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Three people died and one woman was seriously injured after a haulage truck collided head-on with a Nissan Note at Mufusire Uphill in Headlands ( image source ) HEADLANDS — Three people were killed and one woman sustained serious injuries in a road traffic collision at Mufusire Uphill in Headlands on 23 December, police and court records have confirmed. The victims were travelling from Nyanga to Ruwa to attend a traditional bride price (roora) ceremony when the crash occurred. The deceased have been identified as Ngonidzashe Gift Simango (25) of Nyangani Park, Taurai Kaseke (30) and Ngoni Mutsoka (28). A fourth passenger, Caroline (22), survived the crash but suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment. According to evidence presented in court, the collision occurred at around 8am near the 120-kilometre peg when a haulage truck pulling a tanker veered into the oncoming lane and collided head-on with a Nissan Note in which the victims were travelling. Simango, who was driving the Nissan Note (registration AHC 0831), and two passengers died at the scene. Post-mortem examinations later confirmed that all three died from severe head injuries. Both vehicles were extensively damaged. The truck driver, Ibrahim Alibashire Adanw, a Kenyan national, appeared before Rusape magistrate Barbra Mateko facing a charge of culpable homicide. He entered a guilty plea. Prosecutor Faith Mutukwa told the court that Adanw was driving a white Benz truck (registration AGI 288 MP) towards Mutare when he encroached into the opposite lane, resulting in the fatal collision. The State alleges that the accused was negligent by overtaking in the presence of an oncoming vehicle, driving at excessive speed, failing to keep a proper lookout and failing to take reasonable steps to avoid the collision when danger became apparent. Adanw is expected to return to court on 5 January 2026 for mitigation and aggravation before sentencing.

University of Zimbabwe accounting student Danai Kwedza has won second place in the 2025 SADC Tertiary Institutions Essay Competition, earning US$1,500 and regional recognition ( image source ) HARARE — A 21-year-old University of Zimbabwe accounting student, Danai Kwedza, has secured second place in the 2025 SADC Tertiary Institutions Essay Competition, earning a prize of US$1,500. Kwedza, who hails from Chihota and is a former pupil of Mahusekwa High School, said her participation was inspired by a desire to recognise initiatives that support girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. She said competing at regional level despite coming from a rural setting demonstrated that such achievements are possible with determination. “Coming from a rural setting and competing at regional level is not easy, but it has shown that it can be done,” Kwedza said. She said she plans to continue entering the competition, with the aim of securing first place in future editions. Kwedza also highlighted challenges she faced during the competition, including limited access to digital devices and internet data required for research. Despite these constraints, she successfully completed and submitted her essay. Her achievement has attracted local support, with a company donating a laptop to assist her academic work. Kwedza’s father, Tendai Kwedza, encouraged parents to prioritise their daughters’ education, saying learning creates opportunities that enable young people to realise their full potential.

A 37-year-old Botswana national was arrested at Plumtree Border Post after being found with 35 grammes of dagga on Christmas Day ( image source ) PLUMTREE — A 37-year-old Botswana national has been arrested at the Plumtree Border Post after authorities intercepted dagga during routine screening on Christmas Day, police have confirmed. The suspect, identified as Exodus Moyo, was detained on 25 December after border officials discovered 35 grammes of dagga, packed in five sachets, inside his luggage during immigration and customs checks. He was taken into custody and later appeared before Plumtree Magistrate Joshua Nembaware, who remanded him in custody to 7 January 2026. Prosecutor Sheila Nyathi told the court that Moyo entered Zimbabwe on the day of his arrest and was intercepted during standard screening procedures. The State alleges that the recovered substance is dagga and that the accused unlawfully attempted to bring it into the country. The matter was postponed to allow investigators to complete forensic analysis of the substance and to finalise the prosecution docket. The State is expected to indicate its position on formal charges and bail when the accused returns to court. Border authorities said the arrest underscores the role of routine screening and intelligence-led checks in curbing cross-border drug trafficking. Community leaders in Plumtree welcomed the arrest but urged authorities to complement enforcement with public education and stronger cross-border cooperation to address drug supply networks. Moyo remains in custody pending his next court appearance.

A Mutare-based police officer has been jailed for three years after being convicted of unlawful possession of dagga following his arrest at a mining site in Shurugwi ( image source ) A police officer based in Mutare has been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment after being convicted of unlawful possession of dagga, following his arrest at a mining site in Shurugwi. Sergeant Maviya, who was stationed at Dangamvura Police Station, appeared before magistrate Patricia Gwetsai alongside Ngonidzashe Muzarawetu (22) of 306 Area 7, Dangamvura. The two were arrested on 14 September 2025 after police received information that dagga was being sold at Nash 1 mining area. According to court proceedings, Sergeant Maviya was found in possession of 2,8 kilogrammes of dagga, while Muzarawetu was found with 0,04 kilogrammes. A third individual, Enock Shunye, who allegedly bought dagga from the pair at the mining site, was also arrested in connection with the case. The court heard that Maviya and Muzarawetu attempted to flee when police moved in, but detectives later tracked them to Batanai Shop in the Musana area, where they were arrested as they disembarked from a vehicle. Both accused were charged and convicted. Sergeant Maviya was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. Details of the sentence imposed on Muzarawetu were not immediately available at the time of reporting. The case underscores that laws relating to the unlawful possession of dangerous drugs apply equally to civilians and members of the security services.

A parliamentary audit has flagged a ZWG204,091.69 variance in Chiredzi West CDF spending, citing undocumented expenditures and the use of a personal bank account for public funds ( image source ) MOUNT HAMPDEN — A parliamentary audit has raised serious concerns over the management of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) resources in Chiredzi West after uncovering a ZWG204,091.69 expenditure variance that auditors say could not be supported by documentation. The audit also flagged the use of a sitting legislator’s personal bank account for handling public funds. The audit, conducted between 21 and 24 October 2025, examined the utilisation of ZWG1,332,430 (approximately US$50,000) allocated to Chiredzi West for nine development projects. Its findings were formally submitted to the Clerk of Parliament, the CDF Management Committee, the Accountant General and the Auditor-General. According to the report, the constituency’s Member of Parliament, Hon. Darlington Chiwa, transferred the full CDF allocation into his personal bank account, allegedly to “facilitate swipe transactions.” Auditors noted that the move was undertaken without documented approval from the Constituency Development Committee (CDC), contrary to CDF governance requirements. A reconciliation of bank statements and available invoices showed that ZWG1,149,532.14 was spent on materials, labour and transport, while ZWG55,527.50 was attributed to exchange-rate variances incurred when converting funds to meet United States dollar obligations. However, auditors said ZWG204,091.69 could not be verified due to missing or incomplete supporting documentation. During a site inspection at Batanai Primary School, auditors observed six angle-iron bars but were not provided with invoices to support the purchase. The MP reportedly informed auditors that he had paid US$1,500 for carpentry work and US$600 for plastering, but no proof of payment was produced at the time of inspection. The audit also identified ZWG8,081.90 spent on ancillary expenses and noted incomplete accounting for the full ZWG66,621.50 allowed for administrative costs under the CDF constitution. At Monyoroka Primary School in Ward 27, only 10 of the 16 ZESA poles allocated for electrification had been delivered when auditors visited the site. The report recommends that Hon. Chiwa and the CDC urgently submit complete documentation for all CDF expenditures, formally update Parliament on any project scope adjustments, and immediately discontinue the use of personal bank accounts for managing public funds. It further calls for enhanced oversight mechanisms to ensure strict compliance with CDF governance rules. Contacted for comment, Hon. Chiwa dismissed the audit findings as politically motivated, saying he had already submitted supporting evidence to Parliament to explain the variance. “Beware of some elements within our party who are bent on causing divisions,” he said. Efforts to obtain comment from ZANU-PF Masvingo provincial chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa were unsuccessful. The audit has renewed scrutiny over transparency and accountability in the administration of constituency development funds, with governance advocates calling for stronger controls, timely public disclosure and sanctions where misuse is established. Parliament is expected to review the findings and determine appropriate follow-up action.

Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector recorded strong growth under NDS1, boosting tobacco, maize and wheat production and setting the stage for ambitious NDS2 targets under Vision 2030 ( image source ) HARARE — Zimbabwe’s recently concluded National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) has been credited with driving strong growth in the agricultural sector, laying a solid foundation for more ambitious production and value-addition targets under NDS2 as the country advances towards Vision 2030. Government officials say gains achieved during the NDS1 period have positioned agriculture as a central pillar of economic recovery, food security and export growth. The sector now contributes an estimated 33 percent to national gross domestic product, while also supporting livelihoods and strengthening foreign-currency inflows. Tobacco has emerged as a key driver of agricultural expansion and a major foreign-currency earner. Production rose from 175 million kilogrammes in 2020 to a record 355 million kilogrammes delivered during the 2025 marketing season. Authorities attribute the growth to policy reforms, contract farming, improved inputs and the tobacco value-chain transformation programme. Under NDS2, Government aims to raise output to 500 million kilogrammes and grow the tobacco industry into a US$5 billion sector by 2030, subject to favourable climatic conditions. Maize production has also shown notable improvement, with crops reported to be performing well across most farming regions following good seasonal rains. Officials say the outlook points to another strong harvest that will reinforce national food and nutrition security. The improved performance has been linked to better input availability, targeted extension services and expanded irrigation in selected districts. Wheat production has recorded one of the most dramatic turnarounds, following years of decline. Driven largely by the mechanisation programme launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the deployment of tractors and combine harvesters has significantly lifted productivity. Official figures indicate a 600 percent increase in wheat output this year, with production surpassing 655,000 tonnes. The Government has now set a target of 1.5 million tonnes by 2030. Policymakers say the combined gains across tobacco, maize and wheat demonstrate the multiplier effect of coordinated interventions spanning mechanisation, input support, irrigation development, market reforms and value-chain investments. “NDS1 laid the groundwork, and NDS2 will focus on scaling up industrialisation, value addition and market diversification to ensure agriculture drives inclusive and sustainable growth,” a senior official in the Ministry of Agriculture said. Analysts have welcomed the progress but warned that sustaining momentum will require continued investment in irrigation infrastructure, rural roads, storage and agro-processing facilities. Climate resilience has also been flagged as a priority, with calls for expanded early-warning systems and wider adoption of climate-smart farming practices. Private-sector players have urged Government to accelerate value-addition initiatives to retain more value from tobacco and grain locally, while development partners have stressed the importance of policy consistency to attract long-term investment. As Zimbabwe transitions from NDS1 to NDS2, officials say agriculture will remain central to the national development agenda — anchoring food self-sufficiency, export growth and job creation on the road to Vision 2030.

Zimbabweans consistently excel abroad, not because their talent changes, but because systems work ( image source ) It is a story many Zimbabweans recognise instantly. A nurse leaves and soon manages a ward in the United Kingdom. A footballer crosses borders and signs for a competitive European league. An engineer relocates and finds themselves working on major infrastructure projects. The talent did not change — the environment did. Zimbabweans do not suddenly become smarter the moment they cross Beitbridge or pass through Heathrow. What changes are the systems around them. In functional economies, effort is rewarded, skills are utilised, and professional growth follows predictable rules. At home, the same potential often collides with fragile institutions, limited resources, and an economy that shifts direction without warning. In critical sectors such as health, sport and engineering, the constraints are well known. Public hospitals struggle with equipment shortages and staff retention. Local footballers battle underfunded structures and inconsistent pathways to professional growth. Across the public and private sectors, recruitment and promotion too often hinge on personal connections rather than competence. Over time, ambition gives way to survival. The result is not a lack of patriotism, but a rational response to structural frustration. For many Zimbabweans, leaving is less about chasing luxury and more about securing dignity, stability and professional recognition. If the country is serious about retaining talent — and even attracting back those already abroad — three shifts are unavoidable. First, economic stability must become non-negotiable. Professionals cannot plan careers, invest in skills or commit long-term when wages lose value and policy reversals are frequent. Second, meritocracy must be more than a slogan. Recruitment, promotion and opportunity must consistently reward ability and performance rather than familiarity or lineage. When skills are valued, people stay. Third, the diaspora must be engaged meaningfully. Many Zimbabweans abroad are willing to contribute skills, capital and networks, but bureaucratic hurdles and unclear channels often discourage genuine engagement. Simple, transparent pathways would turn goodwill into impact. None of this is radical. It requires political will, institutional reform and a commitment to long-term thinking. Without these, Zimbabwe will continue exporting its brightest minds while applauding their success from a distance. Zimbabweans have proven they can thrive anywhere. The unresolved question is whether their own country will ever allow them to do so at home. Simbarashe Namusi is a peace, leadership and governance scholar as well as media expert. He writes in his personal capacity.

Zimbabwe’s new tax regime takes effect after approval of the 2026 Budget, introducing changes to VAT, gaming taxes, mining royalties, digital services tax and other levies ( image source ) A new set of taxes and adjustments to existing levies will come into force from midnight following Parliament’s approval of the 2026 National Budget, marking a significant shift in Zimbabwe’s fiscal framework as Government moves to strengthen revenue mobilisation. The measures, which take effect on Thursday, include both economy-wide adjustments and sector-specific taxes. Among the key changes, the Intermediated Money Transfer Tax (IMTT) on local-currency transactions has been reduced from 2.0 percent to 1.5 percent. Treasury says the cut is intended to lower the cost of digital transactions while maintaining revenue collection from electronic payments. The gaming and betting sector faces one of the most substantial overhauls. Operators will now be taxed at 20 percent of gross monthly takings, while winnings earned by punters will attract a 25 percent tax. Government officials say the structure is designed to capture a larger share of revenue from the fast-growing gaming industry, though operators have warned that excessive taxation could drive activity into informal or unregulated markets if enforcement does not improve. In the extractive sector, a new 3 percent coal levy has been introduced as part of efforts to broaden the tax base across natural resources. Gold producers will move to a sliding royalty scale linked to international prices, with royalties set at 3 percent when prices are below US$1,200 per ounce, 5 percent when prices range between US$1,200 and US$2,500 per ounce, and 10 percent when prices exceed US$2,500 per ounce. Authorities say the structure is intended to cushion miners during low-price cycles while allowing the State to capture higher returns during commodity booms. Changes have also been introduced in the property and consumption space. Property owners leasing premises to businesses will be subject to presumptive rental income tax at 15 percent of rentals paid by tenants operating commercial activities. Value Added Tax (VAT) has been increased from 15 percent to 15.5 percent, while a 15 percent Digital Services Tax will now apply to e-commerce transactions, reflecting Government’s intention to more effectively tax digital economic activity. Treasury officials described the package as a calibrated approach aimed at supporting priority programmes under the National Development Strategy while maintaining macroeconomic stability. They said some measures, such as the IMTT reduction, were designed to balance revenue needs with the cost of doing business. Reactions from stakeholders were mixed. Business associations raised concerns that the presumptive rental tax could increase costs for small and medium enterprises. Mining industry players welcomed the price-sensitive gold royalty system but called for clarity on implementation. Gaming operators indicated they would seek further engagement on compliance requirements and the potential impact on employment and investment. Tax analysts said the VAT increase and the introduction of a digital services tax are likely to broaden the tax base, but warned that effective administration, enforcement and taxpayer compliance will be critical to achieving projected revenue targets. They also urged Government to demonstrate transparency in how additional revenue will be used to improve public services and infrastructure. As the new tax regime takes effect, businesses and individuals have been advised to review their tax positions and engage the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority for guidance on compliance and implementation details.

NRZ has delayed December 2025 salaries and 2025 bonuses, citing financial constraints, with management outlining a phased payment plan expected to conclude by late January 2026 ( image source ) The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has notified employees that it will not meet its obligations to pay December 2025 salaries and 2025 annual bonuses on schedule, citing persistent financial challenges that have constrained cash availability at year-end. In an internal notice dated 31 December 2025, acting general manager Dube Kaguru said November salaries had been fully paid, but the organisation was unable to immediately disburse December wages or bonus payments. She said NRZ plans to begin paying December salaries in the week starting 5 January 2026, with full settlement of both ZWG and USD components expected by 23 January 2026. Annual bonuses will be paid after salary arrears are cleared. “The delay has been due to financial challenges which continue to constrain the organisation,” Kaguru wrote, urging staff to remain patient as management works to stabilise cash flows. She reiterated that the approved December salary structure will be split evenly, with 50 percent paid in ZWG and 50 percent in USD. The announcement drew concern from employees and unions, who said the timing during the festive season would place additional strain on households already grappling with high living costs. Union representatives called for urgent engagement between NRZ management, the Ministry of Transport and Treasury to secure emergency funding and provide a clear repayment timetable. Analysts say NRZ’s cash shortfall reflects broader pressures facing state-owned enterprises, including reduced freight volumes, ageing infrastructure, maintenance backlogs and rising operating costs. Once a backbone of Zimbabwe’s freight logistics—particularly for mining and agricultural exports—NRZ has seen revenues eroded by years of underinvestment and service disruptions. Industry stakeholders warned that prolonged payroll delays could undermine staff morale and operational readiness at a time when dependable rail services are critical to supply chains. “Delays in paying staff risk absenteeism and reduced productivity, which can further weaken revenue generation—a vicious cycle for any transport operator,” a logistics executive said. Government sources indicated that discussions are underway to prioritise short-term liquidity support while advancing longer-term reforms to restore NRZ’s commercial viability. Proposed measures include tariff adjustments, public-private partnerships for rolling stock and infrastructure rehabilitation, and tighter cost controls. For now, employees have been asked to await further communication from management. Kaguru appealed for continued professionalism and patience as the organisation navigates the financial strain, adding that updates would be provided as payment timelines firm up.

Government has distributed grocery hampers to elderly people and persons with disabilities in Beitbridge ( image source ) As the New Year begins, the Government has extended social support to vulnerable communities in Beitbridge, distributing grocery hampers to the elderly and people living with disabilities under Chief Tshitaudze’s jurisdiction as part of ongoing social protection measures. The distribution exercise, carried out in late December and continuing into early January, targeted households identified as most in need. Beneficiaries said the intervention provided timely relief at a period when many struggled to meet basic food requirements. “Government has really helped me. I received these groceries at a time when I had nothing to provide for the orphans I stay with,” one beneficiary said. Another elderly recipient said the assistance restored hope after a difficult festive season. “We were watching others celebrate while we had nothing, but now we are entering the New Year with renewed hope,” she said. Local leaders welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important boost to household food security and community wellbeing. Donsa Village Head Tamaha Langalanga said the hampers would help ensure that vulnerable residents had food on their tables. “We are grateful for this support. As a community, we work together to ensure no one is left behind,” he said. ZANU-PF Central Committee member Cde Metrine Mudau said the distribution symbolised unity and care, adding that the gesture helped bring families together during the festive period. Beitbridge Senator Honourable Tambudzani Mohadi reaffirmed Government’s commitment to safeguarding the right to food and dignity for vulnerable citizens. “We considered it important to uphold the right to food and a decent life, hence the provision of these hampers so they can celebrate the New Year with others,” she said. The programme forms part of the Second Republic’s broader social safety-net initiatives rolled out since 2017 to support vulnerable groups nationwide. Government officials say such targeted in-kind assistance complements longer-term policies aimed at economic inclusion and poverty reduction. Civil-society organisations welcomed the immediate relief but encouraged authorities to strengthen sustainability by pairing food aid with cash transfers, livelihood support and improved access to health and social services. Development practitioners noted that combining short-term assistance with resilience-building programmes would better protect households from future shocks. For beneficiaries in Chief Tshitaudze’s area, the grocery hampers provided a practical start to the year and reinforced the role of social protection as Zimbabwe pursues wider development goals.

Three Harare men have been convicted in Chinhoyi for illegal mining and theft of mining equipment ( image source ) Three Harare men have been convicted at the Chinhoyi Magistrates’ Court on charges of illegal mining and theft of mining equipment following a dispute over mining rights and ownership. The convicted men are Nelson Mukwazhi (37) of Tynwald North, Takunda Mazambani (35) of Hogerty Hill in Borrowdale, and Tatenda Nhumbe (32) of Masasa Park. The case was prosecuted by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). According to the State, the complainant had engaged the three men in July 2025 with the intention of establishing a mining joint venture. However, no written agreement was concluded, and the complainant later proceeded to operate the mine independently. Despite the absence of a formal agreement or authorisation, the trio allegedly brought an excavator onto the mining site and commenced operations. The court heard that on 24 July 2025, Mukwazhi and Mazambani misrepresented themselves as authorised miners and extracted 28.22 grammes of gold from the site. The gold was later sold in Chinhoyi for US$2,768. Two days later, the men again misrepresented to mine security personnel that they had authority to remove property from the premises, resulting in the removal of mining equipment, including a 10,000-litre water tank. Investigations revealed that the stolen equipment was transported to Mutsvairo Village in the Dema area of Seke, where the water tank was later recovered. Following a full trial, the court found all three men guilty. They were sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment, with three years suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour. A further three years were suspended on condition that restitution amounting to US$114,000 is paid. This leaves an effective sentence of two years’ imprisonment. The NPA said the case highlights the serious legal consequences associated with unauthorised mining activities and the unlawful removal of property.

Seven people were murdered in separate incidents across Midlands Province during the Christmas holiday period ( image source ) GWERU — The Midlands Province recorded seven murder cases over the Christmas holiday period, with police confirming that the killings occurred in separate violent incidents between 23 and 26 December across several districts. Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the murders were reported in Shurugwi, Gokwe South and Silobela, with investigations still underway and some suspects yet to be apprehended. He said the incidents underscore a worrying spike in violent crime during the festive season. Among the reported cases was the killing of Trust Mupanduki (28), who was allegedly stabbed by a suspect identified only as Taku at Safago Farm compound in Shurugwi. In Gokwe South, Malvin Fai Moyo (20) was fatally stabbed by Blessing Ncube, while another incident in the same district claimed the life of Anymore Chogodo (30) following a violent altercation at Guyu Business Centre. In Silobela, Josphat Ncube (40) was stabbed to death at Ndebele Bar, with police identifying Adonis Bvenura and accomplices as suspects in the case. Inspector Mahoko said several of the suspects remain at large, prompting an appeal for public cooperation. “Police are appealing for information that may lead to the arrest of suspects, including Taku, Blessing Ncube and others involved in these cases. The success of our investigations depends largely on the assistance of members of the public,” Mahoko said. The spate of killings has raised concerns among authorities and community leaders, particularly as the festive season is traditionally associated with family gatherings and celebrations. Analysts have attributed many such incidents to alcohol abuse, disputes over money and unresolved interpersonal conflicts, which tend to escalate during holiday periods. Police have urged citizens to exercise restraint, avoid confrontations and report suspicious behaviour to law enforcement agencies. Community leaders have also called for stronger community engagement and proactive policing to help curb violent crime. For the affected families, the holiday period has been marked by grief and loss, as investigations into the incidents continue.