Constitutional Court A legal challenge to a Zanu PF resolution that seeks to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term to 2030 received a procedural win on Monday when the Constitutional Court granted applicants Mbuso Fuzwayo and Ibetshu likaZulu leave to approach the apex court directly, their lawyer said. The applicants argue that the party’s Resolution Number One, adopted at national conferences last year and in 2024, contravenes constitutional protections for political rights and equality before the law. The resolution proposes a two‑year extension of the president’s term and the lifespan of Parliament. Direct access application granted Attorney Nqobani Sithole told journalists that his clients had applied to the Constitutional Court under Section 167(5) of the Constitution for permission to seek direct access to the court. “As you are aware, our clients, Mbuso Fuzwayo and Ibetshu LikaZulu, filed an application to the Constitutional Court in terms of Section 167, Subsection 5, seeking leave for direct access to the Constitutional Court so that they can have their issue about Resolution No. 1, Section 24, by Exemptee of Challenge Status,” Sithole said. He explained that the hearing before Justices Paddington Garwe, Ben Hlatshwayo, and Bharat Patel resulted in an order giving the applicants five days to file a substantive application challenging the resolution. Constitutional grounds of the challenge Sithole said the case focuses on alleged breaches of Section 67, which guarantees political rights, and Section 56, which ensures equal protection and benefit of the law. “At the heart of the case is Resolution Number One, where it seeks to extend the president’s term of office and the parliamentarian’s lifespan,” he said. “What Fuzwayo and Ibetshu LikaZulu are saying is that that kind of an arrangement is going to violate the constitution. More so if you look at Section 328. We are saying they should not benefit from this kind of an amendment because they are the ones that are in office now.” Sections 95 and 143, which address the tenure of the President and Parliament, and Section 328, which limits constitutional amendments that extend incumbents’ terms, are central to the applicants’ legal argument. Public interest litigation and wider participation expected Sithole described the matter as public interest litigation and said Fuzwayo has a history of human‑rights litigation. He expressed confidence in the strength of the case and said the court’s decision to allow direct access underscored the seriousness of the issues raised. “We are very confident. We’ve always been confident. We knew that we were going to be granted access, and we were very confident that the Constitutional Court would make a pronouncement because the constitution is clear,” he said. Sithole said the applicants expect other individuals and organisations to join the proceedings to bolster the public interest dimension of the case. “We hope to see quite a lot of individuals coming in and assisting Mbuso and Ibetshu likaZulu. Because it’s public interest litigation, we’re expecting all those who have an input to come in so that we’ve got a solid case. We protect our constitution. We’ve got a duty to do so,” he said. Respondents and legal representation Counsel Tichawana Nyahuma appeared for the respondents, Zanu PF, while Mike Chimombe from the Attorney General’s Office represented the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, the Speaker of Parliament, the Attorney General, and the President of Zimbabwe. Zanu PF resolution challenge

Parliament of Zimbabwe Harare  — The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) has received a clean audit opinion for the financial year ended December 31, 2024, marking a significant turnaround from the qualified opinion issued by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) in 2023. The unqualified opinion places ZimStat among a small number of State entities that have managed to meet stringent public sector reporting standards, at a time when many parastatals continue to face adverse audit findings linked to weak governance, inadequate internal controls, and non-compliance with accounting frameworks. Beyond the technical accounting outcome, the clean audit enhances ZimStat's institutional credibility, whose data underpin national development planning, fiscal policy formulation, and economic decision-making. In its 2024 audit report, the OAG confirmed that ZimStat’s financial statements fairly present the agency’s financial position and performance in line with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). “I have audited the financial statements of Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency… In my opinion, the accompanying financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency as at December 31, 2024, and its financial performance and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS),” the Auditor General stated. Balance Sheet Strengthens on Treasury Support ZimStat’s balance sheet showed marked improvement in 2024. Total assets rose by 66% to ZiG229.74 million (US$8.9 million), up from the previous year, reflecting increased capital support. The growth was largely driven by a sharp increase in property, plant, and equipment, which surged to ZiG195.37 million (US$7.57 million) from ZiG61.39 million (US$2.37 million) in 2023. The expansion followed renewed funding from the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, particularly for large-scale national surveys. ZimStat acting deputy finance director Tarausa Mutodzaniswa said revenue performance rebounded strongly after a weak 2023. “In 2023, Treasury contributions fell sharply to US$8 million, resulting in a steep decline in total revenue to US$8.73 million,” Mutodzaniswa said. “By 2024, revenue rebounded by 47% to US$12.81 million, driven mainly by renewed Treasury support for the Economic Census and the Household Budget Survey.” Surpluses Recorded Despite Rising Costs Expenditure increased from US$8.03 million in 2023 to US$10.4 million in 2024, though spending efficiency improved. Expenditure accounted for 81% of revenue in 2024, down from 92% the previous year. As a result, ZimStat recorded operating surpluses of US$0.71 million in 2023 and US$2.4 million in 2024, reinforcing its improved financial position. Liquidity Pressures Remain Despite the clean audit and stronger asset base, the agency continues to face liquidity constraints. Current and acid test ratios remained below acceptable thresholds in both years, with the current ratio falling to 0.92 in 2024 and the acid test ratio improving to 0.81, up from 0.27 in 2023 but still below target levels. “This signifies liquidity challenges that have been experienced over the past two years,” Mutodzaniswa said, adding that such pressures were not present in earlier periods. To address this, ZimStat plans to expand revenue-generating initiatives while tightening expenditure controls, aiming to sustain financial stability alongside improved governance outcomes. ZimStat clean audit opinion

Harare Magistrate's Court Harare  — A Harare-based car dealer has been left counting heavy losses after allegedly being defrauded of more than US$50,000 by a man posing as a Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) clearance agent. The accused, Tichaona Mupo Mhlakaza, appeared before a Harare magistrate over the weekend on fraud charges. He was not asked to plead and is expected back in court today for a bail hearing. According to prosecutors, the complainant, Peter Sine, purchased four tipper trucks in Durban, South Africa, in January last year, with the intention of importing them into Zimbabwe. Seeking assistance with customs clearance, Sine was introduced to Mhlakaza, who allegedly claimed to be a ZIMRA agent capable of handling the process. Fake Proof of Payment Court papers allege that Mhlakaza informed Sine that he could facilitate the clearance of the trucks for a total fee of US$52,792. On January 20, Mhlakaza allegedly sent Sine what he claimed was proof that customs duty amounting to ZiG1,626,000 had already been paid through a ZIMRA agent identified as Globetrek Logistics. Later that same day, the two reportedly met at the corner of Leonard Brezhnev Street and Kwame Nkrumah Avenue in central Harare, where Sine handed over US$52,792 in cash to Mhlakaza. However, the deal began to unravel weeks later. On February 2, Sine reportedly approached ZIMRA to verify the payment, only to be informed that no customs duty had been paid for the trucks. The confirmation directly contradicted the proof of payment that Mhlakaza had earlier provided. Attempts to Shift Blame When confronted, Mhlakaza allegedly failed to give a satisfactory explanation and attempted to shift blame to a third party, identifying a man named Lloyd Mawadze as the originator of the fraudulent payment document. Prosecutors say Sine did not know Mawadze and had never dealt with him. Realising he had been defrauded, Sine filed a police report, leading to Mhlakaza’s arrest. No Recovery as Investigations Continue As of the latest court appearance, no money has been recovered, and police investigations are still ongoing. The case adds to a growing number of fraud incidents involving individuals posing as customs and tax agents, with authorities repeatedly urging importers and business owners to verify credentials directly with ZIMRA before making payments. Harare car dealer fraud; Fake ZIMRA agent scam; Zimbabwe customs clearance fraud

RBZ Headquarters Harare  — The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has officially decoupled its transition to a monocurrency system from a fixed timeline, opting instead for a conditions-based framework under which the move will only be implemented once strict economic benchmarks are met. The shift marks a significant recalibration of Zimbabwe’s monetary strategy and comes amid growing caution within the financial sector. Banks have reportedly stopped extending loans structured around the previously cited 2030 monocurrency target, while businesses and consumers continue to hold foreign currency outside formal channels, tightening liquidity in an economy already constrained by limited hard currency inflows. By abandoning a calendar-driven approach, the RBZ is signalling a more cautious and flexible path toward monocurrency, prioritising macroeconomic stability, foreign reserve adequacy, and sustained price stability over adherence to an arbitrary deadline. Import Cover and Inflation Take Centre Stage The revised strategy was outlined during discussions last Friday involving the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Treasury officials, and the central bank. RBZ Governor John Mushayavanhu said the transition would only proceed once clearly defined “conditions precedent” are satisfied. Chief among these is the accumulation of three to six months of import cover, a benchmark widely regarded as critical for currency stability. Zimbabwe currently has about 1.5 months of import cover, well below the target range. “Currently, we are sitting at about 1.5 months. We are not there yet, but we are making progress,” Mushayavanhu said. “Once we get there, we will clearly outline the next steps.” Using last year’s trade data, a six-month import cover would require approximately US$4.69 billion in reserves. The RBZ is also insisting on sustained low inflation as a prerequisite. While Zimbabwe recorded zero-digit inflation in January, Mushayavanhu said the focus is on maintaining that stability over time. “We achieved zero-digit inflation in January, and we want to sustain it,” he said. “That is one of the outcomes the IMF expects during the Staff-Monitored Programme period.” IMF Emphasises Stability and Coordination IMF mission chief for Zimbabwe Wojciech Maliszewski said the Staff-Monitored Programme (SMP) will prioritise preserving recent stabilisation gains, improving the functioning of the foreign exchange market, and strengthening coordination between monetary and fiscal policy. “The focus for now will be to ensure that the recent gains in stabilisation are sustained, particularly through the monetary policy stance and a substantial improvement in the functioning of the foreign exchange market,” Maliszewski said. He added that fiscal discipline and structural reforms are essential to restoring investor confidence and creating a durable foundation for growth. Treasury Downplays Short-Term ZiG Constraints Meanwhile, Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion permanent secretary George Guvamatanga cautioned against interpreting current challenges, such as the ZiG currency’s inability to purchase fuel, as evidence of long-term failure. He noted that electronic usage of ZiG has increased, suggesting gradual adoption even as confidence builds. Under the new framework, the RBZ says monocurrency will only be introduced when conditions allow, not when a date arrives, underscoring a policy shift shaped by lessons from past currency instability. RBZ monocurrency plan; Zimbabwe monocurrency transition; ZiG currency news

POTRAZ says data rollover and transfer rules are governed by Regulatory Circular Number 2 of 2019. Harare  — The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has clarified the country’s regulatory framework governing data rollover and data transfer, following renewed public interest and ongoing complaints over mobile data expiry and high costs. Data rollover allows mobile subscribers to carry forward unused data from one billing cycle to the next, while data transfer enables users to share data with other subscribers on the same mobile network. Both features were introduced to curb the loss of unused data and strengthen consumer protection in Zimbabwe’s telecommunications sector. In a statement, POTRAZ said the measures were formally established through Regulatory Circular Number 2 of 2019, which was issued in response to widespread consumer concerns about data bundles expiring before use. “Progress has been made on the implementation of the data rollover and transfer initiative,” POTRAZ said. “Members of the public are encouraged to take note of the existing regulatory measures aimed at enhancing consumer protection and to familiarise themselves with the conditions that apply to various data bundles.” How Mobile Operators Apply Data Rollover According to the regulator, mobile network operators (MNOs) have adopted different approaches in line with the regulations. These include: Full data rollover for selected bundles Data rollover in cases of network failure Data transfer options, allowing subscribers to send unused data to other users before bundle expiry Diversified bundle structures are designed to accommodate varying usage patterns However, POTRAZ stressed that not all data bundles are subject to the same conditions, urging consumers to review bundle-specific terms and conditions before purchase. Consumer Complaints Remain The clarification comes amid persistent public dissatisfaction over high mobile data prices, premature data expiry, and what subscribers describe as inconsistent implementation of rollover and transfer features across different mobile networks. POTRAZ said it remains committed to monitoring compliance and improving regulatory oversight. Consumers were encouraged to report challenges or provide feedback, which the authority said plays a critical role in strengthening enforcement and policy review. The regulator added that it will continue conducting public education campaigns to ensure subscribers fully understand their rights and the protections available under Zimbabwe’s telecommunications regulations. POTRAZ; data rollover Zimbabwe; data transfer Zimbabwe; mobile data regulation Zimbabwe; POTRAZ data policy

Econet Roadshow Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has issued a warning to residents in Gutu and Bikita following a surge in EcoCash-related scams and mobile phone thefts, leaving many customers at risk of financial losses. Speaking at the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Masvingo Province Awareness Campaign at Gedhemaranganyika Business Centre, Chief Budzi's area, Econet's area manager for Gutu and Bikita, Principle Fungai Chikaura, said criminals are increasingly exploiting unsuspecting EcoCash users despite the platform's strong security measures. "EcoCash is secure, but criminals are taking advantage of people's lack of awareness," Chikaura said. "We continue to receive reports of scammers calling customers, pretending to be Econet employees, and demanding EcoCash PINs." He stressed that no Econet staff member will ever request a customer's security PIN, and urged the public to treat any such calls as criminal attempts. Scammers reportedly use deceptive tactics, including claims of network upgrades, account verification, or promises of prizes, to trick users into revealing sensitive information. Chikaura advised residents not to click on suspicious links or respond to unsolicited messages, even during promotional campaigns like Joy After Joy. "All official communication from Econet is through verified social media platforms, our official website, or recognised customer care hotlines. We never send random links asking customers to claim prizes," he said. Chikaura praised the awareness campaign, highlighting the importance of collaboration between law enforcement, service providers, and the public to curb fraud and cybercrime. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious calls, messages, or transactions immediately to Econet or the police. Mobile phone theft also remains a serious concern, as stolen devices are often exploited to access EcoCash accounts lacking adequate security measures. The campaign brought together police officers, traditional leaders, community members, and private sector stakeholders to promote crime prevention and digital safety in the region. EcoCash scams

Mining site in Zimbabwe The United States has signalled a clear interest in Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth as Washington moves to secure critical inputs for manufacturing and national security. Announced under Project Vault, a US$12 billion stockpiling initiative, the push aims to diversify supply chains for strategic minerals and reduce reliance on single suppliers. The US Embassy in Harare said Washington is “ready to engage with Zimbabwe on mutually beneficial supply chain transactions,” putting Zimbabwe squarely in the spotlight given its rich endowment of lithium, platinum group metals, and rare earths. Why Zimbabwe matters Lithium leadership. Zimbabwe is Africa’s largest lithium producer and holds the world’s sixth‑largest lithium reserves, with ambitions to supply up to 20 percent of global demand. Lithium is central to electric‑vehicle batteries and energy storage. Broad mineral base. Beyond lithium, Zimbabwe hosts the world’s second‑largest reserves of platinum group metals, 17 types of rare earth minerals, and significant chrome, nickel, and iron deposits. That mix makes the country strategically attractive to nations racing to secure critical inputs. Harare’s response Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana said Zimbabwe is open to talks through formal diplomatic and trade channels, but stressed conditions: any engagement must be transparent, mutually beneficial, and advance national development goals. Harare emphasises value addition, technology transfer, and job creation as non‑negotiable outcomes of foreign partnerships. “We welcome relationships that contribute to sustainable development,” Mangwana said, adding that Zimbabwe seeks deals that protect national interests and improve livelihoods. Geopolitics and market dynamics Analysts view the US approach as part of a broader geopolitical shift. With Washington seeking alternatives to China for rare earths and other critical minerals, Africa’s producers have become priority targets. Economist Persistence Gwanyanya noted that Project Vault signals urgency in Washington’s search for diversified suppliers. Political analyst Kudzai Mutisi warned that the global scramble will push demand and prices higher, creating both opportunity and risk for resource‑rich countries. He urged Zimbabwe to consider strategic measures such as national stockpiles and policies that maximise long‑term domestic benefit. What Zimbabwe should demand Experts and officials point to several priorities Zimbabwe should insist on during negotiations: Value addition to avoid exporting raw materials at low margins. Technology transfer to build local processing capacity. Job creation and skills development for sustainable economic gains. Transparent contracts and environmental safeguards to protect communities. Strategic reserves to secure national supply and bargaining power. The choice ahead Zimbabwe faces a pivotal decision: leverage its mineral endowment to attract investment that fosters industrialisation, or risk becoming a supplier of unprocessed commodities with limited local benefit. The US interest under Project Vault presents a major opportunity, but the long‑term payoff will depend on how Harare negotiates terms, enforces value‑capture measures, and balances foreign partnerships with national priorities. If structured correctly, these engagements could accelerate Zimbabwe’s industrial ambitions and create jobs. If mishandled, they could lock the country into extractive relationships that deliver little beyond short‑term revenue. The coming months will reveal whether Zimbabwe can convert strategic interest into sustainable development. US interest in Zimbabwe mineral

Education minister Dr, Torerai Moyo By Staff Reporter — Harare, Zimbabwe A growing number of educators in Zimbabwe are urging the government to reinstate corporal punishment in schools, citing a rise in indiscipline and drug use among learners, including those as young as 14. The call comes amid strong reminders from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education that the practice remains prohibited and that any breaches will attract sanctions. Dr Torerai Moyo, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education: “Let me remind you that corporal punishment is still outlawed. No learner should be beaten at school… Those who feel corporal punishment should be restored are free to petition Parliament, stating their reasons, but as of now, it is banned.” Teachers’ frustrations and union responses Representatives of teachers’ unions say the ban has left many educators feeling powerless in the face of escalating misconduct. Martin Chaburumunda, president of the Zimbabwe Rural Teachers Union (ZRTU), said teachers are struggling to maintain order in classrooms. Charles Musembwa, Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) Manicaland provincial coordinator, argued that removing corporal punishment without providing effective alternatives has contributed to rising indiscipline and risky behaviours among learners. Union leaders emphasise that classroom management has become more difficult and that teachers need stronger tools and support to address disruptive behaviour. Scale of the problem: drugs and risky behaviour Research cited by advocacy groups points to worrying trends. The Anti‑Drug Abuse Forum (ADAF) reports that about 43% of high‑school learners have either used or come into contact with illegal drugs since 2017. ADAF executive director Collin Mapfumo said some youths turn to drugs to cope with personal challenges or as a source of income, compounding disciplinary and welfare concerns for schools. Government stance and alternatives Despite pressure from some educators, the government has reiterated its prohibition on physical discipline. Minister Moyo urged headmasters to identify learners involved in drug use and to apply appropriate remedial measures within the law. He also encouraged those who favour a policy change to pursue it through parliamentary channels rather than taking unilateral action. Many education stakeholders advocate for non‑physical disciplinary approaches. These include: Mentorship and counselling to address the underlying causes of misbehaviour. Strengthened school‑based support systems, including guidance counsellors and social‑work referrals. Community and parental engagement to reinforce discipline and address out‑of‑school influences. Targeted interventions for at‑risk learners, including substance‑abuse prevention and rehabilitation programmes. Proponents of modern disciplinary methods argue these approaches protect learner dignity, reduce the risk of abuse, and address root causes rather than symptoms. The debate’s wider implications The controversy highlights a broader tension in Zimbabwe’s education system: balancing learner rights and safety with the need to maintain order and a conducive learning environment. Critics of corporal punishment warn that reinstating physical discipline risks normalising violence and undermining long‑term behavioural change. Supporters counter that current measures are insufficient and that schools need effective, enforceable tools to deter serious misconduct. What Next Education authorities, unions, and community stakeholders face a complex policy choice. Any move to change the legal status of corporal punishment would require parliamentary debate and careful consideration of alternatives, safeguards, and implementation mechanisms. Meanwhile, the ministry has urged schools to prioritise counselling, early identification of at‑risk learners, and collaboration with parents and social services to address the underlying drivers of indiscipline. corporal punishment Zimbabwe schools

Long queue of commercial trucks at Forbes Border Post By Staff Reporter — Mutare, Zimbabwe Forbes Border Post, the eastern corridor linking Zimbabwe to Mozambique’s Beira Port, has overtaken Beitbridge as the country’s busiest entry and exit point for commercial trucks, authorities say. The surge in traffic has exposed persistent operational bottlenecks: long queues, incomplete pre‑clearance documentation, and delays that slow cross‑border trade despite recent digital and infrastructure interventions. ZIMRA official:  “Pre‑cleared means ready to go, but we cannot allow trucks to proceed when they have only registered. Trucks will only be allowed entry once assessments are complete and documents have been stamped.” Scale of the shift and immediate effects Originally established as a tourist clearing point, Forbes now handles more than 1,000 commercial trucks daily. Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) statistics for January–June 2025 show Forbes cleared 88,660 outgoing trucks, compared with 62,964 at Beitbridge; incoming truck volumes were 75,471 at Forbes versus 63,085 at Beitbridge. The traffic surge, which began in early 2025, has produced long queues on both sides of the border and heightened pressure on customs, transporters, and clearing agents. The paperwork problem and short‑term fixes ZIMRA officials told transporters that full pre‑clearance must be completed at Beira before trucks depart for Forbes. Partial compliance, where consignments are only registered but not fully assessed and stamped, forces border officials to stop trucks on arrival and prioritise fully cleared consignments, slowing overall throughput. Transporters have raised concerns about potential extra charges in Mozambique, given the 21‑hour travel window from Beira to Forbes. ZIMRA said it will engage Mozambican counterparts to address cost and logistics issues and explore holding‑bay solutions on the Mozambican side to reduce border‑side congestion. Infrastructure and digital reforms are underway Stakeholders point to a combination of physical and digital upgrades as essential to managing higher traffic volumes. The government has piloted the Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window at Forbes, enabling traders to lodge standardised import, export, and transit documents electronically through a single entry point. Forbes and Machipanda border posts have also been opened for 24‑hour operations to ease peak‑time pressure. Washington Dube, CEO of the Shipping and Forwarding Agents Association of Zimbabwe (SFAAZ), described Forbes as Zimbabwe’s strategic eastern gateway to global markets and urged faster infrastructure modernisation. He highlighted ongoing projects, including the Mutare Christmas Pass Bypass and Interchange Project and broader border modernisation, as critical to reducing congestion. Washington Dube, SFAAZ CEO:  “Coordination among government agencies, transporters, clearing agents, exporters and importers is crucial. If documents are submitted in advance and processed promptly, the 21‑hour window can be sufficient.” Coordination and compliance as the path forward Authorities and industry representatives agree that the immediate priority is full compliance with pre‑clearance requirements and improved coordination across the logistics chain. Practical steps urged by ZIMRA and SFAAZ include: Transporters submitting complete documentation before departure from Beira. Clearing agents are processing entries promptly and communicating with clients. ZIMRA and Mozambican authorities are negotiating holding bays and harmonised procedures. Continued investment in border infrastructure and digital systems to increase capacity. Outlook As cross‑border trade grows and vehicle volumes rise, Forbes Border Post’s role as a key trade corridor will depend on sustained cooperation between Zimbabwean and Mozambican authorities, disciplined adherence to pre‑clearance rules by transporters and clearing agents, and continued investment in both physical and digital infrastructure. If those elements align, the eastern corridor can remain an efficient gateway for Zimbabwe’s trade with global markets.   Forbes Border Post congestion

Shadreck Nyahwa, the new Dynamos captain By Staff Reporter — Harare, Zimbabwe In a decisive move to stem transfer speculation and restore stability at a club rocked by departures, Dynamos have handed the captain’s armband to midfield enforcer Shadreck Nyahwa. The appointment is widely interpreted as a signal to suitors and a vote of confidence in a player who had been the subject of intense interest from local rivals. Nyahwa’s elevation follows a week of heightened rumours after he missed several training sessions amid public interest from clubs including Hardrock and TelOne. The narrative shifted this week when the combative, left‑footed midfielder returned to training and was confirmed as the new leader of the Glamour Boys, succeeding Emmanuel Jalai, who recently completed a move to South Africa’s top flight with Durban City. A senior Dynamos official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the club was never unsettled by the transfer talk. “Nyahwa has a running contract until December 31. We were never worried about the rumours because he had given us his word,” the official told NewsDay Sport. “He is one of the few senior heads left in the team, and we value his leadership. That is why he is our captain.” The club stressed that the captaincy confers responsibility and certain privileges, including access to a high‑end club vehicle, but does not guarantee a starting place. “We have assembled a very strong squad, and he, just like everyone else, will have to work very hard to get a place in the team,” the official added. A club in transition Nyahwa inherits the armband amid a sweeping rebuild. A significant exodus at the end of last season saw the departure of several key figures from the side that had won a third straight Chibuku Super Cup. Notable exits included Jalai, Temptation Chiwunga, goalkeeper Prince Tafiremutsa, Vusa Ngwenya, and Felix Hammond, leaving Dynamos with barely a dozen retained players. In response, the club launched an aggressive recruitment drive, holding open trials and assembling a provisional squad that features 17 new signings. Among the arrivals are goalkeeper Mathias Kigoya, defenders Isaac Landu (DRC) and Collin Mujuru, and attackers Perfect Chikwende, Trevor Mavhunga, William Manondo, and Moses Demera additions are intended to replenish depth and inject fresh competition. Immediate tests and leadership expectations Dynamos face a challenging early schedule that will test the retooled squad and Nyahwa’s leadership. The team is scheduled to meet arch‑rivals Highlanders in a charity fixture in Bulawayo on February 15, before taking on reigning league champions Scotland in the season‑opening Castle Challenge Cup. Off the field, familiar figures have returned to steady the ship. Genesis Mangombe has resumed duties as head coach, while Vincent Chawonza is back as executive chairman, in a move the club hopes will provide continuity and strategic direction after a turbulent period that nearly ended in relegation last season. Supporters will be watching closely to see whether the Nyahwa‑led reboot delivers tangible improvement. The captain now straddles two Dynamos eras: a fading core that delivered recent silverware and a new cohort tasked with rebuilding the club’s fortunes. His role will be as much about setting standards in training and the dressing room as it is about performances on matchday. What the captaincy means For Nyahwa, the armband is both recognition and responsibility. It positions him as a central figure in a club seeking to reassert itself domestically and to stabilise after a period of upheaval. For Dynamos, the appointment is a strategic message to the market and to the squad: the club values commitment and leadership, and it intends to move forward with a clear hierarchy and renewed ambition. Whether the gesture will be enough to quiet transfer talk and translate into on‑pitch cohesion remains to be seen. For now, Dynamos supporters will hope the new captain can steady the Glamour Boys’ famously rocking ship and lead a successful transition into the club’s next chapter. Shadreck Nyahwa, captain of Dynamos

The Harare High Court, where Justice Pisirayi Kwenda sits. A Harare High Court judge is under investigation by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) following allegations that he sent suggestive WhatsApp messages to a married court clerk, triggering a formal complaint after the exchanges were allegedly intercepted by her husband. Justice Pisirayi Kwenda is at the centre of the inquiry after screenshots of the messages were reportedly submitted to the JSC, which is chaired by Chief Justice Luke Malaba. ZimLive has been shown some of the messages, which allegedly begin with Justice Kwenda telling the woman that he missed her, before the exchange drifted into innuendo. “I miss you,” the judge is said to have written, to which the woman replied: “Really?” According to the screenshots, the conversation then shifted to work matters, with the woman asking about vacation duty. Justice Kwenda allegedly responded in Shona: “Ne case yembudzi iyoyi” (“With this goat case”), a reference understood to relate to a goats-related court matter. “Yaa pange paipa, I hope tools down now,” the woman is reported to have replied. The judge allegedly seized on the wording, responding: “…and tools in,” followed by a “see no evil” monkey emoji. The final messages seen reportedly show the woman laughing and asking: “Kkk in where?” It remains unclear how many messages between the two are under review by the JSC. Timing Raises Additional Scrutiny The alleged exchange is understood to have occurred days after Justice Kwenda delivered judgment in the high-profile corruption case involving businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu. The pair were convicted and jailed for using fraudulent documents to secure a US$88 million Ministry of Agriculture tender for the supply of goats, with judgment handed down on December 8 last year. Legal sources say that in his response to the JSC, Justice Kwenda argued that his right to privacy was violated, alleging that the woman’s husband unlawfully intercepted the messages. The woman, for her part, is reported to have told the commission that “nothing happened” between her and the judge. Chief Justice Malaba is now expected to determine whether the conduct amounts to judicial misconduct. If proven, the matter could result in disciplinary action. Echoes of a Past Scandal The case has drawn comparisons to a 2021 judicial scandal that led to the removal of Justice Thompson Mabhikwa from the bench. Mabhikwa was dismissed after an inappropriate relationship with a court clerk at the Bulawayo High Court came to light, following the circulation of private material within judicial circles. JSC spokesperson Daniel Nemukuyu declined to comment on the ongoing investigation. The husband who lodged the complaint also declined to comment when contacted. The probe has renewed public attention on judicial ethics and accountability, with growing pressure on the JSC to demonstrate transparency in handling allegations involving senior members of the bench. High Court Judge; Messages to Court Clerk; Justice Pisirayi Kwenda

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume at Selecta Base Foundation outreach in Sunningdale By Staff Reporter — Harare, Zimbabwe A community‑based organisation, Selecta Base Foundation, on Friday donated food hampers to elderly residents and people living with disabilities (PWDs) in Sunningdale, Harare, as part of an outreach under the theme “Together We Can Make a Difference.” Foundation leader Arnold Chigwerewe said caring for vulnerable members of society is a shared responsibility that begins with compassion and action. Arnold Chigwerewe: “You don’t have to wait until you are rich to help others. It starts with compassion, unity and action.” Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume praised the initiative, noting it supports vulnerable groups, promotes social cohesion, and creates short‑term employment through community events. He also acknowledged ongoing service delivery challenges in the city, including water shortages, sewer bursts, and deteriorating road infrastructure, and said the council is working with government ministries on sustainable solutions. Event highlights and community impact Beneficiaries: Elderly residents and PWDs in Sunningdale. Organiser: Selecta Base Foundation, led by Arnold Chigwerewe. Theme: Together We Can Make a Difference. Local support: Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume attended and commended the outreach. Community benefits: Immediate food relief for vulnerable households, strengthened social cohesion, and temporary employment opportunities linked to event logistics. Officials’ remarks and local priorities Mayor Mafume emphasised the dual value of community outreach: direct support for vulnerable residents and broader social and economic benefits. He reiterated the council’s awareness of infrastructure challenges and said collaboration with the central government remains a priority to address water, sewer, and road problems affecting residents. Jacob Mafume: “Bringing such activities to Harare not only entertains but also creates employment and unites people. We applaud Arnold and his team for this initiative and for caring for the most vulnerable among us.” Selecta Base Foundation Sunningdale