A 24-year-old Midlands State University (MSU) final-year Computer Science student has appeared in court accused of stealing more than US$1.1 million from CABS through an alleged malware attack on the bank's computer systems. Sabelo Malunga is facing a hacking charge after prosecutors alleged that he gained unauthorised access to CABS systems while working as an IT intern between November 2025 and February 23, 2026. The allegations are yet to be tested in court. According to the State, Malunga was using a CABS-issued laptop on January 23 when he allegedly downloaded SUPREMO, a remote-access application, without authorisation. Prosecutors allege that he subsequently concealed the application within system files to avoid detection. The State further alleges that Malunga continued accessing CABS systems even after his internship had ended. CABS cyberattack allegedly generated fraudulent transactions Prosecutors allege that the malware gave Malunga access that enabled him to bypass internal controls and create fraudulent ZIPIT and VISA transactions. The alleged cyber theft was discovered after VISA flagged two suspicious international ATM transactions on March 27. CABS reportedly blocked the affected accounts, but the State alleges that the bank had already suffered losses of US$210,500. Further investigations allegedly uncovered a much larger fraud. On April 13, CABS' information technology team reportedly detected multiple malware infections on the bank's servers. Investigators allegedly identified 1,911 fraudulent ZIPIT transactions worth US$925,679. According to the State, the money was transferred to accounts or wallets associated with EcoCash, InnBucks, CBZ and Ecobank. Digital forensics allegedly links student to attack CABS subsequently engaged South African digital forensics company MWR to investigate the suspected cyberattack and assist in removing the malware. The forensic investigation allegedly linked Malunga to the attack. Prosecutors further allege that the malware was used to create fraudulent transactions, bypass authorisation systems, generate fictitious transfers and produce fake telegraphic transfers. The alleged cyberattack resulted in an overall loss of US$1,136,179, according to the State. No money had been recovered at the time of Malunga's court appearance, the prosecution alleged. MSU student remanded in custody Malunga was remanded in custody pending his bail application. The case highlights the growing risks faced by Zimbabwean banks and financial institutions from cybercrime, particularly as digital payment platforms and electronic banking transactions become increasingly important to the economy. Cybersecurity experts have repeatedly warned that financial institutions require strong access controls, monitoring systems and digital forensics capabilities to detect and contain sophisticated cyberattacks. However, the allegations against Malunga remain subject to the court process, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The matter is expected to return to court for consideration of his bail application. MSU student CABS cyber theft

South African composer Lebohang “Lebo M” Morake has been ordered by a United States federal court to pay Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi, born Learnmore Mwanyenyeka, US$39,560 in legal fees after his lawsuit against the comedian was dismissed. The amount, equivalent to about R640,000, was approved by the court as a reasonable sum for the legal costs incurred by Jonasi while defending the case. The dispute centred on comments made by Jonasi during a podcast about the famous Zulu phrase “Nants’ Ingonyama, bagithi Baba”, which opens The Circle of Life from Disney’s The Lion King. Joke over Zulu phrase sparks lawsuit During the podcast, Jonasi joked about the literal interpretation of the Zulu words, presenting the phrase humorously as meaning, “Look, there’s a lion. Oh my God.” The comedian's remarks were intended as a joke, but Lebo M objected to the characterisation of the phrase and its cultural significance. The South African composer argued that the chant is a sacred Zulu royal praise hymn whose meaning is closer to “All hail the king, we all bow in the presence of the king”. Lebo M claimed that Jonasi's comments mocked the cultural significance of the phrase and harmed his reputation. The dispute subsequently escalated into legal proceedings in the United States. Court dismisses Lebo M lawsuit The federal court ultimately dismissed Lebo M's lawsuit against Jonasi. The latest ruling concerns the comedian's legal expenses, with the court ordering Lebo M to pay US$39,560 in attorney fees incurred by Jonasi in defending the case. The award represents a further setback for the South African musician in the dispute. For Jonasi, the case has also highlighted the challenges comedians can face when jokes involving language, culture and traditional expressions cross cultural and legal boundaries. The comedian, who was born in Zimbabwe and has built an international career through stand-up comedy and television appearances, has become one of the country's prominent comedy exports. The case also illustrates the tension between freedom of expression and protection of cultural identity, particularly when jokes involve phrases with religious, royal or historical significance. While Lebo M regarded the phrase as carrying a deeper cultural meaning, Jonasi's comments were presented in the context of comedy and satire. The US court's dismissal of the lawsuit and subsequent award of legal fees now brings another significant development in the dispute. Lebo M Learnmore Jonasi lawsuit

312 Lemba people of Zimbabwe (VaRemba) began their rite of passage after a month-long initiation. They were welcomed back from Dumbwi raMposi mountain by Chief Mposi in Mberengwa, Midlands South. The event reflected the critical role culture plays in advancing national development strategy goals by fostering and reinforcing a sense of national identity and heritage. – Pictures: Obey Musiwa A total of 312 Lemba, commonly known as VaRemba, initiates have completed a month-long rite of passage programme at Dumbwi raMposi Mountain in Mberengwa, with traditional leaders urging them to preserve their cultural identity and values. The initiates were ceremonially welcomed back by Chief Mposi III (Edmos Mpangeri) following the programme, which was organised by The Sun That Never Sets, a cultural organisation working within the Lemba community. The graduation ceremony highlighted the continuing role of indigenous cultural practices in Zimbabwe in promoting discipline, unity, identity and community cohesion among young people. Cultural leaders said preserving traditions should not be viewed simply as protecting the past, but as an important part of strengthening communities and maintaining Zimbabwe's cultural heritage. VaRemba call for protection of sacred sites The Sun That Never Sets chairperson and cultural custodian, Mukanganiki Mupandasekwa of the Seremani clan, called for greater protection of sacred cultural sites and traditional practices. “It is our heritage that we should safeguard sacred cultural places and shrines such as Dumbwi raMposi mountain and other areas such as Manjiribwe, Mubaki, Marozva, Mutandavanji and Chimwandawu,” Mupandasekwa said. He said The Sun That Never Sets seeks to counter cultural erosion by bringing together communities including the Lemba, Changani, Chewa and Venda. “We are engaged to preserve culture through a cultural organisation named The Sun That Never Sets, bringing together the Lemba, Changani, Chewa and Venda as they were since time immemorial,” he said. Mupandasekwa also praised President Emmerson Mnangagwa's launch of Culture Day, saying the initiative had encouraged communities to celebrate and practise their traditions. Chief urges initiates to uphold discipline Chief Mposi III urged the graduates to remain committed to the values imparted during the rite of passage. “Remain solid to the culture away from mischievous behaviours like drug abuse and violence,” he said. “This is a chance to show your pride, courage and dedication towards building the community and sustaining what we call cultural.” The traditional leader's message placed emphasis on discipline, respect and responsible behaviour as young people return to their families and communities. VaRemba identity and ancestral traditions The Sun That Never Sets founder Allan Mupandasekwa said the VaRemba community's cultural practices remain an important part of its identity. “The Lemba people have remained rooted to the ways of their ancestors who walked the land before history books took shape,” he said. According to Mupandasekwa, the VaRemba community is organised into 12 ancestral houses Seremani, Sharifu, Hassan, Madi, Hatibu, Dumha, Hamis, Sadik, Imaan, Tawakali, Hajj and Bakari. He said the community's oral traditions connect these ancestral houses to Abraham and trace the VaRemba's origins to Sena in Yemen. He also highlighted circumcision as a sacred covenant maintained across generations, describing it as an important link between faith, culture and identity. The Mberengwa ceremony therefore served not only as a graduation for the 312 initiates, but also as a public affirmation of the VaRemba community's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage for future generations. 312 VaRemba initiates have completed a month-long cultural rite of passage at Dumbwi raMposi Mountain in Mberengwa. VaRemba initiates

A sombre atmosphere engulfed Chivhu on Sunday as families, Government officials, traditional leaders and church representatives gathered to mourn 27 people killed in the country's latest deadly road accident. The memorial service was held at Chivhu General Hospital following Friday night's fatal collision between a commuter omnibus carrying African Apostolic Church (Mwazha) congregants and a haulage truck along the Harare-Masvingo Highway. President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the Chivhu road accident a State of Disaster on Saturday, meaning the Government will meet burial expenses and medical costs for survivors. Government joins Chivhu families in mourning Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona and ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera joined mourners at the memorial service. Garwe said Government moved quickly after receiving news of the tragedy. “After the accident, we quickly processed papers, and the President quickly declared the accident a national disaster so that this also becomes the responsibility of government and the whole nation to mourn with you,” he said. The Government intervention includes support towards the burial of the victims and medical treatment for those who survived the fatal Chivhu highway crash. Mavetera used the memorial service to appeal to motorists to observe traffic regulations and avoid dangerous driving. “This is a difficult moment. We are losing five to seven people as a result of accidents. I am appealing to drivers to adhere to traffic regulations. Let us not overload our vehicles,” she said. Traditional leaders call for safer roads Traditional leaders welcomed the Government's response but called for stronger measures to prevent similar tragedies. Chief Maromo thanked Government for its intervention following the crash. “We thank government for the timely intervention,” he said. Chief Chivese, however, urged authorities and communities to do more to address the country's growing road safety concerns. “We need to do whatever is necessary to avoid such kind of untimely loss of life,” he said. The African Apostolic Church was among those hardest hit by the tragedy, with several congregants travelling to a church conference when the accident occurred. Bishop Tafa said the church would draw strength from its faith as families come to terms with the loss. “We find comfort from God in these difficult times,” he said. Five victims await DNA identification The accident occurred on Friday night when the commuter omnibus and haulage truck collided head-on. The impact caused the passenger vehicle to catch fire, with some victims trapped inside. Authorities have so far identified 22 of the 27 victims, while forensic teams are expected to use DNA testing to establish the identities of the remaining five. The tragedy has renewed calls for stronger enforcement of road safety regulations in Zimbabwe, particularly measures targeting dangerous overtaking, overloading and other forms of reckless driving. As Chivhu mourns, families are now awaiting the completion of the identification process and burial arrangements for their loved ones. Chivhu road accident

Zimbabwean politician Fadzai Mahere has come out in defence of Zimdancehall star Winky D after the musician faced criticism over a striking goat-themed outfit. The controversy erupted after Winky D appeared in an outfit featuring a prominent goat-inspired design, prompting some fans to interpret the imagery as a reference to the popular acronym GOAT — Greatest Of All Time. However, the outfit also sparked conspiracy theories on social media, with some critics claiming the goat imagery was linked to the Illuminati, devil worship and other forms of occult symbolism. The claims triggered a wider debate over Winky D’s fashion, artistic expression and symbolism, with supporters arguing that the musician's outfit should be viewed within the context of contemporary popular culture rather than supernatural theories. Mahere challenges Winky D critics Mahere joined the debate with a strongly worded response questioning why the goat imagery had suddenly become associated with evil. The former opposition legislator pointed to several familiar Zimbabwean references involving goats, arguing that the animal has long featured in everyday language and public life without attracting similar accusations. She wrote: “Mbudzi Roundabout – hamuna kuona devil.Mbudzi dzaana Mike – hamuna kuona devil.Mbudzi school fees dzaDokora – hamuna kuona devil.Mbudzi Cemetery – hamuna kuona devil.Gaffa kungobata mic, maakuzviita vaoni.Miswai!!!We need new leaders.” Her comments quickly gained attention online, particularly among Winky D supporters who viewed the controversy as another example of the scrutiny surrounding the musician's public image. GOAT meaning fuels debate The term GOAT has become widely used in sports, music and entertainment to describe someone considered the “Greatest Of All Time”. Winky D, one of Zimbabwe's most influential Zimdancehall musicians, has frequently used visual imagery and symbolism as part of his artistic presentation. The latest controversy has nevertheless highlighted the different interpretations that can emerge from artistic fashion, particularly in an environment where social media can rapidly amplify speculation. Mahere's response sought to challenge what she regarded as an unreasonable interpretation of the outfit, using humour and familiar Zimbabwean references to make her point. The debate also reflects wider discussions about artistic freedom in Zimbabwe, where musicians and public figures can face intense public scrutiny over lyrics, clothing, imagery and performances. There is no evidence presented in the controversy that Winky D's outfit is connected to the Illuminati or devil worship. Such claims remain unsubstantiated social media speculation. For now, the goat-themed outfit has become another talking point around one of Zimbabwe's most recognisable musicians, while Mahere's intervention has added a political dimension to the social media debate. Winky D goat outfit controversy

Police have released new details about the Chivhu road accident that killed 27 people, saying preliminary investigations indicate that a foreign-registered haulage truck was attempting to overtake another vehicle when it collided head-on with a commuter omnibus carrying African Apostolic Church (Mwazha) congregants. The fatal crash occurred on Friday evening, August 28, 2026, along the Harare-Masvingo Highway near Chivhu. The congregants were travelling from Dema to Mvuma for a church conference when the Nissan commuter omnibus collided with the haulage truck. Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said investigators were focusing on the alleged overtaking manoeuvre as a possible cause of the collision. “It is alleged that the foreign-registered truck was trying to overtake another vehicle when it collided head-on with the commuter omnibus,” Nyathi said. He said investigations were continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal Chivhu highway crash. 18 bodies identified after Chivhu accident The scale of the tragedy has left families waiting for answers as authorities continue the identification process. Seven survivors were transferred to Chitungwiza General Hospital in critical condition, according to police. Meanwhile, relatives gathered at Chivhu General Hospital as efforts to identify the deceased continued. By Saturday, August 29, 18 bodies had been identified by relatives, while three other victims could not immediately be identified because their remains had been severely burnt in the fire that followed the collision. Authorities are expected to use DNA testing to establish the identities of the victims whose remains cannot be identified through conventional methods. Police said the names of those who died would be released once the identification process had been formally completed by their next of kin. Police investigate possible overloading There have also been reports that the commuter omnibus may have been carrying more passengers than legally permitted at the time of the crash. However, police had not officially confirmed the alleged overloading by the time of publication. The number of passengers aboard the vehicle and whether any other factors contributed to the collision remain part of the ongoing investigation. The crash has renewed concerns about road safety in Zimbabwe, particularly dangerous overtaking, passenger transport compliance and the interaction between heavy haulage trucks and public transport vehicles on major highways. The accident is among the country's deadliest recent road crashes and has caused widespread grief within the African Apostolic Church community and beyond. Authorities are continuing investigations to establish the full sequence of events leading to the collision, while families await the completion of the identification process and further information about their loved ones. Chivhu accident

A long-running land and environmental rights dispute between Bikita Minerals and villagers from Murape Village in Ward 11, Masvingo, has been resolved following mediation by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC). The dispute, which began in 2024, involved nine households living on land that Bikita Minerals claimed fell within its mining claim. The villagers also raised concerns over property rights, environmental pollution and access to safe, clean and potable water, alleging that blasting activities at the lithium mine were creating air pollution and exposing residents to health risks. Following investigations, the ZHRC established that the land occupied by the nine households falls within Bikita Minerals’ mining claim. However, the Commission also found that mining operations, particularly blasting conducted close to the homes, exposed residents to danger and resulted in significant air pollution. ZHRC mediates relocation agreement The dispute was taken through a mediation process facilitated by the ZHRC, which began last year. The two parties reached an agreement on Monday outlining the conditions under which the affected families would relocate. Under the agreement, Bikita Minerals will provide each of the nine families with US$1,500 and 20 tonnes of quarry stones as assistance towards their relocation. The agreed payments and delivery of the quarry material are expected to be completed on or before September 4, 2026. The agreement was signed by Arinos Mabhachi on behalf of the affected families and Liu Rui, also known as Martin, representing Bikita Minerals. The signing ceremony was presided over by ZHRC Masvingo Provincial Head Fidelis Nyamukondiwa. Both parties agreed to resolve the dispute freely and amicably, bringing an end to a conflict that had raised broader questions about mining, community rights and environmental protection in Zimbabwe. Bikita Minerals welcomes agreement Bikita Minerals confirmed the settlement in a statement issued on Tuesday. The company thanked the ZHRC for facilitating the mediation process and acknowledged the role played by traditional leadership and the affected families. “We are grateful to the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission for facilitating this process, to Chief Marozva for his leadership and guidance and to the affected Murape families for their willingness to engage constructively,” Bikita Minerals spokesperson Upenyu Chaota said. The agreement provides a structured pathway for the relocation of the nine families while allowing mining operations to continue on land established by the ZHRC to fall within the company’s mining claim. The settlement also highlights the role of mediation in resolving mining-community disputes, particularly where competing interests involve land ownership, environmental protection, property rights and community livelihoods. For the Murape families, the agreement provides financial and material assistance towards relocation, while Bikita Minerals gains clarity over the use of land falling within its mining claim. The resolution comes as Zimbabwe’s mining sector continues to expand, increasing the importance of balancing mineral development with environmental rights and the protection of communities living near mining operations. Bikita Minerals land dispute

The High Court has awarded a divorced woman a larger share of the couple’s matrimonial property after finding that she carried the main financial burden of servicing their home mortgages during her husband’s prolonged unemployment. High Court Justice Phillipa Phillips awarded Caecilia Nyamutswa 100 percent of the couple’s Colne Valley property, 60 percent of their Vainona home and a 12-acre plot in Shamva. The ruling followed the dissolution of Nyamutswa’s 24-year marriage to Cosmas Nyamutswa. Cosmas was awarded the remaining 40 percent interest in the Vainona property, together with his Cessna aircraft, two boats, fishing equipment, firearms and royalties from two books he had authored. Court rejects automatic 50-50 property split The judgment highlights that the division of matrimonial property in a divorce does not necessarily have to be an equal 50-50 split. Justice Phillips considered the couple’s respective financial and non-financial contributions to the marriage when determining how the assets should be divided. The court heard that Caecilia, a lawyer who later moved into banking, personally serviced the mortgages on the couple’s two properties while Cosmas was unemployed for approximately eight years. Her financial contribution to acquiring and preserving the family properties was therefore a significant factor in the court’s decision. However, the judge also recognised Cosmas’s contribution to the household during the marriage. Husband’s contribution recognised Cosmas was described as having performed responsibilities associated with being a house husband, including taking the couple’s children to school and providing career advice to his wife. Justice Phillips found that his non-financial contribution could not simply be disregarded when dividing the matrimonial estate. Although Cosmas had made limited direct financial contributions towards the acquisition and preservation of some of the properties, the court concluded that he should retain a share of the matrimonial assets. The judgment consequently gave Caecilia the larger overall share while ensuring that Cosmas retained significant assets. Court rejects maintenance claims The High Court also rejected Cosmas’s application for post-divorce medical aid maintenance. The court further declined to order Caecilia to meet university expenses for their three adult children. The couple had married at Sacred Heart Cathedral on October 7, 2000, but their marriage was eventually dissolved after the court found that it had irretrievably broken down. The proceedings included allegations concerning Cosmas’s anger and what was described as wasteful spending, which formed part of the broader dispute surrounding the breakdown of the marriage. The ruling demonstrates the importance of both financial and non-financial contributions when Zimbabwean courts determine how matrimonial assets should be distributed following divorce. Rather than automatically dividing property equally, the court assessed the circumstances of the marriage and the contributions made by each spouse before determining what it considered a fair distribution. Zimbabwe divorce property division

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched an investigation into a viral social media video allegedly showing a police officer asking a foreign tourist for an iPhone instead of a US$30 traffic fine. The video was initially posted on Instagram by an account called Buggyteeth and has since circulated widely on social media. The footage appears to show two foreign tourists riding motorbikes being stopped by a police officer after allegedly failing to stop at a stop sign. During the encounter, the officer reportedly tells the tourists that the traffic fine is US$30. The tourists then appear to ask whether they can receive a warning instead of being fined. The conversation takes a different turn when the officer allegedly asks one of the tourists for an iPhone. The circumstances surrounding the video, including when and where it was recorded, have not yet been independently established. Police launch investigation The ZRP confirmed on Sunday that it had taken note of the video and had begun investigations. “Reference is made to a video circulating on social media platforms purportedly showing a police officer manning a roadblock allegedly negotiating with a tourist for an iPhone instead of a fine for an alleged traffic offence,” the police said. “The ZRP has taken note of the video and has commenced investigations to establish the authenticity and circumstances surrounding the incident.” Police said the investigation would also seek to identify the officer shown in the footage and establish when and where the alleged incident occurred. “The investigations are also aimed at identifying the police officer involved and establishing the date, time and location of the alleged incident,” the statement said. The ZRP has not confirmed whether the officer is a serving member of the force or whether disciplinary action has been taken. Video raises corruption concerns If verified, the alleged exchange could raise concerns about police conduct, corruption and the handling of traffic offences in Zimbabwe. The video has attracted attention because the alleged request for an electronic device appears to replace the formal payment of a traffic fine. However, the authenticity of the footage and the identity of the officer remain subject to investigation. The ZRP has previously urged members of the public to report suspected corruption and misconduct involving police officers through official channels. The latest investigation comes as Zimbabwe continues efforts to improve the country's image among international visitors and strengthen confidence in law enforcement. For tourists travelling through Zimbabwe, police roadblocks and traffic enforcement are a routine part of road travel. Any confirmed misconduct involving visitors could therefore have implications beyond the individual incident. Police have urged the public to allow the investigation to establish the facts surrounding the viral video. Until the investigation is concluded, the allegations against the officer remain unproven. Zimbabwe police are investigating a viral video allegedly showing an officer asking a tourist for an iPhone instead of a US$30 traffic fine. ZRP investigates tourist iPhone video

Twenty-seven people have died, and seven others were injured after a commuter omnibus carrying members of the African Apostolic Church (Mwazha) collided head-on with a haulage truck along the Harare-Masvingo Road near Chivhu on Friday night. The fatal Chivhu road accident occurred at about 8.30 pm on August 28 near Makumimavi Primary School, approximately 15 kilometres south of Chivhu. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said the crash involved a Nissan Caravan NV350 kombi carrying an unspecified number of passengers and a Volvo haulage truck. According to police, the truck was allegedly attempting to overtake another vehicle when it collided head-on with the commuter omnibus. Seven people were injured and taken to hospital for treatment. The impact triggered a fire that engulfed the kombi, trapping some of the passengers inside. Mwazha congregants were travelling to a church conference Police confirmed that the passengers were members of the African Apostolic Church, popularly known as Mwazha, who were travelling from Dema to Mvuma for a church conference. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the church community, with families waiting for the identification and release of the victims’ bodies. Police said the names of those killed would be released once the bodies had been identified by their next of kin. Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Itayi Ndudzo expressed condolences to the families affected by the crash. The scale of the tragedy has also prompted renewed concerns about road safety in Zimbabwe, particularly on major highways where heavy trucks and passenger vehicles share the road. Police have previously identified dangerous overtaking, speeding, night driving and overloaded vehicles among factors associated with serious road crashes. Government declares State of Disaster President Emmerson Mnangagwa has since declared the Chivhu accident a State of Disaster, allowing Government to mobilise resources to assist victims, survivors and bereaved families. Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said 27 people had been confirmed dead, with 24 dying at the scene and three later succumbing to their injuries after being taken to hospital. Seven survivors sustained critical injuries and were receiving medical treatment. The Government has also said it will assist with medical expenses and burial costs arising from the disaster. The Chivhu highway accident is among the deadliest road crashes reported in Zimbabwe in recent years and has renewed calls for greater enforcement of road safety regulations, particularly regarding dangerous overtaking and passenger transport. Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collision are continuing. Chivhu road accident

Zimbabwe has been removed from the World Bank’s list of economies affected by institutional fragility, marking a significant change in the country’s classification and providing a boost to its economic reform narrative. The change took effect on July 1, 2026, as the World Bank introduced a revised framework for classifying countries affected by fragility, conflict and violence (FCV). Under the previous system, Zimbabwe was listed among countries experiencing institutional and social fragility. The FY2026 classification included Zimbabwe alongside countries such as Burundi, Chad, Eritrea and Venezuela. However, the World Bank has now replaced the single Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations (FCS) list with two separate classifications: a Public FCV List, based on the geographic prevalence of organised political violence, and an Institutional Fragility List, based on Country Policy and Institutional Assessment (CPIA) indicators. Zimbabwe does not appear on either of the new FY2027 classifications. Economic recovery supports improved outlook The reclassification comes against the backdrop of a stronger economic performance in 2025. According to the World Bank, Zimbabwe’s economy grew by 7.5% in 2025, rebounding from 1.7% growth in 2024. The recovery was supported by stronger agricultural output and higher global mineral prices. The Bank also reported improvements in macroeconomic stability, including greater price and exchange-rate stability. Its latest country assessment said Zimbabwe achieved a year-on-year local-currency inflation rate of 4.1% in January 2026, while the parallel-market exchange-rate premium had fallen below 20% by December 2025. The economic recovery has also been supported by higher remittances and mining growth, although the World Bank cautions that the recovery remains fragile and that fiscal and debt risks remain significant. Zimbabwe’s total public debt stood at 45.6% of GDP in 2025, with the country’s external and overall public debt described as unsustainable and in distress. What the new classification means The World Bank says the revised FCV framework is designed to distinguish between different sources of fragility rather than placing countries on one combined list. The new Institutional Fragility List covers IDA-eligible countries with an overall CPIA score below 3.0, while the Public FCV List identifies countries where organised political violence is geographically widespread. The change therefore should not be interpreted as declaring Zimbabwe free of all economic or institutional challenges. Instead, it represents an improvement in how the World Bank assesses the country under its new classification methodology. For Zimbabwe, the development nevertheless provides a potentially important signal to investors and international development partners as the Government pursues its Vision 2030 goal of achieving upper-middle-income status. The World Bank itself says Zimbabwe can build on its educated workforce, natural resources and recent advances in economic policy, alongside structural and institutional reforms, to move towards upper-middle-income status by 2030. Credit rating gains not automatic The reclassification could help strengthen perceptions of Zimbabwe’s economic trajectory, but it should not be confused with an upgrade by an international credit-rating agency. Removal from the World Bank’s fragility classification does not automatically translate into a higher sovereign credit rating, cheaper borrowing or immediate increases in foreign direct investment. Zimbabwe continues to face substantial debt challenges and needs sustained reforms to strengthen investor confidence and improve its access to international capital markets. Nevertheless, the end of its previous World Bank fragility classification represents a notable change after years of being identified as institutionally and socially fragile. The challenge now is for Zimbabwe to convert the improved classification and economic rebound into sustained growth, stronger institutions, debt resolution, and increased investment. World Bank removes Zimbabwe from fragility list

Residents of the upmarket Borrowdale Brooke Golf Estate have been informed that the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has requested information on properties and occupants within the estate as part of its statutory information-gathering powers. The Borrowdale Brooke Homeowners Association said in a notice issued on August 28, 2026, that ZIMRA had requested details including the names and contact information of property owners and tenants. The revenue authority also requested information on lease commencement dates, according to the notice circulated to residents. The request was made in terms of Section 39 of the Income Tax Act, the homeowners association said. Following receipt of the request, the association said it sought external legal advice on whether it was required to provide the information. According to the association, it was advised that the request constitutes a statutory requirement and that the homeowners’ body is legally obliged to comply. “The association sought external legal advice and was advised that it is legally required to comply,” the notice said. The association said it would work with ZIMRA to provide the requested information while limiting the disclosure to information covered by the statutory request. It said residents should therefore expect information relating to properties within the estate to be shared with the tax authority in accordance with the request. The development highlights the growing role of tax authorities in accessing third-party information as governments seek to improve tax compliance and strengthen revenue collection. For property owners and landlords, requests for information about tenants and lease arrangements can have implications for the administration of rental income and other tax obligations. However, the homeowners association did not state in its notice that residents or property owners had been accused of tax evasion or any other offence. ZIMRA has broad statutory responsibilities for administering Zimbabwe’s tax system, including collecting taxes and enforcing compliance with tax laws. The authority has increasingly relied on information from third parties and digital systems as it seeks to improve taxpayer identification, compliance and revenue collection. The Borrowdale Brooke notice did not indicate the deadline given by ZIMRA for supplying the information, nor did it disclose whether individual residents would be contacted directly by the revenue authority. The association said it would continue engaging ZIMRA during the process of releasing the requested information. Residents with concerns about the disclosure of their personal or property information may seek independent legal advice, particularly where they require clarification about the scope of the statutory request. For now, the association’s position is that the information requested by ZIMRA must be provided, with disclosure limited to the details covered by the authority’s Section 39 request. ZIMRA Borrowdale Brooke