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  • Bindura man remanded for posting ex‑girlfriend’s audio online

    Bindura Magistrates Court BINDURA — A 24‑year‑old man, Kudakwashe Lordship Tengende, has been remanded in custody after being charged with cyberbullying  for allegedly posting an obscene audio clip of his ex‑girlfriend on social media, court sources said. Prosecutors told the Bindura magistrate’s court that on 2 February, Tengende forcibly took the mobile phone of his former partner, Catherine Chikuni, and accessed private voice notes. The notes reportedly contained intimate messages Chikuni had sent to a friend in which she said she had slept with another man. The State alleges Tengende then uploaded the audio to Facebook and TikTok, exposing the complainant and causing her humiliation. Tengende faces a charge of cyberbullying and was remanded in custody pending further court proceedings. In his defence, Tengende told the court he did not intend to humiliate the complainant and described his actions as revenge. “Your worship, I did not humiliate or demean her. It was simply revenge for what she had done to me,” he said. The matter was postponed for continuation to 2 March. Posting intimate material without consent can attract criminal charges and civil remedies under laws addressing privacy, harassment, and cyber offences . Courts typically consider factors such as the defendant’s intent, the harm caused to the complainant, and whether the material was obtained by unlawful means. Victim support groups and legal advisers often urge prompt reporting, preservation of evidence, and access to counselling for those affected by non‑consensual sharing of intimate content. Bindura cyberbullying remand 2026

  • ZERA Increases Fuel Prices as Diesel Hits US$1.77 and Petrol US$1.71

    Fuel pump at a Zimbabwe service station The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has increased fuel prices with effect from 4 March 2026, citing rising international oil costs. In a notice issued late Wednesday, the regulator said the new prices take immediate effect and will remain valid for the next two weeks, in line with Zimbabwe’s fuel pricing cycle. Under the latest review, diesel has risen to US$1.77 per litre, up from US$1.52, while petrol now costs US$1.71 per litre, compared to US$1.56 previously. ZERA indicated that prices would have been significantly higher were it not for government intervention. According to the notice, the actual calculated price was US$1.90 per litre for diesel and US$1.81 per litre for petrol before the State reduced certain charges to cushion consumers. “The petroleum prices are with immediate effect from 4 March 2026 for the next two weeks,” ZERA said. “In the meantime, ZERA will be closely monitoring market developments to ensure that there is adequate supply in the market. “The above prices are as a result of Government reducing some of its charges to cushion consumers from astronomical increases that have happened due to changes in the international market. “Without Government cushioning, the actual prices would have been US$1.90 per litre for diesel and US$1.81 per litre for blend.” The upward adjustment comes amid renewed volatility in global oil markets. Crude prices have climbed sharply in recent days following escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Market uncertainty intensified after reported joint US–Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory actions, raising fears of potential supply disruptions in a region that accounts for a substantial share of global oil production. As a result, benchmark prices, including Brent crude, have surged, feeding into higher pump prices worldwide. Zimbabwe, which imports all of its fuel requirements, is particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in international oil markets. Fuel price movements have a broad impact on the domestic economy, influencing transport costs, food prices, and overall inflation. Businesses and commuters are expected to feel the immediate effects of the latest increase, although the government’s partial cushioning has moderated the full extent of the rise. ZERA reviews fuel prices every two weeks based on international oil prices, exchange rate movements, and statutory charges. ZERA fuel prices; Zimbabwe fuel increase; Global oil prices

  • FIFA President Gianni Infantino Backs Launch of Zimbabwe’s Munhumutapa Challenge Cup

    Launch event at Celebration Centre FIFA President Gianni Infantino  has congratulated Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) President Nqobile Magwizi following the official launch of the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup , Zimbabwe’s premier national knockout competition. In a message marking the occasion, Infantino described the new tournament as a significant step for the development of football in Zimbabwe, highlighting its potential to strengthen the game at all levels. “This competition will strengthen football development across Zimbabwe, from grassroots to elite levels, while creating opportunities for communities, young people, and the wider game,” Infantino said. The Munhumutapa Challenge Cup was officially launched at the Celebration Centre in Borrowdale, Harare, and inaugurated by President Mnangagwa. Backed by a US$5 million per season sponsorship, the tournament is positioned as a flagship domestic competition aimed at raising standards and increasing competitiveness among clubs nationwide. Organisers say the competition is designed to improve visibility for teams across Zimbabwe while fostering broader participation in the sport. It is expected to provide a platform for emerging talent and contribute to more structured club governance. ZIFA President Magwizi welcomed Infantino’s message, describing it as an important endorsement from world football’s governing body, FIFA. “FIFA’s congratulations affirm that our vision for a competitive, inclusive and professionally managed domestic competition is aligned with global standards,” Magwizi said. According to ZIFA, the tournament will adopt a nationwide format to ensure representation from across the country, reinforcing its ambition to be a truly national competition. Officials also say the initiative will support the growth of women’s football and grassroots development structures. The launch comes at a time when Zimbabwean football authorities are seeking to rebuild and reposition the domestic game, strengthen administration, and restore confidence among stakeholders. With backing from national leadership and recognition from FIFA, the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup is expected to become a central feature of Zimbabwe’s football calendar. Football analysts say sustained investment and transparent governance will be key to ensuring the tournament delivers long-term impact. If successfully implemented, the competition could mark a new chapter for Zimbabwean football, offering a pathway for talent development while strengthening unity through sport. Gianni Infantino; Zimbabwe; Munhumutapa Challenge Cup; ZIFA

  • AFM Wins High Court Battle Over Mbare Property

    High Court of Zimbabwe building in Harare HARARE – Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe (AFM) has secured a decisive legal victory in a long-running property dispute after the High Court of Zimbabwe granted summary judgment in its favour. In a ruling delivered by Justice Joel Mambara, the court dismissed claims by a rival faction calling itself the Apostolic Faith Mission of Zimbabwe and six others, describing their repeated litigation as “vexatious” and without merit. Dispute Over Mbare Stand At the centre of the case was stand number 12921 Salisbury Township Lands, measuring 3 045 square metres and also known as 12921 Chaminuka Street in Mbare, Harare. The property is registered in the name of the Trustees of the Time Being of the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe. The respondents argued that the applicant lacked locus standi, claiming it was distinct from AFM in Zimbabwe. They relied on the alleged existence of a notarial trust deed appointing different trustees. They also argued that both parties were affiliates of an international church body and that the litigation had not been properly authorised. Court Rejects Defence Justice Mambara rejected the arguments, ruling that the identity of AFM in Zimbabwe, its governance structures, and ownership of its properties had already been conclusively determined by previous judgments of both the High Court and the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe. The judge described the attempt to separate the applicant from AFM in Zimbabwe as “artificial and untenable,” noting that the courts had repeatedly pronounced on who constitutes the church and who holds its properties. “First, the attempt to separate the applicant from AFM in Zimbabwe is artificial and untenable. This court and the Supreme Court have pronounced, in clear terms, on who constitutes AFM in Zimbabwe and on the ownership of its properties,” Justice Mambara said. The court also dismissed reliance on an unspecified notarial deed, observing that no such document was produced and no trustees were identified. There was no evidence to show how the alleged deed could override the church’s constitution or previous binding rulings. No Genuine Issue for Trial On the issue of authority, the court accepted that AFM in Zimbabwe’s constitution provides for the establishment of a trust to hold church property, with certain office bearers automatically becoming trustees by virtue of their positions, a structure already recognised by the courts. Justice Mambara ruled that there was no genuine issue requiring a full trial and warned against abusing court processes to reopen matters that have already been settled. Summary judgment was granted, barring the respondents from asserting any right, title, or interest inconsistent with the applicant’s ownership of the Mbare property. The court also ordered the respondents to pay costs on the higher attorney-and-client scale. “This matter exemplifies persistent and obstinate litigation in defiance of settled law. The respondents have been before the courts repeatedly on these issues and have been unsuccessful on each occasion,” Justice Mambara stated. AFM Zimbabwe Mbare property dispute

  • High Court assessor jailed for soliciting US$1,974 bribe in Bulawayo

    Bulawayo Magistrates Court BULAWAYO —  A 64‑year‑old High Court assessor, Ceaser Nkomo, has been sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment after a Bulawayo court found him guilty of soliciting a bribe of US$1,974 from a member of the public in exchange for promising to upload the complainant’s case onto the Judicial Service Commission system. Nkomo was convicted alongside an accomplice, 30‑year‑old Shingirai Mpungu, who remains at large. The case was heard before Bulawayo regional magistrate Sibonginkosi Maphosa, and prosecutors relied on electronic transaction records and witness testimony to secure the conviction. The State told the court that the complainant had filed a civil matter at the Bulawayo High Court under HC1424/21 in 2021, but later discovered the case was no longer on the court roll. In 2024, the complainant visited the High Court to seek reinstatement and met Nkomo, who promised to assist. Nkomo allegedly told the complainant a US$20 search fee was required and later introduced him to Mpungu, falsely presenting the younger man as a High Court registrar. The accused repeatedly demanded money via calls and messages. On several occasions, the complainant sent funds via  EcoCash  and, at one point, made a direct payment, bringing the total lost to US$1,974. Investigators established that the bribe payments were received through EcoCash, and evidence showed Mpungu was not employed at the High Court, prompting the complainant to report the matter to the police. Magistrate Maphosa sentenced Nkomo to eight years’ imprisonment, suspending two years on condition of good behaviour and suspending a further one year provided Nkomo pays restitution to the complainant by 30 June. The effective custodial term to be served is five years. Prosecutor Owen Mugari urged a harsh sentence, arguing that Nkomo’s conduct had brought the J udicial Service Commission (JSC)  into disrepute. “His actions have soiled the reputation of the JSC, as bribery is a serious offence. A custodial sentence is the only appropriate punishment for this crime, which has become a cancer threatening the fabric of society,” Mugari told the court. Magistrate Maphosa noted Nkomo had deliberately misled the complainant, repeatedly claiming he was with a judge at the Gweru Circuit Court when contacted. The State said Nkomo was a repeat offender, with a prior conviction for theft in 2016. The conviction and sentence underscore the courts’ stance that corruption and the abuse of judicial office will attract custodial penalties, particularly where public trust in judicial institutions is at stake. Legal observers said the case highlights vulnerabilities in informal access to court processes and the need for clear public guidance on legitimate channels for case enquiries and reinstatement. Authorities continue to seek Shingirai Mpungu , and investigations remain ongoing. Bulawayo assessor jailed bribe 2026

  • Supreme Court upholds sentences in US$3m Delatfin stands theft

    Land at the centre of the Delatfin dispute HARARE —   The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal and upheld 18‑year prison terms for two former employees of Delatfin Civil Engineering  convicted of stealing and selling residential stands valued at more than US$3 million, the court ruled on Monday. The convicted men, Jacob Muyambo  and Saymore Mutakura , were originally sentenced to 20 years by Harare magistrate Stanford Mambanje, who suspended two years on condition of good behaviour, resulting in an effective 18‑year term. The pair were tried alongside car dealer Amos Kagona, who died by suicide on the day he was due to be sentenced. The High Court judges of appeal, Justices Happius Zhou and Neville Wamambo , earlier dismissed the defendants’ appeal, finding the magistrate acted within the law and that the state’s evidence was credible. The judges noted the stolen property’s value, established by an auditor’s testimony, exceeded US$3 million, and described the offences as premeditated and committed in aggravating circumstances. The Supreme Court bench of Justice Mavangira, Justice Lovender Makoni, and Justice Hlekani Mwaera affirmed the lower courts’ decisions, formally dismissing the appeal and bringing the legal dispute to a close. The ruling also ordered that the residential stands be returned to Delatfin’s registry, which the court said shall assume ownership of the land. Court reasoning and sentence considerations The appellate courts acknowledged mitigating factors, including that the convicts were first‑time offenders, but concluded these were outweighed by aggravating elements such as abuse of office, persistence in the criminal enterprise, and the substantial value of the property involved. The judges said a lenient sentence would send the wrong message and that the punishment must reflect the high degree of moral blameworthiness. Magistrate Mambanje had found that Muyambo, acting as finance manager, abused his position to facilitate the illegal sales. The scheme reportedly involved preparing forged sale agreements that falsely showed authorised transactions, with proceeds shared among the conspirators while Delatfin remained unaware. Practical and wider implications The Supreme Court’s decision resolves ownership questions affecting purchasers of the disputed stands: Delatfin will assume ownership, potentially affecting those who bought plots from the convicted parties. The ruling is likely to influence ongoing efforts to protect corporate assets and deter internal fraud in property development. Legal observers say the case underscores the courts’ willingness to impose substantial custodial sentences in large‑scale fraud involving corporate property and to prioritise restitution of stolen assets to affected companies. Delatfin stands theft Supreme Court 2026

  • Online campaign promotes Patrice Motsepe as potential ANC leader

    Patrice Motsepe JOHANNESBURG —   A new online campaign is promoting South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe  as a prospective leader of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) , injecting early speculation into the party’s succession contest ahead of its national conference next year. The campaign website describes Motsepe, 64, who currently serves as president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) , as “the most credible, unifying, and visionary leader to guide the ANC.” It argues that his business background and continental profile would position him to lead the party after President Cyril Ramaphosa  completes his second and final term. The site does not identify its backers, and Motsepe has not publicly endorsed the push; he has previously said he does not seek political office. Context and timing South Africa’s next general election is more than three years away, but the ANC will select a successor to Ramaphosa at its elective conference next year. Leadership contests within the ANC often begin well before formal nomination periods, with factions and interest groups mobilising support through networks, endorsements, and public campaigns. The emergence of an online effort for Motsepe reflects this pattern of early positioning. Motsepe’s profile and public stance Patrice Motsepe is a mining magnate and philanthropist who has been prominent in business and sports administration. Elected CAF president in 2021, he has cultivated a public image focused on continental development and investment. Observers note that while high‑profile business figures can attract interest as potential political leaders, converting private‑sector credibility into party leadership requires navigating complex internal dynamics, policy debates, and grassroots support within the ANC. Motsepe has not commented on the campaign. There is no public evidence that he has authorised or endorsed the website promoting his candidacy. Party response and implications The ANC issued a reminder to members about its rules prohibiting early campaigning, underscoring the party’s efforts to manage internal competition and preserve orderly selection procedures. Party officials have in the past disciplined or cautioned members who flout internal regulations on campaigning. Reactions to the Motsepe push have been mixed. Supporters of an outsider candidate argue that a non‑traditional figure could help renew the party’s image and attract investment, while critics say an externally driven online campaign may not reflect the party’s internal processes or the preferences of its membership. Analysts caution that the ANC’s elective outcome will depend on negotiations among established party figures, provincial delegations, and organised constituencies. What to watch In the months ahead, expect intensified jockeying among potential contenders, behind‑the‑scenes coalition‑building, and public positioning by influential party structures. Any serious candidacy would require formal nominations, endorsements from ANC branches, and engagement with the party’s electoral college. For now, the Motsepe campaign remains an early, unofficial expression of interest that highlights the fluidity of succession politics within South Africa’s dominant party. Patrice Motsepe ANC campaign 2026

  • Gokwe chief warns adultery cases rising as child marriage persists

    GOKWE NORTH —   A traditional leader in Gokwe North District , Midlands Province, has warned of a growing erosion of marital values after reporting a steady rise in adultery cases brought before his community court. Chief Vimbai Toringepi  of Copper Queen Farms told Masvingo Mirror  that his court now handles four to five adultery cases every month , a trend he described as deeply troubling and symptomatic of declining respect for marriage in the area. He said many cases involve married women and younger men , while others involve affairs between married people. “Most cases we are handling nowadays are adultery cases involving married women with single boys and even other married men as well,” Chief Toringepi said. “It is a pity how women no longer respect their marriages and have extra‑marital affairs. Every month we have four to five adultery cases. Sadly, this generation of young women you call Ama2000 is proving to be different and difficult in terms of human dignity.” Local leaders and court records indicate that adultery disputes are increasingly common in village mediation forums, placing strain on customary dispute‑resolution mechanisms and family structures. Chief Toringepi said the cases are not only a moral concern but also a source of social tension that can undermine community cohesion. He urged families, elders, and community institutions to reassert values that support stable marriages and to engage young people in conversations about responsibility and respect. Chief Toringepi also highlighted child marriage  as an ongoing problem. He said such cases are supposed to be reported directly to the police, but many go unreported because villagers fear reporting neighbours or relatives. “When it comes to child marriages, we refer them to the police directly. However, the challenge is that most of these cases go unreported because villagers are afraid of reporting each other. The law is there, but people are still doing it, and the cases just disappear,” he said. The chief called on community members to speak out against harmful practices and to cooperate with authorities to ensure that legal protections for minors are enforced. Chief Toringepi urged community leaders, religious institutions, and local government to intensify awareness campaigns on marital fidelity, child protection, and the legal consequences of harmful practices. He warned that silence and inaction would allow social decay to take root and stressed the need for collective responsibility in safeguarding family values. Local police and social services were not immediately available for comment. Community activists said they would welcome stronger outreach and support services for families and young people. Gokwe adultery cases 2026

  • Heavy rains flood Bulawayo suburbs as emergency teams respond

    Bulawayo Fire Brigade Chief Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo BULAWAYO —   Several high‑density suburbs in Bulawayo were left flooded after heavy rains battered the city from Tuesday afternoon into the evening, city fire and emergency officials said. Bulawayo Fire Brigade Chief Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo  said the worst‑affected areas include Luveve 5, Emakhandeni, and Pelandaba West. He attributed the flooding to blocked weep holes that prevented stormwater from draining away, causing water to accumulate in residential sections. “The flooding has been attributed to weep hole issues, which have resulted in water accumulation in residential sections,” Moyo said. Emergency teams were dispatched to assess damage and assist affected residents. Local fire and rescue crews focused on: Evacuating residents from the most inundated homes where necessary. Clearing access routes to allow relief vehicles and ambulances to reach affected areas. Assessing structural risks to houses and communal infrastructure. Authorities urged residents to avoid driving through deep water and to report blocked drains and damaged infrastructure to municipal services. Causes and recurring challenges City officials and community leaders pointed to recurring factors that worsen urban flooding: Blocked stormwater drains caused by litter and poor waste disposal. Unregulated construction on wetlands and low‑lying areas reduces natural drainage. Inadequate maintenance of drainage infrastructure, including weep holes and culverts. Urban planners and environmental advocates say addressing these root causes requires coordinated action between municipal authorities, community groups, and residents to improve waste management, enforce planning regulations, and maintain drainage systems. Advice for residents Authorities recommended practical steps for residents during and after heavy rains: Avoid walking or driving through floodwater. Move valuables and important documents to higher ground inside the home. Report blocked drains and damaged infrastructure to the Bulawayo City Council or emergency services. Follow instructions from emergency teams and local leaders. Municipal crews will continue clearing drains and inspecting vulnerable areas. Officials said they will prioritise repairs to weep holes and stormwater channels and urged communities to support clean‑up efforts to reduce future flood risk. Bulawayo flooding 2026

  • Trump Faces Scrutiny Over Justification for Iran Strikes

    Donald Trump Washington, DC – As US and Israeli forces expand military strikes on Iran, the administration of US President Donald Trump has offered shifting explanations for the campaign, alternately citing an immediate threat and a long-term nuclear danger posed by Tehran. Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump defended last year’s US strikes, claiming they led to the “obliteration of Iran’s nuclear programme.” Moments later, however, he warned that Iran’s ballistic missile ambitions and potential nuclear capabilities still posed an urgent threat. “An Iranian regime armed with long-range missiles and nuclear weapons would be an intolerable threat,” Trump said, adding that the US itself had been “very nearly under threat.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth  echoed the president’s stance, framing the military action as decisive and aligned with Trump’s “America First” agenda. Secretary of State Marco Rubio  offered a different rationale. He said the administration anticipated Israeli action against Iran and expected Tehran to retaliate against US assets, thereby justifying a preemptive American strike. Critics say the administration has presented little concrete evidence to support claims of an imminent threat. Emma Belcher, president of Ploughshares, a denuclearisation advocacy group, questioned the lack of transparency. “They’ve put forth very little evidence, and that’s a huge problem,” she said. “It suggests either they don’t feel accountable or the evidence simply isn’t there.” Under US and international law, a president must demonstrate an imminent threat to justify military action without congressional approval. Daryl Kimball of the Arms Control Association said available intelligence does not indicate Iran was close to deploying a nuclear weapon or developing intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capabilities. “The soonest Iran might have been able to produce a bomb would have been months away,” Kimball said, noting that key enrichment facilities were already damaged in earlier strikes. Several Democratic lawmakers who attended classified briefings say they were not presented with evidence of an immediate threat. Senator Tim Kaine said he saw “no imminent threat from Iran to the United States” that would justify military escalation. Senator Mark Warner similarly stated he had not seen intelligence suggesting Iran was preparing a preemptive strike. The debate comes as Trump faces political pressure ahead of the November midterm elections. Early polling suggests limited public support for the military campaign, although many Americans remain undecided. Analysts say the longer the conflict continues, particularly if US casualties rise, the more difficult it may become for the administration to defend its rationale. Critics also point to Trump’s 2018 withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action , arguing that abandoning the nuclear agreement contributed to the current tensions. With Congress weighing war powers legislation and public opinion still unsettled, the administration’s justification for military action remains under intense scrutiny. Trump Iran strikes justification

  • Woman jailed 15 years for aggravated indecent assault in Mutare

    Mutare Magistrates Court MUTARE — A 24‑year‑old woman from the Chief Zimunya area has been sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment by the Mutare Magistrates’ Court after being found guilty of aggravated indecent assault involving a 14‑year‑old boy, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said on Monday. Prosecutors said the victim and the convicted woman both live in the same village in Chief Zimunya’s jurisdiction. According to the NPA, the incident occurred on 23 September 2025 when the boy went to a garden to water vegetables. The woman allegedly followed him, solicited sexual intercourse, and, after he refused, forced him to undress, pinned him down, and had sexual intercourse with him. The abuse came to light when the victim began passing blood in his urine. With the assistance of his uncle, he reported the matter to the police, leading to the woman’s arrest and subsequent prosecution. The court found the evidence sufficient to convict her of aggravated indecent assault, a charge that carries heavy penalties given the age of the victim. The NPA emphasised that sexual offences against minors are grave crimes with long‑term psychological and physical consequences. In a statement, prosecutors noted that the law treats the sexual abuse of children with particular severity and that the conviction reflects the justice system’s duty to protect vulnerable members of the community. Medical and forensic examinations played a role in the investigation, authorities said, and witness testimony, including the victim’s account and the involvement of family members in reporting the incident, contributed to the case presented in court. Details of the defence’s arguments were not disclosed in the NPA statement. Child protection advocates welcomed the sentence as a demonstration that the courts will hold adults accountable for sexual offences against minors. They urged continued investment in prevention, community education, and support services for victims, including counselling and medical care, to address the broader social harms caused by such crimes. Local leaders and social services were called on to support the victim and his family during recovery and to work with law enforcement to prevent similar incidents. The NPA reiterated the importance of timely reporting and cooperation with authorities to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. The case underscores ongoing concerns about child safety in rural communities and the need for robust protective measures. Authorities said they will continue to prioritise investigations into sexual offences and to work with partners to strengthen child protection mechanisms across the region. Mutare aggravated indecent assault 2026

  • City of Harare Fines Resident US$12,000 for Unauthorised Speed Hump

    Illegal Hump The City of Harare  has fined a Tynwald resident more than US$12,000 for installing a speed hump without council approval, citing a breach of the Roads Act. In a letter dated 5 December 2025, the City’s Director of Works , Isiah Chawatama, said the speed hump had been constructed illegally across a public road in Dawn View Park. “It has come to my attention that the occupant or owner of 7714 Dawn View Park, Tynwald, installed a speed hump across a road without authority from the City of Harare Department of Works,” the letter reads. Chawatama said the action violated provisions of the Roads Act [Chapter 13:18], Part VIII, Sections 46 and 47. The homeowner has been instructed to report to Room 404, Fourth Floor, Cleveland House, to obtain an invoice for penalty fees amounting to US$12,450.50. The resident has seven days to settle the fine, failing which the amount will be charged to their rates account. The council also ordered that the speed hump be removed within 48 hours. Residents Group Questions Penalty Director of the Harare Residents Trust , Precious Shumba, said residents must respect the authority of the local council under whose jurisdiction they live. However, he described the size of the penalty as excessive. “While it is an offence to act on council property and infrastructure without seeking council approval, punishment should be reasonable to deter future violations of the council’s bylaws,” Shumba said. He added that the local authority should clearly break down how the penalty was calculated and refer to its approved schedule of fines in the interest of transparency and accountability. “If a fine is excessive, it will be contested, and it becomes an unnecessary expense to the council in lawyers’ fees, to be borne by the ratepayers,” he said. Shumba also warned that imposing punitive fines on residents who may not have the financial means to pay could create further disputes. Follow Proper Channels, Says Councillor Ward 15 councillor Tafadzwa Machirori  urged residents to follow proper procedures before altering public infrastructure. He said residents concerned about speeding vehicles in their neighbourhoods should notify their ward representative or formally approach the council’s roads department to ensure installations comply with regulations and safety standards. The incident has sparked debate over the enforcement of municipal bylaws , public safety concerns, and the proportionality of penalties imposed by local authorities. City of Harare; 12000 fine; resident; unauthorised hump

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