*_EVENING NEWS | 10 JUNE 2025_* *1.* President Mnangagwa hands over solar kits, vehicles to Agric Extension Officers *2.* ZESA warns of power outages in Harare region *3.* Govt warns of carbon monoxide poisoning as woman, daughter dies from suffocation *4.* Man gets community service for having sex with a child *5.* RITUAL MURDEE? Boy (9) killed, stomach ripped for letting cattle stray onto suspect’s field *6.* Councillors slam inaction over bus terminus revival *7.* Zanu-PF confident of retaining Gutu East seat *8.* Ramaphosa gets a R26.5bn World Bank loan *9.* High Court issues interdict against United Methodist Church *10.* Let this be a warning to Nelson Chamisa *11.* 12kW solar plant lights up business centre *12.* Why are Zimbabwe police chasing off some of the economy’s biggest players? *13.* IMF lauds Zim progress *14.* Zim aims for rice self-sufficiency with three new varieties *15.* COPS BUST KWEKWE HEIST SUSPECT HIDING IN BULAWAYO! Cash, clothes and getaway car recovered in USD46K theft case *16.* HOT WATER REVENGE! Jealous market brawl lands man 4 years behind bars *17.* HEARTBREAK & HEALING: Dad hugs kombi driver Who killed his daughter *18.* 11-Month-Old Baby Vanishes in Budiriro — — — — — — — — — *_TO SUBSCRIBE FOR NEWS UPDATES_* Follow the Chaminukanews24.com channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAiZu0HQbS0w1lUez3v — — — — — — — — — *_NEWS IN DETAIL_* 1. *President Mnangagwa hands over solar kits, vehicles to Agric Extension Officers* President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has called for the capacitation of the agricultural sector saying it the backbone of the country’s economy. He made this call when he presented vehicles, solar kits and grain carriers to Agriculture Extension Officers at State House in Harare this morning. “I am sure you are fully aware that Zimbabwe’s economy is agricultural based. “It is, therefore, critically important that we capacitate that sector, and this is evidence that we are directing our efforts to capacitate agriculture, which is the backbone of our economy,” he said. President Mnangagwa who is a renowned farmer in his own right urged the officers to put the equipment to good use. He earns around US$44 million a year from his Precabe farm. Apparently, speaking at the same event, Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary Obert Jiri thanked President Mnangagwa. “We would like to thank. His Excellency, the President for initiating this programme. No one really remembers when the last time it was, in terms of our Agriculture Extension Officers receiving vehicles to use… “It goes a long way in capacitating the districts. It will now be easier for district heads to monitor activities and implement the programmes in their districts,” he said. *-Zwnews* 2. *ZESA warns of power outages in Harare region* The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) has warned of power outages in the Harare region. In a public notice, the power utility through its distribution arm the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company said the planned outages are to facilitate maintenance works. However, electricity users have been advised to treat all power lines as live to avoid the danger of electrocution. *-Zwnews* 3. *Govt warns of carbon monoxide poisoning as woman, daughter dies from suffocation* The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services Nick Mangwana has warned of carbon monoxide poisoning as cold weather continues. Posting on his X handle, said as the cold weather continues, citizens should be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. His warning comes after a mother and daughter in Mutoko, Maita and Loveness Gambara, lost their lives after using a charcoal heater in a poorly ventilated room. They were buried last weekend. “Let’s ensure there is proper ventilation when using heaters and please note that using charcoal indoors if it has to be done then, a lot caution has to be exercised. Stay warm, stay safe,” he said. Carbon monoxide is a gas that has no odor, taste or color, it comes from burning fuels, including gasoline, wood, propane or charcoal. Appliances and engines that aren’t well vented can cause the carbon monoxide to build up to dangerous levels. A tightly enclosed space makes the buildup worse. The most common causes of carbon monoxide building up are incorrectly installed or poorly maintained or ventilated appliances – like stoves and hot water heaters. Poorly ventilated fireplaces and other gas- or wood-burning appliances can also pose danger. *-Zwnews* 4. *Man gets community service for having sex with a child* A Karoi man was sentenced to community service for having sex with a young person. According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe the offence was committed in 2024. *-Zwnews* 5. *RITUAL MURDEE? Boy (9) killed, stomach ripped for letting cattle stray onto suspect’s field* The Zimbabwe Republic Police in Chinhoyi say they have arrested Lloyd Gwenhere (32) in connection with a case of murder which occurred at Chogi Farm. This was after the victim, Munyaradzi Shumba (9) was found dead with a ripped stomach. The neck and left hand were cut, while the victim’s private parts were missing. Meanwhile, for some, this could be seen as if it was a ritual murder. Apparently, police say the suspect was allegedly seen assaulting the victim for letting cattle stray onto his field. The law enforcement agencies are on record urging people to respect the sanctity of human life. *-Zwnews* 6. *Councillors slam inaction over bus terminus revival* Frustration is mounting among Masvingo city councillors over the local authority's continued failure to renovate and revive Mucheke Bus Terminus, despite multiple resolutions aimed at restoring order and revenue in the city's transport system. During a full council meeting held at the Town House on May 27, Ward 10 Councillor Sengerayi Manyanga criticised the city's inaction, describing the situation as a symbol of poor urban management. "We should go and learn from Murambinda Growth Point. I was there recently and their bus rank is well-structured. Meanwhile, here in Masvingo, we are failing to manage our small city. Buses are picking passengers all over town while we sit in here passing resolutions with no real action," Manyanga lamented. Councillor Esnath Zishiri echoed the sentiment, urging council to take internal steps to refurbish the rank rather than waiting for external contractors. "I doubt the toilets there are even functional. Why don't we assign our own workforce to refurbish the toilets, do some painting, re-mark the lines, and carry out general repairs? Forcing bus operators back to the terminus without fully restoring it will only be a short-term fix," Zishiri argued. Ward 1 Councillor Sabina Chikwangwani, under whose jurisdiction Mucheke Rank falls, assured the council that the basic infrastructure was still usable. "The toilets are functional and water is available. Only minor touch-ups are needed. If that's the main issue, then restoring the terminus shouldn't be a major challenge," she said. Despite these assurances and repeated commitments by council, Mucheke Rank remains idle and neglected. Long-distance buses continue to operate from illegal pick-up points within the Central Business District (CBD), particularly around the Old Croco Motors area. This practice has disrupted urban order and deprived the city of much-needed revenue from rank fees. In 2022, the Mucheke Bus Terminus was included in the city's investment promotion plans during budget consultations. It was identified as a potential revenue stream, and council resolved to relocate all buses to the site through a build-operate-transfer (BOT) arrangement modeled after a similar plan in Gweru. However, no progress has been made since. The informal ranks currently used lack basic infrastructure such as ablution facilities and running water, raising public health concerns. Passengers have resorted to using alleys and sanitary lanes, turning parts of the city into health hazards. In previous council meetings, it had been resolved that a boom gate would be installed at the Old Croco Motors site to generate revenue to fund renovations at Mucheke. That plan, like many others, remains unimplemented. Councillors expressed concern that while other local authorities such as Zaka Rural District Council have successfully relocated all public transport to designated terminuses, Masvingo continues to struggle with indecision and lack of follow-through. Mucheke Rank, once a bustling hub for buses heading to Harare, Bulawayo, and the eastern regions, was abandoned over a decade ago. Buses now use scattered and unregulated locations, with those heading east operating from the Metro Peach Downtown rank. As public frustration grows and health and safety concerns mount, residents and councillors alike are demanding immediate action to restore order and accountability in Masvingo's public transport system. *-Bulawayo24* 6. *Zanu-PF confident of retaining Gutu East seat* ZANU-PF says it is confident of retaining the Gutu East parliamentary seat in the upcoming by-election, set for Saturday, June 14, pointing to a track record of development projects under the party's leadership as its campaign cornerstone. The ruling party's National Political Commissar, Munyaradzi Machacha, led a high-profile rally at Kurai Primary School in the Munyikwa area on Monday, mobilising support for ZANU-PF candidate Zvarevashe Masvingise. Addressing a large gathering of party supporters, Machacha said the party's development-oriented approach, championed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is resonating with communities. "As a party, we are satisfied with the current environment here in Gutu East. It shows that President Emmerson Mnangagwa's programmes are making an impact in communities. Now we urge you to come out in your numbers on June 14 to vote for our party's candidate," Machacha said. ZANU-PF leaders present at the rally echoed the sentiment, crediting the President's ongoing infrastructure, agriculture, education, and ICT initiatives for transforming rural livelihoods. "President Mnangagwa's vision is to empower communities and achieve self-sustenance. The journey requires unity and participation. Let us continue supporting all government programmes," said Central Committee member and Mines Minister Honourable Winston Chitando. The Deputy Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Honourable Dingumuzi Phuthi, also addressed the gathering, outlining plans to extend digital infrastructure to rural schools. "Our mission is to ensure every school has computers and internet access. We are rolling out network infrastructure to close the gap between rural and urban areas," said Phuthi. Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Honourable Ezra Chadzamira said the province was already benefiting from pro-people policies, highlighting projects under the devolution programme. "Access to healthcare, improved education infrastructure, borehole drilling, and ICT development are now a reality in many parts of Gutu. These are clear results of the President's development thrust," Chadzamira said. Senator Robson Mavhenyengwa added that party unity and the strong turnout at rallies were indications of ZANU-PF's stronghold in the constituency. Zvarevashe Masvingise, the ZANU-PF candidate, spoke of initiatives already underway in Gutu East aimed at improving agricultural productivity and market access. "We've engaged ZimTrade to assist with horticulture and livestock markets and signed an agreement with Great Zimbabwe University to supply traditional grains. These efforts are part of our broader vision to uplift the livelihoods of our people," said Masvingise. The rally also included the official handover of computers to Kurai Primary School, sewing machines for women's empowerment groups, and a revolving fund to support community-based start-up projects. The Gutu East by-election features three candidates: ZANU-PF's Masvingise, independent candidate Gift Gonese, and Zivanai Nzvenga of the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA). The seat became vacant following the recall of the previous CCC MP. Polling will take place this Saturday, with ZANU-PF hoping to ride a wave of support anchored in its development agenda. *-Bulawayo24* 8. *Ramaphosa gets a R26.5bn World Bank loan* The World Bank has approved a $1.5 billion (approximately R26.5 billion) loan to support structural reforms aimed at boosting South Africa's infrastructure. The Washington-based lender said in a statement the operation will address the nation's challenges of low growth and high unemployment by easing constraints in its energy and freight transport sectors. South Africa has vowed to modernise state-owned enterprises and open key sectors to competition to boost its moribund economy. The bank said its programme will help by improving energy security, increasing freight transport efficiency, and supporting the shift to a low-carbon economy. "Our ongoing partnership with the World Bank will assist us to move forward with greater speed on the reforms vital to transforming our infrastructure landscape," said Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in the statement. The loan will make available funds for state-owned Eskom Holdings to bolster the grid for renewable generation and Transnet, South Africa's port and rail company to increase freight transport capacity. *-Bulawayo24* 9. *High Court issues interdict against United Methodist Church* The High Court of Zimbabwe has granted an interim order prohibiting the United Methodist Church from hosting services and other functions at its property in Borrowdale, Harare. The decision follows a 15-year legal battle between the church and neighbouring residents. The residents claimed that the church's activities have caused disruptions in the community, including congestion, roadblocks, noise, and disturbances. Justice Munangati Manongwa ruled that the church's activities were unlawful, as it did not have the required permits. The court found that the Town Planning Permit obtained by the church in 2017 did not permit the property to be used as a worship space or place of gathering. The judge emphasised that the residents have the right to peaceful enjoyment of their homes, which was being violated by the church's activities. The United Methodist Church was ordered to stop using the Borrowdale property for worship services and events until it obtains the necessary operating permits. The church was also ordered to pay the costs of the lawsuit. This decision sets an important legal precedent regarding the need for proper permits for religious and commercial activities in residential areas. *-Bulawayo24* 10. *Let this be a warning to Nelson Chamisa* Let this be a warning to Nelson Chamisa: cyberspace doesn't suffer fools lightly. You can not recklessly provoke the wrong people, insult powerful institutions, and then act surprised when the consequences arrive at your digital doorstep. Look at you now - your Twitter account is gone, and before you can reclaim it - your messages will be exposed, and your “private” communications sitting in the inboxes of the very forces you've spent years antagonising. This is just the beginning. More accounts aligned with your camp will be compromised. Every smug DM, every backdoor plot, every shady exchange - it will all come to light. You thought the digital world was your playground. It turns out it's a battlefield - and you brought a plastic spoon to a drone strike. The next time you think about posturing online like a messianic figure above reproach, remember this: in cyberspace, arrogance without caution is a guaranteed path to ruin. *-Bulawayo24* 11. *12kW solar plant lights up business centre* THE completion of a 120-kilowatt solar power plant at Chitulipasi business centre in Beitbridge has marked a turning point for the once-marginalised community, paving way for accelerated rural industrialisation and improved livelihoods. Spearheaded by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the solar project has connected a local business centre, more than 40 homesteads and key public institutions including a clinic, a primary school, a police station, government sub-offices and community boreholes. The milestone has transformed access to basic services and opened new economic possibilities for residents. In an interview, REA spokesperson Johannes Nyamayedenga said the agency remained focused on fulfilling its mandate of bringing power to marginalised areas by 2030, in line with government’s Vision 2030 agenda. “Our mission is to electrify all previously marginalised communities by 2030. We want every village to access services such as welding equipment locally instead of travelling long distances. This project aligns with the President (Emmerson Mnangagwa)'s Vision 2030,” he said. Among most notable beneficiaries is Tshitulipasi Clinic, which now offers maternal and general healthcare services under vastly improved conditions. Local resident Thando Matseru, who recently gave birth at the clinic, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the difference the electrification has made. “We are grateful for this development. In the past, one had to bring candles when coming to give birth. Now, we have power and the environment is far more conducive,” she said. Community leaders also welcomed the project, highlighting its positive ripple effects on education, commerce and service delivery. Village head Samson Moyo hailed the initiative as a symbol of true inclusion. “We are now confident that no place is being left behind. The arrival of electricity has truly transformed this area,” he said. Chitulipasi Solar Project chairperson Robert Hlongwani echoed similar sentiments, citing improved learning outcomes and business continuity. “Children are now learning with computers at school and shops can operate without disruption. This is what rural industrialisation looks like,” he said. *-Newsday* 12. *Why are Zimbabwe police chasing off some of the economy’s biggest players?* HARARE, ZIMBABWE — The vendors rarely see it coming. The municipal police, some in plainclothes and others in uniform, move through the crowd silent and unnoticed. When they finally strike, panic erupts. Vendors scatter, trampling their goods and grabbing what they can. A few are arrested. Their wares are seized and tossed into the back of a police truck. “They have no mercy at all. Once they take your stock, you’ll never get it back,” says Saul Nhema, an informal vendor who has been selling vegetables for three months after losing his job as a construction worker. On the day of this interview, the municipal police had already raided these informal vendors selling along Park Street in Harare’s central business district twice. As Global Press Journal reporters interviewed Nhema, they struck again. He grabbed his stock and fled in the middle of the interview. The Harare City Council has for years waged such crackdowns on vendors, often destroying goods and deploying heavy police forces. Local government insists these crackdowns are necessary to enforce city bylaws, citing vending from illegal spots, littering and health concerns. Yet the scale and intensity of recent operations, backed by expanding police presence and significant public spending, have raised questions. Critics argue that the government is wasting scarce resources targeting informal vendors all while it struggles to provide city residents with basic services, such as clean water. In 2024, the council’s revenue stood at just US$3 million. But policing costs for these crackdowns exceeded US$24 million, eight times the council’s income. In 2025, the council escalated its crackdown by creating a specialized police unit to target vendors, further deepening the financial strain with a slight budget increase — and pushing the total to around 12 times its income, which is projected to fall to just US$2 million. As the council’s income dwindles, the central government shoulders much of the financial burden. Global Press Journal made numerous requests for an interview with the mayor. He did not respond. The additional cost of the special police unit is hard to justify, given the potential benefits of supporting informal vendors, says Reuben Akili, director of the Combined Harare Residents Association. “If we examine the funds allocated for enforcement covering salaries, fuel and operational costs, those resources could have been redirected toward rehabilitating markets or public restrooms in the city,” Akili says. The informal sector already sustains over 80% of Zimbabwe’s population and contributes nearly 72% to the country’s gross domestic product. Street vendors dominate the sector in many African countries, accounting for over 85% of jobs,many held by women. In Zimbabwe, the vendors are becoming increasingly critical, as the country’s currency crisis forces many retail shops to shut down. “Despite this central role in many economies across the continent, vendors face common struggles. Many work in hostile, unregulated spaces, and they are routinely evicted under the pretext of urban order or dismissed as a threat to the health of formal economies.” A special municipal police unit to push out this critical population in Harare will only inflate the city’s workforce, which ultimately burdens taxpayers, Akili says. Instead, he says the council should build infrastructure where vendors can comfortably work. There are some designated spaces within the central business district, but many vendors shun these, citing the high cost of renting stalls and a lack of foot traffic, which limits their ability to attract customers. Additionally, these spaces require a formal business license, which costs between US$400 and US$800 per year. In an economy that has struggled for decades, this cost is prohibitive for many. The council must strike a balance between tackling these issues without undermining the livelihoods of those who depend on the informal economy, says Samuel Wadzai, director of Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation, a nonprofit that represents vendors. Raids haven’t been effective, he says, not even when a former minister of local government requested deployment of the army to push out vendors. "Despite this central role in many economies across the continent, vendors face common struggles. Many work in hostile, unregulated spaces, and they are routinely evicted under the pretext of urban order or dismissed as a threat to the health of formal economies." “Did that result in any significant change in terms of the challenges that we are seeing? I think it's a big no,” Wadzai says. At times, vendors resort to bribing officers to avoid the disruption of evictions. Jesman Guvheya has worked as an informal vendor for two years. The widowed mother of five says the police sometimes demand US$1 a day from each vendor. “But there can be three or four groups that move at different times per day and you may end up paying 4 US dollars to avoid being raided,” she says. And that bribe is never a guarantee one will trade without interruption. The police could swoop in and confiscate everything, even after a vendor has paid the bribe. “Sometimes we are left with little stock that we will have secured elsewhere,” she says, preparing to flee from police she has just spotted. Although Guvheya escaped arrest that day, her son, also a street vendor, wasn’t as fortunate. The council police apprehended him, and she had to follow the truck to pay a bribe so he could be freed. *-Newsday* 13. *IMF lauds Zim progress* ZIMBABWE has made good progress in entrenching policies and measures that have enhanced economic and domestic currency stability, International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission chief Mr Wojciech Maliszewski said yesterday. He made the remarks after paying a courtesy call on President Mnangagwa at State House in Harare. Mr Maliszewski told journalists after the meeting the President that they were in Zimbabwe to discuss the Staff Monitored Programme (SMP) and hold consultations on Article IV Mission, which runs from June 4 to 18. “We are here to discuss a Staff Monitored Programme, but also participate in discussions on Article 4 consultations,” he said. “For the Staff Monitored Programme discussions, we are making good progress in terms of agreeing on policies that would be put in place to enhance stability of the domestic currency, deepen the forex market and also make sure that the fiscal discipline is fully entrenched. “So, these were the main topics that we have been discussing; that also include fiscal discipline and the forex market operations.” An SMP is an informal arrangement whereby IMF staff collaborate with national authorities to monitor and support the implementation of agreed economic reforms. While it does not include direct financial assistance, successfully completing an SMP helps a country build a credible track record of sound fiscal and monetary policies — essential for re-engaging with international lenders and resolving outstanding debt arrears. Article IV consultations are a routine and comprehensive assessment conducted by the IMF to evaluate a member country’s economic and financial health. These engagements provide a platform for dialogue between the fund and the host government on economic policies, fiscal frameworks and structural reforms. Mr Maliszewski said in terms of Article IV discussions, the IMF is also looking at the broader prospects for Zimbabwe’s economic development. “We have been discussing various structural reforms that would help make sure that the development that we are seeing so far is entrenched and enhanced through the structural reforms. “Again, the main two reforms that we are discussing were in the area of fiscal and the forex market, and for us, making sure that the fiscal discipline is in place and also strengthened through some changes in what we call the public financial management system is critically important. “This will give the people of Zimbabwe reassurance that the macroeconomic stability that we are seeing right now will stay there for good,” said Mr Maliszewski. The SMP’s main objective is to build a credible track record of sound economic policies that will pave the way for Zimbabwe’s re-engagement with international creditors and eventual debt resolution and arrears clearance. Mr Maliszewski said the ZiG is presently stable and they would like to see it fully become a national currency in the sense that it is not only stable, but also widely used. “For this, there are several measures that need to be in place, but first and foremost, we would like to see a deeper forex market that would make sure that there is a full price discovery in the market. “Right now, we see good stability in the official market, and we also see a convergence between the parallel market rate and the official rate, but ideally and ultimately, we would like to see an elimination of this gap,” he said. He added that there should be one exchange rate, and it does not necessarily mean that the exchange rate needs to depreciate or fall in value to achieve the convergence. “What it means is that the two rates need to converge, and with the good economic policies, there is a good chance that these rates will converge. This is what the Staff Monitored Programme is about: to make sure that we have these reforms that will underpin the fiscal stability, and this will in turn underpin the stability of the exchange rate,” said Mr Maliszewski. Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, who accompanied the IMF team, said the Government was pleased to welcome the mission. He confirmed that the IMF team is in Zimbabwe for the Article 4 consultations on the state of the economy. “We are also gearing up to present the Mid-Term Budget Review as well as the Budget Strategy Paper for next year and think about our macroeconomic framework as we move towards National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030. “Then the second issue is to talk about the SMP, which is a critical step in our arrears clearance roadmap. “Again, we have been discussing how to make sure that we maintain the fiscal discipline that we initiated in the past and to make sure that it continues,” he said. Prof Ncube said the Government is looking at areas where there are risks and will be able to deal with them or think about how they should be mitigated. “On fiscal discipline, we want to make sure that we stay within our means in terms of expenditure. Then on the monetary front, again, making sure that the issues around forex; the parallel market that may then emerge and increase the gap between the official rate and unofficial rate, is what we need to deal with,” he said. Maintaining good policies is one way of making sure that the gap is dealt with, added Prof Ncube. He added that the ZiG has come a long way and it is “basically very stable”. Prof Ncube said the general macroeconomic stability has been commendable, especially looking at the month-on-month inflation that has come down quite markedly. “We have to continue with that stability, which will be able to keep inflation in check but also give a much more certain environment for companies to operate in. “I have been visiting a few companies around the country, and it is quite clear that the stability is welcome to allow the companies to plan and allow them to invest. “Some of them have even increased production lines and capacity utilisation just because of a more predictable environment. And the question is how do we make sure that this continues and the exchange rate also reflects the market sentiment, the confidence, and builds confidence around it?” he said Clearing arrears will open up the floodgates for additional cheaper global capital for Zimbabwe to finance its growth, going forward. Zimbabwe is actively pursuing a comprehensive Zimbabwe Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution process championed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), while former Mozambique President Joaquim Chissano is the high-level facilitator. The total public debt is estimated at US$21 billion, with external debt being US$12,3 billion while domestic debt is US$8,7 billion. *-Herald* 14. *Zim aims for rice self-sufficiency with three new varieties* THE agricultural research and innovation services department under the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has released three new rice varieties that are suitable for farmers with limited irrigation facilities. The varieties, Nerica 1, Nerica 3 and Nerica 7, are high yielding while they require low inputs, making them an attractive option for farmers. In an interview at a three-day second edition of the agricultural research and extension symposium recently held in Harare, rice breeder Mrs Nomsa Chizhande said increasing local production was aimed at reducing the country’s reliance on imports. “We are promoting rice production to close the gap between production and consumption. The new varieties have been engineered to mature at different times, allowing farmers to choose the best option for their needs. Nerica 7, a long-season maturing variety, takes 135 days to mature and yields up to 7 tonnes per hectare. Nerica 3, a medium-maturing variety, takes 120 days to mature and yields up to 5 tonnes per hectare. Nerica 1, a short-season maturing variety, takes 100 days to mature and yields up to 3-4 tonnes per hectare,” she said. One of the key benefits of the new varieties is their ability to thrive in upland conditions, making them suitable for farmers in areas with limited irrigation facilities. Mrs Chizhande said the varieties have lower input requirements, with only 200kg per hectare of basal fertiliser and 150kg of ammonium nitrate required per hectare. “By increasing rice production, Zimbabwe can reduce its reliance on imports and save foreign currency. The initiative also has the potential to create employment opportunities and improve the livelihoods of farmers. “Zimbabwe is importing more than 80 percent of the rice which is being consumed in the country. Zimbabwe is spending about US$100 million importing rice,” she said. She said consumption of rice was increasing due to lifestyle changes, with the younger generation now preferring rice to sadza. *-Herald* 15. *COPS BUST KWEKWE HEIST SUSPECT HIDING IN BULAWAYO! Cash, clothes and getaway car recovered in USD46K theft case* A DARING Kwekwe daylight cash heist has taken a twist, with one suspect smoked out of a Bulawayo hideout after a major police operation. The Zimbabwe Republic Police have confirmed the arrest of Linas Tshuma (40) in connection with the shocking theft of USD46 000 from a parked Mazda CX-5 in Kwekwe CBD. According to national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, detectives from CID Homicide Bulawayo received intel on 8 June linking Tshuma to the case. Acting fast, they raided a house in Cowdray Park, leading to his dramatic arrest. “The arrest led to the recovery of a Samsung M13 cellphone suspected to have been bought using the stolen money, the suspect’s getaway car, a Toyota Mark X, registration number AFO 6880, registration plates AFA 1529, a driller, rivet gun and various clothes captured on CCTV being worn by one of the suspects at the crime scene,” said Comm Nyathi. Police are still hunting for more suspects, believed to be part of a slick criminal gang. The names released include: Thethelani Ndlovu, Esau Mazarura, Bhekinkosi Tshuma, Mpiloenhle Ndlovu, Xolani Tshuma, Gugulethu Khumalo and Reason Moyo, also known as Tsorinso. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges the public with information which may lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800197,” said Comm Nyathi. Stay with B-Metro for the latest updates as the net closes in on the remaining suspects. *-BMetro* 16. *HOT WATER REVENGE! Jealous market brawl lands man 4 years behind bars* A BEITBRIDGE man has been slapped with a 4-year jail term after he turned a fistfight into a horror show by scalding his rival with boiling water at a flea market in Tshitaudze suburb. Munodei Mutongo (24) was convicted at the Beitbridge magistrate’s court for attacking 28-year-old Vusa Ncube in a brutal act of revenge that left the victim with severe burns. According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), on 8 April 2025, the two had exchanged blows earlier at Mashavhire Flea Market. Fuelled by rage, Mutongo tracked down Ncube, who was resting under a tree and poured hot water all over his body, leaving him screaming in agony. “The victim sustained serious burns and had to be rushed to Beitbridge District Hospital,” said the NPAZ. The authority condemned the act and urged members of the public to resolve disputes peacefully. “Violence is never the answer. We encourage people to engage in dialogue or seek third-party mediation,” NPAZ added. Mutongo will now have to cool off in prison after his boiling point snapped, with a price. *-BMetro* 17. *HEARTBREAK & HEALING: Dad hugs kombi driver Who killed his daughter* IT was the hug that silenced a graveyard. In a moment of grief and grace, Zibusiso Saunyama, the grieving father of 15-year-old Zinhle Mnkandla, who was mowed down by a speeding kombi on Friday, stunned mourners when he embraced the very driver who killed his daughter, right there at her funeral. Zinhle, a bubbly Form Three pupil with a voice like an angel, was laid to rest on Monday following a moving service at Pelandaba Seventh-Day Adventist Church. The man behind the wheel of the death kombi, Tatenda Pondo, dared to show his face. What followed left even hardened souls in tears. “I am setting him free,” declared Saunyama, his voice quivering but firm, as hundreds looked on. “It was not his intention. No one is going to be charged for Zinhle’s death.” It was a funeral like no other, soaked in sorrow, stunned by forgiveness. Zinhle’s mother, Erica Nhliziyo, was too shattered to speak. Her eyes red and swollen, she clutched her chest as waves of grief threatened to collapse her. Friends and family had to hold her steady. As the procession moved to Luveve Cemetery, a heavy, almost sacred silence fell. Then came the father’s unexpected call: “Where is the driver’s family?” Out stepped Pondo, the kombi driver, face drenched in tears, trembling like a child awaiting punishment. But punishment never came. Instead, Saunyama threw open his arms. Gasps rippled through the crowd. Some wept. Others watched in disbelief as father and driver clung to each other, one broken by loss, the other by guilt. Saunyama removed the flower from atop Zinhle’s coffin, looked Pondo in the eyes, and softly said, “Come.” Together, they walked to the coffin and laid the flower down. “This is our peace offering,” he said. “Let us heal.” Zinhle, born on August 26, 2009, was a rising star in the church choir. Her teacher broke down recalling her dedication. “She came for choir practice just the day before she died,” the teacher whispered. “She loved music with her whole heart. I’ve lost a daughter.” Her friend Nyasha, choking back tears, said, “She was my sister in everything but blood. Her smile could light up a room. I’ll carry her memory forever.” Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu was among the mourners. He used the moment to call for stricter kombi regulations. “All kombis must be registered under proper associations. We cannot keep burying children,” he warned. Zinhle’s funeral was different, it was about forgiveness, healing… and the kind of love that forgives the unforgivable. Rest in peace, Zinhle. Your song lives on. *-BMetro* 18. *11-Month-Old Baby Vanishes in Budiriro* A heart-wrenching incident has shaken the Budiriro community in Harare, as an 11-month-old baby boy has gone missing under suspicious circumstances. The child’s mother, Future Bonga, reported that a woman known only as “Chihera,” a regular customer at their tuck shop, allegedly kidnapped the baby. According to Bonga, Chihera would often visit the tuck shop, and on Saturday, she came to collect her change. Bonga left Chihera with the baby while she went to collect money from the shop. When she returned, Chihera asked to babysit the child, and Bonga agreed, asking for her phone number and address. However, when Bonga went to collect the baby later, Chihera was nowhere to be found, and the address she provided was fake. The child’s father, Simbarashe Basira, expressed his distress, stating that he had never seen or interacted with Chihera before. “I go to work, and my wife takes care of the tuck shop. When I got home, my wife told me the baby was taken by Chihera. We were shocked and worried.” Zimbabwe Republic Police Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, has confirmed the incident and urged parents to prioritize their children’s safety. “The Zimbabwe Police are investigating a case of alleged kidnapping. We appeal to parents and the public not to trust strangers. Verify the particulars of anyone who approaches you, and check with the police if necessary.” The police are working to identify and apprehend the suspect. The community is in shock, and the family is anxiously waiting for any news about their beloved baby boy. *-NewsReportZim*