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Mbare magistre's court Harare, Zimbabwe- The Mbare Magistrates Court has delivered a decisive blow to organized housebreaking, sentencing Chitungwiza resident Gift Elliot Mushonga Chibvongodze to a total of 20 years in prison. Chibvongodze, whose crime spree spanned several months across 2023 and 2024, was convicted of seven counts of unlawful entry in aggravating circumstances and three counts of robbery. The convict targeted the affluent and middle-density suburbs of Arcadia, Cranborne, Queensdale, and Hatfield. His modus operandi  involved forced entry into locked premises and, in more violent instances, direct robbery where occupants were threatened into submission. Timeline of Major Thefts: Dec 23, 2023: Forced entry while the complainant was away; US$4,785 stolen. Jan 10, 2024: Theft of US$1,000, mobile phones, and valuables. Feb 2, 2024: Vandalized a mounted safe at a business premise; US$7,800 stolen. April 21, 2024: A single-night spree resulting in the theft of US$6,800, followed by a robbery of US$1,610, and a third hit valued at US$800. Appearing before Magistrate Gakanje, with Fidelis Chiherenge prosecuting for the State, Chibvongodze’s long-standing connection to these cases, dating back to his arrest in May 2024, was finally concluded with a heavy custodial sentence. Sentence Breakdown: Total Sentence: 240 months (20 years). Suspended Sentence: 40 months (3.3 years) suspended for five years on condition of good behavior. Restitution Clause:  12 months suspended on the condition that the accused person restitutes the various complainants. Detective Inspector Muteweri, the Provincial Community Relations Liaison Officer, applauded the courts for their "concerted effort in the fight against crime." The recovery of various cellphones during the arrest served as the final link in the forensic chain that secured the conviction. Residents in the affected areas have expressed relief, noting that the sentencing serves as a stern warning to other opportunistic criminals operating in residential zones. Gift Elliot Mushonga Chibvongodze sentence

Blown Tanker The global economy is currently staring down the barrel of a maritime "nuclear option" as the conflict in the Middle East spills into the world’s most critical energy artery: the Strait of Hormuz. Following twelve days of escalating hostilities, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has begun deploying naval mines , a move that threatens to paralyze the $120-per-barrel oil market and trigger a catastrophic spike in global shipping costs. U.S. intelligence confirmed this week that while Iran has deployed several dozen mines so far, it retains 80–90% of its small-boat fleet. This allows for a rapid, "gauntlet" style deployment of hundreds more explosive devices. President Donald Trump responded with characteristic bluntness, warning of "military consequences at a level never seen before" if the mines are not removed "forthwith." U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has already taken kinetic action, reportedly destroying 16 Iranian minelayers on Tuesday. For the businesses and logistics firms following the Southerton Business Times , the primary concern is the surging cost of transit. The Strait has effectively become "Death Valley" for commercial shipping. Premium Surges: War-risk insurance premiums have skyrocketed by 200-300 basis points. The Cost of Risk: A standard $300 million tanker now faces up to $7.5 million in premiums for a single transit if they can find an insurer willing to cover the risk at all. Rerouting Realities: Many carriers are now abandoning the Gulf of Oman, opting for the long haul around the Cape of Good Hope. This adds 10–15 days to delivery schedules and massive fuel overheads. Global oil prices briefly touched $120 per barrel before fluctuating wildly. While President Trump suggested the war could end "pretty quickly," the IRGC countered that they alone will "determine the end of the war." For Zimbabwe and the wider SADC region, this volatility threatens to ignite a new wave of fuel-induced inflation, potentially impacting the stability of the ZiG and local landing costs for petroleum products. The Pentagon is currently assessing the feasibility of armed naval escorts for commercial tankers. If implemented, this would represent the most significant maritime military intervention since the "Tanker War" of the 1980s. Business leaders should watch for satellite confirmation of additional minefields and official maritime notices (NAVWARNs) , which will dictate the flow of energy for the remainder of Q1 2026. Strait of Hormuz oil blockade 2026

Domestic violence awareness graphic featuring toll-free contact details for reporting abuse. Harare, Zimbabwe- The Glen Norah community is in mourning following the death of Georgina Chiramba (60), who succumbed to severe head injuries allegedly inflicted by her husband, Patrick Bimha, during a violent domestic dispute. The incident has sparked fresh calls from residents and activists for stronger intervention strategies against domestic violence in high-density suburbs. The fatal sequence of events began on the evening of February 23, 2026, inside the couple's home. According to police reports, a heated argument turned physical at approximately 7:00 PM. The Attack: Bimha allegedly used his fists and a spanner to strike his wife multiple times on the face and head, resulting in a fractured nose and significant internal trauma. The Report: Despite her injuries, Chiramba managed to report the assault at ZRP Glen Norah Station  at 11:00 PM that night. Bimha had already fled the scene. The Medical Decline: March 2: Chiramba sought evaluation at Health Direct Medical Centre. March 5: She underwent a critical CT scan at Baines Imaging Group. March 6: Shortly after collecting her results, her condition deteriorated rapidly. She was pronounced dead upon arrival at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital. Family spokesperson Kudzai Chiramba confirmed that the deceased will be laid to rest in Silobela. Meanwhile, Glen Norah residents have expressed outrage over the brutality of the attack. "This heartbreaking incident underscores the urgent need for awareness and preventive measures against domestic violence," said local resident Thomas Makina. "We are urging those in similar situations to seek help before it's too late." The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has officially launched a manhunt for Patrick Bimha. He is wanted on murder charges following the death of his spouse. Authorities are appealing to anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact their nearest police station or the ZRP Glen Norah hotline. Georgina Chiramba Glen Norah domestic violence

Strait of Hormuz oil blockade threat The specter of a global energy crisis looms as Tehran and Washington exchange threats over the control of the Strait of Hormuz . The IRGC has vowed to halt all regional oil exports if U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iranian soil persist. This "Operation Epic Mistake," as Tehran has branded the Western campaign, has already pushed oil prices toward a staggering $120 per barrel. The IRGC’s declaration that they will not allow "one litre of oil" to be exported from the Persian Gulf targets the heart of the global economy. Approximately 20-30% of the world's total oil consumption passes through this narrow waterway daily. Taking to social media, President Trump warned of a military response far exceeding previous operations. The "20x" Rule: Trump stated the U.S. would hit Iran "TWENTY TIMES HARDER" if shipping is disrupted. The Timeline: Despite the threats, Trump suggested the conflict could end "pretty quickly," though he noted the U.S. had not yet "won enough." Oil prices saw a sharp pullback in Asian trading on Tuesday, retreating from the $120 peak after Trump hinted that military operations might be nearing a conclusion. However, the IRGC has dismissed this optimism, asserting that Tehran, not Washington, will "determine the end of the war." The war’s ripples are being felt far beyond the Middle East Australia: In a move highlighting the domestic instability within Iran, five members of the Iranian women’s national football team  were granted humanitarian visas in Australia following the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. United Kingdom: Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed that a drone strike on a British military base in Cyprus last week originated from either Lebanon or Iraq, suggesting the conflict is successfully being "exported" to Iranian proxies across the region. Strait of Hormuz oil blockade threat 2026

Ivory Tasks [illustrative] Masvingo, Zimbabwe- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)  have apprehended three suspects, including a 73-year-old man, in connection with the illegal possession of raw ivory in the Zimuto area of Masvingo. The arrest, executed by detectives from the CID Minerals, Flora, and Fauna Unit (MFFU) , resulted in the recovery of four pieces of unmarked elephant tusks. The crackdown followed a tip-off received by detectives on March 10, 2026, suggesting that individuals were scouting for potential buyers for ivory in Zimuto. The Suspects: * Grace Masaiti (48) Norman Bere (38) Richard Madoro (73) The Evidence: Upon being intercepted, the trio failed to produce the mandatory permits or licenses required by law to handle or possess wildlife products. The Recovery: Police seized four pieces of raw ivory, which will be used as primary evidence in the upcoming trial. The suspects are charged with violating Section 82 of the Parks and Wildlife Act (Chapter 20:14). Zimbabwe maintains some of the strictest wildlife protection laws in the SADC region to combat the poaching of its elephant population. Court Date: The trio is scheduled to appear before a Masvingo Magistrate on March 12, 2026. In a statement issued by Detective Inspector Muteweri , the ZRP Provincial Community Relations Liaison Officer, the police issued a stern warning against the "illegal killing, dealing, and trafficking of wildlife resources." Authorities emphasized that the age of suspects does not grant immunity, as evidenced by the arrest of the 73-year-old Madoro. Masvingo ivory arrest March 2026

Jonathan Moyo Exiled former cabinet minister Jonathan Moyo  has dismissed claims that he was the “principal architect” behind a Constitutional Court challenge filed by the civic group  Ibhetshu LikaZulu, calling the allegations false and part of an attempt to damage his reputation. The legal challenge sought to contest proposed constitutional amendments linked to the 2030 agenda, a political plan to extend Emmerson Mnangagwa's tenure beyond the current two-term presidential limit. Speaking to The NewsHawks , Moyo said he had no knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of the case and declined to speculate about the decision taken by the organisation and its secretary-general, Mbuso Fuzwayo. “I’ve seen the ongoing media frenzy and that unsigned press statement floating around, but let’s be crystal clear: I have zero view on the withdrawal, and I won’t pretend otherwise,” Moyo said. “I know nothing about their reasons beyond what the headlines are repeating. Without facts, speculation is just noise.” The controversy emerged after lawyer Method Ndlovu alleged that Moyo played a central role in initiating the legal challenge. Ndlovu, who had been representing Fuzwayo and Ibhetshu LikaZulu in the case, withdrew as legal counsel earlier this month, citing a breakdown in trust with his clients and what he described as significant reputational risks. In a letter dated 5 March, the lawyer claimed that Moyo had been the “principal architect” of the litigation. However, Moyo strongly rejected the allegation, saying he had not communicated with Fuzwayo or the organisation about the case. “They didn’t inform me because they had no reason to, and neither did I,” Moyo said. “I have not spoken a single word to Mbuso Fuzwayo or Ibhetshu LikaZulu about anything, let alone this case, for several years.” He also said he had never engaged Ndlovu about legal representation, payments or the litigation itself, describing the claims against him as fabricated. “The entire story is pure fiction, cooked up by Ndlovu and his unprofessional handlers, some of them lawyers, in a desperate attempt to smear and extort money,” Moyo said. The dispute follows Ibhetshu LikaZulu’s announcement that it had withdrawn its application before the Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe, challenging the government’s proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill. In a statement issued on Monday, Fuzwayo said the organisation decided to withdraw the case after consultations with stakeholders and amid what he described as sustained attacks targeting the reputation of the group and its leadership. Despite withdrawing the legal challenge, the civic organisation said it remains opposed to the proposed constitutional amendments and would continue advocating against them through other means. Fuzwayo also indicated support for other ongoing legal challenges to the amendments, including efforts led by constitutional lawyer Lovemore Madhuku. The proposed changes stem from a resolution adopted by the ruling ZANU PF at its 2024 national conference. Among the proposals being debated are extending presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years and altering the process used to elect the president. Critics argue that such amendments could weaken democratic governance and undermine constitutional safeguards, while supporters say the reforms would strengthen political stability. Debate over the proposals continues within Zimbabwe’s legal and political circles as various groups pursue different strategies to challenge or support the amendments. Jonathan Moyo Constitutional Court challenge

Parked vehicle safety awareness near children A one-year-old toddler has died after being run over by a neighbour’s vehicle in the Hobhouse suburb of Mutare in a tragic accident that has left the community in shock. The child, Munashe Maveneka, aged one year and four months, was reportedly struck by a car on March 2 while playing outside her home. Acting Zimbabwe Republic Police Manicaland spokesperson Assistant Inspector Chinyoka confirmed that a culpable homicide case has been opened against the driver as investigations continue. “I can confirm a fatal road traffic accident which occurred on March 2 in Hobhouse suburb, Mutare, where a one-year-four-month-old toddler died after being run over by a vehicle,” said Chinyoka. Police said the driver, Simon Tatira (25), had parked his Honda Fit along an unnamed road in the Hobhouse suburb while speaking to a friend. During the roughly five-minute stop, the toddler reportedly crawled from her family home while following her mother, who had gone to a neighbour’s house. Unbeknownst to the driver, the child ended up underneath the parked vehicle. When Tatira eventually drove off, the left rear wheel ran over the toddler. “As he moved the vehicle, the left rear wheel ran over the toddler,” Chinyoka said. The driver reportedly stopped immediately after realising he had struck something and discovered the child lying motionless on the ground. The toddler was rushed to St Joseph's Mission Hospital for emergency treatment. However, medical staff pronounced her dead on arrival. Police said the vehicle involved in the incident has since been taken to the Vehicle Examination Department  for inspection as part of ongoing investigations. Authorities indicated that Tatira is expected to face culpable homicide charges in connection with the fatal accident. Following the tragedy, police urged motorists to exercise extra caution when driving in residential areas where young children may be present. “Small children can easily move around unnoticed and such tragic incidents can occur,” Chinyoka said. He also urged parents and guardians to closely supervise toddlers near roads and parked vehicles to prevent similar incidents. Mutare toddler run over by car

Kuwadzana MP Chalton Hwende HARARE – Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has sharply criticised his detractors, including Chalton Hwende , accusing them of launching repeated social media attacks against him and spreading claims that he has received benefits from the ruling party. Speaking in an interview with a local media outlet, Chamisa dismissed allegations circulating on the social media platform X that he had been “silenced” through favours or bribes linked to the ruling ZANU PF. Hwende, who represents Kuwadzana in Parliament, had suggested online that Chamisa had benefited from perks associated with the ruling party, an accusation the opposition figure strongly denied. Chamisa said such statements were not worth serious engagement, suggesting they were made under the influence of alcohol. “Those things are said in circumstances of intoxication. Why should I waste my time on issues of drinks?” he said. Chamisa defended his political record, insisting he has not benefited from state privileges or financial support linked to the ruling party. “For the record, I bear multiple scars for standing principled, focused and consistent,” he said. “I am not in Parliament. I have not received a loan from Zanu PF. I don’t have a farm.” His comments appeared to reference ongoing debates around parliamentary housing loans, which have been discussed among legislators. Members of Parliament previously received housing loans during the last parliamentary term, and some lawmakers have reportedly been pushing for additional support to build or complete their homes. Chamisa said he had not benefited from such programmes or other state-linked advantages. “I have nothing that I have received from anyone except persecution, ridicule, oppression, and attempted assassination,” he said. The exchange reflects ongoing tensions within Zimbabwe’s opposition political space, where disagreements among prominent figures have increasingly played out on social media. Political analysts say public disputes between opposition leaders risk deepening divisions at a time when the opposition movement is attempting to rebuild after recent electoral setbacks. Neither Hwende nor representatives from his office had issued a formal response to Chamisa’s latest remarks at the time of publication. Nelson Chamisa Chalton Hwende bribery

Madzibaba Ishmael Harare, Zimbabwe- In a significant legal turn, Justice Neville Wamambo  of the Harare High Court has granted bail to the jailed leader of the Johane Masowe eChishanu sect, Ishmael Chokurongerwa  (popularly known as Madzibaba Ishmael). The sect leader, who was serving a 20-year sentence for rape, was released on US$1,000 bail pending the outcome of his appeal. Justice Wamambo ruled that Chokurongerwa’s challenge against his conviction raised "arguable points" regarding DNA handling and the age of the complainant . The High Court’s decision centered on several perceived weaknesses in the trial court’s initial conviction. Justice Wamambo noted that the appeal court would need to "unpack" several critical issues: DNA Chain of Custody: The defense argues that there were significant gaps in how DNA samples were handled and stored before being presented in court. Absence of a Formal Complaint: Unusually, no formal rape complaint was made by the victim or her legal guardian. The High Court noted the trial record lacked direct evidence of non-consensual sex. The Age of Consent: At the time of the alleged incident, the age of consent was 16. The defense is challenging the trial court’s dismissal of the complainant’s birth certificate and the subsequent findings on her age. Indoctrination Claims: The defense disputes the conclusion that the complainant was subjected to "religious indoctrination," arguing this was an assumption not supported by explicit testimony. While the State opposed the application, arguing the DNA evidence was sound and the sentence appropriate, Justice Wamambo observed that the 20-year sentence appeared "rather lengthy" on its face, especially with no portion being suspended. Conditions of Release: Bail Quantum: US$1,000 (Revised upwards from the initial proposal due to the gravity of the charges). Reporting: Must report to CID Law and Order in Harare three times a week. Travel Restrictions: Surrender of travel documents to ensure he remains within the jurisdiction. Justice Wamambo clarified that "prospects of success on appeal" do not guarantee an acquittal, but they do acknowledge that the trial court's findings were "largely implied rather than explicitly testified to." The appeal will now focus on whether the evidence meets the strict "beyond a reasonable doubt" threshold required for a rape conviction. Madzibaba Ishmael bail pending appeal

Fadzayi Mahere HARARE —   The High Court has ordered lawyer and opposition politician Fadzayi Mahere  to pay US$33,000 in legal costs to Tino Machakaire , the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, in a preliminary stage of their ongoing defamation dispute. The costs order follows a special plea Mahere filed in response to Machakaire’s defamation suit over comments she posted on X. In that application, Mahere argued the minister’s claim lacked a proper cause of action. The court, however, found the special plea was filed out of time, struck it off the roll, and awarded costs to Machakaire. Machakaire’s lawyer, Tinomudaishe Chinyoka, initially submitted a bill of about US$43,000 for legal work on the preliminary application. After review by the taxing master, the amount was reduced to US$33,000, which the court ordered Mahere to pay. On 7 March, Chinyoka obtained a writ of execution to recover the assessed costs. The writ empowers the High Court Sheriff to attach Mahere’s property to satisfy the debt. Mahere’s legal team has filed an urgent application seeking a stay of execution while they challenge the costs order on review. Her lawyers described the fees claimed by Machakaire’s counsel as “ridiculous.” The broader legal battle dates to July 2025, when Mahere publicly questioned Machakaire’s alleged link to a US$8 million tax evasion  matter involving vehicle imports. Machakaire responded with a defamation suit, saying Mahere’s social media posts falsely suggested he was involved in corrupt activities and had damaged his reputation. Mahere denies defaming the minister and says her comments were made in the public interest, aimed at holding a public official to account. She has argued that citizens have a constitutional right to question public officials to promote transparency. The dispute escalated when Mahere filed a counterclaim, alleging Machakaire made a series of defamatory remarks about her, including accusations about her academic record and personal conduct. Both the original suit and the counterclaim remain pending before the courts. Legal observers say the costs order highlights procedural risks in litigation, particularly the importance of timely filings. The outcome of Mahere’s urgent application to stay the writ and her review of the costs order will determine whether the recovery of funds proceeds immediately or is paused pending further court consideration. Both defamation actions remain active, and the courts will still need to determine the substantive issues of whether the contested statements were defamatory and whether any defences, such as fair comment or public interest, apply. Fadzayi Mahere costs order 2026

Deputy Finance Minister Kudakwashe Mnangagwa Harare, Zimbabwe- The Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Kudakwashe Mnangagwa , has expressed government satisfaction with current civil service remuneration, asserting that the administration has successfully moved all public workers above the national Poverty Datum Line (PDL). Responding to inquiries from Senator Teresa Kabondo (Matabeleland North) regarding the timeline for the next salary review, Mnangagwa highlighted that the current "stability" in the economy over the last 18 months has shifted the focus toward maintaining these gains rather than emergency adjustments. According to the Deputy Minister , the current salary structure for the entry-level civil service grade (such as a cleaner) is built on a hybrid model designed to protect purchasing power against inflation. Estimated Entry-Level Monthly Remuneration: USD Component: US$320 (Hard currency allowance). ZiG Component:  Equivalent to approximately US$40 – US$60. Total Value: Approximately US$360 – US$380. In a notable shift in narrative, Mnangagwa claimed that the public sector has surpassed the private sector in wage competitiveness. He noted that several private entities have expressed concern that the government is "moving too quickly" with salary increments, making it difficult for smaller businesses to compete for labor. "The Government does pay better than the private sector at this moment," Mnangagwa stated, emphasizing that the "desert experience" of hyperinflation is being replaced by a commitment to sustainable, PDL-linked wages. Despite the stated satisfaction, the Deputy Minister confirmed that negotiations between the government and the Apex Council (representing civil servants) remain open. The Goal: To ensure the lowest-paid worker never slips back below the PDL. The Mechanism: Cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) will be triggered if economic stability wavers, though no immediate review date was set. Civil service salaries Zimbabwe 2026

DNA test HARARE – Spencer Tshuma, the Member of Parliament for Gokwe-Kabuyuni , has proposed that all newborn babies in Zimbabwe undergo mandatory DNA testing before birth certificates are issued, arguing that the measure could help resolve paternity disputes and protect family rights. Speaking in the Parliament of Zimbabwe last week, Tshuma said compulsory DNA testing at birth would ensure that children are correctly linked to their biological parents. According to the legislator, the results of the test should be attached to the child’s birth certificate as proof of parentage. Tshuma argued that such a system could help prevent situations where men are forced to support children who are not biologically theirs while also safeguarding inheritance rights for children. The MP also called on the government to make DNA testing affordable and widely accessible by equipping hospitals with the necessary testing machines. The proposal comes after similar calls were made by Bridget Nyandoro, the Member of Parliament for Southerton, who previously indicated that she intended to introduce a motion in Parliament advocating for mandatory DNA testing at birth. Speaking at the Action Indaba on Gender-Based Violence symposium in Harare in August 2025, Nyandoro said compulsory DNA testing could help reduce cases of gender-based violence linked to paternity disputes. “I am going to move a motion in Parliament to have mandatory DNA testing at birth,” Nyandoro said at the time. “I know it is not going to be a favourable one, but I believe it will go a long way in mitigating the effects of gender-based violence.” Nyandoro argued that some violent incidents occur when paternity disputes surface many years after a child has been raised by a presumed father. “Many times, we have seen women being killed after 22 years when someone discovers they have been taking care of a child who is not theirs,” she said. The debate around compulsory testing has been fuelled by statistics released by Global DNA Zimbabwe. According to the laboratory, 72% of the paternity tests it has conducted returned negative results, indicating that the presumed fathers were not biologically related to the children involved. The figures have sparked discussion across Zimbabwe about family law, parental responsibility, and the potential role of DNA testing in resolving disputes. However, mandatory testing proposals could also raise ethical, legal, and privacy concerns, including the cost of nationwide implementation and questions about consent. As discussions continue, any proposal for compulsory DNA testing would require parliamentary approval and significant policy adjustments before being implemented nationwide. Mandatory DNA testing Zimbabwe