Portugal wins the 2025 UEFA Nations League after beating Spain 5-4 on penalties. Follow our WhatsApp channel *_MORNING NEWS | 9 JUNE 2025_* Follow the Chaminukanews24.com channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAiZu0HQbS0w1lUez3v — — — — — — — — — — — — *1.* US$90,000 per day – ‘Mnangagwa family behind ‘outrageous’ looting of public funds via Geo Pomona in Harare’ *2.* Bed bugs crawl into Bulawayo *3.* ZiG introduction marked slide towards shrinkage, economic collapse – ex-Finance Minister *4.* Teacher to student radio concerns opposition MP *5.* Borrowdale Road – The Grim Reaper feasting on socialites *6.* Celebration as Chinese Shamva-based gold miner pays US$1,200 in fees for underprivileged learners *7.* Police brutality – Pregnant woman mourns husband while staring at shattered hopes, daunting motherhood *8.* SME Act review aims to address challenges and foster growth *9.* Dynamos star who was replaced by Pokello’s son struggling emotionally, teammate addresses injury claims *10.* Cricket captain Sikandar Raza reports Zimbabwean coach for racist abuse *11.* ZRP officer on the run after flogging suspect to death; victim's burial hangs in the balance *12.* Rogue Zebra Kiss bus crew abducts woman, bashes her with planks at garage *_FULL ARTICLES BELOW_* 1. *US$90,000 PER DAY – ‘MNANGAGWA FAMILY BEHIND ‘OUTRAGEOUS’ LOOTING OF PUBLIC FUNDS VIA GEO POMONA IN HARARE’* This is one of the most shameful and sinister corruption scandals in Zimbabwe by a president in our country’s history. It was masterminded by a man who is not only notoriously corrupt, but also dangerously destructive in his obsessive pursuit of illicit wealth. His billion-dollar empire, built on looted public funds, continues to grow while millions of ordinary Zimbabweans suffer and die in penury without even painkillers in sight. At the centre of this outrageous scandal is Mnangagwa’s family company, Geo Pomona Waste Management, a front for siphoning off public money from the devolution fund meant for local councils. Though Delish Nguwaya is paraded as the face of Geo Pomona, the real beneficiaries are the Mnangagwa family. Emmerson Mnangagwa continues to use state resources to push this company to loot state coffers, today (05 June 2025) he is at Geo Pomona Waste to gloss over the new corrupt pathways this company it taking to loot public funds across Zimbabwe. The City of Harare entered into a deeply corrupt 30-year deal with Geogenix BV, agreeing to pay US$40 per tonne of waste delivered to the Pomona facility run by a local subsidiary called Geo Pomona Waste. This translates to a minimum of US$14.6 million annually, or US$41,000 per day. These are guaranteed payments, even if no waste is delivered. In 2022, the city was paying at least US$22,000 a day. After the rigged 2023 elections, the deal was revised, as reported by DugUp, doubling the daily payment to US$90,000. All of this public money flows into the Mnangagwa family’s pockets. This agreement is not just corrupt, it is financially suicidal for Harare residents. It was crafted to bleed Harare dry, stripping it of assets and land if the deal collapses due to failed payments — and, most critically, devolution funds meant to empower local governance. I asked the Mayor of Harare, Jacob Mafume, on Tuesday and Wednesday to comment on this corrupt deal, but he said he was not ready to do so. Councillors who resisted the deal were recalled, first through the Douglas Mwonzora opposition capture project before the 2023 elections, and later via the Sengezo Tshabangu plot which orchestrated and masterminded by Jonathan Moyo, taking over the official opposition and making it a Zanu PF surrogate. Some councillors were slapped with fake criminal charges and jailed briefly, just long enough to push the deal through ahead of the elections. The day it went to a council vote, Mnangagwa’s son, Sean, was at Harare City Council Town House to ensure it went through. The deal was forced through by Mnangagwa’s enforcer, former Local Government Minister July Moyo, who directed the city to proceed without tenders or consultations. It was later endorsed by Harare mayor Jacob Mafume and Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe, one of Mnangagwa’s chief campaigners for 2030. As with most Mnangagwa linked contracts, this deal bypassed all legal procurement channels. It was pushed through during a period when unelected Zanu PF aligned councillors controlled the city, thanks to a dubious court ruling by Mnangagwa’s captured judiciary, led by the corrupt and shameless Chief Justice, Luke Malaba. Going to court is futile. The judiciary has been captured, it has been stacked with loyalists, many of them underqualified. What is needed now is mass civic action by the residents of Harare and a public demand backed by action on the streets (because the law allows that) to recall all the councillors paid bribes to push this corrupt deal through. July Moyo also secured cabinet approval for central government to misuse devolution funds to service this criminal contract. This not only misallocates resources, but fatally undermines local government autonomy. The devolution funds that are being looted to fund this deal are constitutionally mandated financial public money transfers from the central government to local authorities, aimed at promoting equitable development across provinces and districts. These funds are intended for capital projects that address local infrastructure and service delivery needs, such as building schools, clinics, roads, and water systems. Using devolution funds intended for local development projects to finance a centrally negotiated contract undermines the very purpose of devolution. Furthermore as I said before, the contract was awarded without an open tender process. After getting away with it in Harare using corrupt councillors and backed by a captured judiciary — which is in Mnangagwa’s pocket after receiving bribes disguised as fake housing loans, and by packing the bench with his unqualified cronies — Mnangagwa is now rolling out the same corrupt project across the entire country, siphoning devolution funds from Mashonaland to Matabeleland, from Masvingo to the Midlands, and across to Manicaland. It is a corrupt scandal that demands immediate action. It must be stopped now, or the Mnangagwa family will end up owning most city council properties and land if the government becomes financially crippled deliberately and fails to service this outrageous and corrupt deal. Geogenix BV, formerly Integrated Energy BV, has a tainted record in Europe. It was embroiled in corruption scandals in Albania and accused of hiding its real ownership, as it is doing in Zimbabwe. Unfortunately for Zimbabwe, there is no judiciary to turn to in order to stop this dirty, stinking deal. These stolen funds are what Mnangagwa is using to finance his 2030 presidential term limit extension. Now, Geo Pomona is preparing to roll out this criminal model across Zimbabwe’s cities and towns after realising that there was no resistance in Harare, it means millions of taxpayers money will be looted openly with fanfare. Many councillors have told me that their silence is not because they agree, but because they are trapped. Their political survival depends on Tshabangu, who has promised to illegally extend their terms by two or three years as part of Mnangagwa’s desperate push to remain in power until 2030 violating the constitution. This is not just a scandal. It is state capture in broad daylight, looting on an industrial scale, sadly there is no opposition to push back, they have been bought. Emmerson Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe’s corrupt dictator, uses state security forces to crush dissent. Journalists and whistleblowers who expose his looting are jailed without trial on fabricated charges, while fake news websites are paid to smear them with lies and disinformation. Parliament has been captured, the judiciary has been captured too, the police are just watching — and captured too. There is no opposition. The only option left is for residents to oppose this corrupt and industrial-scale looting in the streets! This corrupt scandal was authored by the Mnangagwa’s, and they are using Belarus to procure equipment, which will be paid for at inflated prices using devolution funds. Everywhere you look, they are looting public funds. It is tragic, but it is the reality. With all these millions being looted, Harare is still infested with huge disgusting piles of rubbish everywhere you look. *_-Nehanda Radio_* 2. *BED BUGS CRAWL INTO BULAWAYO* The bloodsuckers have landed in Bulawayo and residents of Mpopoma’s Ward Nine are scratching, spraying and suffering as bed bugs turn their lives into a crawling, itching nightmare. After months of laughing at Harare’s viral memes of people battling bed bug infestations, reality has struck Bulawayo, hard. The biting beasts are now sinking their fangs into residents of Block 46 and the flats behind Patapata Beer Garden, leaving a trail of itchy bodies, sleepless nights and rising frustration. When our Bulawayo Bureau visited the area, a woman from Block 46, with face, neck and hands covered in angry red welts, was scratching furiously as she relived her agony. “These bugs have turned our lives into a nightmare,” she said. “We haven’t had a peaceful night in weeks. They bite my kids too. We’ve tried everything. Nothing works.” The bites are bad. The embarrassment is worse. Some residents say the shame is keeping them silent. “It’s hard to talk about,” said Miss Siphiwe Moyo, another victim. “People will laugh at you. But we are suffering. We are tired. We can’t sleep at all. These bugs are winning.” Residents claim they have alerted the Bulawayo City Council, only to be told to pay US$47 per household for fumigation. Many can’t afford it. “That amount is simply out of reach for most of our elderly residents,” said Ward 9 Residents’ Chairperson Mr Stanslous Dube. “The infestation is real. Block 46 and the flats near Patapata are the worst-hit. People are begging for help.” Ward Secretary for Environment Mr Dumisani Moyo added, “This problem is spreading, and many are too ashamed to report it. We’re pleading with the government for intervention.” Ward Councillor Donaldson Mabutho promised to visit the affected areas. But Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart had no comment, saying he hadn’t received an official report yet. What started in Harare has now spread its itchy grip to Bulawayo. In Harare, entire suburbs have been battling the bugs since early this year. Now, experts warn that if left unchecked, Mpopoma’s outbreak could explode across the city. The Ministry of Health and Child Care, together with local councils and pest control firms, have launched fumigation campaigns across schools and hospitals in the country, with mixed results. “Many people are boiling water, using paraffin, or experimenting with homemade remedies,” said a health source. “But bed bugs are tough. They hide in furniture, clothing, luggage, and they’re spreading fast.” Warm temperatures make things worse, so residents are relatively better-off in the cold winter. Heat speeds up their breeding, and Zimbabwe’s dry season gives them the perfect environment to multiply and invade new homes. This is not just a Zimbabwean disaster. Bed bugs are a global menace. Paris was in panic during the 2023 Fashion Week, as hotels and trains were crawling with the bugs. New York, Chicago, London, Johannesburg, Mumbai and Sydney have all reported major outbreaks in homes, cinemas, hospitals and transport systems. Once they strike, bed bugs are almost impossible to eliminate without professional fumigation, and even then, reinfestation is common if communities don’t act together. Health experts are calling for a national emergency response, warning that the pests are more than just a nuisance. They cause mental stress, insomnia, and long-term skin problems. More worryingly, their presence highlights gaps in urban sanitation. As for Mpopoma’s residents, the memes have stopped being funny. The bugs are here. They’re not going away. Until someone acts. *_-Herald_* 3. *ZIG INTRODUCTION MARKED SLIDE TOWARDS SHRINKAGE, ECONOMIC COLLAPSE – EX-FINANCE MINISTER* Former Minister of Finance and Investment Promotion Tendai Biti says the introduction of the local currency Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) marked a slide towards economic collapse and shrinkage. He says the ZiG induced depression and has seen companies close or exit and a massive devaluation of social services. Posting on his X handle, Biti who served as Finance Minister during the Government of National Unity said the formal retail sector is reeling under the weight of exchange rate volatility, excess taxes, over regulation as well as competition from the informal sector. “The introduction of the ZIG in April 2024 marked a significant slide towards collapse deceleration & shrinkage. “The ZiG induced depression has seen companies close or exit & a massive devaluation of social services. “The formal retail sector is reeling under the weight of exchange rate volatility, excess taxes, over regulation & competition from the informal sector. Real sectors of the economy have been affected by a crippling power crises with ZESA unable to provide sufficient output to protect production & jobs,” he said. Biti pointed out that besides power outages, corruption is a major head wind that has devalued the Zimbabwe’s economy. “Public procurement, fuel, commodities & Treasury disbursements have become major centers of looting. “Beyond corruption sits microeconomic disequilibrium created by total mismanagent of exchange rate. “De-dollarization is a failed ritual with 80% of all transactions done in US$. “The ZiG $ is a myth, a lie, imposed to guarantee extraction through exchange manipulation & fraud,” he said. *_-ZwNews_* 4. *TEACHER TO STUDENT RADIO CONCERNS OPPOSITION MP* Opposition Mkoba South legislator John Kuka has expressed concern at the pupil-teacher ratio that has seen schools introducing hot-sitting to cater for more children at learning institutions. Speaking at Budiriro B Independent School in Gweru, where he donated two tonnes of cement towards the construction of a classroom block during the weekend, Kuka said schools should prioritise learning facilities for the betterment of education in the country. Most schools in urban centres across Zimbabwe have been forced to introduce hot-sitting because of a serious shortage of classrooms across the country. “When I learnt that Budiriro B college was in the process of constructing more blocks, I said to myself I should donate towards this worthy cause. We see most schools engaging in hot-sitting because of inadequate learning facilities and the teacher-pupil ratio. So we are saying there should be more classroom blocks so that our children can have better education facilities,” he said. The Mkoba South legislator also donated African traditional kits to the school to enhance the school's heritage studies. “I was disheartened when I was called to this school at a prize-giving ceremony and children were using buckets instead of traditional drums. So I just decided to donate a full traditional kit to the school. Children need to learn more about our tradition and they need these kits,” Kuka said. Budiriro B college director, Alson Vutabwashe, commended Kuka for the cement and traditional kit donation, adding that it would go a long way in improving the education of children. “We would like to thank the legislator for the kind donation as it has advanced our endeavours in educating our children,” he said. The school development committee chairperson, Happison Jera, said schools should focus on providing the best facilities to children. “The parents and guardians of children should forge a strong alliance with schools to enhance the education of our children,” he said. *_-Newsday_* 5. *BORROWDALE ROAD – THE GRIM REAPER FEASTING ON SOCIALITES* Driving along Borrowdale Road in Harare must be quite an experience. It is the road used by the who-is-who of our society whose driving cannot be equalled to what we see along roads leading to the ghettos From Harare, it starts at the intersection of Nelson Mandela and Seventh Street, stretching to Josiah Tongogara Avenue, feeding into Chancellor Drive then Borrowdale Road, which later becomes Domboshava Road as one heads towards Hatcliffe. From the city centre, it passes through Gunhill to the right and Alexandra Park to the left, then Ballantyne Park to the right, Sam Levy’s Village and Village Walk, then Vainona to the left, then Borrowdale, crosses Harare Drive and heads for Helensvale and then Philadelphia before licking a bit of Hogerty Hill as it turns into Domboshava Road. In the ghetto, it is common to see drivers going against traffic, or witness motorists shouting on top of their voices. Road rage is common sight, so are motorists using tree branches as substitutes for red reflective triangles when their vehicles break down. More often, in the ghetto, the breakdowns will be as a result of fuel having run out. But along Borrowdale Road, you come across posh cars, the latest of models one can find around the world, symbols of wealth. And obviously one motorist cannot be reckless along a road used by Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, several securocrats, ministers, their deputies, company executives. The cost of two tyres of the V8- or V12-engined cars could buy a Honda Fit or Toyota Belta. Despite that they have comprehensive insurance cover, ramming into one of those is like surrendering the registration book of their vehicle. Imagine ramming into such big toys driving around a brigadier general, a top company executive or a top lawyer who can be highly litigious and can sue you to the last cent. Along Borrowdale Road, common sense is at its peak. In a split of a second, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s escort will be flashing at you to quickly give way. Even Chiwenga is a regular on that road. But despite being quite careful on that road, it seems it has a way of claiming the lives of celebrities. On November 8, 2020, Zimbabweans woke up to news that socialite Genius “Ginimbi” Kadungure had died together with video vixen Michelle “Moana” Amuli in an accident at the intersection of Borrowdale Road and Rayden Drive. His funeral was covered by many online news sites amid drama and controversies. Two foreign nationals Limumba Karim and Alicia Adams also lost their lives in the accident. They died after Ginimbi’s Rolls-Royce Wraith collided head-on with a Honda Fit. Four years earlier in September 2016, socialite Belinda Tafadzwa Mutinhiri, the eldest daughter of then Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs minister Ambrose Mutinhiri, a retired Brigadier-General and former Zanu PF MP Tracy Mutinhiri, died in a car crash. Belinda, who worked at the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, was reported to have been killed in the accident which occurred along the Borrowdale Road. Hours earlier, she had posted that she was having cocktails at a joint at Fife Avenue shops “with Glo Diamond, Farayi Madzime and Nyasha Yvette Chitambo”. Last July, a lady identified as Coleen Jimu, popularly known as Chido Kay, lost her life at the intersection of Borrowdale Road and Gunhill Avenue after losing control of her Volvo vehicle and ramming into a giant eucalyptus tree. The impact was so severe that the engine was found 20 metres away from the wreckage, with the vehicle extensively damaged. On May 11, well-known golfer Morton Kombai lost his life at the intersection of Samora Avenue and Seventh Street. The most recent accident was the one which claimed the life of popular karateka, Sensei Mugo. Born Mugove Muhambi, Mugo died three weeks ago near the gate of St George’s College along Borrowdale Road when his Honda Fit vehicle encroached on the lane of a Toyota Hilux GD-6. The Honda Fit was reduced to a heap of metal and plastic, with the engine coughed out and falling a few metres away. The Hilux was forced to lie on its back. The identity of the driver or occupants, if any, was not made public and their health status have also remained unknown. All these accidents happened in the morning, which suggest speeding might have contributed. There is also the issue of fatigue, with another version claiming the drivers of the vehicles could have been intoxicated. Of the three accidents, two (that of Mugo and Kombai) drew the attention of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture minister Anselem Sanyatwe. Sanyatwe, a retired Lieutenant-General, had to leave office to visit those who were in hospital, condole with the families of the deceased. He even went to bid farewell to Mugo in Epworth. This gesture won him the hearts of many as evidenced by messages post by Zimbabweans on different social media platforms. Many expressed their love for the retired soldier, who was sworn in as minister in March this year. Instead of calling him chief mourner, like what they do to people who goes to funeral more often, they drew parallels with his predecessor, Kirsty Coventry. Now, Coventry head the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after being elected into the office in March this year. Speaking to NewsDay Weekender, Norman, a motorist who regularly uses Borrowdale Road, said accidents do happen along the stretch of the road, but the above-mentioned became known because they were fatal and the people who died were well-known. “I use this road regularly. Accidents do happen, but with regards these accidents you are talking about, it’s only that well-known individuals died,” Norman said. Speaking after the accident that claimed Muhambi’s life, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged all stakeholders to promote road safety to avoid loss of life. “This is a call for all relevant stakeholders to promote road safety, as careful driving is essential in preventing such tragedies,” Nyathi said. In its driver improvement programme handbook known as the defensive driver’s course, the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe urges motorists to desist from driving under the influence of alcohol or substances or when they feel fatigue is catching up with them. Many other accidents have occurred along the road. But as days wear on, motorists — socialites or not — should be wary that they may lose their lives on the road. *_-Newsday_* 6. *CELEBRATION AS CHINESE SHAMVA-BASED GOLD MINER PAYS US$1,200 IN FEES FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED LEARNERS* Shamva-based gold miner Ming Chang donated US$1 200 worth of school fees and stationery to learners at Ming Chang Primary School as part of its community social responsibility programme across Zimbabwe. The miner, which built the school before handing it over to government in 2016, has religiously paid fees for needy pupils each year. The mining company has invested millions of United States dollars towards road rehabilitation, water and sanitation projects, health outreach initiatives and skills exchange programmes as well as educational support initiatives. Speaking at the official hand over of fees grants worth US$1 200 to 20 underprivileged children at the school, Ming Chang general manager Liang Guo Du said several other projects including drilling of boreholes at the educational institution had been approved for immediate support. “We have already approved the project and now we await commencement,” he said, adding that the mining company was working towards replacement of a transformer to restore power supply at the school. However, school head Itai Mutizwa said learning at the school had been disrupted heavily due to accommodation challenges. “We have teachers coming from as far as Bindura and some of the rural parts of this area and this affects learning,” he said, adding that there was need to construct new classroom blocks and staff accommodation. The company said all areas of need would be addressed in phases, calling on parents to also support and spearhead developmental projects. *_-Newsday_* 7. *POLICE BRUTALITY – PREGNANT WOMAN MOURNS HUSBAND WHILE STARING AT SHATTERED HOPES, DAUNTING MOTHERHOOD* The tragic death of Blessed Believe Juruvenge (30), who recently died in police custody, has left his pregnant wife facing an uncertain future alone. The now deceased's wife Mercy Madenyika, is distraught, hopeless and drained, particularly having to face a daunting task of motherhood as a young widow. Nearly two weeks since the brutal assault allegedly carried out by Constable Prince Ndavambi, the officer who still remains on the run, Madenyika is expecting to give birth to a fatherless baby had it not been of police brutality that claimed the life of a responsible would-be dad. The couple, which resided in the Damafalls area of Ruwa, ran a tuckshop, and was preparing for their first child, but now Madenyika is left grappling with both loss of her husband and the daunting reality of motherhood without her partner. "I can't believe my husband is gone before he could even hold our baby. I never thought I would have to face this alone, especially with a child on the way," a teary Madenyika told NewZimbabwe.com, her voice trembling with grief. Her anguish is compounded by the financial burden of a funeral that is yet to be done. "I don't know how I will manage," she said, her eyes filled with tears. "We were supposed to build a life together, and now it feels like everything has been taken away from me." Madenyika hopes that justice will be served with the weight of her loss heavy on her shoulders. "If the law doesn't take its course, we are pleading to citizens of Zimbabwe to help us find something to haunt the ones who took away his life," said Madenyika. Elipa Jimu, the now deceased's mother, is at pains to accept reality that her son is no more. Worse still, she cannot imagine the burden of taking care of her widowed daughter-in-law and her unborn child. "I am in pain over my son's death; him and Melisa were the ones taking care of me. "He left a pregnant wife. I don't even know how I am going to take care of her. The preparation for the baby has not been bought yet. There even is no money for the funeral. I don't know where I am going to even get it. My son was supposed to bury me first, but it is me who is burying him," lamented Jimu Taurayi Chiedziso, a neighbour and friend, voiced his frustration over the tragedy. "This matter would have been resolved without even involving the police because we are neighbours, we are a community. "Now, Blessed has died leaving behind his wife who is also pregnant. That child will grow without a father, it's so heartbreaking," said Chiedziso. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 8. *SME ACT REVIEW AIMS TO ADDRESS CHALLENGES AND FOSTER GROWTH* The review of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Act is expected to address the challenges faced by small businesses and unlock their full potential by coming up with a legislative framework that supports growth and development. The Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, in partnership with the World Bank and other stakeholders, is running consultative workshops countrywide to gather suggestions from players in the sector, which will help in the review process. Speaking at the Bulawayo consultative workshop, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Dr Mavis Sibanda, who was being represented by the acting director SMEs and Co-operatives, Mrs Beauty Razemba said the existence of an SME Act underscores the country’s understanding of a fundamental truth that small and medium enterprises are not merely a segment of the economy; they are its pulsating heart. The review of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Act is expected to address the challenges faced by small businesses and unlock their full potential. She said SMEs are the incubators of innovation, the engines of job creation, the drivers of local development, and the resilient force that propels the national aspirations forward. “When the original SME Act was promulgated, it was a landmark achievement. It recognised the unique challenges faced by small businesses and sought to provide a framework for their growth and sustainability,” said Dr Sibanda. “It aimed to foster an environment where dreams could be translated into viable enterprises, and where local talent could flourish. And indeed, it has served us well, contributing significantly to our economic landscape. “However, the world is a dynamic place. The global economic landscape, technological advancements, and evolving market demands mean that what was effective yesterday might not be optimal today, and certainly not tomorrow.” Dr Sibanda said SMEs operate in an increasingly complex and interconnected world where they face new opportunities and new challenges — from navigating the digital revolution to accessing competitive finance, from global supply chain disruptions to the imperative of sustainability. “Our objective today and throughout this review process is to critically assess whether the existing Act adequately addresses the contemporary needs and aspirations of our SMEs,” she said. The micro, small and medium enterprises sector is a significant contributor to the country’s economic growth and development. The consultant of the SMEs Act review process, Mr Tangai Tazvishaya, said the MSMEs operating legal framework and environmental conditions are hindering growth. He said this is evidenced by the growing number of SMEs operating informally as 94 percent of SMEs are not registered. Mr Tazvishaya said as such only five percent of SMEs are able to access loans. “The objective of this review is to evaluate the SMEs through carrying out a thorough analysis of the MSMEs sector needs and policy gaps and benchmarking the MSMEs programmes and interventions with regional and international best practices,” said Mr Tazvishaya. In an interview, the Zimbabwe Chamber of SMEs ‘ vice president, who is also the chairperson for Bulawayo Chamber of SMEs Mr Coustine Ngwenya, said the Act was not responsive to the needs and aspirations of the sector. He said the business climate is always changing, and the Act was hindering the growth of SMEs. “The Act, which is there, is like it was inherited from the colonial era, as it was not responsive to the needs of the SMEs,” said Mr Ngwenya. He said this includes even the by-laws of local authorities. “A lot of buildings have been converted into small shops, which means those shops at the back cannot be licensed,” he said. The SMEs Act was promulgated in 1983 and was then reviewed in 2011. *_-Herald_* 9. *DYNAMOS STAR WHO WAS REPLACED BY POKELLO’S SON STRUGGLING EMOTIONALLY, TEAMMATE ADDRESSES INJURY CLAIMS* Vusa Ngwenya, the rising Dynamos forward who was unexpectedly dropped from Zimbabwe’s COSAFA Cup squad, is reportedly struggling emotionally after being replaced at the last minute by Scottland FC’s Nathan Mutasa, who also happens to be Pokello Nare’s son. The 2025 COSAFA Cup call-up was a dream moment for Ngwenya, but it quickly turned into a nightmare. According to a local publication, Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) officials never formally informed Ngwenya that he had been axed from the squad. Instead, he allegedly found out through his teammates who were already preparing to depart for the tournament. To make matters worse, ZIFA also failed to announce the change publicly, leaving fans and pundits in the dark about why Mutasa was suddenly drafted into the national team setup. A teammate at Dynamos, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Ngwenya was heartbroken by the sudden turn of events. “Look, he is young. He was very excited when he was drafted into the Warriors squad, which is natural. What then followed is something he never expected,” said the player. ZIFA reportedly claimed that Ngwenya was injured, but his teammate strongly refuted this. “We all know what happened and we also know it’s beyond us. Contrary to what the people at ZIFA are claiming, that Vusa is injured, he is fit. He was just dropped to make way for someone else,” the player said. Beyond the squad snub itself, the biggest blow for Ngwenya seems to be the online backlash. The anonymous source said the young striker is now the subject of unwanted social media attention, which has taken a toll on his confidence. “What’s also affecting him a great deal is the fact that his name is now a topic of discussion on social media because of the fiasco. He needs to be talked to so that he regains his confidence, which has clearly been affected,” added the player. *_-iHarare_* 10. *CRICKET CAPTAIN SIKANDAR RAZA REPORTS ZIMBABWEAN COACH FOR RACIST ABUSE* Zimbabwe T20I captain Sikandar Raza has officially reported a case of racist abuse to the Harare Metropolitan Cricket Association (HMCA), following an incident during a recent Vigne Cup match. Raza, who was playing for his local club during the match, claims the abuse occurred as he walked off the field. According to multiple local reports, the alleged remarks came from Rainbow Cricket Club’s head coach, Blessing Mafuwa. Eyewitnesses at the match have reportedly backed Raza’s version of events, further adding weight to his complaint. Raza, known not just for his on-field performance but for being one of the most high-profile figures in Zimbabwean cricket, has called for serious action to be taken. He stressed that such behaviour has no place in the sport or anywhere in Zimbabwe. The Harare Metropolitan Cricket Association has confirmed it has received Raza’s complaint and has since launched a formal investigation. Officials are said to be interviewing players, umpires, and other individuals who were at the match to piece together what happened. The incident has sparked concern within cricket circles, raising serious questions about discipline, accountability, and racism in Zimbabwe’s domestic cricket scene. *_-iHarare_* 11. *ZRP OFFICER ON THE RUN AFTER FLOGGING SUSPECT TO DEATH; VICTIM'S BURIAL HANGS IN THE BALANCE* The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed that 12 days on, one of its regular officers who allegedly flogged a suspect to death, is still on the run. Constable Prince Ndavambi is reported to have assaulted Believe Blessed Jaravange (30) at Ruwa Police Station until he died. The incident followed Juruvenge's arrest on May 27, 2025, following an altercation with a fellow resident, Mwazha/Maphosa, who reported him for assault and theft. Upon detention, the now deceased was told by Ndavambi that he would return home in a coffin, a source told NewZimbabwe.com. The now deceased's sister, Mellisa Manyepa was also victimised by assailant on the same day her brother was taken into custody. Her crime was allegedly harbouring a person on police's wanted list. Manyepa narrated events of the fateful day to NewZimbabwe.com. "On 28 May I was informed about my brothers death and I was shown his body. "We reported the matter to Police General Headquarters and Commissioner Paul Nyathi called Ruwa Police Station ordering the Officer-In-Charge to have Ndavambi arrested. But until now Ndavambi hasn't been arrested yet he always posts statuses on his WhatsApp. "When I try to call him his phone says the number is not available meaning that he blocked my calls." said Manyepa. In a statement, the ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Ndavambi will face justice for his deeds. "Sadly, Constable Ndavambi disappeared as his arrest was imminent. He is currently on the run. Efforts to arrest him are underway for the law to take its course without fear or favour. "The Commissioner-General of Police, Stephen Mutamba has made it clear that the law is the law and that no one will sweep this disturbing case under the carpet," police sais in the statement. "Police will ensure that the suspect, Prince Ndavambi's docket is swiftly concluded and presented to the court for prosecution. We are currently appealing for information which may lead to his location and subsequent arrest. "He will face the full wrath of the law. The exact charge to be faced by Prince Ndavambi will be determined by the courts based on the police inquiry and full post-mortem results." Futhermore, the ZRP has filed two separate autopsies and have informed the deceased's family to conduct theirs if not satisfied. "Police has also noted with concern, conflicting reports on the post-mortem results. For the record, two post-mortem examinations have been conducted by Pathologist Doctor Guillen and Doctor Jabangwe. The Juruvenge's family is still free to engage another independent pathologist of their own choice in line with the country's laws," said Nyathi. As the investigations continue, the family is left in a limbo regarding Juruvenge's final burial date. "We are going to wait for the results before we bury him, though some family members are of the opinion we should sign the burial order. But if we sign, the matter will lose value and justice might delay" Manyepa told this publication. The family has since engaged human right lawyers to assist in the unfolding matter. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 12. *ROGUE ZEBRA KISS BUS CREW ABDUCTS WOMAN, BASHES HER WITH PLANKS AT GARAGE* A cross-border trader was abducted by a Zebra Kiss bus crew, driven to the company’s garage in Ardbennie, Harare, where she was bashed for hours by a group of men who used planks to inflict as much damage as possible. Charlotte Dube had boarded the bus in Zambia and was returning home. She was accused by the bus crew of allegedly stealing a parcel in what was a case of mistaken identity. A fellow passenger on the bus had claimed that she had lost a parcel and the crew accused Charlotte of being responsible for the theft. A bus conductor, identified as Pardy, ordered Charlotte to remain in the bus. She was driven to the company’s garage where five people, who were only identified as Marvin, Munashe, Kuda, Roma and a man who called himself Baba Keketso, took turns to bash her using planks. She sustained injuries on her hands, buttocks and her back. The passenger, who had claimed to have lost a parcel, later called the bus crew and advised them that her parcel was not stolen and Zebra Kiss manager, Kudakwashe Mupfukirei, apologised to Charlotte. Contacted for comment, Mupfukirei said the case was yet to reach his office. “We are yet to receive that report from the passenger. “We will inform you if we receive the case,” said Mufukirei. However, H-Metro is in possession of messages between Mupfukirei and Charlotte’s husband requesting for the case to be resolved amicably. Charlotte described the Zebra Kiss crew, which attacked her, as heartless. “I have been relying on Zebra Kiss for all my trips as a cross-border but this time they destroyed my trust,” said Charlotte. “Their conductor Pardy engaged five of their staff members who took turns to beat me at their garage. “They confiscated my goods, handed them to the passenger who claimed to have lost her parcel. “I reported the assault. “The manager apologised over the false accusations, and pleaded with my husband that they would refund us with US$300. “They wanted us to withdraw the case from the police but they injured me. “Some of the passengers went on to take my photographs and posted them on social media accusing me of being a thief. “This has affected me physically and emotionally, my reputation, family and my business,” said Charlotte. Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza could not be reached for comment yesterday. However, H-Metro is reliably informed that the case was reported at Mbare Stodart Police Station under RRB 6362618. *_-H-Metro_*