The Health Service Commission (HSC) is set to introduce mandatory breathalyser tests and drug screenings for medical personnel in Zimbabwe, in a move aimed at addressing growing concerns over substance abuse in the healthcare sector. The proposal was announced by HSC Secretary Christopher Pasi during a stakeholder consultative meeting held at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals on Tuesday. The planned Zimbabwe health workers' drug testing policy  will apply to approximately 52,000 healthcare professionals across the country. Pasi said the initiative is modelled on safety protocols already used in high-risk sectors such as mining and manufacturing, where routine substance testing is standard practice. “The issue of substance testing or breathalysers, which occur in industries such as manufacturing or mining, is something we need to look at within our own regulations,” Pasi said. “Substance abuse is not only a danger to the individual, but also to the patient being managed.” To implement the policy, the HSC will collaborate with the Health Professions Authority (HPA) to establish a technical team tasked with standardising regulations across all eight health professional councils. The proposed framework will include: Mandatory breathalyser and drug testing protocols Training for managers to identify early signs of substance abuse Confidential peer-reporting systems Clear disciplinary and rehabilitation procedures HPA Secretary-General Clotilda Chimbwanda welcomed the move, noting the need for consistency. “While individual councils have handled such cases, a unified protocol is essential to ensure fairness and effectiveness,” she said. Data from the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Council of Zimbabwe indicates that nearly 100 practitioners are currently under supervision for alcohol and substance abuse-related issues. Health policy expert Prosper Chitambara said the policy could improve patient safety if properly implemented: “Healthcare requires high levels of alertness and responsibility. Measures that ensure practitioners are fit for duty can enhance service delivery and public trust.” While the initiative has been broadly welcomed, analysts say it will need to balance patient safety with workers’ rights , particularly around privacy and due process. Labour expert Alex Magaisa noted: “Such measures must be implemented within a clear legal framework to protect both patients and healthcare workers from potential abuse of the system.” The Zimbabwe breathalyser tests for health workers policy signals a shift toward stricter regulation in the healthcare sector, as authorities seek to improve professionalism and accountability. If implemented effectively, the framework could strengthen patient safety standards, but its success will depend on transparency, fairness, and stakeholder buy-in across the health system. Zimbabwe health workers drug testing

Coach Marian Marinica FRANCISTOWN  – Following a clinical 3-0 demolition of hosts Botswana on Saturday evening, Warriors head coach Marian Marinica  has lauded his squad’s professionalism and the "seamless integration" of fresh talent into the national system. The victory at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium sets the stage for a high-stakes final against the Zambia national football team  this Tuesday at 6 PM CAT. Despite the comfortable three-goal cushion established in the first half, Marinica was quick to dismiss the notion that the encounter was "easy," instead attributing the scoreline to his players’ tactical efficiency. “We managed to keep a clean sheet, even though Botswana is a tough team,” Marinica told reporters. “We got the chances and the players took them fantastically well. On that point of view, I’m extremely pleased.” The coach noted that Botswana’s pace presented significant challenges in the second half, but maintained that the Warriors' initial blitz, which saw all three goals scored before the interval, was the result of a game plan that "worked to perfection." A key theme of Marinica’s post-match analysis was the long-term value of competitive friendlies. For the Southerton Business Times  audience, this represents the "Research & Development" phase of the national team’s growth. Marinica emphasized that these tournaments are essential for building the "experience capital" required for major continental competitions. “We try to give everyone a chance, and the other players take that opportunity with both hands,” he said, via The Herald . “I think we need these types of matches more often. It’s for the benefit of every country to expose players and give them the experience needed to win major competitions.” The Warriors’ ability to maintain a clean sheet while handing debuts to prospects like Mongameli Tshuma signals a growing depth in the squad. Attention now shifts to the "Battle of the Zambezi" on Tuesday. Final: Zimbabwe vs. Zambia (Tuesday, 18:00 CAT) Third-Place Play-off: Botswana vs. Malawi As Zimbabwe prepares for the final, the technical department will be looking to replicate the first-half intensity shown in Francistown to secure the Mukuru Four-Nations  silverware. Marian Marinica Warriors performance 2026

Police officers arrested in an anti-corruption operation in Zimbabwe Two officers from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) stationed at CID Minerals in Mutare have been arrested on allegations of soliciting and receiving a US$5,000 bribe, highlighting ongoing corruption concerns within law enforcement. The suspects, Taona Zhou (37) and Observant Tinashe Marodza (37), were apprehended following a trap operation conducted by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) . According to NewZimbabwe, the two officers appeared before Harare Magistrate Jesse Kufa on Saturday, where they were each granted US$100 bail. Prosecutors charged the pair with extortion under Section 134 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act , or alternatively bribery under Section 170 of the same law. The matter has been remanded to a later date. The National Prosecuting Authority alleges the officers demanded bribe money from a transport operator to facilitate the release of trucks carrying mineral ore destined for Mozambique. The complainant, Tawanda Zimbowa, had reportedly been contracted to transport the minerals for a Chinese client when the incident unfolded on 21 March 2026. Authorities say CID officers intercepted the trucks in Mutare and temporarily confiscated the drivers’ passports and vehicle registration documents. Prosecutors allege the officers claimed the consignments had false declaration papers before demanding payment to allow the trucks to proceed. The officers allegedly demanded US$5,000, and investigators further claim that an earlier payment of US$15,000 had been made but not shared among officials as allegedly agreed. The matter was reported to ZACC, which organised a sting operation to catch the suspects in the act. On 26 March, investigators accompanied the complainant to a meeting in central Mutare. The officers allegedly confirmed they were ready to receive the money and directed the complainant to a nearby location. As the cash was handed over under surveillance, ZACC officers moved in and arrested both suspects on the spot. A search of the vehicle reportedly recovered the marked trap money on the front seat, providing key evidence in the case. The arrests come amid a broader crackdown by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission on corruption involving public officials, particularly in sectors linked to natural resources and cross-border trade. Legal analyst Alex Magaisa said such cases are critical for restoring public confidence: “Visible enforcement against corruption—especially within law enforcement—sends a strong message and can help rebuild trust in institutions.” The Zimbabwe police bribery case of 2026 underscores ongoing risks in the handling of mineral shipments and border processes, where large sums of money and regulatory discretion intersect. As proceedings continue, the case is likely to draw attention to accountability within the police force and the effectiveness of anti-corruption mechanisms in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe police bribery case 2026

The Zimbabwe government has confirmed a civil servant's salary increase effective 1 April 2026 , following a job evaluation exercise aimed at aligning pay with roles and responsibilities across the public sector. The announcement was made by Edgar Moyo during a media briefing in Bulawayo on Friday, signalling what authorities describe as a step toward improving worker welfare. Moyo said the Zimbabwe government salary adjustment 2026 reflects the outcome of a comprehensive job evaluation process designed to standardise remuneration across the civil service. “The adjustment demonstrates government’s commitment to improving the welfare of its workers,” Moyo said, although he did not disclose specific salary figures. The review comes amid mounting pressure from public sector workers who have been demanding salaries that better reflect the cost of living. The new salary framework was agreed following a meeting of the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) held on 26 March at Kaguvi Building in Harare. The NJNC is the main platform for collective bargaining in Zimbabwe’s public sector, bringing together government and civil service unions to negotiate salaries, allowances, and working conditions. Cecilia Alexander confirmed that unions accepted the government’s offer after deliberations, citing the urgent need to provide relief to workers. “Government tabled a remuneration offer informed by the job evaluation process. After deliberations, we accepted the offer in view of the urgent need to provide immediate relief,” Alexander said. She added that while detailed figures will be communicated through official channels, the US$320 component in civil servants’ salaries will remain unchanged. Under the agreed framework, civil servants will continue to receive a blended salary in US dollars and ZiG (Zimbabwe Gold currency): A fixed US$320 component paid in USD The remaining portion paid in ZiG Local currency portion indexed to the prevailing exchange rate The Zimbabwe civil servants' salary structure 2026 is intended to cushion workers against inflation while maintaining fiscal sustainability. Authorities said all public sector employees will receive confirmation of their updated salaries through their respective ministries and departments. Economic analyst Gift Mugano said transparency will be key: “The structure is important, but workers will be looking closely at the actual figures and whether they meaningfully improve purchasing power.” The Zimbabwe civil servants' pay increase in April 2026 comes at a time of high inflation and rising living costs, with many workers calling for higher US dollar components and cost-of-living adjustments. While the adjustment offers short-term relief, analysts say the long-term impact will depend on exchange rate stability and broader economic reforms. Zimbabwe civil servants salary increase 2026

inDrive Zimbabwe’s ride-hailing industry is under strain following a sharp increase in fuel prices to a record US$2.17 per litre, triggering fare disputes between drivers and passengers and threatening the viability of app-based transport services. The latest hike, confirmed by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) , marks the second fuel price increase in Zimbabwe in less than a month, driven largely by global oil market volatility. The rising cost of fuel is rapidly reshaping the economics of platforms such as inDrive , which entered the Zimbabwean market in March 2023 and expanded to cities including Bulawayo, Gweru, and Mutare. Initially popular for its affordability, with fares as low as US$2 for short trips in Harare, the platform is now facing backlash as drivers push for higher prices. “Fuel is very expensive. I can’t just accept ride requests anymore,” said Peter Mahlangu, an inDrive driver. “I now have to add at least US$2 for short distances and US$3 for longer ones.” Unlike conventional ride-hailing apps, inDrive allows direct fare negotiation between drivers and passengers, a feature that is now intensifying disputes as both sides struggle to absorb rising costs. Drivers say the impact of high fuel prices on the Zimbabwe transport sector has significantly eroded their earnings. “Imagine buying five litres of petrol for more than US$10,” said driver Tinotenda Feremba. “I used to make around US$40 a day before fuel, but now I cannot accept rides without adjusting fares.” Analysts say Zimbabwe’s high fuel costs, among the highest in Southern Africa, are squeezing margins for drivers who rely on ride-hailing as a primary source of income. Passengers are also feeling the pressure, with fares becoming unpredictable and increasingly unaffordable. “I used to pay between US$2 and US$3, but now I can’t get rides at those prices,” said Tendai Kamurai, a nurse based in Waterfalls. The situation is worsening urban transport challenges, particularly in major cities like Harare, where reliable and affordable mobility is critical for workers. Vusumuzi Moyo, chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on ICT, warned that rising fuel costs could slow digital transport adoption in Zimbabwe. “Geopolitical events in the Middle East are affecting our pace in technology adoption,” he said. The surge in oil prices has been linked to tensions involving global powers and disruptions to supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Chalton Hwende, chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Energy and Power Development, said Parliament will engage Energy Minister July Moyo on possible interventions. “This situation will heavily affect ordinary citizens, especially those in the ride-hailing sector,” Hwende said. Transport analyst Victor Bhoroma warned that sustained high fuel prices could reverse progress made in modernising urban transport. “If costs remain high, commuters may return to informal transport options, undermining digital mobility platforms.” Zimbabwe is currently ranked among the most expensive countries for fuel in Southern Africa, placing additional strain on households and small businesses. The Zimbabwe fuel price crisis of 2026  is creating a fragile balance between affordability and sustainability in the ride-hailing sector. As fares rise and negotiations become more contentious, both drivers and passengers are being forced to adapt ride by ride in an increasingly expensive transport market. Zimbabwe fuel price 2026; inDrive Zimbabwe fuel impact

FRANCISTOWN  – In a performance that combined clinical efficiency with a glimpse into the future of Zimbabwean football, the Warriors dismantled hosts Botswana  at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium on Saturday. The victory secures Zimbabwe a spot in the Mukuru Four Nations  final this Tuesday, where they will face perennial rivals Zambia in a highly anticipated “Battle of the Zambezi.” While the 3-0 scoreline reflected a dominant team effort, the narrative of the night belonged to 24-year-old Mongameli Tshuma . The Highlanders FC winger, a late inclusion following Tawanda Maswanhise’s injury, vindicated Coach Marian Marinica’s bold decision to hand him a starting debut. Tshuma opened his international account in the 23rd minute, expertly side-footing a Bill Antonio cross into the net. He turned provider less than ten minutes later, orchestrating a short-corner routine that forced a Botswana own goal. “Tshuma’s transition from the domestic Premier Soccer League (PSL) to the international stage was seamless,” noted one regional scout. “His predatory instincts today have significantly raised his profile in the SADC transfer market.” The Warriors effectively killed the contest before the halftime whistle. Bill Antonio, playing with a palpable "point to prove," tapped in the third goal after a sequence involving Macauley Bonne. The only concern for the technical team was a hamstring injury to Munashe Garananga, who was forced off early. Despite a drop in tempo during the second half and a defensive lapse that gifted Botswana a penalty, veteran goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze preserved the clean sheet with a characteristic fine save. With the result secured, Marinica utilized the platform to blood new talent, handing debuts to Shane Maroodza and Panashe Makwiramiti. While the substitutions momentarily disrupted the rhythm, the tactical depth displayed bodes well for the upcoming World Cup and AFCON qualifying cycles. Tuesday's final against Zambia is more than just a friendly; it is a quest for regional bragging rights and a test of the Warriors' consistency under the new management. Meanwhile, Botswana will face Malawi in the third-place playoff. Zimbabwe Warriors vs Botswana 2026

Johane Masowe followers gathering for worship Authorities in Zimbabwe have granted permission for the exhumation of the remains of Peter Jack Masedza, widely known as Johane Masowe , bringing a potential resolution to a long-running dispute between his family and the church he founded. The late spiritual leader, founder of the Gospel of God Church International , was buried in 1973 at a site in Rusape that later became a major shrine for thousands of followers. In a notice dated 25 March 2026, legal representatives for his sons Magaga Masedza and Rueben Masedza confirmed that the Johane Masowe exhumation will take place on 2 April at the Gandanzara Shrine in Makoni District. Law firm Mushangwe and Company Legal Practitioners said all legal and administrative requirements had been met. “Authority was granted from the relevant authorities to exhume and rebury the remains,” the firm said. The dispute has spanned decades, with the Masedza family seeking to rebury their father at a location accessible to relatives, while church followers insist the original burial site is sacred. The shrine, located near Rusape, has become a significant pilgrimage site for adherents of the Johane Masowe sect, heightening sensitivities around the exhumation. The legal basis for the move stems from a High Court ruling (HCH1769/23), later upheld by the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe (SCI 12/25), which affirmed the family’s right to seek exhumation. Justice Susan Mavangira clarified the limits of judicial authority: “The applicants have a right to seek the exhumation of the remains of the deceased. Whether they succeed in that quest is not for this court to decide but for the appropriate administrative authorities.” The court also ruled that no burial site, including those regarded as religious shrines, is exempt from the provisions of the Cemeteries Act. Correspondence from provincial authorities confirmed that a burial order had been issued after all legal and public health requirements were satisfied. Officials emphasised that while the courts affirmed the family’s rights, final approval for exhumation rests with administrative authorities, in line with Zimbabwean law. Despite the legal resolution, tensions remain high between the family and followers of the church, reflecting deep divisions over the legacy and final resting place of Johane Masowe. Religious scholar Ezra Chitando said the case highlights the intersection of law, culture, and faith: “This dispute goes beyond legal rights—it touches on spiritual beliefs, identity and the authority of religious traditions.” The exhumation of Johane Masowe’s remains in 2026 marks a significant moment in Zimbabwe’s religious and legal landscape. As the April 2 date approaches, attention will focus on how authorities manage the process and whether it brings closure or further contestation over one of the country’s most influential religious figures. Johane Masowe exhumation 2026

Mabhero second-hand clothes market, Zimbabwe vendors The Zimbabwe government has formally banned the importation of second-hand clothing, commonly known as mabhero, under new regulations now carrying full legal force. The measures are contained in Statutory Instrument 59 of 2026 , issued under the Control of Goods (Import and Export) (Commerce) (Amendment) Regulations , marking a shift from previous informal or verbal restrictions to enforceable law. According to the gazetted regulations, the importation of second-hand clothing in Zimbabwe is now prohibited unless the importer obtains a special permit strictly for charitable purposes. “The importation of second-hand clothing is prohibited, except where the importer has obtained a valid permit authorising the importation for charitable purposes only,” the regulations state. Authorities added that such permits will be subject to strict conditions set by the Secretary of Industry and Commerce to ensure goods are distributed for genuine charitable use. In a stricter provision, the government has imposed a total ban on second-hand undergarments, with no exemptions allowed, even for charities citing health and safety concerns. The Zimbabwe mabhero ban 2026 is part of a broader government strategy to revive the country’s struggling textile and clothing sector, which has long faced competition from low-cost imported garments. Industry expert John Robertson said the policy could offer relief to local manufacturers: “Restricting second-hand imports may create space for domestic producers, but success will depend on whether local industry can meet demand in terms of price and quality.” Zimbabwe’s textile sector, once a major employer, has declined significantly over the years due to factory closures and competition from imports. While authorities argue the ban will curb the dumping of foreign textile waste and support industrialisation, critics warn it could have unintended consequences. The second-hand clothing trade in Zimbabwe provides livelihoods for thousands of informal traders and offers affordable clothing to low-income households. Retail analyst Victor Bhoroma said the impact could be significant: “Banning mabhero without viable local alternatives risks pushing prices up and affecting vulnerable consumers who rely on cheaper clothing.” Traders in major urban centres such as Harare and Bulawayo have historically depended on imported second-hand clothing bales as a primary source of income. Despite previous restrictions, second-hand clothing remains widely available across Zimbabwe, raising questions about enforcement capacity. Authorities are now expected to tighten border controls and compliance monitoring under the new legal framework, as the Zimbabwe import ban on used clothes takes effect. The government faces the challenge of balancing industrial policy goals with economic realities on the ground. While the ban aims to stimulate local production and reduce reliance on imports, analysts say its success will depend on parallel efforts to revive domestic manufacturing, stabilise prices, and protect informal sector livelihoods. Zimbabwe mabhero ban 2026

BULILIMA  – In a high-profile move targeting corruption within traditional leadership, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC)  has arrested Chief Mphini  of Matabeleland South. The traditional leader stands accused of the illegal alienation and sale of communal land in Bulilima District, a move that has reportedly displaced local livestock and sparked a communal outcry. The arrest, confirmed late yesterday by ZACC Commissioner Kindness Paradza , follows an intensive investigation into the management of Ward 21 in Bulilima. Preliminary reports suggest that land specifically designated for communal grazing was subdivided and sold as residential stands. "We will be issuing details soon but yes, we have arrested the Chief," Paradza stated, signaling that further charges may be pending as the commission untangles the web of transactions. Sources familiar with the investigation indicate that over 80 individuals have already been settled on the contested land. The situation has reached a boiling point among local villagers, who allege that the majority of the beneficiaries are not from the district or even the province of Matabeleland South. This "settlement of outsiders" on traditional grazing lands is a highly sensitive socio-economic issue. In communal areas, grazing land is a shared asset vital for livestock-based livelihoods; its conversion into residential plots represents a permanent loss of productive capacity for the original community. This arrest comes at a time when the government is intensifying its "no-nonsense" approach to land barons. While traditional leaders have a mandate to oversee land distribution, the Communal Lands Act  does not grant them the authority to sell land for personal gain, especially when it involves the conversion of protected grazing zones. As investigations progress, the ZACC is expected to scrutinize bank records and witness testimonies from the 80 settlers to determine the total financial prejudice to the state and the local authority. Chief Mphini ZACC arrest

Zimbabwe's maize harvest boosts GDP growth The Zimbabwe economy has been officially rebased to an estimated US$52.4 billion for 2025, positioning it as the second-largest economy in Southern Africa after South Africa. The revised figures were released by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) following a comprehensive economic census conducted in 2023, which captured previously underreported sectors, particularly the informal economy. The Zimbabwe GDP rebasing 2025  exercise revised the country’s economic size to: US$44.5 billion for 2023 US$45.7 billion for 2024 US$52.4 billion projection for 2025 The update reflects structural shifts in the economy over the past decade, especially the rapid expansion of informal businesses that had not been fully accounted for under the previous 2012 base year. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said the new figures strengthen Zimbabwe’s economic outlook: “The updated data improves our economic metrics and supports our trajectory towards Vision 2030.” A key outcome of the rebasing is the recognition of Zimbabwe’s large informal sector, now estimated to generate around US$14.2 billion annually. Economist Prosper Chitambara said this reflects reality on the ground: “The rebasing corrects years of underestimation. A significant portion of economic activity has been happening outside formal channels.” Thousands of small businesses that emerged after 2019 have now been incorporated into official statistics, significantly expanding the country’s GDP base. Zimbabwe’s economic growth outlook 2025 remains robust, with projections anchored on 6.6% real GDP growth, driven by: Agriculture growth of 24% Mining expansion of 7.3% Manufacturing growth of 4.2% The agricultural rebound, in particular, has played a central role in boosting output and exports. The rebasing has significantly improved Zimbabwe’s fiscal metrics. Under the new framework, the debt-to-GDP ratio has declined to 45%, down from around 60%. Treasury, led by Permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga, is now operating from a stronger fiscal position, improving the country’s case in ongoing arrears clearance talks. Zimbabwe’s total public debt, estimated at around US$23 billion, now appears more manageable relative to the expanded GDP base. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) independently estimates Zimbabwe’s economy at US$53.3 billion, closely aligning with official figures. Meanwhile, the World Bank projects 5% economic growth in 2026, noting that Zimbabwe is outperforming several sub-Saharan African peers. The rebasing reshapes Zimbabwe’s regional ranking, placing it ahead of several Southern African economies: Zambia – US$28.9 billion Mozambique – US$23.8 billion Botswana – US$19.4 billion Namibia – US$14.2 billion Malawi – US$14 billion Experts caution that GDP rebasing does not create new wealth, but rather updates how economic activity is measured. “Zimbabwe did not suddenly become a US$50 billion economy—it has been one for years. The data has simply caught up,” one analyst noted. Similar exercises in countries like Nigeria and Ghana delivered mixed long-term benefits, highlighting the need for continued reforms. Economists say Zimbabwe’s advantage lies in combining rebasing with broader macroeconomic stabilisation, including lower inflation and improved fiscal discipline. Attention is also turning to revenue mobilisation, with current revenues at about 15% of GDP. Aligning with regional averages could unlock an estimated US$780 million annually without increasing tax rates. The Zimbabwe economy's rebasing in 2025 marks a major statistical milestone, but sustained growth will depend on policy consistency, investment, and structural transformation. what Zimbabwe GDP rebasing means 2025

GUTU  – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)  have launched an intensive manhunt for a Gutu businessman following the brutal murder and secret burial of a Karoi man in a suspected love triangle. The victim, Abraham Mupagore of Chikuti Village, Karoi, was allegedly killed after traveling over 400km to visit a woman who was also romantically linked to the suspect. The tragic incident unfolded in Chimombe Village, Chiguhune, after Mupagore traveled to visit Modester Fushai, a storekeeper at the local business centre. According to police reports, the weekend began peacefully, with Mupagore even preaching at a Zion Apostolic Church  service on Sunday morning before returning to Fushai’s residence. However, the peace was shattered when the suspect, Takura Mabhugu, who operates a shop at the same business centre, arrived at the homestead. Fushai reportedly introduced Mupagore as her "new partner," triggering a violent confrontation. ZRP Masvingo provincial spokesperson Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed that a fistfight broke out between the two men. “Mabhugu, realising he was losing the fight, allegedly armed himself with a shovel and fatally assaulted Mupagore,” police sources stated. In a desperate bid to conceal the crime, Mabhugu allegedly dragged the body to a nearby maize field, where he dug a shallow grave. The crime remained undiscovered until Monday, when Fushai returned to find bloodstains and Mupagore’s belongings missing. The grim reality was eventually uncovered by a neighbor, Peter Tigere, who noticed suspicious tracks and freshly disturbed soil in the maize field on Wednesday. Police have since exhumed Mupagore’s body and transported it to Gutu Mission Hospital  for a post-mortem examination. Mabhugu remains at large, and the ZRP has urged anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact their nearest police station immediately. This case serves as a somber reminder of how domestic disputes can escalate into irreversible tragedy. The Gutu community remains on edge as the search for the "businessman-turned-fugitive" continues. Gutu murder shallow grave

Chief Mtshane Khumalo and Chief Fortune Charumbira addressing the press in Bulawayo BULAWAYO  – A wave of public disappointment and anger has swept across Matabeleland North and South following a unanimous and unexpectedly brief endorsement of the Constitutional Amendment (No. 3) Bill  by the region’s traditional leaders. In a press conference in Bulawayo on Thursday evening that lasted less than two minutes, the National Council of Chiefs  declared their full support for the controversial Bill. The move has sparked an immediate backlash from local communities who feel their traditional representatives have abandoned their role as neutral custodians of culture. The endorsement was confirmed by the Council’s President, Chief Mtshane Khumalo, who was flanked by the Council’s Deputy President, Chief Fortune Charumbira . The briefing was notable for its brevity and the strict prohibition of follow-up questions from journalists, leading to widespread criticism regarding the transparency of the consultative process. “We unanimously endorse and support the Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill. We will be submitting two or three issues relating to traditional leaders’ enhancement,” Chief Mtshane stated. The meeting included high-ranking traditional leaders such as Senator Chief Siansali, Chief Sitaudze, Chief Mathuphula, and Chief Nyangazonke, among others from the two provinces. The core of the community’s "outrage" centers on Clause 20 of the proposed amendment. Under the current 2013 Constitution, traditional leaders are strictly prohibited from acting in a partisan manner or advancing the interests of any political party. However, Clause 20 seeks to fundamentally alter this by allowing chiefs, headmen, and village heads to openly participate in partisan politics. Speaking to CITE , community members accused the chiefs of "selling out" the neutral status of the throne. Critics argue that by endorsing a Bill that allows them to be partisan, the chiefs are effectively seeking to become political agents rather than community unifiers. “How can a chief be a judge in a community dispute if he is wearing a party scarf?” questioned one resident from Lupane. “This destroys the 'civic contract' between the people and their traditional leaders.” Legal experts have also noted that the move appears to conflict with the spirit of the current Constitution, which was designed to insulate traditional structures from the polarizing nature of party politics. As the Bill moves toward Parliament, the "Bulawayo Declaration" by the chiefs is expected to be a major flashpoint in the national debate over Zimbabwe’s democratic future. Matabeleland chiefs endorse Amendment 3