HARARE  — The Constitutional Defenders Forum (CDF) has formally escalated its challenge against the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), petitioning the Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda, to nullify and reconvene the recent public outreach program. In a stern letter dated April 10, 2026, the civic group represented by human rights lawyers from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) argued that the four-day consultation window was a "mechanical box-ticking exercise" that violated the supreme law of the land. The CDF’s legal team, led by Tinashe Chinopfukutwa and Kelvin Kabaya, presented a dossier of concerns regarding the atmosphere of the hearings held between March 30 and April 2. The petition alleges: Targeted Violence: Reports of intimidation and physical harassment directed at citizens expressing dissenting views. Exclusionary Tactics: Allegations that opposing voices were systematically denied the floor, while supporters of the Bill were prioritized. Choreographed Participation: A "chilling effect" that discouraged ordinary Zimbabweans from speaking freely, undermining the spirit of constitutional democracy. The CDF argues that Parliament has failed to meet its dual obligations under the 2013 Constitution: Section 67(1)(d): Which guarantees every citizen the right to participate in public affairs and influence government policy. Section 328(4): Which explicitly obliges Parliament to provide "appropriate facilities" and convene genuine public meetings for constitutional amendments. "The hearings fell short of the constitutional threshold for meaningful public participation. It is morally and legally untenable to proceed with a Bill of this magnitude based on such a flawed process," the letter stated. The advocacy group reminded the Speaker that the constitutionally mandated 90-day window for public submissions does not lapse until May 18, 2026. The CDF is demanding that Parliament utilize the remaining month to reconvene hearings under increased security and a revised framework that ensures every participant, regardless of political affiliation, can speak without fear of retribution. This petition marks the second major institutional pushback in 24 hours, following the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC)'s declaration that the Bill is "morally indefensible." With legal experts, the Church, and civic groups now aligned in their demand for a more transparent process, all eyes turn to Speaker Mudenda for a formal response. CDF petition Jacob Mudenda CAB3

HARARE – Members of Parliament have demanded a comprehensive breakdown of how funds collected through Zimbabwe’s sugar tax have been used, intensifying pressure on the Ministry of Health and Child Care to improve transparency and accountability. The calls follow a ministerial statement presented in the National Assembly by Deputy Health Minister Sleiman Kwidini, responding to a February inquiry by legislators on the utilisation of proceeds from the tax introduced by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube. Introduced on 1 January 2024, the sugar tax was designed to curb excessive sugar consumption while generating revenue to fund treatment of non-communicable diseases such as cancer. Kwidini told Parliament that US$30.8 million raised between January and November 2024 had been channelled towards strengthening Zimbabwe’s cancer diagnosis and treatment capacity. He said contracts had been awarded for radiotherapy equipment at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Mpilo Central Hospital, while additional machines had already been delivered and were awaiting installation. The ministry also plans to procure critical diagnostic equipment, including CT scanners, MRI machines, and mammography units, to enhance early cancer detection and care. However, legislators said the statement fell short of expectations, noting that it excluded figures for 2025 and lacked specifics on how the funds were spent. Bulawayo Central MP Surrender Kapoikilu criticised the ministry for failing to provide a detailed account. “We wanted to know how much was collected from inception to date, and what the money was used for,” he said.“What did the ministry buy? Did it buy linear accelerators? Which type? How much did they cost?” Kapoikilu emphasised that cancer treatment equipment involves complex and costly infrastructure, requiring clarity on procurement details, including supporting systems such as uninterrupted power supply (UPS) units. Mbizo MP Corban Madzivanyika echoed the concerns, urging the ministry to specify quantities and types of medical equipment purchased. “We need to know how many X-ray machines, CT scanners, MRI machines and other critical equipment were acquired,” he said, adding that essential hospital items such as ventilators, wheelchairs and beds should also be accounted for. Health policy analysts say transparency in earmarked taxes is critical to maintaining public trust. “When a tax is introduced for a specific purpose, such as cancer treatment, there must be clear reporting mechanisms showing impact and value for money,” said Harare-based public health expert Dr. Nyasha Mutizwa. Acting Speaker of Parliament Joseph Tshuma backed the legislators’ concerns, calling for a revised and more detailed ministerial statement. He directed the Ministry of Health to return to Parliament with a comprehensive report outlining total revenue collected since inception and a clear itemised breakdown of expenditures. The debate highlights growing scrutiny over Zimbabwe’s sugar tax and its effectiveness in addressing the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, particularly cancer. Zimbabwe sugar tax funds

HARARE  — The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has formally declared its opposition to the proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), warning that the legislation threatens the nation’s democratic foundations and serves the interests of political elites over the citizenry. In a comprehensive statement released on Monday, April 13, 2026, and followed by a formal submission to Parliament at Mt. Hampden today, the ecumenical body representing 32 denominations and over three million citizens called for the immediate withdrawal or substantial revision of the Bill. Invoking the biblical role of the "Watchman" from Ezekiel 3:17, the ZCC argued that it is duty-bound to speak out when the nation "walks toward harm." The Council categorized the proposed amendments as not only politically risky but "morally indefensible before God." "The Church cannot support an amendment that compromises public trust, weakens democratic accountability, and diverges from God’s will for just and compassionate leadership," the statement read. The ZCC further asserted that silencing the voices of the people through such reforms is ethically unacceptable. The ZCC’s submission highlighted three pillars of the Bill that it believes will derail national progress: Executive Consolidation: Shifting from a direct popular vote to a parliamentary election of the President diminishes citizen agency and concentrates power within a joint sitting of Parliament. Prolonged Incumbency: Extending terms for the President, Parliament, and local authorities from five to seven years is viewed as a mechanism to protect current incumbents rather than drive performance. Weakened Accountability: The Council warned that removing transparency mechanisms could "open the door to corruption and the massive, unchecked accumulation of wealth by those in power." Rather than allowing Parliament to unilaterally enact these changes, the ZCC proposed a more inclusive path forward: Independent Commission: The establishment of an Independent Constitution Amendment Commission to lead consultations free from institutional self-interest. National Referendum: The Church insists that because the Bill fundamentally alters the 2013 Constitution and benefits current incumbents, a national referendum is a mandatory democratic requirement. Institutional Stability: "Genuine long-term development requires stable institutions, not prolonged incumbency," the Council noted, pushing back against the government's narrative that longer terms foster stability. Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3: The Core Proposals Provision Existing Framework Proposed Change Presidential Election Direct popular vote by citizens Joint sitting of Parliament (>50% majority) Term Limits 5-Year Cycle 7-Year Cycle Senate Composition 80 Members 90 Members (10 Presidential Appointees) Voter Registry Managed by ZEC Returned to the Registrar-General While the government has described the Bill as a "modernization" effort, the ZCC’s opposition adds to a growing coalition of critics, including the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) and various civil society groups, who argue the reforms represent a "democratic regression." Public and written submissions on the Bill are being accepted by Parliament until May 17, 2026. Zimbabwe Council of Churches CAB3 opposition

HARARE  — The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerai Moyo, has officially declined a proposal by Senator Mike Bimha to make English, Shona, and Ndebele compulsory subjects in all Zimbabwean schools. The Minister emphasized that such a move would undermine the rights of learners from minority language groups and contradict existing government policies focused on early childhood development and heritage-based learning. Minister Moyo explained that under the Heritage-Based Curriculum, the Zimbabwe Early Learning Policy (ZELP) dictates that children at the infant level (ECD A to Grade 2) must be taught in their mother tongue. “In terms of our law, you cannot teach them in English; you teach them in their mother tongue,” the Minister stated. He argued that forcing Shona or Ndebele on a child whose first language is Venda or Tonga during their formative years would be a violation of their constitutional rights. Zimbabwe’s Constitution recognizes 16 official languages. Minister Moyo’s stance is rooted in the principle that no single language should be elevated at the expense of others. The 16 Official Languages of Zimbabwe: Chewa, Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Koisan, Nambya, Ndau, Ndebele, Shangani, Shona, Sign Language, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Venda, and Xhosa. The Minister clarified that the government’s priority is to ensure every child is literate in their native language first. Only after this foundation is established will the Ministry look at introducing additional languages. “It is our wish that all languages be valued... all people are equal, and all languages are equal,” he said. He acknowledged the logistical difficulty of teaching all 16 languages to every child but insisted that respecting the mother tongue is the non-negotiable starting point for the education system. Zimbabwe mother tongue education policy 2026

HARARE – A Harare man has been arrested and charged with fraud after allegedly hacking into a businessman’s bank accounts and siphoning thousands of dollars in a suspected cybercrime case that highlights growing digital security risks in Zimbabwe. The suspect, Aaron Gidi, appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo, where he was granted bail and remanded as investigations continue. According to court proceedings, Gidi was not required to plead at this stage. He was granted bail set at US$200 and ordered to reside at his given address. The court also instructed him not to interfere with State witnesses while the case is still under investigation. The complainant, Lawrence Chishamiso Charasika (55), a Ruwa-based businessman from Damafalls Phase 4, reportedly lost substantial sums of money after his accounts were compromised. Prosecutors say the alleged offence involved unauthorised access to accounts held with CBZ Bank, one of Zimbabwe’s largest commercial banks. According to the State, the incident occurred on April 3, 2026, when Gidi allegedly acted in connivance with two accomplices, identified as Paradza and Peter Idi Kubare, who remain at large. The trio is accused of breaching the businessman’s banking security systems and transferring funds without authorisation a method commonly associated with organised cyber fraud syndicates. Cybersecurity experts warn that such attacks often involve phishing, password compromise, or insider assistance. “Financial cybercrime is becoming increasingly sophisticated, with criminals targeting individuals and businesses through multiple digital entry points,” said Harare-based IT security analyst Nigel Mhembere. After gaining access, the suspects allegedly transferred US$13,600 and ZiG110,000 into accounts linked to Kubare’s companies, including PetroKub Investments (Pvt) Ltd and Everyday Import Wholesalers (Pvt) Ltd. Authorities believe the funds were subsequently withdrawn and shared among the suspects. Police confirmed that none of the stolen money has been recovered so far. The case is being handled by prosecutor Lawrence Gangarahwe, with investigations continuing to track down the two remaining suspects. Law enforcement agencies say the case underscores the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity awareness among businesses and individuals. “People must safeguard their banking details and report any suspicious activity immediately,” a police source said. Zimbabwe has seen a steady increase in cyber-related offences, particularly involving mobile banking platforms and online financial systems. Experts urge financial institutions and customers alike to adopt stronger security measures, including two-factor authentication and regular monitoring of account activity. The accused is expected to return to court as the case progresses. Harare cybercrime case

HARARE  — The High Court has sentenced a local man, Herbert Pasipanodya, to an effective 10 years in prison for the death of his partner, Dorothy De Souza, whose remains were discovered in a shallow grave at his residence in July 2025. While Pasipanodya was initially charged with murder, the court ultimately convicted him of culpable homicide, citing "serious provocation" as a mitigating factor while simultaneously condemning his efforts to conceal the crime. The case came to light months after the incident when De Souza’s body was unearthed in a shallow grave within Pasipanodya's yard. According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), medical evidence played a pivotal role in the conviction. Medical Findings: Autopsy reports confirmed that De Souza died from multiple rib fractures caused by blunt force trauma. The Incident: The court heard that Pasipanodya assaulted De Souza after allegedly catching her in a sexual act with another man. Despite accepting the plea of provocation, the High Court took a dim view of Pasipanodya's conduct following the assault. Prosecutors highlighted that he: Buried the body in a shallow grave on his property. Misled witnesses and family members regarding De Souza’s whereabouts for several months. Furthermore, the court activated a previously suspended three-month sentence that Pasipanodya had received for a prior violent offense against the same victim, indicating a history of domestic instability. In delivering the sentence, the presiding judge emphasized that while the law recognizes human emotion and provocation, it does not excuse lethal force. "Unlawful violence resulting in loss of life remains a serious offence, particularly where efforts are made to defeat the course of justice," the court noted. The 10-year sentence serves as a reminder of the judiciary's hardening stance on domestic violence cases that escalate into fatalities, regardless of the circumstances leading up to the assault. Herbert Pasipanodya conviction Harare 2026

HARARE  — A 33-year-old managing director of a UK-based logistics firm has appeared before the Harare Magistrates Court following a sophisticated "export misrepresentation" scheme that allegedly cost Schweppes Zimbabwe over US$22,000. Tatenda Masawi, the director of MSTATZ Private Limited, appeared before Magistrate Ruth Moyo over the weekend to face charges of theft and fraud. The prosecution’s case hinges on a significant price difference between Schweppes’ domestic and export markets. Masawi reportedly inquired about 1,750 cases of Mazoe Orange Crush, receiving two quotes: Local Market Price: US$36,750 Export Market Price: US$21,205 By claiming the consignment was destined for the United Kingdom, Masawi secured the lower export price, paying US$21,205 on January 31. The alleged fraud involved a logistical "vanishing act." On February 14, the consignment was inspected and cleared by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) at the Schweppes premises. It was loaded onto a Mozambique-registered truck, supposedly bound for Forbes Border Post in Mutare. However, investigators allege the shipment never reached the border. Instead, the Zimra seal was reportedly broken in Harare shortly after leaving the plant, and the 1,750 cases of Mazoe were diverted back into the local market. The matter was flagged when the truck failed to register at Forbes Border Post. The financial fallout for Schweppes Zimbabwe, represented by Senior Loss Control Officer Admire Nhenderere, is substantial: Actual Loss (Price Difference): US$14,915 Zimra Penalties: US$7,478 Total Prejudice: US$22,399.95 To date, none of the products has been recovered. Authorities have seized Masawi’s mobile phone for forensic analysis to determine the destination of the diverted goods and identify potential accomplices. Schweppes Zimbabwe Mazoe fraud case

MIDLANDS – A 27-year-old Redcliff man who operates a scotch cart courier service has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal dispute with a client over missing groceries, in a case that has shocked the local community. Collen Ishmael (27) is accused of killing his client, Elias Kavhumbura Chimusito (49), during an argument at the victim’s homestead on Monday evening. Midlands police spokesperson Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident, which occurred at around 8 pm in Redcliff, a mining town near Kwekwe. According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Chimusito had hired Ishmael to transport groceries from Rutendo suburb to Wentworth Farm using a scotch cart, an increasingly common low-cost transport option in peri-urban Zimbabwe. Police say Ishmael arrived at the destination at approximately 8:30 pm, but tensions quickly escalated after the complainant allegedly discovered that some groceries were missing from the consignment. Chimusito reportedly refused to pay for the service, accusing the courier of failing to deliver all the goods, which sparked a heated confrontation. “Ishmael was infuriated and he allegedly grabbed an axe from the scotch cart and struck Chimusito on the head and left shin. Chimusito died on the spot,” Mahoko said. Officers from ZRP Redcliff attended the scene shortly after the incident and arrested Ishmael. The victim’s body was transported to Kwekwe General Hospital mortuary, where a postmortem examination is expected to be conducted. Residents in the area described the incident as tragic and avoidable. “It’s shocking that a disagreement over groceries could end in death. These are people who knew each other,” said a neighbour who declined to be named. The incident highlights a worrying trend of violent disputes arising from everyday economic activities, particularly in communities where informal transport services such as scotch carts play a critical role. Social commentator and Midlands-based community development expert, Tendai Moyo, said economic pressures are increasingly fuelling conflict. “When livelihoods are fragile, even small disagreements can quickly spiral out of control. There is a need for conflict resolution awareness at community level,” Moyo said. Police have urged members of the public to resolve disputes amicably and avoid resorting to violence. “We have lost a life in circumstances where dialogue should have been the best route in finding a solution. We implore the public to engage elders and counsellors whenever they have differences,” Mahoko said. The suspect is expected to appear in court soon, facing a murder charge under Zimbabwean law. Authorities continue to emphasise the importance of peaceful conflict resolution as communities grapple with rising cases of violence linked to everyday disputes. Redcliff murder case

HARARE – Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume is facing mounting scrutiny after official documents revealed that a demolished small business structure at Mabelreign Shopping Centre had in fact, been approved by the Harare City Council. The latest developments contradict earlier claims that Ward 16 councillor Denford Ngadziore acted unlawfully in spearheading the construction of tuckshops intended for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The structures, which were demolished over the weekend on the mayor’s orders, were initially described by city authorities as illegal developments built without approved plans and on designated parking spaces. However, newly surfaced documents indicate that the project had undergone formal council processes and received official sanction. According to correspondence seen by Southerton Business Times, Cartin Mark Up Investments, trading as Arise & Shine, submitted a proposal on 19 December 2025 to construct a “temporary market facility” at Mabelreign Shopping Centre. “This project is intended as a donation to the City of Harare to support council’s efforts in urban renewal and SME management,” reads part of the application letter. The proposal reportedly passed through multiple council departments and was endorsed by senior officials between 16 and 19 February 2026. An official response dated 2 March 2026 confirms that the project was approved, subject to compliance with specified conditions. The approval letter, signed by Acting Town Clerk Phakamile Mabhena Moyo, carried backing from key technical departments, including: Director of Works, Isaiah Chawatama Acting Director of Urban Planning Samuel Nyabezi Director of Housing and Community Services Admore Nhekairo Urban planning experts say such approvals typically require rigorous internal review, raising questions about the basis for the demolition. “If a project has gone through the full council approval chain, reversing it without due process creates governance and legal concerns,” said Harare-based urban governance analyst, Dr. Liberty Muchengeti. The temporary facility was designed to accommodate traders during planned renovations at the shopping centre, while also reducing congestion caused by informal trading on pavements and verandas. Councillor Ngadziore, who chairs the council’s SMEs committee, had positioned the project as part of broader efforts to formalise small businesses and improve urban order. Local traders expressed frustration over the demolition. “We were told this was a council-approved project meant to help us operate legally. Now everything has been destroyed,” said one affected vendor. The revelations have triggered debate over governance and accountability within council structures, with critics questioning why Mayor Mafume publicly distanced himself from the project. It remains unclear why the mayor suggested that Ngadziore had acted independently and unlawfully, despite documented approvals from Town House. Legal experts warn that the dispute could expose the city to potential liability. “Demolishing an approved structure may open the door to compensation claims if due process was not followed,” said Harare lawyer Takudzwa Gwatidzo. The controversy adds to ongoing tensions within the city council over urban planning, informal trading, and the management of SMEs in Harare. Harare City Council Mabelreign demolition

ZVISHAVANE/HARARE  — The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has reaffirmed its "zero-tolerance" policy toward infrastructure vandalism and wildlife crime following the swift conviction and sentencing of four individuals in two separate high-profile cases this month. The latest arrests highlight the judiciary’s uncompromising stance on activities that threaten critical national infrastructure and the country’s natural heritage. Railway Vandalism: Five-Year Terms for Illegal Mining In Zvishavane, two men were sentenced to five years' imprisonment each for tampering with railway tracks. Chenjerai Hove (28) and Pardon Nyoni (27) were caught red-handed on April 7, 2026, conducting illegal gold mining within the 45-metre protected railway reserve. Details of the Zvishavane Case: Equipment Seized: Detectives recovered three chisels, three shovels, and two metal detectors used for prospecting. The Violation: Digging beneath or near tracks destabilizes the ground, posing a catastrophic risk of train derailments. The Verdict: Magistrate Rachel Mukanga handed down the sentence on April 9, only two days after the arrest, signaling the speed at which the courts are now processing infrastructure-related crimes. Ivory Trafficking: Nine-Year Mandatory Sentences In a separate sting operation in Harare, the CID Drugs and Narcotics Unit successfully intercepted an illegal ivory deal in the Glenforest area. Shelton Mashapami (33), a Mozambican national, and Tears Ndlovu (49) of Harare, were arrested after attempting to sell 18kg of raw, unmarked ivory to undercover detectives. Details of the Harare Case: The Sting: Detectives posed as potential buyers, luring the suspects into a trap where two pieces of ivory (measuring 45cm each) were produced for negotiation. Market Value: The recovered ivory was valued at approximately US$3,060. The Verdict: Appearing before Magistrate Lisa Mutendereki on April 8, both men received the mandatory nine-year sentence for possession of a specially protected species without a permit. Detective Inspector Muteweri R, the Provincial Community Relations and Liaison Officer for the CID, urged the public to continue acting as "eyes and ears" for law enforcement. "The Zimbabwe Republic Police would like to urge the public to supply information on criminal activities... through our hotlines or social handles," he stated. Zimbabwe railway vandalism sentencing 2026

PRETORIA  — South Africa’s Cabinet has officially approved the Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration, and Refugee Protection, marking the most radical overhaul of the country’s migration policy in a generation. The reforms, championed by Home Affairs Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber, introduce a rigorous points-based system (PBS) that prioritizes high-demand skills and economic investment over years of residency. While the South African government hails the move as a modernization effort designed to attract global talent in sectors like Artificial Intelligence and engineering, it has sent shockwaves through the Zimbabwean community, particularly the thousands currently living under the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP). The new framework replaces the previous discretionary model with a transparent scoring system. Under the PBS, applicants for both visas and citizenship will be evaluated on: Professional Qualifications: Degrees and certifications in "critical skills" areas. Economic Contribution: Proven investment potential or job creation. Social Contribution: Broader benefits to South African society. Minister Schreiber emphasized that the goal is to end "arbitrary and inefficient" decision-making. "The general principle we want to introduce is one of objectivity... using a points-based system is the clearest way to do that," he stated following the Cabinet approval on April 8, 2026. Perhaps the most controversial proposal is the delinking of permanent residency (PR) from citizenship. Historically, five years of PR allowed a foreigner to apply for a passport. The new White Paper suggests that citizenship will now be a separate merit-based hurdle, potentially managed by a new Citizenship Advisory Panel (CAP). Additionally, South Africa is adopting a "first safe country" principle for asylum seekers. This will disqualify individuals who have passed through other safe third countries—such as Botswana or Zimbabwe before reaching South Africa, a move designed to share the regional migration burden more equitably. For the Zimbabwean community, the timing is precarious. Although ZEP and Lesotho Exemption Permits (LEP) were recently extended until May 28, 2027, Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza reiterated that these permits were never intended to be a permanent bridge to citizenship. Nicholas Ngqabutho Mabhena, Chairperson of the Zimbabwean Community in South Africa, warned that the new meritocracy could exclude long-term residents. "You will have a Zimbabwean who has been here since 1994 who cannot become a citizen because they do not meet the necessary skills requirements," he noted. Key Structural Changes for 2026 Reform Area New Policy Mechanism Impact Visa Assessment Points-Based System (PBS) Priority given to AI, Engineering, & Start-ups. Citizenship Annual Application Window Ends year-round submissions; intended to clear backlogs. Asylum First Safe Country Principle Ineligibility for those passing through safe third countries. Overstays Administrative Fines Replaces blanket bans to improve revenue and efficiency. As the Department of Home Affairs prepares to table these amendments in Parliament, the message to the Zimbabwean diaspora is clear: legal status will increasingly depend on professional utility rather than historical ties or longevity of stay. South Africa immigration points-based system 2026

MIDLANDS – A 52-year-old truck driver has died after the heavy-duty vehicle he was driving veered off the road and plunged into a river before becoming fully submerged in an accident that has renewed calls for road safety vigilance in Zimbabwe. Midlands provincial police spokesperson Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the fatal incident, which occurred on 10 April 2026 at around 4 pm along the Masvingo–Mbalabala Road at Ngezi River Bridge in Zvishavane. The deceased has been identified as Silas Nyengetera (52), a truck driver from Tarusenga Village under Chief Mazungunye in Bikita. According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Nyengetera was driving a heavy-duty Shacman truck towing two trailers when the accident occurred. “He had no passengers with him. On approaching the 113km peg at Ngezi River Bridge, the truck veered off the road and fell into the river,” said Mahoko. Police said the truck became completely submerged, trapping the driver inside the vehicle. Emergency responders from ZRP Zvishavane, supported by the Sub-Aqua Unit, attended the scene and launched a recovery operation. “The truck got submerged in the water. The driver was trapped inside the vehicle,” Mahoko added. The body was retrieved the following day, 11 April, at approximately 2:30 pm after a prolonged search effort. The Masvingo–Mbalabala Road is a key transport corridor often used by heavy commercial vehicles, and accidents involving trucks have raised concern among road safety advocates. Transport safety expert Engineer Gift Mugabe said such incidents highlight the need for increased caution, especially near bridges and waterways. “Heavy trucks are more difficult to control, particularly when approaching bridges or sharp curves. Speed management and vehicle condition checks are critical in preventing such tragedies,” he said. Authorities have urged motorists, particularly long-distance and heavy vehicle drivers, to exercise caution and adhere to road safety regulations. “We continue to urge drivers to be vigilant at all times and to observe road rules to prevent unnecessary loss of life,” Mahoko said. The incident adds to a growing number of fatal road accidents recorded across Zimbabwe’s highways, with police reiterating the importance of defensive driving and regular vehicle maintenance. Zvishavane accident