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HARARE —   A 59‑year‑old housemaid, Sarah Matemarunda, was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment by the Harare Magistrates’ Court for stealing cash and foreign currency totalling more than US$80,000 from her employer. Two months of the sentence were suspended, leaving an effective custodial term of 34 months. Prosecutors told the court the theft occurred while the employer was away at his farm in Darwendale. Key events reported to the court include: On 10 August 2025 the employer left home, leaving Matemarunda and the gardener, Milton Mudimu, on duty. The following day Matemarunda phoned to say the gardener had not reported for work. When the employer returned on 12 August, he found bedroom doors open and a digital metal safe forcibly removed from the wall. The safe contained large sums in multiple currencies, including US$80,400, ZAR4,000, 300 Yuan, 200 Dirhams, 100 Rupees and 30 Pounds. Police later found the safe inside a parked car at the property and identified fingerprints on it. Investigations led to the arrest of Mudimu as he attempted to flee to South Africa. During questioning Mudimu implicated Matemarunda as the alleged mastermind, saying she had provided information about the cash and coordinated with two male accomplices who remain at large. Officers recovered cash hidden in Matemarunda’s room, including US$1,239, ZAR1,360, 100 Yuan, 5 Dirhams, 50 Rupees and GBP10. The National Prosecuting Authority emphasised that the law will catch up with those who betray the trust of employers. Magistrates’ Court proceedings resulted in a custodial sentence with a partial suspension. The NPA used the case to remind the public that theft and betrayal of trust attract criminal sanctions. No further court dates were reported at the time of sentencing. Harare housemaid theft US$80 400 2026

Themba Mliswa Former Norton MP Temba Mliswa has publicly criticised retired Air Vice-Marshal Henry Muchena over his opposition to the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill (No.3). Muchena recently wrote to the Parliament of Zimbabwe, urging lawmakers to subject the proposed amendments to a national referendum. The proposed changes include measures that could extend the tenure of Emmerson Mnangagwa and introduce reforms affecting Zimbabwe’s political, electoral, and governance systems. In his letter to Parliament, Muchena argued that the principles of the liberation struggle placed ultimate authority in the hands of citizens. He said any constitutional changes affecting presidential term limits or governance structures should therefore be approved through direct public participation. Muchena maintained that a referendum would ensure that Zimbabweans have the final say on amendments to the country’s supreme law. Mliswa, a former provincial chairperson of ZANU‑PF in Mashonaland West and a vocal supporter of Mnangagwa, rejected Muchena’s position. In a detailed social media post, Mliswa accused Muchena and other retired military figures of attempting to portray themselves as representatives of war veterans and former security service members. “The politicking begins when people cannot face up to their own gallantry and posture behind vague titles of ‘Retired Zimbabwean Generals’, dragging innocent souls in their mistimed leap for relevance,” Mliswa wrote. He also alleged that some former military leaders had previously failed to advocate for the welfare of ordinary war veterans during their time in positions of influence. Mliswa further argued that the retired officers now criticising the proposed amendments have limited influence within the current military and political establishment. According to Mliswa, some of the public interventions by retired officials may be politically motivated attempts to regain relevance in national debates. He concluded his remarks with a Shona message urging leaders to prioritise supporting their comrades before claiming to represent broader causes. The exchange highlights the growing political debate surrounding the Constitutional Amendment Bill (No.3), which has drawn strong opinions from political leaders, former security officials, and civil society groups. As discussions continue, stakeholders across Zimbabwe’s political spectrum are increasingly weighing in on the legitimacy and process of the proposed constitutional reforms. Henry Muchena letter to Parliament Henry Muchena

More Power To VAR, Less Time-Wasting: IFAB Announces New Rules For 2026 FIFA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) have approved several changes to the Laws of the Game that will take effect before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The decisions were adopted during IFAB’s annual meeting held in Hensol, Wales. The tournament will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026. One of the key amendments affects disciplinary action following advantageous situations. Under the updated rule, players will no longer automatically receive a yellow card if a goal is scored after the referee allows play to continue following a foul. Football lawmakers say the change is intended to ensure punishments are proportionate and avoid unnecessary bookings when the attacking team ultimately benefits from the advantage. Referees will introduce a five-second countdown for restarting play during throw-ins and goal kicks. If the ball is not put back into play within that time, possession will be awarded to the opposing team. The measure is designed to discourage time-wasting and keep matches moving at a faster pace. The updated rules also tighten procedures related to substitutions and injuries. Players being substituted must leave the field within 10 seconds. Failure to do so may delay the entry of their replacement. Additionally, players who stop play due to injury will be required to remain off the pitch for at least one minute after the match resumes. Officials say the rule aims to prevent players from using injury stoppages to disrupt the flow of the game. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) will also receive expanded authority. VAR officials will now be able to review clear errors involving second yellow cards and wrongly awarded corner kick decisions that previously fell outside standard VAR intervention. The revised rules, which come into force on July 1, also include provisions allowing players to wear certain non-dangerous items provided they are properly covered. Referees may also be permitted to wear body cameras during matches as part of efforts to improve transparency and decision-making. Football authorities say the latest changes are intended to make the sport faster, fairer, and more consistent across competitions worldwide. FIFA new football rules 2026 World Cup

Council workers clearing a blocked sewer The Chitungwiza Municipality has warned residents against dumping rubbish into sewer manholes, saying the practice is causing serious blockages and sewage backups in homes. In a statement, the council said residents had been throwing grass, debris, and other solid waste into the sewer system, disrupting wastewater flow and damaging infrastructure. Officials said the warning follows the discovery of large quantities of waste dumped into a sewer manhole at 31 Rukukwe in Zengeza 1, a suburb of Chitungwiza. Images shared by the municipality showed piles of grass and other debris inside the manhole, which caused sewer blockages affecting several houses upstream. According to the municipality, sewer systems are designed to carry wastewater only and not solid waste. “Our sewer system is designed to carry wastewater only not grass, rags, sand, animal skins, dead animals, diapers or any other solid waste,” the council said in the statement. Officials warned that forcing such materials into manholes or flushing them into sewer lines can cause blockages, sewage overflows, and costly repairs that affect the entire community. Municipal authorities said the practice also exposes residents to serious health risks linked to raw sewage. The council also expressed concern over incidents where infant bodies have been discovered in the sewer system. “We are profoundly disturbed by the discovery of infant bodies in the sewer system, a tragic and painful reminder of how critical it is to safeguard both our infrastructure and our humanity,” the municipality said. Authorities did not provide further details about the incidents but described them as deeply troubling. The municipality urged residents not to open or tamper with sewer manholes or dump waste into sewer lines . Instead, residents were encouraged to use the council's proper refuse collection and disposal methods. Officials also appealed to members of the public to report any sewer blockages, overflows, or acts of vandalism to municipal authorities so that they can be addressed quickly. The council said protecting sewer infrastructure is essential to maintaining public health and reliable service delivery across the town. Chitungwiza sewer blockage

Map of Uganda Kampala, Uganda- In a bold move to bolster South-South cooperation and regional trade, the Ugandan government has announced visa-free entry  for nationals of 40 countries. Effective immediately, travelers from these nations can stay in the "Pearl of Africa" for up to three months for tourism or business without the prior hurdle of a visa application. While the move significantly eases travel for African and Commonwealth nations, it conspicuously excludes the United States, the United Kingdom, and European Union member states, a move widely viewed by analysts as a reciprocal response to tightening Western immigration policies. The policy prioritizes regional neighbors and key partners across the Caribbean and Southeast Asia. Region Featured Nations East & Southern Africa Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, Seychelles, Mozambique, Lesotho, Madagascar, Comoros, Eswatini. West & North Africa Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Eritrea. Asia & Middle East United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong SAR. Commonwealth & Others Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Jamaica, Bahamas, Barbados, Fiji, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Vanuatu. The timing of Kampala's decision follows a period of strained diplomatic relations with Washington . On January 21, 2026, the United States implemented strict new measures for Ugandan citizens, including: The $15,000 Bond: A mandatory, refundable bond for B1/B2 (business/tourist) visas. Reduced Validity: Visa terms slashed to just three months with limited multiple-entry options. Uganda’s new policy appears to re-center its diplomatic focus toward "Global South" allies. This is further evidenced by a revised list of countries eligible for diplomatic travel documents, which now includes Russia, Iran, India, Cuba, and Turkey, aimed at fostering "high-level cooperation." For Zimbabwean and Southern African businesses, this move lowers the barriers to entry for the burgeoning East African market. Trade & Tourism: Simplified entry is expected to boost intra-African trade under the AfCFTA  framework. People-to-People Ties: The Ugandan government noted on its X page that the decision reflects a commitment to "regional cooperation and people-to-people ties." Diplomatic Signaling: By granting visa-free status to the UAE and Singapore while excluding the US/EU, Uganda is signaling a strategic shift in its preferred investment partners. Uganda visa-free entry 40 countries

Chief Makoni A villager in Makoni has landed in trouble after allegedly posing as a traditional authority and presiding over a sensitive murder case involving an avenging spirit. Tapfumaneyi Mwendazviuya of Mwendazviuya Village appeared before Chief Makoni after he allegedly handled a case that fell strictly under the jurisdiction of the chief’s court. According to proceedings, Tapfumaneyi is not a headman but assists his father, Headman Mwendazviuya, in running the village. Despite this, he reportedly presided over a murder-related dispute and facilitated compensation between two families. The case involved a man who allegedly killed his live-in girlfriend after catching her with another man. Tapfumaneyi reportedly ordered the offender’s family to pay 10 cattle to the victim’s relatives as compensation and demanded an additional beast as a “court fee”. However, matters involving murder and avenging spirits known locally as Ngozi are traditionally handled only at the chief’s court because of their cultural and spiritual significance. The issue came to light when Robert Samuel, an aide to Chief Makoni, overheard villagers discussing the case while travelling on a bus. “I was shocked to hear that Headman Mwendazviuya’s son had presided over a murder case. He demanded a beast for cleansing and facilitated compensation, but such cases are strictly for the chief’s court,” Samuel told the court. Samuel also warned that the process followed would not prevent the consequences traditionally associated with Ngozi. “I told the families that the beasts they paid cannot stop ngozi from tormenting them. Even the headman admitted the process was wrong,” he said. Tapfumaneyi initially challenged Samuel’s authority to bring the complaint before the chief’s court, arguing that Samuel lived outside his jurisdiction. However, he later apologised for handling the matter. “I am very sorry for what I did, as it was out of ignorance. The family paid three goats as court fee, not a beast as alleged,” Tapfumaneyi told the court. He also argued that the fine imposed on him was excessive. In his ruling, Chief Makoni said Tapfumaneyi had overstepped his authority and mishandled a delicate matter. “Tapfumaneyi is not even the headman but is just assisting his father to run the village. He does not respect my authority,” the chief said. He added that the compensation process was flawed because the avenging spirit had not manifested or indicated how restitution should be made. “The avenging spirit should direct how it wants to be compensated, and in this case nothing of that sort happened,” Chief Makoni said. The chief fined Tapfumaneyi one beast and two goats and said he would recommend that Headman Mwendazviuya appoint a different person to assist in village leadership matters. He also warned that both families involved could still face the consequences of an avenging spirit if the matter is not properly addressed. Makoni ngozi case

Exterior of the ZANU-PF party headquarters in Harare Harare, Zimbabwe- In a significant move toward internal party consolidation, former ZANU-PF Secretary for Administration Didymus Mutasa  has been officially appointed to the party’s Elders’ Council . The announcement, made by party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa  on Wednesday, marks the final stage of Mutasa’s rehabilitation after years on the political sidelines. Mutasa, a towering figure of the liberation struggle and Zimbabwe’s first Speaker of Parliament, was famously expelled in 2015 during the factional battles of the late Robert Mugabe’s era. His elevation is being framed by the leadership as part of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s "open-door policy" for veteran revolutionaries. Speaking at the ZANU-PF headquarters in Harare, Mutsvangwa emphasized that political disagreements of the past should not erase a lifetime of service to the revolution. The Justification: Consideration of Mutasa’s extensive history, including his leadership during the armed struggle and his role as a founding administrative pillar of the independent state. The Reconciliation Quote:  "We might have argued here and there, but that does not separate us... One of the stewards of the Zimbabwe revolution who has been on the margins has been brought back,"  Mutsvangwa stated. Didymus Mutasa’s career spans the pre-independence cooperative movement to the highest echelons of the Politburo. Era Key Role / Achievement Pre-1980 Chairman of the non-racial Cold Comfort Farm Society. 1980 – 1990 First Speaker of Parliament of an independent Zimbabwe. Post-Independence MP for Makoni North, Politburo Member, and Secretary for Administration. 2015 – 2018 Expelled and subsequently readmitted under the Second Republic. The Elders' Council serves as a high-level advisory body within ZANU-PF, tasked with providing historical perspective and mediating internal disputes. By bringing Mutasa into this fold, the party aims to project a united front of "liberation heritage" ahead of upcoming political cycles, ensuring that the institutional memory of the "old guard" is preserved and utilized. Didymus Mutasa ZANU-PF Elders Council

Zimbabwe is expected to receive heavy rainfall in the coming days, particularly in northern and eastern regions, according to a new update from the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) . The forecast indicates that a strengthening weather system across southern Africa could bring significant downpours to several countries in the region, including Zimbabwe. Meteorologists say the rainfall could affect northern and eastern Zimbabwe as well as parts of Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, northeastern South Africa, Eswatini, and northern Madagascar. FEWS NET warned that the anticipated rains could raise the risk of localised flooding, especially in low-lying communities and areas near rivers. “Next week, heavy rainfall is predicted over northern and eastern southern Africa,” the organisation said in its latest outlook. Authorities have urged communities to remain alert and take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of damage to homes, crops, and infrastructure. According to the report, rainfall patterns have varied across the country over the past month. Northern Zimbabwe has experienced below-average rainfall during this period, while central and southern regions have received above-average precipitation. The additional rainfall in these areas has helped improve soil moisture levels, which is important for crop growth during the agricultural season. The forecast comes after severe rains earlier this year caused widespread destruction across Zimbabwe. In January, heavy storms claimed 123 lives and affected more than 250,000 people nationwide. Over 1,300 families were displaced due to flooding and storm damage. Infrastructure was also heavily impacted, with 211 bridges, more than 200 schools, and at least 15 health facilities either damaged or destroyed. Recent flooding across southern Africa has also raised concerns about water-borne diseases. Neighbouring countries such as Zambia and Mozambique have reported outbreaks of Cholera linked to flood-related sanitation challenges. Authorities are urging communities to stay informed about weather updates and prepare for possible flooding as the heavy rainfall system moves across the region. Zimbabwe heavy rainfall forecast FEWS NET

Drugs in coffins Four suspects have been arrested at the Beitbridge Border Post for allegedly possessing large quantities of unregistered medicines, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed. Police said the arrests were made on Thursday, 12 March, during separate operations carried out in Beitbridge. In the first incident, police arrested Wisdom Munyonga (37) and Tendai Gwainda (38) at around 3:30 am after officers searched a Volvo FH truck they were travelling in. According to police, the search uncovered several boxes of cough syrup concealed under the trailer’s chassis. The consignment included 13 boxes of Broncleer Cough Syrup (50 x 100ml), 40 boxes of Benylin Cough Syrup (48 x 100ml), and 44 boxes of Astra Pain Cough Syrup (48 x 100ml). Authorities said the medicines were not registered for lawful distribution. Benylin Cough Syrup In a separate incident later the same day, police acted on a tip-off and arrested Mtonga Fumu (44) and Dereck Lonje (43). The suspects were travelling in a Toyota Hilux towing a trailer carrying five coffins with bodies as well as various groceries. After searching the vehicle, police discovered additional boxes of cough syrup hidden inside the coffins. The recovered medicines included 26 boxes of Benylin Cough Syrup (48 x 100ml), three boxes of Astra Pain Cough Syrup (48 x 100ml), and two boxes of Broncleer Cough Syrup (50 x 100ml). Police said the suspects are facing charges of unlawful possession of unregistered medicines . Authorities have not yet indicated where the medicines were destined or whether additional suspects may be involved. The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to curb the illegal movement and distribution of pharmaceutical products through the country’s border posts. Investigations are continuing. Beitbridge border police arrest

Returning residents Thousands of white South Africans are returning home after spending years abroad, reversing a long-standing trend of emigration from South Africa. Many returnees are reclaiming their citizenship through a government online portal introduced after the repeal of a 1995 law that had stripped citizenship from some South Africans who obtained foreign nationality. The shift marks a notable development in the country’s migration patterns, which for decades saw large numbers of skilled professionals leaving the country for destinations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Part of the story has been shaped by developments in the United States. During the administration of Donald Trump, a program was introduced offering refuge to white South Africans , particularly Afrikaners. The initiative cited concerns about crime and alleged persecution. However, authorities in South Africa have repeatedly rejected claims that white citizens face systematic persecution. While some South Africans took advantage of opportunities abroad, others have begun reassessing life overseas. Reports indicate that worries about issues such as mass shootings, immigration enforcement policies, and political tensions in the United States have led some expatriates to reconsider their relocation choices. As a result, a growing number are returning to South Africa and re-establishing their lives there. Analysts say several domestic developments have also contributed to the trend. Infrastructure improvements, including the significant reduction in daily electricity outages, have helped restore confidence among residents and expatriates alike. Enhanced private security measures in urban areas have also been cited as a factor influencing decisions to return. Experts say the rise of remote work has made it easier for professionals to live in South Africa while maintaining jobs based overseas. This flexibility allows returnees to benefit from foreign income while enjoying a lower cost of living and family connections at home. For many professionals, analysts say, the decision reflects a mix of economic, lifestyle, and safety considerations rather than purely political motivations. white South Africans returning home

Satellite image of Tehran after airstrikes United States President Donald Trump has built much of his political brand on unpredictability. But analysts say his shifting messaging over the war with Iran is increasingly obscuring a deeper problem: the failure to secure the quick victory he appeared to promise. The conflict escalated dramatically following the killing of Ali Khamenei during a joint US-Israeli strike in late February. Iranian state media later confirmed the death of the long-time leader after the airstrike in Tehran. The assassination of the 86-year-old cleric marked one of the most significant escalations in decades of tensions between Washington and Tehran. TIME CBS News Reuters Reuters Despite the loss of its supreme leader and sustained bombing campaigns across the country, Iranian leaders have shown little interest in immediate negotiations. Instead, Tehran has launched retaliatory strikes on regional targets and warned it could disrupt shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a corridor through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. The message from Iran’s leadership appears to be that the country must first demonstrate deterrence before entering any talks. US intelligence assessments suggest that Iran’s political system remains intact despite the leadership shock and ongoing military pressure. Trump has repeatedly suggested the war could end quickly. In recent remarks, however, he has offered conflicting timelines ranging from a few days to several weeks. He has also delivered mixed signals about the purpose of the campaign. At times, he has framed the conflict as support for the Iranian people and opposition groups. At other moments, he has indicated he would be willing to strike a deal with elements of the existing Iranian state. This ambiguity has led critics to argue that Washington has yet to articulate a clear endgame for the military campaign. During his time in office, Trump has frequently relied on limited military strikes designed to achieve rapid political results. However, analysts say a prolonged confrontation with Iran could prove far more complex. Iran maintains extensive regional networks and military capabilities that could extend the conflict across the Middle East. Such a scenario risks higher US casualties, economic disruption, particularly through oil markets, and broader instability for regional allies. Following Khamenei’s death, Iran moved quickly to stabilise the political system. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei , has reportedly assumed the role of supreme leader after an interim leadership arrangement. The rapid transition suggests the Islamic Republic remains structurally resilient despite military pressure. For now, Iranian officials appear unwilling to negotiate without first demonstrating their capacity to retaliate, a stance that could prolong the conflict. Trump’s ambiguous messaging may also provide political flexibility. If the costs of the war rise, analysts say the administration could present the killing of Khamenei and damage to Iranian infrastructure as a decisive victory and move toward negotiations. But the wider consequences could extend far beyond Washington. A prolonged conflict risks deeper instability in the Middle East, economic shocks tied to global energy markets, and uncertainty for regional allies whose economies depend heavily on stability in the Persian Gulf. Trump Iran war

The Government of Zimbabwe has officially declared the ubiquitous "No Refund" signs Harare, Zimbabwe- The Government of Zimbabwe has officially declared the ubiquitous "No Refund" signs seen in retail outlets across the country illegal. The move comes as a central pillar of the Consumer Protection Policy (2026–2030) , which was approved by Cabinet this Tuesday to tackle restrictive and predatory trade practices. Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube  presented the policy, which aims to recalibrate the relationship between businesses and consumers, particularly in the informal and electronics sectors. Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu emphasized that many retailers, especially informal "runners" and mobile phone shop owners, have been operating under the false assumption that they can dictate refund terms. Key Legal Directives: Illegal Disclaimers: Any sign stating "No Refund," "No Exchange," or "No Returns" is now legally void and constitutes a prosecutable offense. The "Three-Day" Myth: Mobile phone shops that impose arbitrary 48-hour or three-day guarantees are warned that these conditions have no legal basis under the new framework. Reporting Mechanism: Informed consumers are encouraged to report businesses displaying these signs to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) or the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. "It is illegal, and if there are people who are doing that... notify the authorities... so that we can prosecute such businesses." — Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu The only sector exempt from these mandatory return policies is the health and pharmaceutical sector. Due to strict safety, hygiene, and storage requirements, drugs and certain medical supplies cannot be returned once they have left the controlled environment of a pharmacy. Information Minister Zhemu Soda outlined that the policy is not just about refunds, but a broader overhaul of the Zimbabwean marketplace: Product Safety: Intensifying market compliance checks and strengthening the Consignment-Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA) for imports. Digital Trade: Reviewing laws governing e-commerce to protect those buying goods via social media and digital platforms. Anti-Counterfeit: Aggressive measures to tackle the influx of illicit and sub-standard goods. Dispute Resolution: Improving the speed and transparency of mechanisms for resolving conflicts between buyers and sellers. Zimbabwe No Refund signs illegal 2026