By Staff Reporter | Harare More than four million traffic violations have been captured by Harare’s new artificial intelligence-powered traffic management system, with authorities now contacting some motorists as enforcement of road regulations gathers pace. The latest figure represents a sharp increase from the more than 2.3 million violations recorded in mid-August, according to Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi. The automated system, installed at strategic intersections across Harare, is designed to detect a range of traffic offences, including running red lights, driving against the flow of traffic, speeding, using mobile phones while driving and travelling without fastened seatbelts. It also detects motorists picking up or dropping off passengers at undesignated locations, including in the middle of roads. Nyathi said authorities were finalising arrangements for the payment of fines following the verification of recorded violations. “Over four million violators have been detected by the cameras to date, and some of the violations include driving through red traffic lights, driving towards oncoming vehicles and picking up and dropping off passengers in the middle of the road,” he said. Authorities verify violations Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Ambassador Raphael Faranisi said authorities had already begun contacting some motorists. “The system is set to be commissioned by President Mnangagwa soon. However, authorities have started contacting some of the offenders for fining,” Faranisi said. He said recorded violations were being verified before motorists were penalised. This process is intended to ensure that genuine traffic offences are separated from instances where motorists may have been directed through intersections by police officers or where road markings and other circumstances could have affected the apparent violation. The verification process was also highlighted when the system had recorded about 1.1 million violations earlier in August, with authorities saying not every camera detection would automatically result in a penalty. Faranisi said a CBZ Bank account had been opened to receive payments from motorists who are fined. Authorities are also finalising an electronic payment platform that will allow motorists to settle fines online, reducing the need for physical interaction with enforcement officials. More cameras planned The traffic surveillance system is being implemented under Phase One of the Smart Traffic Management and Surveillance Programme, a joint initiative involving the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage and telecommunications company TelOne. Twenty camera sites have been installed at strategic intersections along major roads in Harare. Government plans to deploy more than 300 high-tech cameras across the capital before extending the programme to other cities. The system is designed not only to detect traffic violations but also to provide real-time information on traffic movements. Authorities expect the technology to help identify congestion, traffic bottlenecks and road incidents more quickly. TelOne chief executive Lawrence Nkala previously said the first phase involved 20 camera sites in Harare, with the infrastructure being installed at major intersections across the capital. The latest developments mark a shift from the initial surveillance phase towards enforcement, although the verification process remains an important part of determining which recorded incidents result in penalties. For motorists, authorities have urged greater compliance with traffic regulations as the camera network expands and automated monitoring becomes more widespread. Harare traffic cameras

By Staff Reporter | Harare The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has warned of widespread rain and thunderstorms across Zimbabwe from Tuesday to Thursday, with some areas expected to receive localised downpours exceeding 30 millimetres. In an advisory issued on Sunday, September 27, the MSD said the weather system would bring rain accompanied by lightning, thunder and strong winds in several parts of the country. The department urged the public to exercise caution, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding and severe weather. Among the risks identified are lightning strikes, flash flooding in low-lying areas, rivers and urban centres, as well as strong winds capable of damaging crops, trees and structures. The MSD also warned of possible impacts on grain quality, particularly for crops that are at the grain-filling and maturity stages. “Rain during grain filling and maturity can reduce grain quality,” the department warned, adding that high moisture levels could increase the risk of fungal diseases. Rain to spread from Masvingo According to the forecast, weather conditions are expected to change as cool, moist south-easterly winds interact with a mid-level atmospheric system. Rain, occasionally accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds, is expected to begin affecting parts of Masvingo from Tuesday morning before spreading to other provinces later in the day. The MSD said conditions would become cloudy and cool from Wednesday, September 30. Rain is expected particularly in Masvingo, Matabeleland South and southern parts of Manicaland, while thunderstorms will remain possible in other parts of the country. The department urged communities in flood-prone areas to remain alert as rainfall could be intense in some locations over short periods. Drivers and pedestrians have also been advised to exercise caution around flooded roads, rivers and drainage channels. The warnings come as Zimbabwe continues to experience isolated rainfall events ahead of the main summer rainfall season. Early rains, not yet start of rainy season Last week, MSD deputy director for public weather services Isaac Masawana said rainfall experienced in some parts of Zimbabwe should not be interpreted as the beginning of the 2026/27 rainy season. Masawana said the earlier rains were associated with a weather system moving into the country and represented normal weather variations rather than the onset of the main rainfall season. “We had a cloud system that was moving from the west into the country, and it caused some thundershowers that we experienced overnight,” he said. He cautioned the public against confusing isolated early-season rainfall with the official onset of the summer rainfall season. The latest forecast means farmers and communities should remain alert to rapidly changing conditions while continuing to monitor official MSD updates. The MSD provides daily and weekly forecasts as well as severe-weather warnings to help communities and organisations prepare for potentially hazardous conditions. Zimbabwe weather forecast

By Mpundu Valerie The third edition of the annual Bira reMbira Festival was held at Glamis Arena in Harare on Friday, September 25, as a musical vigil celebrating the life and legacy of legendary mbira musician Ambuya Stella Chiweshe. The event was staged as part of Zimbabwe’s Mbira Month, an initiative celebrating the country’s mbira heritage and its continuing influence on Zimbabwean music and culture. The vigil featured top traditional and contemporary acts including Victor Kunonga, Feli Nandi, Tatu Maluba, Andy Muridzo, Kurai Makore, Diana Samkange, Mbira Dzepadombo and other cultural ensembles. Turnout and Technical Hitches Despite free entry, the venue saw a minimal turnout in football terms, we could say there were acres of space. Everybody was offside. It was arguably one of the lowest turnouts in the promoter's career. To add to the slow start, the sound system struggled to project during the early performances, much to the dismay of bona fide mbira fanatics who could be heard calling for the engineer. Performers had to briefly step off stage while the issue was resolved. However, credit must go to the MC who held the program together, keeping those present on their feet and fully engaged. Victor Kunonga, who performed before the sound glitch, gave a solid and spirited set. For those who attended, the initial challenges did not overshadow the purpose of the gathering. The performances provided an opportunity for musicians and fans to celebrate Chiweshe’s contribution to Zimbabwean music while highlighting the enduring place of the mbira in contemporary cultural expression. Although the event faced logistical challenges and a disappointing turnout, the audience that remained engaged responded positively to the performances. The evening ultimately became less about numbers and more about those who had gathered to honour one of Zimbabwe’s most distinctive musical voices. The festival was held with the backing of the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ). It was promoted by Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza through Chipaz Promotions, with Benjamin Nyandoro, popularly known as Nyamasvisva, serving as the main coordinator. Musician Diana “Mangwenya” Samkange also participated as both a performer and co-promoter. The third edition of Bira reMbira therefore ended on a mixed note a technically challenging and sparsely attended event, but one that succeeded in keeping its central purpose alive: celebrating mbira music and honouring the legacy of Ambuya Stella Chiweshe. Bira reMbira Festival

By Staff Reporter | Rusape A Rusape-based pastor has become embroiled in a paternity dispute after her husband accused a fellow congregant of having an affair with her and fathering their youngest child. The dispute has been taken before Chief Makoni’s community court, where Itai Kalimbwe, 54, of Acacia Street, is seeking US$10 000 and five cattle from Obey Gudza, 34. Kalimbwe alleges that Gudza, a neighbour and fellow congregant at Faith to Victory Ministries, had an affair with his wife, Marvellous Tsindi, 43, who is also a pastor. He claims the alleged relationship resulted in the birth of a child who is now one year and eight months old. However, Gudza has denied the allegations, leaving the paternity question unresolved. Giving evidence before the traditional court, Kalimbwe said he and Gudza had previously been close friends and worshipped together in the same cell prayer group. He said their families also regularly visited each other for prayers and social gatherings. Kalimbwe, who works as a builder, said his suspicions began growing during periods when his work kept him away from home. “While I was away, I received information that my wife and Gudza were regularly being seen together,” he told the court. He said he spent almost three years trying to establish whether the two were involved in a relationship. Kalimbwe told the court that his suspicions intensified after his wife became more protective of her mobile phone and introduced a password. He also alleged that he once borrowed a vehicle and followed his wife after seeing Gudza collect her from her workplace. According to Kalimbwe, Gudza later dropped Tsindi at home and hugged her before leaving. The pastor also raised questions about events surrounding the birth of the child. He alleged that Tsindi insisted Gudza should drive her to hospital when she went into labour and later prevented him from naming the child. Kalimbwe further claimed that he became suspicious when the baby’s hair was shaved despite his objections. He said members of Gudza’s family had also allegedly made comments suggesting that Gudza was the child's biological father. One incident, he told the court, occurred at Evergreen Market when Gudza's younger brother allegedly made such a claim while Kalimbwe was carrying the child. Kalimbwe said the allegations had caused significant strain in his marriage. He accused his wife of becoming emotionally distant and alleged that she denied him conjugal rights. He also claimed to have discovered that she had another cellphone and alleged that Gudza had previously replaced one of her damaged phones. The matter reportedly became more public after an alleged argument between Gudza and his own wife, during which she allegedly accused him of fathering Kalimbwe's child. Kalimbwe further told the court that his 10-year-old son later found messages on Tsindi's phone in which she allegedly asked Gudza to buy clothes for the child. Gudza, however, rejected the allegations in their entirety. “I deny everything. These accusations are new to me,” he told the court. He said he worked as a mushikashika driver and regularly transported different passengers, suggesting that his interactions with Tsindi did not establish an affair. Gudza also said his wife was unaware of the case. Chief Makoni did not determine whether the alleged affair took place or whether Gudza was the child's biological father. Instead, the traditional court ordered scientific testing to establish the child's paternity. The matter was postponed pending the DNA results. The tests are expected to provide evidence that could determine how the dispute proceeds, including whether the paternity allegations have a biological basis. Until the results are available, the allegations made by either party remain unproven. Rusape pastor paternity dispute

By Staff Reporter | Tsholotsho A Tsholotsho woman has died from severe burns sustained in an alleged attack by her husband, months after he reportedly accused her of having an affair. Ephraim Moyo of Mswigama Line is facing murder and attempted murder charges following the alleged attack on his wife, Anita Ndlovu, 32. Moyo appeared before Tsholotsho Magistrate Godfrey Muzungu and was not asked to plead. He was remanded in custody to October 8 for routine remand and advised of his right to engage a lawyer and apply for bail at the Bulawayo High Court. According to the prosecution, the dispute began after Moyo allegedly found WhatsApp messages on Ndlovu’s phone which he interpreted as evidence of an extramarital affair. The State alleges that on May 15, Moyo threatened to kill Ndlovu over the accusations, prompting her to leave their home and seek refuge at her parents’ residence in Mahangula Line. The prosecution further alleged that Moyo had previously assaulted Ndlovu by head-butting her and repeatedly striking her with a cooking pot. Petrol attack at in-laws’ home Prosecutor Nobuhle Mguni told the court that Moyo went to his in-laws’ home at about 7 pm on May 16, armed with an axe, machete and a five-litre container of petrol. The court heard that Moyo asked to speak to Ndlovu outside the homestead, where an argument allegedly broke out over bride-price money. He allegedly attacked Ndlovu with an axe before she escaped into a bedroom. Ndlovu’s parents and the couple’s one-year-old child reportedly took refuge inside a three-roomed house and locked themselves in. According to the prosecution, Moyo demanded that they open the door and threatened to kill family members if they refused. When he allegedly failed to break down the door with an axe, Moyo is accused of smashing a window, pouring petrol into the room and throwing a lit match inside. The occupants eventually opened the door and escaped from the burning house with the child. Woman suffered severe burns The State further alleged that Moyo continued attacking Ndlovu during the chaos, striking her with the back of an axe on the head and right hand. The child was also allegedly struck on the neck and sustained a cut. Ndlovu suffered severe burns to her chest, stomach, right hand and both thighs and was taken to Tsholotsho District Hospital for treatment. Her father reportedly intervened and tried to restrain Moyo, while other villagers were summoned to the scene. The prosecution said Moyo fled after seeing villagers approaching. Ndlovu was later discharged from hospital at her own request, despite medical advice, and returned home. On September 15, at about 3 pm, she died at home from injuries sustained in the alleged attack, according to the State. Suspect allegedly attempts suicide The prosecution also told the court that Moyo allegedly attempted to take his own life after learning of his wife’s death. He reportedly went onto a road and threw himself in front of an approaching bus, sustaining injuries that required hospital treatment. The murder and attempted murder allegations were subsequently reported to police, resulting in Moyo’s arrest and court appearance. The allegations against Moyo have not yet been tested at trial, and he remains presumed innocent unless convicted by a competent court. Tsholotsho woman dies after petrol attack

By Mark Saunokonoko with agencies WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have concluded a three-day Washington summit that combined elaborate state-visit ceremony with negotiations on trade, artificial intelligence, Taiwan, critical minerals and the war in Iran. Xi's visit, his first to the United States in more than a decade, produced some concrete agreements, although the two sides left several of their most difficult strategic disputes unresolved. Here are five key takeaways from the summit. 1. Pageantry accompanied practical deals The summit was notable for its ceremony, including Trump's formal welcome for Xi and several high-profile social engagements. Critics, including some US Senate Democrats, argued that the elaborate programme risked overshadowing substantive negotiations. Reuters reported that there was no immediate breakthrough on some of the most contentious issues, including Taiwan and Iran. However, the talks did produce economic agreements. Washington and Beijing agreed to extend their existing trade truce and reduce tariffs on about $30 billion of goods, including US agricultural products and Chinese consumer goods. The arrangements are intended to give both sides additional time to negotiate broader economic issues. Xi also invoked the concept known as the “Thucydides Trap,” the theory that rivalry between an established power and a rising power can increase the risk of conflict, while arguing that the US and China could avoid such an outcome through cooperation. 2. AI moves from competition towards dialogue Artificial intelligence was one of the summit's emerging areas of cooperation. The two governments agreed to establish an AI dialogue, although the agreement stopped well short of a comprehensive framework governing the technology. Xi said AI development should remain under human control and called for cooperation to prevent misuse. The agreement follows earlier US-China discussions on AI security, including US proposals for mechanisms to communicate about serious AI-related incidents. Reuters reported that the latest understanding establishes a channel for continued dialogue rather than a binding AI regulatory agreement. The issue remains strategically sensitive because Washington and Beijing are competing for leadership in advanced computing, artificial intelligence and other technologies with economic and national-security implications. 3. Taiwan remains a major fault line Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive issues in the relationship. According to China's state news agency Xinhua, Xi urged Trump to oppose Taiwanese independence during their talks. Beijing considers Taiwan part of China and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control. The United States maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan and has long supplied the island with military equipment. Reuters reported before the summit that Beijing was expected to press Washington to halt arms sales to Taiwan, while members of the US Senate were calling for previously approved security assistance to be delivered. No broad settlement of the Taiwan dispute emerged from the summit. 4. Iran added another layer of tension The war involving the United States and Iran also featured in the leaders' discussions. Xi urged Washington and Tehran to return to dialogue, according to reports on the White House meeting. Trump, meanwhile, has sought Chinese cooperation over Iran while attempting to maintain the broader economic détente with Beijing. The issue illustrates the wider challenge facing the relationship: Washington and Beijing are seeking economic stability while continuing to disagree over major geopolitical questions. 5. An unusually high-profile welcome Trump's reception of Xi reflected the importance both governments placed on the visit. Xi was welcomed at Joint Base Andrews before travelling to the White House for the formal state visit. The White House described the visit as historic, noting that it marked the first White House visit by a Chinese president in more than a decade. Trump also spent time with Xi outside the formal negotiations, including visits and social engagements during the three-day programme. The symbolism was significant, but the longer-term importance of the summit will depend on whether the agreements reached on trade and AI lead to sustained cooperation. For now, the meeting has helped keep communication between the world's two largest economies open while leaving major disagreements over Taiwan, technology and geopolitical conflicts unresolved. The summit therefore delivered both diplomacy and spectacle, but its lasting significance will be measured by what Washington and Beijing do after the cameras have gone. Trump-Xi summit 2026

By Staff Reporter | Harare Zimbabwe’s young mining stakeholders have welcomed the Government’s decision to require future mining investments to account for multiple minerals contained within ore deposits, saying the approach could deepen local beneficiation, create technical opportunities and increase the value retained from the country’s mineral resources. Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga announced the policy at the Zimbabwe-China Business Forum in Hangzhou, China, saying the Government would no longer permit isolated, single-mineral mining operations. He said future investors would be expected to bring machinery and technology capable of identifying, separating and processing the different minerals contained in deposits. “We are no longer permitting isolated, single mining operations,” Chiwenga said, according to reports from The Herald. The policy represents a further push by Government to move Zimbabwe away from exporting minerals in raw or minimally processed form and towards domestic beneficiation and industrialisation. Cabinet approved a broader Minerals Value Chain: From Mining to Beneficiation, Industrialisation and Exportation framework in April 2026. The framework includes mandatory processing standards, value-added compliance requirements for mineral exports and the development of specialised industrial and beneficiation zones. Youth miners welcome policy Nyasha Magadhi, president of Young Miners for Economic Development (YMED), welcomed the Government's position, saying greater emphasis on beneficiation could open opportunities for young Zimbabweans beyond primary extraction. Magadhi has previously advocated for greater youth participation in mineral beneficiation and value addition, including developing processing capacity that enables young miners to participate further along the mining value chain. YMED has also said it has assisted more than 1,500 young people to register mining operations and participate formally in the sector. For young entrepreneurs, the new approach could create opportunities in mineral processing, geological services, engineering, equipment supply, laboratory testing and other technical services associated with identifying and recovering minerals from ore bodies. Hazel Tsungai Karoro, secretary-general of the Association of Junior Mining Professionals of Zimbabwe (AJMPZ), said the policy was significant because young professionals are represented across the mining value chain. Geologists, mining engineers, metallurgists, surveyors, environmental specialists and other technical professionals could play an important role in determining the mineral composition of deposits and developing methods to recover more than one mineral. Karoro has previously called for greater participation by young professionals in discussions shaping Zimbabwe's mining industry and policies. Dru Kacherera, vice-chairman and spokesperson for Miners for Economic Development (Miners4ED), also welcomed the policy, which is consistent with the organisation's emphasis on formalisation, responsible mining and value addition. From extraction to processing Zimbabwe has a diversified mineral base. The United States International Trade Administration identifies close to 40 minerals produced or known in the country, including platinum-group metals, chrome, gold, coal, lithium, graphite and diamonds. The country also has deposits of nickel, manganese, cobalt, copper and rare earth elements, minerals that are increasingly important to advanced manufacturing and energy technologies. The Government's multi-mineral approach is therefore intended to ensure that mining projects assess the wider composition of an ore body rather than focusing exclusively on one commercially attractive mineral. The policy is also consistent with the Government's broader beneficiation strategy. Zimbabwe's National Development Strategy 2 identifies mineral beneficiation and value addition as important components of industrialisation, while acknowledging that some minerals continue to leave the country in raw form. However, implementing the policy could require significant investment in processing technology, electricity, infrastructure, skills and finance. Industry analysis has highlighted reliable power, capital requirements, specialised technical skills and infrastructure as important factors affecting the expansion of mineral beneficiation in Zimbabwe. Al Jazeera also reported in July that smaller miners had raised concerns about the cost of processing facilities, access to finance and electricity as Government intensified its beneficiation drive. For young mining professionals and entrepreneurs, the policy could consequently create new opportunities while also increasing the technical and financial requirements for participation in the sector. The Government has positioned the strategy within its wider drive to retain more value from Zimbabwe's mineral wealth, strengthen domestic industries and use mining as a foundation for industrialisation towards Vision 2030. Zimbabwe multi-mineral mining policy

By Staff Reporter | Harare Police are investigating two separate robbery incidents in Chegutu and Harare in which healthcare workers and a businessman’s family were attacked, with the suspects in the Chegutu case already arrested. At Mufuti Clinic in Chegutu, an unknown number of robbers reportedly broke into the facility at about 9 pm on Thursday, assaulting three staff members before stealing cash and mobile phones. Mashonaland West provincial nursing officer Farayi Marufu confirmed the attack, saying the robbers used iron bars to smash doors and gain entry into the clinic. “They went on to attack two nurses and a nurse aide, demanding money,” Marufu said. Two of the nurses sustained deep cuts to their foreheads and were treated at Chegutu District Hospital the following day. The robbers reportedly escaped with US$250 and several mobile phones, while leaving damage to the clinic's infrastructure. A police report was filed following the attack, and several suspects were arrested on Friday morning after one of the nurses positively identified them. Zimbabwe Republic Police Mashonaland West spokesperson Inspector Ian Kohwera confirmed the incident and said investigations were continuing. The attack has raised concerns over the vulnerability of healthcare facilities, particularly at night, when staff may have limited security protection. Chisipite family attacked In a separate incident in Harare, a businessman and his family were attacked by four armed robbers at their Chisipite home in the early hours of Monday. Shou Mel Lin, 55, the chief executive officer of Happy Day Sanitary Wear, was reportedly attacked at around midnight. His two children sustained injuries during the robbery, while Shou was taken to hospital and admitted for treatment, according to a report by H-Metro. The robbers were reportedly armed with two unidentified rifles, a crowbar and an axe. They allegedly used the crowbar and axe to force their way through doors before ransacking the property. The two implements were subsequently recovered at the scene. The gang reportedly took a handbag containing US$10,000 in cash, a pistol, diamond and gold jewellery valued at about US$80,000, and three Oppo mobile phones belonging to members of the household. They also allegedly stole Shou's black Toyota Fortuner, registration number ACW 5892, before fleeing from the property. The security guard on duty was reportedly restrained using shoelaces. The case was reported at ZRP Highlands under RRB 6847035. The two incidents come amid continued reports of armed robberies targeting homes and businesses in Zimbabwe. Recent cases have included an alleged US$108,000 armed robbery at a Chinese-owned company in Ruwa, where two suspects were remanded in custody while police continued investigations into alleged accomplices. For the Chegutu clinic attack, the arrest of several suspects could assist police in establishing how the group allegedly planned and carried out the raid. Police investigations into both incidents are continuing. Chegutu clinic robbery

Mpundu Valerie Some storms arrive with thunder. Others unfold quietly, carried by people who learn to survive while hiding pain the world cannot see. That is the central idea behind Silent Storm, a new Zimbabwean film that explores HIV stigma, family secrets, trauma, absent parents, and the desperate choices people can make when survival becomes the only priority This is a story about the burden of keeping secrets, the PTSD carers carry in silence, the damage of absent parents, the desperate lengths a girl will go to just to survive, and what happens when the truth comes too late. Nuggets Originals, Film Farmers Studio and Eastgate Media present SILENT STORM. Writer & Director: Martin Matamba | Producer:Taurai Kawara Raviro was born HIV positive and never knew. Her guardian Gogo, hid it her whole life under one lie: "You have a chronic headache. You must take your tablets every day." It was protection. It was love. It was a time bomb. She grows up believing she is sick with headaches until she leaves the village for Harare to fend for herself. In the city, working as a maid, she meets Farai. He falls for her. She takes him to Gogo for vetting, heeding Gogo's warning, "Be wary of city boys." After that trip, Farai insists they get tested. That's when all hell breaks loose. She learns she is HIV positive. Devastated and shattered, she takes the last bus back to the village, barefoot in the cold, clutching the small bag of tablets she has known her whole life, demanding answers. Gogo finally confesses: "I did it to protect you, so you would never feel less among your peers." In rage, Raviro throws the meds at her and walks away. She is offered a lift by a man who, in turn, asks for payment in kind. That's how her journey into prostitution came about. Into the streets of Samora Machel, she ventured into survival sex while in a desperate search for two things: a way to live and a father she was told never existed. A father who, unknown to her, is one of the very men who prey on young girls. Silent Storm places the emotional consequences of secrecy at the heart of its narrative. Gogo's decision raises difficult questions about whether shielding a child from a painful truth can ultimately cause greater harm, particularly when the person involved has no opportunity to understand their own health and life. The film also touches on the experiences of carers who carry their own trauma quietly while attempting to protect those in their care. Rather than presenting HIV simply as a medical issue, the production appears to use Raviro's story to examine the social and emotional consequences surrounding the condition. The cast includes Kundai Mabviko as Raviro, Kelvin Madhula as Farai, Precious Khumalo, formerly of Makorokoza, as Gogo, and Peter Rice as The Driver. With its combination of family drama, social commentary and survival, the production is shaping up as a film that seeks to start conversations beyond the screen. The filmmakers have announced that Silent Storm is scheduled to premiere before the end of 2026. For audiences drawn to Zimbabwean stories that confront difficult social realities, the film's central question may linger long after the credits roll: What happens when a secret kept to protect someone becomes the very thing that breaks them? Silent Storm Zimbabwe film

By Staff Reporter | Gweru Two Kwekwe men have each been sentenced to 30 years in prison for murdering a fellow patron during a dispute over a US$1 note at Mbizo 14 shops. Prince Magwati, 24, and Onard Musvunguma, 33, were convicted of murder and sentenced by High Court Judge Justice Naison Chivhayo at the Gweru Circuit High Court. The two were found guilty of killing Leonard Gambakamba on September 11, 2025, at about 8.30 pm. The case was initially reported by police following the killing. The Zimbabwe Republic Police said in September 2025 that Prince Magwati was among suspects arrested in connection with Gambakamba's murder at Mbizo 14 Tuckshops in Kwekwe. According to evidence before the court, Magwati, Gambakamba and Gambakamba's brother were at the Mbizo 14 shops when Magwati accused Gambakamba of stealing his dollar. The accusation resulted in an altercation between the two men. The dispute was eventually resolved, after which Magwati left the shopping area. However, he later returned with Musvunguma. The two men confronted Gambakamba and began assaulting him, punching and shoving him until he fell to the ground. Magwati then stabbed Gambakamba twice with an okapi knife, striking him once in the chest and once in the back. The two men fled from the scene after the attack. Other patrons reportedly gave chase but were unable to catch them. Police attended the scene and found Gambakamba unconscious. He was taken to Kwekwe General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead by Dr Mhondiwa. The court heard that a post-mortem examination was subsequently conducted by Dr Sanganai Pesanai at United Bulawayo Hospitals on September 15, 2025. The examination concluded that Gambakamba died from acute cardiac failure, haemorrhagic shock and haemothorax. The medical findings linked the fatal injuries to the severe blood loss and chest complications suffered by the victim. The case highlights how a dispute over a relatively small amount of money escalated into a fatal confrontation. Recent Zimbabwean court reporting has also documented a number of serious murder cases coming before the High Court's Gweru circuit. The development comes against a backdrop of continuing concern over violent crime in parts of Kwekwe and Midlands Province. Magwati and Musvunguma were convicted of murder as defined under Section 47(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. The prosecution was led by Tadenyika Talent. The court's sentence means both men will serve 30 years in prison for their respective roles in Gambakamba's death. The case began with an argument over a single dollar but ended with a family losing a loved one and two young men receiving lengthy prison sentences. The Zimbabwe Republic Police had earlier urged members of the public to resolve disputes peacefully and avoid resorting to violence, particularly where disagreements can be settled without confrontation. Its September 2025 statement confirmed that Magwati and other suspects had been arrested in connection with the Mbizo 14 murder. Kwekwe men jailed 30 years

By Staff Reporter | Kariba Preparations are underway for a traditional cleansing ceremony at Lake Kariba following the August ferry disaster that claimed 97 lives, with traditional beer already being brewed ahead of the October rites. Chief Mola, born Champion Rare, said traditional leaders had received approval from government officials to proceed with the ceremony, which is intended to appease the spirits following the loss of life on the lake. The ceremony follows the 11 August 2026 capsizing of the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA)-operated Mbuya Nehanda ferry while travelling from Kariba towards Chalala Fishing Camp. Government investigations found that the vessel was carrying about 180 passengers and goods, substantially above its authorised capacity of 90 passengers. The disaster claimed 97 lives, while 77 people were rescued. The tragedy has been described by Zimbabwean authorities and media reports as the country's deadliest maritime disaster. President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a State of Disaster as search and recovery operations continued, while authorities launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident. The State has subsequently alleged that administrative failures, overloading and breaches of operational safety procedures contributed to the disaster. A RIDA district official, Ignatius Chiome, was arrested and appeared in court facing a culpable homicide charge arising from the tragedy. The allegations remain before the courts. Traditional rites Chief Mola said preparations for the traditional ceremony were already at an advanced stage, with traditional beer being brewed. “The traditional beer for the ceremony is being brewed,” he said. He said discussions were also underway with the District Development Coordinator's office to ensure that the lake would be kept clear of boats during the ceremony. “We are engaging the District Development Coordinator's office to ensure that on that day there will be no boats on the lake so that the process can be conducted peacefully and without lights on the lake,” Chief Mola said. Chief Mola is expected to lead the rites together with Chief Nebiri, whom he described as his nephew, with other traditional leaders from the Kariba area also participating. According to the plans outlined by Chief Mola, the ceremony will begin at Chalala, at the sacred site of Siamavu overlooking Lake Kariba, before moving to Kariba town for an overnight ceremony extending into the following morning. The planned rites add a traditional dimension to the response to the disaster, alongside the ongoing legal and official processes surrounding the ferry's sinking. Lake Kariba has long held cultural and spiritual significance for communities living around the Zambezi Valley. Traditional ceremonies involving the lake and its surrounding communities have previously been documented, including rain-making and bira ceremonies led by traditional leaders in the Kariba area. Communities affected The ferry disaster also disrupted the livelihoods of communities dependent on the Kariba-Chalala water route. Fishing communities and settlements along the route rely on water transport to move people, fish, food, ice and other supplies. The loss of the ferry therefore created challenges extending beyond the immediate tragedy. However, the transport situation has begun to improve. The government on 18 September 2026 launched the privately owned MV Silverstone, operated by Most High Ferries, to restore passenger and commercial services along the Kariba-Chalala route. The vessel has a certified capacity of 60 passengers and four crew members and is equipped with two tender boats for emergency response. The new service is expected to reconnect Kariba town with rural communities and fishing areas that depend on the lake for transport and trade. The October cleansing ceremony is therefore expected to take place as communities continue to mourn the 97 people who died while authorities pursue investigations into the causes and circumstances of Zimbabwe's worst recorded maritime disaster. Lake Kariba cleansing ceremony

Mpundu Valerie Around 18:00hrs, as darkness settled over Southerton, a 35-year-old man began moving suspiciously around Boyd and Orpen Way. Lethargic. Zig-zag steps. Heartbeat loud. Guilt written all over his face. Wisdom was watching. Takudzwa, a security officer coming from work, trusted his instinct. He followed. "I saw this funnily dressed man walking suspiciously. My mind wouldn't settle. He stopped abruptly at Boyd and Orpen Way, then continued within that same area," Takudzwa said. "I wasn't sure of his intentions until I realised he was cutting fibre cables." One cut and an entire community loses connectivity. Businesses, homes, security systems all blacked out. Takudzwa immediately called his boss, Mr Risinamhodzi, who in turn informed Hon Makahamadze, who also contacted the police and Cde Gwenzi, Head of Security Upper Flemming, who, despite being stuck in traffic, mobilised a team. "I received a call from Hon, and he asked me to intercept this guy. Unfortunately, Appleyard was overwhelmed with traffic, I couldn't be present at the moment. Instead, we mobilised and worked with the guys from Talbot, and the guy was caught," he said. The suspect slipped past Britannia into Cavel, unaware he was being tracked every step. From Bexley, Takudzwa teamed up with Bushrod Security. At Talbot, they enlisted two more men who were at a funeral. Together, they found the evidence a sack abandoned under a tree, stuffed with fibre. Lo and behold, above them, hiding in the branches, was folly itself, holding his breath. Probably waiting for his next victim. He was pulled down and searched. Found with a pair of scissors as his tiny weapon of mass destruction. His defence? Folly to the end. "I am looking for firewood. You manhandling me is abuse. I will report you for kidnapping, assault and battery." No one was buying it. Upon nearing the police station, he started making wild threats, hoping to escape freely. "I am going to tell them you searched me and took my hard-earned money. You guys stole my $10. Let me go, and we will pretend it never happened." He was handed over to Southerton Police, where he remains in custody pending investigation. In appreciation, Hon Makahamadze gave a token of appreciation to the team for their bravery, courage and skill. However, the team bemoaned the lack of anti-robbery tools, highlighting the need for training and more manpower. "It would be great if we get more training on how to keep our neighbourhood safe, as well as whistles, eye spray, baton sticks, and maybe guns, which we are to be trained on how to use. As we continue working towards a crime-free neighbourhood, let us keep working together as a community," Godfrey said. TelOne authorities were notified of the crime.