*_MORNING NEWS | 20 JUNE 2025_* *_Join our Group:_* https://chat.whatsapp.com/LDUL4HF8Hyo4MaUUiGXvKz *TO ADVERTISE WITH WAZO ADVERTS* *_WhatsApp:_* wa.me/263776804293 *_We have a market reach of over 400,000 Zimbabweans._* — — — — — — — — — — — — *1.* Dictatorship by-laws – Opposition MPs push back against Zanu PF's move for National Ideology *2.* “Don’t they get full?” – Chamisa slams billion-dollar corruption in Zimbabwe *3.* UZ drives research for HIV cure *4.* Preps for 2025/26 cropping season in full swing *5.* IMF wants Zimbabwe to take bold steps ahead of Staff Monitored Programme *6.* Zimbabwe records refugee influx, DRC constitutes larger population *7.* Prophet Walter Magaya seeks 1 week postponement in US$420,000 liquidation case *8.* Karoi council in bond paper scandal *9.* Chamisa meets Nkosana Moyo *10.* Zimbabwe records slight rise in HIV/AIDS deaths amidst funding concerns *11.* Ex-deputy finance minister David Chapfika dies in car crash *12.* Mnangagwa’s young female business associate dies at age 33 *13.* 10 injured after light aircraft flying tourists crash-lands in Mbire *14.* MWOS stun CAPS United to reclaim top spot *15.* From death row to the pulpit… Brutal double murderer Rodney Jindu turns to God *16.* CID boss assaulted, robbed of service pistol *17.* Man arrested for raping his friend’s wife *18.* Woman loses child to self-styled prophet *_FULL ARTICLES BELOW_* _[Note: These News Articles were Compiled and Distributed by Wazo Adverts. Source is Credited at the End of Each Article.]_ 1. *DICTATORSHIP BY-LAWS – OPPOSITION MPS PUSH BACK AGAINST ZANU PF'S MOVE FOR NATIONAL IDEOLOGY* Parliament is divided over the motion for Zimbabwe to adopt a legal framework for a National Ideology, which opposition legislators have condemned as the "Zanu-fication" of the country, warning it could lead to the suppression of government critics. Recently, Zanu PF Member of Parliament (MP) Joseph Mapiki tabled a motion for the National Assembly to debate the adoption of a national ideology across Zimbabwean society. According to Mapiki, the National Ideology would entrench patriotism and Zimbabwean identity. However, the proposal has angered opposition legislators, who fear the legal framework could be used to restrict democratic freedoms. Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) MP Lynnette Karenyi-Kore argued that if passed, the law would be weaponised against opposition members. "Our Constitution guarantees freedom of thought, opinion and expression. To enforce patriotism legally would infringe upon these basic rights, Madam Speaker. "Creating a legal framework compelling ideological loyalty undermines democracy and pluralism through thriving on diversity of opinion. The dangers of institutionalising ideology are as follows: An ideology institution sounds disturbing. "History has shown us that once States begin controlling ideology, State abuse, censorship and suppression of dissent follow. Decisiveness and weaponisation risk, it is also going to be one of the challenges," said Karenyi. Zanu PF is pushing to nationalise the ideological school concept it established within its party. The ruling party has previously proposed enrolling civil servants into the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology. The National Ideology would also be incorporated into the school curriculum, with patriotism as a core component of education from primary to tertiary level. CCC legislator Gladys Hlatywayo warned that the proposal risks being hijacked by Zanu PF's interests rather than serving the nation. "Terms such as national interest are often euphemisms for advancing party interest and the interest of the ruling class or ruling elite. In this case, legislating patriotism might be legislating the zanufication of the State. "There is also a danger that legislating patriotism can erode civil liberties and restrict freedoms of speech, assembly and association. These civil liberties are at the heart of any democratic society and encoded in our own Bill of Rights, in our own Constitution, and must therefore be protected and protected rather than taken away by opaque, divisive and undemocratic laws under the guise of legislative patriotism. "The proposed prayer by the mover of the motion also has a chilling effect on public discourse Madam Speaker. Open, honest public debate that is so instrumental to democratic development might be discouraged as fear grips the country," said Hlatywayo. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 2. *“DON’T THEY GET FULL?” – CHAMISA SLAMS BILLION-DOLLAR CORRUPTION IN ZIMBABWE* Former opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa, has issued a scathing condemnation of alleged widespread corruption within the government, stating that “corruption must never be a fashion or a skill.” His remarks come amid growing public outrage over recent high-value contracts allegedly awarded to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s controversial allies without public tender, raising serious questions about transparency and accountability. Chamisa’s strongly worded statement accused those in power of stealing elections, mandates, national resources like gold and money through questionable deals, and ultimately, opportunities, dignity, and the future from citizens. He asked: “Hamuguti seiko (You don’t get full, why)? Mune miromo minganiko (How many mouths do you have)? Ko mune matumbu rudziiko asingaguti? Anombova manganiko matumbu enyu hama? Hamuneti (you don’t get tired)? Hamunyarivo? (Don’t you get ashamed?)” These accusations coincide with revelations of two highly controversial government contracts. US$437 million cancer contract under scrutiny A multi-million dollar contract for cancer treatment equipment, valued at approximately US$437.28 million over four years, has ignited a major controversy. The deal, signed in March 2025 between the Office of the President and Cabinet, represented by Chief Secretary Martin Rushwaya, and South African company TTM Global Medical Exports (Pty) Ltd, reportedly bypassed public tendering procedures. Investigations revealed that controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo is the registered director and shareholder of TTM Global Medical Exports (Pty) Ltd. Under the contract, the Zimbabwean government is committed to an annual payment of US$109,320,600.00, including an initial deposit of US$52.5 million already paid in March 2025. The stated purpose is to supply and install cancer treatment equipment in various government hospitals, addressing an estimated 8,500 new cancer diagnoses annually, with funding partially derived from a surtax on sugar content in beverages. Political commentator Jealousy Mawarire labelled the deal a “scam” and a “heist,” directly implicating Rushwaya and Mnangagwa. A recent unannounced visit by President Mnangagwa to two central hospitals and a Natpharm warehouse two months after the contract signing was dismissed by Mawarire as a “poor window dressing gimmick.” Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana defended the executive’s actions, stating that “Cabinet’s role is to make and implement decisions within the law. Transactions sanctioned by the Cabinet shouldn’t be assumed corrupt, given the collective nature of the decision-making process.” This is not Chivayo’s first encounter with controversy concerning public contracts. A recent report from South Africa’s Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) revealed that Chivayo received over R800 million (US$41.9 million) from a R1.1 billion (US$61.1 million) payment made by Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Finance to Ren-Form CC for 2023 election supplies, with the majority of the funds subsequently transferred to Chivayo’s companies. *Secret hospital refurbishment contract to Prevail International* Adding to the controversy, investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono on Wednesday morning reported that Mnangagwa has awarded a secret hospital refurbishment contract to Prevail International Group of Companies, a Dubai-registered entity allegedly linked to Mnangagwa’s “inner circle” and his Special Presidential Investment Adviser for the UAE, Tempter Paul Tungwarara. According to Chin’ono, Prevail International’s website was registered in January 2025, yet the company has reportedly secured numerous government contracts without public tender, including the Zimbabwe Cyber City project which began before its registration. Other projects attributed to Prevail International include large-scale boreholes, housing stands for war veterans, solar initiatives, Mt Hampden Presidential Villas, and the State House perimeter wall, for which it reportedly billed the government US$15 million. Chin’ono also asserted that Mnangagwa’s recent hospital visits were “choreographed” to pave the way for this “hugely secretive and inflated contract.” He further highlighted that Tungwarara, who was granted diplomatic privileges by Mnangagwa, has been linked to allegations of fraudulent property scams and unpaid loans. His company’s Zimbabwe headquarters is listed as a residential house, and its Dubai operations are from a mixed-use building with apartments. Earlier this month, U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, strongly advocated for a vigorous fight against corruption, calling it a “cancer” that hinders a healthy investment climate in Zimbabwe. Speaking at celebrations for the 249th anniversary of U.S. independence, Ambassador Tremont stated that corruption “robs the Zimbabwean people of the benefit of their precious resources and raises exponentially the cost of doing business.” She highlighted that a robust investment climate requires fiscal transparency, unbiased rule of law, respect for constitutional and property rights, and leveraging the innovation of young people. “A strong stance against corruption is also imperative, as it is corrosive to an investment climate. “I strongly encourage efforts to fight this cancer in Zimbabwe’s economy that robs the Zimbabwean people of the benefit of their precious resources and raises exponentially the cost of doing business in Zimbabwe,” she stated. Her sentiment aligned with recent warnings from Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo, head of Zimbabwe’s National Prosecution Authority, who stated that illicit financial flows cost Zimbabwe an estimated US$1.8 billion annually, severely impacting public services and development. *_-Nehanda Radio_* 3. *UZ DRIVES RESEARCH FOR HIV CURE* The University of Zimbabwe Clinical Trials Research Centre (UZ-CTRC) is continuing research into finding a cure for HIV as the country seeks to ensure the chronic disease ceases to be a public health threat by 2030. UZ-CTRC has been at the forefront of developing and testing strategies to prevent and treat HIV, tuberculosis, COVID-19, cancer and other conditions. Senior research nurse, Vanessa Gatsi, said UZ-CTRC’s research helped to shape the country’s HIV prevention guidelines and influence progress in the region. “Because of our research, Zimbabwe became the first country in Africa to approve the Dapivirine vaginal ring and the injectable PrEP,” she said. “We also supported health workers in clinics by training them to administer the new PrEP injections and to counsel clients so they could choose the best HIV prevention method available.” She was speaking in an interview on the sidelines of the ongoing Sadc Joint Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Education in Harare yesterday. UZ-CTRC’s work has directly contributed to the development of HIV prevention guidelines, including PrEP for adults and nevirapine prophylaxis to stop mother-to-child transmission. The centre also championed the introduction of universal antiretroviral therapy, also known as treatment as prevention. Research counsellor Caroline Mugocha said the UZ-CTRC remained focused on testing the latest prevention technologies to reduce new HIV infections. “We are currently evaluating the use of monoclonal antibodies to prevent HIV infection in both adults and infants. We are also testing HIV vaccine candidates identified by researchers in Africa and around the world,” she said. She said the centre’s close collaboration with the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) made it possible for new prevention products to be registered quickly. “Our partnership with MCAZ during clinical trials allowed Zimbabwe to be the first African country to approve these products,” she said. As UZ-CTRC continues its pioneering research, the centre remains committed to supporting Zimbabwe’s efforts to end HIV as a public health threat by 2030. *_-Newsday_* 4. *PREPS FOR 2025/26 CROPPING SEASON IN FULL SWING* Valley Seed Company has ramped up production as it gears for the upcoming farming season, with 80% of maize seed varieties already in storage. This emerged during a media tour on Tuesday where company officials assured farmers of adequate supply of drought-tolerant seed for the upcoming summer cropping season to boost agricultural productivity. Valley Seeds business director Tich Maponga said the company was managing seeds and maintaining quality control to enhance food security. “Valley Seed Company is well-prepared to meet demand and deliver high-quality seeds to farmers,” Maponga said. “In terms of maize, almost all of it has been brought in; about 80% of our maize seed is already in storage. “What’s left are the traditional grains, which are still trickling in due to the nature of their harvesting process.” “Traditional grains are usually not harvested by machinery, especially given the type of farmers we’re working with. Most of it is hand-harvested.” Valley Seeds is the main supplier of inputs to farmers under the government-funded Pfumvudza programme. Government introduced the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme in a bid to climate-proofing agriculture. Pfumvudza is a concept aimed at adopting conservation farming techniques and involves the utilisation of small pieces of land, while applying the correct agronomic technics for high returns. Maponga said the company worked closely with contract growers to ensure quality standards were met from planting to harvesting. “The company’s harvesting and collection process is well-organised, ensuring high-quality seeds,” he said. “A dedicated team, including quality control managers, monitors the process to guarantee top-quality seeds.” In recent years, the market has been flooded with counterfeit seeds ahead of the farming season with unsuspecting farmers losing millions of dollars to unscrupulous dealers. Fake seeds, often packaged to resemble genuine products, result in poor crop yields, reduced quality and significant financial losses. *_-Newsday_* 5. *IMF WANTS ZIMBABWE TO TAKE BOLD STEPS AHEAD OF STAFF MONITORED PROGRAMME* The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says its supervised economic reform plan on Zimbabwe, the Staff Monitored Programme (SMP), will begin once the country has taken “decisive steps” to address policy issues, dealing a major blow to re-engagement efforts. Zimbabwe is banking on an SMP as baby steps to reforms under the structured dialogue programme as it moves to normalise relations with bilateral and multilateral creditors. In a report after the conclusion of the Article IV consultation on Zimbabwe, IMF outlined a to-do list for Zimbabwe. The IMF team was led by its mission chief to Zimbabwe, Wojciech Maliszewski. “In the context of the requested SMP, IMF staff stands ready to resume discussions in due course once decisive steps have been taken by authorities to address the key policy issues highlighted by the mission,” Maliszewski said. He said Zimbabwe plans to transition to a mono-currency system by 2030, to which the mission emphasised the need to continue strengthening the monetary and forex framework in line with IMF staff recommendations. “This should be complemented by measures to enhance the demand for ZiG in the domestic economy—most notably, increasing the share of Treasury’s operations [revenues and expenditures] in ZiG.” Maliszewski said the authorities should provide more clarity on the operational implications of the transition plan to reduce any uncertainty weighing on financial intermediation. This includes clarifying that the use of a mono-currency will be limited to domestic transactions, allowing for bank deposits to remain denominated in both currencies, he said. He revealed that policy priorities that the IMF wanted to see include closing a substantial fiscal financing gap for 2025 in a way consistent with available sustainable and non-inflationary financing. “The mission recommends improving the functioning of the WBWS [Willing Buyer Willing Seller) market through a more transparent price-setting mechanism and by gradually replacing surrender requirements with a requirement to convert export proceeds directly into the market through authorised dealers, while focusing the RBZ’s FX interventions to managing excessive volatility in the exchange rate,” Maliszewski said. “Monetary policy can be enhanced by the introduction of an effective deposit facility at the RBZ, followed by fully introducing indirect market instruments and phasing out direct instruments. “In the longer term, a comprehensive package of macroeconomic, financial, and structural policies should be pursued to allow for a gradual relaxation of other Capital Flow Management Measures and elimination of undesirable exchange restrictions noted by the Article VIII mission.” He said to mitigate fiscal risks, the mission also recommended strengthening the governance framework for the Mutapa Investment Fund, including strengthening its reporting, audit, disclosure and oversight requirements in line with international best practices. Maliszewski said international re-engagement remains critical for debt resolution and arrears clearance, which would open the door for access to external financing. “In this context, the authorities’ re-engagement efforts, through the Structured Dialogue Platform, are key for attaining debt sustainability and gaining access to concessional external financing.” *_-Newsday_* 6. *ZIMBABWE RECORDS REFUGEE INFLUX, DRC CONSTITUTES LARGER POPULATION* The population of refugees in Zimbabwe is expected to shoot up to 18,000 by the end of this year due to a prevailing peaceful environment, the government has said. Addressing the media on the state and welfare of refugees in Zimbabwe ahead of the World Refugee Day commemoration to be held this Friday at Tongogara Refugee Camp, Labour and Public Service Deputy Minister Mercy Dinha said Zimbabwe is home to at least 17.200 refugees. The refugees are mainly from DRC, which constitutes 76% while Mozambique sits in the second position at 11%, with the remainder from Burundi, Rwanda and other smaller nationalities. "The national influx trend also projects a continual increase in the refugee population, with an expected number of 18,000 refugees by December," she said. In terms of protection arrangements, Zimbabwe currently uses the settlement system as its policy position. "This arrangement is in line with some reservations that were expressed when we ratified the 1951 Convention," she said. However, some refugees who are professionals and some refugees who are business people are accorded authority to work and reside outside Tongogara refugee settlement. According to Dinha, the government has allocated at least 175 hectares of irrigable plots to refugees at Tongogara Refugee Camp. The ministry is also working in collaboration with the office of the United Nations, in collaboration with World Vision and other UN organisations and developmental partners. This year's commemoration will be held under the theme "Solidarity with refugees." *_-NewZimbabwe_* 7. *PROPHET WALTER MAGAYA SEEKS 1 WEEK POSTPONEMENT IN US$420,000 LIQUIDATION CASE* Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries leader Walter Magaya and his wife, Tendai, have secured a one-week postponement in the High Court proceedings initiated by GetBucks Microfinance Bank Limited, which seeks to liquidate their personal estates over an outstanding debt of US$420,140.72. The matter, originally scheduled to be heard yesterday (Wednesday), was deferred after Magaya’s legal team requested the extension to prepare their challenge to the liquidation application. The matter will be heard on the 25th of June, next week. GetBucks Microfinance Bank Limited is pursuing the liquidation under Section 6 of the Insolvency Act (Chapter 6:07), contending that the Magayas are unable to settle their debts and have committed acts of insolvency. This follows a High Court judgment from October 9, 2024, which ordered Walter Magaya, Tendai Magaya, and their company, Planet Africa (Private) Limited, to pay the stated sum along with 10% monthly interest from September 11, 2024. Court documents indicate that previous attempts to recover the funds have been unsuccessful. Movable assets at their residential address were released after a claim by the Trustees of The Walter Magaya Family Trust, while those at Planet Africa’s address were claimed by PHD Ministries. An immovable property, a piece of land in Salisbury, was declared specially executable, but its sale on March 28, 2025, was reportedly frustrated when Planet Africa (Private) Limited entered corporate rescue proceedings. GetBucks Microfinance Bank Limited asserts that with no other known assets belonging to the Magayas and all execution avenues exhausted, they are insolvent. The bank also points to neglected statutory demands for payment and a “nulla bona” return from the Sheriff, indicating no attachable assets. The bank has nominated Noreen Chikaka of Reign Management Consultancy (Private) Limited as the proposed liquidator, arguing that liquidation would benefit GetBucks and other creditors by preventing further debt accrual and compelling the Magayas to disclose their financial affairs. The application also suggests the Magayas may attempt to leave the country and seeks an order for them to surrender their passports. *_-Nehanda Radio_* 8. *KAROI COUNCIL IN BOND PAPER SCANDAL* The Auditor-General has unearthed suspected abuse of public funds in well-orchestrated theft and cover-up by the procurement team at the Karoi Town Council in Mashonaland West province. A report, presented in Parliament by the Public Accounts Committee this week, exposed how public funds were pillaged by council officials. The report cited a case where the municipality received reams of bond paper instead of safety belts. "The committee noted that the arrangement to purchase 48 reams of bond paper instead of safety belts was likely a cover-up for misappropriation of public funds,” the report read. “The cost of the 48 bond paper reams does not add up to US$1 100 paid for safety belts.” The committee called for an investigation by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission. Mashonaland West Parliamentary Proportional Representative Mutsa Murombedzi said the report exposed procurement fraud at the Karoi municipality. "In 2018, council paid US$1 100 for safety belts and an extension ladder. What did it receive? It received 48 reams of bond paper,” she said. “No documentation, no procurement records, just paper. This is not just an accounting error; this is theft. "The Public Accounts Committee report on the Karoi Town Council reads like a catalogue of corruption, masked as incompetence, excused as oversight and prolonged under the guise of reforms.” Hurungwe East MP, Chenjerai Kangausaru, said the exposé was disturbing. "What we are confronted with today is a disturbing portrait of neglect, mismanagement and failure to uphold these sacred values; values upon which the trust between citizens and their government is built,” he said. “This report is not merely an administrative postscript. “It is a wake-up call to restore discipline, integrity in our local governance systems, particularly in a town as strategically positioned as Karoi, at the heart of Hurungwe, rich in human potential and public expectation.” Murehwa South MP, Noah Mangondo, said the findings of the committee exposed weaknesses inherent in most local authorities. "Karoi Town Council is not an exception,” he said. “There is a trend in our local authorities which needs to be nipped in the bud, hence the serious recommendations made by the Public Accounts Committee.” When contacted for comment, Karoi Town Council chairperson, Kudakwashe Chigumo, said they were seized with the matter to uncover what transpired. “Pending issues will get addressed. We don’t believe in sacred cows. We are getting there and we are getting it right," Chigumo said. *_-Newsday_* 9. *CHAMISA MEETS NKOSANA MOYO* Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has confirmed a meeting with former Cabinet Minister and 2018 presidential candidate Dr Nkosana Moyo in Harare, as he continues to engage with key political stakeholders across the country. Posting on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Chamisa shared a photograph of himself alongside Dr Moyo, accompanied by a brief caption: “OSMOSIS OF IDEAS… Sharing perspectives and insights with Dr Nkosana Moyo at an event in Harare. A New Great Zimbabwe is our collective aspiration and generational desire! #onepeople.” While Chamisa did not disclose the purpose or outcome of the meeting, ZimEye understands that the details of their discussion remain unknown. The meeting comes at a time when Chamisa is reportedly consulting widely with various political and civic actors, following his decision to resign from the CCC in January 2024, citing alleged infiltration and loss of the party’s original vision. In recent weeks, Chamisa has hinted that he is in the final stages of launching a new political movement aimed at delivering what he terms a “New Great Zimbabwe,” though he has yet to reveal its name or structure. Dr Nkosana Moyo, a former Industry and International Trade Minister, is known for his technocratic approach to politics and previously ran for president under the Alliance for the People’s Agenda (APA) in the 2018 elections. *_-ZimEye_* 10. *ZIMBABWE RECORDS SLIGHT RISE IN HIV/AIDS DEATHS AMIDST FUNDING CONCERNS* Zimbabwe has reported a marginal increase in HIV/AIDS-related deaths during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, raising questions about the sustainability of the country’s HIV response in the face of shifting donor funding. According to statistics provided by the Minister of Health and Child Care, Douglas Mombeshora, 5,932 people died from HIV/AIDS between January and June 2025. This figure represents an increase of 220 deaths compared to the 5,712 recorded during the first half of 2024. “My response to question number 9 is that the AIDS deaths in 2024 from January to June were 5 712. For the same period, January to June in 2025, there were 5 932. This means that in 2025, there were 220 more deaths as compared to 2024 over the same period,” the Minister stated. The slight increment prompted a question from Corban Madzivanyika, who inquired whether this rise was indicative of an increased burden on the healthcare system following the withdrawal of funding by development partners for HIV and AIDS-related programmes. Mombeshora, however, dismissed the direct link between the minor increase in deaths and the withdrawal of donor funds. He stated that commodities for HIV/AIDS had already been procured for the period of January to June and that programs were progressing well. He further assured Parliament that there are sufficient medicines to last until the end of September 2025, with ongoing procurement processes to cover needs until the end of the year. “I would not want to attribute this small difference to the withdrawal of funds from our partners,” Mombeshora stated. “From January to June, the commodities for HIV/AIDS had already been procured and the programmes have been progressing well. I think I have said this before in this Parliament that all patients on HIV treatment should not panic because we have enough medicines for them. “I cannot actually give a specific reason now to say why we have these figures. “Usually, we wait until the end of the year. You may find that maybe by the end of the year, we may have less figures for this year than last year. “At the end of the year, that is when we start looking at month by month and try to see where we have missed it or find the reasons why the figures are going up but at the moment, it is not related to the withdrawal because the commodities are there. I present.” Zimbabwe has historically relied heavily on international donor funding for its HIV response, with organisations like the U.S’s President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund contributing a significant portion of the total expenditure. Zimbabwe has been receiving over US$200 million annually from PEPFAR. The U.S government has given the Southern African country over US$1.7 billion since 2006 to strengthen health systems and support people living with HIV. While Zimbabwe has made notable progress in reducing HIV prevalence reducing infection rates, achieving the 95/95/95 targets, concerns have been raised about the long-term sustainability of these gains if external support diminishes. *_-Nehanda Radio_* 11. *EX-DEPUTY FINANCE MINISTER DAVID CHAPFIKA DIES IN CAR CRASH* Former deputy finance minister David Chapfika died in a car crash on Thursday morning. He would have been 68 next month. Chapfika, a former MP for Mutoko South, was killed after his Mercedes fell off a bridge and landed on its roof. The incident took place on the Harare-Shamva Road near Stordon Empire Farm in Goromonzi. Chapfika had a farm in the area. Former Norton MP Temba Mliswa described the former banker, who once chaired parliament’s public accounts committee, as “quite an intelligent and astute person in many things.” *_-ZimLive_* 12. *MNANGAGWA’S YOUNG FEMALE BUSINESS ASSOCIATE DIES AT AGE 33* One of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s business allies, Zvishavane-based entrepreneur Alice Pote, has died. She was 33. Pote, a financial director at the family-owned conglomerate Pote Holdings and founder of Stallion Cruise Bus Company, died on Monday from acute respiratory failure and pulmonary embolism, according to a post-mortem report. Her death has sent shockwaves through business and political circles, not only for her youth but also because of her family’s reported close ties to President Mnangagwa—ties that have allegedly secured them lucrative government contracts across sectors. Family sources told this publication that the Pote family shares a blood relationship with Mnangagwa, a connection thathas long raised eyebrows over how Pote Holdings has expanded rapidly under Zimbabwe’s current political dispensation. The company—headed by Alice’s brother, prominent businessman Anthony Clever Pote—is a sprawling empire with interests in construction, transport, tourism, retail, agriculture, earthmoving, mining, micro-finance, and hospitality. It enjoys a visible footprint in Zvishavane, Masvingo, and the broader Midlands Province. Insiders allege that the family has benefited from preferential treatment in the awarding of state tenders, often out-competing other companies due to their political proximity to the president. Speaking last night, Mr Pote confirmed the death and paid tribute to his sister’s contribution to the business. “Alice has left us without saying goodbye. I am devastated. She was one of the directors of Pote Holdings, a pillar of strength. She has been behind the success of our business empire. She just left us at 33, very young and promising,” he said. Alice was the second-last born in the family and survived by three children. She will be buried tomorrow in Chivi, Takavarasha area, Marecha Village. Mourners are gathered at House Number 956, Eastlea, Zvishavane. *_-ZimEye_* 13. *10 INJURED AFTER LIGHT AIRCRAFT FLYING TOURISTS CRASH-LANDS IN MBIRE* Ten people were injured on Wednesday evening after a light aircraft flying from Harare to Kafue National Park in Mozambique was forced to make an emergency landing at an air strip in Mbire, Mashonaland Central. Witnesses said the Beech 200 Super King Air (Registration ZS-TAE) attempted a landing at Kanyemba airstrip but overshot the runway, stopping in the middle of tall grass. Tengo Mugonapanja, the local village head, told the ZBC that the plane was flying tourists from Harare to a game park in Mozambique. He said the passengers suffered minor injuries and the pilot had appeared “visibly shaken.” The aircraft will require some repairs before it can fly again. *_-ZimLive_* 14. *MWOS STUN CAPS UNITED TO RECLAIM TOP SPOT* • MWOS FC (1) 2 • CAPS United FC (1) 1 Debutants MWOS FC reclaimed the top spot in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League yesterday, defeating giants CAPS United in an entertaining clash at Ngoni Stadium. The hard-fought victory sees MWOS FC leapfrog defending champions Simba Bhora, who had briefly taken the lead after their midweek win over Bikita Minerals. MWOS have 34 points from 16 matches, two points clear of Simba Bhora. CAPS United initially seized the lead in the 20th minute through Mabiala Bissila. However, MWOS responded just before halftime, with Arthur Banda finding the equaliser in the 35th minute. The hosts then completed their comeback early in the second half when Innocent Zambezi nodded home a decisive header. MWOS coach Lloyd Mutasa was delighted by the win. “It was a really good result against a very strong side, CAPS United, and we are happy,” he said. “The feeling is always great to come back from behind. We've done this before, and I've told these youngsters, a game of football isn't over until it's over, especially at home. We need to push until the death, and they did it; we got the result.” CAPS United started the match brightly, but struggled to create clear-cut scoring opportunities. Bissila's opener came after he latched onto a miscued shot from Tanaka Shandirwa following a corner, before expertly controlling and slotting past Martin Mapisa from inside the box. MWOS piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser, with Billy Veremu and Nigel Matinha coming close. The breakthrough finally arrived when a long ball intended for Veremu was intercepted, falling directly into the path of a surging Banda, who emphatically blasted it into the roof of the net. The teams headed into the break deadlocked at 1-1. Zambezi secured the winning goal 10 minutes after the restart, heading in a free kick to complete MWOS's impressive comeback. CAPS United had a golden opportunity to draw level in the 80th minute when MWOS captain Tafadzwa Nyabunze was adjudged to have fouled Bissila in the box, resulting in a penalty. However, Manokore blazed his spot kick over the bar. Disappointed CAPS United coach Ian Bakala conceded defeat, acknowledging the gulf in ambitions between the two sides. "These guys [MWOS FC] are fighting at the top, while we are fighting relegation," he remarked. "Despite this, I think we just need to work extra hard because we conceded a goal we should have avoided. "It's football, but responsibility is needed in a game like this. We've been changing teams every game, still looking at players. Some are not performing, and some are experiencing a bit of fatigue. We just have to work extra hard and look to the next game." The defeat brought an end to the Green Machine's modest run of two consecutive wins. Teams: MWOS FC: M. Mapisa, T. Nyabunze, V. Katsande, I. Zambezi, M. Murambiwa, T. Mutyambizi, T. George (J. Makangira 75'), M. Mudzuka, B. Veremu, A. Banda (S. Cheya 87'), N. Matinha (C. Kwangwari 87') CAPS United: H. Nare, B. Kangwa, H. Chapusha, W. Milanzi, K. Mangiza, E. Manokore, K. Benyu, T. Shandirwa, P. Bamusi, J. Bunjira (T. Matindife 46' (J. Mutudza 70')), M. Bissila *_-Newsday_* 15. *FROM DEATH ROW TO THE PULPIT… BRUTAL DOUBLE MURDERER RODNEY JINDU TURNS TO GOD* Notorious convicted murderer Rodney Tongai Jindu, who was sentenced to death for the brutal killings of two of his close friends, has reportedly turned his life over to God behind bars. Now studying for a degree in theology, Jindu was among 156 inmates baptised at Khami Maximum Prison last Friday, marking what he described as the beginning of a new spiritual chapter. Jindu, who was convicted for the 2017 murders of Mboneli Ncube and Cyprian Kudzurunga, was spared execution earlier this year when Zimbabwe abolished the death penalty. His sentence was subsequently commuted to two life terms. Speaking from prison, Jindu said his journey to redemption began during his time on death row, where he had what he described as a spiritual awakening. “When I started praying, I told God that if somehow I could be spared the death sentence, I would dedicate the rest of my life to Him—either through ministry or humanitarian work,” he said. “When I went for resentencing, I left everything in God’s hands. I said, ‘Lord, if it is your will that I remain on death row, so be it. If it is your will that I am spared, so be it.’ I am fully surrendered to His plan for me.” Jindu revealed that the turning point came during the long, silent days on death row, where the Bible became his closest companion. “Thankfully, we had a Bible in the death row section, and during my time there, I read it a lot. Over time, I drew closer and closer to God. When I was moved here, I enrolled in the Greater Grace Theology programme. “I’m still studying, and I’m confident that as long as God is with me, everything will work out for the best,” he said. Jindu, who once made chilling claims about cannibalising his victims, said he was also determined to make amends with the families of those he killed. He said he hoped to do so with the help of former inmate and now Seventh-day Adventist pastor, Dumisani Nkomo. “I feel renewed. I’m grateful for this opportunity and deeply thankful to the Adventist community, especially Mr. Nkomo,” Jindu said. “He has gone through similar circumstances, so I value his guidance.” “This feels like a new beginning—a new dawn. I was living a dark life. I was a bad person. But being baptised, I feel like some of that filth has been washed away. I feel cleansed.” *_-Nehanda Radio_* 16. *CID BOSS ASSAULTED, ROBBED OF SERVICE PISTOL* The head of the Criminal Investigations Department homicide division in Harare was assaulted and robbed of US$140 and a service pistol in a dramatic encounter in the city centre. This emerged at the Harare Magistrates Court where four suspects appeared before regional magistrate Clever Tsikwa facing assault and robbery charges on Wednesday. Tsika, however, acquitted Munyaradzi Chatonzwa, Mark Tatenda Chingombe and Simbarashe Steven Ota but found Sydney Rande guilty of assault and convicted him. Tsikwa initially sentenced Rande to 12 months in jail before suspending them on condition that he pays a US$300 fine. It was the State’s case that on September 30, Alexandra Jachi was driving a Toyota Fortuner on his way to his residence in Chitungwiza from Highfield when he realised that the suspects were trailing him. He drove to Jongwe Corner for safety and as soon as he parked the vehicle, Chatonzwa and Rande allegedly got out of their car and charged towards the top cop. Jachi disembarked from his vehicle and fired a warning shot in the air from a 9mm police service Taurus pistol to scare Chatonzwa away, but he continued advancing towards him. Jachi shot Chatonzwa once on the left leg but instead of retreating, he advanced further and struck the top cop with an unknown object and he fell down. The court heard how Chatonzwa and accomplices assaulted Jachi until he lost consciousness. Onlookers, who attempted to save Jachi, were also attacked by the alleged robbers. They went on to search Jachi and stole his wallet containing US$140, service pistol and his identity cards. The service pistol is yet to be recovered. *_-Newsday_* 17. *MAN ARRESTED FOR RAPING HIS FRIEND’S WIFE* A 34-year-old Stoneridge man was on Tuesday arrested for raping his friend and employee’s wife. John Rutsito, a construction company director was reported to have sneaked into his employee’s bedroom sometime in May and raped his wife once without protection. His employee’s wife left the door unlocked when she retired to bed at around 10pm expecting her husband to return since he was having some beer at a nearby bar. However, John arrived first, opened the door and sneaked into the blankets and raped her. The employee’s wife thought it was her husband, who had returned, and did not easily identify the accused person since the room was in darkness. John moved straight to the bed and started caressing his employee’s wife. She then realised that it was not her husband during the rape and screamed once but no one heard her. After the act, John was reported to have threatened her with unspecified action, and she kept quiet until last week. She received phone calls from John, who was threatening to kill her husband and she reported the case to police, Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the arrest. “Police arrested a Stoneridge man who was on the run for raping his employee’s wife,” said Insp Chakanza. *_-H-Metro_* 18. *WOMAN LOSES CHILD TO SELF-STYLED PROPHET* A 22-year-old Mbare woman lost her baby to a self-styled prophet two weeks ago. Priscilla Mbombo, of Joburg Lines, left her baby aged four in the hands of a self-proclaiming prophet only identified as Madzibaba John at Tsiga Grounds while seeking prayers. Priscilla had a conversation with John over the phone concerning the illness of her child and agreed to meet at the grounds at 5pm for deliverance. They later met and Priscilla was told to go and look for a red cloth as part of the deliverance processes. Out of trust, she left her baby in the custody of Madzibaba John. She returned moments later and found that Madzibaba John had already disappeared with her son. Priscilla had been making efforts to look for Madzibaba John and her son since June 1 but all her efforts were in vain leading and she has since approached the police. Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the case. “Police are investigating a kidnapping case involving a minor child in Mbare. “The victim was left in the custody of a self-proclaiming prophet for divine deliverance. The mother has failed to locate the prophet and the baby since June 1, 2025,” said Insp Chakanza. *_-H-Metro_*