Spider weaving a web on a branch     The “Spider’s Web Doctrine” is a business strategy inspired by the way spiders weave their webs. It emphasizes building networks of relationships and connections within an industry, while remaining adaptable to change and opportunity. Just as a spider adjusts its web to capture prey, businesses can strategically position themselves at the center of their networks to seize opportunities and respond to threats from a vantage point. Lessons from the Spider’s Web The spider’s web concept teaches contemporary entrepreneurs several fundamental lessons: Value Relationships: Foster strong connections with customers, suppliers, and partners, your web becomes a hunting ground to trap opportunities. Deploy Flexibility: Be prepared to pivot and adjust to changing circumstances. Embrace Strategic Alliances: Collaborate with others to achieve mutual benefits. Business life is not only about competition; embrace “co‑opetition,” which means forming alliances to co‑create and share value. This approach highlights the importance of building strong networks and being adaptable in a rapidly changing business environment. Global Examples of the Spider’s Web Doctrine   The Amazon Network : Amazon's vast network of sellers, buyers, and partners creates a web of interconnected relationships, making it a dominant global e-commerce platform. The Alibaba Ecosystem : Alibaba's online marketplaces, payment systems, and logistics networks create a complex web of relationships, driving business growth and expansion. Google's Search Network : Google's search engine and advertising platform weave a web of connections between users, advertisers, and content creators, generating revenue and insights. Facebook's Social Network : Facebook's social media platform creates a web of relationships between users, driving engagement, data collection, and targeted advertising. Ecosperity's Partnerships : Ecosperity, a Singapore-based company, partners with various businesses to create a web of relationships, driving growth and innovation in the fintech sector. Can you identify a spider’s web network within Zimbabwe’s business landscape? Wealth Circulation and Community Strategy Jews, Indians, and the Chinese have used this concept with greater success. Wealth circulates within their communities and is trapped within. Indian people go to Indian doctors, take their children to Indian schools, engage Indian plumbers, Indian lawyers, and they patronize Indian shops with a great sense of patriotism to their race! The spider’s web is a hunting ground that traps wealth and plugs all possible unnecessary leakages within their communities.   On the other hand, blacks think it is a huge achievement if they take their kids to Indian schools, if they buy items at Indian shopping centers, or if they patronize Indian sports clubs! Wealth doesn’t last in the black communities. It hemorrhages to other races all the time. The black race is the only race that consumes what other races have produced. Have you ever wondered why Africa-China summits are always held in Beijing and not in Africa? Why are Africa–Russia Summits always held in Sochi or St Petersburg and not in Africa? Thought Leadership Professor Mufaro Gunduza, a coach and mentor in Business Intelligence at Mount Carmel Institute (Harare), Indian School of Management (New Mumbai), and UNISA, among others, emphasizes this doctrine. He serves as SADC Investments Advisor for the Future Trends Group and is President of the Southern African Chamber of Commerce. His books include Unleashing Blue Sky Thinking , Spotting Business Opportunities , and Big Picture Thinking  (Bookboon Publishers, London & Denmark). Spider’s Web Business Intelligence

Pregnancy test kit on a table A 35‑year‑old nurse, Collia Mweembe, has appeared in the Binga Magistrates Court facing charges of unlawfully terminating his girlfriend’s pregnancy without her consent. Mweembe, who works at Binga District Hospital and lives in Masili under Chief Sinakatenge Siabuwa, is accused of administering pills that allegedly caused a miscarriage. Allegations before the court The complainant, a 31‑year‑old teacher, discovered she was pregnant in August 2025 and informed Mweembe, who initially accepted responsibility. Later, he asked her to terminate the pregnancy, but she refused. In September, while staying overnight at his house, Mweembe allegedly gave her pills he claimed were for flu symptoms. During the night, he is said to have inserted his fingers into her private parts before engaging in sexual intercourse. The next morning, she woke up bleeding. Instead of taking her to the hospital, Mweembe allegedly gave her a pregnancy test, which still showed positive. When she requested medical care, he refused, insisting he would “nurse” her at home. As her condition worsened, the woman went to the hospital on her own, where staff confirmed she had suffered a miscarriage. Prosecutor Nomila Nkala told the court that Mweembe’s actions directly caused the loss of the pregnancy. Mweembe has not yet entered a plea. He was remanded in custody, with trial scheduled to begin on Monday, 16 February. The case has sparked discussions among lecturers and students at Morgan Zintec College and Binga District Hospital about professional conduct and the risk of abuse going unreported. Observers say the matter raises serious questions about student and patient safety, as well as oversight of medical professionals in community institutions.  Binga nurse; unlawful pregnancy termination

Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court, where the fraud case ruling was delivered A self-proclaimed prophet accused of orchestrating an elaborate “snake cleansing” scheme that allegedly cost a retired bank manager more than US$20,000 and three vehicles has been acquitted of fraud charges by a Bulawayo court. Lenon Chidarikire, also known as Madzibaba Lenon Chidarikire, walked free on Thursday after Bulawayo magistrate Themba Chimiso ruled that the State had failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Chidarikire had been facing four counts of fraud and was represented by Simbarashe Innocent Madzivire of Mashayamombe Company and Attorneys. In his ruling, Magistrate Chimiso found that the prosecution had failed to demonstrate that Chidarikire made false representations to the complainant, Innocencia Sekani, or that he personally received the money allegedly lost in the scheme. The court noted that Sekani consistently referred to the accused as “Madzibaba Chidarikire,” indicating that she understood him to be a prophet who prays for people, rather than someone formally registered as a traditional healer or offering guaranteed supernatural services. “The complainant did not hand the money to the accused,” Magistrate Chimiso ruled. “She handed it to Madzibaba Mushore and Michael. She also testified that she threw some of the money into a river on the instructions of Madzibaba Mushonga.” The court further ruled that there was no evidence showing Chidarikire misrepresented his abilities or directly benefited from the funds in a manner that met the legal threshold for fraud. Allegations Detailed by the State Prosecutor Samuel Mpofu told the court that the alleged scheme began on March 22 last year, when Chidarikire and an alleged accomplice, Madzibaba Michael, visited Sekani’s home and claimed to have removed two snakes through rituals. Sekani was allegedly warned of dire spiritual consequences and instructed to pay US$3,000 within two hours, which she did. The court heard that Chidarikire later advised Sekani to visit a shrine in Norton, where she was allegedly instructed to sell her Mazda Demio for US$2,200. Chidarikire signed the sale agreement as a witness. Further allegations included demands for cash payments, ritual “cleansing” fees, and the surrender of a Toyota Aqua and Toyota Hilux, which Sekani was allegedly told were contaminated by evil spirits. At one point, Sekani and her daughter were instructed to throw money into the Umguza River as part of a ritual. By the time the matter was reported, Sekani claimed to have lost US$20,700 and three vehicles, with only the Mazda Demio later recovered. However, the court concluded that the evidence did not establish criminal misrepresentation or direct receipt of funds by Chidarikire, leading to his acquittal. Prophet Cleared; Snake Cleansing; fraud

Health worker preparing an injection in a clinic   Zimbabwe is preparing to roll out a groundbreaking HIV prevention tool, making it one of the first countries in the world to adopt Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable medication. More than 46,000 people identified as being at high risk of infection will begin receiving the injection on Wednesday, 18 February, with the official launch scheduled in Epworth, Harare. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Aspect Maunganidze, described the rollout as a major milestone in strengthening the country’s HIV prevention strategy. Unlike traditional oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which requires daily pills, Lenacapavir is administered only twice a year. The drug works by blocking the viral capsid — a protein structure HIV needs to replicate — offering long-lasting protection without the burden of daily medication. The programme will initially target populations most vulnerable to HIV, including: Adolescent girls and young women Sex workers Men who have sex with men Pregnant and breastfeeding women Communities facing heightened social and economic risks The first phase will cover major urban centres such as Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Masvingo, Mutare, and Chitungwiza, before expanding to districts including Karoi, Mazowe, Tsholotsho, Kwekwe, Shamva, and Gwanda. These areas were selected based on high HIV incidence rates and strong uptake of oral PrEP programmes. A total of 24 sites nationwide have been identified for the initial rollout. The first consignment of Lenacapavir arrived two weeks ago and was cleared for distribution by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ). Nearly 400 health workers have already undergone specialised training, while national data systems have been upgraded to allow real-time monitoring. Zimbabwe was chosen in August 2025 as one of 10 countries in the region to introduce Lenacapavir under a global early access programme. This reflects international confidence in Zimbabwe’s HIV response systems and its ability to implement complex public health interventions. Southern Africa remains the epicentre of the global HIV epidemic, accounting for a disproportionate share of new infections, particularly among adolescent girls and young women. Experts believe long-acting injectable prevention options could transform HIV prevention by addressing challenges with daily pill adherence. Officials say integrating Lenacapavir into existing prevention programmes could significantly reduce new infections, consolidate progress made against HIV, and accelerate efforts to end the epidemic. The launch marks a new chapter in Zimbabwe’s fight against HIV, offering hope for more effective and sustainable prevention strategies. Lenacapavir HIV prevention Zimbabwe

Napoleon Animal Farm Cartoon – ZIMURA Reform Allegory By Southerton Business Times Investigations DeskPublished: February 2026 HARARE  — Phillip Chipfumbu would have Zimbabwe believe he is the lone voice crying in the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) wilderness a principled martyr cast out for his sudden, inconvenient courage. But the documentary record and a chorus of boardroom ghosts tell a far less cinematic story. Chipfumbu wasn’t the man who exposed the feast; he was a privileged guest at the table, napkin tucked and plate full, until the seat was pulled from beneath him. The question that haunts the corridors of 102 Mendel Road is simple, how does a man move from being the inner-circle confidant of Polisile Ncube-Chimhini to being her most venomous opponent? For years, Chipfumbu didn't just witness the governance rot, he helped maintain the plumbing. As the Chair of the Disciplinary Committee, he was the board's heavy, the one who swung the gavel to silence dissenters like Fred Nyakudanga and Clive Malunga men who were demanding transparency while Chipfumbu was still approving the very minutes he now calls fraudulent. His "road to Damascus" moment didn’t happen because of a moral epiphany, it happened because of a travel schedule. Insiders point to his exclusion from a high-profile Bulawayo trip in March 2023, and the lucrative allowances that vanished with it, as the real catalyst for his rebellion. It was only after his access to the "gravy train" was severed that the whistle suddenly blew. Now, he presents himself as the architect of reform, but many veterans wonder if this is a genuine conversion or merely a spurned insider rebranding his exclusion as a revolution. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwMMnAIruNs This video is relevant as it provides the latest 2026 commentary on Phillip Chipfumbu's evolving role in the ZIMURA conflict and his recent fallout with other reformist figures. I. THE MAKING OF A MARTYR: WHEN THE GRAVY TRAIN DERAILED This is not a fable, though it reads like Animal Farm , and Chipfumbu seems determined to audition for the role of Napoleon. Before the Facebook rebrands and reformist sermons, there were allowances, celebratory gatherings, and boardroom votes cast in disciplined silence. Let us correct the record. The so-called “Marigolis retreat” was in fact a graduation celebration for Polisile Ncube-Chimhini. Likewise, the Maranatha Gardens gathering was a celebration for a fellow musician-turned-politician entering Parliament. Wait, why him? Why was this male comrade’s political ascent toasted with ZIMURA funds while a powerhouse like Sandra Ndebele, who also made the jump to the political arena, didn't get a "strategy retreat" in her honor? Is ZIMURA’s hospitality reserved only for the boys' club? Multiple insiders confirm that Chipfumbu benefited from disbursements linked to such gatherings during the era in question. There is no documented dissent from him. No recorded objection. Silence, it seems, is easier when the trough is full. The question of Chipfumbu’s personal benefit from ZIMURA funds extends beyond routine board remuneration. Multiple sources have corroborated longstanding whispers that following the passing of his dear wife, Mhdsrip, Chipfumbu received approximately USD 3,000 from ZIMURA resources.   While funeral assistance is unobjectionable in principle, sources who served on the board at the time have questioned both the quantum of the payment and the process of its approval. Chipfumbu was, at that point, a sitting board member and Chair of the Disciplinary Committee. He was, in effect, both beneficiary and, collectively, approver. How much did Nicholas Zakaria get for his funeral expenses?   This is not whistleblowing. This is participation. II. THE ELDERS WHO SPOKE FIRST Chipfumbu did not ignite this struggle. He entered a battlefield already scorched. Veteran musicians, including Professor Fred Zindi and Clive Malunga, were raising governance alarms years before Chipfumbu joined the board. They were expelled for speaking out long before his membership began, and they continued to challenge governance issues even after he entered the boardroom in 2019. Reform did not begin with his expulsion. It predated his election. During his tenure as Chair of the Disciplinary Committee, actions were taken against members, including Kireni Zulu, Shame Charika, Lazzie T, and Fred Nyakudanga. Internal critics faced consequences while Chipfumbu held institutional authority. The historical record is clear, dissent at ZIMURA carried a price long before 2023. III. THE REBRANDING PROJECT: REPUTATION LAUNDRY Following his 2023 expulsion, Chipfumbu moved quickly to construct a reformist identity. Social media platforms emerged under titles such as “Extraordinary Meeting 22 June 2023,” later morphing into “New Zimura Group” and then “New Era Group.” These were not organic uprisings. They were branding transitions. In mid-2023, a gathering convened at the Zimbabwe College of Music was characterised by the National Arts Council as unlawful. The optics were striking, the former disciplinarian recast as insurgent-in-chief. Costume change complete. IV. THE REFORM THAT PRECEDED HIM The reform conversation did not originate in 2023. The Zimbabwe Union of Musicians (ZIMU) had been interrogating administrative costs as early as 2018. Edith Katiji identified deductions reportedly reaching approximately 33% and escalated concerns internationally, including consultations with CISAC in Norway, where concerns were reportedly raised about excessive charges for an established collecting society. Public reform statements from 2025 predate the AGM that ushered in the current outspoken board members. On 19 January 2026, sitting board members Gift Amuli, Joseph Garakara, and Dereck Mpofu demanded a forensic audit while still occupying their seats. That distinction matters. Chipfumbu’s public dissent only crystallised after exclusion from board activities and allowances in 2023. His conviction against Ncube-Chimhini is a matter of court record and stands acknowledged. But one courtroom victory does not retroactively create years of opposition. V. CONCLUSION: AMBITION IN OVERALLS ZIMURA’s nearly 6,000 members must now confront a sober question: Is this reform or repositioning? Is this accountability or ambition in overalls? The elders spoke first. The union pushed early. Reform currents predated Chipfumbu’s board membership. Others paid the price before he ever entered the chamber. The gravy train has indeed stopped. The question is whether members will now purchase tickets from a former passenger who insists he was the driver all along. Phillip Chipfumbu reform claims

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has announced the coming introduction of higher-quality ZiG bank notes — stronger paper, cleaner print, longer durability in circulation. Technically, that sounds reassuring. A country’s currency should look respectable. Money carries national identity. But across shops, kombis and WhatsApp groups, the reaction has not been excitement. It has been a quieter question: Will the new notes last in the wallet — or only in the pocket? Because in Zimbabwe, durability has never been the real concern. Value has. Zimbabweans Don’t Hold Money — They Escape It In most economies, money stores value. In Zimbabwe, money stores urgency. The moment people receive local currency, they begin calculating an exit strategy. Groceries, fuel, airtime, stock, USD conversion — anything that turns cash into something that will still matter tomorrow. A vendor does not first ask whether the note is genuine. They ask whether the price must change. A commuter does not inspect security features. They check the exchange rate. The supermarket shelf has become a savings account with edible interest. So when authorities promise stronger paper, the public listens for stronger purchasing power. The Confidence Question Was Already Answered Zimbabweans will use the currency. But usage is not the same as trust. Prices may be displayed in ZiG, yet calculations happen in USD. Informal traders monitor the parallel rate before accepting payment. Businesses adjust prices not only when stock changes, but when expectations change. The economy operates with a currency it is still psychologically hedging against. That gap — between circulation and confidence — is the real challenge. A tougher note does not close it. Memory Matters More Than Design Zimbabwe has had impressive bank notes before — advanced security features, high-quality print, international standards. It also had money that lost value faster than it aged. That experience permanently changed how citizens judge currency. Zimbabweans no longer evaluate money by appearance. They evaluate it by time survived without regret. If holding it feels risky, confidence does not exist regardless of design quality. What People Actually Want Not prettier money. Not stronger money. Predictable money. Money that can sit in a wallet for two weeks without strategic spending. Money that allows budgeting beyond tomorrow. Money that does not demand immediate conversion into goods. In stable economies, people plan purchases. In Zimbabwe, people plan escape routes. Until that changes, improvements in note durability sound cosmetic. The Real Test The success of the new ZiG notes will not be determined by texture, colour or fibre strength. It will be determined by behaviour. If people keep them, confidence exists. If people rush to convert them, it does not. Zimbabweans are not waiting to see whether the money tears. They are waiting to see whether it keeps its promise. Simbarashe Namusi is a peace, leadership and governance scholar as well as media expert writing in his personal capacity

Minister Richard Moyo handing a device to a headman Traditional leaders from Matabeleland North Province gathered at the Mhlahlandlela Government Complex in Bulawayo on Monday to receive smartphones donated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The Chronicle reported that 51 devices were handed to chiefs and headmen across the province to improve communication and speed up responses to community needs. Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo distributed 22 devices to headmen from three districts during a brief handover ceremony. The phones are intended to enable leaders to report emergencies, security concerns, and development needs directly to government structures. The smartphones are meant to strengthen the link between communities and government by enabling faster reporting and coordination during crises. Officials said the devices will help chiefs and headmen organise meetings, relay government programmes, and alert authorities to developments in their areas. Moyo framed the initiative as part of the President’s development philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind, stressing that modern tools should reach even the most remote communities. Headman Mazibisa from Tsholotsho District thanked the President for the donation, saying the phones demonstrate a commitment to inclusive development. He pledged that the devices would be used responsibly to improve access to government services and to communicate more effectively with residents. Recipients said the smartphones would make it easier to coordinate local programmes and to escalate urgent matters to provincial and national authorities. Officials indicated the devices will be integrated into existing provincial communication channels and that training or guidance may follow to ensure effective use. The ministry expects the phones to reduce delays in reporting emergencies and to improve the delivery of public services at the community level. smartphones donated to traditional leaders

Surveillance Cameras The government will soon step up road traffic enforcement with the deployment of surveillance cameras and electronic ticketing as part of the Electronic Traffic Management System ETMS. Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Honourable Kazembe Kazembe said foundational work is largely complete and the programme is moving into implementation in major cities. Infrastructure deployment, including the installation of surveillance cameras, is already underway. TelOne has placed orders for hardware while its local software team develops the management platform. Phase One is expected within the current quarter, and citizens should begin to see cameras and the first wave of electronic ticketing by May or June. Phase One will focus on urban centres where traffic volumes and road safety risks are highest. The minister said visible changes will appear within months as cameras go live and automated ticketing begins to operate. Authorities describe the rollout as a staged process with monitoring and adjustments after the initial deployment. The system will use surveillance cameras and automated detection to identify traffic violations in real time. Detected offences will generate electronic tickets that are issued and managed through the ETMS platform. The aim is to reduce human error, speed up enforcement, and create an auditable record of violations. Public transport associations welcomed the initiative as a step toward restoring order and accountability on the roads. Ngoni Katsvairo, Secretary General of the Greater Harare Association of Commuter Omnibus Operators, said poor compliance by both public transport and private motorists has worsened road safety, and that effective implementation could bring discipline and reduce accidents. Officials point to a pilot phase conducted last year, during which more than 1,000 drivers in Harare and Bulawayo were flagged for traffic light violations. Authorities say those results underline the need for a nationwide system to strengthen enforcement and improve road safety. Motorists can expect increased detection of common violations such as running red lights, illegal turns, and other signal offences. The ETMS will generate electronic tickets that follow a digital processing workflow. Drivers and fleet operators should prepare for stricter enforcement and ensure compliance with traffic laws. Authorities will continue infrastructure deployment and software testing before expanding coverage. The ministry and implementing agencies will publish guidance on how tickets are issued, contested, and paid. Public education campaigns are expected to accompany the rollout to inform road users about the new system and compliance requirements. ETMS rollout

Masimba Holdings construction Masimba Holdings has plunged into mourning following the deaths of two of its employees in tragic and closely linked circumstances within the space of a week, in what has been described as a deeply distressing period for the company. The sequence of events began earlier in the week when Willington Dube, a Masimba Holdings worker, was fatally injured while inside a concrete mixer at one of the company’s operations. Dube was reportedly cleaning the mixer when the machine was switched on, crushing him inside. The operator of the concrete mixer truck, 37-year-old Emmanuel Tachiona Chihanga, was subsequently accused of activating the machine while Dube was still inside. The incident sparked investigations and reportedly placed Chihanga under intense emotional and psychological strain. Less than a week later, tragedy struck again. On Saturday morning, Chihanga died in a suspected suicide along the Harare–Masvingo Highway, near Gokomere, sending shockwaves through both the company and the wider community. According to reports by the Masvingo Mirror , Chihanga allegedly left behind a suicide note in which he expressed overwhelming pressure and distress, stating that he felt unable to cope with the burden of being blamed for his colleague’s death. Police reports indicate that Chihanga initially attempted to end his life by jumping in front of a Toyota GD6 at the 270-kilometre peg along the highway. The driver managed to swerve and avoid hitting him before proceeding to the nearest tollgate to alert the police. However, before officers could return to the scene, Chihanga reportedly jumped into the path of another oncoming vehicle, which struck and killed him instantly. Masimba Holdings’ public relations officer, Pearl Mutiti, confirmed that Chihanga was indeed an employee of the company but declined to comment further on the circumstances surrounding his death. “We are aware of the accident and can confirm that the late was employed by Masimba Holdings,” said Mutiti. “However, as this was not a work-related incident, the police are best placed to provide further details.” Meanwhile, Masvingo Deputy Police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu confirmed the fatal road traffic accident, stating that investigations are still underway. “We recorded a fatal road traffic accident involving a pedestrian who was hit by a vehicle at the 270-kilometre peg along the Harare–Masvingo Road on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at around 0530 hours,” said Patinyu. “The victim died on the spot, and investigations are ongoing.” The double tragedy has sparked renewed discussion around workplace safety, mental health, and the emotional toll faced by employees involved in fatal industrial accidents. Masimba Holdings tragedy

ZANUPF HQ Zanu-PF has launched an internal probe into disturbances that forced the abrupt suspension of a Manicaland Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) meeting in Mutare, amid stern warnings from senior party officials that indiscipline during official party business will not be tolerated. The closed-door meeting, held at the Rekayi Tangwena Government Complex, descended into disorder after rival factions confronted each other, trading accusations and disrupting proceedings to the point where the session was abandoned. Zanu-PF Secretary for Security, Lovemore Matuke, said the party leadership was awaiting a comprehensive report before determining appropriate action. “Zanu-PF will not tolerate such behaviour during party business. We are waiting to receive a detailed report on what exactly transpired,” Matuke said. Party Secretary for Information and Publicity, Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa, attributed the chaos to what he described as deliberate attempts by detractors to destabilise the party in Manicaland. “Detractors have consistently regarded Manicaland as the soft underbelly of Zanu-PF in their futile efforts to infiltrate the party of the permanent Zimbabwe revolution,” Mutsvangwa said. He added that party leadership would deal decisively with what he termed ill-disciplined elements acting out of step with party values and direction. Mutsvangwa further defended President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership, insisting that internal disturbances would not weaken the party’s cohesion or electoral standing. “The writ of President Mnangagwa over the party remains firm, and his communion with the electorate is being demonstrated through continued by-election victories,” he said. What Triggered the Disruption The PEC meeting was chaired by Manicaland provincial chairperson Tawanda Mukodza. Tensions reportedly arose during discussions on a state-of-the-party report presented by provincial political commissar Albert Nyakuedzwa. According to sources present, Buhera West legislator Tafadzwa Mugwadi was contributing to the debate when Mukodza instructed him to restrict his remarks strictly to the contents of the report. Mugwadi reportedly resisted, insisting on broader submissions. This prompted interjections from Mugwadi’s supporters, who challenged the chairperson’s directive. Mukodza maintained his authority, triggering counter-interjections from members aligned to his leadership. The confrontation escalated into shouting, desk-banging, and personal exchanges, forcing Mukodza to adjourn the meeting and leave the boardroom. However, members opposed to Mukodza’s leadership reportedly refused to disperse and instead nominated provincial secretary for administration Sam Matema to chair proceedings in the chairperson’s absence. As deliberations continued, another group allegedly stormed the boardroom, disrupted the session, and ordered members to vacate the premises, arguing that the meeting had been officially terminated. The party leadership is now expected to assess submissions from Manicaland and determine disciplinary measures, as concerns grow over factional tensions within the province. Zanu-PF Mutare chaos

Zimbabwe Officials Handing Over the Donation Zimbabwe has reinforced its commitment to regional solidarity after donating 370 metric tonnes of maize to Malawi, providing critical relief as the country grapples with a worsening food crisis triggered by prolonged drought and climate-related shocks. The donation was officially handed over at the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) headquarters in Lilongwe, marking the second consignment of humanitarian assistance from Zimbabwe to Malawi in recent weeks. Speaking during the handover ceremony, Chief Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) of Malawi, Dr Justin Adack Saidi, praised the Government of Zimbabwe for responding swiftly to Malawi’s appeal for assistance, describing the gesture as a reflection of deep friendship and shared responsibility between the two neighbouring nations. Dr Saidi expressed gratitude to Zimbabwean President, His Excellency Comrade Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, for authorising the maize donation at a critical moment when millions of Malawians are facing food insecurity. “When we convened at Capitol Hill on January 27, 2026, to receive the first batch of relief items, it brought immense relief because it showed that our neighbours, regional partners, and the international community had heard our call,” said Dr Saidi. He said the arrival of a second consignment of 370 tonnes of maize would go a long way in assisting vulnerable communities affected by climate change-induced food shortages. “A lot of lives are at stake. However, we are encouraged that, in line with the commitment of His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi, to ensure that no life is lost due to food shortages, his brother, His Excellency Comrade Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, and the people of Zimbabwe have responded generously,” he said. Dr Saidi described the donation as a powerful symbol of regional solidarity, brotherhood, and shared history, noting that the support would strengthen long-standing ties between the two countries. “On behalf of His Excellency the President, the Government and the people of Malawi, I express our heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of Zimbabwe for standing with us during this difficult period. Your support speaks volumes about the strong bonds that unite our two sister nations,” he said. Also speaking at the event, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Malawi, Her Excellency Nancy Saungwene, reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to supporting Malawi in times of need, saying the donation was anchored in the country’s foreign policy values. “It is with a deep sense of solidarity that I stand before you once again to officiate the handover of the second consignment of humanitarian assistance from the Republic of Zimbabwe to our brothers and sisters in Malawi,” said Ambassador Saungwene. She commended President Mnangagwa for honouring his pledge and authorising the release of the maize, adding that Zimbabwe’s foreign policy is rooted in the principle of Ubuntu, which recognises shared humanity and collective responsibility. “Our assistance today reflects our belief that we are responsible for one another. What affects Malawi also affects Zimbabwe,” she said. Ambassador Saungwene confirmed that the current delivery consists of 370 tonnes of maize and announced that a third and final consignment will be delivered on a date to be communicated. Malawi is currently facing widespread food shortages after prolonged dry spells devastated crop production across the country. President Arthur Peter Mutharika has declared a State of Disaster in 28 districts, affecting millions of people and prompting urgent humanitarian interventions from regional and international partners. Zimbabwe donates maize to Malawi

HARARE CENTRAL POLICE STATION A Harare man is facing intense public backlash after allegedly misappropriating nearly US$2,000 raised to repatriate the body of a deceased friend from South Africa to Zimbabwe, leaving the bereaved family scrambling to secure alternative burial funds. Douglas Matadi is accused of mismanaging US$1,975 collected through a GoFundMe campaign intended to transport the body of Farai Mushamba from Cape Town to Bikita, Masvingo, for burial. The family claims that after demanding accountability, only US$380 was initially returned, forcing them to mobilise emergency resources to bury Mushamba on January 10. The matter has since been reported to the police and is under investigation at Harare Central Police Station under case number CR1008/01/26. “This Was a Funeral, Not a Business Deal” Family spokesperson Arthur Mushamba, the deceased’s elder brother, said Matadi was entrusted with the funds because of long-standing personal and community ties. “We trusted him because this was a funeral. We come from the same village in Bikita and we just call each other brothers,” Mushamba said.“While we were running around organising burial logistics, he was busy enriching himself.” According to the family, police involvement prompted Matadi to begin repaying the funds in instalments. Records show he returned US$100 on January 20, US$282 on January 21, and US$372 on February 2. In total, US$1,134 has so far been repaid, leaving US$843 still unaccounted for. Matadi has reportedly attributed the missing funds to a “mistaken transfer” to the wrong account, an explanation the family says lacks credibility. “He gave us flimsy excuses, claiming the technology betrayed him, and even threatened us by saying we could not get him arrested,” Mushamba said. Admission in WhatsApp Messages Screenshots of messages sent to the family WhatsApp group show Matadi admitting wrongdoing and promising to repay the outstanding balance. “I admit the wrongdoing on my part. I used the wrong technology. I will get back the funds,” Matadi wrote. The incident has sharply divided mourners and community members, with some calling for Matadi’s immediate arrest, while others argue he should be allowed to explain himself fully through legal channels. The family says it has opted to leave the matter entirely in the hands of law enforcement. Wider Questions of Trust and Accountability The case has reignited debate around accountability in crowdfunding initiatives, particularly those involving funerals and repatriation of bodies, moments when families are most vulnerable. As online fundraising becomes more common in Zimbabwe, the Mushamba family’s ordeal highlights the risks of informal financial arrangements and the need for greater transparency when handling funds meant for grieving families. Police investigations are ongoing. Harare man's funeral funds scandal