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At least 14 people have died after a long-distance luxury coach was involved in a fatal road accident along the Harare–Nyamapanda Highway on Tuesday afternoon. The crash occurred near Suswe at the 176-kilometre peg, leaving dozens injured and triggering an emergency response from authorities and local communities. According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the bus identified as a Malawi-bound BRD Luxury Coach was travelling from Cape Town, South Africa, when the accident occurred at around 1 pm. In an official statement, police confirmed the scale of the tragedy: “The ZRP reports a fatal road traffic accident which occurred this afternoon at 176 km peg along the Harare–Nyamapanda road near Suswe. A Malawi-bound BRD Luxury Coach bus, which was coming from Cape Town, South Africa, had an accident near Suswe at around 1300 hours. Initial police attendance at the scene indicates that 14 people died.” Authorities said the bus was carrying 63 passengers at the time of the accident, raising concerns that the death toll could rise. Several survivors sustained serious injuries and were rushed to nearby medical facilities, including Mutoko District Hospital and Kotwa District Hospital. A local resident who arrived shortly after the crash described a chaotic scene. “There were people crying for help, and others trapped inside the bus. Villagers worked with emergency services to pull survivors out,” he said. Medical personnel at one of the receiving hospitals said some victims remain in critical condition, fuelling fears that the death toll could increase. Police have launched investigations to determine the cause of the accident, with early indications pointing to possible driver error or mechanical failure, although officials say it is too early to confirm. Road safety expert Engineer Gift Makarati said long-distance travel poses increased risks. “Fatigue, speeding, and vehicle condition are common factors in such crashes. A full technical investigation will be needed to establish what happened,” he said. The latest tragedy adds to a growing number of fatal road accidents on Zimbabwe’s highways, particularly involving long-distance buses. Transport analyst Tafadzwa Gona said enforcement remains key. “Regular vehicle inspections and strict adherence to driver rest periods are critical in preventing such disasters,” he said. Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution, especially on busy regional routes linking Zimbabwe to neighbouring countries. As families begin to identify victims and mourn their loved ones, the nation is once again confronted with the devastating human cost of road traffic accidents. Harare Nyamapanda bus crash

A night out in Ruwa turned deadly after a dispute over gospel music escalated into a violent stabbing at a local bar, leaving one man dead and three others hospitalised. The incident occurred on Thursday at Shooters Bottle Store in Solomio Park, sending shockwaves through the community and raising fresh concerns over violent crime in social spaces. According to eyewitnesses who spoke to H-Metro, tensions began when patrons complained about gospel songs being played continuously at the venue, demanding a change in music. Two men, identified as Trymore Ndebele (35) and his companion Peace Dube (25), were reportedly controlling the playlist via a mobile phone connected through Bluetooth. “They were playing gospel the whole time and people started complaining. It became tense very quickly,” said one witness who requested anonymity. The pair allegedly disconnected their device and briefly left the premises, but returned shortly after, at which point a heated confrontation broke out inside the bar. During the ensuing scuffle, Ndebele allegedly produced a knife and stabbed Tendai Mubiya (30) once in the neck. Mubiya, who had been drinking and playing snooker, collapsed immediately after the attack. Witnesses said attempts were made to assist him, but his condition deteriorated rapidly. “It all happened so fast. One moment people were arguing, the next there was blood and chaos,” another patron said. Three other individuals were injured in the violence. Bar owner Luckmore Kazingizi (28) sustained a deep chest wound, while Collen Tomu (30) suffered a serious cut on the back. A fourth victim sustained minor injuries during the commotion. The injured were taken to Parirenyatwa Hospital for treatment, where Kazingizi and Tomu remain admitted. Patrons at the scene reportedly overpowered the suspects following the attack before alerting authorities. Police subsequently arrested Ndebele and Dube, who are expected to appear in court facing charges related to murder and assault. The Zimbabwe Republic Police has yet to release a full official statement on the incident, but sources confirmed that investigations are ongoing. Criminal law expert Lloyd Mhishi said such cases often involve multiple charges. “Where a death occurs, the primary charge is murder, but additional counts of attempted murder or assault may also apply depending on the injuries sustained by other victims,” he said. The incident has reignited debate over safety in nightlife and informal drinking spots across Zimbabwe. Security analyst Admire Mare noted that disputes in crowded social environments can escalate quickly. “Alcohol, overcrowding, and lack of security controls often create conditions where minor disagreements turn violent,” he said. Residents in Ruwa say the tragedy highlights the need for tighter security measures at entertainment venues, including bag checks and better crowd management. As investigations continue, the community remains shaken by how a disagreement over music turned fatal within minutes. Ruwa stabbing

Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has dismissed claims of divisions within the country’s leadership, insisting that President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga share a close personal and working relationship. Speaking during an interview on Capitalk 100.4FM on May 5, 2026, Chivayo described reports of infighting as “outright lies,” saying the two leaders are bound by loyalty, respect, and what he characterised as family ties. Chivayo used vivid imagery to describe the relationship between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga. “If Vice President Chiwenga walks in and the President is drinking tea, they will share the same cup,” he said. “They love each other. They are one family. What people are saying on the internet is not real.” He added in Shona, “VaChiwenga ndibaba vedu… VaMnangagwa is also our father,” framing both leaders as paternal figures. Political analyst Eldred Masunungure said such statements reflect attempts to counter persistent speculation. “Public messaging around unity is often used to stabilise perceptions, particularly when there are recurring rumours of factionalism,” he noted. Chivayo also recounted how he supported Vice President Chiwenga during his wedding preparations, describing the gesture as both personal and symbolic. He said he was approached by officials requesting luxury vehicles, including Rolls-Royce and Maybach models, for the ceremony. “They said they had a budget and would pay, but I told them the Vice President is my father he would not pay anything,” Chivayo said. According to Chivayo, he provided a fleet of about six vehicles and made them available days before the event to allow for security checks and driver familiarisation. “I gave them all the cars… I was left with just one pick-up,” he said. He added that he also gave a cash gift of US$50,000 during the wedding celebrations. Chivayo further described an encounter at State House, which he said demonstrated the level of protocol and respect between the two leaders. “One time, I was in President Mnangagwa’s office, and the secretary announced that Vice President Chiwenga was there. I was told to leave immediately,” he said. “There was no way the Vice President would remain outside while I was inside. I was chased out of the office.” He said the meeting he had brought was postponed, reinforcing his view that the leadership operates with mutual respect. While Chivayo insists there is no rift, political observers say speculation about divisions within the ruling ZANU PF has circulated widely on social media. Analyst Ibbo Mandaza said such narratives are not uncommon. “In many political systems, perceptions of factionalism can emerge even when there is no formal split. What matters is how leadership responds publicly,” he said. Chivayo maintained that his personal experiences contradict claims of discord at the top. “What people see on the internet is not the reality. They are very close. They are one family,” he said. His remarks come at a time when online debate around Zimbabwe’s political dynamics remains active, with government officials and allies increasingly pushing back against claims of internal divisions. Wicknell Chivayo interview

PRETORIA — Prominent Zimbabwean opposition figure and former Member of Parliament, Job Sikhala, appeared before the Pretoria Magistrates Court in Tshwane on Monday, May 4, 2026, to face charges of possessing illegal explosives. Sikhala appeared alongside his 78-year-old uncle, Alex Thema, in a case that he claims is a politically motivated attempt to keep him out of Zimbabwe. Represented by Attorney Bongani Dee of Mabuza Attorneys, Sikhala has served a formal notice to the South African state. The defense maintains that if the prosecution fails to complete its investigations by the next court appearance on August 3, 2026, the case must be withdrawn. Currently, the state cites several outstanding investigative components, including: Detailed cellphone records. The processing of 205 witness statements. The analysis of DNA evidence. Sikhala, a registered legal practitioner in Zimbabwe, has vocally dismissed the charges as a "creation of enemies" from his home country who allegedly pursued him into South African jurisdiction. He emphasized that the legal proceedings are causing significant personal and professional prejudice. "I can’t leave this jurisdiction until my name is cleared on these allegations," Sikhala stated, noting that he is a father of 11 children who needs to return to Zimbabwe to resume his legal practice and political work. Presiding Magistrate Lesetja Mphahlele postponed the matter to August 3, 2026, granting the state additional time to finalize its investigation. Sikhala remains in South Africa pending the outcome, asserting that the delays are a strategic move to prevent his return to the Zimbabwean political landscape. Job Sikhala South Africa court case

The Zimbabwean government has directed that all learners, including those currently following the Cambridge curriculum, will sit national examinations under the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council by 2027, in a major policy shift aimed at standardising the country’s education system. The directive, clarified on May 5, 2026, affects current Form 3 and Lower 6 learners on the Cambridge pathway, who will now transition to ZIMSEC examinations at their final stage. Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said the timeline was designed to avoid disrupting learners already progressing through the system. “For learners currently in Form Three and Lower Six who are on the Cambridge route, the 2027 timeline is deliberate and fair. These learners will sit ZIMSEC O Level and A Level examinations respectively when they reach their final examination year,” Ndoro said. This means current Form 3 pupils will write ZIMSEC O Levels in 2027, while Lower 6 learners will sit ZIMSEC A Levels, ensuring a structured transition rather than an abrupt mid-course change. Education analyst Stephen Chikozho said the phased approach is critical. “Shifting examination systems midstream can disadvantage learners. A planned transition helps preserve academic continuity,” he said. Authorities made it clear that after 2027, all schools will be required to register candidates exclusively through ZIMSEC for national qualifications. Ndoro said the directive, issued by Education Minister Torerayi Moyo, is legally binding. “After 2027, compliance will not be optional. All schools will register candidates solely through ZIMSEC for the national examinations that confer the national qualification,” he said. He added that the move is grounded in the Education Act, which mandates a unified national curriculum. “This is not a policy choice; it is a constitutional and legal imperative. Section 63 mandates a single national curriculum, which can only be assessed with integrity by a single national examinations board,” Ndoro explained. While ZIMSEC will become the primary examination authority, the government says Cambridge examinations will still be permitted under tightly controlled conditions. Schools wishing to offer both ZIMSEC and Cambridge Assessment International Education must submit formal applications demonstrating how learners will manage both syllabi without compromising performance. “Any school that wishes to offer Cambridge alongside ZIMSEC must justify how learners will cope with both systems,” Ndoro said. Officials say the policy aims to eliminate disparities between learners following local and international curricula. “This reform dismantles a long-standing, unjust two-tier system that has falsely divided our children along socio-economic lines,” Ndoro said. Education expert Ranga Mberi noted that perceptions around qualifications have long influenced parental choices. “There has been a belief that international exams are superior, but local qualifications are widely recognised and can be strengthened through consistent policy support,” he said. Government officials emphasised that ZIMSEC qualifications are recognised by universities and employers both locally and regionally. The reform also aligns with Zimbabwe’s Heritage-Based Curriculum and broader national development agenda under Vision 2030. Parents and school administrators have been urged to prepare for the transition ahead of the 2027 deadline, as authorities move to fully integrate all learners into a single, standardised examination system. ZIMSEC compulsory Zimbabwe

SANYATI — A 76-year-old war veteran and ex-combatant, Timothy Tivoro, is embroiled in a high-stakes legal battle to save his six-hectare farm in Mashonaland West following the discovery of lucrative gold deposits on the property. The dispute has pitted the elderly farmer against a former employee in a case that highlights the growing friction between agricultural land rights and mining interests in Zimbabwe. Tivoro has resided at Easterlea Farm since 1999, after being resettled from another farm in Sanyati to facilitate dam construction under a presidential scheme. He was allocated Plot 1, Village A, where he has farmed for over two decades. The farmer's troubles began in 2018 when gold was discovered on the land. While Tivoro was granted a special mining permit (SG7660), he alleges that an employee he hired for manual work, Lawrence Kazungu, attempted to seize control of the operation. Tivoro claims that Kazungu, who previously operated a nearby chrome mine, colluded with officials from the Ministry of Mines to encroach on his land and illegally alter the farm’s coordinates. "I was relocated... to pave the way for dam construction under a presidential scheme," Tivoro told NewsDay. "But all my problems started when I employed one Lawrence Kazungu to do manual work." According to Tivoro, the officials involved in the alleged coordinate changes have since been dismissed. Lawrence Kazungu has denied all allegations of wrongdoing, insisting that he possesses all necessary legal paperwork for his claims. In a sharp rebuttal, Kazungu challenged Tivoro’s status as a war veteran, describing the farmer's claims as an attempt to "create a dispute." The dispute previously reached the highest levels of government. In a letter dated July 16, 2018, the former Minister of Mines, Winston Chitando, upheld the cancellation of the Phoebe 49 Mine license held by Kazungu. The Minister cited that the mine had been pegged in contravention of the Mines and Minerals Act and without the consent of the landowner. Despite this prior intervention, the matter remains unresolved and is currently before the courts as Tivoro appeals for government protection to halt his eviction. How do you believe the government should balance the rights of long-term farmers with the national interest of extracting newly discovered mineral wealth? Sanyati farm eviction gold dispute

CHITUNGWIZA — A Zimbabwean court has ordered the immediate deportation of a 52-year-old Chinese national, Xu Jianguo, after he was found to have remained in the country unlawfully for 278 days following the expiration of his work permit. The court heard that Xu Jianguo arrived in Zimbabwe on June 10, 2024, via Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on a single-entry business visa. He was subsequently granted a Temporary Employment Permit on July 22, 2024, which expired exactly one year later on July 22, 2025. Instead of exiting the country or renewing his documentation, Xu remained in Zimbabwe for an additional 278 days. The convict's luck ran out on April 27, 2026, when detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Chitungwiza received a tip-off regarding an undocumented foreign national living in Kuora Village, Seke. Upon being located by authorities at approximately 12:30 pm, Xu Jianguo claimed he was married to a Zimbabwean national, Rosina Sachiwo. However, a verification of his passport confirmed that he had been without a valid permit since July 2025. Following his initial arrest, he was handed over to the CID Counter Terrorism Unit for further management. Appearing before Chitungwiza Magistrate Batsirai Madzingira, Xu was charged with contravening the Immigration Act [Chapter 4:02], specifically for remaining in Zimbabwe without a valid permit. Sentence: Four months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years on condition of good behavior. Deportation: The Magistrate ordered that he be deported to his country of origin, China. Evidence: His passport was produced in court as primary evidence of the 278-day overstay. The State’s case was led by public prosecutor Shamiso Charmaine Mwapangira. This case serves as a stern reminder of the tightening of immigration oversight in Zimbabwe as authorities move to crack down on undocumented residents. How do you think marriage to a local citizen should impact the deportation process for individuals who have significantly overstayed their legal permits? Chinese national deported Zimbabwe overstay

One of Zimbabwe’s most ecologically significant wetlands, Monavale Wetland, is facing renewed pressure after reports that 23 Members of Parliament were allocated residential stands within the protected ecosystem. Also known as Monavale Vlei, the wetland is one of only seven sites in Zimbabwe designated under the Ramsar Convention as a Wetland of International Importance, a status meant to safeguard it from development. Human rights lawyer Douglas Coltart said the land allocations raise serious environmental and governance concerns, particularly given Zimbabwe’s leadership role in the global wetlands treaty framework. “It is deeply concerning that such allocations are being made on a protected wetland, especially at a time when Zimbabwe is expected to uphold international conservation standards,” Coltart said. The alleged allocations form part of a broader 2025 government programme in which the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works distributed around 70 residential stands to legislators across Harare, Goromonzi, and Zvimba. Local authorities, including Harare City Council, were reportedly instructed to identify low-density land in affluent northern suburbs such as Borrowdale, Marlborough, Greystone Park, and Mabelreign. Environmental experts warn that any development on Monavale could have far-reaching consequences for Harare’s water security. The wetland forms part of the Manyame catchment basin, which supplies water to the capital and surrounding towns. “Wetlands act as natural water filters and reservoirs. Disturbing them compromises both water quality and supply,” said environmentalist Farai Maguwu. According to the Conservation Society of Monavale (COSMO), which has managed the wetland since 2005, Monavale plays a vital role in groundwater recharge, biodiversity conservation, and flood control. In response to the allocations, COSMO, together with the Harare Wetlands Trust and concerned residents, lodged formal appeals with the Minister of Environment on 17 December 2025. The groups argue that allocating residential stands on a protected wetland violates both national environmental laws and Zimbabwe’s obligations under the Ramsar Convention. Environmental lawyer Sharon Hofisi said the case could set a precedent. “If developments are allowed to proceed on a Ramsar site, it undermines the entire legal framework protecting wetlands in Zimbabwe,” he said. Monavale is not the only wetland under threat. Rapid urban expansion in Harare has seen several wetlands degraded or converted into residential and commercial developments. Urban planner Percy Toriro said enforcement remains a major challenge. “We have strong environmental laws on paper, but weak implementation. Political interference often overrides planning regulations,” he said. Residents in nearby suburbs have also raised concerns about increased flooding and water shortages linked to wetland degradation. Conservationists are now calling for full disclosure of the allocation process and immediate suspension of any developments on Monavale. They argue that protecting wetlands is essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for long-term urban resilience. As pressure mounts, the government faces a critical test: balancing housing demands with its environmental commitments at both national and international levels. Monavale Wetland Zimbabwe

A court in Hwange has ordered a woman to repay US$2,500 in child maintenance to her former partner after a DNA test confirmed he is not the biological father of the child. The case, involving Clean Nyathi of Dete and his former partner Cynthia Dube, highlights growing disputes in Zimbabwe over paternity, maintenance payments, and the legal weight of DNA evidence. Nyathi told B-Metro he sought a DNA test after years of paying maintenance under mounting doubts about the child’s paternity. “This whole issue started in 2014. I always suspected the child was not mine, which is why I kept pushing for a DNA test,” he said. According to Nyathi, Dube initially refused to undergo testing multiple times, raising further suspicion. He eventually paid around US$450 for the DNA test, which excluded him as the father. “I have been paying maintenance for years starting at US$40, then US$50, then US$60. All that time, I was supporting a child who is not mine,” he said. Legal experts say such disputes are becoming more common as access to DNA testing improves in Zimbabwe. Family law practitioner Advocate Thabani Mpofu said courts increasingly rely on scientific evidence in maintenance disputes. “DNA evidence provides definitive answers in paternity cases and can overturn long-standing assumptions that previously guided maintenance orders,” he explained. Following the DNA results, the court ruled that Dube must repay US$2,500, the estimated total Nyathi paid in maintenance over the years. However, Dube said the ruling has left her financially strained. “I do not have the means to raise that money within seven days as ordered,” she said, describing the judgment as a major setback. She added that she had been in another relationship at the time she met Nyathi and later moved in with him after her then-partner became violent. “By the time I moved in, I was already pregnant,” she said. Under Zimbabwean law, maintenance obligations are typically based on presumed or acknowledged paternity, but courts can revisit rulings if new evidence emerges. Legal analyst Alex Magaisa has previously noted that DNA testing is reshaping family law. “Scientific evidence has introduced a level of certainty that courts cannot ignore, particularly in disputes involving parental responsibility,” he said. However, some social commentators warn that such cases can have complex consequences for children. Sociologist Tafadzwa Ruzive said: “While the law focuses on financial responsibility, there is also an emotional dimension. Children may be affected by the sudden withdrawal of a father figure.” Nyathi said he is not immediately pursuing repayment but may return to court if the money is not paid. “If I don’t get it, I will eventually take the matter back to court,” he said. The case underscores the importance of early paternity verification, particularly in maintenance disputes, as well as the legal risks associated with misattributed parenthood. Zimbabwe paternity dispute

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has directed that the findings of a long-awaited Commission of Inquiry into the sale of State land in urban areas be made public, in a move likely to intensify scrutiny on land barons and urban land governance in Zimbabwe. The directive, issued through General Notice 608 of 2026 and published in the Government Gazette by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya, invokes Section 62 of the Constitution, which guarantees public access to information. “It is hereby notified that His Excellency, the President, in terms of Section 62 of the Constitution, has directed the publication of the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the matter of sale of State land in and around urban areas since 2005,” reads part of the notice. The Commission, established in 2018, was chaired by Tendai Uchena and investigated widespread illegal land sales that have contributed to the rapid growth of unplanned settlements across Zimbabwe’s major cities. Urban planning expert Percy Toriro said the release of the report could mark a turning point in addressing land corruption. “For years, illegal allocations have undermined proper urban development. Making the findings public is a critical step toward accountability,” he said. The inquiry was prompted by the proliferation of informal settlements in cities such as Harare and Bulawayo, where land barons allegedly sold State land to home seekers without proper authority. A resident from Harare’s sprawling settlement of Hopley, who declined to be named, said many families bought land in good faith. “We paid money believing everything was legal. Now we fear eviction because of things we did not understand,” the resident said. The Commission of Inquiry, established under Statutory Instrument 11 of 2018 (amending Statutory Instrument 102 of 2017), was tasked with investigating State land allocated for urban development since 2005. Its mandate included identifying all State land transferred to the Ministry of Local Government for housing and urban expansion, and examining its current status in terms of ownership, occupation, and development. The Commission also scrutinised how individuals and companies acquired the land, and whether due process was followed. Legal analyst Alex Magaisa previously noted that commissions of inquiry play a crucial role in strengthening governance. “Transparency in such reports is essential if the public is to trust the outcomes and any corrective action taken,” he said. During its work, the Commission conducted nationwide site visits, summoned witnesses, and recorded testimonies from government officials, local authorities, land developers, and residents. It also analysed documentation related to land allocation and development patterns, aiming to identify those responsible for illegal land sales and recommend corrective measures. According to government officials familiar with the process, the report is expected to contain detailed findings on land barons, policy loopholes, and institutional weaknesses that enabled the незакон allocation of State land. The publication of the report is expected to have far-reaching implications for Zimbabwe’s urban planning and housing sector, including possible policy reforms, prosecutions, and regularisation of some settlements. Economist Victor Bhoroma said the findings could also influence investor confidence. “Clear land governance systems are essential for investment in housing and infrastructure. Addressing irregularities will help stabilise the property market,” he said. As Zimbabwe grapples with rapid urbanisation and housing shortages, authorities face the challenge of balancing enforcement with protecting vulnerable residents who may have unknowingly purchased illegally allocated land. Zimbabwe land barons

HARARE — Former Tourism and Hospitality Minister Walter Mzembi has been granted US$1,000 bail by the High Court in Harare. Mzembi is currently awaiting judgment in a high-profile case where he is accused of defrauding the Government of approximately US$2 million during his tenure in office. The High Court ordered Mzembi’s release under a set of stringent conditions to ensure his availability for judgment. These include: Financial Bond: A deposit of US$1,000 with the clerk of court. Travel Restrictions: Surrendering his passport and remaining within a 30-kilometre radius of the court unless granted explicit permission to travel. Residency: He is required to remain at his designated Harare residence. Mzembi was arrested in June 2025 upon his return from South Africa. The State's case revolves around the 2010 FIFA World Cup, specifically the procurement of television sets intended for public fan parks. Prosecutors allege that Mzembi authorized the donation of these television sets without the mandatory approval from the Treasury or Cabinet, a move they claim prejudiced the State of US$2 million. Despite the court's ruling, Mzembi’s actual release from custody has been delayed. His legal counsel, Emmanuel Samundombe, attributed the holdup to an administrative mix-up regarding the release documents. How do you think this ruling might influence the public's perception of the government's current anti-corruption drive? Walter Mzembi High Court bail

Zimbabwe’s persistently high fuel prices are being driven by a mix of structural costs, taxes, and procurement inefficiencies, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has said. Speaking at a business forum in Bulawayo, Ncube outlined why motorists in Zimbabwe continue to pay more at the pump compared to regional peers, despite global oil price fluctuations. Zimbabwe’s lack of direct access to the sea remains a major factor behind high fuel prices. As a landlocked country, it depends on imports routed through neighbouring countries such as Mozambique and South Africa. Fuel is typically shipped via ports like the Port of Beira before being transported inland by pipeline or road, adding high logistical costs. Energy analyst Persistence Gwanyanya told Southerton Business Times that “transport and handling costs can account for a substantial share of the final pump price in landlocked economies like Zimbabwe.” A fuel tanker driver who operates along the Beira-Harare corridor said delays at border posts and rising transit fees are also contributing to higher costs. “Sometimes trucks spend days waiting for clearance. Those delays translate into higher prices for consumers,” he said. Ncube said taxes and levies imposed by the government make up a notable portion of Zimbabwe’s fuel price structure. According to state media, The Herald, authorities have occasionally adjusted these charges to cushion consumers from price shocks. However, the minister highlighted procurement inefficiencies as the biggest concern. “We are paying more for fuel at source compared to other countries,” Ncube said, noting that the price gap exists even before taxes are added. Economist Gift Mugano said improving procurement systems could significantly reduce fuel costs. “If Zimbabwe secures fuel at competitive international prices, it can ease inflationary pressure across the economy,” he explained. Ncube also pointed to growing use of the Zimbabwe Gold currency, or Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), in fuel transactions. He described this as a positive development, signalling increasing confidence in the country’s monetary system. Recent data from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe shows a gradual increase in ZiG usage in formal transactions, including fuel purchases. Global factors, particularly geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, continue to influence fuel prices worldwide. Zimbabwe is not immune to these shocks, which affect import costs and supply chains. To mitigate the impact, the government has introduced measures such as maintaining strategic fuel reserves and increasing ethanol blending levels in petrol from 5% to 20%. According to the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority, higher ethanol blending has helped reduce the overall cost of petrol while supporting local production. Ncube said authorities are also exploring the possibility of extending blending to diesel, which could further ease prices. While acknowledging that fuel taxes remain an important revenue stream for the government, Ncube said there is room for flexibility in how they are applied. He emphasised that addressing procurement inefficiencies and expanding blending initiatives will be critical to stabilising fuel prices in the long term. Zimbabwe fuel prices