HARARE – A 42-year-old Eastlea man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Harare Magistrates’ Court after being convicted of raping his 25-year-old accounts clerk in a case that has intensified concerns over workplace sexual abuse in Zimbabwe. According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, the victim began working for the offender on 2 January 2025, before the abuse occurred months later under the guise of extended working hours. Prosecutors told the court that in April 2025, at around 4:30 PM, the employer instructed the complainant to remain behind after other employees had left. “At 1800 hours, he called her to his office upstairs and demanded intimacy before raping her,” the NPA said. The court heard that the accused subsequently made repeated sexual demands, which the victim consistently denied. Despite the ongoing pressure, the woman continued working under difficult circumstances before eventually resigning on 6 March 2026. Following her resignation, the victim confided in a friend, who encouraged and assisted her in reporting the matter to the police. The report led to investigations and the eventual arrest of the offender. A Harare-based women’s rights advocate, Tariro Chisango, said delayed reporting is common in workplace abuse cases. “Victims often fear losing their jobs or facing retaliation. It takes courage to come forward, especially when the perpetrator is in a position of authority,” she said. The court imposed a 15-year custodial sentence, underscoring the seriousness of sexual offences, particularly those involving abuse of power in professional settings. Legal expert Advocate Simba Dube said the ruling reinforces accountability in employer-employee relationships. “This judgment sends a clear message that positions of authority must never be abused. Consent cannot be coerced, especially in workplaces where power dynamics are unequal,” he said. The NPA reiterated its commitment to prosecuting sexual offences and protecting victims. “The National Prosecuting Authority remains committed to relentlessly pursuing perpetrators of sexual abuse and ensuring that they face the full force of the law,” the authority said. The case highlights growing concern over sexual harassment and abuse in Zimbabwean workplaces, where experts say stronger reporting mechanisms and employee protections are needed. Labour analyst Nyasha Moyo said organisations must strengthen internal policies. “Workplaces need clear anti-harassment policies, reporting channels, and support systems to protect employees from abuse,” she said. As awareness increases, authorities are urging victims to report incidents and seek support, with stakeholders calling for safer and more accountable working environments across all sectors. Harare rape case employer

MASVINGO – A 19-year-old man from Bikita has been sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Masvingo Regional Magistrates’ Court after being convicted of raping his 73-year-old grandmother in a disturbing case that has shocked the local community. The offender, whose identity has been withheld to protect the victim, appeared before Regional Magistrate Innocent Bepura, who described the crime as particularly heinous given the vulnerability and advanced age of the complainant. Passing sentence, Magistrate Bepura said the central issue before the court was whether the sexual act had been consensual, as claimed by the accused. “It is not in dispute that sexual intercourse occurred, but the issue is of consent. The complainant’s evidence shows that force was used,” he ruled. The court dismissed the accused’s defence that he had been in a sexual relationship with his grandmother since his primary school years and that the encounter was consensual. He further alleged that the victim only reported the matter after he failed to buy her a blanket, a claim the court found not credible. Prosecutor Innocent Mudzingwa told the court that the incident occurred on 16 January 2024 at around 11 PM at the complainant’s homestead in Chief Mazungunye’s area. The court heard that the elderly woman had been asleep when the accused knocked on her door, claiming he had been sent by a relative from Masvingo. When she attempted to open the door, she noticed he had partially covered his face with a cloth. As she tried to close the door, he forced his way inside. “He overpowered her and raped her once,” the prosecutor said. During the struggle, the cloth covering his face fell off, enabling the complainant to positively identify her attacker. The victim attempted to scream for help, alerting neighbours who rushed to the homestead. However, the accused had already fled the scene. A police report was subsequently filed, leading to his arrest and prosecution. A neighbour who responded to the scene said the incident left residents shaken. “We heard her crying for help and rushed over, but he had already escaped. This is something we never expected in our community,” the neighbour said. The case has reignited concern over sexual violence in Zimbabwe, particularly against vulnerable groups such as the elderly. Gender rights advocate Rumbidzai Chikore said the severity of the sentence sends a strong message. “Crimes of this nature are deeply disturbing and require firm punishment. It is important that survivors, especially elderly victims, receive justice and support,” she said. The 15-year custodial sentence underscores the judiciary’s stance on sexual offences, particularly those involving abuse of trust and extreme vulnerability. Authorities continue to urge communities to report cases of abuse and to support victims in seeking justice. Bikita rape case

MASVINGO  — A thick blanket of morning mist turned deadly today as a head-on collision at a notorious blackspot near the Mutimurefu Prison entrance claimed one life and left another passenger fighting for their life. The accident occurred at approximately 7:00 am, roughly 25km from Masvingo along the Masvingo–Mutare Highway, a stretch of road frequently cited for its poor visibility during the autumn and winter months. While official investigations by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) are still in the preliminary stages, first responders at the scene pointed to the extreme weather conditions as a likely trigger. Heavy mist had reduced visibility to just a few metres at the time of the impact. The collision involved a branded truck belonging to Hukuimwe Day Old Chicks and a small private car. The impact was so severe that the smaller vehicle was reduced to a mangled wreck. In a distressing turn of events, the aftermath of the crash was marked by both tragedy and opportunistic theft. The Victims: The deceased and the critically injured individual were both occupants of the smaller hatchback. The body of the deceased remained at the scene until late morning. The Cargo: Hundreds of day-old chicks from the Hukuimwe vehicle were scattered across the asphalt. Looting: Witnesses reported that while some chicks died on impact, passers-by and local villagers were seen "helping themselves" to the surviving chicks, carrying them away as rescue efforts were underway. The Mutimurefu Prison entrance has long been flagged by the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) as a high-risk zone. The combination of the prison access road and the high-speed transit of the Masvingo–Mutare Highway creates a dangerous junction, especially when visibility is compromised. This latest fatality adds to a growing number of road deaths in the first week of April, following a particularly bloody Easter holiday on Zimbabwe's major highways. Mutimurefu Prison accident Masvingo

HARARE  — In a sobering revelation for global health, the 2023 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study , published this week in The Lancet , has identified childhood cancer as the eighth-leading cause of death among children worldwide. Perhaps most alarming for the African continent is the finding that pediatric cancer now claims more lives than measles, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS combined. While high-income nations have seen a 27% decrease in mortality since 1990, the WHO African Region  has experienced a devastating trend: cancer-related deaths among children increased by nearly 56%  over the same period. The study, led by the Institute for Health Metrics Evaluation (IHME)  and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital , highlights a "resource-availability" crisis. While only 15% of new cases occur in high-income countries, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) shoulder: 85%  of all new cases. 94%  of all childhood cancer deaths. 94%  of Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) lost. “The vast majority of children with cancer live in LMICs, where delays in diagnosis and lack of access to essential treatment contribute to massive disparities,” stated Dr. Lisa Force , lead author of the study. In Zimbabwe, the fight against this silent killer is being spearheaded by civil society organizations such as KidzCan . Recent analysis of the KidzCan database shows that the most common childhood cancers in the country are nephroblastoma (kidney tumors) , acute leukemia , and retinoblastoma (eye cancer) . The Zimbabwean data suggest a median age at diagnosis of just four years old . Locally, survival rates remain a concern, with research indicating that performance status at the time of diagnosis, often delayed by a lack of awareness, is a critical factor in outcome. The study emphasizes that these deaths are not inevitable. The Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) , a partnership between the WHO and St. Jude , aims to improve global survival to at least 60% by 2030 . Zimbabwe has already taken significant steps toward this goal by including childhood cancer in essential benefit packages  and developing new legislation to improve access and financial protection for affected families. However, the report stresses that further investment is needed in: Referral Systems:  Supporting rapid identification and life-saving referrals. Workforce Training:  Empowering more Zimbabwean medical professionals with diagnostic skills. Medicine Access:  Ensuring chemotherapy and radiotherapy are both available and affordable. “These data are a tool to help us evaluate the impact of our mission to reduce catastrophic diseases of childhood,” said Dr. Nickhill Bhakta  of St. Jude Global. For now, the message to Zimbabwean parents and caregivers remains one of vigilance: childhood cancer can be treated, but early detection is the only bridge to survival. Global childhood cancer burden 2023

MUTASA – A grieving family in Mutasa has taken its long-running troubles to a traditional court after a shocking funeral incident in which a deceased woman’s body allegedly failed to fit into a coffin, forcing relatives to perform a ritual before burial. The Sango family says the incident is part of a series of misfortunes that have plagued them for years, including unexplained illnesses, marital breakdowns, and a mysterious disappearance. Testifying before Chief Mutasa's Community Court, family head Clava Sango recounted the events surrounding the burial of his niece. “She later died. But when we tried to bury her, her body could not fit into the coffin at the funeral parlour. It was a very disturbing situation,” he said. According to Clava, the situation was only resolved after he was instructed to perform a traditional ritual in the kitchen, locally referred to as pachikuva, to seek spiritual intervention. After the ritual, the body reportedly fit into the coffin, allowing the burial to proceed at their rural home. The Sango family believes their troubles date back to the disappearance of Lennos Sango, a village head who vanished more than a decade ago under unclear circumstances. A human skull later believed to be his was discovered and buried, but the family says they never achieved closure. Since then, they claim, a series of unexplained events has affected them. In an effort to find answers, the family has spent significant amounts of money consulting traditional healers, with mixed outcomes. The dispute has deepened after relatives sought to compel Clava Sango to join them in further consultations with a traditional healer, arguing that collective action is needed to address what they believe are spiritual afflictions. However, Clava denies wrongdoing and says he is being unfairly blamed. “We called a traditional healer who told us that I was harbouring my late brother’s spirit. He charged us US$2,700 for the consultation,” he said. Clava said the interpretation of the healer’s message caused divisions within the family. “The rest of the family misunderstood that statement and argued that it meant I had something to do with my brother’s disappearance. I understood it differently that as the new head of the family, I had inherited the responsibility and spiritual burden,” he explained. The situation reportedly escalated after the healer allegedly demanded an additional US$4,000 for a cleansing ceremony, a cost the family says it cannot afford. Presiding over the matter, Chief Mutasa urged the family to work together rather than apportion blame to one individual. He directed them to collectively seek a solution and return to court with feedback after further consultations. “The family must unite in addressing its challenges instead of isolating one member,” he said. Cases involving traditional beliefs and family disputes remain common in some rural communities, where cultural practices often intersect with legal and social systems. Sociologist Dr. Nyasha Chirenje said such disputes highlight the complexity of balancing cultural beliefs with modern conflict resolution approaches. “While traditional practices remain important in many communities, disagreements over interpretation can deepen divisions rather than resolve them,” she said. The matter has been adjourned to allow the family time to pursue further consultations before returning to court. Mutasa funeral incident Zimbabwe

HARARE – The High Court has brought closure to the high-profile divorce between Harare businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his estranged wife Sonja Louise Madzikanda, issuing a consent order that includes a US$5 million maintenance settlement and a detailed parenting arrangement for their minor children. The ruling, handed down before Justice Tsanga on Thursday, formally ends a protracted legal dispute that had drawn widespread public interest and social media commentary. Under the terms of the agreement, Chivayo is required to pay a total of US$5 million into a bank account controlled by Madzikanda, with oversight provisions retained by the businessman. Court documents show that US$2.2 million has already been paid, while the remaining US$2.8 million must be settled within 30 days. Legal analyst Advocate Rudo Muchengeti said the structure reflects a growing trend in high-value divorce settlements. “Lump-sum maintenance payments are increasingly being used to ensure financial certainty and reduce prolonged disputes over monthly upkeep,” she said. The court also ordered Chivayo to cover all reasonable living expenses for the children for an initial 12-month period. This timeframe is intended to allow Madzikanda to establish an investment portfolio capable of sustaining the children’s future needs. After the first year, the expectation is that returns from these investments will fund ongoing expenses, provided they are sufficient. “This approach encourages financial planning and long-term sustainability, especially in high-net-worth separations,” Muchengeti added. The consent order sets out a structured parenting plan granting Madzikanda primary residence of the children. Chivayo has been granted: One uninterrupted week of access per month Access on all weekends Alternating public holidays The court emphasised that during his allocated time, Chivayo must be personally present and cannot delegate childcare responsibilities to third parties. Additional provisions include specific arrangements for birthdays and Father’s Day, with clear guidelines for same-day collection and return of the children. Justice Tsanga directed that any future disputes between the parties must first be handled through mediation or legal representatives before approaching the courts, a move aimed at minimising further litigation. The court also noted that issues relating to the division of matrimonial property will be dealt with separately under case HCHF 62/2026. Both parties were ordered to bear their own legal costs. The settlement marks the conclusion of one of Zimbabwe’s most closely followed divorce cases, which had been characterised by months of legal wrangling and public scrutiny. Family law expert Dr. Nyasha Dube said the ruling highlights the importance of structured settlements in high-conflict divorces. “Clear financial arrangements and parenting plans are essential in reducing future disputes and ensuring the welfare of children remains the priority,” she said. With the consent order now in place, the case moves into its next phase, with property division still to be resolved. Wicknell Chivayo divorce

HARARE – The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation collected more than US$13.6 million from vehicle radio licence fees in the first half of 2025, according to Information Minister Zhemu Soda. Speaking during a Question-and-Answer session in the National Assembly, Soda said the revenue is being channelled toward upgrading broadcasting infrastructure, improving content quality, and supporting the country’s digital migration programme. “The total revenue collected from radio licensing fees during the period is US$13.6 million, of which 20 percent was in United States dollars, while 80 percent was local currency converted at the interbank rate,” said Soda. The Minister explained that the funds are helping stabilise ZBC’s finances, particularly in light of past revenue challenges stemming from low compliance among motorists. Soda said proceeds from radio licences are being used to expand terrestrial broadcasting infrastructure through Transmedia Corporation and to advance the second phase of Zimbabwe’s digital migration programme, commonly known as ZimDigital. “Revenue from ZBC radio fees boosts public radio access by expanding terrestrial infrastructure through Transmedia and advancing ZimDigital Phase 2 for superior signal reach,” he said. Part of the funds is also supporting community radio development through the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe, as well as provincial content production hubs under the Zimbabwe Film and Television Services Association (ZIFTESA). According to Soda, 10 percent of the collected revenue is allocated to BAZ, while 20 percent is channelled to Transmedia. “The 10 percent that is taken by BAZ is where the money for community radio stations is drawn from, including equipment, awareness campaigns and operational support,” he said. The funding model is designed to strengthen Zimbabwe’s broader broadcasting ecosystem, particularly at the community level. The Minister highlighted several infrastructure projects already underway, including the upgrading of Montrose Studios in Bulawayo, where analogue systems have been replaced with modern digital broadcasting technology. He also revealed that a new transmitter has been installed in Maphisa, the host area for this year’s Independence celebrations, with a broadcasting range of up to 80 kilometres. “This is one of the examples for which the money is being used, but many projects are being realised from the funds that are being collected,” Soda said. In addition to infrastructure improvements, the revenue is supporting local content creation, including the establishment of 10 new film production hubs across the country. Media analyst Wellington Mudzamiri said the reinvestment of licence fees could improve the quality and reach of Zimbabwean broadcasting. “If effectively managed, these funds can transform the sector by enhancing production capacity, expanding coverage and promoting local content,” he said. While authorities emphasise the developmental benefits of radio licence fees, the issue remains contentious among motorists, many of whom have questioned the cost and enforcement mechanisms. However, the government maintains that the fees are essential for sustaining public broadcasting and ensuring nationwide access to information. As Zimbabwe continues its transition to digital broadcasting, the utilisation of licence revenue will remain under scrutiny from both Parliament and the public. ZBC radio licence fees Zimbabwe

Harare lawyer Concellia Maheya HARARE  — The legal profession in Zimbabwe has been struck by another blow to its reputation after Concellia Maheya, a Harare-based lawyer, was sentenced to an effective one-year prison term for theft of trust property involving a fraudulent land deal. Magistrate Lisa Mutendereki handed down a three-year sentence, emphasizing that the gravity of the offense and the breach of fiduciary duty constituted significant aggravating circumstances. Of the initial three-year sentence: One Year Suspended: On condition that Maheya does not commit a similar offense within the next five years. One Year Suspended: On condition that she restitutes US$10,000 to the complainant, Mercy Kabvara, by June 19, 2026. Effective Sentence: Maheya will serve one year in prison. The court heard that in October 2021, the complainant, Mercy Kabvara, sought to purchase a residential stand in the leafy suburb of Bluffhill. She was introduced to Maheya, who was then employed at Maseko Law Chambers. Maheya allegedly masqueraded as the legal representative of the property owner, producing a forged title deed to facilitate the transaction. Trusting the legal professional, Kabvara paid US$30,000 in cash for the stand, plus an additional US$500 specifically for conveyancing fees. The scam unraveled when Kabvara attempted to collect the legitimate title deeds. The Deeds Office confirmed the documents provided by Maheya were sophisticated forgeries and revealed that the Bluffhill property had actually been sold to a third party in 2018. In a desperate attempt to avoid prosecution, Maheya reportedly offered Kabvara an alternative property in Hatfield as compensation. However, investigations revealed she had no legal authority to dispose of that property either. Maheya eventually signed an acknowledgement of debt admitting she owed the full US$30,000, but the victim remained at a total loss of US$30,500. Legal analysts suggest this case highlights the growing risks within the informal land market and the critical need for buyers to independently verify documents with the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) and the Deeds Office, even when dealing with registered legal practitioners. The LSZ is expected to initiate its own disciplinary proceedings, which could result in Maheya being struck off the register of legal practitioners. Harare lawyer sentenced Concellia Maheya

PRETORIA  — The political landscape in South Africa has been rocked by the declassification of a scathing report from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). The watchdog’s findings suggest that senior security officials loyal to President Cyril Ramaphosa engaged in a series of unlawful acts, including bribery and illegal detention, to cover up the 2020 theft of R8 million in foreign currency from the President’s Phala Phala farm. The report, made public following a successful legal challenge by the opposition party ActionSA, places Major General Wally Rhoode, head of the Presidential Protection Unit, at the center of a "clandestine" operation that bypassed every formal policing protocol in the country. According to the IPID report, the theft that took place on February 9, 2020, was never officially reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) via a formal case docket. Instead, Rhoode allegedly led a shadow investigation that operated entirely outside the law. Key allegations in the IPID report include: Bribery: Officials allegedly paid suspects to remain silent about the burglary and the source of the foreign currency. Unlawful Detention: Suspects were apprehended and interrogated without legal warrants or the presence of authorized investigative officers. Falsification of Records: Official SAPS records were allegedly manipulated or suppressed to ensure the incident did not appear in the 2020/21 annual crime reports. Resource Misuse: VIP protection funds were diverted to cover travel, accommodation, and surveillance for this unauthorized mission. The watchdog also identified Bejani Chauke, a senior presidential advisor, as a person of interest. The report suggests Chauke was present during parts of the unauthorized operation and benefited from state-funded VIP protection resources without proper authorization. IPID has characterized these actions as "fruitless and wasteful expenditure." IPID has taken a firm stance, recommending that Major General Rhoode and Constable HH Rekhoto face expedited disciplinary proceedings. The report concludes that their conduct has "detrimentally affected the image" of the police service and undermined the rule of law. “The failure to report a crime and the conducting of investigations without a lawful mandate represent a grave breach of the constitutional duty of the police,” the IPID summary noted. The timing of the report’s release is significant, as it provides "documented proof" for opposition parties who have long claimed that the Phala Phala incident involved a state-sponsored cover-up. While President Ramaphosa has previously been cleared of wrongdoing by the Public Protector regarding a conflict of interest, the IPID report focuses specifically on the criminal conduct of the police officers tasked with his safety. The Presidency has yet to issue a formal rebuttal to these specific findings of bribery and unlawful detention. Phala Phala IPID report findings

PENHALONGA  — A 45-year-old man from Sadziwa Village in the Mutasa area tragically took his own life on Wednesday morning following a confrontation over a US$200 debt. The incident, which occurred at the Marune homestead, has once again cast a spotlight on the devastating impact of financial distress on mental health in rural communities. The deceased has been identified as Lovemore Mlamuli Sibanda. The tragedy unfolded around 9:00 am on April 8, 2026, when Dorine Mupandawana arrived at Sibanda’s workplace to demand the repayment of a US$200 loan. Witnesses say Sibanda, who was working alongside 25-year-old Tinotenda Rumungwe, did not initially dispute the claim. Instead, Sibanda retreated into his room, leading those present to believe he was retrieving the cash to settle the debt. When he failed to re-emerge after a significant delay, Rumungwe went to check on him. Upon entering the room, Rumungwe was met with the pungent, overwhelming stench of a highly toxic pesticide. He discovered Sibanda writhing in agony on the floor, frothing at the mouth, with an empty container of the chemical lying nearby. Despite the swift response of villagers who rushed him to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital in Mutare, Sibanda was tragically pronounced dead on arrival. Manicaland Province ZRP acting spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the incident to The Midweek Watch , stating that Penhalonga Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the suicide. "The body remains at the hospital pending a post-mortem examination," Asst Insp Chinyoka stated. This incident highlights a worrying trend where relatively small financial obligations lead to extreme psychological pressure. Social workers in Manicaland have frequently called for better community-based mental health support and mediation services to handle debt disputes, which often escalate into violence or self-harm in the absence of formal legal channels. Sadziwa Village suicide debt

HARARE  — Global markets may have briefly stabilised following the April 7 ceasefire announcement between the United States and Iran, but emerging analysis suggests the truce could be a fragile pause rather than a pathway to lasting peace. According to geopolitical analyst Jiang Xueqin, the current ceasefire lacks the structural depth required to resolve the core drivers of the conflict, raising fears that tensions could quickly resurface. The ceasefire, reportedly brokered by Pakistan instead of traditional mediators such as Oman or Qatar, has no formally signed agreement, leaving room for differing interpretations between Washington and Tehran. Within days of the announcement, early indicators pointed to instability. Maritime tracking data cited by Lloyd’s List  showed a dramatic drop in shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route, highlighting lingering uncertainty. At the same time, violence in Beirut continued, with Israeli strikes reportedly causing heavy casualties. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that the ceasefire does not extend to operations against Hezbollah, further complicating regional stability. At the heart of the dispute remains a deep divide over Iran’s nuclear programme. The United States continues to push for a permanent halt to uranium enrichment, while Iran insists the programme is a sovereign right. Analysts warn that without compromise on this issue, any ceasefire risks being temporary. Background: Escalation and Regional Impact The current standoff follows weeks of intense conflict, including coordinated strikes targeting Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure. The violence has already had significant human and economic costs, with global oil prices surging above $100 per barrel at the height of the crisis. Iran’s leadership transition following the reported death of Ali Khamenei has also introduced new uncertainties, with his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, signalling a more assertive stance. Three Possible Scenarios Experts outline three likely trajectories in the coming days: Fragile Stability: Talks hold, with limited agreements reached through ongoing negotiations. Quiet Breakdown: Low-level hostilities resume without a formal end to the ceasefire. Full Escalation: A major strike triggers a return to high-intensity conflict involving multiple actors. The “quiet breakdown” scenario is widely seen as the most probable, given ongoing tensions on multiple fronts. For Zimbabwe, developments in the Middle East carry direct economic implications. The country relies heavily on imported fuel, making it vulnerable to global oil price fluctuations. Economist Persistence Gwanyanya said any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could have immediate domestic consequences. “Fuel prices in Zimbabwe are highly sensitive to global oil markets. Any sustained disruption will translate into higher transport costs, increased production expenses, and inflationary pressure,” he said. With oil prices still elevated, even minor disruptions could ripple through Zimbabwe’s economy, affecting businesses and households alike. As diplomatic efforts continue, the coming days are expected to test whether the ceasefire can evolve into a more durable agreement or collapse under the weight of unresolved tensions. For now, analysts caution that the absence of a formal framework and ongoing regional conflicts suggest that the risk of renewed escalation remains high. US Iran ceasefire analysis 2026

Douglas Coltart HARARE  — Prominent human rights lawyer Douglas Coltart has broken his silence regarding his nationality, categorically stating that he holds no foreign passport and is not entitled to British citizenship. The clarification comes amid a storm of political hostility following a violent encounter at a public hearing last week. Writing on the social media platform X, Coltart asserted that his roots on the continent trace back nearly four centuries. He revealed that his ancestors arrived in Africa in the 1600s as Huguenots—French Protestants fleeing brutal religious persecution in Europe. “I have no right to British citizenship. My ancestors first came to Africa in the 1600s as refugees fleeing religious persecution in France,” Coltart stated. “Legally, Zimbabwe is the only country on this earth I can call home. And I love Zimbabwe!” The debate over Coltart's identity was ignited by a harrowing incident during a public hearing for the Constitution Amendment Bill (No. 3) at the Harare City Sports Centre. Coltart was brutally assaulted and robbed of his mobile phone and prescription glasses by a mob of suspected ZANU-PF activists. Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the attackers explicitly questioned Coltart’s nationality during the assault. One of the primary instigators has since been identified by civil society monitors as Luckmore Tinashe Gapa, a member of the ZANU PF Central Committee. The violence has drawn a controversial response from ZANU-PF veterans. Patrick Chinamasa, the ruling party’s Treasurer, sparked further outrage by suggesting that the younger Coltart was being made to "atone" for the political legacy of his father, David Coltart, the current Mayor of Bulawayo and former Education Minister. “As for young Doug Coltart, I regret that he has, most unfortunately and regrettably, inherited his father’s political Rhodesian Front genes,” Chinamasa wrote on X. “He is being made to unfairly atone for the colonial sins of his father.” Legal experts and human rights defenders in Harare have condemned Chinamasa’s remarks, arguing they provide a "political justification" for vigilante violence against private citizens based on their ancestry or political affiliation. Coltart’s reference to the Huguenots aligns with Southern Africa's colonial history, where thousands of French refugees settled in the late 17th century. By identifying as a descendant of these refugees, Coltart is positioning his identity firmly within the indigenous white African context, rather than the more recent British colonial waves. Despite the assault, Coltart has vowed to continue his legal work, emphasizing that his commitment to Zimbabwean constitutionalism remains unshaken. Douglas Coltart citizenship Zimbabwe