Zimbabwean filmmaker Angeline Dimingo transforms activism into artistry, mentoring young creatives and driving policy change as she rises in the nation’s fast-evolving film industry ( image source ) Harare — When Angeline Dimingo first wielded a camera to document a student protest in high school, she ignited a filmmaking journey defined by purpose and persistence. What began as a grassroots activism project has blossomed into a mission to illuminate Zimbabwean stories and mentor emerging talent in an industry hungry for structural reform. Dimingo recalls the thrill of capturing raw public sentiment. “I felt empowered turning my lens on injustice,” she said. “That short protest film taught me the power of narrative.” Peers from Mzilikazi High School remember her tenacity. “Angeline mobilised classmates to stage peaceful demonstrations,” said former classmate Tendai Sithole. “She was fearless behind the camera.” Her student work attracted attention at local festivals, validating her belief that storytelling could spur change and fuel empathy. Dimingo’s versatility spans several roles — cameraperson, mastering light and composition; assistant director, coordinating crews under tight budgets; screenwriter, crafting dialogue that echoes Zimbabwean vernacular; and actress, inhabiting characters rooted in real communities. “Wearing these hats gave me 360-degree insight into our ecosystem’s strengths and gaps,” she explained. “It’s also why I refuse to romanticise the industry — structural issues persist.” In 2024, Dimingo launched the “Lens for Life” workshop, offering hands-on training to 50 aspiring filmmakers from Harare’s townships. Attendee Blessing Chigora praised the program: “She taught us affordable lighting hacks and grant-writing strategies. This was more than a class — it was a lifeline.” Film scholar Dr. Peter Chikondi of the University of Zimbabwe argues that such interventions are crucial. “Zimbabwe’s industry suffers from undercapitalisation and limited distribution,” he noted. “Dimingo’s model marries skill development with advocacy for policy change — an approach we desperately need.” Dimingo’s 2023 short, “Echoes of Mabhiza,” chronicled women’s resilience in rural Masvingo. The film won Best Documentary at the Zimbabwe International Film Festival and secured a distribution deal in South Africa. Festival organizer Ruth Gwata observed, “Her ability to elevate local voices while adhering to global technical standards is rare. Angeline’s work is both authentic and export-ready.” As Zimbabwe pursues Vision 2030’s creative economy goals, Dimingo’s trajectory exemplifies the sector’s potential. Industry reports project a 15 percent annual growth in local content production if systemic reforms like funding incentives and distribution networks are enacted. Dimingo believes collaboration is key: “Government, private sector and civil society must unite to build infrastructure — studios, cinemas and funding bodies. Without that, passion alone won’t sustain careers.” Dimingo is currently scripting a feature film on Harare’s informal gold mining communities, slated for production in mid-2026. She plans to partner with regional broadcasters to ensure wide reach. Her journey from protesting in front of a lens to producing award-winning films signals a new era for Zimbabwean cinema — where activism and artistry converge to tell stories that matter.

China’s ambassador Zhou Ding praises Zanu PF’s Vision 2030 conference, pledging deeper cooperation with Zimbabwe on infrastructure, mining, and energy ( image source ) Harare — China’s ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding, has applauded Zanu PF’s 22nd Annual National People’s Conference as a “strategic and successful” platform for steering the country toward its Vision 2030 development goals. Speaking during the Global Solidarity segment in Mutare, Ambassador Zhou underscored China’s commitment to collaborating with Zimbabwe across all economic sectors under the banner of “mutual respect, win-win cooperation, and shared prosperity.” Witnesses say the auditorium erupted into applause as Zhou delivered his remarks. “We’ve never seen such high-level foreign engagement at a party gathering,” noted Thabani Chikara, a mid-level Zanu PF official from Mashonaland West. “It sends a clear message that Zimbabwe’s development path commands international attention.” Zhou praised the conference’s role in crafting policies that align party directives with national-level reforms. He highlighted China’s readiness to support infrastructure, agriculture, mining, and energy projects designed to accelerate industrialisation under Zimbabwe’s flagship economic blueprint. A delegate from South Africa’s ruling party added his voice to the chorus of support, praising Harare’s resistance to what he called “illegitimate external pressures” and economic sanctions imposed by Western nations. The Cuban Communist Party representative echoed those sentiments, recounting shared hardships under sanctions and reaffirming Havana’s solidarity in Zimbabwe’s fight for economic justice. Dr. Nyasha Moyo, a political economist at the University of Zimbabwe, says the heavy emphasis on foreign backing reflects both opportunity and risk. “Chinese investment has injected critical capital into key sectors, but it can also create overreliance,” Moyo explained. “Harare must balance these partnerships with transparent regulatory frameworks to safeguard sovereignty.” Local business leaders welcomed Zhou’s endorsement, viewing it as a potential catalyst for fresh inflows of concessional loans and joint-venture deals. “If China follows through on infrastructure pledges, we could see roads, power plants, and telecommunication networks leapfrogged within the next five years,” said Prosper Chigumba, head of the Zimbabwe Business Council. Critics, however, warn that high-profile declarations need concrete follow-through. “Gathering global goodwill is one thing; translating it into shovel-ready projects is another,” argued human rights lawyer Tendai Chitiga. She pointed to previous high-scope memorandums that stalled over land-use disagreements and procurement controversies. Government ministers insisted that this year’s conference outcomes will be fast-tracked into parliamentary bills and budget allocations ahead of the 2026 elections. Information Minister Kindness Paradza assured reporters that draft legislation on public–private partnerships and anti-sanctions measures will be tabled in the next sitting. As delegates dispersed, many expressed cautious optimism. With Beijing’s public endorsement fresh in the headlines, Zimbabwe’s ruling party appears determined to parlay diplomatic goodwill into tangible development gains while navigating the fine line between external support and national autonomy.

ZIFA launches a Commission of Inquiry into Sheasham FC’s withdrawal from the Central Region Division One League ( image source ) HARARE — The Zimbabwe Football Association has appointed a four-member Commission of Inquiry to probe Sheasham FC’s sudden withdrawal from the Central Region Division One Soccer League and its subsequent reinstatement by the governing body. The move aims to restore confidence in league administration after weeks of turmoil surrounding the Gweru-based club. The commission will be chaired by legal and governance expert Ringisai Kudzanai Hillario Mapondera, with members drawn from academia, sports administration, and legal practice, including Lupane State University athletics director Jabulani Mpofu and the Zimbabwe Volleyball Association’s vice-president for technical affairs. Its mandate is to establish facts, assess procedural compliance, and recommend measures to strengthen fairness, integrity, and transparency within league management. Sheasham FC, which shocked fans by pulling out of the competition two weeks ago citing alleged officiating flaws and administrative irregularities, was reinstated by ZIFA following appeals to the Executive Committee on 9 October 2025. The Committee resolved to set up the inquiry after reviewing recommendations from its Legal and Player Status Committee, seeking to prevent similar incidents in future seasons. “I arrived at the ground to referee reports but no match,” said local sports journalist Tawanda Marapira, who covered Sheasham’s scheduled fixture. “Supporters were stranded, players demoralised. It felt like league rules were simply ignored. We need accountability, not ad-hoc fixes.” Dr. Robert Ngulube, a sports governance specialist at the University of Zimbabwe, warns that disputes of this nature can erode public trust and sponsorship. “Transparent, timely investigations are crucial,” he said. “ZIFA must demonstrate that its statutes are more than window dressing by enforcing penalties and clarifying appeal mechanisms.” ZIFA’s press statement confirmed the commission has 30 days to submit its report to the Executive Committee, after which recommended reforms and disciplinary actions will be debated. Proposed changes include stricter deadlines for match officiating reports, enhanced communication channels for clubs, and a detailed appeals protocol. League insiders predict the inquiry could reshape governance across all ZIFA-run competitions. “If ZIFA implements robust checks and balances, we can attract more corporate partners and elevate the quality of regional leagues,” said Midlands Division One sponsor coordinator, Blessing Chida. Sheasham FC’s chairman, Edward Nyamande, said the club will fully cooperate with investigators. “Our sole aim is fair play. We trust the commission will address our grievances and set clear guidelines to protect all stakeholders,” he stated. As Zimbabwe’s lower tiers prepare for the November fixture calendar, attention now turns to ZIFA’s political will to enforce the inquiry’s findings. With public scrutiny at an all-time high, the outcome may determine whether ZIFA can rebuild credibility and safeguard the integrity of grassroots football.

The Rural Electrification Fund lights up Nyanga North with a US$319,000 power project, connecting schools, clinics, and 500 households ( image source ) NYANGA NORTH — For decades, villages east of Ruwangwe Business Centre lay off Zimbabwe’s electric grid, relying on kerosene lamps and generators. That changed in mid-October when the Rural Electrification Fund commissioned a US$319,000 extension of power lines to Kazozo, Mukunza, and surrounding communities. At the switching-on ceremony, Energy Minister July Moyo hailed the project as a milestone in the government’s “no one and no place behind” electrification pledge. Local MP Chido Sanyatwe echoed the sentiment: “This investment rewrites our future, lighting homes, schools, and clinics that lay in darkness for too long.” Moments after the power flowed, Kazozo Secondary School buzzed with activity as evening classes flickered to life under fluorescent bulbs for the first time. “Before, I studied by candlelight and strained my eyes,” said student Rutendo Chikomba. “Now I can prepare for exams without interruption.” Women at the nearby Mukunza Women’s Centre shared relief over safer, well-lit spaces for vocational training and night-time childcare. “Electricity means security for us and our children,” said centre manager Tarisai Gumbo. The project connects key institutions — primary and secondary schools, a rural health clinic, and more than 500 households. Local entrepreneur Tafadzwa Mandaza has already plugged in his welding shop. “My business can operate longer and serve more customers,” he noted. Energy sector analyst Brian Mutasa of the Zimbabwe Energy Institute views the Nyanga rollout as emblematic of balanced rural development. “Electrification spurs micro-enterprise formation, boosts agricultural processing, and reduces reliance on biomass, which benefits both livelihoods and the environment.” Despite the triumph, residents warn of maintenance challenges. Theft of conductors and vandalism remain threats. Traditional leader Chief Mugabe appealed for community vigilance: “We must protect these lines as they carry hope for our children.” The Rural Electrification Fund plans to extend the network further east by 2026, linking remote hamlets previously inaccessible by road. For now, the glow of light transforms night into opportunity — a tangible sign that even Zimbabwe’s most marginalised corners are stepping out of the shadows.

Zimbabwe’s finance delegation, led by George Guvamatanga, engages IMF and World Bank officials in Washington to secure a Staff-Monitored Programme aimed at restoring investor confidence and paving the way for arrears clearance ( image source ) HARARE — Zimbabwe’s finance delegation, led by Finance Secretary George Guvamatanga, is in Washington D.C. for the 2025 IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings, as discussions intensify over a Staff-Monitored Programme (SMP) aimed at restoring investor confidence and jumpstarting arrears clearance. The Treasury team is prioritising the SMP as a cornerstone of credible macroeconomic management, viewing it as a bridge toward full programme engagement and eventual arrears resolution. Officials say the SMP would demonstrate a track record of fiscal discipline and reform implementation, key to convincing creditors and multilateral partners to deepen their support for Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 development goals. According to the IMF-World Bank calendar, the Annual Meetings are taking place from October 13 to 18 in Washington, providing a platform for technical negotiations and bilateral talks between Harare and international financiers. Treasury sources describe the negotiations as “progressing in earnest,” with an IMF mission scheduled to visit Harare at the end of October 2025 to finalise benchmarks and operational modalities for the SMP. Government representatives emphasise that a clear, time-bound reform agenda under the SMP will be essential before the IMF can recommend debt relief or approve arrears clearance pathways. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and other debt experts have consistently warned that high debt burdens, weak growth, and transparency gaps complicate programme design for fragile economies—a caution highly relevant to Zimbabwe’s position. Delegation members attending panels and side meetings in Washington report active engagement with World Bank teams on climate finance, social protection, and private-sector development. A Treasury official said Zimbabwe used the sessions to highlight fiscal consolidation efforts and governance reforms intended to attract concessional financing and private capital. Economic analysts, however, caution that securing the SMP will require more than commitment—it demands tangible progress in debt transparency, data accuracy, and reform execution. If Zimbabwe successfully meets SMP targets, the milestone could unlock World Bank concessional operations and boost investor sentiment aligned with Vision 2030 priorities. Zimbabwe’s participation in the Washington meetings marks a critical step in converting reform rhetoric into measurable action. With the IMF mission expected later this month, the coming weeks are poised to determine whether the SMP becomes a viable springboard toward macroeconomic stability and arrears clearance.

Zimbabwe’s Cabinet has approved participation in the Grand Inga 3 (Quintet) Transmission Line Project, signing an MoU with regional partners to boost power trade and energy security across Southern Africa ( image source ) HARARE — Zimbabwe has officially approved its participation in the Inga 3 (Quintet) Transmission Line Project, a landmark regional initiative to harness more than 40,000 megawatts of hydropower from the Congo River, aimed at easing Southern Africa’s chronic energy shortages. Cabinet confirmed the decision during a post-meeting briefing in Harare, authorising an inter-governmental Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to guide cooperation on developing transmission infrastructure and cross-border interconnectors linking the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Information Minister Jenfan Muswere told journalists that preliminary feasibility studies have already been completed and that the MoU will formalise Zimbabwe’s role in the power-pooling framework. The agreement positions the country as both a beneficiary and a key transit hub for electricity generated from the Inga hydropower complex. The initiative forms part of a wider SADC energy integration drive, which seeks to accelerate the construction of regional interconnectors and strengthen cross-border energy trade among member states. Energy experts have welcomed the move as strategically sound but have warned of logistical and financing challenges ahead. Dr. Tafadzwa Chikodzi, an energy policy analyst, highlighted the need for rapid regional cooperation while cautioning that issues such as transmission corridor rights, regulatory harmonisation, and financing mechanisms will require extensive coordination. He noted that long-distance transmission projects depend on firm agreements on grid upgrades, transit fees, and commercial frameworks to ensure sustainability. Past assessments of the Grand Inga project and its associated transmission routes point to complex negotiations involving multiple utilities, environmental approvals, and funding commitments. Nonetheless, the proposed Quintet Project could greatly expand Zimbabwe’s energy mix, lessen dependence on costly thermal generation, and create new opportunities for electricity exports or transit revenue. Government officials say the move dovetails with national objectives to stabilise power supply, support industrialisation, and enhance regional energy security. The signed MoU now sets the stage for detailed technical, environmental, and commercial feasibility studies, followed by multilateral financing talks and implementation planning. Observers caution that tangible progress will depend on sustained political will, donor participation, and private-sector investment across the participating countries. Still, the agreement marks a significant milestone toward Zimbabwe’s deeper integration into Southern Africa’s evolving power landscape.

Bla Matsotsi, Chitungwiza’s notorious “terror master,” has been rearrested after a brief escape and new armed robberies ( image source ) CHITUNGWIZA — The brief freedom of Aluis Luciano, notoriously known as Bla Matsotsi, sent waves of fear through Chitungwiza’s suburbs before his rearrest earlier this week. Authorities say Matsotsi’s escape from custody and subsequent armed robberies between October 13 and 14 revived memories of the violent street reign that earned him his infamous reputation as the “terror master.” According to police reports, on October 13, Matsotsi allegedly attacked Obert Chamunorwa (23) at Huruyadzo Shopping Centre, threatening him with a knife before fleeing with US$85. The following day, he reportedly confronted Memory Matanga, a heavily pregnant woman near St. Mary’s Clinic, demanding cash and valuables. Both victims later positively identified him in police line-ups, prompting a swift dragnet operation. Resident Ellie Nyambirai recalled the chaos: “I spotted him running with a group shouting my name. I froze. It was surreal.” Another eyewitness, Charles Ncube, described the dramatic moment of capture: “We saw a lone man with a sack sprinting toward the bus stop. Plainclothes cops tackled him in seconds.” After his recapture, crowds gathered at Chitungwiza Police Headquarters, applauding officers for restoring order and safety. Police sources say Matsotsi’s criminal record spans years of armed robberies across Chitungwiza and Harare, solidifying his image as a hardened repeat offender. Criminologist Dr. Steven Gumbo of the University of Zimbabwe noted that such criminals often exploit judicial delays and under-resourced prisons, warning that without systemic reform, similar cases will recur. “To deter sophisticated networks, courts must impose stiffer sentences and expedite trials,” he said. Matsotsi, facing charges under CR250/10/25, appeared before Magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai on October 15 and was remanded until October 21. Prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawu told the court that an undercover operation led to Matsotsi’s arrest at the Stoneridge interchange, where police recovered two sacks of stolen goods and a kitchen knife. Defense counsel has yet to submit a bail application. If convicted, Matsotsi could face up to 20 years in prison under Zimbabwe’s Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. Authorities and analysts alike say the case exposes deep systemic flaws — including overcrowded detention facilities, parole loopholes, and weak community policing. Inspector Linda Moyo of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) pledged stronger patrols and improved engagement in Chitungwiza’s high-risk zones to prevent repeat offences. Meanwhile, civil society groups such as the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) are calling for transparent court proceedings and public updates on sentencing reforms. Community leader Fungai Mandizvidza emphasised the need for genuine rehabilitation: “We need clarity on rehabilitation measures. Prisons shouldn’t be revolving doors for criminals like Matsotsi.” With Chitungwiza still on edge, all eyes now turn to the courts. The outcome of Matsotsi’s trial may not only determine his fate but also reflect Zimbabwe’s resolve to confront repeat offenders and strengthen public confidence in law enforcement.

ZACC arrests a Plumtree detective in a US$1,000 extortion sting after he allegedly demanded bribes to halt prosecution ( image source ) SHURUGWI — The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested Detective Constable Collen Mwoyo, a police officer from the Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit in Plumtree, after a sting operation in Bulawayo exposed an alleged US$1,000 extortion scheme targeting a local project manager. According to ZACC, Mwoyo was detained at Bellevue Shopping Centre, where undercover officers trapped him as he attempted to collect an outstanding bribe. He was arrested moments after accepting US$120 from the complainant, Mr Andrew Munemo, a project manager at Posse Solutions (Private) Limited. The incident followed Mwoyo’s earlier detention of Munemo on September 23, 2025, over a purported robbery case. ZACC’s report indicates that the detective allegedly demanded payment to halt prosecution, with the complainant having already paid US$500 and US$200 in earlier instalments. After continued pressure, Munemo alerted ZACC, which arranged the sting that led to Mwoyo’s capture. ZACC Commissioner Kindness Paradza confirmed the arrest, describing it as part of broader efforts to tackle abuse of office within the police service. Eyewitnesses at the shopping centre said ZACC operatives closely monitored the meeting before moving in when the officer accepted the cash. Anti-corruption experts say the case reflects ongoing integrity challenges in law enforcement, stressing that covert operations and transparent prosecutions are crucial to restoring public trust. They warn, however, that while such arrests demonstrate accountability, they also expose systemic weaknesses in oversight, reporting, and disciplinary mechanisms within the police. Detective Constable Mwoyo is expected to appear in court on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, facing extortion charges. ZACC reiterated its resolve to pursue corruption cases across sectors, pledging continued investigations and prosecutions to strengthen the rule of law.

Zimbabwean girls are reviving Nhanga, a traditional female gathering, as a peer-led movement to combat child marriage and promote education ( image source ) In rural Zimbabwe, communities are reviving Nhanga, a centuries-old, female-only tradition once used to prepare girls for marriage — now transformed into a grassroots movement helping young women resist child marriage, promote education, and discuss sexual and reproductive health. The revived Nhanga model has taken root in districts such as Shamva, where girls gather in tents to talk openly about schooling, gender bias, teen pregnancy, and personal rights. What was once a space for preparing brides is now a peer-led platform for empowerment. The meetings replicate the warmth and intimacy of the traditional “girls’ bedroom,” offering mentorship, life-skills training, and group activities including sports and advocacy workshops. Participants describe Nhanga as a safe, judgment-free space where girls remove their shoes, sit together, and share stories that would otherwise be silenced at home or school. They discuss everything from sexuality to entrepreneurship, leaving each session with renewed confidence and concrete plans to stay in school and avoid early marriage. Community organisers say the peer approach encourages solidarity among girls facing family or cultural pressure to marry young. Visible initiatives such as football tournaments and public dialogues have further helped shift community perceptions about girlhood and education. Gender advocates and child-protection specialists have praised Nhanga’s revival as a culturally grounded intervention, though they stress it must be coupled with stronger structural safeguards. They call for accessible schooling, active enforcement of child-protection laws, and economic support for at-risk families to sustain progress. Experts add that systematic monitoring is needed to track the programme’s impact on child-marriage rates and school retention. Early findings indicate that Nhanga gatherings have boosted girls’ self-esteem and inspired parents to prioritise education over marriage. Yet, organisers face hurdles including limited funding, inconsistent facilitation, and conservative backlash in some regions. Advocates urge partnerships between traditional leaders, NGOs, and government agencies to scale the model and embed it in national child-protection strategies. If sustained, the Nhanga revival could stand as a powerful fusion of culture and modern advocacy — turning a historic rite of passage into a frontline defence against child marriage in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwean-Mozambican guitarist Sylent Nqo, known as “The Guitar Sangoma,” blends traditional rhythms with Afro-fusion ( image source ) HARARE — Sylent Nqo, the Zimbabwean-Mozambican guitarist known as “The Guitar Sangoma,” is fast becoming one of southern Africa’s most distinctive Afro-fusion artists, weaving Zimbabwean traditional rhythms into contemporary soundscapes and cross-border collaborations. Born to a Mozambican mother and raised in Harare, Sylent’s early immersion in guitar and marimba shaped his identity as both a musician and storyteller. His performances—often described as spiritual and technically masterful—turn the guitar into a vessel for healing and cultural dialogue. From intimate Harare sessions to Lagos festival stages, audiences have embraced his sincerity and rhythmic fluency. Sylent’s style merges mbira-inspired patterns, marimba textures, and modern Afro-pop production, creating a sound that is at once organic and futuristic. Critics highlight his seamless ability to collaborate across southern and western Africa, portraying him not as a revivalist but as a connector of musical worlds. His live shows feature fingerstyle guitar layered with percussive loops and subtle electronic flourishes, producing performances both meditative and danceable. Festival promoters praise his stage presence, calling his shows “healing experiences” marked by moments of silence between bursts of communal energy. In Harare, local fans express growing pride as Sylent’s reputation spreads across Africa’s live music circuit. Music analysts say Sylent’s rise represents a redefinition of Afro-fusion, restoring prominence to instruments and rhythms often overshadowed by commercial Afrobeats. Cultural commentators view him as part of a new continental movement reconnecting pop music to ancestral sounds—strengthening Africa’s creative diversity and export potential. As his catalogue expands and touring opportunities multiply, Sylent Nqo stands at a pivotal moment. With strategic collaborations, curated digital releases, and continued festival appearances, The Guitar Sangoma could turn critical acclaim into a sustained continental legacy, paving the way for a new generation of Zimbabwean Afro-fusion artists.

Harare residents protest the city’s move to privatise key municipal services, accusing authorities of corruption, poor transparency and sidelining public input ( image source ) Harare residents have reacted angrily to a sweeping push to privatise key municipal services including water, waste management, parking and infrastructure amid claims the process favours politically connected contractors and sidesteps community input. The national government and Harare City Council are advancing a public-private partnership model to transfer parts of the city’s service delivery to private operators, with officials framing the move as a solution to decades of under-investment and breakdowns in service provision. Local residents’ associations say the tendering and handover process lacks transparency and accountability, accusing central government ministries of interfering in council affairs and “handpicking” contractors without meaningful public consultation. Combined Harare Residents Association director Reuben Akili described the development as undermining local democracy and warned that efficiency gains will be hollow if lasting oversight is absent. “We are already feeling the worry,” said a Harare suburb resident who attended a recent community meeting, describing a mood of mistrust and confusion as private operatives inspect neighbourhood infrastructure. Another market trader reported sudden changes to municipal waste pickups and a new private firm demanding upfront fees, heightening fears about affordability for low-income households. Government ministers and some council officials argue privatisation will inject capital, restore services and professionalise management of Harare’s water value chain and other failing utilities, presenting the model as necessary to stabilise supply and attract investment. Urban governance analyst Dr. Tafadzwa Ncube warned that outsourcing municipal services can produce short-term gains but often transfers risks to citizens if safeguards are weak. “Privatisation without strict performance contracts, tariff protections and citizen oversight risks exclusion and higher costs for the poor,” Dr. Ncube said. He urged immediate publication of tender documents, value-for-money assessments and independent regulatory frameworks to protect vulnerable residents. Critics fear the move could entrench patronage, weaken local accountability and raise user charges, hitting informal traders and low-income households hardest. Supporters counter that private partners must meet service level agreements and that improved performance will spur economic activity and investor confidence in the capital. Campaigners are calling for urgent public hearings, judicial review of suspect tenders and stronger parliamentary oversight to ensure the rollout is transparent and socially protective. Council meetings and a planned stakeholders’ workshop are due in the coming weeks; activists say those forums will be a litmus test for whether residents’ voices shape the process or are sidelined entirely.

Two Harare women publicly expose their married lover, Nobert Chifeya, over lies, fraud and emotional manipulation ( image source ) HARARE, Zimbabwe — Chaos erupted in Harare’s bustling city centre this week when two women, united by betrayal, publicly confronted their married lover and business partner, Nobert Chifeya, over a web of deceit involving at least 15 women. The dramatic confrontation, witnessed by stunned onlookers near Julius Nyerere Way, saw Fortunate Tibu, a police officer stationed at Chitungwiza Police Camp Clinic, and Chiedza Janet Tariro Munyoro, a self-described entrepreneur, accuse Chifeya of fraud, emotional manipulation, and financial exploitation. The women claim Chifeya lured them into romantic and business partnerships under false pretences — including telling both that his wife, Ellen Mutasa, was deceased. Fortunate revealed she co-founded an unregistered maternity clinic, Mbuya Nyarai, in Budiriro 5B with Chifeya, investing her life savings and even selling her car to fund the venture. “I believed in the dream. I wanted to serve my community,” Fortunate told Southerton Business Times, tears streaming down her face. “He promised me love and partnership. Instead, I was left with debt and disgrace.” Health officials shut down the clinic just months after opening due to non-compliance with medical regulations. Chiedza, who also contributed medical equipment to the clinic, said she was blindsided by the discovery of Chifeya’s other lovers. “He’s a smooth talker. I thought I was special until I found out I was just one of many,” she said. “He used us emotionally and financially.” In a candid interview, Chifeya admitted to relationships with both women, stating, “Yes, I’m married. But I loved Fortunate. We tried to build something together. Things fell apart when they found out about each other and the others.” He further accused Fortunate of misusing her position as an Assistant Inspector to intimidate him, and claimed Chiedza boasted of political connections. “She even brought her cousin, claiming he was CIO. Turns out, he’s a security guard,” Chifeya scoffed. Ellen Mutasa, Chifeya’s wife of 14 years and mother of his three children, was blunt in her assessment. “My husband is a serial womaniser. This isn’t the first time. These women were deceived, but they should have done their homework,” she said. “He’s ruined lives including mine.” Both Fortunate and Chiedza have filed police reports, accusing Chifeya of fraud and emotional abuse. Legal experts say the case could set a precedent for how personal deception intersects with business fraud in Zimbabwe. “This is a cautionary tale,” said Harare-based legal analyst Tawanda Moyo. “When personal and professional relationships blur, the fallout can be devastating.” As the scandal unfolds, Chifeya’s reputation — already tarnished by past allegations of juggling nine lovers — continues to unravel, leaving a trail of heartbreak, financial ruin, and public humiliation.