Simon Rudland Lawyers for businessman Simon Rudland have demanded that the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) retract an article they say falsely accused him of financing violent protests aimed at toppling President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government. The legal team has given the broadcaster two days to remove the article or face court action. In a letter dated Tuesday, Rudland’s lawyer Norman Chimuka of Chimuka Mafunga Commercial Attorneys wrote to ZBC chief executive Sugar Chagonda demanding “a full, unconditional, and unreserved withdrawal” of the publication, along with an expression of regret. The dispute centres on a ZBC article published on March 10 titled “Kasukuwere, Mambondiyani plot violent protest using Biti’s forum, ZINASU and bloggers as fronts.” The report alleged that Rudland was “the major sponsor” behind plans to organise demonstrations and had “wired substantial amounts of money” to support the effort. It also named former minister Saviour Kasukuwere and activist Danmore Mambondiyani, claiming they were working to orchestrate mass protests aimed at forcing political change. According to the article, the alleged activities were linked to the Constitutional Defenders Forum, a group associated with former finance minister Tendai Biti, which opposes proposals to extend Mnangagwa’s presidential term. Rudland’s legal team said the publication would lead any reasonable reader to conclude that he was involved in financing efforts to violently overthrow a constitutionally elected government. They argued that such claims effectively amount to accusations of treason, which they described as false and damaging. “The article falsely imputes treasonous actions to our client while relying on and hiding behind unverified sources,” the lawyers said. They also criticised ZBC for allegedly failing to seek comment from Rudland before publication, saying this fell short of accepted journalistic standards. The lawyers warned that failure to comply with the demand would result in legal proceedings, including an application for an injunction and a claim for damages. “They will pursue legal remedies without further notice,” the letter states. The case adds to ongoing tensions between media organisations and public figures over reporting standards, verification processes, and the handling of politically sensitive allegations. Simon Rudland ZBC

A technical flowchart illustrating the 'Ghost Employee' fraud cycle, showing the flow of misrepresented data from the fraudster to the financial institution and the subsequent laundering of illicit funds. Harare, Zimbabwe- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)  have arrested 39-year-old Lionel Tanaka Zvarivadza in connection with a sophisticated fraud and money laundering scheme that prejudiced a local financial service provider of USD $91,500. The suspect is accused of fabricating a corporate loan agreement using "ghost employees" recruited from the streets to siphon funds from the complainant. According to a statement released by Detective Inspector R. Muteweri, the fraud involved a multi-layered misrepresentation of corporate identity and employment status. The Fictitious Agreement:  Zvarivadza allegedly entered into a contract with a lender, claiming his private security company would facilitate loans for its staff. Repayments were supposedly to be deducted directly from salaries. The Recruitment: The suspect recruited 35 individuals from the street, posing them as legitimate security guards. The Payout: Upon providing forged confirmation letters, the lender disbursed individual loans ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. These funds were handed directly to Zvarivadza. The Discovery: The scheme collapsed when the loans went unserviced. Enquiries with the actual security company revealed they had no such agreement and that the "borrowers" were never on their payroll. Zvarivadza faces dual charges that carry significant weight under Zimbabwean law: Fraud: As defined in Section 136 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. Money Laundering: Contravening Section 8 of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act (Chapter 9:24). Currently, none of the $91,500 has been recovered. The suspect is scheduled to appear in court today, March 20, 2026. The police have urged financial institutions and the transacting public to move beyond "paper-deep" verification. The ease with which confirmation letters were forged in this case highlights a critical need for: Direct, independent verification with HR departments. Site visits to verify the physical existence and operational scale of "partner" companies. Biometric or digital identity verification for individual loan applicants. Lionel Tanaka Zvarivadza arrest fraud

NPA logo Harare — National Prosecuting Authority HARARE —   The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ)  has confirmed the death of Shingirai Chikosha (47), a driver with the institution who had been missing since last week. In a statement issued on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, the NPA said Chikosha was discovered in Norton following extensive search efforts. He was last seen alive on 12 March at around 9 pm in Kuwadzana 2, Harare, driving a white Kia Picanto, registration number AGE 4599. “The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe regretfully informs members of the public that Mr Shingirai Chikosha, who had been reported missing since 13 March 2026, has been found deceased in Norton. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is currently conducting thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and subsequent death. The Authority kindly appeals to anyone who may have information that could assist the Police in their investigations to report to their nearest police station. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr Chikosha’s family, particularly his wife and children, as they navigate this profound loss.” The ZRP  has launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding Chikosha’s disappearance and death. Authorities have appealed to members of the public with relevant information to assist police by reporting to their nearest station. The NPA expressed gratitude to individuals and organisations who participated in the search and offered support during the difficult period. The incident has raised concern within the justice sector, highlighting the vulnerability of staff members and the importance of swift investigations to ensure accountability. Colleagues and community members have extended condolences to Chikosha’s family. NPA driver found dead Norton

Flooded bridge in Zimbabwe At least 134 people have died since the start of Zimbabwe’s 2025/26 rainy season, according to the latest report from the Department of Civil Protection , as flooding continues to wreak havoc across the country. The report also recorded 56 cases of people being marooned, while 237 schools have been damaged by heavy rains and rising water levels. “The rising levels in water bodies and flooding of rivers have prompted cases of marooning, people being swept away, huts collapsing, and communities cut off from essential services,” the department said. Infrastructure has been severely affected, compounding challenges for already vulnerable communities. On Sunday, traffic was halted for nearly an hour at Shangani Bridge along the Gweru–Bulawayo Highway after floodwaters submerged the crossing. Gweru District Development Coordinator Tarisai Mudadigwa said the flooding was unprecedented for the area, noting that more than 170mm of rain fell within just nine hours. The crisis has also disrupted school activities. A group of primary school pupils on a weekend trip to a nearby wildlife sanctuary were forced to extend their stay after roads became impassable due to flooded streams. The Zimbabwe National Water Authority has since issued warnings over dam spillages and controlled water releases at major reservoirs, including Tugwi-Mukosi, Mutirikwi, and Manjirenji, raising further flood risks downstream. Several rescue operations have been carried out in recent days. In Zvishavane District, 16 gold panners were stranded in the Muchingwe River on March 15 but were successfully rescued. In Chiredzi District, four men were also rescued after attempting to cross the flooded Runde River. However, some incidents have ended in tragedy. In Muzarabani, twin siblings attending early childhood classes at Utete Primary School drowned on March 9 while trying to cross a flooded stream. On March 16, two men were swept away while crossing the Munyati River in Gokwe using a makeshift boat. One was rescued, while the other remains missing. Authorities say civil protection mechanisms have been activated at all levels, from national to village structures, to coordinate response efforts. The government says funds have been released to support disaster response operations, with humanitarian assistance including food and essential supplies being distributed to affected households. With more rain expected, officials are urging communities to avoid crossing flooded rivers and to heed safety warnings as the risk of further incidents remains high. Zimbabwe floods 2026; death toll floods Zimbabwe

Petrol pump Key Takeaways Zimbabwe fuel prices have surged to $2.17 per litre, triggering economic pressure Global oil prices linked to tensions involving Iran are a factor — but not the full story Zimbabwe’s fuel price increase is driven largely by structural dependence on imports High fuel costs are accelerating inflation and cost-of-living pressures Without reforms, the fuel price crisis in Zimbabwe  will remain cyclical Zimbabwe Fuel Prices Jump to $2.17 Per Litre Zimbabwe’s latest fuel price increase, with petrol now at $2.17 per litre, has triggered a familiar wave of frustration. Social media is awash with anger, commuters are bracing for higher fares, and businesses are quietly recalculating their costs. The explanation being offered is equally familiar: global oil prices are rising, driven by escalating tensions involving Iran in the Middle East. It is true, but it is not the whole truth. Because while the trigger may be global, the pain Zimbabwe is experiencing is largely homegrown. Just weeks ago, petrol prices in Zimbabwe were hovering around $1.73 per litre. The jump to $2.17 represents an increase of roughly 25 percent in a very short space of time. That is not just a price adjustment; it is a shock. And unlike in some economies where such shocks are cushioned, in Zimbabwe they are transmitted almost instantly—from global markets to the fuel pump, and from the fuel pump to the kombi rank. In fact, at current levels, Zimbabwe's fuel prices are now noticeably higher than in many neighbouring countries, amplifying the pressure on both businesses and consumers. How Global Oil Prices and Iran Tensions Affect Zimbabwe Conflict involving Iran matters because oil is a global commodity. When supply is threatened in key regions, prices rise everywhere. Shipping routes become riskier, insurance costs increase, and markets react accordingly. Zimbabwe, like most countries, buys fuel at these global prices, so when oil goes up, Zimbabwe pays more. But here lies the critical point: every country faces the same global prices, yet not every country ends up paying $2.17 per litre. Why Zimbabwe Pays More Than Its Neighbours Zimbabwe’s fuel price is not just a reflection of global markets, it is a reflection of structural dependence. The country produces no crude oil, has no meaningful refining capacity, and imports nearly all its fuel. Being landlocked adds another layer of cost, as fuel must pass through ports in Mozambique or South Africa before travelling long distances inland. Each stage of port handling, pipeline, and road freight adds cost. In effect, Zimbabwe does not just import fuel; it imports cost, risk, and vulnerability. Many governments respond to global price shocks with buffers such as subsidies, strategic reserves, or stabilisation funds. Zimbabwe largely does not. Instead, fuel prices in Zimbabwe are adjusted frequently in line with global movements. This approach avoids long-term fiscal strain, but it comes at a price: immediacy. There is no shock absorber in the system. When global oil prices spike, the impact is felt in Harare within weeks, sometimes days. The Hidden Costs Behind Fuel Prices in Zimbabwe Global oil prices, however, are only one part of the equation. The final pump price is built up through several layers: taxes and statutory levies, financing costs tied to fuel import arrangements, transport and logistics expenses, and risk premiums associated with operating in a high-cost environment. Together, these factors create a structurally high base price, meaning that even modest increases in global oil prices translate into sharp movements at the pump. This raises an uncomfortable but necessary question: how much of Zimbabwe’s fuel price is global, and how much is policy? How Fuel Prices Drive Inflation and Cost of Living Fuel is not just another commodity; it is the engine of the economy. At $2.17 per litre, transport costs rise, food prices follow, businesses adjust upwards, and household budgets tighten. In Zimbabwe’s context, where incomes are already under pressure, the effect is immediate and unforgiving. Fuel prices do not just reflect inflation, they drive inflation in Zimbabwe. Blaming global events alone is convenient, but incomplete. Yes, the situation involving Iran matters, and global oil markets are inherently volatile. But Zimbabwe’s challenge is deeper. It is an economy designed in a way that amplifies external shocks. A landlocked, import-dependent system with limited buffers will always transmit global crises directly to citizens. This is not accidental; it is structural. What Zimbabwe Can Do to Reduce Fuel Price Shocks There are no quick fixes, but there are necessary conversations. Can Zimbabwe rethink its fuel tax structure? Is there scope for regional fuel procurement strategies? Should the country invest more aggressively in alternative energy? Can financing models for fuel imports be made cheaper and more efficient? Without addressing these questions, the cycle will persist. Today it is $2.17. Tomorrow, it could be higher. As long as Zimbabwe remains heavily exposed to global fuel markets without adequate buffers, every external shock, whether in Iran, Eastern Europe, or elsewhere, will continue to show up in one place: the pump price, and ultimately, in the daily lives of Zimbabweans. Zimbabwe is not just reacting to global crises. It is structurally positioned to absorb their worst effects. Until that changes, fuel price increases in Zimbabwe  will not be isolated events they will be a pattern. Simbarashe Namusi is a peace, leadership and governance scholar as well as media expert writing in his personal capacity. Zimbabwe fuel prices

A strategic infographic illustrating the flow of digital data from European telecommunication providers to military command and control centers, highlighting the vulnerability points exposed in recent leaks. Harare, Zimbabwe / Paris, France- The global telecommunications landscape is facing a significant shift following a high-level breach of the Israeli Army’s secure communication infrastructure . The cracking of command communication codes has not only compromised operational security but has also illuminated a network of European firms providing the backbone for the regime's military data and connectivity. The Corporate Network: Exposed Partners The disclosure identifies several key European players whose involvement in the military field is now under intense public and ethical scrutiny. Company Origin Primary Military/Security Contribution NA-NET COMMUNICATION GmbH Germany-Austria Telecommunications, VoIP services, and military-grade network infrastructure. Orange S.A. (formerly France Télécom) France Data center infrastructure, internet, and high-security network data services. Enegan S.p.A. Italy Telecommunications services, allegedly operating under the "energy efficiency" sector. The "Dual-Use" Dilemma The exposure of these firms highlights the growing controversy surrounding dual-use technology commercial infrastructure that is adapted for combat or military coordination. Orange S.A.: As a major French multinational, its deep-rooted involvement in data center and network infrastructure makes it a critical component of state-level communication, now revealed to extend into active military theater support. Enegan S.p.A.: The Italian firm’s reported involvement is particularly sensitive, as its public profile focuses heavily on "energy services for businesses." The claim that it provides telecommunications support to the military under this guise raises questions regarding corporate transparency  and the accuracy of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting. The Threat to Business Continuity For these corporations, the leak is more than a technical failure; it is a reputational crisis. The disclosure of their roles provides a new lens for the global public and activist groups to evaluate their "true nature." Industry analysts suggest that this exposure could lead to: Contractual Volatility: Increased pressure on European governments to review defense-related exports and service contracts. Public Backlash: Divestment campaigns and consumer boycotts, particularly in markets sensitive to the Middle East conflict. Security Overhauls: A forced migration to new, unexposed infrastructure providers, incurring massive costs for the IDF. European companies Israeli army communication leak

Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown Botswana Southern African football fans are set for a thrilling regional showcase later this month, after Mukuru was confirmed as the title sponsor of the upcoming Four Nations Tournament in Francistown, Botswana. The competition will run from March 28 to 31, 2026, at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium, bringing together four national teams: Botswana, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Organisers say the tournament is designed to celebrate regional football while providing teams with valuable competitive match experience. Attention is now turning to the official draw, scheduled for March 24, which will be broadcast live on SuperSport. The draw will determine fixtures and kickstart the countdown to the tournament. In a statement released on March 19, Mukuru said its sponsorship reflects a commitment to supporting sport and community engagement across Southern Africa. “The competition… promises to deliver an exciting celebration of Southern African football,” the statement read. The Four Nations Tournament is expected to showcase both established and emerging talent from across the region, with national teams using the platform to test combinations and build momentum ahead of future international competitions. Matches will be played at a single venue in Francistown , offering fans a compact and high-energy football experience over four days. Regional tournaments such as this have become increasingly important in strengthening football development and fostering unity among neighbouring countries. For Zimbabwe, the competition offers an opportunity to assess squad depth and refine tactics against familiar regional rivals, while Botswana, as hosts, will look to capitalise on home support. With anticipation building, fans across the region will be watching closely as the draw sets the stage for what promises to be an entertaining and competitive tournament. Four Nations Tournament 2026 Mukuru sponsorship

What Is Civic Responsibility? Definition & Responsibility By Simbarashe Namusi   A country does not collapse in a single, dramatic moment. It erodes slowly, almost invisibly, through everyday decisions that seem too small to matter. You see it in familiar scenes. A kombi cuts across lanes and ignores a traffic light with no consequence. A queue dissolves the moment someone claims urgency or invokes a connection. A small payment quietly changes the outcome of what should have been a straightforward process. None of these moments, in isolation, feels significant. Together, they form a pattern. That pattern is what determines whether a nation functions or fails. The Incomplete Burden of Leadership There is a persistent tendency to place the burden of national dysfunction entirely on leadership. It is an easy argument to make, and not without merit. But it is also incomplete. Leadership can design systems, pass laws, and set direction, but it cannot substitute for the daily behaviour of millions of citizens. The difference between a functioning country and a struggling one is not simply the quality of its laws. It is the extent to which those laws are followed. Zimbabwe does not lack rules. On paper, the frameworks are extensive and, in many cases, sufficient. What is inconsistent is compliance. When rules are treated as flexible, something to be negotiated, bypassed, or selectively applied, the system itself begins to lose coherence. Traffic laws become suggestions. Procedures become inconveniences. Accountability becomes negotiable. The Penalty of Discipline At that point, the system is no longer a system in the true sense. It becomes a contest in which outcomes are shaped less by fairness or merit and more by proximity to power, willingness to bend the rules, or ability to navigate around them. In such an environment, discipline is not rewarded, it is often penalised. Those who follow the rules find themselves delayed, disadvantaged, or overtaken by those who do not. Illegal parking This is where the more serious damage occurs. Over time, people adjust their expectations. Compliance begins to look less like responsibility and more like naivety. When breaking the rules consistently produces faster or better results, it stops being an exception and becomes the norm. A culture takes shape in which the question is no longer whether to follow the rules, but whether it is worth it. The Fragility of Trust A functioning nation depends on something more fragile than enforcement, trust. It requires a shared belief that the system works, that fairness is possible, and that following the rules will not place one at a disadvantage. Once that belief is weakened, compliance declines. Once compliance declines, enforcement alone cannot restore order. There is also an uncomfortable reality that is often avoided. Selective respect for rules is not a lesser problem it is the problem. It is not enough to demand order in one space while tolerating disorder in another. A society cannot expect discipline in its institutions if indiscipline is normalised in everyday life. The line between minor infractions and systemic failure is thinner than it appears, because both are driven by the same underlying attitude: that rules are optional. Consistency as the Engine of Development Discussions about development frequently focus on resources, capital, infrastructure, and investment. These are important, but they are not foundational. Development is sustained by consistency. It depends on predictable systems, reliable processes, and a general expectation that rules will be followed. Without that, even well-designed policies struggle to produce results. This is why countries that function well often appear unremarkable. Their success is not built on extraordinary moments, but on ordinary discipline. People follow systems. Systems hold. Over time, that consistency compounds into stability and growth. The Citizen’s Mandate There is no shortcut around this policy. No reform can fully compensate for a culture that resists order. At some point, the responsibility extends beyond institutions and falls on citizens themselves. Not in theory, but in practice, in how people drive, transact, queue, and interact with systems daily. Illegal vending in the city centre In the end, a nation is not defined by the laws it writes , but by the behaviour it tolerates. Where rules are routinely ignored, the system weakens, regardless of how well it is designed. Where rules are consistently respected, the system holds, even under pressure. A country where rules are optional is not simply unfortunate. It is undisciplined. The Civic Responsibility Index (CRI) How much are you contributing to a predictable and stable nation? The Civic Responsibility Index (CRI) Interpreting Your Score Mostly Highs:  You are a System Builder . You are providing the "ordinary discipline" that compounds into national growth. Mixed Results:  You are a Pragmatist . You see the value of rules but are often swayed by the immediate benefits of "bending" them. Mostly Lows:  You are a System Disrupter . Your actions, while seemingly small, contribute to the erosion of trust and the eventual collapse of public systems. Simbarashe Namusi national governance discipline About the Author:   Simbarashe Namusi is a peace, leadership, and governance scholar as well as a media expert writing here in his personal capacity.

Tobacco pests, white flies Harare, Zimbabwe- The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB)  has issued a high-priority directive to all tobacco growers nationwide, urging the immediate and thorough destruction of tobacco stalks following the 2025/26 harvest. The board emphasized that failure to properly clear fields poses a severe risk of pest carryover and disease outbreaks that could compromise the quality of the upcoming crop. Unlike typical clearing, where slashing or cutting might suffice, tobacco stalks require a more rigorous approach to ensure field hygiene. Why Uprooting is Mandatory: Prevents Regrowth: Slashing or cutting stalks often leads to shoot regrowth. These "volunteer" plants act as a bridge for pests like aphids and tobacco whiteflies. Disease Reservoir: Stalks left in the ground can harbor viral diseases such as Tobacco Leaf Curl and Bushy Top, which can survive between seasons and infect new seedlings. Nutrient Conservation: Regrowth continues to drain valuable soil nutrients, including Nitrogen and Potassium, which should be preserved for the next planting cycle. Farmers are reminded that stalk destruction is not just a best practice but a regulatory requirement under the Plant Pests and Diseases Act . Failure to destroy stalks by the gazetted deadline can result in heavy fines or the suspension of grower numbers. "Field Preparation Checklist" for the 2026/27 season, including soil testing and fumigation best practices TIMB’s Recommended Protocol: Uproot the Entire Plant:  Ensure the root system is completely pulled from the soil. Dry and Burn:  Once uprooted, stalks should be allowed to dry and then safely burnt to eliminate any remaining pathogens. Monitor for Volunteers:  Regularly scout fields during the fallow period to ensure no secondary regrowth occurs. TIMB tobacco stalk destruction 2026

Displaced Sudanese families at the refugee camp The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has intensified security patrols at Makpandu refugee camp in Yambio, Western Equatoria, following a deadly attack that claimed the life of a Sudanese refugee. Peacekeepers conducted a ground patrol to assess the security situation and engage with local authorities, security forces, and refugee representatives, amid growing concerns over the safety of civilians in the camp. Makpandu hosts thousands of refugees who fled conflict in neighbouring Sudan, seeking safety in South Sudan. However, deteriorating security conditions have left many families fearing for their lives once again. Among them is Bekia Mahadi, a mother of eight, who says the situation has become increasingly distressing. Refugees report that armed individuals frequently enter the camp, firing weapons, intimidating residents, and looting or destroying property. “These incidents have forced some families to flee into nearby bush areas at night in search of safety,” humanitarian sources say. The violence has heightened anxiety among already vulnerable populations, many of whom have experienced displacement multiple times due to ongoing regional instability. UNMISS said its patrols aim to deter further attacks, improve coordination with local security structures, and rebuild trust within the community. The mission emphasised that protecting civilians remains a core priority, particularly in areas hosting large refugee populations. Humanitarian agencies warn that continued insecurity could undermine relief efforts and worsen living conditions for thousands of displaced people who depend on aid. UN peacekeepers say sustained engagement, including regular patrols and closer cooperation with local authorities, will be critical to restoring stability in Makpandu. For refugees like Mahadi and her children, the hope is that increased security measures will bring lasting protection and allow families to rebuild their lives without fear. UNMISS patrol South Sudan refugees security

Bernard Hwete Harare, Zimbabwe- Ex-convict Bernard Hwete , widely known as "Liquid Yonke," has returned to the prison system less than two years after his release, following a bizarre refusal to perform community service. Despite being offered a non-custodial sentence for the theft of a high-value iPhone, Hwete told the Harare Magistrate  that he would not clean the city, arguing that such tasks are the sole responsibility of the Harare City Council. Hwete, who completed a drug-related sentence in March 2024, blamed a "lady of the night" for his legal relapse. According to his account: The Incident: While at a nightclub on Nelson Mandela Avenue, a woman allegedly stole a high-end iPhone. Hwete grabbed the device from her, unaware of the impending "chaos." The Valuation Gap: Hwete attempted to "settle" the matter by offering the woman US$40 for the phone. However, the victim was reportedly tipped off that the device’s market value was comparable to a Honda Fit (approximately US$3,000–$5,000). The Arrest: Following the failed negotiation, Hwete was reported to the police and subsequently convicted of theft. By choosing incarceration over community service, Hwete has entered a facility currently operating at over 200% capacity. Capacity: 1,128 inmates. Current Population: 2,260 inmates. The Sentence: 12 months in prison, with five months suspended (effectively seven months to serve). Despite his defiance in court, Hwete was among the beneficiaries of a recent outreach initiative by the Pathway to Reintegration Foundation (PAREF)  and the ZPCS . The event saw a significant donation from Madzibaba Nigel Dokwani  of Johanne Masowe yeChishanu, who provided inmates with: Plastic shoes and toiletries. Toothbrushes and soccer balls to aid in recreation and hygiene. The case highlights a growing concern for the judiciary: while community service is designed to de-congest prisons, the refusal by convicts to participate further strains an already overextended correctional system.   Bernard Hwete Liquid Yonke prison

Warren Chiwawa Suspicious items found outside the office of Harare City Council ’s newly appointed chamber secretary, Warren Chiwawa , have triggered unease among staff and speculation about possible witchcraft. The incident reportedly occurred at Town House, the headquarters of the Harare City Council, where Chiwawa’s office is located. According to reports, cat faeces were discovered smeared on the door to his office early one morning. In a separate incident, a dead bird and peanuts were allegedly found in his designated parking bay. The unusual findings have fuelled suspicions among some employees that the items may have been placed deliberately, possibly as part of ritual practices associated with black magic. Chiwawa confirmed the incidents, saying the situation has been unsettling. “Someone has been performing black magic at my office and parking bay since last week. It is scary,” he said. Harare mayor Jacob Mafume acknowledged being briefed on the matter, describing the developments as concerning, though he questioned the persistence of such beliefs. “Yes, our chamber secretary briefed me on the matter, but it is surprising that there are people who still believe in black magic,” Mafume said. The incidents have reportedly heightened anxiety among staff, with some expressing discomfort about accessing certain areas within the building. One employee who removed the items said they took precautionary measures, including sprinkling salt on the materials before disposing of them. While such incidents are rare in formal workplace environments, they are not entirely unheard of in Zimbabwe, where beliefs in witchcraft and spiritual practices remain prevalent in some communities. Experts note that allegations of ritual activity often emerge in contexts of workplace rivalry or leadership disputes, particularly in positions associated with influence or authority. Authorities have not indicated whether any formal investigation has been launched, and it remains unclear who may be responsible for placing the items. Harare Town House incident witchcraft claims