*_EVENING NEWS | 5 JUNE 2025_* *1.* Former Zambian President Lungu dies *2.* Prison holding cells Zimbabwe’s correctional facilities overcrowded *3.* Girl makes false rape report after being attacked for searching pockets *4.* Top Bulawayo gospel musician Pastor Barak dies *5.* Zimbabwe not among 7 African countries blacklisted by Trump *6.* Zimbabwe showers rare praises on America *7.* Gold Miner Destroys Railway Line in Mvuma, Arrested by NRZ *8.* Food Lover’s Market Shuts Borrowdale, Avondale Stores *9.* Walter Magaya Acquires Luxurious 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan *10.* Man convicted of stealing from VP Chiwenga’s wife *11.* Econet unveils 5-MW data centre *12.* Graft allegations rock Murehwa Council *13.* Pastor’s Pulpit Shame- Church Leader Caught in Love Triangle *14.* Hyena Attack Leaves Man Fighting for Life *15.* Truck Driver Loses Life in Brutal Robbery Attack *16.* US$75 Million Bridge: Where’s the Money Going? *17.* Harare And Bulawayo Women Top Alcohol Use In Zimbabwe — — — — — — — — — *_TO SUBSCRIBE FOR NEWS UPDATES_* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAiZu0HQbS0w1lUez3v — — — — — — — — — *_NEWS IN DETAIL_* 1. *Former Zambian President Lungu dies* Edgar Lungu (L) Emmerson Mnangagwa (R) Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has died, according to a spokesman for his Tonse Alliance. In April, the Zambian government said Lungu was receiving cancer treatment in SA. Lungu served between January 2015 and August 2021. He was 68 OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM THE PATRIOTIC FRONT ON THE DEMISE OF ZAMBIA’S SIXTH PRESIDENT, DR. EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU Thursday, 5th June 2025 Sixth President of the Republic of Zambia, Dr. Edgar chagwa Lungu has passed on. The former President, who has been receiving specialized treatment in South Africa, died today on Thursday, 5th June 2025 at Mediclinic Medforum Hospital in Pretoria, South Africa. Chawama Member of Parliament and daughter to Dr. Lungu, Hon.Tasila Lungu-Mwansa confirmed the sad development. And lawyer to the family, Hon. Makebi Zulu confirmed the sad development but stated that members of the family were in the process of being informed. President Edgar Lungu served as Zambia’s Sixth Republican President from 26th January 2015 to August 24th , 2021. Details and funeral arrangements will be communicated later. *-Zwnews* 2. *Prison holding cells Zimbabwe’s correctional facilities overcrowded* Prison cells meant to hold 35 inmates are now crammed with more than 80 people at Harare Remand Prison, where broken phone lines have cut off detainees from families and two university students were barred from writing exams while in custody, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission said Wednesday. The commission visited the prison on April 29 to investigate the conditions of detention, particularly for inmates arrested in politically sensitive cases such as journalist Blessed Mhlanga and 94 others held following protests on March 31. “Inmates experienced inhumane living conditions mostly due to overcrowding,” said the commission, led by chairperson Fungayi Jessie Majome. “Prison cells designed for 35 inmates were holding more than 80, leading to unsanitary and degrading living conditions.” The commission added: “Numerous detainees raised allegations of police abuse during their arrests, including physical violence and theft of personal belongings.” The state-run TelOne phone lines at the prison have broken down, leaving many inmates unable to communicate with their families even in emergencies, the report said. The commission also raised concern that Mhlanga, a first-year law student, and a 22-year-old economics student from the University of Zimbabwe were denied the opportunity to sit for their exams. “Some of the inmates reported significant violations of their rights to education and healthcare,” the commission said. “Mhlanga, a first-year law student, and another University of Zimbabwe Economics student were denied the opportunity to sit for their examinations while in custody.” There were also reports of police abuse during arrest, including physical violence and theft, according to the commission. The commission identified 66 irregular migrants of various nationalities who were being held without criminal charges and were not awaiting trial. It said detaining them violated their rights. The ZHRC said it had taken steps to secure redress, including getting assurance from the officer in charge that injured inmates would receive medical help, engaging TelOne to restore phone lines, and contacting the University of Zimbabwe to help the students reschedule their exams. The commission also said it was encouraged by the release on bail of Mhlanga and the other detainees after its visit. “Protecting human rights is paramount,” the commission said. “There is need to address all outstanding issues and to uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals including those in detention.” A full report is available on the ZHRC website. *-Zimlive* 3. *Girl makes false rape report after being attacked for searching pockets* Kadoma teen has been convicted by the Kadoma Magistrates Court for deliberately making a false rape report to police. The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe reports that, the offender made a fake rape report after she was allegedly assaulted by the victim. The court heard that the girl, later confessed to police that she was not raped. *-Zwnews* 4. *Top Bulawayo gospel musician Pastor Barak dies* Well-known Bulawayo-based gospel artist Pastor Barak, has died. Pastor Barak whose real name is Siphethangani Sibanda, died yesterday. The cause of his death is yet to be established. He rose to fame with hits such as “Wavuma,” “Bayashada,” and “Qina,” which anchored local gospel charts. Mourners are gathered at number 91 Percy Avenue, Hillside, Bulawayo. *-Zwnews* 5. *Zimbabwe not among 7 African countries blacklisted by Trump* U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a sweeping travel ban on citizens from seven African countries, citing threats linked to terrorism, inadequate identity verification, and high levels of visa overstays. The ban, which takes effect on June 9, includes Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan – part of a wider list of 12 countries now facing stringent U.S. entry restrictions. Zimbabwe survived a black from the Trump administration that could have impacted it’s citizens. According to a March 2025 report, Zimbabwe fell under the “yellow” list, which includes 22 countries given a 60-day window to address concerns related to security practices, data sharing, and passport issuance. If these concerns are not resolved, Zimbabwe and others on this list risk facing stricter travel measures or even complete bans. According to a presidential proclamation issued by the White House, the affected countries have failed to meet U.S. security benchmarks related to immigration control, counterterrorism cooperation, and information sharing. While Libya and Somalia were singled out for harboring terrorist threats, countries like Equatorial Guinea and the Republic of Congo were cited for chronic visa overstays. Speaking in a video posted to his Truth Social platform, Trump emphasized that the decision followed a comprehensive risk assessment led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “We found the large-scale presence of terrorists, failure to cooperate on visa security, inability to verify travellers’ identities, inadequate record keeping of criminal histories, and persistently high rates of illegal visa overstays and other things,” Trump said. “The recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, has underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country by foreign nationals who are not properly vetted.” Trump added that the strength and scope of the restrictions would vary depending on the specific risk posed by each country and could be revised should “material improvements be made.” In addition to the full travel ban, three other African countries—Burundi, Sierra Leone, and Togo—will face partial restrictions. The specifics of those limitations were not immediately disclosed, but they are expected to focus on temporary visas and certain categories of travelers. Somalia, one of the countries facing a full ban, responded diplomatically. Its ambassador to the U.S., Dahir Hassan Abdi, said in a statement that Mogadishu remains committed to addressing Washington’s concerns. “Somalia values its longstanding relationship with the United States and stands ready to engage in dialogue to address the concerns raised,” Abdi said. The new restrictions expand on Trump’s controversial travel bans from his first term, which targeted several Muslim-majority countries, many of them African. Trump defended the earlier bans, claiming they were “one of our most successful policies” that prevented terror attacks on U.S. soil. The latest move, however, threatens to deepen tensions between Washington and African capitals. In April, Trump introduced a sweeping tariff regime under his “Liberation Day” economic reforms, targeting dozens of African nations. Countries like Lesotho, Madagascar, and Mauritius faced punitive tariffs of up to 50% on goods exported to the U.S., though those rates have since been temporarily reduced to a 10% universal tariff pending further negotiations. Bilateral relations have also been strained by Trump’s May Oval Office meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, during which Trump reportedly repeated discredited claims about a “white genocide” in South Africa—drawing backlash from Pretoria and other African leaders. With the travel bans now added to the mix, diplomatic analysts warn that Trump’s second-term policies may further isolate the U.S. from African allies and risk damaging long-standing economic and security partnerships across the continent. *-Bulawayo24* 6. *Zimbabwe showers rare praises on America* Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs Minister Amon Murwira has extended rare and glowing praise to the United States of America, acknowledging its significant humanitarian and investment contributions throughout Zimbabwe’s 45 years of independence. Speaking as guest of honour during early U.S. Independence Day celebrations hosted by the American Embassy in Harare, Murwira lauded Washington’s enduring role in advancing Zimbabwe’s health, agriculture, and education sectors. He highlighted the U.S.’s contributions as essential to the nation’s development, even amid historically strained diplomatic ties. “We wish to express the gratitude of the government and people of Zimbabwe for the USA’s support over the past 45 years,” Murwira said. “We are grateful for this support, which has contributed to the progress and development of Zimbabwe.” Murwira reaffirmed Harare’s “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” mantra, stating the country was eager to rekindle robust ties with the U.S. and welcomed American investors to explore opportunities within Zimbabwe’s economy. “Zimbabwe is open to fair cooperation… particularly with America,” said Murwira. “We invite all potential U.S. investors to come and invest in Zimbabwe.” The minister’s conciliatory tone comes as part of renewed efforts by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government to re-engage the West, especially following years of icy relations stemming from human rights abuses and economic sanctions imposed in the early 2000s during Robert Mugabe’s rule. Relations soured following documented cases of political repression, land seizures, and attacks on opposition members and journalists. Though U.S. sanctions remain in place, American aid has continued to flow. Over the past year, over a million Zimbabweans have received food aid, more than 47,000 farmers have accessed U.S. export markets, and over 500,000 people have benefited from antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Murwira also applauded the U.S. Embassy’s participation in the 2025 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) and commended American businesses that have established operations in the country. “We would like to assure all foreign companies in Zimbabwe that the Zimbabwean government is willing to assist them to expand their operations,” he said. However, political analysts remain cautious, noting that genuine progress in relations will depend on Zimbabwe’s ability to address long-standing governance issues, including arbitrary arrests, press freedom violations, and corruption within state institutions. The gesture comes barely a month after President Mnangagwa lifted all tariffs on goods imported from the U.S., a move widely seen as an olive branch toward recently re-elected U.S. President Donald Trump. U.S. Ambassador Pamela Tremont, who is overseeing a period of transition at the embassy with the redeployment of several staff, noted that America will be marking 249 years of independence on July 4, with celebrations already underway in Harare. Observers view Murwira’s remarks as a calculated diplomatic step towards normalizing ties with the West, but acknowledge that lasting change will require sustained political reform from Harare. *-Bulawayo24* 7. *Gold Miner Destroys Railway Line in Mvuma, Arrested by NRZ* A gold panner has been arrested after digging directly beneath an active railway line in Mvuma, causing significant structural damage to the track, the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has confirmed. In a statement issued via its official social media platform, the NRZ said the suspect was apprehended by its loss control personnel on Sunday. The damage was discovered during routine inspections, with images showing a large trench excavated underneath the railway line — a serious threat to rail operations and public safety. “An artisanal gold miner was arrested by NRZ loss control personnel on Sunday while digging for gold under the railway tracks in Mvuma. As can be seen from the picture, the miner caused extensive damage to the ground under the tracks,” the NRZ An artisanal gold miner was arrested by NRZ loss control personnel on Sunday while digging for gold under the railway tracks in Mvuma. As can be seen from the picture, the miner caused extensive damage to the ground under the tracks. The NRZ has since warned the public not to carry out mining within the railway reserve — an area that extends 45 metres on either side of railway lines — noting that such activities are illegal. “It is an offence under the Railways Act to prospect for minerals within the railway reserve and is punishable by up to 10 years in jail,” the statement added. Reacting to the incident, Donald Nyarota, Communications and Advocacy Officer at the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG), said the damage is not merely an isolated act of illegality, but a symptom of a broader failure in mineral governance. “This incident reflects a deeper crisis — communities are destroying national infrastructure out of desperation, while mining companies extract billions without developing the areas they operate in,” Nyarota said. “This incident should be a wake-up call — not just about the risks of illegal mining, but about the deeper failures of mineral governance that continue to drive an extractivist agenda that is capital driven. As we condemn illegal mining in protected areas such as railway reserves, this incident must also compel the government, mining authorities, and private companies to confront the root causes of such acts. Communities are increasingly resorting to desperate and unsafe mining practices due to exclusion from formal mining benefits, widespread poverty, and the lack of development in mineral-rich areas.” Authorities have not yet disclosed the identity of the arrested miner. The NRZ says an engineering team has been dispatched to assess and repair the damage before any trains resume service on the affected line. The time has come for African govts to pass a law imposing mandatory rail construction development on every mining claim, and mandatory diploma training certificate in smelting from raw to finished products. In such a move every mining claim holder must construct at least 5km of railway from their mine to the nearest community centre. This is a developing story. *-ZimEye* 8. *Food Lover’s Market Shuts Borrowdale, Avondale Stores* Food Lover’s Market has announced the closure of its Borrowdale and Avondale outlets in Harare, citing operational challenges linked to the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency, which continues to strain the formal retail sector.OK Zimbabwe stores The two premium branches—acquired by OK Zimbabwe in 2023 along with the now-defunct Bulawayo store—will officially cease trading in June 2025. The Food Lover’s Market outlet in Greendale will remain open under a separate franchise arrangement. The closures were confirmed by the company via social media posts on Tuesday: “Your local favourite daily fresh stop is saying goodbye. We want to let you know that Food Lover’s Market Borrowdale will be closing shop on June 8, 2025. Until then, look out for daily, wonderful specials in-store as our thanks to you for your generous support.” “To our beloved Avondale community, a heartfelt thank you for your loyalty over the years. Food Lover’s Market Avondale will be wrapping up trading on June 22, 2025. As we prepare to finalise trading, as a mark of our gratitude, we have daily exciting specials in-store for you, designed to serve you fresh value.”OK Zimbabwe stores Formal Retail Under Siege The closures mark the latest blow to Zimbabwe’s formal retail sector, which is struggling to remain viable under a hostile economic climate worsened by the mandatory use of ZiG. Although Zimbabwe officially operates a multi-currency system, the government requires retailers to accept ZiG at a fixed exchange rate alongside the US dollar. However, the official rate often diverges widely from the black-market rate, resulting in significant losses for formal businesses. OK Zimbabwe has shut down several of its outlets in recent months, including stores in Harare’s low-density suburbs and central business district. The financial strain recently forced the company to recall its retired general manager in a desperate attempt to stabilise operations and manage growing losses. Widespread Retail Closures OK Zimbabwe is not alone in facing mounting pressure. N. Richards Group—formerly one of the country’s largest wholesalers and retailers—has also closed multiple outlets nationwide, particularly in small towns and farming communities, due to rising operational costs and falling profit margins. Other major players such as Spar and Pick n Pay have scaled back operations significantly, while Botswana-owned Choppies completely exited the Zimbabwean market in 2023, citing an unsustainable business environment.OK Zimbabwe stores Informal Traders Fill the Gap As formal supermarkets collapse, the informal retail sector has rapidly expanded. Small-scale vendors, street traders, and tuckshop operators now dominate much of the consumer landscape. These traders deal mostly in US dollars, avoid fixed pricing laws, and operate with lower overheads—giving them a major competitive edge over formal outlets. Their resilience, coupled with the ability to source goods through informal networks, has allowed them to undercut established retailers and absorb a growing share of the market. Bleak Outlook Industry observers warn that unless there is a significant shift in monetary and economic policy, particularly around currency regulation and exchange rates, the formal retail sector will continue to shrink. *-ZimEye* 9. *Walter Magaya Acquires Luxurious 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan* HARARE — Prominent Zimbabwean prophet and business figure Walter Magaya has reportedly added a 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan to his collection of luxury vehicles. The Cullinan, known as one of the most prestigious and expensive SUVs globally, symbolizes status and opulence, reflecting Magaya’s continued prominence in Zimbabwe’s social and economic circles. The 2025 model of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is celebrated for its exquisite craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and powerful performance. It combines luxury with off-road capability, making it a popular choice among high-profile individuals worldwide. Walter Magaya’s acquisition has sparked conversation on social media and in local communities, highlighting his success and influence. Known for his religious leadership and entrepreneurial ventures, Magaya’s lifestyle often attracts public attention. While some admire his achievements, others have debated the display of such wealth in a country facing economic challenges. Nonetheless, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan remains a clear indicator of Magaya’s financial standing and personal brand. This latest addition to his fleet underscores how luxury vehicles continue to serve as symbols of status among Zimbabwe’s elite. *-Zimbabwe Mail* 10. *Man convicted of stealing from VP Chiwenga’s wife* HARARE provincial magistrate Ms Ethel Chichera has convicted a man who stole cellphones worth over US$ 15 000 from a shop that is owned by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s wife, Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi Chiwenga. Succeed Mukaro pleaded guilty to unlawful entry charges and was remanded in custody until tomorrow for sentencing. Prosecutor Ms Polite Chikiwa said on May 31st at around 1500hrs, Ossie Shone, the supervisor of the shop that is in Borrowdale, Harare, knocked off and secured the property by closing all windows and locking the door. He took the keys with him. On the same day at around 1910 hours, Mukaro proceeded to the complainant’s shop and broke the front glass wall to gain entry. He stole phones worth US$15 915 and went away. On June 3, detectives received information that some cellphones that were suspected to have been stolen were being sold in Harare’s central business district. Detectives located Blessed Luciano, a cellphone dealer. They managed to recover some phones from him. It was established that the cellphones were part of complainant’s stolen property. They interviewed Luciano and he indicated that he had bought the cellphones from one Isaac Craig Chaza. On the same day, detectives posed as potential buyers and lured Chaza. He came in the company of Strive Makangira, and the detectives also recovered some phones from him. The detectives interviewed Chaza about the source of the cellphones and he indicated that Mukaro had given him to sell them on his behalf. Chaza and Makangira led detectives to Joina City Mall, where Mukaro was arrested. They also recovered some phones from him. More phones were recovered at his place of residence in Domboshava. *-Herald* 11. *Econet unveils 5-MW data centre* ECONET Wireless Zimbabwe is set to begin onboarding corporate clients to its new 5-MW data centre in Harare by the end of this month, a facility designed to boost the nation’s digital infrastructure. The facility was designed and built with the assistance of Africa Data Centres (ADC), the largest operator of data centres in Africa and a sister company of Econet. Econet Wireless Zimbabwe group CEO Dr Douglas Mboweni said the Econet Data Centre (EDC) – which is owned by Econet Wireless Zimbabwe – will enable clients to host their computer and IT activities in the facility, which has 100 percent power availability. “They will have access to a host of services, including cloud storage, cybersecurity and AI from the world’s leading technology vendors, such as Google, Microsoft and Palo Alto Networks, all partners of Cassava Technologies. “We eventually plan to expand the data centre to a 10 MW facility because of the expected demands from AI,” Dr Mboweni said. Dr Mboweni said one of the key reasons for companies choosing to use the facility was the 100 percent availability of power. “It is hard for a company to have proper computer capability if there is frequent load shedding. This facility has multiple layers of power availability to the highest specifications. So, companies don’t need to have ‘on-premise servers’. They simply bring their servers to us, and we do the rest. “We also allow our clients’ own computer and IT support people to look after their systems without any interference,” Dr Mboweni said. A data centre is a secure physical location that houses powerful networked computing infrastructure that stores, processes and distributes large amounts of data that can be remotely accessed by client users. Africa Data Centres (ADC), Econet’s sister company, already runs multiple data centres across the continent in several African cities, including Johannesburg, Lagos and Nairobi. *-Herald* 12. *Graft allegations rock Murehwa Council* MUREHWA Rural District Council (RDC) has been dragged before the courts on allegations of illegal land allocation, amid claims of corruption involving senior officials at the local authority. The case will be heard tomorrow at the Murehwa Magistrate’s Court. A local company, MurovRay Logistics alleges that the council breached land allocation regulations by allowing another developer to build on a portion of land originally designated for road construction at Nyamutumbu Business Centre. The company had bought the stand to develop a sports club for youths but claims the council unlawfully permitted a competing structure to be erected directly in front of their property, blocking access and violating zoning laws. When approached for comment via the phone, Murehwa RDC chief executive Mr Aloius Gurajena immediately hung up, when the allegations were put to him. In its allegations, MurovRay Logistics, argues that the council ignored urban planning bylaws, approving constructions that contravene standard setback regulations. The disputed stand is situated on a corner, a few metres from the main road, where no obstructive structures should be permitted. *-Herald* 13. *Pastor’s Pulpit Shame- Church Leader Caught in Love Triangle* A shocking scandal has rocked the Grace Life Embassy church in Harare’s CBD after Apostle Trust Zvikomborero Chakona was humiliated in his own pulpit for impregnating a university student. The dramatic confrontation unfolded during a church service, leaving the congregation in stunned silence. Relatives of the university student, Jean, stormed the church, attacking Apostle Chakona and tearing his clothes. The incident has sparked a heated debate about the church leader’s moral character and his alleged abuse of power. According to Jean, Apostle Chakona ordered her to abort the pregnancy, but she refused. He then allegedly blocked her contacts and denied responsibility for the pregnancy. Jean’s relatives took matters into their own hands, seeking justice for their daughter. Apostle Chakona confirmed his adulterous relationship with Jean, claiming she seduced him. However, his explanation has done little to mitigate the damage to his reputation. The church leader is now facing backlash from the community, with many questioning his integrity. The scandal has left Apostle Chakona’s congregation reeling. The church leader’s actions have sparked a wider conversation about the accountability of spiritual leaders and the need for transparency in their personal lives. As the fallout continues, one thing is clear: Apostle Chakona’s reputation will never be the same. *-NewsReportZim* 14. *Hyena Attack Leaves Man Fighting for Life* A terrifying encounter between a man and a hyena has left the community in shock. Wiseman Ngozo, a resident of Mabaleni area in Hwange, was attacked by the hyena last Thursday while walking home. The incident has raised concerns about human-wildlife conflict in the area. Ngozo, who is currently admitted to St Patrick’s Hospital, sustained serious injuries, including a fractured hand and a wound on the face. His wife, Gloria Shoko, said he was bleeding profusely when he was taken to the hospital and is still recovering. Shoko lamented the increasing number of wild animals, including lions, that have been roaming around their community in search of food and water. “Wild animals are a serious problem here,” she said. “Even lions roam around our community, killing our goats.” Tinashe Farawo, spokesperson for Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), confirmed receiving the report. He attributed the problem to overpopulation of wildlife, resulting in them spilling into communities. Farawo urged people to minimize walking at night to avoid attacks. According to ZimParks, 18 people were killed by wild animals in the first quarter of 2025, with 32 more injured. The authority recorded 53 cattle and 85 goats killed in the same period. This is a concerning trend that highlights the need for effective measures to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. As the community demands action, ZimParks is working to address the issue. The authority’s efforts to reduce human-wildlife conflict are crucial in saving lives and protecting both humans and animals. The community is eagerly awaiting the outcome of ZimParks’ efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. Will the authority’s initiatives be enough to prevent future attacks, or will the community continue to live in fear of wild animals? *-NewsReportZim* 15. *Truck Driver Loses Life in Brutal Robbery Attack* A tragic incident has shaken the transport industry after a truck driver succumbed to severe injuries sustained in a violent robbery attack along the Masvingo-Chibi turnoff detour. The attack, which occurred last week, left the driver in critical condition, and despite efforts to save him, he sadly passed away on Tuesday night. The detour, notorious for its poor lighting and ongoing roadworks, has become a hotspot for violent robberies targeting truck drivers. This latest incident adds to the growing number of attacks on drivers using the Beitbridge-Masvingo-Harare corridor. The transport industry is calling for increased security measures to protect drivers from these violent attacks. The frequency and brutality of these incidents have raised concerns about the safety of truck drivers and the need for urgent action to address the situation. The driver’s death serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those on the roads. As investigations continue, the industry mourns the loss of a life cut short by senseless violence. *-NewsReportZim* 16. *US$75 Million Bridge: Where’s the Money Going?* The proposed US$75 million bridge project across Runde River at Chilonga has raised eyebrows, given the history of bridge construction projects in Zimbabwe. Past projects have been marred by controversy, with large budgets yielding subpar results. A bridge in Lupane, for instance, sparked outrage over its US$950,000 cost. Meanwhile, other bridge projects globally have had varying costs, such as the Tonto Basin bridge project in Arizona, valued at US$23 million. The question remains: will the Chilonga Bridge project justify its hefty price tag? What specific features or technologies will be included in the bridge to warrant such a high cost? Given Zimbabwe’s history of bridge construction, it’s essential to scrutinize the US$75 million budget for the Chilonga Bridge project. Will this amount be used efficiently, or will it be another case of mismanagement? What percentage of the budget will go towards construction, and what percentage will be allocated for consulting fees, contingencies, and other expenses? As the government considers mobilizing funds for the project, the public demands answers. Where will the US$75 million go? Will it be used for the bridge’s construction, or will it be siphoned off into other pockets? What measures will be put in place to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds? How will the government address potential corruption and ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget? The Beitbridge-Harare Road project, with a preliminary budget of US$2.7 billion, raises further questions about the management of large infrastructure projects in Zimbabwe. Can the authorities ensure that the Chilonga Bridge project will be executed with transparency and efficiency? What lessons can be learned from past projects, and how will they be applied to the Chilonga Bridge project? The people of Chikombedzi and Chiredzi Town deserve transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. Will the government provide regular updates on the project’s progress and finances? How will the project’s success be measured, and what criteria will be used to evaluate its impact on the local community? *-NewsReportZim* 17. *Harare And Bulawayo Women Top Alcohol Use In Zimbabwe* Women in Harare and Bulawayo drink more alcohol than women in any other province in Zimbabwe, according to the 2023–2024 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS). The report shows that 12% of women in Harare and 9% in Bulawayo consumed alcohol in the month before the survey, the highest rates in the country. Matabeleland North recorded the lowest, at 4%. Urban women were more likely to drink than rural women, with 10% of urban women reporting alcohol use compared to 4% in rural areas. Among women who drank, 32% had six or more drinks on drinking days, suggesting binge drinking, while 26% had just one drink. The rest typically had two to four drinks. On average, female drinkers consumed 3.4 drinks per drinking day. Overall, 6% of women reported drinking in the previous month, compared to 35% of men. The intensity of drinking among some women, especially in Harare and Bulawayo, may pose health risks. The data comes from ZDHS findings published by ZIMSTAT, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care. *-Health Times*