Community Outreach HARARE —  The United States has launched lenacapavir (LEN) in Zimbabwe, a long‑acting injectable HIV prevention drug that will be administered twice yearly and is expected to support 271,000 people over the next three years while preventing more than 9,000 new infections, U.S. officials said at the national rollout. At the national launch, Phillip Nervig, United States Deputy Chief of Mission, described the introduction of LEN as a milestone in decades of U.S.–Zimbabwe cooperation on HIV. The injectable formulation, developed by Gilead Sciences, is designed to improve adherence by reducing the need for daily pills. Health authorities will prioritise young women, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and other at‑risk populations where adherence challenges have limited the impact of oral pre‑exposure prophylaxis. U.S. officials estimate that over three years, LEN will avert more than 9,000 new HIV infections in Zimbabwe. Nervig framed the figures as lives saved rather than abstract statistics, saying the intervention will protect children, men, and women and help them pursue their futures. The twice‑yearly dosing schedule is expected to address missed doses and stigma‑related barriers that have hindered prevention efforts among key groups. The United States remains Zimbabwe’s largest health sector donor, having provided more than US$1.9 billion in taxpayer funding to combat HIV and AIDS in the country. That support has helped Zimbabwe surpass the UNAIDS 95‑95‑95 targets, a global benchmark measuring diagnosis, treatment coverage, and viral suppression among people living with HIV. Nervig said U.S. assistance is evolving under the America First Global Health Strategy, with a renewed emphasis on measurable results and sustainability to help countries achieve self‑reliance. Health authorities will integrate LEN into existing prevention programmes, combining community outreach, clinic‑based services, and targeted campaigns to reach priority groups. Training for healthcare workers, cold‑chain logistics, and monitoring systems will be essential to ensure safe administration and to track uptake and outcomes. Officials said detailed deployment plans and eligibility criteria will be announced as the rollout progresses. Lenacapavir’s long‑acting profile offers Zimbabwe an opportunity to sustain progress against HIV by reducing new infections and improving prevention coverage among populations that have struggled with daily oral regimens. U.S. and Zimbabwean officials framed the launch as a step toward an AIDS‑free generation, contingent on strong government leadership, community engagement, and continued donor support. lenacapavir Zimbabwe launch 2026

ZBC HEADQUARTERS The Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services has strongly rejected allegations published in the Zimbabwe Independent  claiming that US$52 million collected from Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) licence fees is unaccounted for. In a sharply worded statement, the Ministry said it noted “with serious concern and utter disdain” what it described as unfounded allegations, falsehoods, and malicious insinuations aimed at discrediting His Excellency, Emmerson Mnangagwa, as well as the Board and management of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation. Government Rejects US$52 Million Figure The Ministry categorically dismissed the reported US$52 million figure, labelling it an exaggeration and a “complete fabrication.” Officials stated that the actual revenue collected from licence fees is “nowhere near the thumb-sucked figure” cited in the publication. According to the Ministry, there has been no Government audit or forensic investigation into licence fee collections because no evidence of malpractice has been presented to warrant such action. It further noted that ZBC’s internal auditors have not flagged any irregularities. Authorities emphasised that ZBC is scheduled to undergo its routine audit in March, with findings expected to be tabled before Parliament in line with established legislative oversight processes. Reassignment Narrative Rejected The statement also rejected what it termed a “highly insulting narrative,” suggesting that the President reassigned a Minister as punishment for raising governance concerns. The Ministry described this claim as a deliberate distortion designed to undermine the integrity and constitutional authority of the Head of State. Officials stressed that the reassignment of Ministers is a constitutional prerogative exercised in the national interest. Suggesting punitive motives, the Ministry said, amounts to reckless speculation intended to create a false perception of discord within government. Criticism of Independent Media Reporting Beyond addressing the financial allegations, it is worth noting that there is a sustained onslaught by segments of the mainstream independent media against government institutions. It can be argued that some publications have increasingly relied on anonymous sources, speculative figures, and unverified claims in their coverage of state entities. In this instance, the Ministry noted that the reporter allegedly failed to seek comment from the ZBC Chief Executive Officer before publication, a move it described as a breach of basic journalistic ethics and protocol. Officials further stated that no evidence had been produced to substantiate claims that ZBC exceeded its approved expenditure limits. Commitment to Transparency As the supervisory authority over ZBC, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and institutional integrity. It maintained that financial oversight mechanisms remain in place and that Parliament will scrutinise the broadcaster’s audit results in due course. The government’s response signals growing tension between state institutions and sections of the independent press, with authorities warning against what they view as malicious narratives that risk eroding public trust without substantiated proof. AMH response is below; ZBC licence fee US$52 million claim

Manhize Steel Plant is producing wire rod in the Midlands of Zimbabwe. The Government of Zimbabwe is preparing to deploy state-backed industrial financing to revive Lancashire Steel, signalling a renewed push to rebuild domestic manufacturing capacity and reduce reliance on imported wire products. Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndhlovu said Lancashire Steel is being prioritised for possible funding under the Industrial Development Fund. The company is a subsidiary of Zisco Steel, which has faced prolonged operational and financial challenges. “Lancashire Steel, we are prioritising them. We think they are likely to get some bit of funding from the Industrial Development Fund because the wire bars they need are already coming from Manhize,” Ndhlovu said. Leveraging Local Steel from Manhize The availability of wire rod from the Manhize Steel Plant is reshaping Zimbabwe’s industrial outlook. For the first time in years, local downstream manufacturers have access to reliable upstream steel inputs. Wire products used extensively in construction, mining, agriculture, and infrastructure remain one of Zimbabwe’s most import-dependent industrial segments. This dependence has strained foreign currency reserves and exposed the country to regional supply chain disruptions. “That’s the raw material that Lancashire Steel needs to then process different types of wires for our country,” Ndhlovu said. “It’s still a huge import-dependent sub-sector that we want Lancashire Steel to come in and play.” From Raw Exports to Value Addition The initiative reflects a deliberate policy pivot away from exporting raw materials while importing finished industrial goods. Authorities are positioning steel as a strategic lever to drive industrialisation under Vision 2030, particularly as infrastructure development accelerates. Demand for wire products is expected to grow alongside road construction, housing projects, mining expansion, and power transmission investments. Reviving Lancashire Steel would allow Zimbabwe to convert domestic steel output into downstream industrial growth. Once a cornerstone of the country’s manufacturing base, Lancashire Steel declined in parallel with Zisco Steel during two decades of deindustrialisation. Ndhlovu said the company now has a “bigger opportunity” in 2026 as government policy increasingly supports import substitution and beneficiation. Conditional, Monitored Funding The Industrial Development Fund, administered through the Venture Capital Fund, is structured to provide conditional financing aligned with national priorities such as value addition, export development, and import replacement. “They have to apply, there is a rigorous process,” Ndhlovu said. “We have put strict safeguards to make sure that these monies are repaid.” He stressed that government support would be catalytic rather than a blanket bailout, noting that private investors are also entering the sector. Authorities say maintaining competition is essential to ensuring affordable products for consumers. Strategic Industrial Implications Zimbabwe remains largely excluded from international capital markets due to external arrears and debt constraints, limiting fiscal space for large-scale industrial subsidies. However, the emergence of local wire rod supply from Manhize near Mvuma in the Midlands could significantly improve the economics of domestic processing. If Lancashire Steel secures funding, modernises operations, and scales output, Zimbabwe could reduce import dependence, conserve foreign currency, and begin building a competitive regional steel value chain. Lancashire Steel revival Zimbabwe

Timothy Chiminya (King Munhumutapa) HARARE —  The High Court has overturned the conviction and 10‑month jail sentence handed to traditional leader Timothy Chiminya, who styles himself King Munhumutapa, after he was found guilty last year of allegedly undermining or insulting President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Chiminya was arrested on 16 December 2024 and charged under section 33 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, which criminalises conduct said to undermine the authority of the President. A Harare magistrate, Tapiwa Kuhudzai, convicted Chiminya on 10 November 2025 and sentenced him to 10 months’ imprisonment on 13 November 2025. Prosecutors had alleged that Chiminya acted beyond his mandate by purporting to appoint traditional chiefs, a prerogative reserved for the Head of State, and by claiming to have dethroned certain traditional leaders. On 20 February 2026, a High Court bench comprising Justice Benjamin Chikowero and Justice Maxwell Takuva quashed both the conviction and sentence, effectively acquitting Chiminya after upholding his appeal. The judgment set aside the magistrate’s findings and restored Chiminya’s liberty. Chiminya was represented on appeal by Gift Mtisi of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), which had previously secured bail for him pending appeal. The appeal centred on whether the conduct attributed to Chiminya met the statutory threshold for “undermining the authority of the President” and whether the prosecution had proved the necessary elements beyond a reasonable doubt. Defence counsel argued that the actions complained of fell within customary leadership disputes and did not amount to a criminal offence under section 33. The High Court’s decision to quash the conviction indicates the judges found merit in those arguments or identified procedural or evidentiary defects in the magistrate’s ruling. Civil society groups and legal rights organisations had monitored the case closely. The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights publicly assisted with Chiminya’s defence and secured bail earlier in the proceedings, underscoring concerns among rights advocates about the use of broadly worded offences to regulate speech and customary authority disputes. Observers say the ruling may prompt renewed scrutiny of how section 33 is applied in cases involving traditional leaders and political speech. The High Court’s acquittal brings an end to the criminal sentence, but the broader questions about the scope of section 33 and the relationship between customary authority and state prerogatives remain live. Legal commentators say the judgment could be cited in future challenges to similar prosecutions, and rights groups are likely to continue advocating for clarity and restraint in the use of national‑security or public‑order offences against community leaders.  High court; King Munhumutapa conviction quashed 2026; Timothy Chiminya

Minister of Health and Childcare Honourable Douglas Mombeshora The Zimbabwean government has launched a phased programme to place village health workers on the national payroll, marking a significant policy shift aimed at standardising remuneration and reducing reliance on donor funding. Speaking in the National Assembly, Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora confirmed that the state has begun assuming responsibility for paying thousands of village health workers who were previously funded mainly by non-governmental organisations (NGOs). “We were not paying the village health workers. Some of the village health workers were being paid by different organisations and NGOs,” he told lawmakers. 21,000 Village Health Workers Nationwide Zimbabwe currently has approximately 21,000 village health workers, with an estimated 15,000 previously supported by NGOs. These frontline workers play a critical role in delivering primary healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved communities where access to clinics and hospitals can be limited. The transition follows discussions last year between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, resulting in an agreement to gradually absorb village health workers into government employment structures. “Last year, we had an agreement with the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion that we should take responsibility for all health workers including the village health workers,” Dr Mombeshora said. Treasury Constraints Slow Full Integration Despite the policy commitment, progress has been constrained by limited Treasury allocations. Towards the end of last year, the Health Ministry was granted 5,284 posts, not exclusively for village health workers, and around 3,500 individuals were absorbed. The minister confirmed that additional posts have been requested this year to continue the transition. Authorities hope that by the end of next year, all village health workers will be fully integrated into the government payroll and receiving monthly state salaries. Salaries Tripled Under New Structure As part of the reform, the government has reviewed remuneration levels. According to Dr Mombeshora, the former allowances will be converted into formal salaries valued at three times what workers previously received, following approval from Treasury. The adjustment is intended to make compensation “meaningful” and sustainable, while improving morale among frontline community health staff. However, lawmakers raised concerns about disparities between those already absorbed and those still funded by NGOs. The minister acknowledged the temporary gap but emphasised that NGO-supported workers continue receiving payments, albeit at lower levels than the proposed government salary scale. Strengthening Primary Healthcare Beyond salary reforms, the government is standardising operational support by distributing uniforms, bicycles, and work bags to village health workers across districts. These measures aim to improve mobility, identification, and service delivery efficiency. Officials say the integration programme represents a strategic move to strengthen Zimbabwe’s primary healthcare system, enhance accountability, and ensure predictable, long-term support for community-based health services. Zimbabwe village health workers national payroll

STRAY DONKEYS BULAWAYO —  Residents of Old Pumula say their hopes for a decent harvest are being undermined by stray donkeys and suspected maize thieves, leaving families, especially the elderly, facing increased food insecurity amid worsening economic pressures. Damage and community impact Locals report that unattended donkeys roam into smallholder plots at night, trampling and feeding on maize, while thieves allegedly enter fields under cover of darkness to steal cobs. The losses are particularly acute for vulnerable households that rely on subsistence plots to supplement meagre incomes from informal activities such as selling firewood transported by donkey‑drawn scotch carts. Old Pumula borders peri‑urban settlements, including Robert Sinyoka, St. Peter's, and Hyde Park Estate, areas characterised by limited infrastructure and few formal job opportunities. Residents say the combination of abandoned animals and opportunistic theft is eroding the modest safety net that homegrown maize provides. Community concerns and reports Old Pumula Residents’ chairman Francis Dube described mounting complaints about animals sleeping in fields and the resulting overnight damage. “I receive many reports of donkeys sleeping in people’s fields. One can only imagine the extent of the damage caused overnight,” he said. Dube and other community leaders have also raised alarm over unusually cheap maize being sold locally by vendors offering 10 cobs for US$1, which residents suspect may be stolen produce. Such low prices, they argue, are unsustainable for legitimate farmers and point to illicit sourcing. Elderly residents are among the hardest hit. Quandra Sibanda, who paid for seed and hired labour to plough her plot, said she can no longer harvest the crop she had hoped would feed her family. “It is heartbreaking. I cannot walk, but I bought maize seed and paid people to plough for me, hoping for a good harvest after the rains. Now all that hard work is being destroyed while we watch,” she said. Calls for action Youth and civic groups are urging residents to avoid buying suspiciously cheap maize, warning that demand fuels theft. Givemore Mangena, coordinator of the Pumula Youth Leadership Forum, said: “When people buy cheap maize, they unknowingly support thieves. Those who did not plough are now harvesting from others.” Ward councillor Lazarus Mpandwe acknowledged the problem and attributed it partly to poverty and hunger. He said authorities will engage residents to find solutions and noted that many donkeys appear abandoned after being used for transport. “Some people use donkeys for transport and later dump them. These animals then stray into residential areas and destroy crops,” he said. Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association chair Winos Dube called for stronger enforcement of city by‑laws and urgent action by the Parks department to remove stray animals. He also urged decisive measures to tackle theft and protect vulnerable households. Community leaders plan to escalate complaints to municipal authorities and press for coordinated responses that include animal control, enforcement against theft, and public awareness campaigns to discourage the purchase of suspiciously cheap produce. Old Pumula maize theft 2026; stray donkeys Bulawayo

Accused persons in the Pretoria court PRETORIA — The murder investigation into 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver Isaac Satlat has intensified after three additional suspects were formally joined to the case at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court. The total number of accused now stands at six. New Arraignments and Charges On 18 February 2026, Tumishang Mogau Mabutla (23), Ofentse Senwamadi (18) and Thabang Kenneth Mothwa (27) briefly appeared in court as co-accused. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Gauteng confirmed the charges against each suspect. According to NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, Mabutla faces charges of premeditated murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances. Senwamadi has been charged with premeditated murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances as an accessory after the fact, while Mothwa faces a charge of robbery with aggravating circumstances as an accessory after the fact. Mahanjana told reporters that investigators allege the newly added accused acted in common purpose with three previously charged suspects, Dikeledi Tears Mphela, Goitsione Machidi, and McClaren Mushwana, who had earlier appeared in court. Authorities believe the group disposed of Satlat’s body after the killing and later handed his vehicle to Mothwa so that its tracking device could be removed, allegedly in an attempt to conceal evidence. The three additional suspects were arrested on 16 February 2026 following investigative leads linking them to the crime. Background of the Case Isaac Satlat was killed on 11 February 2026 while working as an e-hailing driver in Pretoria West. The circumstances surrounding his death have sparked concern within South Africa’s e-hailing community, where drivers often face safety risks while transporting passengers. Satlat’s family has publicly emphasized that the killing should be treated strictly as a criminal act rather than an incident motivated by xenophobia. Their appeal aims to ensure the case proceeds without political tension, focusing instead on accountability and justice. Court Timeline and Legal Complexity The matter has been postponed to 23 February 2026 to allow the legal representative for the sixth accused to formally come on record and to enable all six suspects to appear together. Legal analysts note that cases involving multiple accused under the doctrine of common purpose require prosecutors to clearly establish each individual’s role beyond a reasonable doubt. Allegations of body disposal and tampering with tracking evidence, if proven, may strengthen the state’s case by demonstrating coordinated conduct after the crime. Investigations remain ongoing as police continue forensic analysis, review digital tracking data, and interview additional witnesses. Isaac Satlat murder case

MSU GWERU MAIN CAMPUS GWERU By Samuel Mwale Each year, following the release of Zimbabwe’s Advanced Level examination results, as witnessed again in 2025, the country enters a familiar period of heightened activity as universities urgently compete to enroll successful students. Yet this annual scramble underscores a deeper and longstanding structural concern within the higher education sector, the widespread duplication of academic programmes across state universities. Instead of offering diverse and differentiated academic pathways, most public institutions continue to present almost identical portfolios, dominated by commerce, humanities, and social sciences. Zimbabwe indeed boasts a commendable number of state-owned universities, reflecting the government’s commitment to expanding education and human capital development. However, a closer examination of these institutions reveals a concerning trend of homogeneity. Nearly every university now offers similar programmes irrespective of its founding mandate. Even institutions originally established for highly specialised purposes, such as science and technology, agriculture, engineering, or medical innovation, have gradually drifted toward general academic replication. This mission drift has contributed to a national university system characterised by uniformity rather than strategic differentiation, undermining its potential to drive innovation, industrialisation, and sector-specific expertise. Against this backdrop, this article examines the case for establishing and strengthening specialised universities in Zimbabwe. It argues that the country’s development agenda requires a decisive shift away from broad, generalist institutions toward a more focused, mandate-driven higher education ecosystem capable of producing the specialised skills essential for national transformation. Problem Statement The current model of non-differentiated universities in Zimbabwe poses several structural and developmental challenges: Dilution of Mandates : Universities established for specific purposes, such as science and technology, have increasingly adopted non-core disciplines like Commerce and arts: This mission drift weakens focus and confuses institutional identity.  Resource Fragmentation: Replication of similar degree programmes across universities results in inefficient use of limited national resources, laboratories, qualified lecturers, and infrastructure that could otherwise be pooled into centres of excellence.  Weak Research and Innovation Output: When all universities chase similar academic offerings, the system fails to generate specialised research, patents, and innovations that drive national transformation.  Graduate Saturation: The country continues to produce thousands of graduates in fields already oversupplied, such as business management, while critical sectors like Artificial Intelligence (AI), biotechnology, precision agriculture, and renewable energy suffer acute skills shortages. Global Misalignment: Internationally, countries such as Ukraine, China, and Germany have established specialised institutions of medical universities, agricultural academies, and technical universities, each serving as a hub of innovation in their domain. This approach allows for depth, expertise, and measurable impact on national economies. Why Specialisation Matters Specialised universities serve as innovation anchors within a country’s higher education ecosystem. When a university focuses on a defined niche, for instance, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or Agricultural Engineering it:  Develops Deep Expertise: Concentrated focus allows for world-class mastery and leadership in a single field.  Attracts Targeted Investment: Governments and development partners are more willing to fund specialised institutions with clear mandates.  Drives Industry Partnerships: Industries seeking technological or agricultural solutions can easily identify and collaborate with the right institutions.  Enhances Global Competitiveness: Graduates from specialised institutions are better aligned with emerging global skill demands. In a rapidly digitalising world, Zimbabwe urgently needs dedicated universities that lead in ICT, AI, and data sciences areas that are reshaping industries, governance, and social life worldwide. Similarly, a University of Agricultural Sciences could pioneer precision farming technologies and climate-smart solutions vital for food security. Recommendations a) Reaffirm and Enforce Founding Mandates: The Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education should ensure that universities remain faithful to their statutory mandates. Science and technology universities must primarily produce scientists and technologists. b) Rationalise Programme Offerings: Conduct a national audit of university programmes to eliminate unnecessary replication and encourage strategic diversification across institutions. c) Establish Specialised Centres of Excellence: Transform selected universities into specialised hubs, for example: i. Zimbabwe University of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science ii. National School of Agriculture and Food Security iii. Zimbabwe School of Health and Biomedical Sciences iv. University of Renewable Energy and Climate Technologies d) Promote Strategic Partnerships: Encourage collaborations between specialised universities and relevant industries to align research with the national economic priorities. e) Align Funding Models: Allocate resources based on strategic focus and impact potential rather than student numbers alone. Conclusion Zimbabwe’s vision of becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030 depends heavily on a skilled, innovative, and technologically adept workforce. Achieving this requires moving beyond a “one-size-fits-all” higher education model toward a system that prizes depth over breadth. Specialised universities will not only reduce replication and improve resource efficiency but also position the country as a regional hub for innovation and excellence in targeted disciplines. The time has come for Zimbabwe to rethink, refocus, and reimagine its higher education landscape, transforming universities from degree factories into engines of specialised knowledge and national progress. Samuel Mwale writes in his personal capacity and can be contacted On email: smwale2612@gmail.com Mobile/ WhatsApp: +263773435974 Specialised universities in Zimbabwe

Tsikidzi HARARE —  Residents of Matererini and Matapi Flats in Mbare are reporting a renewed outbreak of bedbugs, locally known as tsikidzi, that is disrupting sleep and daily life in the densely populated apartment blocks. Tenants told H‑Metro that the infestation has spread rapidly from room to room, affecting mattresses, clothing, and furniture. Many families report repeated bites and sleepless nights. Some households have discarded mattresses and bedding in desperate attempts to control the pests, while others say repeated fumigation efforts have so far failed to stop the spread. Residents say the problem has intensified over recent weeks and fear the insects could move beyond the flats if not addressed urgently. The affected blocks are tightly packed, with shared communal spaces and limited ventilation, conditions that residents say make containment difficult. Several residents expressed frustration at what they describe as a slow response from municipal authorities. They say previous interventions have been intermittent and insufficient to eliminate the infestation. Community leaders have called for a coordinated fumigation campaign, distribution of insecticide‑treated bedding where possible, and public education on prevention measures. A local tenant representative urged the City of Harare to prioritise the affected blocks, noting that vulnerable households, including the elderly and families with young children, are bearing the brunt of the outbreak. Mbare experienced a similar bedbug outbreak in 2025, when the City of Harare dispatched teams to fumigate affected areas. Residents say the current infestation is more severe than last year’s, and they want a sustained programme rather than one‑off treatments. Public‑health experts warn that repeated, poorly coordinated fumigation can reduce effectiveness and encourage resistance in pest populations. While bedbugs are not known to transmit disease, their bites can cause itching, secondary skin infections, and significant psychological distress. Health officials typically recommend thorough cleaning, heat treatment of bedding and clothing, sealing of cracks and crevices, and professional pest control services for severe infestations. Residents are also advised to avoid discarding infested items in communal areas where pests can spread to neighbouring units. Community representatives say they will escalate complaints to municipal health departments and seek assistance from non‑governmental organisations that work on housing and public health. Residents want a clear timetable for fumigation, follow‑up inspections, and support for households that cannot afford professional pest control. Mbare bedbug outbreak 2026; Matererini; Matapi; tsikidzi

Dogs HARARE —  The government will launch a nationwide dog vaccination programme in the coming weeks after authorities recorded a sharp increase in rabies cases across the country, officials said. Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, confirmed that 650,000 vaccine doses have been secured from Botswana to support the campaign. The shipment exceeds the usual annual requirement of 500,000 doses, reflecting the current escalation in reported infections. Vaccination teams will prioritise major provinces, identified hotspots, and border zones adjacent to national parks, where jackals and other wild canids are known to move into human settlements during breeding seasons. Officials said teams will focus on high‑risk communities, livestock‑keeping areas, and peri‑urban neighbourhoods where dog populations are dense. The ministry plans a phased rollout with mobile vaccination units, fixed‑site clinics, and community outreach to ensure broad coverage. Local veterinary officers will coordinate with district authorities and community leaders to map priority locations and publicise schedules. Jiri emphasised that most human rabies cases stem from infected domestic dogs, with spillover from wildlife such as jackals during seasonal movements. He warned that unrefrigerated or delayed responses can worsen outbreaks and increase the risk to people and livestock. “Vaccination of dogs is the most effective way to protect communities from rabies,” Jiri said. He added that the additional doses will allow teams to reach more animals and respond rapidly to emerging clusters. With the extra vaccines, authorities expect to achieve higher coverage and reduce transmission chains. Officials noted that success will depend on community cooperation, timely reporting of suspected cases, and adequate cold‑chain logistics to preserve vaccine potency. The ministry also highlighted the need for trained vaccinators, transport, and secure storage facilities. Plans include public education on responsible dog ownership, bite‑management protocols, and the importance of bringing animals for vaccination. Detailed deployment plans and provincial schedules will be announced in the coming days. The ministry urged dog owners to present animals for free vaccination when teams visit and to report suspected rabid animals to local veterinary offices immediately. Authorities reiterated that coordinated surveillance, vaccination, and community engagement are essential to curb the current surge and protect public health. Zimbabwe dog vaccination programme 2026

Former President Mugabe's son Chatunga Bellarmine charged with attempted murder in SA Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, the youngest son of former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, has been detained in South Africa following a shooting incident at his Johannesburg residence. Authorities confirmed that a gardener employed at the property sustained a gunshot wound and remains in critical condition. According to South African police, two men aged 33 and 24 were taken in for questioning in connection with the shooting, which occurred at an upscale Hyde Park home in Johannesburg. Although police have not officially named the suspects, family lawyer Ashley Mugiya confirmed to The Associated Press that Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe was among those detained. Police Investigation Underway Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said authorities are still investigating the motive behind the shooting. “The motive of the shooting is unknown at this stage, and police investigations are underway,” she told journalists at the scene. Officers recovered a cartridge at the residence, which will form part of the investigation. However, the firearm allegedly used in the shooting has not yet been located. Police deployed a dog unit to search the property extensively. Nevhuhulwi added that the suspects were initially uncooperative when officers arrived at the scene, and that a lengthy negotiation ensued before police gained access to the property. “We cannot definitely say who shot,” she stated, confirming that the suspects are expected to face charges of attempted murder pending further investigation. Victim in Critical Condition The victim, identified as a gardener employed at the residence, was rushed to the hospital after sustaining a single gunshot wound. Authorities reported that he remains in critical condition, though they expressed hope for his recovery. The exact circumstances leading up to the shooting remain unclear, and police have yet to confirm the identity of the alleged shooter officially. Mugabe Family’s Legal Representation Ashley Mugiya, a Zimbabwe-based lawyer representing the family, stated that legal representatives in South Africa will handle the case locally. Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe is one of the sons of the late Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe and his second wife, Grace Mugabe. Robert Mugabe ruled Zimbabwe for 37 years before being ousted in a 2017 military takeover. He later died in Singapore in 2019. The Mugabe family has faced several legal controversies over the years. In 2023, Bellarmine’s older brother, Robert Mugabe Jr, was fined in Zimbabwe after admitting to possession of marijuana. Grace Mugabe was also accused of assault in Johannesburg in 2017, though she was later granted diplomatic immunity at the time. Ongoing Developments South African authorities have emphasized that investigations are ongoing and that formal charges will follow once the inquiry is complete. As of now, police have not released further details regarding the weapon or the events that led to the shooting. The case continues to attract regional attention, given the Mugabe family’s political legacy and previous legal controversies. Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe arrested

Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission intervenes in Masvingo case MASVINGO —  A policewoman based in Masvingo faces allegations of interfering with an investigation into an attempted abduction after her husband and four alleged accomplices were accused of trying to kidnap a 10‑year‑old boy at Yeukai Business Centre on Sunday. The child’s mother, Sarah Fararira, has sought assistance from the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC), raising concerns that the officer’s involvement has compromised the integrity of the inquiry. Alleged abduction and community response According to the State, five suspects, three men and two women, arrived at the shopping centre in a vehicle without number plates and seized the boy while he and other children were playing. When one child screamed, the boy’s mother, a vendor at the centre, ran to intervene. The suspects initially told bystanders they were taking the child to his mother, then changed their story to say he was being taken to his father. Attempts to flee were thwarted by members of the public. Witnesses say the policewoman, who is married to one of the suspects, emerged from a nearby shop and urged the crowd to disperse, asserting the suspects were merely intoxicated. That intervention prompted immediate concern from the complainant and observers who feared the officer’s actions were intended to shield relatives from arrest. Arrests and court proceedings Two suspects, aged 35 and 33, appeared before Magistrate Caroline Tafira Nyoni and were remanded in custody pending a bail hearing scheduled for tomorrow. Their identities have been withheld to protect the integrity of ongoing investigations. Reports indicate one suspect is a resident in South Africa, while the other lives in the ZBS area of Mucheke, Masvingo. The State alleges that on 15 February 2026, the suspects forced the child into a white Toyota Prado with no displayed number plates, unlawfully depriving him of his liberty. State prosecutor Lyton Katsidzire told the court that strong evidence and eyewitness testimony support continued detention. ZHRC intervention and investigative concerns ZHRC lawyers have expressed dissatisfaction with the police response and have directed that fresh witness statements be taken. They also called for additional key witnesses to be included in the investigation after alleging omissions in the initial inquiries. The commission’s involvement signals concern about potential conflicts of interest and the need for independent oversight. Magistrate Nyoni ordered the two accused to remain on remand until the bail application at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow. Meanwhile, investigators are expected to follow up on witness statements, examine the vehicle and any available CCTV or forensic evidence, and determine whether the policewoman’s conduct warrants disciplinary or criminal inquiry. Masvingo policewoman interference child abduction