Disability inclusion extends beyond assistive devices to education, employment, and access to economic opportunities. Call him Tapiwa. He isn't one person he's built from several people I've spoken to over the years, their details merged so no single one of them is recognizable, because none of them agreed to be named in a newspaper. He lost the use of his legs to a road accident in 2011. He finished his accounting diploma from a hospital bed, graduated with a distinction, and has sent out job applications every year since. Some employers cite the stairs at their offices. Others say nothing at all. At the Munhumutapa Day celebrations last week, a benefactor handed out wheelchairs to people with disabilities. It was one instance of a ritual Zimbabwe repeats constantly. The benefactor stood beaming beside a seated recipient, whose face was arranged into gratitude for the camera. The caption spoke of dignity restored, hope renewed. Nobody asked why the recipient did not own a wheelchair before that morning, or what happens to their prospects the day after the cameras leave. This is the charity model of disability, and Zimbabwe has never really moved past it. It treats disability as a misfortune to be softened by generosity, not as a condition shaped by a society that built its offices without ramps and its hiring panels without imagination. The disabled person's role is to receive and be grateful. The benefactor's role is to give and be photographed. Everybody performs their part, and the underlying arrangement of the country goes untouched. The alternative asks a different question: not what can be given today, but what has been withheld for years. Access to buildings. Access to an interview that isn't quietly binned the moment the candidate walks in using crutches. Access to a salary, a pension, the ordinary machinery of an adult life. A wheelchair is equipment. A job is standing. Every disability survey Zimbabwe has run in the past decade shows the same pattern: prevalence in the double digits, formal-sector employment nowhere close to matching it. Vocational programmes exist. Placement afterward is where they fail. Companies willing to fund a wheelchair handover already have HR departments and boardrooms they could just as easily open up. That would cost less than a donation and mean considerably more. It would not photograph as well. Gratitude is more telegenic than a payslip. But a payslip changes a life in ways a wheelchair cannot. Tapiwa still has the wheelchair he was given in 2013. He uses it every day. He would trade the memory of that donation, gladly, for one callback that turned into an offer letter. Nobody has asked him which he would prefer. Nobody usually does. The day people with disabilities dance at a public event because they got hired, not because they got given something, is the day the photographs finally change. Simbarashe Namusi is a media expert writing in his personal capacity. disability employment in Zimbabwe

By Staff Reporter HARARE-The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) Harare Region on Saturday held commemorations to remember trade unionists who were assaulted by police during a protest in September 2006. The event took place amid reports that similar commemorations in Masvingo, Mutare and Chinhoyi had been disrupted by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). The annual commemorations honour 147 trade unionists who were arrested, tortured or assaulted on September 13, 2006, after gathering to demand better wages and improved social and economic conditions. Several of the workers sustained serious injuries, some of which reportedly resulted in permanent disabilities. Historical accounts by human rights organisations and trade union bodies document arrests and assaults in several Zimbabwean towns, including Harare, Masvingo, Mutare and Chinhoyi. Speaking at the 2026 commemorations, ZCTU secretary-general Tirivanhu Marimo said the 2006 events represented an assault on workers’ rights to organise, assemble, express themselves and advocate for improved conditions. He also criticised the reported disruption of this year’s events in Masvingo, Mutare and Chinhoyi, saying it suggested that trade unionists continued to face restrictions when exercising their rights. “On this solemn occasion, we remember the workers and trade union leaders who endured unimaginable suffering,” Marimo said. He recalled the arrests and alleged mistreatment of senior ZCTU officials, including former union leaders Lovemore Matombo, Wellington Chibebe and Lucia Matibenga at Matapi Police Station in Harare. Injuries suffered by union leaders Marimo highlighted the injuries suffered by Chibebe, who was ZCTU secretary-general at the time. He said Chibebe sustained fractures to his wrist and hand, a scalp laceration and extensive bruising, with some of the injuries reportedly causing lasting damage. Historical accounts by Amnesty International and international trade union organisations record that Chibebe suffered serious head injuries and fractures, while Matombo and Matibenga also sustained significant injuries during the 2006 crackdown. Marimo said Chibebe later required surgery and continued to experience limited use of his left hand. Chibebe now serves as director of the International Labour Organisation country office in Lusaka, covering Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, and as the ILO’s special representative to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa. Marimo also recalled that Matombo suffered a broken arm and finger, while Matibenga sustained injuries that included whip marks, lacerations and damage to her ears. Other trade unionists remembered during the event included Moses Ngondo, Denis Chiwara, James Gumbi and George Nkiwani, who reportedly sustained various fractures and other serious injuries. “These were trade unionists whose crime was participating in organised labour action,” Marimo said. “We remember comrades who were beaten on the soles of their feet and left with lasting disabilities. We remember all those whose physical and psychological wounds were carried long after the headlines disappeared.” Concerns over later crackdowns Marimo said the ZCTU’s concerns about police conduct did not end with the events of 2006. He cited the arrests of ZCTU leaders, including Peter Mutasa and Japhet Moyo, during protests against economic and fiscal measures in October 2018. He also referred to the national stay-away called by the ZCTU in January 2019 following a sharp increase in fuel prices. According to Marimo, the subsequent crackdown resulted in deaths, arrests and injuries, including gunshot wounds. Human rights organisations documented serious abuses during the January 2019 unrest, although accounts of responsibility and the circumstances surrounding individual incidents have been contested. The ZCTU has continued to call for the protection of trade union rights, including freedom of association, assembly and collective action. The union’s 2026 commemorations were intended to honour those affected by the 2006 violence while drawing attention to continuing concerns over the treatment of workers and labour organisations in Zimbabwe. ZCTU Police Brutality Day 2026

A Harare couple has appeared in court over allegations involving the sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl. By Staff Reporter HARARE-A 20-year-old Harare woman and her 22-year-old husband have appeared in court facing allegations that they were involved in the rape of the woman’s 10-year-old sister. The couple, from Garikai, Whitecliff North, appeared before Harare magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa and were remanded in custody. They were advised to apply for bail at the High Court. The allegations relate to incidents in August 2026, when the girl was visiting her sister in Whitecliff during the school holidays. According to the State's case, the girl had been staying at the house for about a week when her brother-in-law allegedly entered a room where she was sleeping with her sister’s son. The court heard that the woman allegedly locked the door from outside, leaving her husband alone with the child. The man is accused of sexually assaulting the girl and allegedly threatening her with a knife afterwards. The State further alleged that he used a container to collect blood from the child. The court heard that the woman later returned, opened the door, and allegedly left with her husband while carrying the container. Second alleged assault The man is further accused of returning to the room the following day and calling his wife to lock the door again while he allegedly assaulted the girl for a second time. The allegations came to light on September 15, when the girl reportedly told her grandmother about the alleged abuse. Her grandmother subsequently assisted her in reporting the matter to the police, leading to the arrest of the couple. The girl was referred to hospital for medical examination, with the medical report expected to be presented in court as part of the evidence. The couple is facing allegations and has not been convicted. The State will be required to prove the charges in court before any finding of guilt can be made. The matter remains before the courts, with the accused pair in custody pending further proceedings. Harare couple court rape allegations A Harare couple has appeared in court over allegations involving the rape of a 10-year-old girl, with both accused remanded in custody.

Police recovered 110 goats and sheep in two separate stock-theft investigations. By Staff Reporter HARARE-Police have arrested eight suspects and recovered more than 100 goats and sheep in two separate stock-theft cases in Nyamapanda and along the Harare-Bulawayo Road. In the first case, police in Nyamapanda arrested seven suspects at about midnight on September 21, 2026, in connection with a stock-theft case. The arrests resulted in the recovery of 82 goats and eight sheep that were being transported in a Hino truck, registration number ADF 7973. The truck was being driven by Farai Mabhandi of Chinake Village, Kotwa, according to police. The second case involved the recovery of 20 live goats following a high-speed police chase along the Harare-Bulawayo Road. Police arrested Lloyd Fibion, also known as “Beware”, 38, on September 21 in connection with the case. According to national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the arrest followed an incident on September 20 when police stopped a white Toyota Hilux, registration number AGE 1549, at the 39-kilometre peg along the Harare-Bulawayo Road. The driver allegedly failed to comply with police instructions and sped towards White House before abandoning the vehicle with an accomplice. The two men reportedly fled on foot. Police recovered 20 live goats, three cellphones and the Toyota Hilux at the scene. Subsequent investigations led to Fibion's arrest in Stoneridge, Harare. On September 22, two complainants positively identified the recovered goats as their livestock, police said. Investigations are continuing to establish the whereabouts of the second suspect, who remains at large. The two cases resulted in the recovery of 110 animals 102 goats and eight sheep. Police have continued to warn communities to remain vigilant against stock theft and to provide information that could assist investigations. The arrests and recoveries form part of ongoing police efforts to disrupt livestock theft, which remains a concern for farmers and rural communities. All the suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. Zimbabwe stock theft

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy named Zimbabwe among 47 countries whose citizens he claimed Russia is using in its war. By Staff Reporter HARARE-Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that Russia is using citizens from 47 countries in its war against Ukraine, naming Zimbabwe among the countries whose nationals he said had been drawn into the conflict. Zelenskyy made the claim while addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday. “We know that Russia uses citizens of 47 countries in its war, in this war,” Zelenskyy said, before naming Ghana, Nepal, Tajikistan, India, Yemen, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Cuba, Belarus and South Africa, among others. The Ukrainian president did not provide a complete list of the 47 countries in his speech, nor did he give a figure for the number of citizens from any individual country, including Zimbabwe. He also did not provide details in the address on how many Zimbabweans he alleged were involved or the circumstances under which they may have travelled to Russia. Zelenskyy said Ukraine had encountered foreign nationals among people involved in the war and claimed that some had ended up in Russia through what he described as “deception and tricks”. “People from your countries – 47 countries – who ended up in Russia through deception and tricks,” he said. He appealed directly to governments whose nationals he said were being used by Russia to take steps to protect their citizens. “I want to speak directly to every representative of these 47 countries: You know what Russia is doing with your people, your citizens. Take care of them. And do not let them end up on another front,” Zelenskyy said. Zimbabwe's inclusion Zimbabwe's inclusion in the 47-country figure therefore comes directly from Zelenskyy's statement, rather than from an independently published Ukrainian government breakdown identifying all 47 countries. The Ukrainian president's remarks also do not establish how many Zimbabweans, if any, are currently serving with Russian forces. The statement comes amid broader reports and diplomatic concerns over the involvement of foreign nationals in Russia's military effort. Zelenskyy specifically referred to prisoners of war from countries other than Russia and North Korea during his address. The claim about the 47 countries and the alleged involvement of their nationals should therefore be attributed to the Ukrainian president unless further independent evidence is published. Zimbabweans recruited by Russia

Mpundu Valerie Jairos Jiri Children's Centre had a surprise visit from Hon. Makahamadze who decided to celebrate his 53rd birthday with the learners, a gesture described by the Head, Mr. Baramasimbe K., as a great honour that left everyone moved and grateful. The celebration was filled with joy as learners, teachers and staff gathered to mark the special day, sharing cake, song, dance and laughter. Hon. Makahamadze spent time interacting with the children, creating a warm and memorable atmosphere for everyone present. "We had a surprise visit from Hon. Makahamadze, it was his 53rd birthday and he decided to celebrate with us. It was such an honour." "We are actually grateful for this gesture, not many could have done so on their special day. We were moved by this." Bara said the visit brought rare joy and excitement to the learners, who seldom receive such recognition and inclusion. "It was quite an honour and pleasure to have him with us. Everyone was excited, the learners were happy and we look forward to seeing such events happening." A male teacher at the centre echoed the Head's sentiments, saying the celebration boosted the morale of both staff and learners. "We were inspired by his humility. He sat with the children, shared a meal, it meant so much." Mrs K..added that moments like these make learners feel seen and happy. Someone important remembered them on his important day." Bara concluded by thanking Hon. Makahamadze and wishing him well, describing the birthday celebration as an early Christmas gift and the start of a lasting friendship. "We really want to thank Hon. for remembering us at this critical moment and we continue praying and wishing him well. We could call this an early Christmas present and we are all excited. As we continue celebrating may this mark the continuation of friendship so long." Hon Andrew Makahamadze 53rd birthday

By Staff Reporter GOKWE- A 22-year-old cashier at an EcoCash outlet in Gokwe has died after allegedly consuming a poisonous substance following the reported loss of US$300 in a betting transaction. The incident occurred at Krima Business Centre in Gokwe on September 19, 2026, at about 10am, according to police. The deceased was identified as Kuzivakwashe Gava of Gava Village under Chief Madyangove in Chivi. He was employed as a cashier at an EcoCash shop. Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed that police were investigating the circumstances surrounding the death. “Police in Midlands are investigating circumstances surrounding a sudden death case where a 22-year-old man died after consuming a poisonous substance at Krima Business Centre, Gokwe, on September 19, 2026, at about 10am,” Mahoko said. According to the police account, Gava allegedly transferred US$300 from his employer’s EcoCash agent line to his personal EcoCash account. Police allege that he subsequently used the money for betting and lost the entire amount. Mahoko said Gava then allegedly consumed maize grain tablets. He reportedly sought medical attention at Krima Clinic but died while receiving treatment. “Out of pain, he rushed to Krima Clinic for medical attention where he died while receiving treatment,” Mahoko said. Police have appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward. The circumstances surrounding the death remain under investigation, and police have not publicly released further details about the substance allegedly consumed or established the full circumstances leading to the incident. Mahoko also urged people experiencing overwhelming circumstances to seek counselling and other forms of support rather than taking actions that could put their lives at risk. The incident has also renewed attention on the potential consequences of gambling-related financial losses, although the police investigation into Gava’s death remains ongoing. Gokwe cashier death

By Staff Reporter HARARE- The Government has warned aspiring nurses against paying money to individuals claiming they can secure places in nursing training programmes, saying recruitment by the Ministry of Health and Child Care is free. Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Sleiman Kwidini said applicants should report anyone demanding payment in exchange for a training place to the police or Ministry officials. Kwidini was speaking in Victoria Falls on Monday following the publication of adverts inviting suitably qualified Zimbabweans to apply for nursing training intakes. The adverts have attracted thousands of applicants competing for a limited number of places, according to the Ministry. Government has since received reports of individuals allegedly demanding money from applicants in exchange for securing places, prompting renewed warnings against recruitment fraud. “We are here today to alert our own citizens as the Ministry of Health and Child Care. We advertised nursing recruitment, but we have heard of so many reports of people who are making people pay for the nursing recruitment,” Kwidini said. “But let me be clear on this one. The Ministry of Health and Child Care does not make people pay for the recruitment.” Recruitment process is free Kwidini said applicants should be cautious of people presenting themselves as recruitment agents or claiming to have access to nursing training places. He urged anyone approached with such an offer to report the matter rather than making a payment. “So, definitely, if one is being called by the so-called recruiters, saying we want to give you a place, report them to the police,” he said. The Deputy Minister reiterated that applicants are not required to pay the Ministry for recruitment. “Because what we know is the Ministry does not charge for recruitment. It’s totally free,” he said. Kwidini said nursing recruitment had been decentralised to districts and provinces as part of measures aimed at reducing opportunities for corruption and bringing the process closer to applicants. “That is why we have decentralised nursing recruitment to districts and provinces across the country. We want to address this corruption whereby people are made to pay to be recruited,” he said. The Government has previously taken action over alleged irregularities in nursing recruitment. In March, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) called for greater transparency in health-sector recruitment, while authorities have also investigated allegations involving payments for nursing placements. Applicants urged to follow official requirements Kwidini warned that Ministry officials found to be involved in demanding payments could face dismissal. He urged prospective trainees to rely only on the requirements contained in the official recruitment advertisement and to avoid individuals who claim they can guarantee admission in exchange for money. “Don’t ever be defrauded by individuals demanding to be paid, purporting to have secured a place for you. What you just need to do is to meet the requirements stated in the advert for the recruitment,” he said. The warning comes as Government continues to expand and decentralise nursing training. In September, Maphisa District Hospital Nursing School in Matabeleland South reopened with an initial intake of 25 students, while Gweru Provincial Hospital has expanded into specialist nurse training. Applicants are therefore being urged to verify recruitment information through official Ministry channels and to report suspected fraud instead of paying individuals claiming to have influence over the selection process. nursing recruitment bribes Zimbabwe

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Nyasha Mhungu and Olga Muzhingi in Glen View 3. By Staff Reporter HARARE- Police have launched an investigation after a married couple was found dead in their bedroom at their home in Harare’s Glen View 3 suburb on Wednesday. The deceased have been identified as Nyasha Mhungu, 35, and his wife, Olga Muzhingi, 30. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said investigators were working to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths. “They were found dead in their bedroom,” national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said. Police said the couple had reportedly experienced a marital dispute before their deaths, but did not disclose the cause or manner of death. Investigations were continuing as officers worked to establish what happened. Olga’s brother, Nebert Muzhingi, said the couple had been experiencing marital problems and had recently involved their respective families in efforts to address the dispute. “On Monday, I was with them, and everything was okay. Little did I know there would be another flare-up,” he said. Police have not publicly confirmed whether either spouse was responsible for the other’s death, and the reported marital dispute should not be taken as establishing a link between the dispute and the deaths. The case comes less than two weeks after the deaths of Midlands State University lecturer and Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission commissioner Dr Martin Muduva, 42, and his wife, Lyliosa Chirara, 43, in Dzivarasekwa Extension. In that case, police said Chirara allegedly attacked Muduva during a domestic dispute, after which she allegedly ingested poison. Muduva later died at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals from injuries sustained during the incident. Police investigations into that case were also continuing. The Glen View deaths are also being investigated, with police expected to establish the cause and circumstances surrounding the fatalities as the inquiry progresses. Glen View couple found dead

By Staff Reporter HARARE- The United States will conclude its health assistance programmes in Zimbabwe at the end of September 2026, following Zimbabwe’s decision to withdraw from negotiations over a proposed bilateral health Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). US Ambassador to Zimbabwe Pamela Tremont confirmed the planned wind-down, saying Washington respected Zimbabwe’s decision not to proceed with the proposed agreement. The development marks the end of more than two decades of US-supported health programmes in Zimbabwe, particularly in HIV prevention, treatment and health-system strengthening. “For more than two decades, the United States and Zimbabwe have worked together to strengthen health systems and expand access to HIV prevention, care, and treatment,” Tremont said. She said the partnership had contributed to Zimbabwe achieving more than 95 percent HIV epidemic control, with 97 percent of people living with HIV knowing their status, 98 percent of diagnosed people receiving antiretroviral therapy and 96 percent of those on treatment achieving viral suppression. US-supported programmes have included HIV treatment and prevention initiatives, antiretroviral medicines, pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis, condoms, family planning services and support for health workers. Zimbabwe declined new US health agreement The current withdrawal follows the collapse of negotiations over a proposed US$367 million bilateral health agreement that was intended to provide US health assistance over five years. The proposed MoU was based on a new US funding model involving co-investment by recipient countries, with Washington presenting the approach as a way of promoting sustainability and greater national responsibility for health programmes. Zimbabwe withdrew from the negotiations in February, with Government raising concerns about provisions relating to health data and other aspects of the proposed arrangement. Government officials described the proposed terms as unacceptable and raised concerns about data sovereignty and access to biological resources. The United States, however, presented the proposed agreement as a framework for continued health investment and co-financing. The two sides therefore offered different accounts of the disputed provisions. Tremont said Zimbabwe’s decision meant that existing US-supported programmes would now come to an end. “With Zimbabwe’s decision to decline a bilateral health MOU, U.S.-supported health programs will conclude at the end of September,” she said. She added that the US Embassy was working with the Ministry of Health and Child Care and other partners to ensure a responsible handover. US shifts towards trade and investment The end of health assistance does not mean that Washington is ending its wider engagement with Zimbabwe. Tremont said the US Embassy would continue working with the Zimbabwean Government and people, with greater emphasis now being placed on economic, trade and investment opportunities. “The U.S.-Zimbabwe relationship now pivots: from one largely focused on health and humanitarian assistance, to one built on broader economic, trade and investment opportunities to drive prosperity for Zimbabweans and Americans alike,” she said. She identified areas including agriculture, water, technology, energy, infrastructure, climate-smart solutions, artificial intelligence and mining as potential areas for increased cooperation. The transition places greater responsibility on Zimbabwe to sustain health programmes previously supported by US assistance, while Washington seeks to establish a broader economic relationship with Harare. The US health programme withdrawal is therefore a change in the structure of bilateral cooperation rather than an end to US-Zimbabwe diplomatic relations. US health funding Zimbabwe

By Staff Reporter MBERENGWA-A 61-year-old Mberengwa man has died after he was allegedly struck several times on the head and face with a farm brick during a domestic dispute, police have confirmed. The deceased has been identified as Manford Mchede, while his wife, Thokozane Tshuma, has been arrested in connection with the incident. The incident occurred at Village Mnandi, under Chief Chizungu in Mberengwa, at around 10 pm on September 20, 2026. Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said preliminary investigations indicated that Mchede and Tshuma were at their homestead when a misunderstanding reportedly developed between them. “The situation allegedly escalated into a physical confrontation, during which the suspect is alleged to have picked up a farm brick and used it to strike the now deceased several times on the head and face,” Mahoko said. Police attended the scene after a report was made at ZRP Mberengwa and found Mchede unresponsive. A blood-stained farm brick, which police believe may have been used in the alleged attack, was recovered at the scene. “The body was conveyed to Mberengwa District Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination,” Mahoko said. Tshuma has since been arrested and remains in police custody while investigations continue. The circumstances surrounding the confrontation and the precise cause of Mchede’s death are subject to investigation and post-mortem findings. The arrest means Tshuma is a suspect in the case and has not been convicted of any offence. Any criminal liability will have to be determined through the due legal process. Police urged members of the public to seek assistance when domestic disputes escalate. “The ZRP strongly condemns violence, particularly violence within families and intimate relationships. Members of the public are urged to resolve domestic disputes peacefully and to seek assistance from police, traditional leaders or other relevant authorities before disagreements escalate into violence,” Mahoko said. The case remains under investigation. Mberengwa woman arrested

Marian Chombo was awarded 45% of the value of the rights and benefits attached to the Allan Grange Farm lease. By Staff Reporter HARARE- The High Court has awarded Marian Chombo 45 percent of the value of the rights and benefits held under her former husband Ignatius Chombo’s 99-year lease over Allan Grange Farm. Justice Philipa Phillips ruled that the approximately 3,098-hectare farm remains State-owned land. The court did not transfer ownership of the land to either spouse. Instead, it determined how the economic rights arising from the registered lease should be apportioned between the former spouses as part of their matrimonial property dispute. The ruling brings to an end a dispute over the farm that remained unresolved after the couple’s divorce in 2012. The Chombos entered into a customary marriage in 1985 before solemnising their civil marriage in May 1993. Their divorce was granted on August 31, 2012, after most of their matrimonial property issues had been resolved. The Allan Grange lease remained outstanding. The farm, situated on the boundary of Zvimba and Mhangura, is held under a 99-year lease registered through a Notarial Deed of Lease in May 2007. The Supreme Court later remitted the matter to the High Court to determine the value of the parties’ respective interests in the lease and make an equitable distribution. Dispute over the lease's value Chombo argued that the lease and farming operation had little or no positive economic value when the marriage ended because the enterprise was heavily indebted. He told the court that he had obtained the farm from Government and invested substantially in its development, including tractors, combine harvesters and centre pivots. He said banks had financed seed, fuel, machinery and labour, leaving him indebted to three banks by the time of the divorce. Chombo also told the court that he subsequently assumed responsibility for the liabilities and repaid Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe loans in 2018. His position was that the farming operation represented a financial burden rather than a valuable matrimonial asset. He said the family had largely depended on benefits he received as a Cabinet minister and that the farm had not generated profits. He estimated that about US$2.7 million would be required to rehabilitate the farming operation and said he hoped a future joint venture could make it profitable. Marian presented a different account of the farming enterprise. She told the court that both spouses had applied for the farm and that she had helped complete the application before the lease was ultimately registered in Chombo’s name. She said that while Chombo was largely based in Harare attending to Cabinet duties, she managed the farming operations. Her evidence included overseeing wheat, soya and commercial maize production, together with chicken, beef and dairy projects. She also told the court that proceeds from the farming activities contributed towards family expenses, including school fees for their two children. Justice Phillips found that the former spouses had operated the farming enterprise as a partnership during the marriage, with each making different but complementary contributions. Why Marian was awarded 45 percent The court considered the matter under Section 7 of the Matrimonial Causes Act [Chapter 5:13], which gives the High Court power to divide, apportion or distribute matrimonial assets according to the circumstances of a particular case. Justice Phillips found that Marian’s substantial contribution justified an equal division as the starting point. The court nevertheless took into account Chombo’s responsibility for the farming liabilities after the parties separated. The judge therefore adjusted the starting point by five percentage points, resulting in Chombo receiving 55 percent and Marian 45 percent of the value of the rights and benefits attached to the lease. “Benefits come with liabilities, we take the good with the bad,” Justice Phillips said. The judgment does not give Marian Chombo ownership of 45 percent of Allan Grange Farm itself. The land remains vested in the State. What the court apportioned between the former spouses was the economic interest represented by the rights and benefits under the 99-year lease. This distinction is important because a leasehold interest is legally different from ownership of the underlying land. The court also allowed Marian to remain in occupation of the farmhouse, where she has lived since the 2012 divorce settlement. It directed that when her 45 percent entitlement is demarcated or otherwise given effect to, it must include the farmhouse and surrounding area. Both former spouses were ordered to bear their own legal costs. The ruling illustrates how a long-term leasehold interest acquired during a marriage can be considered in the distribution of matrimonial property, even where the underlying land remains owned by the State. Marian Chombo Allan Grange Farm