Zimbabwe’s crocodile skin exports hit US$36 million as the industry targets US$100 million ( image source ) Zimbabwe’s crocodile farming sector is riding a wave of growth after export receipts from crocodile skins rose to an average of US$36 million, driven by improved skin quality and expanding market access, industry and government officials say. Production now stands at about 80,000 skins annually, up from previous estimates, and the sector is being promoted as a strategic foreign-currency earner for rural communities and the national economy. Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Davis Marapira told stakeholders that while crocodile meat contributes marginally — just over US$1 million in local consumption and exports — the primary focus remains on skins and value addition that can lift the industry to a projected US$100 million economy. He said government and private stakeholders are working to improve market penetration in top fashion and leather markets and to compete with established producers in the Americas and elsewhere. Export markets currently include France, Singapore, Japan, and Italy, and producers are pursuing diversification into other high-value destinations to sustain demand for premium Niloticus skins. Zimbabwe is reported to control roughly 45 percent of the Niloticus skin market worldwide, a dominant position that industry leaders argue should be leveraged through downstream processing and stronger branding to capture greater portions of the leather value chain. Producers and the Crocodile Farmers Association of Zimbabwe are seeking more support for capacity building, access to finance, and technical assistance to meet stringent international certification, traceability, and animal-welfare standards demanded by luxury leather buyers. Stakeholders say investments in better hatchery management, feeding regimes, and skin handling protocols have already translated into higher quality hides that attract premium prices on global markets. Value addition remains central to the sector’s growth strategy. Industry players want domestic tanning, finishing, and product manufacturing so Zimbabwe can export finished leather goods rather than raw skins, retaining more value locally and creating jobs across rural processing hubs. The government has signalled support for such initiatives through policy engagement and partnerships, while private operators are exploring joint ventures with experienced international tanners. Analysts caution that sustaining growth will require consistent regulatory oversight, improved biosecurity, and trade facilitation, along with strategies to insulate producers from volatile global demand for exotic leathers. They also note that ethical and conservation considerations must be maintained to ensure crocodile farming remains sustainable and compliant with CITES and other international rules. With current momentum and a clear emphasis on quality and market development, Zimbabwe’s crocodile industry appears set to consolidate its lead in the Niloticus market and pursue its ambition of becoming a US$100 million sector through concerted value-addition and export diversification efforts.

Ben Hill scandal — fake miracles, financial coercion, and the urgent need for accountability in Zimbabwe’s faith industry ( image source ) The spectacle around Ben Hill has been equal parts theatre and con, a carefully staged performance that has repeatedly succeeded in turning scepticism into devotion and doubt into applause. What unspools beneath the velvet lights and viral clips is not faith renewed but a pattern of exploitation, spectacle-driven theatrics and institutional failure that should have disqualified him from addressing Zimbabwean audiences long ago. The scandals that cluster around Ben Hill are familiar in their mechanics. Accusations of fake healings, staged miracles and predatory fundraising have been amplified across social media and local reportage. Video clips that once excited followers now demand forensic scrutiny: hurried camera edits, staged crowd reactions, and “healings” that leave no verifiable follow-up. Entrepreneurs of faith have long profited from the spectacle economy; Ben Hill’s case is a primer in how performance, charisma and social media algorithmic boosts convert theatricality into cash and influence. Worse than theatrical dodges are the allegations of harm. Former attendees and investigative threads allege financial coercion, with vulnerable people encouraged to give life-savings in exchange for miracles. In a society wrestling with economic precarity, promises of instant deliverance become transactional traps. The moral question is stark: how many desperate families were promised salvation and left with empty bank accounts and deeper wounds? Equally troubling is the proximity of influence: reports that high-ranking officials and public figures attended his gatherings or accepted invitations to share platforms despite prior exposures should alarm any civic observer. Public office carries an obligation of judgment; high-profile attendance grants undeserved legitimacy to charlatans. When those charged with safeguarding public interest are photographed lending prestige to exposed figures, institutional complicity shades into endorsement. Regulatory gaps compound the problem. Zimbabwe’s media and law enforcement apparatuses have shown intermittent capacity to investigate and hold showmen of faith accountable. Defamation, fraud and consumer-protection laws exist on paper; enforcement is inconsistent. Digital platforms amplify reach while diluting accountability, creating fertile ground for repeat offences. If exposés are to mean anything, they must trigger formal inquiries, forensic audits of fundraising channels and transparent proceedings that test assertions against evidence. The bigger civic question concerns public literacy and social resilience. Education alone does not inoculate communities from fraud when spiritual hopes and economic desperation intersect. Churches, civic groups and consumer advocates must collaborate on public campaigns that teach red flags: unverifiable “cures,” insistence on cash-only donations, and refusal of independent verification. Media houses must also resist sensationalism and prioritize investigative follow-up over shareable outrage. Ben Hill’s followers will argue that faith cannot be judged by sceptics. That misses the point. The issue is not belief itself but the abuse of belief, turning prayer into a marketable product, and trust into a revenue stream. Zimbabwean society deserves more than spectacle. It deserves transparent answers, rigorous investigations and a public conversation about how to protect the vulnerable from those who weaponise hope for profit. Until those steps are taken, the stage remains set for the next illusion and for the next group of Zimbabweans to be taken in.

Bulawayo City Council employee Sithabisiwe Ncube faces US$30,000 fraud and forgery ( image source ) A 44-year-old Bulawayo City Council employee, Sithabisiwe Ncube, has appeared before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Collet Ncube facing two counts of forgery and fraud involving an alleged US$30,000 scam linked to a United Kingdom–based man. Ncube, who works for the local authority, was remanded out of custody to October 17 for continuation of trial. Prosecutors told the court that Ncube allegedly forged an acknowledgment of debt claiming that Timothy Moyo (61), a UK-based Zimbabwean, owed her US$16,000, when in fact the real debt was US$6,000. The State alleges that she forged Moyo’s signature on the document, which was then submitted to the Bulawayo Civil Magistrates Court under case number CG352/24 on September 2, 2024. The court subsequently issued a ruling in her favour, leading to the attachment of Moyo’s property, including a Mercedes-Benz E220 belonging to his wife, valued at approximately US$30,000. Prosecutors say Moyo suffered a financial loss of US$30,000, with no recovery made. A police report was later filed, resulting in Ncube’s arrest. In her defence, Ncube’s lawyer, Tinashe Tashaya of Tashaya Law Chambers, argued that the matter stemmed from a legitimate private loan arrangement, not fraud. “Ncube will tell the court that this was not fraud but an arrangement between two parties,” said Tashaya. He told the court that Ncube had lent Moyo money and that the transaction was discussed in a WhatsApp group including both Moyo and his wife, where repayment terms were agreed upon. According to the defence, the discussions are contained in 14 pages of chat exchanges and a five-page repayment outline. Tashaya further asserted that no forgery occurred, claiming the document was genuine and that Moyo had voluntarily offered to surrender his Mercedes-Benz to settle part of the debt. Magistrate Collet Ncube postponed the matter to October 17, when the trial will continue. If convicted, Sithabisiwe Ncube faces potential jail time or a fine under Zimbabwe’s Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act for fraud and forgery.

Cameroon’s 2025 presidential election faces structural risks of manipulation ( image source ) Cameroon heads toward a pivotal presidential election in 2025, and few doubt that 91-year-old Paul Biya, the world’s oldest sitting head of state and in power since 1982, will seek another mandate. Yet the question is less who will win than how the process will unfold. Persistent concerns about institutional capture, opaque voter management, and restricted observer access continue to shadow the credibility of the vote. Cameroon’s political structure remains heavily centralised. The presidency controls administrative, security, and judicial levers that shape every stage of the electoral process. Elections Cameroon (Elecam), the official management body, is nominally independent but staffed largely by figures perceived as close to the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM). Recent leaks and civil-society reports allege irregularities in voter-card distribution, including claims that uncollected cards have been redirected to unknown recipients. If substantiated, such practices could enable inflated turnout figures or targeted ballot-stuffing. The government dismisses these allegations as unfounded, but Elecam has yet to provide a comprehensive public audit of voter-roll integrity. Key Indicators to Monitor Voter-Card Management – Independent verification of the total number of printed, collected, and uncollected cards will be essential. Any mismatch between registered voters and issued cards could distort participation data. Transparency in Tabulation – The openness of counting at polling stations and the secure, verifiable transmission of tallies to regional and national centres will determine whether parallel vote-tabulation efforts can cross-check results. Observer Access – The presence of credible domestic monitors and international observer missions will influence both transparency and post-election acceptance. Restrictions on observer mobility or late accreditation would raise red flags. Communication of Results – Timely, constituency-level publication of results allows cross-referencing against local copies of count sheets, curbing opportunities for manipulation during central aggregation. Possible Scenarios High-risk scenario: manipulation of voter lists and opaque tabulation secure a comfortable victory for the incumbent but trigger opposition rejection and potential unrest. Medium-risk scenario: localized irregularities and administrative bias tilt outcomes without full fabrication, producing legal challenges and street protests in major cities. Low-risk scenario: comprehensive observer access, transparent tabulation, and swift release of verifiable data lend the process enough credibility for broad acceptance. Priorities for Observers and Journalists Credible scrutiny will depend on granular, documented evidence rather than broad accusations. Reporters and monitors should track: • audit trails for voter-card issuance and returns; • chain-of-custody documentation for ballots; • photographic or digital copies of local count sheets; and • consistency between constituency and national tallies. The risk of electoral manipulation in Cameroon’s 2025 vote is not hypothetical; it is structural. The extent to which transparency measures are enforced before, during, and after polling will determine whether the election is seen as a managed ritual or a genuine contest. For observers and the media, vigilance over procedures, not personalities, will be the true measure of democracy’s pulse in Yaoundé.

Mali imposes a $10,000 visa bond on US travellers in retaliation for a similar US measure ( image source ) Mali has announced that United States nationals seeking business or tourist visas will be required to post a bond of up to $10,000, a reciprocal measure introduced after Washington unveiled a similar visa-bond pilot for Malian travellers. Bamako’s foreign ministry described the move as a response to what it termed a unilateral action by the United States and said Mali would “establish an identical visa programme” for US citizens under the principle of reciprocity. The US pilot program mandates that Malian nationals found eligible for B-1/B-2 visas post bonds of between $5,000 and $10,000 prior to visa issuance, a measure the US embassy framed as reinforcing America’s commitment to border security and national safety. Mali’s announcement mirrors those financial barriers for US visitors, signalling reciprocal application of the bond requirement for business and tourist categories. The US embassy in Bamako defended its scheme as a security measure and border-management tool. Mali’s foreign ministry questioned the unilateral nature of Washington’s policy and suggested the US programme violated longstanding visa arrangements between the two countries, prompting Bamako’s tit-for-tat response. International reporting places the measure within a period of strained ties since Mali’s 2021 coup and subsequent geopolitical realignments, including a pivot toward Russian partners and the expulsion of former Western security forces. Analysts say the bond policy forms part of a broader US approach to curb irregular migration by exploring deportation arrangements with third countries and imposing financial conditions to deter visa misuse. The move follows intensified US efforts to identify African destinations willing to receive deportees as Washington tightens immigration controls, a dynamic that has prompted uneasy reactions from several Sahel governments. Relations between the two capitals had shown tentative signs of engagement in 2025, with US officials meeting Malian counterparts in July to discuss counterterrorism cooperation and economic partnerships, including potential access to Mali’s mineral reserves. The sudden introduction of visa bond rules has complicated those overtures and fuelled accusations in Bamako that the US action amounts to coercion or “blackmail” in diplomatic exchanges. Observers say reciprocity is likely to harden travel conditions and add administrative and financial burdens for visitors and business travellers on both sides. Diplomats and regional mediators will face pressure to de-escalate the dispute to preserve counterterrorism collaboration and economic dialogue, while affected citizens assess the immediate impact on travel and commercial ties.

Forbes has named Zimbabwe the world’s top travel destination for 2025, praising its heritage, natural beauty, and rebranding success ( image source ) Zimbabwe has clinched the coveted title of world’s best country to visit in 2025, according to a newly released Forbes ranking that places the Southern African nation ahead of tourism giants such as Morocco, Sri Lanka, and Norway. The recognition arrives amid Zimbabwe’s tourism resurgence, with the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry reporting over 1.6 million international visitors in 2024, generating US$1.2 billion in receipts and attracting US$190.5 million in new investments. Forbes described Zimbabwe as “a mosaic of rugged wild terrain and deep ancestral heritage,” spotlighting its five UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Victoria Falls, Great Zimbabwe Monument, Khami Ruins, Matobo Hills, and Mana Pools National Park — as central to its appeal for cultural exploration, wellness travel, and nature-based tourism. “The ancient stone city of Great Zimbabwe stands as a powerful reminder of the country’s layered past,” wrote Lewis Nunn, Forbes Senior Travel Editor. “Meanwhile, at Victoria Falls, the Zambezi crashes into thunderous gorges below, sending mist into the air that often catches the sun in fleeting rainbows.” Supporting the ranking, flight search data from KAYAK showed an 80% surge in interest for Bulawayo and a 56% increase for Harare, reflecting global momentum toward the destination. Tourism Minister Barbara Rwodzi hailed the honour, telling The Herald it affirms Zimbabwe as a “safe, peaceful, war-free tourist destination.” She added: “We are overjoyed by the acknowledgement from Forbes and global travel experts.” President Emmerson Mnangagwa has long championed tourism as a “low-hanging fruit” for economic expansion, job creation, and foreign currency earnings. His administration has implemented sectoral reforms, including reduced licensing fees and levies, to bolster competitiveness and investor confidence. Local analysts echoed the sentiment, calling the recognition long overdue. Tourism researcher Dereck Goto said: “It reflects the country’s diverse natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and the resilience of its tourism sector. Zimbabwe offers an authentic African experience that resonates with global travellers seeking meaningful and sustainable tourism.” Fellow analyst Kudzai Mutisi described the Forbes accolade as marking “the dawn of a golden era.” “After two decades of negative publicity, the Second Republic’s rebranding efforts are bearing fruit. The hidden gem is now the talk of the world,” he said. With social media influencers, travel bloggers, and global media outlets increasingly spotlighting Zimbabwe’s destinations, the country’s tourism industry appears poised for a transformative boom — one that could redefine its place on the world travel map.

Zimbabwe’s 2025 mining sector reports a 44% gold surge offsetting sharp declines in lithium and platinum ( image source ) Zimbabwe’s mining sector delivered a mixed 2025 performance, driven by a remarkable surge in gold while several strategic minerals contracted sharply, forcing a downward revision to the industry’s growth outlook and renewing calls for value addition and energy security. Gold production rose an estimated 44 percent this year, reinforcing gold’s role as the backbone of Zimbabwe’s mineral exports and lifting export receipts despite declines elsewhere in the sector. Coal output recorded modest growth of about 4 percent, supported by fresh investments and stronger regional energy demand, offering some offset to broader weaknesses. In contrast, platinum group metals and battery metals recorded notable setbacks: platinum fell by around 7 percent, palladium 8 percent, rhodium 2 percent, lithium plunged 45 percent and nickel declined 17 percent, creating an uneven production profile that undermined overall sector momentum. Those declines prompted authorities to revise the mining growth forecast downward from an earlier 5.6 percent to roughly 2.9 percent for 2025, reflecting both operational constraints and global price dynamics. Export earnings told a different story, rising strongly on the back of gold and diamond sales. Mineral export proceeds jumped about 28 percent to approximately US$3.2 billion, evidence that higher-value outputs can still drive forex inflows even when volumes in some commodities fall short. John Musekiwa, president of the Chamber of Mines, told delegates at last week’s MineEntra Expo in Bulawayo that the sector’s future hinges on beneficiation, local content and technology adoption, and highlighted ongoing industry moves to establish refining capacity and promote downstream processing across gold, lithium, PGMs, ferrochrome and coal. Musekiwa praised the Smart Mining Programme’s automation and digital-tracking initiatives as central to improving transparency and reducing leakages, and said many firms are investing in renewable power to mitigate grid shortages. Industry analysts and consultants warn that sustaining growth will require policy consistency, reliable energy, and incentives for capital-intensive value-add projects that keep more mineral value within Zimbabwe’s economy. The Chamber estimates mining contributes about 14.5 percent of GDP and accounts for roughly 76 percent of export earnings, underscoring the sector’s outsized role in national development and the urgency of structural reforms to capture more downstream value. Stakeholders at MineEntra advocated a coordinated agenda: accelerate beneficiation infrastructure, fast-track predictable licensing and fiscal terms, and scale public-private partnerships for off-grid energy and port logistics to support increased refined exports. If implemented, these measures could transform the current production-led recovery into a broader industrialisation pathway that spreads benefits more widely across Zimbabwe’s economy.

Former Dynamos captain Murape Murape has been ordered to retract and apologise for defamatory WhatsApp claims against ex-youth international Walter Musanhu ( image source ) Former Dynamos captain Murape Murape has been formally served with a demand to retract and apologise for statements deemed defamatory against former Zimbabwe youth international Walter “Ringers” Musanhu, legal representatives for Musanhu confirmed on Monday. The contested messages were posted in a WhatsApp group called Former Footballers and reportedly accused Musanhu of having an incestuous relationship with his sisters, repeatedly referred to him as “mainini,” and falsely alleged that he never played for Dynamos, Young Warriors, or Motor Action. The messages went viral, prompting Musanhu’s legal team to act through James Majatame Attorneys at Law, who described the allegations as false, malicious, and wholly unsubstantiated. The legal notice served on Murape demands: •A full retraction in mainstream media within five days, •Publication of a written apology and retraction in The Herald and The Sunday Mail for four consecutive weeks, and •An immediate cessation of any direct contact with Musanhu. Failure to comply, the lawyers warned, would trigger civil litigation for defamation damages and could also lead to criminal proceedings under the Cyber and Data Protection Act (Chapter 12:07). Musanhu has declined to comment directly and referred all media enquiries to his lawyers, who emphasised the reputational harm caused by the viral messages and the broader need to curb cyberbullying and harassment. The legal representatives further argued that Murape’s statements implied criminal and immoral conduct — including incest, witchcraft, and corruption — and thus crossed the threshold from opinion into actionable defamation. Observers say the case underscores growing tensions surrounding the use of social and messaging platforms, where rumours and personal attacks can spread rapidly and inflict lasting damage on reputations and livelihoods. Media law expert Advocate Tendai Chikodzi noted that WhatsApp groups are “fertile ground for defamatory material” because messages are often amplified without verification, heightening legal exposure for both authors and administrators. Sports stakeholders also expressed concern that the dispute could erode goodwill within the former players’ fraternity and the broader football community. A former teammate, speaking anonymously, described the allegations as “out of character” for both men and urged a swift, transparent resolution to avoid further harm. The legal notice also underscores Musanhu’s standing and credibility as a former national youth international, director of Jadel Football Academy (China and Zimbabwe), and leader of the Jadel FA 2034 World Cup Project — credentials cited as evidence of the serious reputational damage inflicted by the viral claims. The matter now rests with Murape, who has five days to comply with the retraction demand or face legal escalation. Legal analysts note that any ensuing litigation could test Zimbabwe’s defamation and cyber-harassment laws, potentially setting a precedent for how social-media disputes among public figures are handled in future.

Harare’s Mr and Miss Albinism Africa pageant spotlighted inclusion, health, and employment rights for people with albinism across Africa ( image source ) A first-of-its-kind continental pageant in Harare this week crowned Miss Albinism Africa and placed a business-facing spotlight on the systemic barriers facing people with albinism across the continent. Organised by the Zimbabwean advocacy group Albinism Dare to Dream Initiative, the event drew contestants from Angola, Botswana, Nigeria, Kenya, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe to a packed hotel venue for an evening of culture, testimony, and advocacy. The pageant deliberately positioned itself as more than a beauty contest. Organiser Brenda Mudzimu, who has albinism, said the goal was to lift visibility while pushing for concrete interventions — better access to dermatological and ophthalmic care, inclusive employment policies, and protection against violence and discrimination. Contestants modelled traditional and professional attire to underline both cultural identity and economic aspiration. “The need for greater awareness is still great,” Mudzimu told delegates. “Despite anti-discrimination laws, people with albinism face violence and many struggle to find work because of prejudice.” The event also served as a soft-launch for advocacy priorities requiring government funding and private-sector partnerships. Contestant stories brought the statistics to life. Daniella Garrick (21) of Sierra Leone described persistent stigma despite her academic achievements, while Kenyan contestant John Ngaita spoke of harassment and fears linked to ritual attacks that continue to claim lives in parts of the region. Both called for employment pathways and social protection that extend beyond symbolic gestures. Health needs emerged as a central theme. Contestants highlighted limited access to sun-protective creams, quality sunglasses, and regular eye care — essentials that, when unmet, drive up long-term medical costs and reduce employability. Organisers urged donors and health insurers to include subsidised dermatology and ophthalmology packages for people with albinism within national health systems. What Business and Government Can Do: Organisers proposed a coordinated response leveraging both public budgets and private investment: •Expand subsidised medical services and include albinism-specific care in national health packages. •Create employment schemes guaranteeing interviews or quota placements for qualified candidates with albinism. •Build brand partnerships with fashion and cosmetics firms to promote inclusive products and offer ambassador roles to contestants. •Fund community education campaigns with measurable stigma-reduction targets and annual reporting. Such interventions could transform visibility into tangible economic gains — lower healthcare costs, higher labour participation, and new social-enterprise opportunities linked to inclusion campaigns and diversity branding. The pageant concluded with Daniella Garrick crowned Miss Albinism Africa. For the winners and contestants, the real challenge begins now: converting visibility into sustained advocacy, donor support, and measurable policy outcomes. “Here we feel safe,” Garrick said after receiving the crown. “We share the same struggle and understand each other. That gives strength.” For businesses, donors, and policymakers, the message was clear: investing in the health, education, and employment of people with albinism is smart economics, not charity. When inclusion reduces medical costs, expands the talent pool, and opens niche markets, the returns are both social and financial. Harare’s pageant provided the spectacle — the next step is ensuring it becomes a launchpad for lasting change through budgets, partnerships, and jobs.

A Karoi police sergeant has been jailed for 30 months after attempting to swallow a US$50 bribe during a sting operation ( image source ) KAROI — In a case that has stunned the nation and reignited calls for greater accountability in law enforcement, a police sergeant from Karoi Urban Police Station has been sentenced to 30 months in prison after attempting to swallow a US$50 bribe during a sting operation. Sergeant Paul Mutingoringo Dzimbanhete (32) was convicted of criminal abuse of office after soliciting a bribe from motorist Olly Mcupi in exchange for the return of a confiscated certificate of competency. The incident began at a routine roadblock, where Dzimbanhete allegedly demanded a US$50 “release fee.” Mcupi, accompanied by his father Sebastian Chinyemba, reported the incident to Police General Headquarters, prompting internal investigators to launch a sting operation. The setup took place at TM Supermarket in Karoi, where Dzimbanhete was caught red-handed accepting the marked bill. In a desperate attempt to destroy the evidence, the officer tried to swallow the money — an act captured on camera by the internal investigations team. The footage, corroborated by eyewitnesses, left little room for doubt. A search of Dzimbanhete’s belongings revealed a notebook in which he had falsely recorded Mcupi’s offense as “dangerous parking,” further undermining his credibility. Presiding magistrate Ms. Ruth Moyo described the officer’s conduct as a “shocking betrayal of public trust” and dismissed pleas for leniency. “The accused’s conduct was not only unlawful but also brought the Zimbabwe Republic Police into disrepute,” she said. “His attempt to literally ingest the evidence speaks to the lengths he was willing to go to conceal his crime.” Dzimbanhete was sentenced to 36 months in prison, with six months suspended on condition of good behaviour, leaving 30 months to serve. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the conviction and reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on corruption. “We commend the swift action taken by our internal investigations unit,” said ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi. “This case sends a clear message that no one is above the law, and misconduct within our ranks will be dealt with decisively.” Anti-corruption watchdogs have applauded the ruling. “This is a landmark case,” said Transparency Zimbabwe director Rudo Mupambirei. “It shows that the justice system can and will hold law enforcement officers accountable. It’s also a reminder that citizens have the power to report abuse and expect action.” The story has since gone viral on social media, with Zimbabweans expressing a mix of outrage and disbelief. One user quipped on X (formerly Twitter): “Corruption is hard to swallow — literally.” The case underscores growing public pressure for police reform and ethical enforcement, with civil society urging the ZRP to expand internal oversight and public reporting mechanisms to deter future misconduct.

Harare’s Firle Sewage Treatment Plant operates at half capacity, prompting a US$7 million rehabilitation plan to prevent public health risks and Lake Chivero pollution ( image source ) The Harare City Council says it requires at least US$7 million to rehabilitate the Firle sewage treatment plant in Glen View, which is currently operating at less than half capacity due to aging infrastructure, grease blockages, and escalating inflows of untreated waste. Officials say the facility, which can process 144 megalitres of sewage per day, is currently treating only 50 to 60 megalitres, posing risks to public health and water quality in Lake Chivero, the capital’s primary water source. Acting town clerk Phakamile Mabhena Moyo rejected allegations that untreated sewage was being released directly into Lake Chivero, insisting that effluent is diverted to council-owned farms for disposal. “The breakdowns of treatment units at Firle are true, the percentage of the breakdown I cannot confirm. But all untreated sewage is pumped to council farms, not directly to the lake,” Mabhena said during a recent inspection of the plant. “Our short-term budget for upgrading infrastructure is around US$6 to US$7 million.” Mabhena noted that financial constraints and sanctions-related funding barriers have slowed progress on essential maintenance and upgrades, leaving critical pumps and pipelines in disrepair. The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has launched investigations into possible environmental rights violations linked to Harare’s water and sanitation systems. ZHRC chairperson Fungayi Jessie Majome said the commission’s inspections at Firle and Morton Jaffray Water Works aimed to ensure the protection of citizens’ rights to clean and safe water. “We make recommendations for the rectification of any issues that undermine the enjoyment of human rights or administrative justice,” Majome said. “We will continue to monitor the implementation of our recommendations and, where necessary, submit reports to the Minister of Justice for presentation to the President.” Majome urged stronger coordination between local and central government, warning that delays in infrastructure renewal could have long-term social and economic repercussions for Harare’s 1.5 million residents. City engineer Simon Muserere confirmed ongoing efforts to replace damaged pipelines and reinforce access points with polycarbonate covers to prevent vandalism. He said a priority project, the 2.5km Amalinda stream crossing, has exceeded its 20-year lifespan and now requires full replacement at a multimillion-dollar cost. “We have infrastructure that’s far beyond its design life,” Muserere explained. “Normally, it is said 50% of sewer problems come from users. Once people change their attitude toward sewer management, we can cut these problems by half.” Environmental analysts say Firle’s declining efficiency has economic ripple effects, including higher water treatment costs, reduced agricultural output downstream, and mounting expenses for emergency chemical dosing at Morton Jaffray. Experts warn that without timely intervention, Lake Chivero’s eutrophication—already worsened by industrial and household effluent—could render raw water increasingly difficult and costly to purify for citywide use. The City of Harare says it is engaging private contractors such as Helcraw Private Limited and development partners to explore public-private financing models for the Firle upgrade. The US$7 million target covers immediate repair needs, with an estimated US$30 million required for full modernization over the next five years. With waterborne diseases still a recurring threat in high-density suburbs, residents and rights groups say Harare’s water infrastructure can no longer afford “piecemeal fixes,” calling instead for sustained investment, transparency, and public accountability.

A Greendale man lost US$20,000 after thieves smashed his Toyota GD6’s window in a daylight robbery outside an Avondale restaurant ( image source ) A Greendale resident, Herbert Ngwenduna, 65, was left reeling after thieves smashed the quarter glass of his Toyota GD6 and stole a bag containing US$20,000 while the vehicle was parked outside a popular Avondale restaurant on Suffolk Road on Wednesday. Ngwenduna told journalists he had left the car unattended for a meeting and returned two hours later when his alarm sounded, only to find the glass shattered and the cash missing. “I came out and saw the glass broken. My bag with the money was gone. I couldn’t believe it,” he said. Police responded promptly, cordoning off the scene and initiating an investigation that quickly focused on CCTV footage from nearby businesses. Investigators said the footage showed two suspects arriving in a black Nissan X-Trail, parking behind Ngwenduna’s vehicle, breaking the quarter glass, removing the bag and driving off before passersby could intervene. Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the theft and appealed to the public for information. “Police are investigating a theft-from-car case in Avondale, and nothing has been recovered so far,” he said. Chakanza urged anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about the black Nissan X-Trail or the suspects to come forward. Community reaction has been swift, with Avondale residents and business owners expressing alarm at the brazen daylight robbery and calling for improved security in public spaces. Social media users warned motorists against leaving valuables in vehicles and called on establishments to strengthen on-site surveillance. Security analysts said the case fits a growing pattern of high-value vehicle-targeted thefts in urban Harare, where criminals exploit crowded areas and limited immediate police presence. Experts advised motorists to avoid leaving cash or valuables in cars, use secure parking facilities, and encourage businesses to expand CCTV coverage and lighting to deter offenders. In response to the incident, local police increased patrols in the Avondale precinct and asked businesses and residents to review their camera footage for movements of the black Nissan X-Trail or other suspicious activity. The absence of a captured registration plate has complicated identification efforts, police said, making community tips essential to the investigation. For Ngwenduna, the loss is deeply unsettling. “It’s unsettling. You park your car thinking it is safe, and yet people can just smash in and take whatever they want. It shakes your trust,” he told reporters.