ZANU PF Mashonaland Central has resolved to align the ruling party’s electoral cycle and constitution with the country’s amended constitutional framework, as the province prepares resolutions for the party’s annual National People’s Conference. The resolution was adopted in Bindura on Saturday during a provincial meeting to consolidate proposals ahead of the 23rd ZANU PF National People’s Conference, scheduled to take place in Chinhoyi from October 12 to 17, 2026. ZANU PF Mashonaland Central Deputy Secretary for Administration Costain Sabao said the province wanted the party’s constitution to reflect the new electoral cycle created by the constitutional changes. “We, the people of Mashonaland Central Province, resolve that the great revolutionary party ZANU PF must realign its party constitution with Constitutional Amendment Number 34 with the new election cycle,” Sabao said. The resolutions were unanimously endorsed by the provincial party leadership. Calls for post-CAA3 empowerment The province also called for greater emphasis on community empowerment programmes, particularly initiatives that ensure local communities benefit directly from economic opportunities. ZANU PF Mashonaland Central Provincial Chairman Kazembe Kazembe said the province needed a framework for communities to benefit from economic activities following the constitutional changes. “We want a framework where we can promote the development of our people in the aftermath of CAA3. 2030 is about empowerment. Where there is mining, our people must benefit. This is what Vision 2030 is about,” Kazembe said. His comments place community participation and the sharing of economic benefits at the centre of the province’s proposals as Zimbabwe pursues its Vision 2030 development agenda. ZANU PF Politburo member Kenneth Musanhi said unity would be essential for communities to benefit from development programmes. “For our people to benefit, there must be unity of purpose in our district,” Musanhi said. Communities urged to register mineral resources Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Christopher Magomo urged residents to formally register mineral resources found in their communities to protect local economic opportunities. “I encourage you all to register things such as mines; there might be gold in your field, and if you don’t register it, others will come and take it,” Magomo said. The call comes as Zimbabwe continues efforts to formalise small-scale and artisanal mining and increase the contribution of mineral resources to local and national economic development. War veterans empowerment Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs Senator Monica Mavhunga also outlined empowerment initiatives targeting war veterans. She said a company established to support the economic interests of veterans was now operational. “Our company for war veterans is now operational for the benefit of our war veterans,” Mavhunga said. The Mashonaland Central resolutions will now be taken forward as part of preparations for the national conference in Chinhoyi. Delegates at the ZANU PF National People’s Conference 2026 are expected to deliberate on party policy, economic empowerment, development programmes and other issues affecting the ruling party. ZANU PF Mashonaland Central has resolved to align its party constitution with the amended electoral cycle ahead of the 2026 National People’s Conference. ZANU PF Mashonaland Central

Three people were killed while six others, including the driver, were injured after a Nissan March was involved in a fatal road accident along the Mutare-Masvingo Road on Saturday evening. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the crash, which occurred at the 285-kilometre peg at about 5.40 pm on August 22, 2026. According to police, the Nissan March was travelling towards Mutare with eight passengers on board when the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle. “The ZRP confirms a fatal road traffic accident which occurred at the 285 kilometre peg along Mutare–Masvingo Road on 22/08/26 at around 1740 hours,” police said in a statement. The vehicle allegedly veered off the road to the right and struck a tree before overturning once. “As a result of the crash, three passengers died on the spot, while six others, including the driver, sustained injuries,” police said. The bodies of the deceased were taken to Masvingo Provincial Hospital for postmortem examinations. The injured victims were taken for medical treatment, although police had not released details about the severity of their injuries or their identities at the time of publication. The crash adds to concerns over road safety in Zimbabwe, where police and transport authorities continue to urge motorists to exercise caution, particularly on major highways. Police have repeatedly warned motorists against speeding, reckless driving, driving while fatigued and other behaviours that can contribute to serious road crashes. The circumstances surrounding Saturday’s accident remain under investigation. The Mutare-Masvingo route is an important road linking the eastern and southern parts of Zimbabwe, carrying private motorists, public transport vehicles and commercial traffic. Authorities continue to urge drivers to maintain control of their vehicles, observe speed limits and exercise caution when travelling on long-distance routes. Mutare-Masvingo Road accident

Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu has been arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) over allegations that he and two other councillors demanded US$52,000 from a businessman in connection with a hotel development lease. Ward 28 councillor Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu and former Ward 22 councillor Rodney Jele were also arrested and are facing allegations linked to the same case. ZACC confirmed the arrests on Sunday, saying investigations were continuing into the alleged extortion. The case relates to a 50-year lease agreement reportedly entered into in March 2023 for the development of a hotel in Bulawayo. Businessman allegedly asked for US$52,000 According to ZACC, the alleged extortion took place in August 2026. Investigators allege that the three accused approached the businessman over the lease and claimed that another businessman was prepared to pay US$52,000 to have the agreement cancelled. The complainant was allegedly told to match the US$52,000 offer if he wanted to retain the lease, according to the anti-corruption commission. The businessman subsequently reported the matter to ZACC, prompting investigators to launch an operation targeting the suspects. ZACC trap operation ZACC investigators organised a trap following the complaint, resulting in the arrest of the three accused. The commission has not disclosed whether the alleged US$52,000 was recovered during the operation or whether money changed hands. The allegations centre on claims that the accused used their positions and influence in relation to the hotel development lease to obtain money from the businessman. The case comes amid continued scrutiny of corruption in local authorities in Zimbabwe, particularly allegations involving public officials and municipal property or development deals. ZACC has been pursuing cases involving suspected bribery, abuse of office and other corruption-related offences as part of efforts to strengthen accountability in public institutions. Court appearance Edwin Ndlovu, Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu and Rodney Jele are expected to appear before the Tredgold Magistrates Court in Bulawayo on Monday, August 24, where they will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations. The accused have not been convicted of any offence and remain presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The latest arrests add to previous corruption allegations involving Bulawayo municipal officials. ZACC's investigation is expected to establish whether the alleged demand was made, the circumstances surrounding the hotel lease, and whether any other individuals were involved. The commission has not yet indicated whether further arrests are likely as investigations continue. Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu

Hong Kong has stepped up efforts to strengthen AI-powered cybersecurity as 40 teams from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and overseas regions competed in a new artificial intelligence-driven cyber attack-and-defence challenge. The AI x Cybersecurity Challenge, jointly organised by Hong Kong Government's Digital Policy Office, the Chinese Academy of Cyberspace Studies, the Hong Kong Cybersecurity Professional Association and China Mobile Hong Kong, held its finals on Sunday. The competition followed a 12-hour online qualifying round that produced 40 finalists, comprising 20 teams from mainland China, 18 from Hong Kong and two from overseas. Teams of up to three members competed for HK$180,000 in prize money using an AI-Driven Dual competition format designed to test autonomous cyber defence and automated vulnerability discovery. The challenge brought together representatives from government, industry, academia and research institutions to explore how artificial intelligence can be used to counter increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Hong Kong adopts ‘AI versus AI’ strategy Hong Kong Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Professor Sun Dong said artificial intelligence was rapidly reshaping society while creating new cybersecurity risks. He said the same technology that could be used to develop new cyber threats could also strengthen defensive capabilities. The Government was therefore promoting an “AI versus AI” cybersecurity strategy, using artificial intelligence to build stronger defences against AI-enabled attacks. Sun said authorities were also strengthening cybersecurity policies, guidelines and ethical frameworks while conducting regular cyber attack-and-defence exercises to improve the city's preparedness. AI lowers barriers to cyberattacks The organisers said rapid advances in AI were changing the global cybersecurity landscape. Artificial intelligence is increasingly capable of supporting vulnerability discovery, automated penetration testing and the construction of attack chains, potentially lowering the technical expertise required to conduct sophisticated cyberattacks. Emerging threats include AI model security risks, data poisoning, model theft, phishing, supply-chain vulnerabilities and automated exploitation. The organisers said this growing threat landscape has increased demand for cybersecurity professionals with expertise spanning both artificial intelligence and information security. AI-driven attack and defence Unlike conventional Capture the Flag cybersecurity competitions, the Hong Kong challenge uses an AI-driven format in which teams deploy automated systems to analyse competition environments, identify vulnerabilities and submit flags. The competition includes vulnerabilities based on real-world scenarios alongside simulated zero-day vulnerabilities. Chinese Academy of Cyberspace Studies Director-General Wang Jiang said AI was transforming cyber defence from reactive responses towards more proactive and intelligent protection. “Using technology to counter technology has become an inevitable trend,” Wang said. China Mobile Hong Kong CEO Shi Xiaoping said the company had invested heavily in developing the AI attack-and-defence platform as part of efforts to support Hong Kong's cybersecurity ecosystem. Hong Kong Cybersecurity Professional Association President Dr Rocky Cheng said developing professionals with expertise in AI system design, cybersecurity and practical attack-and-defence capabilities would be critical to strengthening the city's cyber resilience. The AI x Cybersecurity Challenge awards ceremony is scheduled for late September during China Cybersecurity Week. Organisers are also encouraging companies to strengthen cybersecurity governance, regularly assess information-system risks, improve data protection and develop stronger cyber incident response capabilities. AI-powered cybersecurity

Property tycoon Philip Chiyangwa has moved to repair his relationship with businessman Wicknell Chivayo, issuing an open letter seeking to distance himself from the bitter fallout between Chivayo and his former business associates Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu. Chiyangwa’s intervention follows comments by Chivayo during an appearance on The Denny Show, where the businessman accused the veteran property developer of taking Chimombe’s side during their highly publicised dispute. Chivayo said the fallout was particularly painful because he had regarded Chiyangwa as someone he “genuinely loved” and respected. “After my feud and my fight with the Mike Chimombes he kind of like took a side. He was close to Mike Chimombe,” Chivayo said. He recalled seeing Chiyangwa with Chimombe at ZANU PF headquarters and said he believed the veteran businessman should have remained neutral. Chivayo also accused Chiyangwa of recording videos supporting efforts to recover money allegedly owed by Chivayo. He said the dispute strained their relationship and described the circulation of leaked voice notes as one of the worst periods of his life, particularly because he believed the recordings could damage his relationship with President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Chiyangwa explains Chimombe meeting In his open letter, Chiyangwa rejected the suggestion that he had turned against Chivayo, saying his involvement with Chimombe was prompted by senior government officials. “I wish to make it abundantly clear that at no point have I regarded you as an enemy,” Chiyangwa wrote. “On the contrary, I have always held you in high esteem and remain deeply grateful for the support and assistance you have rendered over the years.” Chiyangwa said two senior government ministers had approached him and asked him to intervene after Chimombe’s public allegations against Chivayo attracted significant attention. “Their concern was that the continued public allegations and commentary being made against you were causing considerable embarrassment and attracting widespread public attention,” he wrote. He said he was asked to engage Chimombe and encourage him to withdraw the allegations and public statements. Chiyangwa also addressed Chivayo’s recollection of seeing a vehicle associated with him outside ZANU PF headquarters while he was with Chimombe. He said the encounter was incidental and unrelated to any attempt to target Chivayo. Bid to restore ties Chiyangwa said he regretted that the events had created an impression that he was hostile towards Chivayo. “It is unfortunate when historical events are revisited without the full context being presented, as this can create the impression of hostility where none exists,” he wrote. He also praised Chivayo for his past support of ZIFA, recalling assistance provided when Chivayo was president of the football association. “In particular, I continue to appreciate the role you played when assistance was needed by ZIFA,” Chiyangwa wrote. Chimombe and Mpofu's dispute with Chivayo centred on money they claimed was owed to them from a business arrangement. The fallout later escalated into a major legal case after the pair were convicted of fraud linked to a US$7 million government tender obtained using fraudulent documents. Chiyangwa ended his letter by appealing for the relationship to return to normal. “My hope is that this clarification will assist in setting the record straight, dispelling any misunderstandings, and reaffirming my respect, appreciation, and goodwill towards you,” he wrote. He said he wanted their relationship to remain “normal, cordial and constructive”, while expressing gratitude for Chivayo’s friendship and support. The exchange has brought renewed attention to the relationships between some of Zimbabwe’s most prominent business figures and their intersections with football, politics and high-profile commercial disputes. Philip Chiyangwa and Wicknell Chivayo

Zimbabwean lawmakers are pushing for legislation to stop individuals and non-academic organisations from awarding honorary doctorates, arguing that the practice is undermining the credibility and integrity of the country’s higher education system. The motion, moved in the National Assembly by Chivi Central MP Exevia Maoneke and seconded by Masvingo MP Naledi Lindarose Maunganidze, calls for the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development to develop a policy restricting the awarding of honorary degrees to accredited universities. The issue is already listed among matters debated by Parliament, with parliamentary records confirming that the award of honorary degrees by non-academic bodies is before the National Assembly. Maoneke said honorary doctorates were traditionally intended to recognise exceptional achievement, public service and contributions to society. However, he said the growing number of non-academic organisations awarding honorary titles was creating confusion and weakening the meaning of the title “Dr”. “We have witnessed the proliferation of non-academic entities that issue such honours, often devoid of any legitimate scholarly evaluation.” He said the practice could undermine academic integrity, create opportunities for corruption where titles are allegedly exchanged for money or favours, and devalue qualifications earned through years of formal study. “My proposal, Madam Speaker, is that we take legislative action to abolish the issuance of honorary doctorates by non-academic institutions and by individuals,” Maoneke said. Calls for ZIMCHE oversight Seconding the motion, Maunganidze said honorary doctorates should remain rare and prestigious distinctions reserved for people who demonstrate exceptional excellence and service. She argued that universities awarding honorary degrees should operate within recognised academic quality assurance systems. “This motion is not about limiting the recognition of distinguished citizens,” Maunganidze said. “It is about preserving the dignity of one of academia’s highest honours.” She proposed that the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) should play a central role in developing national guidelines governing honorary degrees. The proposed framework could include transparent nomination procedures, eligibility criteria and ethical standards aligned with international practice. The push comes amid wider efforts to strengthen quality assurance in Zimbabwe’s higher and tertiary education sector. Parliament maintains a dedicated quality assurance function and publishes Hansard records and parliamentary proceedings as part of its oversight role. Parliament to continue debate The proposed reforms would not prevent Zimbabwe from recognising prominent citizens, Maunganidze said, but would establish clearer boundaries around who has the authority to confer an honorary academic qualification. The debate also raises questions about the distinction between honorary doctorates and earned doctoral degrees. An honorary doctorate recognises achievement or service and does not represent completion of a doctoral research programme. Parliament has not yet passed a law banning honorary doctorates from non-academic organisations. The current proposal remains at the parliamentary motion and policy-discussion stage, with debate expected to continue. The Speaker adjourned debate to next Tuesday to allow other MPs to contribute to the discussion. If adopted, the proposed framework could significantly change how honorary doctorates are awarded in Zimbabwe, while strengthening university accreditation, academic quality assurance and public confidence in higher education qualifications. Honorary doctorates in Zimbabwe

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised Zimbabwe’s economic progress and infrastructure development, saying the improvements could create new opportunities for trade, investment and closer economic cooperation between the neighbouring countries. Ramaphosa made the remarks on Friday during a Zimbabwe-South Africa business forum in Midrand, attended by more than 200 business leaders alongside him and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The forum was held as part of the fourth session of the Zimbabwe-South Africa Bi-National Commission, providing businesses from both countries with an opportunity to explore investment opportunities, trade partnerships and new commercial ventures. Ramaphosa praises Zimbabwe infrastructure Ramaphosa singled out Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development as an important foundation for expanding bilateral trade, particularly improvements to transport and border infrastructure. He specifically praised the modernisation of the Beitbridge Border Post, which he visited in October 2023. “Zimbabwe’s economy is becoming more and more attractive. We are committed to developing the infrastructure that is needed for the movement of goods between our borders,” Ramaphosa said. “Zimbabwe has shown enormous growth. What they have done in modernising their side of the border is just second to none, it’s world class,” he said. The South African president acknowledged that Zimbabwe had experienced significant economic challenges in recent years but said its recovery was creating opportunities for both countries. “In recent years, Zimbabwe has experienced challenges, but now it is pleasing to have a neighbour who is on the rise. We want a situation where we can have markets for both our countries,” Ramaphosa said. He challenged businesses to move beyond discussions and translate bilateral relations into actual investments, expanded production and stronger commercial partnerships. Mnangagwa calls for private-sector action Mnangagwa, meanwhile, urged businesses to play a bigger role in Zimbabwe’s economic transformation, saying governments should provide policies and conditions that encourage investment while the private sector turns opportunities into productive projects. He also called for greater participation by young people in the region’s economic development. Zimbabwe and South Africa possess significant mineral resources, which Mnangagwa said could support industrialisation, technological development and regional value chains. “Most importantly, we have young people with energy and ambition. The task before us is to unlock their potential. Our natural resources must feed our region and not benefit others,” Mnangagwa said. He said young innovators were already developing solutions in agriculture and information technology but needed stronger support to move their ideas from prototypes to commercially viable businesses. “An innovation that remains in the hub is not useful,” he said. Focus on trade and investment The business forum comes as Zimbabwe and South Africa seek to deepen economic cooperation through increased private-sector participation. For Zimbabwe, stronger investment and trade ties with South Africa could support industrial development, job creation and access to regional markets. South African companies, meanwhile, stand to benefit from opportunities in Zimbabwe’s mining, manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, agriculture and technology sectors. The two governments are expected to continue using the Bi-National Commission as a platform for addressing trade barriers and strengthening bilateral economic relations. The challenge now, as highlighted by both presidents, is to turn political commitments and business discussions into concrete investments that deliver measurable economic benefits for citizens in both countries. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised Zimbabwe’s economic progress and infrastructure development, calling for stronger trade and investment ties. Zimbabwe South Africa trade and investment

Zimbabwean lawmakers have raised concern over the reported use of firearms and imitation weapons in criminal activities, warning that the growing presence of guns poses a serious threat to public safety. The issue was raised in Parliament as MPs called for stronger attention to firearm-related crime in Zimbabwe, including reports that replica weapons are being used to intimidate victims. According to ZiFM Stereo News, MPs raised the concerns on August 21, 2026, during parliamentary proceedings. Some lawmakers also claimed that firearms were being sold over the counter, prompting questions about controls governing the availability and possession of weapons. Leader of Government Business and Transport Minister Felix Mhona said authorities would treat threats involving firearms seriously regardless of whether the weapon being used was genuine or an imitation. “The fact that it is a fake firearm, what I also appeal to the people is that whenever it is pointed at you, you never know whether it’s fake or genuine.” Mhona said members of the public could not reasonably be expected to determine whether a weapon pointed at them was capable of firing. His warning highlights the risks associated with replica firearms in criminal activity, particularly during robberies and other confrontations where victims may be unable to distinguish an imitation from a genuine firearm. Public safety concerns The parliamentary discussion comes amid wider concerns over violent crime and the use of weapons during criminal incidents. For victims, the distinction between a real gun and an imitation may have little practical significance during a confrontation. A person being threatened may have only seconds to react and cannot safely assume that a weapon is fake. Mhona therefore urged members of the public to prioritise their safety rather than attempting to determine whether a firearm is genuine. Zimbabwe's Firearms Act provides the legal framework governing the possession and control of firearms in the country, with the possession of firearms generally subject to licensing and other statutory requirements. The concerns raised in Parliament also point to the need for authorities to establish the scale and nature of firearm-related crime, including whether imitation weapons are increasingly being used in criminal offences. Calls for stronger controls MPs' concerns could fuel further debate on firearm regulation, enforcement and public awareness in Zimbabwe. Lawmakers also want authorities to address allegations that firearms may be available through informal or unauthorised channels. However, claims about over-the-counter firearm sales require verification by the relevant law-enforcement and regulatory authorities. The parliamentary discussion has placed gun crime, replica firearms and firearm regulation in Zimbabwe firmly on the national agenda. For members of the public, the debate's central message is straightforward. When confronted with a weapon during a criminal incident, safety should take priority because it may be impossible to tell immediately whether the firearm is genuine. gun crime in Zimbabwe

Two Zimbabwean nationals have been arrested in South Africa after police intercepted a truck carrying illicit cigarettes worth nearly R2 million at the Groblersbrug Port of Entry in Limpopo. The suspects were arrested on Saturday after police received information from members of the community about a truck allegedly transporting contraband into South Africa. Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner Jan Scheepers said officers stopped and searched the truck, which was designed to transport coal. “At Groblersbrug today we confiscated 4,800 cartons of cigarettes to the value of almost R2 million,” Scheepers said. “There was a truck; it’s the type that normally conveys coal. We got information from the community and stopped the truck.” According to the police commissioner, officers discovered that the cigarettes had allegedly been concealed beneath a load of coal. “We inspected the truck; the cigarettes were underneath the coal. We arrested two Zimbabwean nationals who were trying to bring those cigarettes into the country,” he said. The seizure highlights ongoing efforts by South African law enforcement agencies to combat illicit cigarette smuggling across the Zimbabwe-South Africa border, particularly along major commercial routes. The Groblersbrug Port of Entry is located in Limpopo near the Zimbabwe border and is an important crossing point for commercial traffic between the two countries. The arrests came only hours after South African authorities uncovered a suspected drug manufacturing laboratory in Musina, another Limpopo town close to the Zimbabwean border. During the multi-disciplinary operation, police reportedly seized drugs and laboratory equipment with an estimated street value of R600 million, together with an undisclosed amount of cash. Five suspects were arrested in connection with the Musina operation. The two operations have placed renewed attention on criminal networks allegedly using Limpopo’s transport corridors to move illicit goods and manufacture or distribute illegal drugs. South African authorities have stepped up multi-agency operations in Limpopo as they seek to disrupt organised crime networks operating along the country’s borders. The latest cigarette seizure also demonstrates the role of community intelligence in supporting police operations. In this case, information provided by residents enabled officers to identify and intercept the truck before it proceeded further into South Africa. The two Zimbabwean suspects are expected to face charges relating to the illegal importation or possession of illicit tobacco products. Their identities and the specific charges they will face had not been disclosed at the time of publication. Authorities have not indicated where the cigarettes originated or whether additional suspects are being sought. The investigation is continuing. Zimbabweans arrested in Limpopo

Zimbabwe’s National Sports Stadium has regained international football status after receiving Confederation of African Football (CAF) Category 3 approval, paving the way for the Warriors and local clubs to host major matches in Harare. The approval follows a recent CAF technical inspection and progress on priority rehabilitation works at the country’s main football venue. The Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture confirmed the development on Friday, August 21. Category 3 status allows the National Sports Stadium to host CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup group-stage and quarter-final matches, as well as Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup qualifiers, subject to the specific requirements of each competition. CAF’s stadium regulations place group-stage and quarter-final matches in both men’s Champions League and Confederation Cup under Category 3. Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Anselem Sanyatwe said CAF had recognised the work undertaken by Government and the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) to address deficiencies identified during earlier inspections. “CAF has acknowledged the considerable efforts made by the Government of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Football Association in addressing the observations raised during the inspection,” Sanyatwe said. He also credited Sakunda Holdings for its contribution to the stadium rehabilitation programme, particularly the modernisation of the pitch and installation of bucket seats. “Through its partnership with Government, Sakunda Holdings has played a significant role in the modernisation of the stadium pitch and the installation of bucket seats,” Sanyatwe said. The improvements are expected to enhance the functionality and spectator experience at the National Sports Stadium while restoring Zimbabwe’s ability to host international football. Warriors set for home return The CAF clearance ends a prolonged period in which Zimbabwe has been forced to stage senior international fixtures outside the country because the National Sports Stadium did not meet continental requirements. The Warriors last played a senior international at the stadium on November 14, 2021, when they faced Ethiopia in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier. Zimbabwe subsequently used venues in South Africa and other countries for home fixtures. The timing of the approval is particularly significant as Zimbabwe prepares for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. According to ZIFA, Zimbabwe are in Group E alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Sierra Leone. The Warriors are scheduled to face Sierra Leone away before hosting DR Congo during the opening qualification window. The AFCON 2027 qualification matches are scheduled across FIFA international windows beginning in September 2026, with further matches in November and March 2027. Boost for Scottland The approval is also a major boost for Scottland FC, Zimbabwe’s reigning Premier Soccer League champions, who are competing in the CAF Champions League. With Category 3 approval, the Harare club can potentially stage its eligible home matches at the National Sports Stadium, including group-stage and quarter-final fixtures, subject to CAF’s competition-specific requirements. For Zimbabwean football, the stadium’s return to the CAF-approved list restores home advantage, reduces the cost and logistical burden of staging matches abroad and gives supporters an opportunity to watch international football on home soil. National Sports Stadium CAF approval

A haulage truck driver allegedly abandoned his job after fleeing from police during a roadblock in Masvingo, where detectives recovered drugs worth more than US$5,000 from the vehicle. Dzikamai Chimunda, 48, of Harare, is wanted by police after allegedly jumping from a moving truck and disappearing into nearby bushes when detectives ordered him to stop for a search. The incident happened earlier this month near the Exor service station in Masvingo after detectives received information that Chimunda was allegedly transporting drugs. Police intercepted the Freightliner haulage truck, registration number AEG 5856, which is owned by Bindura Haulage and was travelling with two trailers. According to police, detectives ordered Chimunda to pull over so they could search the vehicle. Instead, he allegedly accelerated and drove away at high speed. Chimunda later slowed the truck down, jumped from the moving vehicle and fled into a nearby bush. Detectives managed to bring the truck under control before it crashed into other motorists or caused further danger on the road. The driver, however, escaped and remains at large, with police continuing to search for him. According to the Masvingo Mirror, Chimunda contacted his employers the following morning and allegedly told them that he was resigning from his job and had abandoned the truck in Masvingo. A subsequent search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered a substantial quantity of cough syrup and cannabis. “A search was conducted into the vehicle leading to the recovery of 370 x 100ml bottles of Broncleer cough syrup, 120 x 100ml bottles of Astra cough syrup and approximately 20kg of dagga,” police said. The discovery has raised concerns over the use of commercial haulage vehicles to transport illicit substances across Zimbabwe. Police have not indicated whether anyone else connected to the haulage company has been arrested in connection with the alleged drug haul. The case comes as Zimbabwean law enforcement agencies continue to intensify efforts against drug trafficking and the movement of controlled substances through major transport routes. The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe and police have repeatedly warned that possession, transportation and distribution of dangerous drugs can attract serious criminal penalties. Police are appealing for information that could assist in locating Chimunda. The circumstances surrounding the alleged abandonment of the truck and subsequent resignation remain subject to police investigations. Chimunda has not yet appeared in court and remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Masvingo drug haul

By Obey Musiwa | Harare Zimbabwe’s e-hailing industry is pushing for formal regulation as operators seek to resolve growing tensions between app-based transport services, government authorities and local councils. The Zimbabwe E-hailing Association (ZEHA) has submitted a self-regulation and policy proposal to the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), calling for a structured transition towards dedicated legislation for ride-hailing services. The proposal comes as the Government moves to bring e-hailing platforms such as InDrive, Bolt and Tap & Go into Zimbabwe’s public transport regulatory framework. Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona recently told Parliament that the Road Motor Transportation Act does not specifically provide for e-hailing services. ZEHA said its framework is intended to create a compliance bridge while formal legislation is developed, with particular emphasis on passenger safety, driver verification, tax visibility and investment confidence. ZEHA founding president (Designate) Tirivashe Mundondo said the association was not seeking exemption from regulation. “ZEHA is not asking Government for an absence of regulation. We are offering a practical bridge to proper regulation.” Mundondo said an e-hailing driver should be identifiable, properly licensed, linked to a verified vehicle and subject to enforceable standards. He said the proposed ZEHA credential would serve as a verification mechanism rather than protection from enforcement. “The credential does not purchase protection. It enables an authorised officer to determine whether a driver has been verified, whether the driver’s documents remain valid and whether any compliance deadline is still open.” The proposal also makes provision for non-ZEHA members, allowing drivers and operators outside the association to demonstrate compliance directly to the relevant government authority. “This ensures fairness and inclusivity while the sector transitions to formal regulation,” Mundondo said. The push for formalisation comes amid increased enforcement against e-hailing drivers in Harare. The city council has begun consultations on a regulatory framework covering services such as InDrive and Bolt, while Mayor Jacob Mafume has acknowledged that existing laws have struggled to keep pace with app-based transport. Mafume said the city wanted e-hailing services to comply with the law while contributing towards employment, municipal revenue and infrastructure maintenance. The debate has also raised concerns about the potential cost of regulation. Participants in a recent public discussion hosted by CITE argued that any e-hailing policy should balance passenger safety and government revenue with affordability and the livelihoods of drivers, many of whom depend on ride-hailing for income. ZEHA says Zimbabwe can achieve that balance. “Zimbabwe does not have to choose between innovation and order. We can build an e-hailing sector that is safe for passengers, fair to drivers, visible to the fiscus and certain enough to attract investment.” As Government considers a dedicated regulatory framework, the association says its proposals are ultimately about creating confidence among commuters, drivers, regulators and investors. Zimbabwe e-hailing operators