GWERU – A sharp rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has alarmed health officials in Gweru after 159 cases were recorded in March 2026, with authorities warning the true scale could be significantly higher due to underreporting. The figures were presented during a recent full council meeting, where Ward 12 Councillor Tedious Chimombe raised concern over the growing public health threat. “The surge is worrisome. We have recorded 159 cases, with 83 females and 76 males affected,” Chimombe said. He cautioned that the numbers likely do not reflect the full picture, noting that many infections go unreported due to stigma, limited access to testing, and lack of awareness. “The actual numbers could be higher because some cases go unreported,” he added. The data has triggered concern among councillors and health officials, who fear the trend could escalate if urgent interventions are not implemented. In response, the Gweru City Council says it is intensifying efforts to contain the spread of infections through awareness and prevention campaigns. Health and Housing Committee chairperson William Mazango confirmed that authorities are closely monitoring the situation while rolling out community-based education programmes. “We are following up on the recently recorded STI cases and moving to sensitise residents on the risks of unprotected sex,” Mazango said. The response strategy will focus on increasing access to testing, promoting consistent condom use, and targeting high-risk groups with tailored health messaging. Public health experts say the surge reflects broader behavioural and social challenges, including risky sexual practices, substance abuse, and misinformation about protection. “There is often a misconception that preventing pregnancy is enough, when in fact protection against infections requires consistent and correct condom use,” said a Midlands-based health practitioner. Drug and substance abuse has also been identified as a key contributing factor, with experts linking it to impaired judgment and increased likelihood of unsafe sexual behaviour. The latest spike is not an isolated incident. Previous data shows recurring increases in STI cases in the city. In November 2023, 214 cases were recorded, up from 138 in October, highlighting a pattern of periodic surges. Health officials warn that without sustained behavioural change, Gweru could face a prolonged public health challenge. “This is not just a one-off spike. It reflects underlying issues that need continuous intervention,” said a council health official. Authorities are now urging residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves and others. These include: Regular STI testing Consistent and correct condom use Reducing multiple sexual partnerships Seeking early treatment when symptoms appear Community engagement is expected to play a critical role in slowing transmission, particularly among young people who are often disproportionately affected. The surge in infections underscores the need for sustained investment in sexual health education and services. Officials warn that failure to act decisively could lead to further increases, placing additional strain on healthcare services and impacting community wellbeing. For now, the focus remains on prevention, awareness and early intervention as authorities work to contain the spread of STIs in Gweru. Gweru STI cases

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has directed government ministries and agencies to urgently eliminate trade restrictions as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to boost cross-border commerce and deepen regional economic integration. The directive will initially focus on countries within the Southern African Development Community, where persistent tariff and non-tariff barriers continue to slow the movement of goods, services, and people. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Albert Chimbindi, said the move is anchored in Zimbabwe’s “neighbourhood-first” policy, which prioritises stronger economic ties with regional partners. “Trade within SADC remains below potential due to barriers that increase costs and delays,” Chimbindi said. “Removing these obstacles will unlock trade volumes and create shared prosperity.” Authorities say the reforms will target both tariff and non-tariff barriers: Tariffs: Import taxes that raise the cost of cross-border trade and discourage competitiveness. Non-tariff barriers: These include bureaucratic red tape, inefficient customs systems, poor infrastructure, and inconsistent regulations across borders. Chimbindi noted that delays at border posts, often caused by manual processes and duplicated inspections, have been a major bottleneck for regional trade. A key pillar of the reforms is modernising border infrastructure and systems. The transformation of Beitbridge Border Post is being used as a benchmark. Upgraded through a public-private partnership, Beitbridge is now a high-capacity, technology-driven border facility featuring: Expanded cargo handling infrastructure Improved traffic flow systems Integrated digital customs processes A one-stop border post model with South Africa These improvements have significantly reduced congestion and transit times, enhancing efficiency for cross-border traders. Following Beitbridge’s success, the government is considering replicating the model at other strategic entry points, including Chirundu Border Post and Forbes Border Post. Officials say upgrading these ports of entry will streamline logistics, reduce delays, and strengthen regional supply chains, positioning Zimbabwe as a key transit hub in Southern Africa. The removal of trade barriers is expected to lower the cost of doing business, attract investment, and stimulate industrial growth. The initiative also aligns with continental integration efforts under the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to increase intra-African trade and accelerate economic development. Recent regional engagements, including cooperation with leaders such as Hakainde Hichilema, underscore Zimbabwe’s push to strengthen economic ties and improve infrastructure connectivity. Economic analysts say the reforms could unlock significant benefits, including increased exports, job creation, and stronger regional value chains. For businesses, improved border efficiency means faster clearance times, reduced compliance costs, and better access to regional markets. “In order to implement our neighbourhood-first principle, we must remove all impediments to the movement of people, goods, and services,” Chimbindi said. As Zimbabwe accelerates reforms, the success of implementation will be key to transforming the country into a competitive trade and logistics hub within the SADC region. President Mnangagwa trade policy

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has called on Zimbabweans to embrace unity, prayer and shared national purpose, emphasising the church’s role in fostering peace, moral guidance and development. He made the remarks during the St Joseph Guild Weekend of Prayer held at St Paul’s Musami Mission, where he joined congregants from the Archdiocese of Harare. Addressing the gathering, Chiwenga urged citizens to rise above division and individualism and instead embrace collective responsibility. “We need to pray for our country, for national unity, and to rise above the spirit of individualism. We must cherish the values of a common destiny,” he said. “By strengthening our spiritual foundations, the church reinforces the moral fabric of our nation and builds the solidarity necessary for economic and social development.” He further encouraged Zimbabweans to emulate the virtues of St Joseph humility, discipline, strength, and unwavering faith, describing them as essential qualities for leadership and nation-building. “Through institutions such as the St Joseph Guild, the church plays a pivotal role in nurturing responsible leadership, discipline, and community participation qualities that are indispensable to national growth, stability, and resilience,” he added. Ahead of the service, the Vice President toured St Paul’s Musami Mission Hospital, a historic health facility established in 1957 by missionaries. He commended the hospital’s contribution to healthcare delivery, noting that it serves an estimated 150,000 people in surrounding communities. Chiwenga highlighted the importance of partnerships between government and faith-based institutions in strengthening Zimbabwe’s healthcare system. “We are prioritising people’s lives. Institutions like this are vital to our healthcare system,” he said. He also underscored the urgent need to improve staff accommodation at mission hospitals and pledged immediate support. “I have contributed US$4,000 to kick-start efforts to mobilise funding for the construction of accommodation for nurses and doctors,” he announced. Church and community leaders welcomed the Vice President’s visit, describing it as a sign of strengthened collaboration between government and religious institutions. Local church member Kudakwashe Kadoro said the visit reaffirmed commitment to the values upheld by the St Joseph Guild, while Alex Tatenda Dakamire highlighted the importance of the gathering in promoting spiritual renewal. “This event encourages men to take leadership roles within families and communities while deepening their faith,” Dakamire said. The St Joseph Guild Weekend of Prayer, which began on April 23 and concludes on Sunday, brings together men from across the region for spiritual reflection, leadership development, and community engagement. Analysts say such gatherings play a significant role in reinforcing social cohesion, particularly in rural communities where churches often serve as pillars of support. Chiwenga’s address comes at a time when calls for unity and national rebuilding continue to feature prominently in Zimbabwe’s socio-political discourse. Chiwenga Musami Mission

HARARE — What was heralded as a new dawn for local football infrastructure has rapidly descended into a scene of neglect. Barely following the completion of high-profile renovations, the sanitary facilities at Rufaro Stadium have fallen into a shocking state of disrepair, raising alarm bells among fans and public health observers alike. The promise of improved sanitation and a modern "fan experience" has been replaced by a reality of blocked toilets and broken pipes. Photographic evidence circulating from the stadium’s washrooms reveals an environment characterized by stagnant water, scattered litter, and visible filth along tiled walls. For supporters attending matches, the current state of the stadium means basic, functional sanitation is largely unavailable. The inability to maintain these facilities suggests a profound failure in ongoing management, effectively nullifying the investment made during the renovation phase. Beyond the discomfort to fans, the situation has escalated into a public health concern. The accumulation of stagnant water and waste serves as an ideal breeding ground for harmful bacteria, significantly increasing the risk of infection and disease transmission among the thousands of people who pass through the venue. Furthermore, environmental degradation is impossible to ignore. Unmanaged waste leakage threatens to contaminate the surrounding stadium precincts, undermining broader municipal efforts to keep Harare’s public spaces clean and sustainable. The foul conditions are already impacting the stadium's reputation. As the visual state of the facilities worsens, potential spectators are increasingly discouraged from attending, further eroding the commercial viability of hosting matches at the venue. "Urgent action is required to restore proper sanitation," industry observers noted. The situation demands more than just a quick fix, it necessitates a sustainable maintenance framework and strict accountability for those responsible for the stadium's upkeep. Without immediate intervention, Rufaro Stadium risks losing its status as a premier sporting venue, turning a symbol of revitalization into a cautionary tale of neglect. Rufaro Stadium toilet neglect

HARARE — In a scene that has become a powerful metaphor for the shifting landscape of Zimbabwean football, Walter Musona’s composed standoff against a circle of MWOS players has sparked a national conversation. The moment, laden with traditional symbolism, highlighted the persistent tension between age-old superstitions and the push for modern professionalism in the local game. While some spectators saw the surroundings of Musona as a calculated psychological tactic or a deeply rooted cultural ritual intended to influence the match through "unseen forces," Musona’s refusal to react emotionally offered a silent, potent counter-narrative. Norman Mapeza, the veteran coach of Scotland FC, has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of these persistent myths. Mapeza argues that a reliance on "juju" and other non-sporting rituals acts as a ceiling for Zimbabwean football, preventing it from reaching international standards. "Reliance on such myths weakens player confidence and growth," Mapeza emphasized, urging a total pivot toward technical discipline and tactical preparation. His philosophy centers on three core pillars: Tactical Awareness: Understanding the game’s structural flow rather than relying on luck. Scientific Preparation: Focusing on fitness, data analysis, and technical development. Mental Fortitude: Building confidence through skill and discipline rather than superstition. Despite the deep roots of tradition within certain teams and local communities, there is evidence of a growing divide. Younger players, increasingly exposed to global football standards through digital media and professional scouting, are gravitating toward fitness-first mindsets and data-driven training. Musona’s quiet defiance on the pitch is being viewed by many as the "face" of this evolution. By choosing professionalism over reaction, he signaled a growing belief that match outcomes are decided by what happens in the 90 minutes of play, not the rituals performed before the whistle. As Zimbabwean football continues to professionalize, the tension between the "old guard" of superstition and the "new school" of sports science remains. However, with influential voices like Mapeza’s guiding the discourse, the game appears to be moving steadily toward a more competitive, modern era. Walter Musona MWOS football ritual

HARARE — A sophisticated yet strikingly simple social engineering scam is currently sweeping across Zimbabwe, leaving a trail of compromised accounts and financial loss. The trick, which weaponizes trust and panic, exploits the country's heavy reliance on WhatsApp for business, family, and daily communication. The scam typically begins with a message from a known contact, whose account has already been hijacked, claiming they mistakenly sent a verification code to your number. Moments later, an official SMS from Meta arrives on the victim's phone. Believing they are helping a friend, the victim forwards the code, unknowingly handing over the "keys" to their digital life. Behind the scenes, the process is a calculated technical maneuver. When a scammer attempts to register your phone number on their device, WhatsApp’s security system triggers a one-time six-digit verification code sent via SMS to the legitimate owner. Once that code is shared, the hacker logs in, instantly locking the original user out. This begins a "domino effect" where the scammer impersonates the victim to solicit emergency funds, promote fraudulent investment schemes, or target the victim's own contact list with the same verification trick. Zimbabwe’s unique digital landscape makes its citizens particularly vulnerable. As a predominantly digital economy, WhatsApp serves as the primary tool for: Business & Trade: Informal and formal traders rely on the platform for orders and client relations. Financial Transactions: Details regarding mobile money transfers and banking are often discussed in chats. Essential Communication: For many, it is the only affordable way to stay in touch with the diaspora. The combination of high platform dependency and limited widespread cybersecurity awareness has created a fertile ground for these digital predators. To protect your digital identity and financial security, experts and authorities recommend the following immediate actions: The Golden Rule: Never share your WhatsApp verification code with anyone, regardless of the story they tell. Enable Two-Step Verification: Go to Settings > Account > Two-step verification and set up a PIN. This acts as a second layer of defense, even if someone gets your SMS code. Verify via Voice: If a friend sends a suspicious or urgent request, call them directly on a traditional cellular line to confirm their identity. Vigilance is Key: Treat any request for codes or money with extreme skepticism. In an era where personal data and trust are the new currencies, staying informed is the best defense. Vigilance is no longer optional it is essential for survival in the digital age. WhatsApp scam Zimbabwe 2026

JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s acting police minister has vowed swift arrests and prosecutions following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, after Ghana formally summoned Pretoria’s envoy to demand urgent action. Firoz Cachalia on Friday condemned what he described as “acts of violence and intimidation” against Ghanaian nationals and other migrants, warning that authorities would act decisively. “All those found to be participating in, inciting, or supporting such criminal conduct will be identified, apprehended, and brought before the courts,” he said, adding that xenophobia, looting and intimidation would not be tolerated under any circumstances. The South African Police Service has been instructed to intensify operations in affected areas, amid growing concern over the safety of foreign-owned businesses and communities. The diplomatic row escalated after Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa summoned Thando Dalamba in Accra to register Ghana’s “strong condemnation” of the attacks. Ablakwa said Ghana expects South African authorities to fast-track investigations and ensure perpetrators are punished. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and communicate further steps in due course,” he said, signalling possible diplomatic escalation if violence persists. The incidents have once again placed a spotlight on South Africa’s long-standing struggle with xenophobic violence, which has periodically targeted migrants from across the continent, including traders and informal workers. Human rights organisations say such attacks often stem from economic pressures, unemployment, and competition over resources, but warn that violence cannot be justified under any circumstances. Cachalia called on community leaders and civil society groups to help de-escalate tensions. “South Africa is a constitutional democracy where disputes must be resolved through lawful means. No individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands,” he said. The developments have drawn concern across Africa, with governments increasingly vocal about the safety of their citizens in South Africa. Analysts say Ghana’s diplomatic move reflects growing impatience among African states over repeated cycles of violence. “Summoning an envoy is a strong signal,” said a regional political analyst. “It shows Ghana wants accountability, not just assurances.” South Africa has experienced multiple waves of anti-foreigner violence over the past decade, often resulting in deaths, injuries, and the destruction of property. Groups such as Amnesty International have previously urged authorities to address the root causes of xenophobia while ensuring justice for victims. Despite government pledges, critics argue that prosecutions have been inconsistent, contributing to a cycle of impunity. With diplomatic pressure mounting, the South African government now faces renewed scrutiny over its ability to protect foreign nationals and uphold the rule of law. Security forces have been deployed in affected communities, and authorities say investigations are ongoing. For now, officials insist that restoring calm and preventing further attacks remain top priorities. South Africa xenophobic attacks

Police in Bindura have impounded six tipper trucks loaded with suspected illegally mined gold ore from Phoenix Prince Mine, in a major operation targeting syndicates accused of looting resources under Mining Lease 21. The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the seizure followed a coordinated operation by officers in Mashonaland Central, marking one of the most significant crackdowns on illegal mining in the area in recent months. The case, registered under RRB 6420180, has triggered wider investigations aimed at dismantling networks involved in the alleged illegal extraction and transportation of gold ore. Authorities say suspected ringleader Sicelo Mbambo, also known as “Stillo,” fled moments before the police raid, leaving behind six truck drivers and a contracted security team at the site. Police indicated that some of those detained may have been unknowingly involved and are assisting with investigations. Mbambo is now the subject of a manhunt, alongside truck owner Stanley Kangoro, with both facing allegations linked to the theft and illegal transportation of gold ore. Investigators have also turned their attention to Mbambo’s planned 50th birthday celebrations in Zanzibar, scheduled for 5–9 June at Hotel Le Mersenne. Police sources say financial transactions linked to the event are being examined as part of efforts to trace proceeds from the alleged illegal mining operation. “Follow-the-money investigations are critical in cases like this, especially where proceeds may be externalised,” said a Harare-based financial crimes analyst familiar with mining-related cases. Preliminary investigations suggest that operations at Phoenix Prince Mine were conducted under an informal profit-sharing arrangement, where artisanal miners allegedly retained 70 percent of the gold while surrendering 30 percent to operators linked to Botha Gold Mine. Authorities say the arrangement operated outside legal frameworks governing Mining Lease 21, which Freda Rebecca Gold Mine holds under Mutapa Gold Resources. Police allege that Mbambo continued to extract and sell gold ore without authorisation, even after a government-backed moratorium encouraging artisanal miners to regularise their activities. Investigators estimate that up to 10 kilogrammes of gold valued at more than US$850,000 at current market prices may have been illicitly extracted. The crackdown follows increased scrutiny of operations at Phoenix Prince Mine after multiple prohibition orders were issued and the death of 26-year-old artisanal miner Tinashe Chauke on April 23, 2026. Mining experts say illegal operations not only deprive the state of revenue but also pose serious safety and environmental risks. “Unregulated mining leads to fatalities, environmental degradation, and loss of national resources,” said a mining policy analyst. “Crackdowns like this are necessary but must be sustained.” The seizure of the six trucks is expected to play a key role in tracing the scale of the operation and identifying assets acquired through suspected illegal proceeds. Government officials and local stakeholders have welcomed the police action, describing it as a critical step toward restoring order in the mining sector. Efforts to obtain official comment from ZRP Bindura on the ongoing manhunt, the value of the seized ore, and whether international agencies such as Interpol may be involved were unsuccessful by the time of publication. Investigations are ongoing, with more arrests expected as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle illegal gold mining syndicates in Zimbabwe. Bindura illegal mining

RUSAPE — A truck driver has faced the full weight of the law following a fatal 2022 collision on the Harare–Mutare highway. Terrence Kambanje (38), a resident of Chitungwiza, was recently convicted of culpable homicide by the Rusape Magistrates Court, resulting in a fine, a suspended prison sentence, and the permanent cancellation of his driver’s licence. The fatal incident occurred on December 1, 2022, at the 169-kilometre peg along the Harare–Mutare highway. Kambanje was operating a white Freightliner haulage truck when he struck a 41-year-old man who was standing by the roadside attempting to hitch a lift. The impact was immediate and fatal, with the victim dying at the scene. Medical evidence presented during the trial confirmed the gravity of the collision. A postmortem examination established that the victim’s cause of death was polytrauma directly resulting from the accident, underscoring the high-speed nature of the impact. In delivering its verdict, the Rusape Magistrates' Court emphasized that Kambanje failed to uphold the standard of care required of a professional driver. The court cited specific shortcomings in his conduct, noting that the driver: Failed to exercise due caution upon noticing a pedestrian on the roadway. Failed to keep a proper lookout for hazards. Did not act reasonably to avoid the collision once it became imminent. Reflecting the court's stance on road safety, Kambanje received a penalty that includes both financial and vocational consequences: Fine: He was ordered to pay a fine of US$600 (approximately R11,100). Prison Sentence: A four-month prison sentence was handed down, though it was wholly suspended. Licence Cancellation: Perhaps the most significant professional repercussion is the cancellation of his driver’s licence, effectively barring him from operating a vehicle legally. This conviction serves as a stern reminder of the legal and moral obligations held by haulage operators on Zimbabwe’s busy transit corridors, where errors in judgment can result in irreversible consequences. Rusape Magistrates Court culpable homicide conviction

Seven suspected members of the Movement for Democratic Change – T (MDC-T) have been arrested and appeared before the Harare Magistrates' Court for allegedly organising a protest against the controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3). The accused Clifton Zumba (27), Shingirai Chitauro (45), John Simon (53), Tonderai Cephas Makuyana (28), Decent Zaina (46), Jane Makovere (47), and Austin Name (52) appeared before Magistrate Ruth Moyo and were remanded in custody to April 29. According to the State, the group allegedly coordinated an illegal demonstration in Harare’s central business district targeting CAB3, a proposed law that has triggered intense national debate over governance reforms. Prosecutors allege that on April 16, 2026, Zumba convened a strategy meeting at Harvest House, a known opposition hub, where plans were made to mobilise a public procession opposing the bill. Court documents further claim that the accused produced and distributed flyers encouraging members of the public to participate in the protest, which authorities say had already been prohibited. “On 22 April 2026 at 2000 hours, accused (1) gathered the rest of the accused persons… and gave them the fliers to further distribute across greater Harare,” the State submitted. The State alleges that in the early hours of April 23, the group travelled to Chitungwiza in a silver Honda Fit, distributing flyers in multiple locations. Authorities contend that the material contained messages capable of inciting public unrest. “The accused persons’ conduct was meant to incite members of the public to engage in acts of public violence, breaches of peace or bigotry,” prosecutors argued. The seven activists are facing charges of incitement to commit public violence under Section 187, alternatively criminal nuisance under Section 46 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. Investigations are being led by Detective Constable Muchadura Dauzeni from the CID Law and Order section. Legal experts say such charges are commonly invoked in cases involving alleged unauthorised protests, though outcomes often depend on whether the State can prove intent to incite violence. “Courts will look closely at both the content of the material and the circumstances under which it was distributed,” said a Harare-based legal analyst. The arrests come amid growing controversy surrounding Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, which proposes changes, including extending the tenure of the President and Members of Parliament, as well as restructuring aspects of Zimbabwe’s governance framework. Critics argue the bill could undermine democratic accountability, while supporters say it is necessary for policy continuity and governance stability. Political analysts note that tensions around the bill have heightened political activity, particularly in urban centres such as Harare. The matter has been postponed to April 29, with all seven accused remaining in custody pending further proceedings. Observers say the case will be closely watched as it touches on constitutional rights, including freedom of assembly and expression, alongside concerns about public order. MDC-T arrests Harare

LAGOS — In the complex narrative of Nigeria’s political and economic history, few figures have maintained as enduring or as controversial an influence as Lebanese-Nigerian businessman Gilbert Chagoury. Over decades of political upheaval, transitions, and investigations, Chagoury has managed to remain at the center of the nation's most significant infrastructure and business developments. Born in Lagos in 1946 to Lebanese immigrant parents, Chagoury founded the Chagoury Group in 1971 alongside his brother, Ronald. While the group became a massive conglomerate, his rise to prominence is deeply intertwined with his relationship with the late military dictator Sani Abacha. Described by analysts as the "gatekeeper" to Abacha’s presidency, Chagoury’s influence extended far beyond business. Documented evidence suggests he facilitated massive transfers from the Central Bank of Nigeria to entities linked to the Abacha family, even serving as a financial reference for the dictator’s sons at prestigious European banks. Following Abacha’s death in 1998, Chagoury faced international scrutiny, leading to a 2000 conviction in a Geneva court for money laundering. However, he secured immunity and erasure of the conviction by agreeing to pay fines and return millions to the Nigerian government. Chagoury's survival strategy extended to Washington. Despite US laws prohibiting foreign nationals from contributing to American political groups, Chagoury managed to influence political circles through donations, including significant ties to the Clinton Foundation and various US political campaigns. His ability to navigate political transitions allowed him to maintain access to influential power brokers across different administrations, effectively trading business interests for political legitimacy. Perhaps his most visible venture is Eko Atlantic, a massive land reclamation project in Lagos. The project, which involved the clearing of thousands of residents from the Bar Beach coastline, serves as a testament to his deep-rooted ties with the Lagos state government—specifically with former Governor and now President, Bola Tinubu. The Chagoury-Tinubu relationship has reached new heights in the current administration. With major infrastructure contracts, such as the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, awarded to Chagoury’s subsidiaries, he continues to play a central role in Nigeria's development landscape. In early 2026, on his 80th birthday, Chagoury was awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), the country's second-highest national honor, cementing his place in Nigeria's establishment despite his checkered past. Chagoury’s journey from the confidant of a dictator to a recipient of national honors remains a polarizing case study of the intersection between private capital and political power in Nigeria. Gilbert Chagoury Nigerian influence

HARARE — The government has officially approved a new land purchase incentives framework designed to honor the contributions of war veterans, ex-detainees, restrictees, non-combatant cadres, and collaborators. The policy, detailed in a recent press statement (Ref: LTIC/PS/04/2026), establishes a tiered pricing structure based on agro-ecological regions, alongside specific discount concessions to facilitate land ownership for those who participated in the liberation struggle. Under the new framework, land acquisition costs are calculated on a per-hectare basis, varying by region to reflect local agricultural capacity. The approved rates are as follows: Region Maximum Land Allocation Price per Hectare Region 1 Up to 6 Hectares $10.00 Region 2 Up to 10 Hectares $6.00 Region 3 Up to 20 Hectares $3.00 Region 4 Up to 40 Hectares $1.50 Region 5 Up to 70 Hectares $1.17 In recognition of the diverse roles played during the struggle, the government has applied specific discount structures: War Veterans: Eligible for the concessionary rates listed above, with an additional 85% overall discount applied to the total cost. Ex-Detainees, Restrictees, and Non-Combatant Cadres: Eligible for a 30% discount on land purchases in consideration of their sacrifices during the liberation struggle. Collaborators: Eligible for a 15% discount on land purchases in recognition of their contributions to the national cause. The implementation of this framework is intended to formalize the integration of these cadres into the national land tenure system, providing them with tangible economic support while ensuring that those who contributed to the country's sovereignty are appropriately recognized. Zimbabwe land purchase incentives 2026