Cattle A Chimanimani community court presided over by Chief Saurombe has ordered that a bride price be returned after it emerged that a woman’s daughter had been married off without the involvement or blessing of her biological father. The dispute began when Phyllis Makamanzi took her maternal uncles to Chief Saurombe’s court seeking explanations for a string of tragic events affecting her children. She told the court she had consulted prophets who suggested her misfortunes were linked to actions by her uncles. The court found that the uncles had accepted the bride price and facilitated the marriage without notifying or involving the girl’s father, Christopher Chitsa, and directed that the payment be refunded so the marriage could be properly concluded with the father’s participation. Family testimony and bride price payment During proceedings, it emerged that Phyllis’ husband, Gift Tinoonda, had paid US$340 in bride price to Phyllis’ maternal relatives without the father’s knowledge. Tinoonda told the court that after the couple’s second child died, Phyllis’ uncles took her away for consolation, and he paid the roora to the Makamanzi family. Phyllis’ mother, Wisper Makamanzi, told the court that Christopher Chitsa is the girl’s biological father. She said Phyllis had prevented her from inviting Chitsa to the marriage ceremony because Phyllis resented him for not raising her. Wisper explained that she separated from Chitsa while pregnant after he rejected the pregnancy, and that his relatives had chased her away when she eloped. When Tinoonda sought to pay the bride price, Wisper attempted to contact Chitsa so he could be present, but Phyllis insisted he had no role in her upbringing and blocked the invitation. Chief Saurombe’s ruling and cultural reasoning Chief Saurombe criticised the process and said the lack of paternal blessing could be the source of Phyllis’ troubles. He ordered the Makamanzis to reimburse Tinoonda so the roora ceremony could be repeated with Chitsa or his relatives present. The chief emphasised that while maternal relatives may claim compensation for raising a child, the formal bride price belongs to the father’s side. He said raising a niece does not give uncles the right to accept roora in place of the father. Chief Saurombe said the father should at least receive a token amount from the bride price as a symbolic blessing if he did not participate in the child’s upbringing. He urged the family to expedite the reversal so the couple can try for another pregnancy and monitor whether the same problems recur. The chief added that if the issues persist after the corrected marriage process, the court would provide further assistance. Cultural implications and next steps The ruling underscores the importance of following customary marriage procedures and securing paternal blessings to avoid social and spiritual complications, according to the community court. The Makamanzis were instructed to return the bride price promptly and to involve Chitsa or his representatives in the renewed roora ceremony so the marriage is recognised by both paternal and maternal clans. Chief Saurombe said the corrective steps are intended to restore cultural order and protect the couple’s future well-being. bride price returned Chimanimani

TAUNGANA NDORO The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has reiterated that teachers who demand payment from pupils for extra lessons are committing corruption and abusing public office. Speaking in Bulawayo, the ministry’s Director of Communications and Advocacy, Taungana Ndoro, said teachers are already salaried by the state and must not exploit their classroom authority to solicit money from parents. Ndoro described the practice as a clear misuse of public power and warned that offenders face disciplinary measures and possible criminal prosecution. Ministry stance and examples Ndoro told the meeting that asking parents to pay for lessons that form part of a teacher’s duty is equivalent to corruption in public office. He compared the behaviour to other public‑sector bribes, saying it mirrors scenarios where officials demand money to perform routine duties. He said teachers who claim they need extra income or that the lessons help struggling pupils are not excused: such explanations do not justify soliciting payments for work they are paid to do. Scale of the problem and parental complaints Parents across the country have reported that some public‑school teachers charge between US$10 and US$20 per month per child for extra lessons. These sessions have, in some cases, become de facto “pay‑to‑learn” schemes, with allegations that pupils who do not pay are overlooked or disadvantaged. Ndoro warned that such conduct undermines trust in the education system and places an unfair burden on families. Reporting channels and escalation The ministry urged parents to use formal reporting channels and to start at the lowest level when raising concerns. For classroom issues, parents should first speak to the class teacher. If unresolved, the complaint should be taken to the head of the school, whom Ndoro described as the institution’s CEO. If the headmaster does not resolve the matter, parents should escalate to the district and then the provincial offices. Ndoro acknowledged that some headmasters and district officials have colluded in corrupt practices, which can erode confidence in local reporting structures. Final escalation and sanctions Ndoro said that if district and provincial channels fail, parents should bring complaints to the ministry’s head office, where the permanent secretary can take decisive action. He added that unresolved matters can also be taken to court. Teachers found charging pupils for extra lessons may face sanctions under public service regulations and could be subject to criminal charges for abusing public office.  teachers charging extra lessons corruption

Morgan Zintec College campus A lecturer at Morgan Zintec College, identified as Happiness Karengo, is reportedly on the run after a 30‑year‑old female student filed a police complaint alleging he raped her last November. The student says Karengo summoned her to his office on the pretext of administering a missed in‑class exam, then locked the door and assaulted her. The matter has been reported to Braeside Police Station under RRB 6473934. According to the complaint, the student was called to Karengo’s office to take a test she had missed. Once inside, she alleges, the lecturer locked the door, made romantic advances, and began touching her. After she rejected him, the student says Karengo produced a condom and raped her before handing her the test and leaving the room. The incident is said to have occurred in November. The account circulated among staff and students at the college, prompting concern about professional conduct and campus safety. The student initially delayed reporting the incident, the complaint states, after advice from her sister, who feared the lecturer might tamper with course marks. A police report was filed earlier this week, and the case is recorded at Braeside Police Station under RRB 6473934. The victim has been taken to Edith Clinic for a medical examination. Police were not available for comment at the time of reporting. Lecturers and students at Morgan Zintec College have reportedly discussed the allegations openly, with some students expressing worry that similar abuses may go unreported. The case has raised questions about safeguarding, complaint procedures, and professional oversight at the institution. The college authorities’ response was not available at the time of publication. The complaint is now with the police, who will determine whether to arrest and charge the suspect based on the investigation and medical evidence. The victim has sought medical attention and may be offered counselling and support services; victims of sexual assault are also advised to preserve evidence and follow police guidance. Because the allegations are serious and the suspect is reportedly at large, authorities may issue an arrest warrant if investigations substantiate the claim. Morgan Zintec lecturer accused rape

MUTARE Mutare  — A Mutare man has been arrested and charged with murder following the death of a 39-year-old woman who was allegedly doused with a highly corrosive liquid believed to be sulphuric acid in a suspected crime of passion. Tawanda Kapfumo, of Zororo, Sakubva, appeared before Mutare provincial magistrate Honest Musiyiwa last Tuesday, facing murder charges. He was remanded to 3 March 2026 and granted US$200 bail. The deceased, Siphumile Saruwaka, succumbed to severe injuries sustained during the attack, which prosecutors say was linked to a bitter love triangle involving Kapfumo and a local mechanic, Prince Toga. Alleged Motive and Events Leading to the Attack Prosecutor Sandra Mlambo told the court that Kapfumo had been romantically involved with Saruwaka, who was also allegedly in a relationship with Toga. Two days before the attack, Kapfumo is said to have taken Saruwaka to a lodge in Chikanga, where Toga allegedly found the pair together. The encounter reportedly escalated into a heated confrontation. Following the incident, Kapfumo allegedly began sending threatening messages to both Saruwaka and Toga. The Fatal Attack On Saturday, Kapfumo is alleged to have tracked the couple in Mutare. After Toga reportedly left Saruwaka, who was said to be intoxicated alone in a parked vehicle near Blue Star Workshop, Kapfumo allegedly approached the car and poured sulphuric acid over her before fleeing the scene. Toga later returned, discovered Saruwaka in distress, and attempted to administer first aid before rushing her to the hospital. She later succumbed to her injuries, with medical reports indicating extensive chemical burns. Bail Conditions and Community Reaction As part of his bail conditions, Kapfumo is required to continue residing at his stated address and report as directed. Saruwaka was a well-known figure in Mutare’s social football circles, playing for Fairpark Stars Football Club. Her death has sent shockwaves through the local community, with friends, teammates, and socialites gathering to mourn her. She was affectionately known as “Tete.” The matter remains under investigation, and Kapfumo is yet to enter a plea. As with all criminal proceedings, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Tawanda Kapfumo murder charge

Cde Bombshell Geza Harare  — Senior Zanu-PF figure Christopher Mutsvangwa has said liberation war veteran Blessed Geza, who died in exile in South Africa last Friday, should be granted a national hero’s burial, despite his highly publicised political fallout with President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Geza, a former Zanu-PF Member of Parliament and Central Committee official, died with treason allegations still pending after he helped mobilise anti-government protests last year, calling for Mnangagwa’s removal from office. While the demonstrations did not succeed, they caused significant national disruption, with over a dozen activists remaining in detention and others forced to flee the country. Geza’s death has exposed divisions within the ruling party, and Mutsvangwa’s remarks represent the first public position taken by a senior Zanu-PF leader since his passing. “Among war veterans and within the party, there is a shared view that he was a comrade who stumbled near the end,” Mutsvangwa said. He suggested Geza’s political break with the party was influenced by declining health. “He was unwell and not thinking clearly, which made him susceptible to people seeking to manipulate Zimbabwe’s liberation history,” Mutsvangwa said. “We are receiving him back. His contribution to the liberation struggle remains intact regardless of recent events.” Mutsvangwa said war veterans would campaign to ensure Geza’s liberation credentials are safeguarded, arguing they cannot be erased by political disagreements. He added that efforts were underway to ensure Geza receives a respectful burial and that immediate assistance would be extended to his widow, Roseline Tawengwa. Mutsvangwa expressed optimism that President Mnangagwa would eventually authorise burial arrangements appropriate for a liberation war veteran. Geza became a prominent national figure in January 2025 after announcing on a YouTube platform that he and a group of war veterans were withdrawing their support for Mnangagwa, accusing the President of corruption and poor governance. He later left Zimbabwe and continued broadcasting from exile, drawing widespread attention and triggering what analysts described as one of the most serious internal challenges to Mnangagwa’s leadership since taking power. Mutsvangwa, without presenting evidence, claimed Geza had been influenced by individuals associated with the late former President Robert Mugabe’s Generation 40 (G40) faction. “Why target someone with liberation credentials instead of finding anyone else?” Mutsvangwa asked. “They tried to appropriate his history. Zanu-PF rejects the theft of liberation history.” Whether President Mnangagwa will ultimately approve national hero status for Geza remains uncertain, given the depth of their political split and Geza’s role in mobilising protests that represented a rare internal challenge to the ruling party’s leadership. Blessed Geza death

Tropical Storm Gezani satellite A tropical storm named Gezani, which formed over the south‑west Indian Ocean on 6 February 2026, is tracking westward toward Madagascar and is expected to make landfall on Tuesday, 10 February, meteorological authorities have warned. The system passed north of Mauritius and Réunion on 7–8 February and, as of 9 February, was about 630 km east of Madagascar with maximum sustained winds near 84 km/h. Forecasts from regional weather services indicate Gezani could strengthen significantly before reaching the island’s east coast. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says environmental conditions are favourable for further intensification and that Gezani could reach Category 4 strength before landfall. Models place the likely impact zone between Mananara Avaratra and Vatomandry in Madagascar’s Atsinanana region, where maximum winds at landfall are forecast to reach about 211 km/h. SAWS warned that after crossing Madagascar, the cyclone is expected to weaken while tracking southwest across the island, then enter the Mozambique Channel on Wednesday, 11 February, where it may re‑intensify over open water. Mariners operating in the south‑west Indian Ocean and the Mozambique Channel have been urged to exercise caution because of rough seas and strong winds associated with Gezani. SAWS noted there is currently no direct threat to South Africa, but regional services are closely monitoring the storm and issuing updates as conditions evolve. Madagascar is still recovering from Tropical Cyclone Fytia, which affected the island between 29 January and 4 February, leaving 14 people dead and more than 85,000 people impacted. Authorities warn that strong winds and heavy rainfall are likely over the north‑eastern and eastern parts of the island during the next 72 hours as Gezani approaches. The Zambia Meteorological Department has issued an alert that Gezani’s interaction with the Inter‑Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) could alter weather patterns across southern Africa. Zambia can expect widespread rainfall between 12 and 14 February, with a heightened risk of flash floods and flooding in low‑lying or poorly drained areas. The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) is coordinating with the meteorological service to monitor the situation and advise the public to secure property and avoid crossing flooded roads. SAWS confirmed Gezani is the seventh named system of the 2025/26 south‑west Indian Ocean cyclone season. Regional meteorological agencies are tracking the storm closely and will issue further warnings and guidance to affected populations as forecasts are updated. Tropical Storm Gezani

KADOMA MAGISTRATE COURT Kadoma  — Former Renaissance Financial Holdings group chief executive officer Patterson Timba (59) is expected to appear before the Kadoma Magistrates’ Court this afternoon, facing a rape charge. According to the State outline, the alleged incident occurred in October 2023 at Tolrose Mine in Kadoma, where Timba was serving as a director. Prosecutors allege that the complainant, a female employee at the mine, was working as a security guard at the time. On the day in question, she was reportedly instructed to carry out household duties at Timba’s residence after the housemaid failed to report for work. The State alleges that as the complainant was preparing to leave the house, Timba sexually assaulted her. Delay in Reporting Court documents indicate that the complainant did not immediately report the alleged assault. Instead, she is said to have confided in another individual two days later, but no action was taken at that time. In September 2025, nearly two years after the alleged incident, the complainant reportedly disclosed the matter to a different individual, who advised her to report the case to the police. She subsequently filed a formal police report and was referred to Kadoma General Hospital for a medical examination. Prosecutors say the medical report will be produced in court as part of the evidence. Court Proceedings Pending Timba has not yet entered a plea, and the matter is expected to proceed in the Kadoma Magistrates’ Court. Further details, including whether he will apply for bail, are expected to emerge following his appearance. The case places renewed focus on workplace power dynamics and delayed reporting in sexual assault cases, particularly within employer-employee relationships. As with all criminal proceedings, Timba is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Patterson Timba rape charge

Youth arts workshop supporting skills development in Zimbabwe By Percy Nhara | Southerton Business Times In our previous column, The Digital Stage: Using NDS2 to Sell Your Art Beyond the Border , we explored how Zimbabwean creatives can secure their “digital passports” tools, such as ISRC codes, to earn global royalties. But even with international access, one reality remains: creative work needs capital to take off. For many artists, that capital comes through grants. Yet year after year, applications to institutions such as the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe, UNESCO, and the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation are rejected not because the art lacks merit, but because the proposals miss the mark. Under National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), funding is no longer framed around sponsorship. It is framed around partnership. Grants are awarded to projects that solve problems, create value, and align with national development priorities. Here is how artists can reposition their ideas without compromising their creative identity. 1. Learn the Language of Impact Funders assess projects using development indicators, not artistic passion alone. They are looking for outcomes that speak to employment creation, skills transfer, and economic participation. Instead of framing your proposal emotionally, frame it economically. Instead of: “I want to record an album because I love music.” Write: “This project will create short-term employment for five musicians and two sound engineers, contributing to local creative industry growth.” By using language such as value addition, youth empowerment, and cultural industries, you signal that your work contributes to Zimbabwe’s broader economic objectives, as outlined in NDS2 and supported by UNESCO’s Creative Economy framework. 2. Define the Problem Then Offer the Solution Strong proposals follow a simple structure: a clearly defined problem and a practical response. Problem: Limited access to digital marketing skills among young creatives in Chipinge. Solution: A structured training workshop equipping 20 participants with monetisation and online distribution skills. This approach aligns with NDS2’s devolution pillar, which prioritises inclusive development across provinces rather than concentration in major cities. When your art responds to a real, identifiable challenge, it becomes a development tool, not just a personal project. 3. Present a Transparent and Realistic Budget Budgets are where many creative applications fail. Funders expect clarity, accountability, and feasibility. Avoid vague items such as “miscellaneous expenses.” Instead, show exactly how funds will be used. Marketing: Social media advertising (Facebook/Instagram): US$200 Poster printing (50 copies): US$100 Community radio promotion: US$200 A clear budget demonstrates financial discipline, a requirement emphasised by both government grant frameworks and international donors. It also shows readiness, including the ability to receive funds through a registered bank account. 4. Keywords That Matter in 2026 Strategic wording matters. The following terms consistently appear in successful proposals: Sustainability: How the project continues beyond the grant period Formalisation: Registration as a trust, company, or cooperative Digital trade: Use of platforms and codes to earn beyond borders These terms reflect national policy priorities and global creative-economy standards recognised by bodies such as UNESCO and the African Union. The Bottom Line A grant proposal is not a compromise of artistic integrity. It is a translation of creativity into national value. Just as a song needs structure to resonate, a proposal needs clarity to succeed. The funding exists. What is required is a shift in approach from asking for help to offering solutions. The NDS2 era is a partnership era. Zimbabwe’s creatives are not spectators in development; they are contributors. Zimbabwe arts grants

POLISILES NCUBE CHIMHINI The bird hasn’t just landed. It has crash-landed straight into the cold reality of accountability. After nearly three decades of treating the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) like a personal estate, Polisile Ncube-Chimhini finally stepped down on February 10, 2026. This was no dignified retirement. It was a strategic retreat, forced by the weight of a fraud conviction, a High Court ruling, and relentless pressure from musicians who simply refused to stay silent. Let’s call it what it is: the walls closed in. Pressure Works Ask the Musicians For years, artists complained of receiving laughable royalties, sometimes as little as US$41 for chart-topping music, while ZIMURA’s leadership remained untouchable. That silence broke spectacularly. Led by the Zimbabwe Musicians Union (ZIMU), artists pushed back hard. Reports from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), police investigations into suspicious property disposals, and open dissent from board members such as Dereck Mpofu, Gift Amuli, and Joseph Garakara exposed what many called “phantom elections” and a governance structure built on smoke and mirrors. When even insiders start pulling the curtain, the show is over. Unfinished Business: The Secretariat Is Next The exit of Ncube-Chimhini does not close the chapter it opens the next one. Musicians are clear: the entire secretariat must go. Henry Makombe, the deputy director, may be eyeing continuity, but artists see complicity. Remaining in office after years under a leadership now described as “predatory” is a hard sell. Trust doesn’t survive by association. Goodchild (Alexio Gwenzi), ZIMURA board spokesperson, spent much of 2025 dismissing artist grievances and publicly defending a now-tainted administration. When the captain abandons ship, the spokesperson usually doesn’t get promoted; they get questioned. Social Media Didn’t Mourn, It Celebrated The reaction online was less obituary, more victory lap. Among the most shared sentiments: “Thirty years of collecting, zero years of distributing. Goodbye.” “Turns out the Executive Director post didn’t exist. We’ve been paying a ghost.” “Selling artists’ flats while paying crumbs? Never again.” “Resigning doesn’t cancel subpoenas.” “The bird is gone — now clean the nest.” Subtlety was not invited. Resignation Does Not Equal Redemption Legally, nothing disappears. The fraud conviction from July 2025 for submitting falsified documents to the High Court still stands pending appeal. ZACC investigations into the Avondale flats property disposal remain active. Audit challenges raised by ZIMU, including undisclosed criminal convictions and unsigned reports, continue to raise red flags. Stepping down removes a title, not liability. The Bottom Line This is not about one individual. It is about a system that fed on silence and underestimated the patience of artists. The musicians won round one. They are not stopping now. You can resign from office. You can’t resign from accountability. Polisile Ncube-Chimhini Exit

CHURCH The Ministry of Local Government has announced stricter enforcement of planning rules: churches operating in residential areas must hold services in fully enclosed, soundproof buildings, and new fuel service stations will no longer be permitted in suburban neighbourhoods unless they form part of formally approved commercial developments. Shingirai Mushamba, chief director of spatial planning and development, said the measures enforce existing planning laws that have often been applied inconsistently. He said the changes aim to protect residential peace and public safety while ensuring land use follows the Harare Master Plan and local zoning rules. What the new enforcement means for places of worship Mushamba said any place of worship in a residential area must now conduct services inside buildings that are fully enclosed and soundproofed. The move targets amplified sound and loudspeaker use that residents have long complained about. Harare’s Noise (Amendment) By‑laws of 2014 already prohibit activities that disturb neighbourhoods without council approval. The ministry’s directive reinforces those rules and clarifies that open‑air services or amplified worship in residential zones will require permits and strict controls. Fuel stations restricted to commercial zones New fuel service stations will be allowed only in formally approved commercial zones, Mushamba said. Under the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act (Chapter 29:13), developments that conflict with existing zoning require formal rezoning and public consultation. Section 24 of the Act bars development without a permit, while Section 26 requires public notification and due process for land‑use changes. In practice, this means residential areas cannot host new fuel stations unless the site is rezoned through the proper planning channels. Legal basis and existing by‑laws The ministry pointed to several legal instruments that underpin the directive: Noise (Amendment) By‑laws, 2014 — restrict amplified sound and activities that disturb residential peace. Control of Worship in Open Spaces By‑laws, 2016 — require permits for open‑air services, limit worship hours (10:00–18:00), and allow the council to revoke approvals if services become a nuisance. Regional, Town and Country Planning Act (Chapter 29:13) — governs development permits, zoning, and public consultation for land‑use changes. Mushamba said the ministry will now enforce these provisions more consistently to protect residents’ quality of life and ensure safety around hazardous land uses such as fuel stations. What residents and operators should do Churches in residential areas: retrofit or relocate services to fully enclosed, soundproofed buildings; apply for permits for any open‑air events; comply with permitted worship hours. Prospective fuel station developers: seek sites within designated commercial zones; follow rezoning procedures and public consultation requirements if a site falls outside commercial zoning. Residents: report unpermitted open‑air worship or new fuel station developments to local council planning offices for investigation. Potential impacts The directive aims to reduce noise complaints, improve residential amenity , and limit safety risks associated with fuel stations near homes. It may also prompt some congregations to invest in soundproofing or to relocate to commercial or mixed‑use areas. Developers seeking new service stations will need to factor zoning compliance and community consultation into site selection. churches soundproofed suburbs

Smbarashe Gwavava The Miss Heritage Zimbabwe 2026 grand finale will take place in Harare on 28 March, promising a colourful showcase of Zimbabwean culture, elegance, and national pride. Pageant coach and mentor Simbarashe Gwawawa said the event will celebrate the nation’s traditions and diversity, stressing that the competition emphasises heritage, purpose, and community impact as much as poise and presentation. Event overview and cultural focus Gwawawa said the pageant is designed to go beyond conventional beauty standards to highlight contestants’ commitment to cultural preservation and social projects. “The event will showcase the country’s rich traditions and diversity,” he said, noting that contestants will be judged on how well they represent Zimbabwean identity and values. Bootcamp schedule and preparations Preparations begin with a bootcamp on 26 March, starting at 2 pm with the official sashing ceremony and an opening cocktail. The bootcamp will give contestants time to refine their confidence, cultural knowledge, and stagecraft ahead of the main event, Gwawawa said. Judging criteria and competition segments Contestants will be assessed across several categories, including national or traditional wear, cultural talent, introductions, community service projects, evening dress, and a question‑and‑answer segment. These segments are intended to measure both presentation skills and the contestants’ commitment to heritage and community work. International representation The winner of Miss Heritage Zimbabwe 2026 will represent the country at the Heritage Pageants event in Thailand in November 2026, carrying Zimbabwe’s cultural story to an international audience. Sponsors, partners, and public engagement Gwawawa appealed to sponsors, partners, and exhibitors to support the event, saying their backing is vital for cultural preservation and the pageant’s success. He also encouraged the public to attend the finale, promising a night of talent, culture, and national pride. Miss Heritage Zimbabwe 2026

Shabanie Mine Milling Tower Zvishavane  — Police in the Midlands province have arrested a 27-year-old man following a shooting incident at Sabi Mine in Zvishavane, after a group allegedly invaded the mining site to illegally prospect for gold. The suspect, identified as Silent Muvadi, was shot in the thigh during a confrontation with mine security guards on Saturday, 8 February 2026, at around 0900 hours, according to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident, saying Muvadi was part of a group that unlawfully entered the mine in Runde Constituency. “Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Silent Muvadi, aged 27, in connection with a shooting incident that occurred at Sabi Mining site in Zvishavane,” Mahoko said. “The suspect was part of a group of people who allegedly invaded Sabi Mine to illegally prospect for gold.” Confrontation With Armed Security According to police, mine security personnel approached the group with the intention of effecting arrests. However, the situation escalated when members of the group attempted to flee the scene. Inspector Mahoko said Muvadi allegedly charged towards the security guards while wielding a chisel, posing an immediate threat. “In view of the danger posed by the charge, one of the armed security guards fired a single shot, which struck the suspect on the thigh,” he said. Muvadi was subsequently subdued, arrested, and handed over to officers from ZRP Zvishavane. He was taken to Zvishavane Hospital, where he received medical treatment for the gunshot wound. Charges Pending as Police Warn Against Illegal Mining Police confirmed that a docket is currently being compiled, and that Muvadi, along with other suspects who escaped, will face charges related to trespassing and illegal mining activities at Sabi Gold Mine. Inspector Mahoko reiterated police warnings against resisting lawful arrest and engaging in illegal mining operations. “We reiterate our call to members of the public not to resist lawful arrests,” he said. “In the same vein, those with interests in mining should formally approach the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to obtain the necessary authorisation.” Ongoing Illegal Mining Concerns The incident highlights ongoing challenges linked to illegal gold panning, which has remained a persistent issue across Zimbabwe’s mining regions. Authorities say confrontations between artisanal miners and private security have increased as mining firms tighten security around their concessions. Police say investigations are continuing as they pursue other members of the group who fled the scene. Zvishavane shooting