Zimbabwe Republic Police officers in uniform during official duty HARARE  – The Zimbabwe Republic Police has ordered all officers to immediately delete social media posts in which they appear in uniform, warning that failure to comply will result in disciplinary action. The directive was issued by Deputy Commissioner-General Learn Ncube through an urgent nationwide radio communication sent to police stations on Monday, March 23. In the communication, referenced RDO BD14/26, Ncube said the growing trend of officers posting images and videos of themselves in uniform on platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp is causing reputational damage to the police service. “Displaying oneself in police uniform on social media platforms without authorisation is totally unacceptable and breaches the police’s standing rules and regulations,” Ncube said. “Such actions compromise the integrity of the organisation and undermine public trust.” The order requires all officers who have already posted content while in uniform to remove it with immediate effect, while provincial commanders have been tasked with ensuring the directive is communicated across all ranks. “As a matter of urgency, all those with posts on social media platforms whilst dressed in police uniform should immediately remove such posts,” Ncube said. “Disciplinary action shall be taken against those who fail to comply with this given directive.” The move comes amid a noticeable rise in rank-and-file officers sharing content online, including selfies, dance videos, and commentary on public issues while in uniform, often without official clearance. Security analysts say the directive reflects increasing concern within law enforcement over professionalism and public perception in the digital age . “Uniformed services carry symbolic authority, and how that image is used online matters,” said Harare-based security analyst Shepherd Moyo. “Unregulated social media activity can blur the line between personal expression and official representation.” The ZRP has long maintained strict internal codes governing conduct, particularly regarding the use of official regalia and public communication. Ncube emphasised that adherence to these standards is critical in maintaining discipline within the force and preserving public confidence. The directive signals a tightening of internal controls as authorities seek to align police conduct with evolving challenges posed by social media use. ZRP social media ban

Traffic congestion in Harare HARARE  – Zimbabwe’s urban transport system has become “largely dysfunctional” across all 92 local authorities due to poor spatial planning and weak urban management, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe has said. Speaking on the sidelines of a planners’ interface meeting held this week, Garwe said the government is now moving to address long-standing failures in urban planning that have crippled service delivery in towns and cities. “The urban transport system across our 92 local authorities is no longer functioning as it should,” Garwe said. “This is largely due to poor town planning and weaknesses within spatial planning departments.” The high-level engagement, described as a Spatial Planners’ Interface , brought together government officials and planning experts to confront what the minister called “systemic rot” in local authorities. Zimbabwe has 92 local authorities, including urban councils, municipalities, and rural district councils, all of which fall under the oversight of the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works . Garwe said the intervention follows growing concern within government over declining service delivery standards, particularly in urban transport systems characterised by congestion, unregulated commuter operations, and deteriorating infrastructure. Urban planning experts say poor land use management and rapid, unplanned urbanisation have contributed significantly to transport inefficiencies. “Most of our cities have outgrown their original designs,” said urban development analyst Engineer Tinashe Zhou. “Transport routes, residential areas and commercial zones are no longer aligned, leading to congestion and longer commuting times.” In major cities such as Harare and Bulawayo, informal transport operators have increasingly filled the gap left by struggling public transport systems, often operating outside formal regulatory frameworks. Garwe said the planners’ interface is part of a broader government push to reform local authorities and restore functionality in key service delivery sectors. “This platform allows us to engage directly with planners and identify practical solutions to improve spatial planning and urban mobility,” he said. He added that strengthening planning departments and enforcing development regulations will be critical to reversing the current situation. Policy analysts note that effective urban transport systems are closely linked to economic productivity, as inefficiencies increase costs for businesses and workers alike. “Transport is the backbone of any functioning city,” said economist Patricia Dube. “If it breaks down, it affects everything from labour mobility to investment flows.” The government is expected to roll out further measures targeting local authorities in the coming months as part of efforts to improve urban infrastructure and service delivery nationwide. Zimbabwe urban transport system

Aviator betting game HARARE  – In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local retail sector, an area manager for Farm and City Private Limited  appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court on Friday, accused of embezzling over US$10,200 to fund a gambling addiction. Justine Ngoshi (39) stands accused of siphoning corporate funds intended for property rentals and funneling them into the high-risk online betting game, Aviator, popularly known on the streets as “Kandege.” According to state prosecutors, the financial misconduct occurred over seven months between July 31, 2025, and February 28, 2026. Ngoshi, in his capacity as an area manager, was responsible for collecting and remitting rental payments for the company’s Belgravia branch. The funds were earmarked for Sawyer and Mkushi Legal Practitioners, the firm representing the property owners. However, internal audits later revealed a staggering "twist": the payments never reached the legal firm’s accounts. Instead, the state alleges that Ngoshi converted the total sum of US$10,200 for his personal use, specifically to place bets on the fast-paced digital platform. By the time the discrepancy was detected, the entire amount had been liquidated. To date, not a single cent has been recovered. The case highlights a growing concern for Zimbabwean HR departments, the rise of addictive online gambling. Aviator, a "crash" game where players must cash out before a virtual plane flies away, has gained notoriety for its "near-miss" psychological triggers that lead to impulsive financial decisions. "We are seeing an uptick in white-collar crime linked directly to digital betting platforms," noted a local forensic auditor. "When employees have access to large volumes of liquid cash without stringent daily oversight, the temptation to 'double the money' through these games becomes a massive corporate risk." Ngoshi appeared before Harare Provincial Magistrate Michael Mafukidze. He has been remanded in custody pending a full bail hearing. The prosecution is expected to argue that the systematic nature of the theft over seven months demonstrates a significant breach of fiduciary duty. Farm and City manager fraud

RAPE In a landmark ruling reflecting the judiciary's hardening stance on sexual violence, the High Court of Zimbabwe  has denied bail to a Gokwe man accused of raping six primary school girls. Justice Philda Muzofa , sitting at the Chinhoyi High Court, dismissed the application, citing the victims' extreme vulnerability and the high risk of witness interference. The Allegations: A Breach of Trust in the Community The suspect, whose identity remains protected to shield the minor victims, faces six counts of rape involving children aged between seven and nine. The harrowing incident allegedly occurred in June 2025. According to State prosecutors, the victims, all pupils at a local primary school, stopped at the accused’s homestead to ask for drinking water while on their way to class. “Instead of giving them water, he asked the complainants to accompany him to his sorghum field,” the State submitted. “At the field, he then raped each complainant and threatened them not to tell anyone.” The abuse remained a dark secret for months until November 2025, when one victim confided in a relative, emboldening the other five to come forward. Subsequent medical examinations at Gokwe District Hospital  confirmed the trauma, leading to the suspect’s arrest. Judicial Reasoning: Safety Over Liberty In her ruling, Justice Muzofa emphasized that the seriousness of the allegations against "young, vulnerable children" outweighed the accused’s personal circumstances, including his advanced age. The State, represented by R. Nikisi, argued successfully that the accused posed a significant risk to the integrity of the case. Because the suspect resides in the same village as the victims, the court found the likelihood of direct or indirect intimidation to be unacceptably high. “This is a rape case of six young children who stayed in the same village with the applicant,” Justice Muzofa stated. “His advanced age seems to pale into dimness if juxtaposed with the offence and the victims.” Legal Implications for Child Protection in Zimbabwe Harare-based legal analyst Tendai Muchengeti noted that this ruling signals a shift in how Zimbabwean courts handle sexual offences against minors. "Bail is not an automatic right; it must align with the interests of justice," Muchengeti observed. "The courts are increasingly prioritizing the psychological safety of child witnesses over the liberty of the accused in such egregious cases." The accused had offered to relocate from the village as a bail condition, but the court rejected the proposal, maintaining that his release would undermine public confidence in the justice system. The matter is set to proceed to trial at a later date. Gokwe rape case

Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi HARARE  – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)  has launched a high-priority investigation into a disturbing viral video depicting the brutal assault of a minor. Authorities confirmed on Monday, 23 March 2026, that the suspect, a Shona-speaking woman, could face charges as severe as attempted murder once apprehended. The footage, which surfaced over the weekend and sparked immediate national outrage, shows the woman "disciplining" a young boy. The suspect is seen repeatedly striking the child with a wooden cooking stick ( mugoti ) before the video takes a more sinister turn. In a chilling display of cruelty, she is seen forcefully holding the minor's hands over an open, blazing gas flame. In an official police statement, national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi emphasized the gravity of the incident: “The ZRP has taken note of a disturbing viral video involving a child abuse incident circulating on social media... in which a woman is clearly seen assaulting a minor and forcing the child to touch a blazing gas stove.” Despite the clarity of the woman's face and voice in the footage, her identity and location remain unknown. The ZRP has made an urgent appeal to the public to assist in tracking down the suspect. Furthermore, the police are calling on the child’s relatives or guardians to come forward to assist with the investigation and ensure the victim receives medical and psychological support. “The ZRP assures the public that once the suspect is arrested, she will face the full wrath of the law, including charges of attempted murder,” the statement concluded. Legal experts suggest that the use of a gas flame elevates the case from "Assault" or "Ill-treatment of Children" under the Children’s Act  to Attempted Murder , due to the life-threatening nature of the burns and the potential for permanent disability. This incident has reignited debates regarding the thin line between corporal punishment and criminal abuse in Zimbabwean households. Social workers have called for more stringent monitoring of domestic environments to protect vulnerable minors from such "extreme disciplinary measures." ZRP viral child abuse video

Leonid Radvinsky, tech entrepreneur, OnlyFans owner Billionaire tech entrepreneur Leonid Radvinsky has died at the age of 43 following a prolonged battle with cancer, a company representative has confirmed. “Leo passed away peacefully after several years of illness. His loved ones have asked for privacy during this difficult time,” the spokesperson said in a statement. Radvinsky, a Ukrainian-American businessman, was best known as the majority owner of Fenix International Limited, which operates the global subscription platform OnlyFans . He acquired the platform in 2018 from its founders, the Stokely family, and oversaw its transformation into one of the most profitable creator-economy businesses in the world. Under his leadership, OnlyFans experienced rapid growth, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as content creators and users turned to digital platforms for income and entertainment. The site evolved into a multibillion-dollar enterprise, with millions of creators monetising exclusive content through subscriptions. According to financial data reported by Bloomberg, users spent approximately US$7.2 billion on the platform in the past year alone. Radvinsky himself reportedly received an estimated US$1.8 billion in dividends between 2021 and 2025, underscoring the platform’s profitability. Industry analysts say Radvinsky played a pivotal role in shaping the modern creator economy. “OnlyFans redefined how digital content is monetised, giving creators direct access to paying audiences,” said media analyst Karen Phillips. “Radvinsky’s business model proved that subscription-based content could scale globally.” Despite his immense wealth and influence, Radvinsky maintained a relatively low public profile, rarely giving interviews and keeping his personal life out of the spotlight. Beyond OnlyFans, he was also known for investments in technology ventures and philanthropic contributions, particularly in online innovation and digital infrastructure. His death marks a significant moment for the tech and digital media industries, raising questions about the future direction of OnlyFans and its parent company. No immediate announcement has been made regarding succession plans at Fenix International Limited. Leonid Radvinsky death

Green Fuel Ethanol plant The recent surge in fuel prices, which saw petrol climb to a staggering US$2.17 per litre and diesel to US$2.05, has been conveniently blamed on the geopolitical tremors of the Middle East. However, LEAD president Linda Masarira  has pierced through this narrative, identifying a much more local pathogen: institutionalized greed. Masarira’s dismissal of the “Iran conflict” excuse isn't just political rhetoric; it is backed by a mathematical reality that should outrage every motorist from Mutare to Plumtree. The most damning point raised is the pricing of locally produced ethanol. Currently mandated for blending at E20 (20% ethanol, 80% petrol), ethanol is being sold to oil companies at US$1.10 per litre. As Masarira rightly notes, ethanol is a byproduct of sugar production . While global wholesale benchmarks for fuel ethanol hover between US$0.55 and $0.70 , Zimbabweans are forced to pay a premium for a product that is supposed to lower  the import bill. “Billy Rautenbach needs to explain how ethanol, which is a waste product... gets to US$1.10 per litre," Masarira challenged. "Blending is meant to reduce carbon dioxide and increase quantity, lowering the price. But in Zimbabwe, ethanol is now costing more than imported petrol.” By keeping ethanol prices artificially high through the Green Fuel monopoly , the "savings" of blending are never passed to the consumer. Instead, they are captured as pure profit by a single entity. The "landlocked" excuse no longer holds water. Consider our neighbor, Zambia. Much of Zambia’s fuel transits through Zimbabwe via the Beira pipeline or road haulage. Logistically, Zambian fuel should be more expensive due to the extra distance. Yet, as of March 2026: Zimbabwe Petrol: US$2.17 (Highest in SADC after Malawi) Zambia Petrol: US$1.60 South Africa Petrol: ~US$1.06 Zambia does not mandate ethanol blending, yet its fuel remains significantly cheaper. The difference lies in Zimbabwe's predatory tax regime. While the government recently "cushioned" prices by reducing the Strategic Reserve Levy, they simultaneously collect nearly US$0.86 per litre in various taxes and levies—one of the highest tax-to-fuel ratios in the world. When fuel goes up, everything goes up. From the price of a loaf of bread  to the cost of a commuter omnibus  from Chitungwiza, the fuel price is the "mother of all costs." By allowing an ethanol monopoly and maintaining an extractive tax system, the authorities are effectively "declaring war on the livelihoods of the people," as Masarira suggests. It is time to stop blaming Tehran for a crisis manufactured in Harare. If we truly want to lower the cost of living, we must start by de-monopolizing the ethanol market and slashing the irrational levies that make Zimbabwe the "fuel-price outlier" of Southern Africa. Zimbabwe fuel price hikes 2026

Gwanda Regional Magistrates Court HARARE  – Two men have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms after being convicted of a violent carjacking spree targeting taxi drivers in Gwanda , the Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed. In a statement issued by the Criminal Investigation Department, signed by Detective Assistant Inspector Muriro, on March 23, police said Anele Thabo Ncube (24) of Cowdray Park, Bulawayo, and Ayibongwe Mathema (23) of Spitzkop Extension, Gwanda, were convicted following a series of armed robberies committed earlier this month. The pair appeared before the Gwanda Regional Magistrates Court on March 20, where Magistrate Stembiso Ndebele handed down sentences of 24 years’ imprisonment for Ncube and 12 years for Mathema. Prosecutor Ngonidzashe Shumba represented the State. Police said the two, together with an accomplice still at large, identified as Makhosi Ngwenya, carried out a coordinated carjacking operation between March 2 and March 10, 2026. According to investigators, the suspects posed as legitimate passengers seeking to hire taxis. After negotiating fares, they would direct drivers to remote destinations before producing machetes, knives, and iron bars to threaten the victims and seize control of the vehicles. “The accused persons unleashed a reign of terror on unsuspecting taxi drivers, using weapons to intimidate them before driving away with their vehicles,” police said. Three victims were targeted during the spree, with the suspects stealing two Honda Fit vehicles and a Toyota Fun Cargo. All the stolen vehicles have since been recovered following police investigations. A Gwanda-based taxi driver, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, said the attacks had created fear within the local transport sector. “We operate late hours and often pick up strangers. What happened here is every driver’s nightmare,” he said. “We are relieved arrests were made, but there is still concern while one suspect is still free.” Security experts say the case highlights a growing trend of organised vehicle-related crimes in parts of the country, often targeting informal transport operators. “Taxi drivers are particularly vulnerable because they work alone and are easily lured into isolated areas,” said crime analyst Witness Dube. “This case underscores the importance of coordinated policing and community intelligence.” The Zimbabwe Republic Police credited members of the public for providing information that led to the suspects’ arrest and the recovery of the stolen vehicles. Authorities have since launched a manhunt for Ngwenya and are appealing to the public for information that may lead to his arrest. “Police urge anyone with information to report at their nearest station,” the statement said, adding that community policing remains critical in combating violent crime. The conviction is expected to bring some relief to Gwanda’s taxi operators, who have faced increased risks amid rising cases of armed robbery targeting transport workers. ZRP arrest carjacking suspects

HARARE, ZIMBABWE  – A 78-year-old man from Kadoma has been charged with murder following the death of his son in a case involving alleged infidelity, violence, and a suspected cover-up. The accused, Benjamin Harry, is alleged to have killed his son, Kudakwashe Harry (30), after being discovered in bed with his daughter-in-law, Evelyn Mashava (22). According to court allegations , the incident occurred on 6 January when Kudakwashe reportedly walked in on his father and wife. A heated argument followed, during which Benjamin allegedly armed himself with an iron bar and struck his son, killing him. A post-mortem report later confirmed that the victim sustained severe head injuries consistent with blunt force trauma. Police arrested six additional suspects in connection with the case: Mike Hwata (36) William Grasham (34) Perfect Vembo (18) Tongai Mavhurume (18) A 16-year-old boy (name withheld) Authorities say Tongai and the minor are Mashava’s brothers. All seven accused persons have been remanded in custody, facing murder charges under case number Kadoma Rural 27/1/26. Investigators say one version of events suggests that after the killing, Benjamin allegedly sought help from Mashava’s relatives to conceal the crime. The group is accused of hanging the body from a tree in an attempt to stage a suicide, with reports that a cow was offered as payment for assistance. Neighbours were also allegedly approached to help. However, alternative accounts have emerged during investigations. Another version suggests that two of the co-accused, reportedly former partners of Mashava, were involved in a confrontation with the deceased that may have contributed to his death. Mashava’s statements further indicate that her brothers may have intervened during the altercation, allegedly attempting to protect her from abuse. Authorities say investigations are continuing to establish the precise sequence of events and the role of each suspect. Legal experts say the case is likely to hinge on forensic evidence, witness testimony, and the credibility of the differing accounts presented in court. The matter is expected to return to court as the State prepares its case. Kadoma murder case Zimbabwe

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube  Bulawayo / Harare, Zimbabwe- Speaking at a fundraising luncheon for Ingutsheni Central Hospital , Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube  moved to reassure the nation that Zimbabwe has secured enough fuel supplies to last at least through June 2026. This intervention comes as the global oil market faces its most severe supply shock in decades following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The sudden surge in petrol and diesel prices is directly linked to the military escalation in the Middle East. The Incident: Following strikes on February 28, the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world's oil flows, has become impassable for most tankers. The Price Shock: Brent crude has skyrocketed from US$70 to a peak of US$113 per barrel in less than a month. The Local Impact: As a "price taker," Zimbabwe's fuel prices (currently capped at US$2.05 for Diesel and US$2.17 for Petrol) face immense upward pressure to track these global landing costs. To prevent the "stock-outs" that characterized previous economic shocks, the Ministry of Finance has negotiated specific credit and supply lines: Letters of Credit (LCs): Financial instruments guaranteed by the central bank to ensure international suppliers are paid despite foreign currency fluctuations. Strategic Reserves: Utilizing the NOIC (National Oil Infrastructure of Zimbabwe) storage facilities to hold a 90-day buffer of physical product. Negotiated Supply Lines: Direct agreements with major regional and international traders to prioritize the Beira-Harare pipeline flow. While the Minister has guaranteed availability (no queues), the price remains a separate challenge. With Brent crude at $107+, ZERA may eventually be forced to adjust the pump price upward to maintain the viability of private fuel players, even with the government's financial safety nets in place. Mthuli Ncube fuel supply Zimbabwe 2026

Karoi Regional Magistrates Court The hill above Tengwe still remembers the nights a 12‑year‑old girl spent there alone, too frightened to return to a home that had become a place of danger. It was on that ridge and in the quiet courage of a cousin and a handful of teachers that a secret began to unravel, leading to a conviction at the Karoi Regional Magistrates’ Court and a long prison sentence for the girl’s father. The 51‑year‑old farmer, whose name is withheld to protect the child, was found guilty on four counts of rape after a trial that laid bare a pattern of repeated physical and psychological abuse from late 2024 into early 2025. Magistrates handed down a combined sentence that leaves him with an effective 35 years behind bars. Court testimony painted a grim picture of coercion and fear. The girl told the court she had been forced into silence by threats that speaking out would bring “everlasting shame” on the family and by warnings that she would be killed if she told anyone. When she resisted, the prosecution said, the man used violence and intimidation to keep her from returning home, at times forcing her to sleep on the nearby hill. The chain of rescue began when the girl’s cousin, who the court heard had also been abused, confided in school staff. Teachers acted quickly, notifying the police and ensuring the children were removed from the household. “They did what any caring teacher should do,” a court source said. “They listened, they reported, and they saved a child.” The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) issued a strong statement after the verdict, condemning the abuse and praising those who came forward. “The home must be a sanctuary, not a place of peril,” the NPA said. “When a parent, the primary protector, becomes the predator, the law will intervene with the maximum weight possible. The NPAZ commends the courage of the young witnesses and the school teachers who acted; their vigilance saved a child from a lifetime of further trauma.” Legal documents show the man received 15 years for the first count, 15 years for the second, and 15 years for the third and fourth counts combined. Ten years of the total 45‑year sentence were suspended on condition of good behaviour for five years, producing the effective 35‑year term. Child protection advocates say the case underscores the vital role that schools and community members play in identifying and stopping abuse. In many rural communities, experts note, children are most at risk from people they should be able to trust. Prompt reporting by teachers and relatives, they say, is often the difference between continued harm and rescue. For the girl and her cousin, the court’s decision marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another one that will require long‑term support. Social workers and child‑welfare agencies typically recommend counselling, safe accommodation, and ongoing monitoring for survivors of intrafamilial abuse, and the NPA urged authorities to ensure the children receive the care they need. Outside the courthouse, neighbours said the verdict had sent a clear message. “We are relieved the children are safe,” one resident said. “No one should hide behind culture or spiritual claims to hurt a child.” As the community begins the slow work of healing, the case stands as a stark reminder that when those closest to a child betray that trust, it is often the vigilance of teachers, relatives, and the justice system that restores it. Tengwe farmer jailed

U.S. Capitol Building during a session on foreign policy and Middle East security. The geopolitical climate in the Middle East has reached a fever pitch, sending ripples through global trade hubs and local markets alike. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer  and Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT)  have issued a stern call to action, urging the U.S. administration to cease hostilities against Iran, asserting that the executive branch has "lost control" of the escalating military friction. The critique comes as the administration's strategy remains opaque even to its allies. In a recent post on the social media platform X, Senator Schumer highlighted a growing rift within the Capitol. “Even some Republican senators are openly admitting they have no clue what the administration is trying to accomplish in the Middle East,” Schumer stated. The Senator concluded his assessment with a blunt demand: “Enough is enough,” calling for an immediate end to the aggressive posturing that many fear could lead to a full-scale regional conflict. The latest flare-up follows threats from the White House to target Iran’s infrastructure should Tehran move to block the Strait of Hormuz . As a vital artery for global oil supply, any disruption to the Strait typically results in immediate volatility for emerging economies, including Zimbabwe’s fuel and manufacturing sectors. Senator Chris Murphy echoed Schumer’s concerns, focusing on the perceived lack of a coherent exit strategy. Referring to the 48-hour ultimatum issued to Tehran, Murphy noted on X, “He has lost control of this war, and he is panicking.” Energy analysts suggest that "saber-rattling" in the Persian Gulf is more than just political theater; it is a direct threat to the global supply chain. "The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly 20% of the world’s liquid petroleum," says Arash Azizi, a Middle East policy expert and author. "An armed conflict doesn't just mean military casualties; it means an immediate spike in Brent Crude prices, which impacts everything from logistics in Southern Africa to consumer goods in Europe." Local eyewitnesses in the region, including maritime logistics coordinators in the Gulf of Oman, report increased naval patrols. "There is a palpable sense of dread among merchant sailors," one anonymous shipping agent noted via Reuters. "One miscalculation by a drone or a patrol boat could ignite the entire coast." US-Iran aggression