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Andrew Mkahamadze has been awarded the Kiran Jack Floating Trophy for his outstanding community service Harare — The spirit of service and selflessness that defined the late Kiran David Jack has found a worthy torchbearer. Over the weekend, Andrew Mkahamadze was announced as the latest recipient of the Kiran Jack Floating Trophy, an award created to honour unsung heroes who embody values of kindness, empathy, and community dedication. The trophy, established in memory of Kiran Jack — a talented rugby player and passionate community servant who passed away at just 23 due to an undiagnosed heart condition — has quickly become one of Zimbabwe’s most meaningful grassroots honours. Unlike permanent awards, the floating trophy is passed on annually, symbolising continuity and shared responsibility in uplifting communities. Mkahamadze’s recognition comes after years of quiet but impactful work in his community. Known for his tireless involvement in local initiatives, he has been instrumental in mobilising resources for environmental clean-ups, supporting vulnerable families, and mentoring young people. His peers describe him as someone who never seeks the spotlight but always shows up when help is needed. Organisers praised him for exemplifying the courage, empathy and selfless service that defined Jack’s life and legacy. Nomination criteria for the award specify that candidates must not have previously been recognised by Zimbabwe’s top community honours, including the Zimbabwe Community Trailblazers Awards or The Herald Community Heroes Awards. This ensures that the spotlight shines on new voices and overlooked contributors. Winners of the floating trophy are then forwarded as nominees to these national platforms, giving them an opportunity for broader recognition. Mkahamadze’s win was celebrated by community members, fellow volunteers, and civic leaders who highlighted his humility and consistency. His work has included coordinating youth programmes, supporting emergency response efforts, and advocating for transparency in community-driven initiatives. The ceremony also paid tribute to Kiran Jack’s legacy. Jack was remembered not only for his rugby achievements with the Old Georgians Barbarians but also for his contributions to the Crime Liaison Committee, Emergency Help Group, and fire brigade. His life demonstrated how one individual’s dedication to service can resonate across an entire community. Organisers underscored that the award is not about status but about recognising everyday heroes whose actions have tangible impact. They reiterated the importance of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in community work — principles Jack championed throughout his life. As the floating trophy passes into Mkahamadze’s hands, the hope is that his story will inspire others to contribute to their communities and continue the cycle of service. The trophy’s symbolism, a prize that never permanently belongs to one individual, reflects the belief that community impact is collective, continuous, and enduring.

A tribute to Kiran David Jack, the young Zimbabwean mechanic, rugby player, and community hero whose legacy of service inspired the creation of the Kiran Jack Floating Trophy Award ( image source ) Kiran David Jack’s story is one of courage, service, and selflessness. A young man whose life, though tragically cut short, continues to inspire communities across Zimbabwe, he was known for his mechanical skill, rugby talent, and unwavering commitment to helping others. From an early age, Kiran displayed a curious mind and a passion for tinkering that later shaped him into a skilled diesel plant fitter and mechanic. Yet it was his heart for people — not just his technical abilities — that defined his lasting legacy. In 2023, his dedication to community safety became evident through his work with the Crime Liaison Committee at Avondale Police Station. He collaborated closely with law enforcement to promote safety and support initiatives that strengthened the community. Kiran also played a vital role in emergency response as a member of the Emergency Help Group, responding to robberies, road traffic accidents, and other crises. Often among the first to arrive, he provided critical assistance and helped gather information that guided the group’s operations. His bravery and willingness to enter dangerous situations earned him widespread respect. Kiran’s sense of duty extended to the fire brigade, where he became an honorary member. Presented with his own fireman’s suit, he contributed significantly to maintenance and operations, including repairing a compressor that had been broken for nearly twenty years. His technical expertise and readiness to serve strengthened the capacity of teams that relied on him. Beyond his community work, Kiran was a talented rugby player. In 2022, he represented the Old Georgians Barbarians, playing with courage and determination. Though modest in stature, he played with exceptional heart, earning admiration from teammates and opponents alike. His passion for the sport reflected his broader approach to life — fearless, committed, and full of spirit. Kiran passed away at just 23 due to an undiagnosed inherited heart condition, a loss deeply felt across the communities he touched. His legacy lives on through the creation of the Kiran Jack Floating Trophy Award, established to honour unsung heroes in Zimbabwean communities. The award recognises individuals whose contributions may go unnoticed but have profound impact. Winners are later submitted as nominees to national platforms such as the Zimbabwe Community Trailblazers Awards and The Herald Community Heroes Awards. The award’s criteria emphasise integrity, fairness, and inclusivity. Nominees must not have been previously recognised by top national honours, ensuring the spotlight falls on new and deserving voices. All candidates undergo due diligence to confirm their work is conducted with honesty and accountability. In October 2025, the City of Harare announced plans to formally honour Kiran for his contributions both in community service and on the rugby field. The trophy itself, strongly associated with both rugby and community work, is a floating award returned each year to be passed on, symbolising continuity and shared responsibility. Kiran is remembered not only for his service and skills but also for his warmth. Handsome, with a smile that lit up every room, he carried a gentle charisma that made people feel seen and valued. His presence was powerful, and his loss remains deeply mourned. His story leaves a clear message: service, kindness, and passion leave an indelible mark. As new recipients of the Kiran Jack Floating Trophy are announced in the coming months, his legacy will continue to inspire generations of community heroes to live with purpose and serve others with heart.

Zimbabwe coach Mario Marinica has expanded the Warriors’ provisional AFCON 2025 squad to 55 players ( image source ) The Warriors’ road to AFCON 2025 has taken on the feel of an unfolding epic—one part strategy, one part instinct, and one part national longing. When Head Coach Marian “Mario” Marinica added four new faces to Zimbabwe’s provisional squad this week, the announcement signalled more than an administrative update. It underscored that the technical team is still sculpting, sharpening and stress-testing the Warriors’ armour ahead of a gruelling December campaign in Morocco. ZIFA’s Wednesday evening statement described the additions as the result of ongoing assessments and performance monitoring. Yet the wider implication was clear: Marinica is broadening the squad lens in search of the right balance. Ishmael Nyanhi, Wilfred Madzungu, Junior Jarrison Selemani and Genius Hute were drafted in to reinforce positions the coach still views as vulnerable. Their arrival expands the provisional list from 51 to 55 players and intensifies competition during the pre-tournament phase. Zimbabwe opens its AFCON journey on 22 December against Egypt under the floodlights of the Grand Stade d’Agadir. On 26 December, the Warriors face Angola in Marrakech, before closing the group stage on 29 December against regional rivals South Africa—a fixture that carries derby-like intensity regardless of location. It is against this demanding sequence that Marinica is assembling his squad. The team’s spine remains anchored by trusted names. Marvelous Nakamba provides midfield stability and ball-winning intelligence, while Marshall Munetsi brings tactical sharpness and leadership. Jordan Zemura, Divine Lunga and Daniel Msendami supply width and dynamism, and the attacking options—Prince Dube, Tawanda Maswanhise and Obriel Chirinda—give Zimbabwe a mix of pace, physicality and creative movement. However, the underlying challenge remains consistency. While Zimbabwe possesses individual brilliance, AFCON requires cohesion, discipline and depth—especially with matches arriving in quick succession. Marinica’s expanded squad is an attempt to mitigate previous issues of fatigue, defensive lapses and attacking bluntness. Talking Points: Where Debates Are Heating Up 1. Goalkeeping Carousel Veterans like Washington Arubi and Elvis Chipezeze compete with younger options such as Martin Mapisa. Arubi offers leadership; Mapisa brings athleticism and reach. The choice for the Egypt match could determine early momentum. 2. Defensive Solidity or Lack Thereof Zimbabwe’s defence has long alternated between resilient and fragile. Teenage Hadebe, Galloway and Alec Mudimu bring experience, but concentration lapses have been costly before. New additions Nyanhi and Madzungu aim to raise competition levels. 3. Midfield Brains vs. Midfield Brawn Munetsi and Nakamba provide structure, but creativity will be vital against compact AFCON defences. Jonah Fabisch, Tawanda Chirewa and Daniel Msendami are central to unlocking opposition lines. 4. The Knowledge Musona Factor Musona’s inclusion carries both symbolic and strategic weight. Even if not a regular starter, his calm leadership is invaluable in a group featuring Egypt and South Africa. Marinica’s 55-man list is unconventional but deliberate. He is casting a wide net, testing combinations and refusing to settle too early. The approach mirrors Zimbabwe’s footballing identity—abundant talent, emerging structure and relentless hope. Upcoming training sessions will be fiercely competitive, with narrow margins shaping careers and final selections. When the whistle blows in Agadir on 22 December, every decision made during these preparatory weeks will echo across Morocco. The journey has begun, and now the Warriors must rise.

Zimbabwean artist Edith WeUtonga has been shortlisted for the inaugural Folk Album of the Year Award for her upcoming album Varipasi ( image source ) HARARE/LONDON — Zimbabwean vocalist, bassist and composer Edith WeUtonga has earned a place on the inaugural Folk Album of the Year shortlist, a landmark achievement for both her career and Southern African music on the international stage. Her forthcoming album Varipasi, set for release on 9 December, is one of only nine works selected from 146 submissions across Britain and Ireland. The award, backed by the Rochdale Development Agency, is part of the lead-up to Rochdale’s 2026 Town of Culture celebrations. WeUtonga’s nomination has been widely celebrated within Zimbabwe’s arts community, with critics noting her longstanding influence in Afro-jazz and traditional Zimbabwean soundscapes. Her presence on the list places her alongside leading contemporary folk artists from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England. Early listeners have described Varipasi as emotive, percussive and deeply rooted in African storytelling, qualities that organisers say embody the international spirit of the new award. The winner will be announced on 17 March at Rochdale Town Hall, in a ceremony attended by 200 musicians, industry leaders and cultural figures, and streamed online. The shortlist spans a range of folk traditions and innovations. At 90, Peggy Seeger is recognised for what is believed to be her final solo album, Teleology, while 25-year-old Highland clàrsach player Grace Stewart-Skinner brings youthful energy through her release Auchies Spikkin’ Auchie. Irish and Welsh entries include Poor Creature’s All Smiles Tonight, Barry Kerr’s Curlew’s Cry and Cynefin’s Shimli. Experimental approaches come from East Belfast’s Joshua Burnside with Teeth of Time and the instrumental duo Spafford Campbell with Tomorrow Held. The Gigspanner Big Band completes the list with their intricate album Turnstone. For Zimbabwean creatives working at home and in the diaspora, WeUtonga’s recognition reflects a growing international appetite for African-rooted folk narratives. Her fusion of mbira textures, Afro-jazz bass lines and Shona storytelling broadens the global understanding of folk as a genre shaped by many traditions. Scholars have commended Varipasi for its blend of ancestral resonance and contemporary commentary, aligning with global shifts in roots music where authenticity and innovation increasingly converge. The award is curated by Sound Roots in partnership with the Folk on Foot podcast, hosted by Matthew Bannister. Each album will be profiled in a nine-part series running from 3 to 11 December. The judging panel includes broadcasters, festival directors and musicians such as Mark Radcliffe, Jude Rogers, Anna Massie, Georgia Ruth and Philip King, with Jury Chair Kellie While praising the “vibrancy and diversity” of this year’s entries. Bannister described the shortlist as “a constellation of talent.” Within that constellation, Edith WeUtonga stands out as a global ambassador for Zimbabwean creativity and a powerful voice in the expanding landscape of contemporary folk.

Invictus Energy shares fall sharply amid reports of Qatari investors negotiating a major stake in the Cabora Bassa project ( image source ) HARARE — Invictus Energy’s stock took an unexpected dive this week, rattling investors from Australia to Africa as reports emerged that Qatari investors are in advanced talks to acquire a significant stake in the company’s Zimbabwe operations. The downturn surprised many, coming just months after Invictus secured a US$500 million funding commitment for accelerated drilling and infrastructure development at the Cabora Bassa oil and gas project — a milestone that should have signalled stability and upward momentum. Instead, the prospect of a Gulf-backed strategic partner triggered unease. The core concern is dilution. Any major investment from Qatar would require a sizeable equity allocation, reshaping Invictus’ ownership structure. With management already hinting at additional capital raises to support seismic work, drilling, and downstream activities, existing shareholders fear their stakes may steadily erode. Analysts say markets often react defensively without clear information on valuation, governance guarantees or deal architecture. The absence of those details has led many investors to assume unfavourable terms until proven otherwise. Within Zimbabwe, the implications stretch well beyond share-price volatility. A fully resourced Cabora Bassa development could unlock one of the country’s most significant private-sector growth cycles in decades, stimulating demand for local contractors, logistics companies, fuel suppliers, laboratories and downstream industries. Communities in Mashonaland Central are following developments closely, aware that a functioning oil and gas ecosystem could reshape the regional economy. But civil society voices continue to call for transparency, insisting that large-scale foreign capital must be managed with stronger oversight than previous resource-driven ventures. Invictus executives insist the turbulence reflects a natural transition point for an exploration company maturing into a capital-intensive phase. They argue that Qatari participation would not only secure long-term financing but confirm Zimbabwe’s viability as a frontier hydrocarbon destination. Whether the market shares that optimism will depend on the clarity and credibility of forthcoming disclosures. Investors are now waiting for hard numbers, concrete structures, and assurances that the partnership will reinforce rather than compromise shareholder value. Until then, volatility is likely to persist, mirroring the high-stakes nature of frontier energy exploration. In Cabora Bassa, the potential rewards are immense — but so are the uncertainties.

Aliko Dangote’s US$1bn investment deal brings cement, power, fertiliser and a new fuel pipeline to Zimbabwe ( image source ) HARARE — The room grew still when Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, stepped forward to sign what may become one of the most consequential investment agreements in Zimbabwe’s recent economic history. With a single stroke of the pen, Zimbabwe secured a US$1 billion mega deal that spans cement manufacturing, power generation, fertiliser production, and a strategic transnational fuel pipeline. For an economy long thirsty for large-scale capital injections, Dangote’s entry has been described as “a tectonic shift,” “a turning point,” and “the most significant private investment in decades.” The Dangote Group, a continental industrial giant, is known for entering markets only when long-term political signals and economic fundamentals align. In Harare, Dangote left no ambiguity about his intentions. He announced a commitment to invest in cement, power, and pipelines, signalling confidence in Zimbabwe’s reform trajectory. At the centre of the deal is an ambitious transnational petroleum pipeline linking Zimbabwe to Walvis Bay in Namibia, giving Harare a new, more secure and cost-efficient fuel corridor. Zimbabwe currently relies heavily on South African routes, which are often congested, politically sensitive, and vulnerable to logistical bottlenecks. By diversifying import pathways, analysts say Zimbabwe stands to lower fuel import costs, improve supply stability, and reduce exposure to regional disruptions. The investment also includes a state-of-the-art cement plant that could significantly reduce cement prices, stabilise supply, and stimulate growth in construction, housing, and infrastructure. Zimbabwe’s infrastructure backlog has long been constrained by high input costs, and a Dangote cement presence could unlock stalled projects and create jobs across the value chain. Equally transformative is the planned power generation investment. Zimbabwe has battled recurring electricity shortages, and new private capacity could ease pressure on the grid while supporting industrial revival. The addition of fertiliser manufacturing is also timely, potentially lowering agricultural input costs and boosting productivity in a sector that supports over 70% of the population. Even as optimism grows, civil society organisations urge caution, stressing that mega deals must translate into tangible benefits for citizens. Calls have been made for transparency, fair contracting, and robust oversight to ensure accountability. Analysts agree that governance will determine the project’s success. Zimbabwe must uphold regulatory consistency, protect investor assets, curb corruption, and ensure public accountability. If these conditions are met, Dangote’s arrival could attract further foreign direct investment and position Zimbabwe as a regional industrial hub. Dangote hinted that the US$1bn investment may only be the beginning, suggesting additional ventures under consideration. For a nation seeking to reposition itself after years of economic turbulence, Dangote’s deal is more than an investment; it is a test. If implemented effectively, it could redefine Zimbabwe’s industrial landscape and trigger a new cycle of growth, infrastructure development, and employment.

The 2025 Castle Lager PSL Soccer Stars finalists have been announced to rare nationwide approval, with players from Scottland, Simba Bhora, MWOS and other clubs earning recognition for consistency, impact and statistical performance ( image source ) HARARE — The 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Soccer Stars finalists have been announced, drawing unusually widespread praise from supporters, analysts and club communities across Zimbabwe. In a league where the annual shortlist often sparks early controversy, this year’s 11-man selection has been described by fans as one of the fairest in recent memory. Supporters across social media, fan groups and local football circles expressed rare consensus that the chosen players accurately reflected the season’s performance trends, consistency and standout storylines. The selection panel, comprised of journalists, coaches, captains and football experts, highlighted the grit and statistical clarity that shaped the 2025 campaign. Third-placed Simba Bhora led all clubs with three finalists: Emmanuel Ziocha, Ishe Mauchi and goalkeeper William Thole, who were praised for tactical maturity and consistent output. Champions Scottland contributed defender Kelvin Moyo and striker Tymon Machope, two players central to the team’s first-ever title. Runners-up MWOS were represented by Billy Veremu and Abubakar Moffat, while the remaining places went to Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos), Washington Navaya (TelOne), Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders) and Jarrison Selemani (FC Platinum). The Soccer Star of the Year and two runners-up will be announced at a Harare banquet early next month. Early projections place Scottland centre-back Kelvin Moyo slightly ahead following his 33 starts and leadership of the league’s best defensive unit. TelOne forward Washington Navaya remains a strong challenger after scoring 18 goals, while Simba Bhora’s Emmanuel Ziocha is regarded as the season’s “dark horse,” having dominated much of the campaign despite a late dip in form. Three coaches have been shortlisted for Coach of the Year: Scottland’s Tonderai Ndiraya for guiding a debutant champion, MWOS’s Lloyd Mutasa for securing a surprise second-place finish, and Dynamos’ Kelvin Kaindu for overseeing an 11-match unbeaten run that lifted the club out of danger. Other anticipated honours include Goalkeeper of the Year, where Thole leads with 18 clean sheets, and Rookie of the Year, with Scottland’s Mafios Chihweta considered a favourite. Despite broad agreement, fan debates have surfaced around two notable omissions. FC Platinum’s Nickson Nyasulu, credited with driving the club to 19 clean sheets, was viewed by some as statistically stronger than listed defenders. TelOne’s Tawanda Macheke, who produced 19 direct goal contributions, was also cited as an attacking snub. After years of disputed selections and accusations of bias, supporters say the 2025 panel restored credibility by incorporating multi-stakeholder voting, data-driven assessment and recognition of major season narratives, including Dynamos’ survival run and Scottland’s historic rise. The final shortlist, made up of Jalai, Machope, Moyo, Mauchi, Thole, Ziocha, Mbeba, Moffat, Veremu, Navaya and Selemani, has been widely regarded as balanced and deserved. The football community now turns to next month’s banquet, where the season’s top individual honours will be decided.

Adelaide Segan Ganyani’s film Rum and Roots earned major acclaim at the London Africa Film Festival, highlighting her fusion of tradition, poetry and AI-driven visuals ( image source ) LONDON — Adelaide Segan Ganyani’s rise in global cinema reached a defining moment at the London Africa Film Festival, where her AI-generated short film, Rum and Roots, received widespread acclaim. The filmmaker, poet, writer and digital experimentalist watched from the back of the Royal Studio as international audiences connected deeply with a story born in Hwange and shaped by Zimbabwe’s cultural memory. For Ganyani, the festival marked a symbolic crossing, placing Zimbabwean storytelling on a wider stage and positioning her work not as novelty, but as meaningful cinematic art. Rum and Roots resonated for its blend of technological innovation and traditional narrative texture. The film’s imagery evokes Hwange’s rural stillness, and its emotional core lies in the meeting of Zuri, a Black American documentarian in search of wildlife, and Tinashe, a young villager preserving his family’s ancestral winemaking craft. Their connection unfolds as an introspective awakening rather than a romance, with each character confronting heritage, identity and the tension between legacy and ambition. Audiences described the film as lyrical and grounded in a spiritual familiarity, praising its ability to bridge cultural distance with a sense of home. Critics have highlighted Ganyani’s use of AI as an enhancement rather than a replacement for tradition. Digital elements are woven into the film with restraint, complementing a visual language rooted in folklore and rural Zimbabwean life. International recognition continues to grow, with Saint Tropez VIP Magazine profiling her as a trailblazing Zimbabwean storyteller reshaping African narratives. The publication commended her talent for merging poetry with cinematography and for her approach to using modern tools to preserve and elevate cultural memory. Following her success in London, Ganyani is planning to expand Rum and Roots into a full-length film and assemble an international creative team. She views cinema as a global passport for African stories, allowing Zimbabwean experiences to be told with authority and artistic freedom. Her growing body of work is helping reposition Zimbabwean film on the world stage, offering audiences a view of the country defined by story, colour, heritage and imagination rather than headlines.

Dreamstar Zimbabwe returns after five years with a grand finale on 5 December at 7 Arts Theatre ( image source ) After a prolonged hiatus, one of Zimbabwe’s most influential creative platforms is set for a powerful resurgence as Dreamstar Zimbabwe hosts its highly anticipated grand-finale comeback on 5 December at the 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale, Harare. The announcement has reignited enthusiasm across the arts sector, stirring excitement among performers, fans, mentors and industry stakeholders who have long awaited the revival of this national talent showcase. This year’s edition brings together seventeen finalists drawn from Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Gweru and Victoria Falls. The performers, representing music, dance, beatboxing, spoken word and other creative forms, advanced through competitive rounds of auditions, preliminaries, quarterfinals, semi-finals and final qualifiers. After months of mentorship and intensive rehearsals under experienced creatives, they will take the stage for the first revived Dreamstar final since the programme went silent. The event will feature special performances by renowned Zimbabwean artists Nyasha David, Nisha TS, Killer T, Atenda Chinx and Delroy Shewe. Tickets are priced at US$10 for standard entry and US$20 for VIP, available from MedOrange Pharmacy and the Tikiti online platform. Organiser Walter Chanaka of the Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation (JCMC) said the return of Dreamstar is not only an event but the revival of a national creative movement. He described the comeback as a celebration of artistic resilience and youthful brilliance. Dreamstar, hosted by JCMC in partnership with the China–Zimbabwe Exchange Centre, has become one of Zimbabwe’s leading talent-development initiatives, producing successful contemporary artists such as Nyasha David, ProBeatz, Mwenje Mathole and Fusion 5 Mangwiro. The programme was suspended five years ago in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, which halted major events and disrupted the performing arts landscape. The 2025 revival marks a symbolic milestone in rebuilding capacity and renewing long-term vision. Finalists will compete for a US$3,000 prize pool: US$1,500 for the winner, US$1,000 for second place and US$500 for third. Winners will also receive all-expenses-paid cultural tours to China and recording contracts with JCMC. Anticipation continues to build as performers and alumni share their excitement. Rising artist Delroy Shewe urged fans to attend, while Nyasha David, an alumnus, said he was honoured to return to the Dreamstar stage and promised exceptional performances.

A luxury van rented in Cape Town using forged documents was found in Zimbabwe ( image source ) CAPE TOWN / HARARE — A luxury van hired from a Cape Town rental company using forged licences and counterfeit identity documents has been found in Zimbabwe, exposing serious gaps in regional security, verification systems, and cross-border coordination. South African police say the suspect, believed to be part of a well-organised vehicle fraud syndicate, used high-quality fake documents that passed standard checks before driving the vehicle out of South Africa. By the time the rental company realised the van was overdue and unreachable, it had already crossed the Limpopo and was circulating in Zimbabwe, allegedly being offered for resale. Investigators believe the case is part of a wider criminal operation that targets high-end rentals in South Africa, exploits documentation loopholes, and smuggles vehicles into neighbouring countries. “This was a sophisticated operation involving forged paperwork and multiple identities,” said a police officer close to the case. “The syndicate clearly understands weaknesses in verification systems and border protocols.” Cape Town rental firms say the suspect appeared legitimate and presented documents that seemed authentic under routine inspection. The incident has prompted calls for biometric verification, digital identity cross-checks, and stronger regional collaboration. Rental industry executives warn that organised syndicates are evolving faster than the security systems meant to stop them. “We need stronger verification systems and cross-border cooperation,” said an industry representative. “Fraudsters exploit the gaps, and both renters and companies end up paying.” Insurance companies are tightening policies in response, with some considering higher premiums for cross-border rentals. Consumer advocates argue that renters should not bear the cost of systemic security failures. The case has also highlighted vulnerabilities at regional borders, where syndicates move vehicles using forged transit papers, fake ownership documents, and, in some cases, bribes. Once across the border, vehicles are resold, stripped for parts, or rebadged to erase their origins. Law enforcement agencies in Zimbabwe and South Africa, including the Hawks, are now coordinating efforts to recover the vehicle and dismantle the network involved. Cybercrime specialists say the region needs blockchain-based verification systems, shared biometric databases, and real-time data exchange between security agencies to keep pace with rising levels of organised fraud.

A Chinese national was arrested at RGMI Airport for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman on an Emirates flight ( image source ) HARARE — A 51-year-old Chinese national was arrested at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International (RGMI) Airport after allegedly sexually assaulting a female passenger aboard an Emirates flight from Dubai to Harare. The incident has triggered public outrage and intensified calls for stronger protections for women travelling on international routes. According to police reports, the suspect allegedly abused the woman during the flight. Upon landing in Harare, the victim immediately notified the Emirates cabin crew, who alerted airport authorities. The suspect was detained by officers from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and charged under sexual assault statutes. “We take such allegations seriously. The suspect was arrested upon landing and investigations are ongoing,” said ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi. The accused appeared in court within 48 hours. Prosecutors outlined charges of indecent assault, while defence lawyers applied for bail. The magistrate remanded the suspect in custody pending further hearings. “This case underscores the need for vigilance and swift justice in protecting passengers,” said a women’s rights advocate in Harare. The incident has drawn sharp reactions from civic groups and ordinary citizens, many of whom are demanding tougher penalties for sexual offenders. Women’s organisations say the case highlights vulnerabilities faced by female travellers and reinforces the need for stronger international cooperation on passenger safety. Social media platforms were flooded with calls for accountability, with users urging airlines to enhance monitoring systems and reporting mechanisms. Legal experts say the matter could set an important precedent for handling in-flight offences in Zimbabwe. Aviation analysts add that while international flights often face jurisdictional complexities, swift coordination between airlines and local police remains key. “Airlines must ensure victims feel safe to report incidents immediately. This case demonstrates the importance of crew training and rapid response,” said an aviation law specialist. The trial is expected to continue in December, with prosecutors pushing for a deterrent sentence. Women’s rights groups say they will monitor proceedings closely, framing the case as a significant test of Zimbabwe’s commitment to gender justice and passenger safety.

Zimbabweans across sectors say they are overtaxed ahead of the 2026 National Budget. Citizens and businesses cite heavy levies, weak service delivery and rising frustration ( image source ) HARARE — As Zimbabwe edges toward the presentation of the 2026 National Budget, frustration over the country’s tax burden is rising across communities and industries. From the crowded lanes of Mbare Musika to high-end corporate offices in Borrowdale, citizens and businesses share a common grievance: taxation has become overwhelming, intrusive and, for many, economically suffocating. Zimbabwe’s current fiscal framework is characterised by a long list of levies that cut across income, consumption, imports and digital transactions. VAT, PAYE, customs duties and the widely criticised 2% Intermediated Money Transfer Tax (IMTT) have created what many citizens describe as a system that taxes them at every turn. During pre-budget consultations, business owners and informal traders warned that these pressures are eroding profitability, shrinking disposable income and stifling economic mobility. One entrepreneur summed up the mounting frustration: people are taxed when they earn, taxed when they spend and taxed when supporting their families. Industry bodies such as the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries have cautioned that excessive taxation risks driving companies into the informal sector, further reducing formal employment and complicating the government’s revenue goals. Informal traders argue that high customs duties and transaction taxes inflate costs, making it harder to compete with cheaper smuggled goods. This cycle contributes to higher consumer prices and fuels inflationary pressures. Beyond the weight of taxation, citizens increasingly question the value they receive in return. Consumer-rights advocates note that while revenue collection has improved, service delivery remains weak. Public health facilities lack medicines, infrastructure continues to deteriorate and electricity supply remains unreliable. This disconnect between tax collection and public service delivery has intensified calls for accountability and transparency. Economists point out that Zimbabwe’s tax-to-GDP ratio is among the highest in the region. While this suggests strong collection capacity, it also exposes structural inequities, as consumption-based taxes disproportionately affect low-income households and the IMTT penalises the shift toward digital payments. Business leaders are urging the government to adopt a new fiscal approach that prioritises production incentives, reduces consumption taxes and eliminates wasteful expenditure. Corruption within the public sector remains a central concern. As Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube prepares to announce the 2026 budget, expectations are high and trust is fragile. Citizens want relief and clarity. Businesses want policy predictability. Across the board, there is a demand for a tax system that is fair, efficient and directly tied to tangible improvements in national services and infrastructure. Until meaningful reform is delivered, the sentiment that “we are overtaxed” will continue to dominate public and economic discourse.