Chiadzwa Grave Exhumations CHIADZWA – UPFUMI Hwepasi Kuvatema leader Mathew Mundondo has described his long-running work of exhuming human remains from diamond mining sites in Chiadzwa and Marange as “not ordinary,” citing the intense psychological, physical, and emotional strain involved. The 34-year-old says he has overseen the exhumation of more than 2,000 graves since 2009 to pave the way for diamond extraction in the rich fields of Chiadzwa and Marange. Without passion and respect for tradition, Mundondo says, he would have walked away from the demanding role years ago. Balancing Mining Development and Cultural Traditions Exhumations in the Marange diamond fields are deeply sensitive, often entrusted to elderly community members due to entrenched African traditional beliefs and taboos surrounding the deceased. However, Mundondo has emerged as one of the few young leaders willing to take on the responsibility. Working alongside various mining companies, he coordinates the relocation of graves from mining concessions to designated reburial sites, ensuring cultural protocols are followed. Speaking in an interview last week, Mundondo explained that strict procedures guide every exhumation. Cleansing ceremonies, conducted in consultation with traditional leaders, are mandatory to appease ancestral spirits. “Cleansing is very important. If you do not cleanse the area after exhumation, it can bring misfortune,” he said. Compensation Disputes and Cultural Tensions The relocation of graves has at times been complicated by disputes over compensation paid to affected families. Mundondo alleged that disagreements among relatives have occasionally delayed the process. In one case in Tonhorai, work had to be halted for two days after a cobra emerged during excavation, an incident interpreted by local leaders as a spiritual sign of dissatisfaction. It later emerged, he claimed, that a family elder had allegedly used compensation funds without consulting other relatives. Former diamond firm Mbada Diamonds reportedly paid US$1,500 per grave relocated outside mining zones. Meanwhile, Chinese-owned Jinan Mining is said to have paid US$700 per grave between 2013 and 2015 before reducing the amount to US$300. The company ceased operations in February 2016 following a government directive restructuring diamond mining activities. “Some family members were greedy and spent the money without informing others. Close relatives were meant to benefit, but the funds were sometimes misused,” Mundondo said. Ritual Signs and Community Fears Mundondo also recounted other incidents he believes reflect the spiritual weight of the work. “At another graveyard, I was attacked by a swarm of bees from nowhere. In our culture, that can be interpreted as a sign that the departed are unhappy,” he said. Some villagers have also reported hearing mysterious whispering voices at night following exhumations, reinforcing the importance of ritual ceremonies before and after relocation. Traditional leaders maintain that observing these rites ensures harmony between mining operations and community beliefs. ZCDC Contract and Restoration Work Despite the challenges, Mundondo has signed a new contract with the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) to erect tombstones for at least 150 graves at the Chitangazuva reburial site. Heavy rains earlier this year damaged several graves, complicating efforts by families to identify burial plots. ZCDC chief executive Morris Mpofu said respecting local customs remains central to the company’s operations. “It is important to respect traditional and cultural beliefs in areas where we operate. There is no point in mining if communities are unhappy. Even before full operations begin, the issue of graves is top on our agenda,” Mpofu said. Chiadzwa assistant headman Shadreck Chipise praised Mundondo for embracing cultural traditions at a young age, describing his role as both rare and commendable. The Chitangazuva reburial site was established after the government halted operations of several private diamond firms, consolidating mining activities under ZCDC oversight. Mundondo is expected to exhume nearly 120 more bodies in the coming weeks as preparations for expanded mining continue in the diamond-rich fields. Chiadzwa grave exhumations; Mundondo on 2000

ZIMURA 's new Board Members The crisis engulfing the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) has intensified after the organisation reversed the sale of its offices, following sustained public outrage over alleged governance failures, conflicts of interest, and lack of transparency. The reversal comes in the wake of an exposé by EarGround TV, with supporting investigations by Southerton Business Times, which raised serious questions about the transaction. The sale was allegedly linked to a company associated with ZIMURA board member Alexio Gwenzi, triggering accusations of self-dealing and breach of fiduciary duty. For many musicians, the U-turn is being viewed as a rare but significant victory and evidence that sustained pressure is beginning to yield results. A Governance Crisis Years in the Making The property saga follows closely on the resignation of ZIMURA’s former executive director, Polisile Ncube Chimhini, whose tenure collapsed under the weight of governance and credibility concerns after a fraud conviction. Her departure intensified calls for structural reform within ZIMURA, with musicians arguing that individual resignations alone are insufficient to fix systemic rot. The Zimbabwe Musicians Union (ZIMU) has emerged as one of the strongest voices demanding accountability. The union has cited persistent failures in governance, alleged misrepresentation of members’ interests, and repeated violations of corporate protocol. ZIMU is now mobilising musicians nationwide to support calls for an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM), with a petition reportedly gaining traction across provinces. What an EGM Could Mean for ZIMURA An EGM would be a pivotal moment for ZIMURA. Unlike routine annual meetings, an EGM allows members to confront urgent issues head-on. Musicians are expected to push for: Board accountability, including the possible removal or recall of directors implicated in controversial decisions. A forensic audit of ZIMURA’s finances, particularly around property, licensing revenue, and royalty distributions. Governance reforms, including tighter conflict-of-interest rules and clearer reporting obligations to members. Restoration of trust, which many artists say has been eroded by years of opacity. If successfully convened, the EGM could fundamentally reshape how ZIMURA is run or expose deep resistance to reform. Government Intervention and Rising Stakes The controversy has already drawn the attention of the State. Government authorities have suspended ZIMURA’s disputed licensing tariffs and called for urgent dialogue, signalling that patience with internal dysfunction is wearing thin. For a collective management organisation entrusted with artists’ livelihoods, the stakes could not be higher. Solidarity in Court: Gift Amuli Case Against this backdrop, musician and activist Gift Amuli is set to appear at the Harare Magistrates Court today, Friday, adding another flashpoint to the unfolding crisis. Derek Mpofu has issued a call for musicians to attend the court proceedings in solidarity. In his message to artists, Mpofu urged strict adherence to court decorum and dress code, emphasising dignity, discipline, and unity: “See you tomorrow at the Magistrates Court, Rotten Row, at 9am. Do not forget your National ID.” The coordinated court appearance underscores a growing sense among musicians that the struggle over ZIMURA is no longer just administrative, it is about power, accountability, and the future of Zimbabwe’s music industry. As pressure mounts from members, unions, the courts, and the State, ZIMURA now stands at a crossroads: meaningful reform, or deeper crisis. ZIMURA scandal; ZIMURA property sale; ZIMURA governance crisis; Zimbabwe musicians EGM

Customs officers inspecting cargo in a truck  — ZIMRA enforcement operation at the Triangle corridor CHIRENZI —  The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) intercepted a truck carrying an estimated 15 tonnes of suspected smuggled meat and assorted processed foodstuffs near the Mutirikwi River corridor at Triangle, a route increasingly associated with illicit cross‑border trade. During a routine enforcement operation, ZIMRA officers stopped a vehicle bearing Zimbabwean registration AGZ 3488 and discovered a large consignment lacking proper customs documentation. Officials reported the cargo comprised 197 packages of 80kg chicken cuts, seven 10kg packs of sausages and assorted polony products, with a declared market value of about ZWG 945,000. Preliminary checks indicated several items were labelled as originating from South Africa. ZIMRA warned that the shipment had been transported without refrigeration, raising serious food‑safety concerns given the risk of rapid spoilage in high temperatures. Commissioner Batsirai Chadzingwa, who heads the Customs and Excise Division, stressed that enforcement and physical inspections are central to ZIMRA’s mandate to protect public health and guard against harmful foods and illicit substances. “Enforcement operations and physical inspections are critical parts of ZIMRA’s mandate designed to safeguard Zimbabweans from harmful foods, substances and illicit drugs to protect public health,” Chadzingwa said. He added that investigations are ongoing and that the matter has not yet been referred for arrests. Under Zimbabwean law, imported foodstuffs must be properly declared and accompanied by the required customs paperwork, and any applicable duties must be paid before goods enter the domestic market. ZIMRA reiterated that transporters and importers must use designated entry points and follow established procedures to ensure compliance and protect consumers. “The consequences of non‑compliance are severe, and we will not hesitate to enforce the law. ZIMRA will continue to fulfil its mandate; the message is clear: smuggling won’t be tolerated,” Chadzingwa said. Investigators will continue to trace the consignment’s origin, verify documentation, and determine whether criminal charges or administrative penalties are warranted. Authorities may also inspect the vehicle for forensic evidence and seek to identify any networks involved in the illicit movement of food products through the Triangle corridor. ZIMRA smuggled meat seizure Chiredzi 2026

Fans celebrating in the stadium    Zimbabwe did not just record two wins and a draw at the ICC T20 World Cup group phase. It found, briefly, a meeting place. For a few days, the country operated on one timetable — match time. Supermarket queues checked scores. Offices delayed departures by overs. The diaspora set alarms for unreasonable hours without complaint. We were not organised by policy or persuasion, but by a scoreboard. Nations like to imagine unity as a permanent condition. In practice, it appears in moments, usually accidentally. A sporting campaign provided one. The arithmetic was simple: two victories created belief, the rain-affected draw confirmed progress, and suddenly Zimbabwe had something uncomplicated to talk about. No translation required.No ideological position necessary. Just runs needed and balls remaining. The appeal was not dominant. It was recognisability. The team played the way the country lives cautiously, positively, carefully with risk, protecting small advantages and refusing collapse. Every defended total felt familiar. Every over survived felt earned. Even the washout made sense; Zimbabweans understand outcomes decided partly by effort and partly by circumstance. So the conversation changed tone. The country that debates everything analysed the same thing. A vendor and an executive disagreed about field placement instead of economics. Social media argued over batting order rather than national direction. For a while, we rehearsed being in public instead of parallel conversations, sharing geography. This is not trivial. Shared attention stabilises societies. It lowers the national temperature. It reminds citizens that they experience events together, not merely alongside one another. Economists call it sentiment; sociologists call it cohesion; ordinary people call it a good night. Nothing structural changed after qualification for the Super 8s. Prices did not fall. Stagnant salaries did not apologise. But interactions softened slightly, the way a room feels after collective laughter. The country had found a rallying point that required no agreement about the future, only interest in the present. Two wins and a draw will not define a decade. Yet for several days, they defined a conversation, and sometimes that is enough. A nation is not only built by solutions; it is sustained by shared moments that make solutions imaginable. Zimbabwe moved to the next round of a tournament. More importantly, Zimbabwe briefly moved in the same direction at the same time. And that, even temporarily, is its own kind of victory. Simbarashe Namusi is a peace, leadership, and governance scholar as well as a media expert writing in his personal capacity. Zimbabwe T20 World Cup unity

Crew members are detained on a vessel stern ramp under guard   SAN SALVADOR — El Salvador’s navy intercepted an offshore supply vessel more than 700 km off the country’s coast and seized 6.6 tonnes of cocaine, President Nayib Bukele announced, calling the operation the largest blow to drug trafficking in the nation’s history. Raid and seizure The Tanzanian‑flagged FMS Eagle, a 1,200‑dwt offshore supply ship built in 1982, was boarded after being located beyond normal AIS range. Specialised divers reportedly discovered packages concealed in ballast tanks and secret compartments. The government released a video showing divers inspecting tanks and narcotics laid out on the ship’s deck. President Bukele estimated the street value of the haul at about US$165 million, describing the interception as “another historic operation that shakes up organised crime.” Crew detained Ten crew members were detained and photographed kneeling on the stern ramp under armed guard. Authorities identified the detainees as four Colombians, three Nicaraguans, two Panamanians, and one Ecuadorian. All ten were arrested during the operation and are in custody as investigations continue. Vessel details and anomalies Public records on the FMS Eagle are limited. The ship had reportedly been out of AIS range for 12 days before the boarding. Equasis listings show the flag as unknown, and no recent port state control safety inspections appear in the database. Some registry data suggests the vessel may be owned and operated from the United States, but authorities are expected to probe ownership and operational links as part of the inquiry. Regional context The El Salvador operation mirrors a recent South Pacific seizure in which authorities recovered nearly 4.87 tonnes of cocaine from a vessel bound for Australia. That earlier raid involved a helicopter boarding and produced similar imagery of packages displayed on a ship’s rear deck. International law enforcement agencies, including the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force, publicly praised the South Pacific operation. Next steps El Salvadoran investigators will examine the FMS Eagle’s voyage history, communications, and ownership records to trace the supply chain and identify networks behind the shipment. Prosecutors may press charges against the detained crew while coordinating with international partners to pursue wider criminal links. President Bukele framed the raid as evidence of the Salvadoran Navy’s enhanced capacity to disrupt transnational trafficking far from shore and reiterated his administration’s commitment to regional anti‑narcotics efforts. El Salvador’s navy; FMS Eagle cocaine seizure 2026; President Bukele

Surgeon and nurses in the theatre during open‑heart surgery   HARARE —  Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals has successfully used a newly acquired heart‑lung bypass machine for an open‑heart operation, a development that significantly strengthens Zimbabwe’s public cardiac surgery capacity and reduces dependence on ageing equipment. The Government‑procured S5 heart‑lung machine was formally commissioned on Tuesday and immediately deployed in a live surgical case. The surgical team observed a brief moment of prayer before the operation, reflecting the seriousness of the procedure and the symbolic importance of the upgrade for the national health system. The commissioning patient marked the first clinical use of the machine at Parirenyatwa. Dr Simukayi Percy Machawira, Specialist Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon, described the S5 as a modern, stocked unit fitted with six pumps. Compared with the older apparatus the unit had relied on for nearly two decades, the new machine offers improved efficiency, better haemocompatibility, and reduced trauma to blood and blood products during cardiopulmonary bypass. Dr. Machawira said the device has an expected operational lifespan of 10 to 15 years, extendable with routine refurbishment, and should eliminate the frequent interruptions that previously forced surgeons to pause procedures. Since cardiac services resumed in 2023, Parirenyatwa’s team has performed about 92 open‑heart operations. With the new bypass machine, clinicians expect to scale up activity, potentially performing one to two operations per day under normal scheduling. The hospital also plans a surgical camp to deliver up to 10 operations per week, which would expand access for patients who previously faced long waiting lists or the expense of seeking treatment abroad. The heart‑lung machine is one element of recent government investments in specialised hospital equipment, which include dialysis units, CT scanners, and other surgical tools. Health officials say these acquisitions aim to reduce medical tourism, lower out‑of‑pocket costs for patients, and build local capacity for complex procedures. For the surgical team, the successful commissioning represents years of training and perseverance. For patients and families, it offers renewed hope that advanced, life‑saving cardiac care can be accessed locally. Hospital administrators emphasise that equipment alone is not enough: sustained improvements will require ongoing staff training, maintenance budgets, and reliable supply chains for consumables. Parirenyatwa’s milestone demonstrates that high‑complexity cardiac surgery can be expanded within Zimbabwe’s public health system. Continued government support, operational planning, and investment in human resources will determine whether this initial success translates into sustained, broader access to cardiac care nationwide. Parirenyatwa; heart‑lung machine first surgery; open heart surgery Harare

EU Council building The Council of the European Union has completed its annual review of restrictive measures relating to Zimbabwe, deciding to extend the existing arms embargo for one year while removing provisions that allowed for travel bans and asset freezes on named individuals and entities. The Council adopted the decision to maintain the arms embargo until 20 February 2027. What the decision changes The renewed framework keeps in place the prohibition on transfers of arms and related materiel that could be used for internal repression, but it narrows the scope of punitive measures by deleting clauses that previously enabled the imposition of travel restrictions and asset freezes. The Council framed the move as a calibrated response: retaining controls on military‑related items while easing certain targeted sanctions that affect individuals. Why the EU acted now The restrictive measures were originally adopted in February 2011 as a successor to an earlier legal regime dating back to 2002, and have been periodically reviewed and adjusted to reflect political and human‑rights developments in Zimbabwe. The latest decision reflects the Council’s assessment of the current situation in Harare and its judgment that an arms embargo remains warranted. At the same time, the removal of travel‑ban and asset‑freeze provisions signals a willingness to re‑engage diplomatically and economically where appropriate. Political and diplomatic implications By lifting the possibility of travel bans and asset freezes, the EU reduces immediate personal restrictions on some Zimbabwean figures and entities, which could facilitate higher‑level contacts, technical cooperation, and negotiations on trade and investment. The Council explicitly stated that it remains constructively engaged with Zimbabwe and is prepared to deepen bilateral relations across a broad range of mutual interests, including economic ties. However, the continued arms embargo underscores persistent concerns about the potential misuse of military equipment. Practical effects and next steps In practice, the decision means that arms transfers to Zimbabwe remain tightly controlled under EU law, while diplomats and business delegations may face fewer procedural obstacles to travel and financial engagement with certain actors. The Council also committed to ongoing monitoring and to reassessing the measures should circumstances change. Observers note that previous adjustments, such as the delisting of the Zimbabwe Defence Industries in earlier reviews, have been used to signal incremental rapprochement while preserving core safeguards. Bottom line The EU’s action represents a cautious shift from punitive isolation toward conditional engagement: it maintains a clear security safeguard through the arms embargo while removing some of the most visible personal sanctions to allow for renewed diplomatic and economic interaction, subject to continued review and the evolution of the situation in Zimbabwe. EU arms embargo Zimbabwe 2027

The Minister of Defence of Zimbabwe HARARE  – The Ministry of Defence of Zimbabwe and the Air Force of Zimbabwe have been ordered to pay more than US$116,000 in damages to a widow whose husband died after being struck by a vehicle driven by an air force employee. In a ruling delivered at the Harare High Court on February 11, Never Katiyo found the ministry and the Air Force largely responsible for the fatal crash that occurred on December 21, 2019. The court heard that Mudavanhu Manjengwa, 44, died from injuries sustained in the accident. His widow, Lucia Manjengwa, filed a lawsuit seeking compensation for loss of support following his death. Court Finds Negligence and Vicarious Liability Justice Katiyo ruled that the driver, Matthew Mushinga, was negligent in causing the accident. However, the judge held his employers vicariously liable, stating that they had entrusted a service vehicle to an officer who did not possess a valid military driving licence. “The defendants, by issuing a service vehicle and placing it under the control of an unlicensed officer, created a foreseeable risk to the public,” the judge said in his ruling. The court determined that the Ministry of Defence and the Air Force bore 95 percent of the liability, while the driver was assigned five percent as the primary wrongdoer. Compensation for Loss of Support Evidence presented during proceedings showed that Manjengwa was earning approximately US$931 per month at the time of his death. The court accepted that he would likely have remained employed for at least another 11 years. Based on these calculations, Justice Katiyo awarded Lucia Manjengwa US$116,772.48 in damages for loss of support. The amount is payable either in United States dollars or the equivalent in local currency at the prevailing exchange rate. The court also ordered that interest be applied from the date the summons was filed until the full amount is paid. Accountability for Public Safety The judgment underscores the responsibility of state institutions to ensure that official vehicles are operated only by properly licensed and qualified personnel. By allowing an unlicensed officer to control a fleet of vehicles without adequate supervision, the court found that the authorities had exposed members of the public to avoidable danger. The ruling is expected to reinforce calls for stricter oversight and compliance within Zimbabwe’s security services to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Defence; Air Force of Zimbabwe; fatal crash; pay compensation

Tall grass at road intersections HARARE – Jacob Mafume has ordered the urgent deployment of tractors for grass cutting across several suburbs, warning that overgrown vegetation is contributing to rising criminal activity. Speaking during a recent full council meeting, the Harare mayor said tall grass in residential areas was creating security risks and exposing residents to muggings. “There is tall grass everywhere, and people are being mugged,” Mafume said, responding to concerns raised in council chambers. Warren Park and High Glen Among the Worst Affected Ward 36 councillor Hilda Ruzani highlighted deteriorating conditions in her constituency, particularly in Warren Park, and called for immediate intervention from the City of Harare. In a subsequent interview, Ruzani listed several hotspots requiring urgent grass cutting, including Phase 3, Phase 4, Marimba, Mufakose, Kambuzuma, and areas along High Glen Road. She said the overgrowth has become so severe that motorists are struggling to navigate safely. “Motorists are failing to cross High Glen Road. We have roads such as Mukonono Road, which also has tall grass that needs to be cut, like in previous years when council workers would be deployed,” she said. Residents Report Spike in Muggings According to Ruzani, residents have reported a surge in muggings allegedly linked to the unchecked vegetation, which provides cover for criminals. “People are being mugged and they come to me with reports because of the tall grass. We do not know what to do without a resolution on grass cutting,” she said. The complaints reflect broader concerns about service delivery within the City of Harare, particularly in high-density suburbs where maintenance of open spaces and road verges has reportedly lagged behind in recent years. Pressure Mounts on Council Departments Mafume’s directive places immediate pressure on the housing and works committees to mobilise tractors, slashers, and manpower to clear affected areas. Council officials are expected to prioritise identified crime hotspots and major traffic routes to improve visibility and enhance public safety. The issue of grass cutting has previously surfaced during rainy seasons, when rapid vegetation growth strains limited municipal resources. However, residents argue that delayed intervention has compounded security risks this year. Urban planning experts note that poorly maintained public spaces can inadvertently create environments conducive to opportunistic crime, particularly in densely populated suburbs. For residents in Warren Park and surrounding communities, swift action will be key to restoring a sense of safety and order. The mayor’s call signals renewed focus on basic municipal services as city authorities grapple with growing pressure to improve service delivery and address safety concerns in Zimbabwe’s capital. Jacob Mafume; Harare urgent grass cutting

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) HARARE — The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has rejected an application to recuse its Chief Director of Prosecutions, Ms Tendayi Shonhayi, from participating in the prosecution of televangelist Walter Magaya in his high-profile rape trial. In a statement issued on 18 February 2026, the authority dismissed the recusal request lodged by Magaya’s legal representatives, Rubaya and Chatambudza Legal Practitioners, saying the application lacked substance and was not supported by evidence of misconduct. The defence team had asked the Prosecutor General to remove Ms Shonhayi from the prosecutorial team, alleging that her continued involvement could compromise Magaya’s right to a fair trial. However, the NPAZ said that after a “thorough investigation” by the Prosecutor General, there was no valid or lawful basis to justify her removal. According to the authority’s statement, the allegations raised by Magaya’s lawyers were “without any cogent evidence of any prosecutorial impropriety.” The request was reportedly premised in part on an asserted rivalry between Magaya’s church, Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries, and a separate church, which the defence claimed could influence the prosecutor’s impartiality. Reaffirming the independence of prosecutors under the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the National Prosecuting Authority Act, the statement stressed that prosecutorial decisions are made strictly in accordance with the law, available evidence, and the public interest. It emphasised that officers of the authority are not “subject to the direction or control of any person or authority” in the exercise of their functions. As a result of the decision, Ms. Shonhayi will remain on the prosecutorial team in the Magaya rape trial, and NPAZ has formally communicated its ruling to the defence counsel. Background: Recusal Application and Case Status Previously, Magaya’s lawyers filed an application asserting that Ms. Shonhayi’s alleged affiliation with another church created a perceived conflict of interest that could undermine the fairness and impartiality of the prosecution. The defence also raised procedural concerns about how certain aspects of the trial had been handled, including the presentation of charges and the conduct of witness evidence. Magaya is currently facing multiple rape charges in court, and his trial has included disputable procedural events, such as disagreements over whether some witnesses should testify in the Victim Friendly Unit rather than open court and debates about the defence’s right to cross-examine in public. Despite the rejected recusal request, the broader legal contest involving Magaya’s team continues, with defence lawyers signalling further challenges in the unfolding proceedings. If you need a fresh headline, social share text, or contextual sidebar summary to accompany this update on your site, just let me know! Magaya prosecutor recusal rejected

Magaya's legal team files a recusal request HARARE —  The Prosecutor General has granted a request by Walter Magaya, leader of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries, to remove Harare Provincial Chief Director Tendai Shonhayi from prosecuting his ongoing rape trial, after defence lawyers raised concerns about alleged religious bias. Recusal granted and courtroom change Magaya’s legal team, led by Admire Rubaya and Everson Chatambudza, wrote to the Prosecutor General on 17 February, asserting that Shonhayi is a member of the rival United Family International Church (UFIC), headed by Emmanuel Makandiwa. The defence argued that this affiliation would compromise Shonhayi’s impartiality and render the trial unfair. During proceedings today, Shonhayi was absent, and prosecutor Catherine Munyeriwa took over, signalling that the recusal request had been accepted. Defence allegations of partiality In their letter, Magaya’s lawyers alleged a pattern of conduct they say demonstrates bias. They claimed Shonhayi pursued a personal agenda against Magaya and his church, citing several examples: The decision was made to transfer the matter to the Victim Friendly Unit during recent proceedings. An earlier attempt to have a judge recused during bail proceedings at the High Court. Allegations that Shonhayi prepared the charge sheet and once attempted to serve court papers that omitted the names of the alleged victims. The defence maintained that these actions undermined the prosecutor’s neutrality and asked for Shonhayi’s removal to protect the fairness of the trial. State position and procedural issues Prosecutors have argued that certain measures, such as in‑camera hearings, were necessary because complainants expressed reservations about testifying in open court while facing the accused. The defence has challenged those measures, contending that testimony given through intermediaries or without direct witness interviews prejudices the accused and raises constitutional questions. Referral to the Constitutional Court Magaya’s legal team has also applied to have the case referred to the Constitutional Court, arguing that the magistrate’s decision to hear parts of the case in camera raises constitutional issues. The defence contends the magistrate relied on State submissions without independently assessing witness vulnerability, and that this procedural approach warrants review by the apex court. The trial will proceed under the new prosecutorial arrangement while the court considers the defence’s application for referral to the Constitutional Court. Both sides are expected to address the procedural and constitutional questions raised as the matter moves forward. Prosecutor General; Walter Magaya; Tendai Shonhayi recusal 2026

The High Court of Zimbabwe The High Court of Zimbabwe has dismissed former Tourism and Hospitality Minister Walter Mzembi’s application for discharge at the close of the State’s case, finding that prosecutors established a prima facie case of abuse of office against him. Allegations and evidence Mzembi faces charges that he unlawfully donated government‑owned public viewing screens valued at about US$200,000 to private churches without following required procedures. Prosecutors led by Beaven Muravanhema and Audrey Mupini called four witnesses, including investigating officer Eric Chacha, who testified that donations to government departments had Treasury approval, but the gifts to private churches did not have concurrence from the Ministry of Finance. Church representatives from Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries (PHD Ministries), United Family International Church (UFIC), and Zion Christian Church (ZCC) confirmed they received the equipment and still possess it. They told the court the donations were unconditional, unlike transfers to government institutions that follow prescribed processes. Judicial finding In his ruling, Justice Benjamin Chikowero said the evidence on record required a response from the accused. “At the close of the State’s case, the record shows that the accused indeed made the donations. The churches are private entities, and the property did not belong to the accused,” the judge said. He added that the State had proved the donations were made and that Mzembi should therefore be put to his defence. Justice Chikowero emphasised that the donations were not initiated by the permanent secretary, the Ministry of Tourism, or any other government department, but by Mzembi personally. “There is a need for the accused to explain why he acted as he did,” the judge concluded. Next steps in the trial The defence case is scheduled for 3 and 4 March, when Mzembi, represented by lawyers Emmanuel Samundombe and Killian Mandiki, will present his evidence and testimony. The ruling clears the way for the accused to answer the allegations in court. Context and implications The case centres on procedural compliance for transfers of state property and the accountability of public officials. If convicted, the matter could have reputational and legal consequences for the former minister and underscore the importance of Treasury concurrence for donations of government assets. Walter Mzembi prima facie case