HARARE  — In a major relief for the private sector, the Government of Zimbabwe has officially extended the deadline for the mandatory re-registration of companies by two years. Businesses now have until April 20, 2028, to comply with the new digital registry requirements or face automatic de-registration. The extension, formalized through Statutory Instrument 76 of 2026, amends the previous deadline of April 20, 2026. The move follows months of mounting pressure from business associations and reports of massive non-compliance due to systemic bottlenecks. The decision to push the deadline comes amid estimates that nearly 80% of registered companies have yet to migrate to the new system. Since the rollout of the digital platform, users have complained of frequent downtime, slow processing speeds, and a lack of clarity regarding the requirements for older entities. On April 14, just days before the original deadline, observers noted that the online portal had been "up and down," making it virtually impossible for the thousands of remaining businesses to beat the clock. The amendment falls under the Companies and Other Business Entities Act [Chapter 24:31], which aims to modernize Zimbabwe’s corporate landscape by replacing the archaic paper-based filing system. What Businesses Need to Know: New Deadline: April 20, 2028. The Mandate: All companies and private business corporations (PBCs) registered under the old Act must update their records, including directorships, shareholding, and physical addresses. The Penalty: Failure to re-register by the new 2028 cutoff will result in the automatic removal of the company from the official register. Consequences of De-registration: Loss of legal personality, inability to sue or be sued, frozen bank accounts, and disqualification from government tenders. Legal experts are warning businesses not to view the 2028 date as a "free pass" to ignore the regulations. The Registrar of Companies has not announced any waiver on late filing penalties for annual returns, which often must be settled before the re-registration can be finalized. "The extension provides breathing room, but it does not remove the legal obligation," noted one corporate lawyer in Harare. "Companies that delay until 2028 will likely face the same system congestion and administrative delays we saw this week." The digital registry is a cornerstone of the government's "Ease of Doing Business" reforms. Once fully implemented, the system is expected to increase transparency, curb the use of "shelf companies" for illicit activities, and provide real-time data for tax and regulatory authorities. For now, the thousands of "undigitized" Zimbabwean firms have a fresh 24-month window to get their house in order. Zimbabwe company re-registration extension 2028

MASVINGO  — A 23-year-old Masvingo man who broke into a church restroom to masturbate in front of a woman has been sentenced to an effective four-month prison term. Edison Javangwe appeared before Masvingo Magistrate Caroline Tafira Nyoni on Thursday, facing charges of indecent assault and possession of dangerous drugs. In a bizarre series of events, Javangwe was apprehended only after he returned to the scene of the crime to retrieve the clothing he had abandoned during his flight. The incident occurred last Saturday, April 11, at approximately 7:30 AM at the Manyama Bethel Church in Masvingo Rural. According to the State's case, Javangwe entered the women’s restroom and peeped under a cubicle door, where he observed the naked complainant. The court heard that Javangwe then lowered his green shorts and red underwear and began masturbating while watching the woman. When the complainant heard noises and opened the door, she was confronted by the accused. Despite her attempts to lock the door and keep him out, Javangwe overpowered her and ejaculated on her thighs. The victim managed to escape the restroom, screaming for help, prompting Javangwe to flee the church grounds, notably leaving his shorts behind and running away in only his underwear. In an act of profound recklessness, Javangwe returned to the church at midday, roughly four hours after the assault, to collect his discarded green shorts. Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) detectives, who were already on-site investigating the report, intercepted him as he emerged from the bathroom with the clothing. Upon his arrest, a search was conducted, and detectives recovered two "twists" of dagga in his pocket. In his defense, Javangwe admitted to the act but claimed he had "no intention of raping" the woman, stating simply that he was "aroused at the time." The Sentence Breakdown: Indecent Assault: 4 months' effective imprisonment. Drug Possession: A fine of US$150 (or ZiG equivalent). Default Penalty: An additional one month in prison if the fine is not paid. Magistrate Nyoni condemned the act as a gross violation of the victim's dignity, especially within a place of worship. Social commentators in Masvingo have raised concerns over the leniency of the four-month sentence, with many arguing that such predatory behavior warrants a more significant custodial term to deter future offenders. Edison Javangwe Masvingo court sentence

HARARE – Christopher Mutsvangwa has warned ambitious members of the ruling ZANU PF to be patient and wait until 2030, as internal tensions over succession continue to simmer. The remarks come as the party pushes for the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 3 Bill, which proposes extending presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years and altering how the President is elected. Addressing journalists on Wednesday, Mutsvangwa appeared to caution party members positioning themselves for leadership ahead of schedule. “If you have ambitions as a faction or whoever is trying to take over from him, just wait for 2030. It will come,” he said.“It will not be removed from the calendar of Zimbabwe.” He urged party members to maintain discipline and remain in good standing within the party structures if they hope to secure future leadership support. Although Mutsvangwa did not name individuals, his remarks are widely seen as directed at factions within ZANU-PF, including those linked to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. Chiwenga is reportedly opposed to the proposed constitutional amendments, a stance analysts say may reflect broader concerns about succession dynamics within the ruling party. The proposed changes under the Constitutional Amendment Bill could significantly alter Zimbabwe’s electoral landscape. Key provisions include: Extending presidential and parliamentary terms to seven years Replacing direct presidential elections with a system where Members of Parliament elect the President If passed, the reforms could effectively extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure to 2030. ZANU-PF is scheduled to hold its elective congress in 2027, where a successor to Mnangagwa would typically emerge ahead of the 2028 general elections. However, political observers say both milestones could be disrupted if the constitutional changes are adopted. The ruling party has dismissed calls from opposition groups and civil society organisations for a national referendum on the proposed amendments. Critics argue that the changes fundamentally alter governance structures and should therefore be subjected to public approval. Reports indicate that a joint sitting of Parliament is scheduled for May 18 to deliberate on the Bill. If approved, it could be sent to the President for assent as early as May 19. Mutsvangwa also warned against individuals he accused of fuelling divisions within the party. “Make sure you maintain your standing with the membership… so that your candidacy, come 2030, can enjoy the support which it should,” he said. Analysts say the public messaging reflects growing factional pressure within ZANU-PF as the country approaches a critical constitutional and political crossroads. ZANU PF succession Mutsvangwa statement 2026

HARARE – Following the recent partnership between the Southerton Constituency Community Development Trust (SCCDT) and Stella Park International Academy (SPIA), the Burundi-based institution has moved to address key concerns raised by Zimbabwean educators about working conditions, integration, and career development. SPIA, a fully private international school offering an English-language programme, says it is committed to ensuring a safe, professional, and rewarding environment for all recruited teachers. In response to questions about potential exploitation, SPIA emphasised that all teachers will be protected under legally binding contracts aligned with international labour standards. “Contracts clearly outline salaries, benefits, and working conditions, ensuring full transparency,” the school said. Teachers will also have access to formal grievance procedures through the school administration and relevant labour offices in Burundi. The school reassured prospective candidates that language will not be a challenge, as instruction at SPIA is strictly conducted in English. “Zimbabwean teachers will integrate seamlessly due to their strong English proficiency,” the institution noted, adding that the presence of international staff further enhances inclusivity and cultural comfort. To support broader integration, SPIA will facilitate housing arrangements, community introductions, and participation in extracurricular activities. SPIA outlined a rigorous recruitment and verification process to maintain high academic standards. Candidates must hold recognised teaching qualifications, such as degrees or diplomas in education, along with proven classroom experience. “All credentials will be verified through authenticated transcripts, reference checks, and coordination with Zimbabwean education authorities,” the school said. Successful candidates will undergo orientation programmes designed to align them with SPIA’s American Core Standards curriculum, teaching methods, and institutional policies. “Ongoing professional development will ensure teachers remain aligned with international benchmarks,” SPIA added. The institution also addressed concerns about teacher welfare, confirming that support structures are in place for emergencies and contractual disputes. “Teachers will have access to health services, emergency contacts, and embassy liaison support. Any disputes will be handled through formal mediation processes,” SPIA said. SPIA acknowledged that Burundi’s education system is still developing but highlighted the role of international educators in improving standards. “Foreign teachers will strengthen subject delivery, particularly in English immersion, science, and technology,” the school said. A key component of the initiative is the exchange of skills between Zimbabwean and Burundian educators. “Teachers will collaborate through joint lesson planning, workshops, and peer mentoring to ensure long-term capacity building,” SPIA noted. The initiative reflects increasing demand for Zimbabwean teachers across Africa, recognised for their strong training and adaptability. With structured support, transparent contracts, and professional growth opportunities, SPIA says the programme offers not just jobs but a platform for regional impact and career advancement. Zimbabwean teachers Burundi jobs

MUTARE – Fuel dealers in Manicaland are increasingly turning to cross-border smuggling, exploiting a widening price gap between Zimbabwe and neighbouring Mozambique, as petrol and diesel costs remain among the highest in the region. Industry sources say the illicit trade has intensified in recent weeks, driven by the sharp difference in pump prices. Diesel is currently selling for about US$1.09 per litre in Mozambique compared to US$2.11 in Zimbabwe, while petrol costs around US$1.12 across the border versus US$2.23 locally. The disparity has created a thriving black market, with smuggled fuel being resold at significantly lower prices. Reports indicate that five litres of fuel are being sold for between US$6.50 and US$8 on the informal market, compared to approximately US$12 at official service stations. “It’s now cheaper to buy fuel from informal dealers than at the pump. Many motorists are turning to these sources despite the risks,” said a Mutare commuter. At an exchange rate of about 73 meticais to the US dollar, fuel prices in Mozambique remain highly attractive, making cross-border operations lucrative for smugglers. Authorities say the situation is worsened by Manicaland’s extensive and porous border, which stretches over 700 kilometres from Nyanga to Chipinge, an area historically associated with illicit trade. Fuel is reportedly being transported into Zimbabwe through informal crossing points, with “runners” and syndicates coordinating supply chains that bypass official border posts. Large-scale smuggling operations are also said to involve corruption, with claims that some transporters bribe officials at roadblocks to move fuel undetected. Security experts warn that such practices not only undermine the economy but also pose safety risks due to the handling and storage of unregulated fuel. Kupukani Masunungure, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce provincial head, confirmed that authorities are stepping up efforts to curb smuggling. “There are anti-smuggling efforts to thwart syndicates, but our border stretch is about 700km long and quite porous,” Masunungure said. He noted that while enforcement is ongoing, parts of the border fall under the jurisdiction of the Zimbabwe National Army and the Joint Operations Command, limiting civilian agencies’ reach. The Provincial Anti-Smuggling Taskforce, comprising the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS), and other government departments, has intensified operations. “ZIMRA and other security agencies have upped the game, and several arrests have been made in recent weeks,” Masunungure added. Officials attribute the surge in smuggling partly to global fuel price pressures linked to geopolitical tensions, which have pushed up local pump prices and increased demand for cheaper alternatives. Economists warn that fuel smuggling undermines government revenue and distorts the formal market, while also exposing consumers to potential hazards from substandard or improperly stored fuel. As authorities ramp up enforcement, the challenge remains balancing border control with economic realities, as motorists continue to seek relief from soaring fuel costs. fuel smuggling Manicaland

HARARE  — In a major defense of the controversial Constitution Amendment (No. 3) Bill, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi says moving to a parliamentary-elected presidency will end the "toxic" cycles of post-election violence that have plagued Zimbabwe for decades. Speaking in an interview with ZTN Prime, Minister Ziyambi argued that the current direct election model allows "political opportunists" to claim victory without the backing of a parliamentary majority, leading to street protests and civil unrest. The Minister noted that while constituency-based parliamentary elections are generally peaceful, the direct presidential vote has historically been the flashpoint for violence, most notably in 2008 and 2018. “The system that we are introducing will reduce toxicity and ensure that opportunists do not wake up and say I have not lost a presidential election when, in essence, they do not even have members of parliament who would have voted for them,” Ziyambi said. He cited the August 1, 2018, violence in Harare as a primary example. "ZANU PF had won handsomely [in Parliament], but somebody was saying they had won the presidential election... and they caused violence, and there was a loss of life and property." The Bill, which is currently undergoing public consultations, proposes several radical shifts to Zimbabwe's governance structure: Parliamentary Selection: The President would be elected by a joint sitting of Parliament (National Assembly and Senate) rather than a popular national vote. Seven-Year Terms: Presidential, parliamentary, and local authority terms would be extended from five to seven years. Voter Registration: Responsibility for the voters' roll would move from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) back to the Registrar General. Senate Expansion: The Senate would grow from 80 to 90 members, allowing the President to appoint 10 senators based on professional expertise. Minister Ziyambi pointed to regional and international precedents to justify the move. Although Zimbabwe is not currently a member of the Commonwealth, he noted that in 37 of its 56 member states, the head of state is elected by Parliament or a similar legislative body. He specifically highlighted South Africa and Botswana as successful examples of parliamentary-elected presidencies that enjoy greater political stability compared to nations with direct popular votes like Mozambique or Tanzania. Opposition leaders and constitutional analysts have slammed the Bill as a "constitutional coup." Critics argue that extending the term limit and moving to an indirect election is a strategic move to ensure President Emmerson Mnangagwa remains in office until at least 2030, bypassing the 2028 limit set by the current 2013 Constitution. "The Bill seeks to centralize power and insulate the President from public accountability," said constitutional lawyer Tinashé Hofisi. As public hearings continue across the country, often marked by high tension and overcrowding, the debate over Amendment No. 3 is set to be the defining political battle of 2026. Zimbabwe Constitution Amendment No 3 Bill 2026

HARARE  — Zimbabwe is not standing still. That much is clear. The roads are busy. The bars are full. The WhatsApp groups never sleep. There is movement everywhere, economic, social, and political. Yet beneath that constant motion lies an uncomfortable question, are we moving forward, or just moving? This is the paradox of present-day Zimbabwe. Activity has replaced progress. Noise has replaced direction. We are in motion, yes, but motion alone is not a destination. We are a nation of hustlers now. Everyone is selling something, chasing something, building something, often out of necessity rather than ambition. The Zimbabwean informal economy is no longer a side story, it is the main plot. By some estimates, over 70% of Zimbabwe’s economic activity now happens outside the formal system. Street corners have become marketplaces, commuter omnibuses are mobile shops, and social media timelines double as storefronts. This ingenuity is remarkable. It speaks to a people who refuse to collapse, who bend but do not break. But it also reveals something more troubling: an economy that no longer provides structure, forcing citizens to create their own piece by piece, day by day. But survival, by its very nature, is short-term. It does not build systems. It does not create stability. It does not imagine the future. It is reactive, not strategic. And so we find ourselves trapped in a cycle of perpetual urgency, where the next deal, the next payment, the next opportunity is always more important than the long-term economic view. This urgency is visible in Zimbabwean politics, too. Statements are made with speed. Positions are taken with certainty. Outrage flares, trends, and disappear within hours. Today’s crisis is replaced by tomorrow’s spectacle. We react quickly, loudly, and often emotionally, but rarely strategically. Even our national conversations feel rushed. Important issues surface, dominate attention briefly, and then vanish before they are resolved. We are always responding. Rarely shaping. Always engaging. Rarely directing. To be fair, this is not a country devoid of progress. There are pockets of excellence in innovation, in agriculture in Zimbabwe, in small business growth, and in the diaspora’s contribution to household survival. But these successes are fragmented. They exist in isolation, not as part of a coherent national trajectory. Even success, when it comes, feels oddly hollow. A new car. A new house. A viral moment. These are celebrated and rightly so, but they often exist as personal milestones in a system that still feels collectively uncertain. It is telling that many Zimbabweans measure success not by what they build here, but by how quickly they can leave or at least create an exit option. The dream is increasingly external. The safety net is elsewhere. And yet, despite all this, there is something undeniably resilient about Zimbabweans. A stubborn refusal to collapse. A creativity that thrives under pressure. A capacity to adapt that borders on extraordinary. But resilience, while admirable, can also become a trap. It allows systems to remain broken because people find ways to survive within them. It softens the urgency for reform. It normalises dysfunction. The danger is not that Zimbabweans are failing. It is that Zimbabweans are coping too well with dysfunction. A country cannot outsource its future to the ingenuity of its citizens alone. At some point, systems must work. Institutions must function. Policy must translate into lived reality. Progress must become visible, measurable, and shared. Otherwise, we remain busy but directionless. Active but unaligned. In motion but without momentum. Zimbabwe is not short of motion. It is short of meaning. And until that changes, we will remain a nation that is always in transit but never quite arriving. Simbarashe Namusi is a peace, leadership, and governance scholar as well as a media expert writing in his personal capacity. Zimbabwe economic and political paradox

WASHINGTON D.C.  — US-based Zimbabwean pro-democracy campaigner Freeman Chari has issued a scathing critique of the Zimbabwean opposition’s trajectory, arguing that the movement has devolved from a radically ideological force into a fragmented, theological grouping that has "lost its bearings." In a comprehensive analysis shared on X (formerly Twitter), Chari traced the decline of the opposition from the 1999 formation of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) to the current state of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). He warned that the shift toward a "God is in it" approach championed by Nelson Chamisa is no longer a sustainable political strategy. Chari argues that the initial MDC base was hollowed out over decades by internal "toxicity" and personality-driven splits. He notes that as genuine cadres were smeared or sidelined, the gaps were filled by "untested" opportunists who lacked a historical understanding of the struggle. “By the time we got to 2018, most of the cdes I had worked with since 2001 were on the sidelines,” Chari wrote. “The Khupe incident remains a very bad chapter... It set a very bad base for the MDC-2018.” The most biting part of Chari’s critique focuses on the ideological void left by the transition to the CCC. He suggests that the "NEW" crop of leaders deployed via the controversial berekamwana  selection process has replaced active political resistance with religious passivity. “The struggle shifted from being radically ideological to purely theological,” Chari observed. “Most of those who viewed themselves as stakeholders were folks... who believe God will intervene; all they needed to do was kneel/pamabvi/emadolweni.” Chari argues that this shift left the party defenseless when self-imposed interim secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu began a wave of recalls in 2023. “There was really nothing to defend in CCC. There were no stockholders. CCC had sympathizers, not members.” Chari’s comments arrive just as Nelson Chamisa has begun signaling a return to the political arena with his "Agenda 2026" movement. While Chamisa claims the movement is "citizen-driven" and aimed at restoring accountable leadership, critics like Chari fear it may simply be more of the same structureless, "prophetic" politics. Chari’s Key Critiques: Lack of Ideology: The movement has moved away from its labor-rooted origins toward a vague theological platform. Opportunism: Leadership positions are often filled by those "licking the side where their bread is buttered" rather than committed activists. Structureless Crisis: The lack of formal membership structures (stockholders) makes the movement vulnerable to "infiltrators" like Tshabangu. As Zimbabwe enters the 2026 political cycle, Chari’s warning serves as a reminder that "pamabvi" (on the knees) may not be enough to counter a well-oiled ZANU-PF machinery that operates strictly in the realm of secular power. Freeman Chari opposition critique 2026

MUTARE – Police in Manicaland have launched investigations after suspected human remains were discovered scattered in a bush in Nyachityu Village under Chief Marange in Odzi over the weekend. The grim discovery was made on April 11 at around 4:30 PM by a local villager returning from a funeral. Acting Manicaland police spokesperson Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident, describing the circumstances under which the remains were found. “After the burial, the informant was on his way home when he briefly went into the bush… It was during this time that he discovered a bone clad in blue work suit trousers, which he suspected to be a human leg bone,” Chinyoka said. The informant, identified as 65-year-old Lovemore Ganyaupfu, alerted other mourners who returned to the scene and discovered more skeletal remains scattered across the area. Police say additional bones, including parts of the upper body, were recovered along with a work suit jacket. A rope hanging from a nearby tree, with what is believed to be a neck bone attached, has raised suspicions about the circumstances surrounding the death. The area is described as dense bushland and rarely frequented by villagers. Community leaders say the discovery has shocked residents and may be linked to a local man who went missing late last year. Village head Luke Mulamba said the clothing found at the scene appears to match descriptions previously provided in a missing person report. “As a community, we are deeply disturbed by this discovery. We suspect the remains could be of one of the local villagers who disappeared towards the end of last year,” Mulamba said. Police confirmed that a missing person case had been filed and that investigations are now focusing on establishing the identity of the deceased. Authorities revealed that the missing individual had reportedly shown signs of distress prior to his disappearance, raising the possibility of suicide. “The deceased had allegedly expressed personal challenges to relatives before going missing,” a police source said. However, investigators have not ruled out other possibilities, and a full forensic examination is expected to determine the cause of death. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has appealed to members of the public with missing relatives to come forward and assist with identification. “We urge anyone with a missing family member to report to the nearest police station to aid investigations,” Chinyoka said. The skeletal remains have since been transported to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examination and further forensic analysis. The discovery has left the Nyachityu community on edge, with residents calling for swift investigations and closure for the affected family. As police continue their probe, authorities say more details will be released once identification and forensic processes are complete. human remains Odzi Zimbabwe

MAZOWE  — Environmental authorities have issued an urgent "no-use" warning to farming communities along the Mazowe–Mvurwi Highway after a fuel tanker overturned on Wednesday afternoon, discharging an estimated 20,000 litres of diesel into the local river system. The accident occurred at approximately 3:00 PM on April 15, at the 36km peg near the Makumbiri Resort area. The tanker reportedly veered off the road just 100 metres from the Mwenje River bridge, causing the moderately toxic fuel to leak directly into the water. The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has confirmed that the spill has already contaminated a significant stretch of the Mwenje River. Preliminary assessments indicate that the diesel slick has moved downstream from the bridge area toward the Mwenje Dam, a critical water source for local agriculture and livestock. "The Agency is strongly advising farmers and communities downstream not to use the contaminated water for either agriculture or domestic purposes," EMA stated in an emergency alert. "Diesel is a hazardous substance that poses long-term risks to both aquatic life and human health." Specialist cleanup crews from Qurity Response Company have been deployed to the site, working alongside the Bindura Fire Brigade and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). EMA has conducted a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) to guide the recovery of the remaining fuel and the treatment of contaminated soil and water. Under Section 73 of the Environmental Management Act [Chapter 20:27], the responsibility for the cleanup lies entirely with the polluter. The truck operator faces potential prosecution for the discharge of hazardous substances and may be liable for the full cost of the environmental remediation. Regulatory Requirements for Spills: Reporting: Accidental discharges must be reported to EMA, ZRP, and the Civil Protection Unit within one hour. Written Notice: A formal written report is required within 24 hours. Mitigation: The polluter is legally bound to mitigate and remedy all environmental damage caused by the spill. Authorities have urged the public to stay clear of the accident site. Diesel fumes and the potential for fire make the area around the overturned tanker extremely dangerous. "Members of the public are advised not to handle or interfere with the vehicle or its contents," EMA warned, citing both safety risks and the potential for evidence tampering. This incident comes as a blow to a region already grappling with the environmental impact of the 2025/26 rainfall season, which has left soil heavily saturated and river systems particularly vulnerable to chemical runoff. Mazowe Mvurwi Highway diesel spill 2026

PRETORIA – South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has clarified that holders of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) are not eligible for permanent residence, amid growing confusion over the future of the special permit programme. In a statement issued on April 15, spokesperson and Deputy Director-General for Operations Thulani Mavuso said there has been no change in policy regarding ZEP holders. Authorities confirmed that current permits remain valid until May 29, 2027, following an extension granted in June 2025. “The Department wishes to state categorically that there has been no change in policy regarding the status of ZEP holders. Current permits will remain valid until 29 May 2027,” the statement read. However, the department stressed that the permits do not provide a pathway to permanent residency. “Consistent with the conditions of their permits, the holders of ZEP do not qualify for permanent residence permits,” Mavuso said. The statement was issued to correct what officials described as “misinterpretations” following remarks made by Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza during a television interview discussing the Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection. The interview had sparked widespread speculation among Zimbabwean nationals living in South Africa regarding their long-term status. The department said it is currently conducting a comprehensive public consultation process on the future of both the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) and the Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP). Officials say the process is aimed at ensuring that any final policy decision is fair, transparent, and legally compliant. The issue dates back to November 2021, when the South African government announced plans to terminate the ZEP programme. However, a legal challenge by the Helen Suzman Foundation resulted in a court order requiring the government to follow due process under the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA). “The Department is fully committed to the court order,” the statement said, noting that consultations with government stakeholders were recently concluded in Tshwane. Authorities indicated that the consultation process will culminate in a comprehensive policy position on ZEP and LEP permits. A detailed report with recommendations is expected to be presented to Cabinet by the end of the 2026/27 financial year. The department warned against the spread of misinformation, saying inaccurate reports could create unnecessary anxiety among permit holders. “It is imperative to avoid the spread of misinformation that may cause unnecessary anxiety among citizens, permit holders and other stakeholders,” Mavuso said. The clarification means thousands of Zimbabweans living and working in South Africa under the ZEP scheme will need to explore alternative legal pathways if they wish to secure long-term residency. Immigration experts say affected individuals should monitor policy developments closely and seek legal advice where necessary. ZEP permit South Africa

GWANDA – Investigations into the deadly kombi explosion along the Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road have intensified, with authorities deploying a bomb disposal unit amid growing questions over the cause of the blast that killed at least 18 people. The tragedy occurred between 1 PM and 2 PM on Thursday near the Much Binding area, between Chipangali and the Gwanda tollgate, about 20 kilometres from Bulawayo. According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the victims were travelling in a South Africa-registered Toyota Quantum when the vehicle suddenly caught fire and exploded. “The ZRP reports the death of approximately 18 people when a kombi exploded into fire between Chipangali and Gwanda tollgate along Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road,” police said in a statement. The explosion was so powerful that debris and human remains were scattered across a wide radius. Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene. “We heard a loud blast and saw flames shoot into the air. When we got closer, the vehicle was gone just pieces everywhere,” said one motorist who arrived shortly after the incident. Authorities have since deployed specialised units, including a bomb squad, to the scene an unusual move that has heightened speculation about the nature of the explosion. While officials have not confirmed the presence of explosive materials, investigators are treating the site as a high-risk area. “We are proceeding with extreme caution as investigations continue,” a senior police source said. Security experts say the involvement of a bomb disposal unit suggests authorities are considering multiple possibilities. “When a bomb squad is deployed, it indicates uncertainty about the cause whether mechanical, accidental, or deliberate,” said security analyst Admire Mare. The force of the explosion completely destroyed the vehicle and reportedly scattered wreckage and body parts over nearly 50 metres. There are unconfirmed reports that one victim was found a considerable distance from the blast site, underscoring the intensity of the explosion. Emergency services, including the army, police, and fire brigade, quickly moved in to secure the area and extinguish flames that had spread to nearby grassland. The incident caused major disruption along one of Zimbabwe’s busiest highways, linking Bulawayo to Beitbridge. Motorists faced delays of up to four hours as emergency teams worked at the scene. Authorities later opened a temporary one-kilometre detour to ease congestion. Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe attended the scene as part of the government’s coordinated response. Meanwhile, families of the victims are awaiting formal identification processes, with authorities yet to release the names of those who perished. Police say investigations are ongoing, with forensic teams combing through the wreckage to determine the exact cause of the explosion. At this stage, authorities have not ruled out any possibilities, including mechanical failure, fuel-related causes , or other factors. The incident ranks among the deadliest road-related tragedies in recent years and has sent shockwaves across the country. Gwanda kombi explosion 2026