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More than 500 youths gathered in Harare for a United Apostolic Faith Church conference, pledging to combat child marriage, gender-based violence and substance abuse through community action ( image source ) More than 500 youths drawn from all ten provinces converged in Harare for a national conference organised by the United Apostolic Faith Church, pledging to take active roles in confronting social challenges such as child marriages, gender-based violence and substance abuse. Convened under the leadership of Archbishop Busani Sibanda, the gathering positioned young people as key agents of social transformation amid rising youth-related vulnerabilities in Zimbabwe. Addressing the conference, Archbishop Sibanda urged participants to move beyond rhetoric and assume responsibility for shaping their communities. He called on youths to become ambassadors of positive change and to stand firmly against injustices undermining society. The message was met with strong affirmation from participants, many of whom made personal commitments to act within their respective communities. Youth pastor Shandirayi Mupfurutsa pledged to confront child marriage and support survivors of gender-based violence, saying young leaders could not remain silent while children’s futures were compromised. Brian Moyo (21), a delegate from Bulawayo, committed to taking a strong stand against drug and substance abuse, describing it as a growing threat in urban and peri-urban areas. Youth leader Linety Mukutirwa emphasised peer-to-peer education, noting that young people were best placed to reach and support others struggling with addiction without resorting to stigma. Delegates also pledged to collaborate with government programmes addressing social challenges, highlighting the importance of partnerships between faith-based institutions, families and public authorities. Archbishop Sibanda commended the youths’ resolve, describing the conference as a moment of hope and renewal. He said sustained action and collective effort were essential to building communities rooted in dignity, responsibility and inclusion, as the conference concluded with a call for ongoing engagement beyond the event.

ZRP has launched a nationwide manhunt for Anymore Zvitsva following the killing of five family members in Guruve ( image source ) The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a nationwide manhunt for Anymore Zvitsva, who is wanted in connection with the killing of five members of the same family at Ona Farm in Guruve last week. Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that Zvitsva is the prime suspect in the murders. The victims have been identified as Grace Zvitsva (66), Loice Chiringaushe (37), Takudzwa Kariva (5), Tatenda Chirenje (2) and Tendai Zvitsva (40). According to police, a neighbour was awakened by unusual noise coming from the homestead and raised the alarm. Tendai Zvitsva was rushed to Guruve Hospital but later died from his injuries. Nyathi said police have deployed extensive resources to track down the suspect, who is believed to be hiding in forested and mountainous areas in and around Guruve. The operation includes drone surveillance and manhunt teams drawn from the Support Unit, Criminal Investigations Department, Canine Unit, horse patrols and intelligence units. Traditional leaders and community members are also assisting law enforcement by providing information and supporting search efforts. Police further revealed that Zvitsva is suspected to be linked to other violent crimes in the area. He has reportedly been connected to recent murder cases in Zimuna Village under Chief Bepura, where three members of another family were killed, raising concerns about a possible pattern of violence. Nyathi urged members of the public to remain alert and report any information that could lead to the suspect’s arrest. He appealed for cooperation with law enforcement, assuring communities that investigations are ongoing and that every effort is being made to bring the suspect to justice. The killings have sent shockwaves through Guruve and surrounding areas, with residents calling for increased police patrols and swift action to restore safety.

A new book alleges that apartheid-era security forces explored using HIV/Aids as a biological weapon against black South Africans ( image source ) Shocking allegations that apartheid-era operatives deliberately sought to exploit the HIV/Aids epidemic as a tool of biological warfare against black South Africans have resurfaced in a new book that is already igniting fierce public debate. In Who Really Killed Chris Hani?, retired judge Chris Nicholson advances the deeply disturbing claim that elements within the apartheid state and its security apparatus actively explored, and in some cases allegedly implemented, strategies to spread HIV/Aids among the black population in the final years before South Africa’s first democratic elections. Drawing on apartheid-era documents, testimonies from former security operatives and academic research, Nicholson argues that the HIV/Aids crisis was not merely neglected by the regime but, in certain instances, deliberately facilitated as part of a broader strategy to preserve white political and economic dominance. According to the book, the apartheid state faced what Nicholson describes as two existential threats: the prospect of Nuremberg-style prosecutions for crimes against humanity and the sweeping economic redistribution envisaged under the ANC’s Freedom Charter. “So desperate were right-wing whites to retain power and wealth that they would consider any solution to avoid these two consequences,” Nicholson writes. He argues that the emergence of HIV/Aids in the early 1980s presented extremist elements with an opportunity to weaken the black majority population without resorting to overt mass extermination. Nicholson cites testimony from a former security branch policeman, identified under the pseudonym JG Scholte, who recalled a 1983 conversation in which a soldier allegedly spoke of research into making a sexually transmitted disease appear “natural” to the international community. Central to the book’s thesis is Project Coast, the apartheid state’s covert chemical and biological warfare programme led by cardiologist Dr Wouter Basson. Academic research referenced by Nicholson suggests that scientists linked to the programme explored the potential use of HIV as a sterility agent targeting black women, with the aim of reducing birth rates. The book further alleges operational attempts to spread the virus. Former covert operative Paul Erasmus is quoted as claiming he was asked to procure HIV-infected blood, while other accounts suggest that HIV-positive individuals were allegedly used to infect targeted groups, including sex workers and political activists. Nicholson also references Truth and Reconciliation Commission testimonies and writings by former intelligence officers who claimed that Aids was viewed within security circles as a strategic factor in limiting black political dominance. While the allegations remain contested and have not been tested in a court of law, Nicholson situates them within the broader historical context of apartheid-era human rights abuses and ideological extremism. At the centre of the narrative is Chris Hani, whose early warnings about the devastating potential of the Aids epidemic now appear hauntingly prescient. As Who Really Killed Chris Hani? gains attention, it is expected to reopen painful and unresolved questions about the lengths to which the apartheid state may have been prepared to go in order to retain power.

OK Zimbabwe is considering selling an additional US$17,2 million in properties as liquidity pressures intensify, with weak sales, stock shortages and mounting losses threatening the retailer’s recovery ( image source ) Retail giant OK Zimbabwe Limited is considering selling an additional US$17,2 million worth of properties, on top of the US$10,5 million already earmarked for disposal, as it battles deepening liquidity constraints and acute working capital shortages. The financial strain has translated into persistent stock shortages across key product categories, as tight supplier trading terms continue to limit inventory replenishment. While ongoing engagements with suppliers have allowed a partial resumption of deliveries, stock levels remain significantly below optimal requirements. This is despite suppliers having received 50% of legacy debts through OK’s US$20 million capital raise completed earlier this year. Operational disruptions over the past two years have pushed the group’s total debt burden above US$30 million, prompting management to initiate an asset disposal programme first announced in July. Under the plan, seven freehold properties valued at US$10,5 million were identified for sale. However, progress has been slower than anticipated. “Property valued at US$10,5 million has been identified for disposal, and as at the end of September 2025, offers worth US$7,3 million were under management consideration,” the company said in a statement accompanying its half-year results to September 30, 2025. OK added that all prospective buyers were prepared to enter long-term sale-and-leaseback agreements. The retailer disclosed that it owns additional properties valued at US$17,2 million, which could also be disposed of, subject to board approval, should liquidity pressures persist. Proceeds would be directed towards funding working capital requirements. In the interim, OK has increasingly relied on supplier-finance arrangements, under which third-party financiers settle supplier invoices when OK misses payment deadlines, effectively transferring the debt to financiers. The group has also secured new banking support. “US$19,6 million in banking facilities have been secured, with US$12,3 million still undrawn,” the company said. “Four key relationship banks have provided formal letters of support, reinforcing confidence in continued financial backing.” Despite this, financial performance remains under severe pressure. Revenue for the half-year period plunged 84,07% to US$28,26 million, from US$177,43 million in the prior comparative period. Board chairperson Herbert Nkala attributed the collapse to an 82,68% decline in sales volumes, driven by inventory shortages, supplier disruptions and store closures under the group’s rationalisation programme. The company posted a net loss of US$17,81 million, compared to a profit of US$3,71 million in the same period last year. Although operating costs were reduced, expenses remained high relative to depressed sales. Employee benefits amounted to US$9,51 million, while other operating costs reached US$11,76 million. Utilities and backup power costs of US$5,3 million further weighed on margins amid persistent electricity outages. As at the end of September, OK remained technically insolvent, holding just 47 US cents for every dollar of short-term debt. Nkala said management’s immediate priority is stabilisation. “Key constraints to recovery remain liquidity for product procurement, limited stock availability and delays in property disposals,” he said, adding that unlocking proceeds from asset sales remains central to restoring the group’s viability.

MCAZ plans to make medicine price and stock disclosure mandatory for pharmacies through a new national price transparency platform ( image source ) The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) is moving to tighten regulation of the pharmaceutical retail sector by making the disclosure of medicine stock levels and prices a mandatory condition for pharmacy licensure. The move follows MCAZ’s participation in the newly launched National Medicines Availability and Price Transparency Platform (MAP-TP), also known as the Medicine Price Lookup, which is designed to improve access to affordable medicines and reduce price opacity across the market. In Circular 35 of 2025, the authority said participation in the platform could soon shift from voluntary to compulsory, following a 90-day pilot phase. A further notice will be issued to confirm whether mandatory compliance will be enforced “in the public interest”. MCAZ warned that failure to comply could have serious regulatory consequences. “This mandatory shift will be enforced under sections 57(5) and 58(4) of the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act,” the authority said, noting that non-compliance could result in the suspension or cancellation of a pharmacy’s operating licence. The platform seeks to address a long-standing challenge in Zimbabwe’s healthcare system, where patients are often forced to visit multiple pharmacies at significant personal cost in search of available and affordable medicines. By providing real-time information on stock availability and prices, MCAZ aims to enhance efficiency, transparency and consumer protection. Licensed pharmacies have been given 14 days from the date of the circular to submit Expressions of Interest to participate in the pilot phase, which will test the system’s technical performance, data accuracy and operational impact. Under the proposed framework, pharmacies will be required to ensure that all information submitted to the platform accurately reflects real-time stock levels and lawful pricing. Medicines that are out of stock must be promptly removed from listings, while only products with valid MCAZ registration numbers may be displayed. The authority also reserves the right to audit submissions to guard against false or misleading information, emphasising that the platform is a public service information system rather than an advertising tool. MCAZ director-general Richard Rukwata described the initiative as a decisive step towards technology-driven regulation of the pharmaceutical sector and urged industry players to prepare for the transition from pilot phase to national rollout. If fully implemented, the system would mark a significant shift in health sector oversight, directly linking pharmacy licensure to medicine price transparency and availability.

Zimbabwe says it is fully prepared to co-host the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, with upgraded venues, strong government backing and final preparations now complete ( image source ) With just a month to go before the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, tournament director Hamilton Masakadza says Zimbabwe is fully prepared to co-host the global event and showcase its capacity to stage elite international sport. Speaking at the official tournament launch on Saturday at Cresta Lodge in Harare, the former Zimbabwe captain said preparations were now in their final phase following months of intensive work by the Local Organising Committee (LOC). Masakadza said confidence was high that the country would meet and exceed international standards when the tournament begins. He noted that the LOC had been working intensively over the past five to six months, bringing together all operational and logistical elements required for a smooth competition. A major focus of preparations has been the upgrading of cricket infrastructure to meet ICC requirements. While established venues such as Harare Sports Club, which will host the final, and Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo were already in good condition, several secondary grounds underwent significant refurbishment. Masakadza highlighted upgrades at Takashinga Cricket Club, Masvingo and Prince Edward School, among others, saying these investments would leave a lasting legacy for domestic cricket long after the tournament ends. Takashinga, based in Highfield, will host Zimbabwe’s group-stage matches, including the Young Chevrons’ opening fixture against Scotland on January 15. Beyond infrastructure, Masakadza said the LOC had prioritised full operational readiness, including travel logistics, accommodation, catering, medical services and security. He said the final weeks before the tournament would be used to refine remaining details, stressing that precision and coordination would be critical to delivering a seamless international event. The tournament, Masakadza added, presents a significant branding opportunity for Zimbabwe beyond the sport itself. He said the World Cup would introduce many first-time visitors to the country and provide a platform to project a positive national image through efficient organisation and warm hospitality. Government support for the event was reaffirmed by Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Anselem Sanyatwe, who was represented at the launch by the ministry’s acting secretary, Cynthia Mawema. In a prepared statement, Sanyatwe said the government’s commitment to the tournament was firm, with all relevant ministries and agencies fully engaged to ensure safety, efficiency and smooth coordination. The ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 will feature 16 teams competing in 41 matches. Zimbabwe will open their Group B campaign against Scotland, with the tournament expected to showcase the world’s best emerging cricket talent while placing Zimbabwe firmly in the global sporting spotlight.

MP Farai Jere has urged the government to fully fund Zimbabwe’s national teams at international tournaments, citing player welfare, motivation and performance ahead of Afcon 2025 ( image source ) Member of Parliament Farai Jere has called on the government to assume full financial responsibility for Zimbabwe’s national teams whenever they compete in international tournaments, arguing that player welfare, motivation and preparation can no longer be left to under-resourced sporting associations. Jere, who is president of CAPS United and chairs the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, said his committee is pushing for a policy shift that places the funding and welfare of national teams squarely under the state. He was speaking on the sidelines of a Warriors farewell dinner held last week ahead of Zimbabwe’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) campaign in Morocco later this month. For years, the responsibility of motivating and catering for national teams has largely rested with associations such as the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa), often with limited direct financial backing from government. Jere said this arrangement has repeatedly exposed players to uncertainty and demoralisation at major tournaments. “In all progressive and sports-successful nations, governments take responsibility for their national teams,” Jere said. “At a stage like Afcon, if you look at the countries that have done well, motivation plays a huge role. Players need incentives. When representing your country, that should be their moment to live like kings — not in poverty.” Jere revealed that his committee successfully lobbied Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube to increase funding for sport in the 2026 national budget, resulting in an allocation of ZiG841,4 million (approximately US$32 million) to the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture. “If you followed the budget debates, we engaged the Minister of Finance extensively and pushed for an increase towards sports development,” he said. “The minister listened, especially on issues around national team welfare.” He stressed that the proposed policy shift should apply across all sporting codes, not just football. “It’s not only about soccer. Even our hockey teams, including the ladies, deserve proper support. Once a team qualifies for an international tournament, the government must immediately step in,” Jere said. While Ncube has yet to outline the full extent of state support for the Warriors’ Afcon campaign, the farewell dinner provided a morale boost. Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Anselem Sanyatwe revealed that President Emmerson Mnangagwa personally donated US$400 000 from his own funds towards the team’s welfare. Jere welcomed the President’s gesture but emphasised the need for sustained, institutionalised government backing rather than ad hoc interventions. “We are confident the government will play its part to ensure the team is fully taken care of,” he said. He also urged the private sector to re-engage with Zifa, citing improved governance under its new leadership. “The association is regaining credibility under Nqobile Magwizi. There have been clear improvements in administration and governance, and that should attract corporate support,” Jere said. The Warriors are expected to depart for Morocco tomorrow ahead of their Group B opener against Egypt on December 22. Zimbabwe will also face South Africa and Angola as they pursue a historic first progression to the Afcon knockout stages.

China–Zimbabwe Friendship Scholarships marked 45 years of diplomatic ties as the Chinese Embassy honoured scholarship recipients and essay winners, highlighting education as a pillar of bilateral cooperation ( image source ) The Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe last week hosted an awards ceremony honouring recipients of the 2025 China–Zimbabwe Friendship Scholarship and winners of an essay contest commemorating 45 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Held on November 28, the event brought together about 150 guests, including 61 scholarship recipients and 19 essay contest awardees. The ceremony underscored the growing role of education and people-to-people exchanges in strengthening bilateral ties between Harare and Beijing. Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding described educational cooperation as a cornerstone of the all-weather China–Zimbabwe relationship, saying it plays a vital role in fostering mutual understanding and long-term partnership. He urged scholarship recipients to maximise the opportunities offered and to use their education to drive Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development while strengthening friendship between the two nations. “People-to-people exchanges and educational cooperation are vital components of our relationship,” Ambassador Zhou said. “They play an irreplaceable role in deepening friendship between our two nations.” Zimbabwe’s Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Hon. Frederick Shava, welcomed the continued expansion of academic collaboration, saying it aligns with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 goals. He noted that education remains central to the country’s industrialisation and modernisation drive. “Education is at the heart of our industrialisation and modernisation agenda,” Shava said. “These partnerships strengthen our ability to train skilled professionals and innovators who will contribute meaningfully to national development.” Shava added that scholarships and academic exchanges enhance talent development, research collaboration and technology transfer, all of which are critical for sustainable growth. The essay contest, held as part of the anniversary celebrations, encouraged young Zimbabweans to reflect on the past, present and future of China–Zimbabwe relations, with winning entries focusing on friendship, development cooperation and shared aspirations. Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, several recipients expressed gratitude and pledged to use their education to serve Zimbabwe while strengthening Africa–China cooperation. As the two countries mark 45 years of diplomatic engagement, the scholarship programme stands as a symbol of a partnership increasingly defined by knowledge exchange, skills development and long-term cooperation.

A new CZI survey shows deepening dollarisation in Zimbabwe, with over 70% of transactions now in USD ( image source ) The latest Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) survey leaves little doubt that Zimbabwe’s much-vaunted de-dollarisation strategy is struggling to gain traction in the real economy. Far from reversing dollarisation, current trends suggest it is accelerating, with both businesses and consumers continuing to demonstrate a strong preference for the United States dollar. According to the CZI 2025 Third Quarter Business Insights Report, about 73% of firm-level transactions are now settled in USD, a level that underscores persistent mistrust in the local currency framework and a widening gap between policy intentions and market realities. A sectoral breakdown reinforces this trend, showing intensified dollarisation across nearly all industries. Construction was the only sector to record a marginal decline, with USD sales easing slightly to 70% from 71% in 2024. Manufacturing, widely regarded as the backbone of industrial growth and value addition, registered one of the sharpest increases, with USD transactions rising to 75% from 67% over the same period. The transport sector remains the least dollarised, but even here USD usage climbed significantly from 56% to 66%, reflecting the growing difficulty of operating in local currency terms. Analysts attribute the residual use of ZiG largely to commuter omnibus operators who still require small denominations to provide change. Domestic sales data further illustrate the weakening position of the local currency. Over the first nine months of 2025, 78% of domestic sales by large-scale firms were settled in USD, around six percentage points higher than small firms. However, the relatively narrow gap across firm sizes suggests that dollarisation is now deeply entrenched across the broader economy. Equally concerning is how companies are sourcing foreign currency. The survey shows that 84,2% of firms now rely on domestic USD sales to meet their foreign currency requirements, up from 79% in 2024. By contrast, the banking system and interbank market supplied just 9% of firms’ forex needs, down sharply from 14% last year. Export proceeds, the most sustainable source of foreign currency, accounted for only 2,1%, pointing to weakening export competitiveness and a shrinking external earnings base. Economists warn that an economy dependent on recycling foreign currency domestically, rather than generating it through exports, risks long-term stagnation. Despite reported reserves of around US$1 billion, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency remains marginal in key sectors such as manufacturing and retail, where ZiG transactions account for just 20–30% of sales. The message from the CZI survey is unequivocal: de-dollarisation cannot be legislated into existence. Without sustained fiscal discipline, policy consistency, a credible foreign exchange market and renewed export competitiveness, the US dollar is likely to remain dominant in Zimbabwe’s economy.

Newly promoted Hardrock FC have signalled serious PSL ambition with the appointment of experienced Zambian coach Kelvin Kaindu ahead of their 2026 debut season ( image source ) Newly promoted Kwekwe-based Hardrock FC have wasted little time in signalling their intent ahead of their debut season in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) in 2026, announcing the appointment of highly rated Zambian coach Kelvin Kaindu as head coach. The bold move underlines the ambitions of the self-styled Golden Boys, who appear determined to establish themselves as competitive contenders rather than mere survival candidates in their maiden top-flight campaign. Kaindu arrives with a growing reputation for tactical intelligence, discipline and psychological resilience—qualities sharpened during one of the most remarkable relegation escapes in recent PSL history. The Zambian tactician joined Dynamos FC mid-season when the Harare giants appeared destined for the drop. At the start of August, with just 11 matches remaining, Dynamos were languishing in 17th place, seven points from safety. What followed was an extraordinary turnaround. Kaindu masterminded an 11-match unbeaten run, steering the Glamour Boys to safety on the final day of the season. That achievement cemented his credentials as a coach capable of stabilising fractured squads, instilling belief under pressure and delivering results in hostile environments—attributes Hardrock FC will rely on heavily as they navigate the unforgiving terrain of the PSL. The club confirmed the appointment in a statement on Saturday. “Hardrock Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Kelvin Kaindu as the new head coach, effective immediately,” the statement read. “A highly respected figure in African football, coach Kaindu brings extensive experience and a winning pedigree to the Golden Boys.” Kaindu’s résumé includes successful stints with Zanaco FC, Power Dynamos, Highlanders FC, and most recently guiding Dynamos to Chibuku Cup success. Speaking after his unveiling, Kaindu expressed enthusiasm for the project. “I’m honoured to be joining Hardrock FC at such a pivotal moment. This club has shown ambition, unity and potential, and I’m ready to contribute to its continued rise,” he said. Club president Shepherd Magodora Chahwanda, the financial engine behind the project, welcomed Kaindu and reiterated the club’s long-term vision, describing promotion from the Central Region Soccer League as only the first phase. To support Kaindu, Hardrock have assembled an experienced technical team that includes Prince Matore, Calvin Maphosa and Isaac Nyabvure, with Munyaradzi Diya leading the goalkeeping department, assisted by Phimuzile Zikhali. Ronald Sibanda has been appointed team manager. Beyond personnel, the club’s ambition is also physical. Construction of Chahwanda Stadium – The Heart Main Arena is nearing completion, with the facility expected to meet CAF standards and be ready to host PSL matches next season, giving Kwekwe a world-class football venue. With elite coaching, strong financial backing, experienced technical depth and top-tier infrastructure, Hardrock FC have sent a clear message: they are not coming to the PSL to make up the numbers. The league has been firmly put on notice.

Khayah Cement has resumed full production after repairing its kiln, injecting 50 000 tonnes monthly into a cement-starved Zimbabwean market and offering relief to the construction sector ( image source ) Cement production has resumed at Khayah Cement, raising hopes of relief in a market that has been grappling with acute shortages and sharply rising prices. The development was confirmed by corporate rescue practitioner Bulisa Mbano, who told journalists on Wednesday that a key production unit—the kiln—has been successfully repaired and is now fully operational. “Our plant, particularly the kiln, was down and it is now up and running,” Mbano said. “The kiln processes clinker, which is one of the major inputs in cement production, so its restoration is critical.” Zimbabwe has faced persistent cement shortages in recent months, with prices surging from around US$9 per bag to as high as US$16 and above, as supply failed to keep pace with demand from the construction sector. Builders and developers have reported delays and rising project costs, further straining an already pressured economy. Mbano said Khayah Cement—formerly Lafarge Zimbabwe—has resumed production at full capacity, with plans to inject 50 000 tonnes of cement into the market every month. Daily output is expected to exceed 1 000 tonnes, a significant boost that could help stabilise prices, provided distribution bottlenecks are effectively addressed. The company has been under corporate rescue following prolonged operational disruptions, which management has previously linked to economic sanctions and broader macroeconomic challenges. “We are happy with the US$20 million investment that has gone into fixing and upgrading the system,” Mbano said. “The other positive development is that all creditors have now been settled, which gives us breathing space to focus on growth and operational stability.” The settlement of creditors marks a key milestone in Khayah Cement’s turnaround efforts, easing legal and financial pressures that had weighed heavily on operations. To support the recovery, the company has partnered BancABC, which has provided financial backing aimed at boosting production capacity and ensuring smoother procurement of critical inputs. Industry analysts say the resumption of production at Khayah could ease pressure on the construction sector, which has been battling rising costs and material shortages. However, they caution that sustained output, reliable power supply and efficient distribution will be crucial to restoring normal market conditions. For now, Khayah Cement’s return to full production represents a rare positive development in Zimbabwe’s manufacturing landscape—one that could bring much-needed relief to builders, developers and consumers alike.

Prophet Tapiwa Freddy has taken his land dispute with Craft Properties to the High Court after criminal charges collapsed ( image source ) Cleric Prophet Tapiwa Freddy has escalated his long-running land dispute with Craft Properties (Pvt) Ltd to the High Court following the collapse of criminal charges he had initiated against the company and its founder, Kudakwashe Taruberekera. The dispute centres on a 4 000-square-metre stand, Plot No. 7510 Subdivision 5, Mandalay of Sabonabona Farm in Kadoma, which Freddy claims was lawfully donated to him but later unlawfully revoked and transferred. Earlier this year, Freddy reported the matter to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc), accusing Taruberekera and Craft Properties of corruption linked to the revocation of the donation. Zacc arrested Taruberekera, and the case first appeared before the Chinhoyi Magistrates’ Court on February 7, 2025. Initially framed as fraud, the charge was later amended to theft. The matter was postponed multiple times and eventually transferred to the Kadoma Magistrates’ Court, where it appeared between March and July. Freddy attended court only once, when he sought a postponement. On July 17, the State withdrew the case before plea, conceding that it lacked sufficient evidence and acknowledging that the revocation of a deed of donation does not, in itself, amount to a criminal offence. Taruberekera said the withdrawal vindicated both him and his company. “Finally, the State withdrew the case against me and Craft Properties after failing to gather any evidence,” he said. “This matter dragged both my name and that of my company through the mud.” Despite the collapse of the criminal case, Freddy has now turned to the High Court (Civil Division), filing a declaration on December 5, 2025, seeking a declaratory order on ownership of the disputed land. He alleges that the property was fraudulently transferred after the donation and that all subsequent transfers to various defendants were effected without his knowledge or consent. Freddy argues that these transfers were “predicated on an initial fraudulent act” and that he remains the lawful owner by virtue of a valid deed of donation. Invoking Section 14 of the High Court Act [Chapter 7:06], Freddy is asking the court to declare him the lawful owner of the property, affirm the validity of the deed of donation executed on or about November 19, 2019, and nullify all transfers registered after November 22, 2019. He contends that the revocation was unlawful and that any subsequent conveyances are therefore null and void. Craft Properties has rejected the claims, maintaining that the donation was lawfully revoked after Freddy allegedly failed to meet development conditions attached to the land. Taruberekera said Freddy was fully informed of the revocation and questioned his decision to approach Zacc rather than pursue civil remedies from the outset. The case has also renewed debate about Zacc’s mandate, particularly after it emerged that Freddy’s statement was recorded at his church in Glen View while other parties were summoned to Zacc offices in Chinhoyi. With the High Court having referred the matter to trial on November 26, 2025, the dispute is now set to be determined through evidence-led proceedings. The outcome is expected to clarify the legal boundaries between criminal prosecution and civil litigation, as well as the principles governing land donations and their revocation under Zimbabwean law.