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The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has announced the coming introduction of higher-quality ZiG bank notes — stronger paper, cleaner print, longer durability in circulation. Technically, that sounds reassuring. A country’s currency should look respectable. Money carries national identity. But across shops, kombis and WhatsApp groups, the reaction has not been excitement. It has been a quieter question: Will the new notes last in the wallet — or only in the pocket? Because in Zimbabwe, durability has never been the real concern. Value has. Zimbabweans Don’t Hold Money — They Escape It In most economies, money stores value. In Zimbabwe, money stores urgency. The moment people receive local currency, they begin calculating an exit strategy. Groceries, fuel, airtime, stock, USD conversion — anything that turns cash into something that will still matter tomorrow. A vendor does not first ask whether the note is genuine. They ask whether the price must change. A commuter does not inspect security features. They check the exchange rate. The supermarket shelf has become a savings account with edible interest. So when authorities promise stronger paper, the public listens for stronger purchasing power. The Confidence Question Was Already Answered Zimbabweans will use the currency. But usage is not the same as trust. Prices may be displayed in ZiG, yet calculations happen in USD. Informal traders monitor the parallel rate before accepting payment. Businesses adjust prices not only when stock changes, but when expectations change. The economy operates with a currency it is still psychologically hedging against. That gap — between circulation and confidence — is the real challenge. A tougher note does not close it. Memory Matters More Than Design Zimbabwe has had impressive bank notes before — advanced security features, high-quality print, international standards. It also had money that lost value faster than it aged. That experience permanently changed how citizens judge currency. Zimbabweans no longer evaluate money by appearance. They evaluate it by time survived without regret. If holding it feels risky, confidence does not exist regardless of design quality. What People Actually Want Not prettier money. Not stronger money. Predictable money. Money that can sit in a wallet for two weeks without strategic spending. Money that allows budgeting beyond tomorrow. Money that does not demand immediate conversion into goods. In stable economies, people plan purchases. In Zimbabwe, people plan escape routes. Until that changes, improvements in note durability sound cosmetic. The Real Test The success of the new ZiG notes will not be determined by texture, colour or fibre strength. It will be determined by behaviour. If people keep them, confidence exists. If people rush to convert them, it does not. Zimbabweans are not waiting to see whether the money tears. They are waiting to see whether it keeps its promise. Simbarashe Namusi is a peace, leadership and governance scholar as well as media expert writing in his personal capacity

Minister Richard Moyo handing a device to a headman Traditional leaders from Matabeleland North Province gathered at the Mhlahlandlela Government Complex in Bulawayo on Monday to receive smartphones donated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The Chronicle reported that 51 devices were handed to chiefs and headmen across the province to improve communication and speed up responses to community needs. Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo distributed 22 devices to headmen from three districts during a brief handover ceremony. The phones are intended to enable leaders to report emergencies, security concerns, and development needs directly to government structures. The smartphones are meant to strengthen the link between communities and government by enabling faster reporting and coordination during crises. Officials said the devices will help chiefs and headmen organise meetings, relay government programmes, and alert authorities to developments in their areas. Moyo framed the initiative as part of the President’s development philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind, stressing that modern tools should reach even the most remote communities. Headman Mazibisa from Tsholotsho District thanked the President for the donation, saying the phones demonstrate a commitment to inclusive development. He pledged that the devices would be used responsibly to improve access to government services and to communicate more effectively with residents. Recipients said the smartphones would make it easier to coordinate local programmes and to escalate urgent matters to provincial and national authorities. Officials indicated the devices will be integrated into existing provincial communication channels and that training or guidance may follow to ensure effective use. The ministry expects the phones to reduce delays in reporting emergencies and to improve the delivery of public services at the community level. smartphones donated to traditional leaders

Surveillance Cameras The government will soon step up road traffic enforcement with the deployment of surveillance cameras and electronic ticketing as part of the Electronic Traffic Management System ETMS. Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Honourable Kazembe Kazembe said foundational work is largely complete and the programme is moving into implementation in major cities. Infrastructure deployment, including the installation of surveillance cameras, is already underway. TelOne has placed orders for hardware while its local software team develops the management platform. Phase One is expected within the current quarter, and citizens should begin to see cameras and the first wave of electronic ticketing by May or June. Phase One will focus on urban centres where traffic volumes and road safety risks are highest. The minister said visible changes will appear within months as cameras go live and automated ticketing begins to operate. Authorities describe the rollout as a staged process with monitoring and adjustments after the initial deployment. The system will use surveillance cameras and automated detection to identify traffic violations in real time. Detected offences will generate electronic tickets that are issued and managed through the ETMS platform. The aim is to reduce human error, speed up enforcement, and create an auditable record of violations. Public transport associations welcomed the initiative as a step toward restoring order and accountability on the roads. Ngoni Katsvairo, Secretary General of the Greater Harare Association of Commuter Omnibus Operators, said poor compliance by both public transport and private motorists has worsened road safety, and that effective implementation could bring discipline and reduce accidents. Officials point to a pilot phase conducted last year, during which more than 1,000 drivers in Harare and Bulawayo were flagged for traffic light violations. Authorities say those results underline the need for a nationwide system to strengthen enforcement and improve road safety. Motorists can expect increased detection of common violations such as running red lights, illegal turns, and other signal offences. The ETMS will generate electronic tickets that follow a digital processing workflow. Drivers and fleet operators should prepare for stricter enforcement and ensure compliance with traffic laws. Authorities will continue infrastructure deployment and software testing before expanding coverage. The ministry and implementing agencies will publish guidance on how tickets are issued, contested, and paid. Public education campaigns are expected to accompany the rollout to inform road users about the new system and compliance requirements. ETMS rollout

Masimba Holdings construction Masimba Holdings has plunged into mourning following the deaths of two of its employees in tragic and closely linked circumstances within the space of a week, in what has been described as a deeply distressing period for the company. The sequence of events began earlier in the week when Willington Dube, a Masimba Holdings worker, was fatally injured while inside a concrete mixer at one of the company’s operations. Dube was reportedly cleaning the mixer when the machine was switched on, crushing him inside. The operator of the concrete mixer truck, 37-year-old Emmanuel Tachiona Chihanga, was subsequently accused of activating the machine while Dube was still inside. The incident sparked investigations and reportedly placed Chihanga under intense emotional and psychological strain. Less than a week later, tragedy struck again. On Saturday morning, Chihanga died in a suspected suicide along the Harare–Masvingo Highway, near Gokomere, sending shockwaves through both the company and the wider community. According to reports by the Masvingo Mirror , Chihanga allegedly left behind a suicide note in which he expressed overwhelming pressure and distress, stating that he felt unable to cope with the burden of being blamed for his colleague’s death. Police reports indicate that Chihanga initially attempted to end his life by jumping in front of a Toyota GD6 at the 270-kilometre peg along the highway. The driver managed to swerve and avoid hitting him before proceeding to the nearest tollgate to alert the police. However, before officers could return to the scene, Chihanga reportedly jumped into the path of another oncoming vehicle, which struck and killed him instantly. Masimba Holdings’ public relations officer, Pearl Mutiti, confirmed that Chihanga was indeed an employee of the company but declined to comment further on the circumstances surrounding his death. “We are aware of the accident and can confirm that the late was employed by Masimba Holdings,” said Mutiti. “However, as this was not a work-related incident, the police are best placed to provide further details.” Meanwhile, Masvingo Deputy Police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu confirmed the fatal road traffic accident, stating that investigations are still underway. “We recorded a fatal road traffic accident involving a pedestrian who was hit by a vehicle at the 270-kilometre peg along the Harare–Masvingo Road on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at around 0530 hours,” said Patinyu. “The victim died on the spot, and investigations are ongoing.” The double tragedy has sparked renewed discussion around workplace safety, mental health, and the emotional toll faced by employees involved in fatal industrial accidents. Masimba Holdings tragedy

Zimbabwe Officials Handing Over the Donation Zimbabwe has reinforced its commitment to regional solidarity after donating 370 metric tonnes of maize to Malawi, providing critical relief as the country grapples with a worsening food crisis triggered by prolonged drought and climate-related shocks. The donation was officially handed over at the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) headquarters in Lilongwe, marking the second consignment of humanitarian assistance from Zimbabwe to Malawi in recent weeks. Speaking during the handover ceremony, Chief Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) of Malawi, Dr Justin Adack Saidi, praised the Government of Zimbabwe for responding swiftly to Malawi’s appeal for assistance, describing the gesture as a reflection of deep friendship and shared responsibility between the two neighbouring nations. Dr Saidi expressed gratitude to Zimbabwean President, His Excellency Comrade Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, for authorising the maize donation at a critical moment when millions of Malawians are facing food insecurity. “When we convened at Capitol Hill on January 27, 2026, to receive the first batch of relief items, it brought immense relief because it showed that our neighbours, regional partners, and the international community had heard our call,” said Dr Saidi. He said the arrival of a second consignment of 370 tonnes of maize would go a long way in assisting vulnerable communities affected by climate change-induced food shortages. “A lot of lives are at stake. However, we are encouraged that, in line with the commitment of His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi, to ensure that no life is lost due to food shortages, his brother, His Excellency Comrade Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, and the people of Zimbabwe have responded generously,” he said. Dr Saidi described the donation as a powerful symbol of regional solidarity, brotherhood, and shared history, noting that the support would strengthen long-standing ties between the two countries. “On behalf of His Excellency the President, the Government and the people of Malawi, I express our heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of Zimbabwe for standing with us during this difficult period. Your support speaks volumes about the strong bonds that unite our two sister nations,” he said. Also speaking at the event, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Malawi, Her Excellency Nancy Saungwene, reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to supporting Malawi in times of need, saying the donation was anchored in the country’s foreign policy values. “It is with a deep sense of solidarity that I stand before you once again to officiate the handover of the second consignment of humanitarian assistance from the Republic of Zimbabwe to our brothers and sisters in Malawi,” said Ambassador Saungwene. She commended President Mnangagwa for honouring his pledge and authorising the release of the maize, adding that Zimbabwe’s foreign policy is rooted in the principle of Ubuntu, which recognises shared humanity and collective responsibility. “Our assistance today reflects our belief that we are responsible for one another. What affects Malawi also affects Zimbabwe,” she said. Ambassador Saungwene confirmed that the current delivery consists of 370 tonnes of maize and announced that a third and final consignment will be delivered on a date to be communicated. Malawi is currently facing widespread food shortages after prolonged dry spells devastated crop production across the country. President Arthur Peter Mutharika has declared a State of Disaster in 28 districts, affecting millions of people and prompting urgent humanitarian interventions from regional and international partners. Zimbabwe donates maize to Malawi

ZANUPF HQ Zanu-PF has launched an internal probe into disturbances that forced the abrupt suspension of a Manicaland Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) meeting in Mutare, amid stern warnings from senior party officials that indiscipline during official party business will not be tolerated. The closed-door meeting, held at the Rekayi Tangwena Government Complex, descended into disorder after rival factions confronted each other, trading accusations and disrupting proceedings to the point where the session was abandoned. Zanu-PF Secretary for Security, Lovemore Matuke, said the party leadership was awaiting a comprehensive report before determining appropriate action. “Zanu-PF will not tolerate such behaviour during party business. We are waiting to receive a detailed report on what exactly transpired,” Matuke said. Party Secretary for Information and Publicity, Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa, attributed the chaos to what he described as deliberate attempts by detractors to destabilise the party in Manicaland. “Detractors have consistently regarded Manicaland as the soft underbelly of Zanu-PF in their futile efforts to infiltrate the party of the permanent Zimbabwe revolution,” Mutsvangwa said. He added that party leadership would deal decisively with what he termed ill-disciplined elements acting out of step with party values and direction. Mutsvangwa further defended President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership, insisting that internal disturbances would not weaken the party’s cohesion or electoral standing. “The writ of President Mnangagwa over the party remains firm, and his communion with the electorate is being demonstrated through continued by-election victories,” he said. What Triggered the Disruption The PEC meeting was chaired by Manicaland provincial chairperson Tawanda Mukodza. Tensions reportedly arose during discussions on a state-of-the-party report presented by provincial political commissar Albert Nyakuedzwa. According to sources present, Buhera West legislator Tafadzwa Mugwadi was contributing to the debate when Mukodza instructed him to restrict his remarks strictly to the contents of the report. Mugwadi reportedly resisted, insisting on broader submissions. This prompted interjections from Mugwadi’s supporters, who challenged the chairperson’s directive. Mukodza maintained his authority, triggering counter-interjections from members aligned to his leadership. The confrontation escalated into shouting, desk-banging, and personal exchanges, forcing Mukodza to adjourn the meeting and leave the boardroom. However, members opposed to Mukodza’s leadership reportedly refused to disperse and instead nominated provincial secretary for administration Sam Matema to chair proceedings in the chairperson’s absence. As deliberations continued, another group allegedly stormed the boardroom, disrupted the session, and ordered members to vacate the premises, arguing that the meeting had been officially terminated. The party leadership is now expected to assess submissions from Manicaland and determine disciplinary measures, as concerns grow over factional tensions within the province. Zanu-PF Mutare chaos

HARARE CENTRAL POLICE STATION A Harare man is facing intense public backlash after allegedly misappropriating nearly US$2,000 raised to repatriate the body of a deceased friend from South Africa to Zimbabwe, leaving the bereaved family scrambling to secure alternative burial funds. Douglas Matadi is accused of mismanaging US$1,975 collected through a GoFundMe campaign intended to transport the body of Farai Mushamba from Cape Town to Bikita, Masvingo, for burial. The family claims that after demanding accountability, only US$380 was initially returned, forcing them to mobilise emergency resources to bury Mushamba on January 10. The matter has since been reported to the police and is under investigation at Harare Central Police Station under case number CR1008/01/26. “This Was a Funeral, Not a Business Deal” Family spokesperson Arthur Mushamba, the deceased’s elder brother, said Matadi was entrusted with the funds because of long-standing personal and community ties. “We trusted him because this was a funeral. We come from the same village in Bikita and we just call each other brothers,” Mushamba said.“While we were running around organising burial logistics, he was busy enriching himself.” According to the family, police involvement prompted Matadi to begin repaying the funds in instalments. Records show he returned US$100 on January 20, US$282 on January 21, and US$372 on February 2. In total, US$1,134 has so far been repaid, leaving US$843 still unaccounted for. Matadi has reportedly attributed the missing funds to a “mistaken transfer” to the wrong account, an explanation the family says lacks credibility. “He gave us flimsy excuses, claiming the technology betrayed him, and even threatened us by saying we could not get him arrested,” Mushamba said. Admission in WhatsApp Messages Screenshots of messages sent to the family WhatsApp group show Matadi admitting wrongdoing and promising to repay the outstanding balance. “I admit the wrongdoing on my part. I used the wrong technology. I will get back the funds,” Matadi wrote. The incident has sharply divided mourners and community members, with some calling for Matadi’s immediate arrest, while others argue he should be allowed to explain himself fully through legal channels. The family says it has opted to leave the matter entirely in the hands of law enforcement. Wider Questions of Trust and Accountability The case has reignited debate around accountability in crowdfunding initiatives, particularly those involving funerals and repatriation of bodies, moments when families are most vulnerable. As online fundraising becomes more common in Zimbabwe, the Mushamba family’s ordeal highlights the risks of informal financial arrangements and the need for greater transparency when handling funds meant for grieving families. Police investigations are ongoing. Harare man's funeral funds scandal

Cattle A Chimanimani community court presided over by Chief Saurombe has ordered that a bride price be returned after it emerged that a woman’s daughter had been married off without the involvement or blessing of her biological father. The dispute began when Phyllis Makamanzi took her maternal uncles to Chief Saurombe’s court seeking explanations for a string of tragic events affecting her children. She told the court she had consulted prophets who suggested her misfortunes were linked to actions by her uncles. The court found that the uncles had accepted the bride price and facilitated the marriage without notifying or involving the girl’s father, Christopher Chitsa, and directed that the payment be refunded so the marriage could be properly concluded with the father’s participation. Family testimony and bride price payment During proceedings, it emerged that Phyllis’ husband, Gift Tinoonda, had paid US$340 in bride price to Phyllis’ maternal relatives without the father’s knowledge. Tinoonda told the court that after the couple’s second child died, Phyllis’ uncles took her away for consolation, and he paid the roora to the Makamanzi family. Phyllis’ mother, Wisper Makamanzi, told the court that Christopher Chitsa is the girl’s biological father. She said Phyllis had prevented her from inviting Chitsa to the marriage ceremony because Phyllis resented him for not raising her. Wisper explained that she separated from Chitsa while pregnant after he rejected the pregnancy, and that his relatives had chased her away when she eloped. When Tinoonda sought to pay the bride price, Wisper attempted to contact Chitsa so he could be present, but Phyllis insisted he had no role in her upbringing and blocked the invitation. Chief Saurombe’s ruling and cultural reasoning Chief Saurombe criticised the process and said the lack of paternal blessing could be the source of Phyllis’ troubles. He ordered the Makamanzis to reimburse Tinoonda so the roora ceremony could be repeated with Chitsa or his relatives present. The chief emphasised that while maternal relatives may claim compensation for raising a child, the formal bride price belongs to the father’s side. He said raising a niece does not give uncles the right to accept roora in place of the father. Chief Saurombe said the father should at least receive a token amount from the bride price as a symbolic blessing if he did not participate in the child’s upbringing. He urged the family to expedite the reversal so the couple can try for another pregnancy and monitor whether the same problems recur. The chief added that if the issues persist after the corrected marriage process, the court would provide further assistance. Cultural implications and next steps The ruling underscores the importance of following customary marriage procedures and securing paternal blessings to avoid social and spiritual complications, according to the community court. The Makamanzis were instructed to return the bride price promptly and to involve Chitsa or his representatives in the renewed roora ceremony so the marriage is recognised by both paternal and maternal clans. Chief Saurombe said the corrective steps are intended to restore cultural order and protect the couple’s future well-being. bride price returned Chimanimani

TAUNGANA NDORO The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has reiterated that teachers who demand payment from pupils for extra lessons are committing corruption and abusing public office. Speaking in Bulawayo, the ministry’s Director of Communications and Advocacy, Taungana Ndoro, said teachers are already salaried by the state and must not exploit their classroom authority to solicit money from parents. Ndoro described the practice as a clear misuse of public power and warned that offenders face disciplinary measures and possible criminal prosecution. Ministry stance and examples Ndoro told the meeting that asking parents to pay for lessons that form part of a teacher’s duty is equivalent to corruption in public office. He compared the behaviour to other public‑sector bribes, saying it mirrors scenarios where officials demand money to perform routine duties. He said teachers who claim they need extra income or that the lessons help struggling pupils are not excused: such explanations do not justify soliciting payments for work they are paid to do. Scale of the problem and parental complaints Parents across the country have reported that some public‑school teachers charge between US$10 and US$20 per month per child for extra lessons. These sessions have, in some cases, become de facto “pay‑to‑learn” schemes, with allegations that pupils who do not pay are overlooked or disadvantaged. Ndoro warned that such conduct undermines trust in the education system and places an unfair burden on families. Reporting channels and escalation The ministry urged parents to use formal reporting channels and to start at the lowest level when raising concerns. For classroom issues, parents should first speak to the class teacher. If unresolved, the complaint should be taken to the head of the school, whom Ndoro described as the institution’s CEO. If the headmaster does not resolve the matter, parents should escalate to the district and then the provincial offices. Ndoro acknowledged that some headmasters and district officials have colluded in corrupt practices, which can erode confidence in local reporting structures. Final escalation and sanctions Ndoro said that if district and provincial channels fail, parents should bring complaints to the ministry’s head office, where the permanent secretary can take decisive action. He added that unresolved matters can also be taken to court. Teachers found charging pupils for extra lessons may face sanctions under public service regulations and could be subject to criminal charges for abusing public office.  teachers charging extra lessons corruption

Morgan Zintec College campus A lecturer at Morgan Zintec College, identified as Happiness Karengo, is reportedly on the run after a 30‑year‑old female student filed a police complaint alleging he raped her last November. The student says Karengo summoned her to his office on the pretext of administering a missed in‑class exam, then locked the door and assaulted her. The matter has been reported to Braeside Police Station under RRB 6473934. According to the complaint, the student was called to Karengo’s office to take a test she had missed. Once inside, she alleges, the lecturer locked the door, made romantic advances, and began touching her. After she rejected him, the student says Karengo produced a condom and raped her before handing her the test and leaving the room. The incident is said to have occurred in November. The account circulated among staff and students at the college, prompting concern about professional conduct and campus safety. The student initially delayed reporting the incident, the complaint states, after advice from her sister, who feared the lecturer might tamper with course marks. A police report was filed earlier this week, and the case is recorded at Braeside Police Station under RRB 6473934. The victim has been taken to Edith Clinic for a medical examination. Police were not available for comment at the time of reporting. Lecturers and students at Morgan Zintec College have reportedly discussed the allegations openly, with some students expressing worry that similar abuses may go unreported. The case has raised questions about safeguarding, complaint procedures, and professional oversight at the institution. The college authorities’ response was not available at the time of publication. The complaint is now with the police, who will determine whether to arrest and charge the suspect based on the investigation and medical evidence. The victim has sought medical attention and may be offered counselling and support services; victims of sexual assault are also advised to preserve evidence and follow police guidance. Because the allegations are serious and the suspect is reportedly at large, authorities may issue an arrest warrant if investigations substantiate the claim. Morgan Zintec lecturer accused rape

Cde Bombshell Geza Harare  — Senior Zanu-PF figure Christopher Mutsvangwa has said liberation war veteran Blessed Geza, who died in exile in South Africa last Friday, should be granted a national hero’s burial, despite his highly publicised political fallout with President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Geza, a former Zanu-PF Member of Parliament and Central Committee official, died with treason allegations still pending after he helped mobilise anti-government protests last year, calling for Mnangagwa’s removal from office. While the demonstrations did not succeed, they caused significant national disruption, with over a dozen activists remaining in detention and others forced to flee the country. Geza’s death has exposed divisions within the ruling party, and Mutsvangwa’s remarks represent the first public position taken by a senior Zanu-PF leader since his passing. “Among war veterans and within the party, there is a shared view that he was a comrade who stumbled near the end,” Mutsvangwa said. He suggested Geza’s political break with the party was influenced by declining health. “He was unwell and not thinking clearly, which made him susceptible to people seeking to manipulate Zimbabwe’s liberation history,” Mutsvangwa said. “We are receiving him back. His contribution to the liberation struggle remains intact regardless of recent events.” Mutsvangwa said war veterans would campaign to ensure Geza’s liberation credentials are safeguarded, arguing they cannot be erased by political disagreements. He added that efforts were underway to ensure Geza receives a respectful burial and that immediate assistance would be extended to his widow, Roseline Tawengwa. Mutsvangwa expressed optimism that President Mnangagwa would eventually authorise burial arrangements appropriate for a liberation war veteran. Geza became a prominent national figure in January 2025 after announcing on a YouTube platform that he and a group of war veterans were withdrawing their support for Mnangagwa, accusing the President of corruption and poor governance. He later left Zimbabwe and continued broadcasting from exile, drawing widespread attention and triggering what analysts described as one of the most serious internal challenges to Mnangagwa’s leadership since taking power. Mutsvangwa, without presenting evidence, claimed Geza had been influenced by individuals associated with the late former President Robert Mugabe’s Generation 40 (G40) faction. “Why target someone with liberation credentials instead of finding anyone else?” Mutsvangwa asked. “They tried to appropriate his history. Zanu-PF rejects the theft of liberation history.” Whether President Mnangagwa will ultimately approve national hero status for Geza remains uncertain, given the depth of their political split and Geza’s role in mobilising protests that represented a rare internal challenge to the ruling party’s leadership. Blessed Geza death

MUTARE Mutare  — A Mutare man has been arrested and charged with murder following the death of a 39-year-old woman who was allegedly doused with a highly corrosive liquid believed to be sulphuric acid in a suspected crime of passion. Tawanda Kapfumo, of Zororo, Sakubva, appeared before Mutare provincial magistrate Honest Musiyiwa last Tuesday, facing murder charges. He was remanded to 3 March 2026 and granted US$200 bail. The deceased, Siphumile Saruwaka, succumbed to severe injuries sustained during the attack, which prosecutors say was linked to a bitter love triangle involving Kapfumo and a local mechanic, Prince Toga. Alleged Motive and Events Leading to the Attack Prosecutor Sandra Mlambo told the court that Kapfumo had been romantically involved with Saruwaka, who was also allegedly in a relationship with Toga. Two days before the attack, Kapfumo is said to have taken Saruwaka to a lodge in Chikanga, where Toga allegedly found the pair together. The encounter reportedly escalated into a heated confrontation. Following the incident, Kapfumo allegedly began sending threatening messages to both Saruwaka and Toga. The Fatal Attack On Saturday, Kapfumo is alleged to have tracked the couple in Mutare. After Toga reportedly left Saruwaka, who was said to be intoxicated alone in a parked vehicle near Blue Star Workshop, Kapfumo allegedly approached the car and poured sulphuric acid over her before fleeing the scene. Toga later returned, discovered Saruwaka in distress, and attempted to administer first aid before rushing her to the hospital. She later succumbed to her injuries, with medical reports indicating extensive chemical burns. Bail Conditions and Community Reaction As part of his bail conditions, Kapfumo is required to continue residing at his stated address and report as directed. Saruwaka was a well-known figure in Mutare’s social football circles, playing for Fairpark Stars Football Club. Her death has sent shockwaves through the local community, with friends, teammates, and socialites gathering to mourn her. She was affectionately known as “Tete.” The matter remains under investigation, and Kapfumo is yet to enter a plea. As with all criminal proceedings, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Tawanda Kapfumo murder charge