’s protests peaked when thousands stormed Parliament on 25 June, where MPs were debating the unpopular finance bill. Rights groups say at least 60 people were killed during the protests in June and July 2024, and dozens more were illegally detained by security forces in the aftermath. *Premier League fixtures: Arsenal Open At Man United, Both Face Tough Starts* Manchester United will host Arsenal at Old Trafford in a blockbuster fixture on the opening weekend of the 2025/26 Premier League, which officially begins with a Friday-night fixture as champions Liverpool start their title defence at home to AFC Bournemouth. After finishing runners-up the past three seasons, Arsenal will look to go one better this campaign and will start their quest to end a 22-year title drought on Sunday 17 August with a trip to Old Trafford, where they have won only twice in the league in the last 18 years. Arsenal will face a Man Utd team who struggled last season, finishing 15th, but head coach Ruben Amorim has already boosted his squad with the signing of forward Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers. United are also the club with the best record in the Premier League on opening weekends. Arsenal have yet to announce a signing but Mikel Arteta has called the summer window a big one for the club. The Gunners face a tricky start, with all three of their opponents after a Matchweek 2 home match with Leeds United finishing in the top seven last season. *Liverpool start title defence at Anfield* Liverpool’s opening match is against AFC Bournemouth, a team they have an excellent record against. They are unbeaten at home, winning seven of eight matches against the Cherries at Anfield, including a 9-0 victory in August 2022. Like Arsenal, Arne Slot’s team have been handed a tough set of opening fixtures. They travel to Newcastle United in Matchweek 2, host Arsenal the following weekend, then have a home Merseyside derby and travel to Chelsea inside the opening two months of the season. *Burnley test for Frank's Spurs debut* New Tottenham Hotspur head coach, Thomas Frank, will take charge of the club for the first time in the league at home to Burnley, who boasted the meanest defence in the country last season, conceding only 16 goals on their way to an instant return from the Championship. The two other promoted teams from the Championship open their returns to the Premier League at home. Sunderland host West Ham United, while Leeds United will face Everton at what will be a raucous Monday night under the lights at Elland Road. Everton will have to wait until Matchweek 2 for their first Premier League fixture at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium, against Brighton & Hove Albion. *Man City start at revitalised Wolves* After relinquishing a four-year streak of Premier League titles to Liverpool, Pep Guardiola and Manchester City face a tricky opening match, travelling to Wolverhampton Wanderers, whose resurgence since the appointment of Vitor Pereira in December was transformed from relegation candidates to one of the top seven form sides in the league. Elsewhere in Matchweek 1, there are three different head-to-heads between teams who finished in the top 11 last season. Aston Villa host Newcastle in the early fixture on Saturday. These two teams met in Matchweek 1 two seasons ago, when Newcastle won 5-1. Later on Saturday, Brighton host Fulham and Brentford start life after Frank with a trip to Nottingham Forest. The first of 42 London derbies this season will be on Sunday 17 August as Chelsea host FA Cup winners Crystal Palace. The 2025/26 season will consist of 33 weekends and five midweek match rounds, with the final round played on Sunday 24 May 2026, when all matches will kick off simultaneously. 2025/26 Matchweek 1 fixtures (all times BST) Friday 15 August 2025 20:00 Liverpool v AFC Bournemouth Saturday 16 August 12:30 Aston Villa v Newcastle United 15:00 Brighton & Hove Albion v Fulham 15:00 Nottingham Forest v Brentford 15:00 Sunderland v West Ham United 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur v Burnley 17:30 Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester City Sunday 17 August 14:00 Chelsea v Crystal Palace 16:30 Manchester United v Arsenal Monday 18 August 20:00 Leeds United v Everton