THE MILITARY

As Zanu PF factions destroy each other, the military will have a huge say as to who would take over from President Mugabe.

THE MILITARY

As Zanu PF factions destroy each other, the military will have a huge say as to who would take over from President Mugabe.

PROPHET WALTER MAGAYA

He is a controversial prophet who continues to draw large crowds with his promise of miracles. But as his popularity soars he faces all sorts of allegations. So far he has survived.

TSVANGIRAI THE SURVIVOR

Two secretary generals tried to topple him but failed. His wife walked out but returned home. Now MDC leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, is plotting his way to State House.

NEWSDZEZIMBABWE

Latest news, entertainment and sports.

Saturday, 13 December 2025

ED HANDS OVER YET MORE CARS


President Mnangagwa yesterday presented 10 brand new Ford Everest vehicles to members of the Zanu PF Elders Council as part of ongoing efforts to enhance mobility and strengthen the revolutionary party’s activities.

In addition to the vehicles, the Zanu PF First Secretary and President also donated 10 laptops, iPads, and iPhones to the ruling party’s Information and Publicity Department to bolster its information dissemination mandate.

The Council of Elders, led by former Cabinet Minister Dr Sydney Sekeramayi, got Ford Everest vehicles that will enhance their advisory role to the party.

Other members of the Council include Cdes Idah Mashonganyika, Josaya Hungwe, David Parirenyatwa, Enock Sibanda, Gibson Masiya, Edna Madzongwe, Angeline Masuku, Maina Mandava and Aaron Mabhoyi Ncube.

The 10 were handed car keys by President Mnangagwa at a colourful ceremony held at State House.

President Mnangagwa was accompanied by Zanu PF Secretary-General, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya and his deputy, Mr George Charamba (responsible for Presidential Communications.)

In his brief speech, Cde Sekeramayi commended President Mnangagwa’s leadership.

“As Council of Elders, we will do everything expected of us. Our preoccupation has been to ensure that the country prospers. We will continue lending our support behind you. We have seen a lot of improvement and developments in the country such as construction of bridges, road rehabilitation, schools construction and hospitals,” said Cde Sekeramayi.

Cde Mashonganyika echoed the same sentiments.

“Our President continue to remember us, our role as Council of Elders and the need to capacitate us. We are indeed indebted to out leader, President Mnangagwa,” said Cde Mashonganyika.

Cde Madzongwe said it was quite pleasing to be recognised by the party and its leader.

“That shows that our President has people at heart. We are quite grateful,” said Cde Madzongwe who is former Senate President.

The Council comprises former members of the Politburo as well as luminaries from party organs appointed by the President in terms of their probity, integrity, experience and knowledge of the party.

Their function is to advise the President on all pertinent party matters relating to party governance and external relations, to advise on the resolution of conflicts that may arise among and between senior party members, at the instance of the President or its own initiative.

It provides guidance on party doctrine and ideology; and to advise on any issue referred to it by the President and First Secretary of the party.

President Mnangagwa also handed over laptops, iphones and ipads to Zanu PF Information and Publicity department.

Zanu PF Secretary for Information and Publicity, Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa thanked President Mnangagwa saying the donation came at an opportune time when the country was adopting a new economic blue print the National Development Strategy 2.

“We have been given a whole wave of tools for our work as the Information Department of the party. This is coming at a very opportune time when the Minister of Finance has just announced the National Development Strategy No. 2. We are leaping to new heights of economic development under President Mnangagwa.

“There is a very vibrant middle class which is emerging within Zimbabwe, caters for our alignment with our natural resources, the land, but more important, the business-friendly policies which President Mnangagwa has given to both domestic capital and foreign capital,” said Cde Mutsvangwa.

“The vibrancy of our economic growth is no longer in question even by erstwhile doubters. Some of our compliments are coming from none other than the International Monetary Fund, which used to be a detractor to the Zimbabwean economy. We are also very happy that the American Government now sees fit to revisit the issue of sanctions in Zimbabwe as has been pronounced by the Ambassador personally.

“We have suffered on the wrong side of the major economy of the world. Now that America is on board, it can make our economy go to new heights, building upon the other relationships which we have maintained with the second, third, and fourth largest economy in the world.” Herald

MOTORISTS USING PHONES WILL BE ARRESTED : COPS

In a decisive move to curb road traffic accidents, the Government has urged police to enforce laws against motorists using mobile devices while driving.

The initiative arises from alarming rates of fatal accidents attributed to distracted driving.

Yesterday, the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), in collaboration with the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe, hosted a workshop in Harare, under the theme, “Don’t phone, text and drive”.

It brought together key stakeholders, including Transport and Infrastructural Development Deputy Minister Joshua Sacco, Harare Metropolitan Province Permanent Secretary Mr Cosmas Chiringa, TSCZ board vice chairperson Ms Lizwe Bhunu, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi and transport operators like Zimbabwe Public Transport Organisation (ZPTO) chairman Dr Sam Nhanhanga.

Deputy Minister Sacco praised the collaboration between POTRAZ and TSCZ, praising the collective responsibility of Government officials, regulators, mobile operators, and all road users.

“I must, however, admit that we convene this session when most of us are anxious, as this season is generally associated with increased incidents of road crashes,” he said.

“Hence, we carry the feeling of heavy-heartedness and optimism at the same time. My heart is heavy because every day on our roads, lives are cut short not by fate or crashes, but by choices we make.”

Deputy Minister Sacco spoke strongly about the growing problem of distracted driving, particularly the dangers associated with texting and using phones while driving.

“Distracted driving encompasses any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking on the phone, eating, or even adjusting the radio.

“Of the various forms of distraction mentioned above, texting is the most alarming form, as it combines visual, manual and cognitive distractions.

“When you look down to text, you are not merely taking your eyes off the road for a few seconds; you are risking everything,” he explained.

Despite improvements in road infrastructure under the National Development Strategy 1, the rising number of distracted drivers poses a significant risk.

“Even with our improvements in road infrastructure, we witness tragic crashes caused by drivers who are not fully focused on the road, often due to mobile devices.

“This issue affects not only those involved, but also their families and communities,” warned Deputy Minister  Sacco.

In a speech read on his behalf by Mr Chiringa, Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Senator Charles Tawengwa said: “Each year, countless lives are lost or forever changed due to road crashes.

“It is our responsibility to take action, raise awareness and foster a culture of road safety on our roads.

“This campaign aims to educate our community and the nation at large on the importance of safe driving practices. We need to be aware of the dangers of distracted driving, and the significance of adhering to traffic laws.”

Dr Nhanhanga expressed concern over the frequency of fatal accidents caused by drivers using mobile phones.

As the campaign unfolds, the emphasis remains on education and enforcement to create a safer driving environment for all.

Together, stakeholders are determined to foster a culture of road safety, urging motorists to refrain from distractions behind the wheel. Herald

Friday, 12 December 2025

CHINESE BANNED FROM ARTISANAL MINING

 

TUNGWARARA CONFUSION : POLITBURO TO DECIDE

 

MAN BEDS BROTHER'S WIFE FOR THREE YEARS

A community court recently censured a man who allegedly seized a grinding mill, three cattle, and a goat from his brother after discovering that he had an affair with his wife, which resulted in the birth of a child.

The case was heard at Chief Makoni’s community court, where Michael Dzomba dragged his brother, Itai Mashumba, demanding the return of the property.

The two men, who belong to the same clan, have been locked in a bitter dispute since the alleged affair, which occurred during Mashumba’s troubled marriage.

Dzomba testified that Mashumba had taken the law into his own hands, bypassing proper procedures for reporting adultery and instead confiscating his property without consent.

The court heard that Dzomba admitted to having a relationship with Mashumba’s wife, which led to the birth of a child. Mashumba, however, insisted he had not acted alone.

“I did not take the matter into my own hands. I did this in the presence of Sabhuku Madziro, who also witnessed the signing of the payments,” he told the court.

Sabhuku Madziro corroborated Mashumba’s account, claiming the two parties had reached an out of court settlement and that Dzomba was now reneging.

“Dzomba had a relationship with Mashumba’s wife for three years, and they bore a child together. When I heard the case, I referred it to Headman Fusire. The two parties agreed to settle the matter out of court. That is what I know,” said Madziro.

In his ruling, Chief Makoni declared the process invalid, noting that no formal judgment had compelled Dzomba to pay Mashumba. He ordered the immediate return of the seized property.

“Courts were set up to resolve disputes between people. What Mashumba did was extortion, because Dzomba paid under duress. He should have reported the adultery case properly and had it handled by a competent court. Confrontation can lead to serious outcomes. Only the messenger of this court has the authority to attach a person’s property. Mashumba is ordered to return the beasts, goat, and grinding mill to Dzomba, and then report the adultery case properly,” ruled Chief Makoni.

Mashumba then immediately made a counter-report of adultery against Dzomba, telling the court that he saw messages in his wife’s phone where she was informing him that their last-born child was his.

He added that his wife and Dzomba had admitted the allegations.

“I saw messages in my wife’s phone – she was communicating with Dzomba, informing him that our last-born was his child, and Dzomba said that he was fine with it. My wife admitted dating Dzomba. I confronted Dzomba in the company of Sabhuku Madziro, and he admitted dating my wife.

“I informed my father-in-law, who advised me to solve the matter amicably.

My father-in-law later came and accompanied me to Dzomba’s homestead. Dzomba left us at his homestead in the afternoon, claiming that he was looking for some money, and returned the following morning. He came back with Sabhuku Madziro. We had negotiations over the matter, and we reached an agreement that he was to compensate me with three beasts, goat, and grinding mill,” said Mashumba.

Dzomba admitted to dating Mashumba’s wife, but told the court that he was doubting the child’s paternity.

“I am not denying that I dated his wife. What I am doubting is the child’s paternity because ‘tiri two-in-one ipapa’. Can this court direct us to go for DNA tests for the truth to be revealed,” he said.

Mashumba’s wife, whose name was not disclosed in court, also admitted to cheating with Dzomba and confirmed that he was the child’s father.

“Dzomba is the father of the child. I am sure because the time I was dating him, I was not sleeping with my husband,” she said.

Chief Makoni found Dzomba guilty of adultery with aggravating circumstances and ordered him to pay Mashumba three beasts.

He also ruled that the grinding mill be returned to Dzomba.

“For clarity on paternity, there is a need for a DNA test. Dzomba is fined a beast for adultery, another beast for being intimate in Mashumba’s kitchen, and another for the three years the woman was denying her husband conjugal rights while he was benefiting. The grinding mill should be returned to Dzomba. Dzomba is ordered to meet Mashumba’s US$40 cost of suit,” ruled Chief Makoni. Manica Post

Thursday, 11 December 2025

MADZIBABA TO BE BURIED IN CHIWESHE

Khiama Boys frontman Nicholas “Madzibaba” Zakaria, who lost his battle against diabetes at Chitungwiza Central Hospital yesterday, will be laid to rest at a family shrine in Chiweshe on Sunday.

He was 69.

The revered musician had been facing health challenges for months and was hailed as a legend, mentor and hero of the arts industry, having made significant contributions to the growth of the music industry in Zimbabwe.

Fellow musicians, fans and neighbours, who thronged his home in Chitungwiza A Extension, celebrated Madzibaba as a role model deserving a high-profile send-off.

They agreed that his legacy speaks for itself, while his body of work has left an indelible mark on the showbiz landscape.

Leading the tributes, his mentee Alick Macheso, described Madzibaba as an icon and hero of the arts industry.

Fighting back tears, Macheso referred Madzibaba as a “bridge” in the sungura genre, which helped catapult many stars to success.

“I was among the first to arrive after learning about his death just after 1am,” he shared in an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub at Madzibaba’s home.

“I am who I am because of his generosity and mentorship. I will always cherish the invaluable lessons he taught me. He was a bridge to some of us who passed through his hands and class.”

Macheso also spoke fondly of Madzibaba’s wife, Margaret Gweshe, who has been left without her loving husband.

“She looked after me when I was young and treated me like a son. I can’t forget all she did for me when I was a nobody,” he recalled.

As one of the few remaining father figures in showbiz following Madzibaba’s demise and Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi’s departure, Macheso said he owed much of his success to the former Khiama Boys leader.

“My career and journey to acclaim would be incomplete without acknowledging the fatherly role Madzibaba played,” he stated.

“He took me into his home, where he was both strict and loving. He always wanted me to excel in music, and I continue to uphold that standard.”

Madzibaba’s widow, Margaret Gweshe, was equally heartbroken.

“We have lost a father and a pillar who served as our shield. We did our best, but sadly, there was nothing we could do to save him,” she noted, recalling her earlier appeals for help while Madzibaba was unwell last year.

Veteran arts promoter Barbara “Mama Red Rose” Chikosi, who worked with both Madzibaba and Macheso, described him as a humble role model.

“Madzibaba was a legend whom I respected deeply. I collaborated with him on various significant occasions, including their reunion concert with Macheso,” she stated.

“I believe that upcoming musicians have much to learn from Madzibaba, especially regarding humility and focus.” Herald

ED PROMOTES 28 SENIOR ARMY OFFICERS

Twenty eight Zimbabwe National Army officers were yesterday elevated from the rank of Major to Lieutenant Colonel at an event held at Josiah Magamba Tongogara Barracks in Harare.

Presiding over the investiture ceremony, Brigadier General (Administration Staff) Christopher Rangwana said the promotions were not based solely on past achievements, but on demonstrated potential to serve the nation at a higher level.

“His Excellency, President Mnangagwa does not promote based solely on your accomplishments, but on the potential you have to serve the nation with honour and excellence in a higher position,” he said.

“These new ranks are a testament not only to your characters but also to the increased trust and confidence the commander and the nation place in your capabilities.”

Brig Gen Rangwana said the officers had demonstrated integrity, patriotism, courage and commitment to duty.

“Over the past years, each of you has exemplified the core values of our military, which include integrity, patriotism, courage, and commitment to duty,” he said.

“Your unwavering dedication and exceptional performance have undoubtedly made a lasting impact on your units and the organisation as a whole. Your rank is worn by officers who are able to demonstrate strategic thinking under pressure and difficult environments, possessing the ability to motivate others, and an unfailing commitment to duty.”

Brig Gen Rangwana urged them to embrace responsibility, inspire subordinates and foster leadership development within their units.

“As you step into these new higher echelons of leadership, I challenge each of you to embrace your new responsibilities with diligence and foresight,” he said.

“Uphold the principles that have made you successful and ensure your conduct is worthy of emulation. Take note that you are now responsible for fostering the growth of the next generation of leaders.”

Speaking after her promotion, Lieutenant Colonel Princess Tshuma said she felt deeply honoured to have been selected from a highly competitive pool of candidates.

She added that her background in information and communication technology (ICT) had played a key role in her elevation.

“I am more than happy. I feel honoured to be chosen among so many candidates,” Lt Col Tshuma said.

Lt Col Lawrence West said he was greatly honoured by the confidence shown in him by the army’s leadership, adding that the promotion was a key milestone in his military career.

“I feel so greatly honoured for the recognition by our commanders to be elevated to this rank,” he said. Herald

PAY BACK THE VENDORS : CONVICTED ZANU PF COUNCILLOR ORDERED

Zanu-PF Ward 1 councillor, Josiah Mutangi, who was convicted of 13 counts of fraud for duping vendors of their money, has been ordered to perform 490 hours of community service at  Bulawayo Central Police Station, and to restitute the victims their money by February 27, 2026.

Cllr Mutangi’s co-accused, Janet Zhou, will perform 450 hours of community service at Cowdray Park police station for the same charges.

Bulawayo Provincial Magistrate, Richard Ramaboea, sentenced the pair to a total of 40 months in prison, and suspended two months from each count on condition that they restitute all the victims in full by February 27. The remaining 14 months were commuted to community service for each of them.

Mutangi and Zhou were convicted on 13 counts of fraud last week, after they swindled local vendors of money by falsely promising them vending bays. The pair, who had denied the charges, was found guilty by the court.

Magistrate Ramaboea ruled that the vendors had only handed over their money because they were assured of legal vending bays that would allow them to trade without running from municipal police, but Mutangi and Zhou instead defrauded them.

He said receipt books produced in court and the constitution of their purported Bulawayo Achievers Association were part of a ploy to evade the charges.

In mitigation, their lawyer, Constance Mathaba of Makiye and Partners,  submitted that Mutangi was a first-time offender who had learnt from the experience and was prepared to compensate the complainants. She said the extensive media coverage of the case had already caused him significant embarrassment and that he would not want to repeat such conduct.

“The accused has never broken the law until now. He is also willing to restitute the complainants their money. For a person of his standing, he has learnt his lesson,” she said, adding that the public scrutiny surrounding the case had been punitive in itself. CITE

DELTA : WE HAVE ENOUGH BOOZE


Delta Beverages says it has sufficient beer stocks to meet the expected surge in demand.

Speaking after a tour of the plant by Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndhlovu, Delta finance director Alex Makamure said the company’s production lines were running smoothly ahead of Christmas.

“We have enough beer for Christmas,” he said.

“Our factory is running smoothly. Yes, there might be some kind of mismatch here and there, but generally we have enough capacity to meet the demand.

“In some cases, there might be complaints about a particular brand, not the overall supply.”

He noted that while Carling Black Label remained a strong favourite, the company was adjusting production to balance preferences across the market.

“Some people favour the Carling Black Label and we might be running more of it, but there are customers who prefer other brands.

“Overall, we believe we will be able to supply the market,” he said.

He also highlighted Delta’s growing contribution to Government revenue, attributing improved planning and expansion to the prevailing economic stability.

“The numbers we are contributing to Government through taxes allow Government to run its operations smoothly,” he said.

“We believe we can only do better with the support we are seeing from Government, particularly around the stability that we are witnessing in the country,” he said.

He acknowledged that demand had grown rapidly in recent years that the company might still fall short in a few areas, especially in supplying lager beer.

“Our sector has grown in the last few years to the extent that we might disappoint a few customers in the limited supply of lager beer because we need to invest more to cover the gaps. But we are confident about the future.

“We believe government policies will allow us to grow.”

Industry and Commerce Minister Ndhlovu commended the sector’s significant growth and ongoing investment.

“We have observed that this is a very important sector in our economy, employing large numbers of our people. More importantly, these products reach every corner of our country,” he said. H Metro 

CONJUGAL VISITS FOR ZIM PRISONERS


Selected inmates are having access to conjugal rights while serving their sentences in the country’s prisons.

This is set to be widened beyond the two prisons, where a pilot project has been held, in what authorities believe is a significant move towards rehabilitation.

At Marondera Female Open Prison and Connemara Prison, selected inmates have already started enjoying conjugal visits.

This is done at the homes of the inmates and not behind the prison walls.

This initiative is part of a cocktail of proposals which will mark a significant shift from punitive measures to a focus on correctional practices.

The inmates who experience this are those who would have demonstrated exemplary behaviour and adaptability to corrective measures.

ZPCS spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Meya Khanyezi, said the upcoming parole system will address conjugal rights.

“The upcoming parole system will also address conjugal rights for inmates,” Ass Comm Khanyezi said.

“Many in Marondera Female and Connemara Prisons have already begun to enjoy these rights while serving their sentences.

“Conjugal rights will be at the comfort of their homes not in prisons.

Ass Comm Khanyezi encouraged families to play a leading role in the rehabilitation of inmates.

“As ZPCS, we cannot solely rehabilitate inmates.

“Their families and communities must also play a vital role. Prisoners come from the community and will eventually return there.”

She urged the public to visit prisons nationwide, bringing gifts to express love and support.

This helps in the reform process and ensures that inmates do not see prison as their permanent home.

As Unity Day approaches, several inmates will be ‘temporarily released’ during the celebrations and they are expected to return to their prison bases after New Year.

Addressing female inmates recently, Commissioner General of Prisons Moses Chihobvu unveiled plans for a parole system which promises to benefit all female inmates at the open prison.

“We are in the process of implementing the parole system,” Comm Gen Chihobvu said.

“Once operational, this system will allow some inmates to complete their sentences in the comfort of their homes.”

The announcement was met with applause, with inmates expressing their gratitude by singing and kneeling in appreciation.

Comm Gen Chihobvu said professionals from the Parole Board will carefully select inmates eligible for the programme, with priority being given to those who have shown success in rehabilitation initiatives.

On Monday, the ZPCS opened prison gates, allowing inmates to reconnect with their loved ones until Sunday.

This is part of their rehabilitation and reintegration process. During a visit to five prisons in Harare, Zimpapers observed numerous inmates joyfully reuniting with their loved ones, sharing meals and embracing each other in a heart-warming display of connection.

Patients at the Psychiatric Unit of Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison received the least number of visitors during Family Week.

The unit currently houses 436 inmates.

Only 14 inmates welcomed visitors on Tuesday.

One inmate, Member Dombotshena, has been there since 2014.

Assistant Inspector Simbarashe Mandizvidza is also part of the inmates.

A visitor, Christina Manzongo, shared the tale of her son, Edward, who has struggled with drug addiction.

“I felt it was important to visit my son, to give him morale support and remind him of our love,” she said.

“We still believe in him and look forward to seeing a change. He was stealing kitchen utensils and selling his own clothes.

“His addiction harmed our family deeply, leading to his separation from his wife and becoming a threat to me.”

Chikurubi Farm Prison welcomed 70 visitors on Tuesday, while the Female Prison, which has 411 inmates despite its capacity of 315, welcomed only 50 visitors.

A group of 45 children also entered the female prison.

Harare Remand Prison welcomed 512 visitors, including 133 children.

Harare Central Prison welcomed 920 visitors, including 294 childre.

Tambudzai Nyanhete, 52, from Mukarakate Village in Murehwa, came to see her late sister’s son, Evans Chamboko, 34, who is serving a 15-year sentence for rape.

Isaac Kambangu, 32, who is serving a 22-year jail term for vandalising public utilities, was elated to receive a visit from his wife, Brenda Chabwedzeka, who travelled from Concession with their baby girl.

Isaac’s joy was especially poignant as he was arrested and jailed while Brenda was pregnant.

“I feel honoured and comforted to see my wife visiting me. She is still with my parents.

“Some women decide to return to their parents in situations like these.

“She gave birth to a baby girl adding to two boys we have been blessed with,” said Isaac. Herald

I HAVE BEEN VINDICATED : CHIVAYO

 

TUNGWARARA CO-OPTION NULLIFIED