By Southerton Business Times Reporter HARARE — August 20, 2026 The High Court has granted bail to Kelsea Tadiwa Tafirenyika and her co-accused Isaac Arab Jessub, who are facing drug-related charges. Justice Pisirayi Kwenda on Thursday allowed the pair’s bail appeal by consent, setting aside a magistrate’s decision made on August 13 to deny them bail. Tafirenyika, 22, and Jessub were each ordered to pay US$1,000 bail and comply with several conditions, including surrendering their passports, reporting to police every two weeks, and residing at their stated addresses. Tafirenyika will report to Borrowdale Police Station, while Jessub, her uncle, will report to Hatfield Police Station. The High Court also ordered the accused not to interfere with State witnesses, exhibits or ongoing police investigations. The two are facing charges of unlawful possession of pethidine for the purpose of dealing and unlawful possession of unregistered medicines. Tafirenyika was arrested on August 4 following a raid at her Greystone Park home by detectives from the CID Drugs and Narcotics Unit. According to the State, detectives allegedly recovered more than 200 ampoules of pethidine and morphine from her bedroom. Five rolls of cannabis were also allegedly discovered hidden inside her Lamborghini. The State had opposed the accused’s release on bail, arguing that investigations were continuing and that the alleged supplier had not yet been arrested. Prosecutors also argued that Tafirenyika presented a flight risk. The latest ruling means the two accused will remain out of custody while the drug case proceeds, subject to the bail conditions imposed by the High Court. Tafirenyika and Jessub are represented by lawyers Malvern Mapako and Admire Rubaya, instructing Advocate Sylvester Hashiti. Both accused deny the allegations. The case comes amid heightened public attention on drug trafficking and the possession of controlled medicines in Zimbabwe, with authorities continuing to target suspected drug networks through specialised police investigations. The High Court’s decision to grant bail does not amount to a finding of innocence. The allegations against Tafirenyika and Jessub will still have to be tested through the criminal justice process. Kelsea Tadiwa Tafirenyika bail

Zimbabwe does not have a shortage of information about public institution accountability and what is going wrong in its administration. The Auditor-General publishes reports. Parliament has oversight committees. Government departments have internal controls. There are regulators, investigators and public resource management laws governing the country. The problem is what happens after a failure is identified. The latest Auditor-General Zimbabwe report on local authorities provides a useful starting point. Of 634 findings from previous audits, only 240, or 38 percent, had been fully addressed. Another 327, representing 52 percent, had not been addressed at all. The report also recorded 245 governance issues, accounting for 67 percent of all reported findings. Those figures raise a question about Zimbabwe's corporate governance that deserves more attention than it receives: what are the consequences when public institutions repeatedly fail to correct problems that have already been identified? The question has particular resonance after the Lake Kariba disaster. The capsizing of the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency ferry Mbuya Nehanda on August 11 has left at least 95 people dead, according to police figures released on August 19. Reports that the vessel was carrying more passengers than its stated capacity have intensified questions about safety and oversight. The circumstances must be established through a proper disaster investigation. It would be wrong to assign responsibility before the evidence is available. But once the investigation is complete, another question will remain: if preventable failures are established, what happens to those responsible? That is not simply a Kariba question. It is a question that should be asked whenever the Auditor-General identifies serious weaknesses in public institutions. An adverse audit finding does not automatically mean corruption or criminal conduct. There is a difference between an accounting error, poor administration, weak internal controls, negligence, non-compliance, and deliberate fraud. That distinction is important. It also makes the absence of action harder to justify. Different failures should produce different responses. An accounting error may require correction. A weak control system may require reform. Negligence may warrant disciplinary action in public service. Money improperly paid may need to be recovered. Where criminal conduct is established, the appropriate investigative and prosecutorial processes should follow. What should not happen is for the process to end with publication of the report. The Auditor-General's latest findings show why this matters. Harare City Council failed to resolve 23 of 25 previous audit findings. Gweru had 12 of its 15 previous findings still unresolved. Chitungwiza service delivery continued to face serious infrastructure and sanitation problems despite repeated recommendations. Across local authorities, the report describes a pattern of weaknesses that have persisted over successive audit cycles. At that point, the issue is no longer simply that an institution made mistakes. It is whether the institution has been given sufficient incentive to correct them. The same principle applies to Zimbabwe road safety. Not every road death is preventable, and not every crash indicates institutional failure. But where reckless driving, unroadworthy vehicles, overloading, corruption, poor enforcement, or other preventable factors are established, there should be consequences. Otherwise, each tragedy becomes an isolated event rather than part of a pattern requiring systemic action. A functioning consequence culture in public administration does not mean that every mistake should end in dismissal or prosecution. It means that serious failures produce proportionate and predictable responses. That is what appears to be missing in too many parts of Zimbabwe's public administration. The Auditor-General's office can identify problems. It cannot, by itself, ensure that every recommendation is implemented or every responsible person is sanctioned. That responsibility lies with management, accounting officers, boards, councils, ministries, Parliament, regulators and law-enforcement agencies. The country therefore needs to pay more attention to what happens after an audit report is published. Are recommendations implemented? Are losses recovered? Are responsible officials required to account for their decisions? Are repeat findings treated more seriously? Are systems changed so that the same problems do not keep appearing? These are not abstract questions. They determine whether public accountability in Zimbabwe actually works. Zimbabwe has demonstrated that it can find problems and document them. The Auditor-General's reports provide ample evidence of that. The harder task is ensuring that findings lead to action. The real test of an audit is not whether it identifies a problem. It is whether, when the next report is published, the same problem is still there. Simbarashe Namusi is a media expert writing in his personal capacity. Public accountability in Zimbabwe

By Talent Chimutambgi, Senior Writer — Southerton Business Times HARARE — August 20, 2026 Plans to transform the historic Mbizi Police Post in Highfields, Harare, into a national liberation heritage site have gained fresh momentum following a Government delegation’s tour of the former colonial detention facility. The delegation was led by Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Permanent Secretary Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa and included senior museum and heritage officials, as well as Southerton Constituency Community Development Trust (SCCDT) chairman Andrew Makahamadze. The visit comes after earlier efforts by the Zimbabwe Republic Police and SCCDT to rehabilitate Mbizi Police Post. In March 2025, The Herald reported that the facility had been rehabilitated and recognised as a liberation heritage site after SCCDT secured approval for a US$10 000 contribution towards renovations. Mbizi is historically significant because it served as a detention centre for African nationalists during the colonial period. The recent delegation was shown detention cells, concrete structures and other features associated with the facility's history, including sanitation arrangements and a torture bench. For Makahamadze, preserving the site is about ensuring that future generations can encounter liberation history through physical evidence rather than relying exclusively on textbooks or oral accounts. In a 2025 letter reported by the Southern Business Times, Makahamadze described Mbizi as being of “paramount importance” because of its history, including the incarceration of liberation stalwarts such as former President Robert Mugabe. The heritage initiative also places Mbizi within the wider historical significance of Highfields, a township that became an important centre of African nationalist mobilisation before Zimbabwe's independence in 1980. Historical accounts describe the suburb as a major centre of nationalist activity, with prominent figures including Joshua Nkomo and Robert Mugabe associated with the area. The Government's involvement could eventually see Mbizi incorporated into a wider Highfields liberation heritage tourism trail, linking locations associated with nationalist mobilisation, political organisation and colonial repression. Such an approach would be consistent with UNESCO guidance, which emphasises authenticity, community participation and sustainable tourism in the management of heritage destinations. UNESCO says local communities should be involved in planning and management and should benefit economically from heritage tourism. UNESCO has also stressed the importance of protecting the authenticity and integrity of Zimbabwe's heritage sites, lessons that could prove relevant as plans for Mbizi develop. The proposed development could create opportunities for heritage tourism in Harare, school visits, historical research, guided tours, exhibitions, oral-history projects and community enterprises. However, significant work remains, including historical documentation, structural assessment, conservation, interpretation and securing sustainable funding. For Highfields, the project represents an opportunity to preserve a physical reminder of the sacrifices associated with Zimbabwe's liberation struggle. If successfully developed, Mbizi Police Post could evolve from a former symbol of colonial repression into a centre for education, remembrance, liberation history and heritage tourism in Zimbabwe. Mbizi Police Post heritage site

By Mpundu Valerie Musician Tatuh Maluba has penned a heartfelt dedication to the victims, families, and friends affected by the tragic Kariba boat incident that occurred on Tuesday, August 11. Describing the weight of the disaster, Maluba says it left him in a "pure and extreme state of melancholy." The song, titled "Kariva", is his way of mourning with the nation. "No amount of words or song can feel the depth of pain those bereaved are going through," Maluba said. "This is not a case where you say each to their own. On this we are a community, we are one. When one cries we cry together." On August 11, a boat capsized in Kariba, leaving families devastated and a community in mourning. The incident sent shockwaves across the country. With "Kariva", Maluba joins other artists and Zimbabweans who have come together to offer comfort, solidarity, and remembrance to those impacted. The track serves as both a tribute and a reminder that in times of tragedy, unity matters more than words. Tatuh Maluba Kariva

By Southerton Business Times | Harare, Zimbabwe | August 20, 2026 ENERGY and Power Development Minister July Moyo has attributed Zimbabwe’s improved electricity supply and sharp reduction in load-shedding to increased generation, regional power imports and cost-reflective electricity tariffs. Speaking at a post-Cabinet briefing in Harare on Tuesday, Moyo said the current tariff structure was allowing ZESA to build financial reserves that could be used to secure electricity from regional markets whenever domestic generation falls short of demand. “We want to assure the nation that ZESA will continue to supply electricity thanks to the cost-reflective tariffs. They can put money aside to cover whatever shortfall there might be,” Moyo said. The minister said ZESA could turn to the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) when local generation was insufficient. “If there is a shortfall of whatever size, you go into the market in the region; there are places with excesses which will be mopped up by those with shortages,” he said. ZESA taps regional electricity market Moyo said ZESA was using the SAPP Day-Ahead Market to purchase electricity when domestic generation could not meet demand. The regional trading mechanism allows participating utilities to buy and sell electricity according to available supply and demand. SAPP data has previously shown Zimbabwe using regional electricity markets to supplement domestic generation. In April 2026, ZESA had an estimated 1,505MW available during peak periods, while firm imports stood at 150MW. Zimbabwe's improved electricity performance has also been linked to stronger generation at Hwange and Kariba, new capacity, strategic imports and better utilisation of regional power trading. The 2026 Mid-Term Budget and Economic Review said these measures had contributed to extended periods without load-shedding, with the country recording 190 days of continuous supply during the review period. Hwange leads domestic generation Latest figures from the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), a ZESA subsidiary, showed Hwange Power Station generating 997MW, while Kariba was producing 460MW and independent power producers contributed 51MW on August 19. The combined generation was 1,508MW. Hwange's increased contribution follows investments aimed at expanding Zimbabwe's domestic electricity generation capacity, while Kariba remains an important component of the national power system. The Government has also been pursuing reforms aimed at attracting private-sector investment into electricity generation and strengthening energy security. Tariffs remain contentious While Moyo credited cost-reflective tariffs for improving ZESA's ability to manage electricity purchases and maintain reserves, higher electricity prices remain a concern for households and businesses. The Government has argued that financially sustainable tariffs are necessary to support investment, maintenance and reliable electricity supply. ZESA has also faced significant financial challenges, including outstanding debts owed by Government institutions and other customers. The improved supply comes after years of electricity shortages that affected households, mines, manufacturers and other businesses. However, Zimbabwe experienced a nationwide blackout in July after a technical fault affected the national grid, highlighting the vulnerability of the electricity system despite the recent improvement in supply. Power stability supports economic activity Moyo said reliable electricity remained critical to Zimbabwe's economic ambitions because energy was an essential enabler of production and investment. “If there is a shortfall of whatever size, you go in the market in the region, and there are places where there is excess, and that excess can be mopped up daily by those who have shortages,” he said. The Government's challenge now is to sustain adequate domestic generation while ensuring ZESA can afford regional imports and continue investing in infrastructure. For consumers and industry, the key test will be whether the recent improvement in electricity availability can be maintained as demand grows and the country moves towards greater energy security. Zimbabwe electricity supply

By Southerton Business Times | Harare, Zimbabwe | August 20, 2026 TWO women have appeared in court after allegedly attacking several revellers, biting them on their faces, fingers, ears and elbows and pulling weaves from their heads during the Doek & Slay event at Glamis Arena in Harare. Nancy Murinye, 30, and Rosylin Luwizhi, 25, appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo on Tuesday facing four counts of assault. The pair were each granted US$150 bail and will return to court on September 3 for routine remand. Prosecutor Takudzwa Jambabwu alleged that the incidents occurred on Sunday evening as the women-only event was drawing to a close. Woman allegedly bitten over wig The court heard that at around 8 pm, Florence Svovera was walking towards the toilets when she was allegedly approached by the two accused. Rosylin allegedly forcibly removed Svovera's wig and pushed her to the ground. When Svovera resisted, Rosylin allegedly bit her on the face and right middle finger, while Nancy allegedly bit her on the right elbow. The court heard that Svovera eventually surrendered the wig. Second reveller allegedly attacked In another incident, Sharmaine Tumbawi was allegedly grabbed by the two accused and another woman who has not yet been arrested. Rosylin allegedly pushed Tumbawi to the ground and bit her on the nose. Nancy and the unidentified accomplice allegedly fled, while Rosylin allegedly remained at the scene holding onto Tumbawi. The court heard that Tumbawi suffered a deep cut to her nose. Woman allegedly bitten on ear The third complainant, Sandra Marufu, was allegedly approached and grabbed by the accused at around 9 pm. According to the prosecution, Rosylin attempted to remove Marufu's weave after she had been approached. Marufu allegedly held onto her hairpiece, prompting Rosylin to bite her on the left ear. The court heard that Marufu sustained injuries during the alleged attack. Fourth assault allegedly involved sister In the fourth incident, Chido Milanzi was allegedly involved in an altercation with the accused while attempting to restrain them during a misunderstanding involving her sister. Rosylin allegedly bit Milanzi on the left cheek and ear, causing injuries to her left ear. The complainants subsequently reported the alleged assaults to the police, leading to the arrests of Murinye and Luwizhi. The accused have not been convicted of the charges and will remain entitled to the presumption of innocence as the matter proceeds through the courts. The alleged Doek & Slay biting spree in Harare has drawn attention because of the unusual nature of the allegations, with the prosecution presenting four separate incidents involving revellers at the same event. The case will return before the Harare Magistrates’ Court on September 3. Doek & Slay biting spree

By Southerton Business Times | Mutare, Zimbabwe | August 20, 2026 A 62-YEAR-OLD Chinese quarry supervisor who disappeared three weeks ago has been found dead in the Tsambe River in Odzi, Manicaland, with police investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. The badly decomposed body of He Xian Ming was recovered from the river on Tuesday night, bringing an end to a three-week search involving police, private investigators and residents from the area. Ming, who worked as a supervisor at a quarry mine in Odzi, was last seen alive at about 8 pm on July 27, 2026. His disappearance triggered a search operation after he failed to return to the quarry. The quarry boss was allegedly with a woman Tafadzwa Chidawa of Matrix Private Investigations & Security, who was involved in efforts to locate Ming, said investigations established that the deceased had been with a woman shortly before he disappeared. Chidawa said the woman was a sex worker who had allegedly been introduced to Ming by one of his employees. According to Chidawa, a dispute reportedly broke out after the two had sex. “Our information is that after the sex, the woman demanded money because the deceased had not used protection. She threatened to report him for rape,” Chidawa said. “There was an altercation and the deceased left the site alone.” Chidawa said investigators subsequently established that the employee who allegedly arranged the meeting had instructed the woman to demand additional money so that he could receive a share. However, the allegations have not been independently verified, and no criminal charges arising from the reported dispute have been announced. Three-week search ends Ming was not seen again after allegedly leaving the site that night. Chidawa said investigators and members of the community continued searching for him until his remains were discovered in the Tsambe River. “Since that night, he was not found until the discovery of his remains in an advanced state of decomposition,” he said. The discovery has raised questions about what happened between the time Ming left the quarry and when his body was recovered. Police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. Cause of death remains unknown Authorities have not yet established whether Ming died accidentally, took his own life or was killed. Some people in the area have reportedly raised suspicions of foul play, while others have suggested suicide following the alleged threats made during the dispute. However, neither theory has been confirmed by investigators. The condition of the body may also complicate efforts to immediately determine the cause of death. A post-mortem examination is expected to provide investigators with important information as they reconstruct Ming's final movements. Police are also likely to investigate the people who were reportedly with him before his disappearance and establish whether the circumstances surrounding his final known movements are connected to his death. For now, the death of the Chinese quarry supervisor in Odzi remains under investigation as authorities work to establish exactly how Ming ended up in the Tsambe River. Chinese quarry supervisor found dead in Manicaland

By Dr Precious Sibiya THIS Monday, we dive into a massive story about a sacred, iconic African tree—the MIGHTY BAOBAB. The baobab comes in several species native to Africa and Australia. African folklore has it that the baobab tree was so arrogant that God punished it by turning it upside down, giving it its famous nickname: the "upside-down tree." The hollow trunk of a mature baobab tree can even be used as shelter for both humans and wildlife. If there’s one natural superfood you should ever pick…… pick baobab. It grows naturally and is harvested and processed sustainably. It takes care of itself and can survive any harsh weather condition, boasting unmatched longevity and extraordinary health benefits. If you ever think of connecting with your roots, the closest natural symbol to our ancestors would definitely be a sacred baobab tree. The rising global desire for healthy, whole, unprocessed superfoods has inspired Zimbabwe's tourism and hospitality industry to fully embrace the baobab. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical and cosmetology industries continue to explore the amazing anti-aging and skin-nourishing benefits of cold-pressed baobab seed oil. But watch out for fakes! After tasting a couple of baobab fruit juices around town, I would take a trip back to Cresta Oasis for the real deal—no strings attached! The baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) is truly a wonder-tree—a long-living species native to the semi-arid regions of sub-Saharan Africa. It is commonly known for its thick, water-storing bottle-shaped trunk and sparse crown of root-like branches. The oldest ever baobab found in Zimbabwe, dubbed the Panke baobab, reached an estimated 2,500 years before it collapsed due to old age. Its immense size, ancient longevity, and climate resilience have made it a cultural icon across the continent, often called the "Tree of Life." Baobabs are uniquely adapted to their environment. Their expansive root systems help them access deep subterranean water reserves and stabilise dry, erosion-prone soils. The trees also store thousands of litres of water in their spongy trunks during the rainy season, allowing them to easily withstand long periods of severe drought. These natural adaptations eliminate the need for artificial irrigation or chemical inputs, making baobabs perfectly suited to low-input, regenerative agriculture. For local communities and ethical suppliers focused on sustainable sourcing, the tree’s unique ability to thrive in degraded landscapes adds immense environmental and economic value. Key Health Benefits of Baobab Fruit Pulp Immune Support: Abundant natural Vitamin C content helps protect cells from oxidative stress, fight off infections, and boost overall immunity. Digestive Health: Packed with soluble and insoluble dietary fibers that act as natural prebiotics to nourish beneficial gut bacteria. Blood Sugar Control: Soluble fiber slows down the digestion and absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, helping prevent sharp glucose spikes. Antioxidant Power: Exceptionally rich in polyphenols that lower cellular oxidative stress and reduce chronic inflammation. Satiety and Weight Management: High fiber content promotes a lasting feeling of fullness, helping curb unhealthy cravings and reduce overall calorie intake. Skin & Collagen Formation: High Vitamin C levels naturally aid collagen synthesis for firm, healthy, youthful-looking skin. Health Benefits of Baobab Seeds Baobab seeds can be roasted and ground to make a highly nutritious caffeine-free coffee alternative, or cold-pressed to produce an omega-3 rich cosmetic and dietary oil. Whichever way you use them, baobab seeds are equally healthy: Healthy Essential Fats: Contain a balanced mix of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (omega-3, 6, and 9) to support heart and cellular health. Plant-Based Protein: Provide essential amino acids like lysine to assist in muscle repair, tissue growth, and recovery. Essential Minerals: Deliver rich amounts of vital minerals including potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. Sustained Energy: High calorie and nutrient density help combat physical fatigue and nutritional deficiencies. Digestion Support: Natural dietary fiber content promotes a healthy gut microbiome and regular bowel function. Traditional Healing: Historically used in traditional remedies as topical pastes or decoctions to ease toothaches, joint pain, and digestive upset. Health Benefits of Baobab Leaves High Mineral Content: Packed with bioavailable calcium for strong bones and teeth, alongside magnesium and potassium. Antioxidant Power: Contain high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids that fight cellular damage and reduce internal inflammation. Digestion Support: Provide natural dietary fiber and soothing plant mucilage that coat the stomach lining and support overall gut health. Immune Protection: Deliver essential Vitamin A and Vitamin C to strengthen mucosal barriers and help the body fight off infections. Health Benefits of Baobab Bark Baobab bark (Adansonia digitata) has long been utilized in traditional African medicine to alleviate body pain, lower fevers, and fight systemic inflammation. Herbalists traditionally brew it as a medicinal tea or soak it in water for therapeutic baths and internal remedies: Natural Pain Relief: Acts as a natural analgesic for sore muscles, joint stiffness, and chronic body aches. Fever Reduction: Contains active plant compounds like adansonin, traditionally used to lower high fevers and manage malaria symptoms. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Helps calm internal swelling, joint inflammation, and systemic body stress. Digestive Aid: Used in concentrated decoctions to ease severe stomach cramps, gastric ulcers, and diarrhea. General Health Tonic: Taken as a restorative tonic to rebuild physical strength, stamina, and appetite during recovery from illness. How to Consume Baobab Fruit and Powder Now to the best part—how can you easily incorporate baobab superfood into your daily diet? You can eat natural baobab by cracking open the hard outer fruit pod to scoop out the dry, tangy, citrus-flavored pulp. You can enjoy the powdery pulp plain, dissolve it in water or milk to make a refreshing summer drink, or blend it into your daily meals. Drink It: Stir 1 to 2 teaspoons of organic baobab powder into a cold glass of water, fruit juice, or milk with a touch of natural honey. Blend It: Add a scoop of baobab powder directly into your morning fruit smoothies, green juices, or whey protein shakes. Sprinkle It: Dust the tangy superfood powder over Greek yogurt, morning cereals, overnight oats, or warm porridge. Bake With It: Incorporate small amounts into pancake batter, energy balls, homemade bread, or healthy cookies for a subtle citrus zing. Are There Any Side Effects of Baobab? Baobab is generally safe for daily consumption. However, consuming excessive amounts can cause mild stomach upset, intestinal gas, or a temporary laxative effect due to its high fiber concentration. Raw unprocessed seeds and dry pulp also contain natural antinutrients (like phytates) that can slightly reduce mineral absorption if consumed in excessive raw quantities. Additionally, topical application of pure baobab oil may cause mild skin redness or irritation in rare allergic cases. Disclaimer: This content is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or professional treatment. Always seek the direct advice of a qualified healthcare provider or medical doctor with any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here. About the Author: Dr Precious Sibiya is a mother, sister, daughter, friend, certified Wellness Practitioner, stroke survivor, and a passionate advocate for natural healing and lifestyle medicine. For more holistic wellness insights, contact her via email at precioussibiya2014@gmail.com. baobab tree health benefits superfood

By Southerton Business Times | Mutare, Zimbabwe | August 10, 2026 TWO women have died after a fire broke out in a room where they had reportedly been locked in Gombakomba Village, Mutare District. The incident occurred on Saturday, August 8, 2026, with police confirming the deaths on Sunday. The victims were aged 18 and 29 and were reportedly living with mental health challenges, according to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said police had launched an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths. “The ZRP reports a tragic incident which occurred on 08/08/26 in Gombakomba Village, where two women aged 18 and 29, who were reportedly mentally challenged, died after a fire broke out in the room in which they had been locked,” Nyathi said. He said the bodies were taken to Victoria Chitepo Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations. “Police are conducting comprehensive investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident,” he said. Police investigate circumstances Details surrounding the fire remain limited, including what caused the blaze and why the two women were inside a locked room when the fire started. Police have not indicated whether anyone has been arrested or whether foul play is suspected. The investigation is expected to establish how the fire started, whether the room was locked from inside or outside and whether appropriate safety measures were in place for the two women. Authorities have urged members of the public to exercise particular care when looking after people who require additional supervision or assistance. “Meanwhile, the ZRP urges members of the public to exercise caution and ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable persons, particularly those requiring special care and supervision,” Nyathi said. Calls for protection of vulnerable people The deaths have highlighted concerns about the safety of people living with mental health conditions, particularly those who depend on families or caregivers for supervision and daily support. Mental health experts and disability rights advocates have repeatedly stressed the importance of dignity, appropriate care and safe living environments for vulnerable people. However, the circumstances of the Gombakomba incident remain subject to the police investigation. The post-mortem examinations are expected to assist authorities in determining the official cause of death, while investigators establish the circumstances leading up to the fire. Police have appealed for caution as the investigation continues. No further details were immediately available. The two women are presumed to have died in the incident, while any questions of criminal responsibility will depend on the outcome of the investigation and any subsequent court proceedings. Mutare house fire

By Southerton Business Times | Harare, Zimbabwe | August 10, 2026 THE Zimbabwean Government has approved a nationwide task force to tackle illegal and unregulated mining, following concerns over environmental destruction, damage to public infrastructure and growing social problems in mining communities. The decision was announced after a Government assessment of Bindura Municipality and Bindura Rural District Council uncovered extensive illegal and unregulated mining in residential areas, public infrastructure corridors and land reserved for future urban expansion. Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Zhemu Soda said Cabinet had approved a “Whole-of-Government” approach to address the problem, with various Government agencies expected to work together on enforcement and regulation. Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe previously presented findings from the Bindura assessment, highlighting the impact of mining activities on roads, railway infrastructure, land reserved for public facilities and the environment. The findings have placed illegal mining in Bindura at the centre of renewed national concern over the consequences of unregulated mineral extraction. Bindura mining damages infrastructure According to the Government assessment, mining activities have spread into areas designated for hospitals, schools, residential development and other public infrastructure. The activities have also affected roads and railway corridors, while mining operations have contributed to environmental degradation in the area. The Mazowe River, an important waterway supporting communities and agricultural activities in the region, has also come under pressure from mining-related pollution. Garwe said the expansion of illegal mining in Bindura had affected infrastructure, the environment and communities. The reported social consequences include increased exposure to diseases and substance abuse, with Government citing conditions such as silicosis, sexually transmitted infections and tuberculosis. Seventeen rivers affected by mining The crackdown comes as Zimbabwe grapples with widespread mining-related degradation of its waterways. In June, the Government declared a State of Disaster for the emergency rehabilitation of riverine ecosystems covering 17 rivers affected by legal and illegal alluvial mining. The affected waterways include the Mazowe, Murowodzi, Save, Angwa, Sanyati, Munyati, Mupfure, Umzingwane, Insiza, Manzimudaka, Mutebekwi, Mtshingwe, Mutare, Haroni and Nyamukwarara rivers. President Emmerson Mnangagwa subsequently established a high-level technical working party to coordinate the rehabilitation programme, including the appointment of contractors and monitoring of restoration work. The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) has welcomed the Government's focus on restoring degraded rivers but warned that rehabilitation programmes must be transparent and protected from exploitation by mining interests. CNRG said poorly regulated mining has contributed to siltation, altered water flows, biodiversity loss and pollution across affected river systems. Government seeks tighter mining controls The new task force is expected to bring together Government institutions responsible for mining, environmental protection, local government, public health and law enforcement. Minister Soda said the coordinated approach would ensure that regulations governing mining permits, environmental protection and public health standards are implemented and strengthened. The move comes as Zimbabwe seeks to expand mineral production and increase the value derived from its natural resources while addressing the environmental and social costs associated with extraction. The mining sector remains central to the country's economic ambitions, including efforts to increase local beneficiation and attract investment into mineral processing. However, the expansion of mining has also created tensions around environmental protection, community land and the participation of small-scale miners. Small-scale miners face uncertainty Zimbabwe's mining economy includes thousands of small-scale and artisanal miners whose livelihoods depend on mineral extraction. The government's challenge is therefore not only to remove illegal operators but also to distinguish between criminal and unregulated activities and legitimate small-scale mining that can be brought into the formal economy. The latest crackdown comes against a backdrop of growing concern over the environmental cost of mineral extraction. Recent water testing highlighted by CNRG and the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association found heavy metals, mineral nutrients and microbial contamination in some rivers affected by mining in Penhalonga and Shurugwi. CNRG said some samples failed to meet recommended standards for domestic and drinking water. The new national task force will therefore face a difficult balancing act: enforcing mining laws, protecting communities and ecosystems, while ensuring that Zimbabwe's mineral wealth contributes to sustainable economic development. For communities affected by illegal mining, the effectiveness of the new approach will ultimately depend on whether enforcement is sustained and whether degraded land and water systems are successfully restored. illegal mining in Zimbabwe

By Southerton Business Times | Harare, Zimbabwe | August 9, 2026 VETERAN Zimbabwean musician Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo has, through Chimurenga Music Company, issued a cease-and-desist notice against his nephew Kurai Makore, ordering him to stop performing, recording or commercially exploiting Mapfumo’s musical works. The notice, dated Saturday, August 8, 2026, was addressed to promoters, event organisers, venue owners, media houses, social media platforms and the general public. Chimurenga Music Company said Makore was not authorised to perform Mapfumo's music and had never been granted permission to do so. The company said Mapfumo had personally advised his nephew on several occasions to develop his own original artistic identity. It described Makore's alleged continued use of Mapfumo's copyrighted material without a licence as a deliberate legal violation, insisting that the dispute was not a family disagreement. According to the notice, Chimurenga Music Company exclusively owns and controls the Mapfumo catalogue. Mapfumo rejects ‘Chimurenga throne’ claim The company also rejected reports that Makore had been selected as the successor to Mapfumo's musical legacy. It said Mapfumo had never appointed an heir or successor to what has become one of Zimbabwe's most influential musical legacies. The company said appearances in which Makore opened for Mapfumo had subsequently been portrayed by some media outlets as a symbolic transfer of the “Chimurenga torch”. “What was an invitation to open for Thomas Mapfumo in a couple of shows was spun into a ‘handing down of a torch’ to Kurai by some sections of the media,” the notice stated. “Mr Mapfumo never claimed to hold any torch that needed passing down.” The company argued that artistic succession is ultimately determined by audiences, the nation and history rather than by a formal inheritance arrangement. It also demanded that media organisations carrying the succession narrative retract their reports, warning that continued publication could expose them to potential defamation and copyright-related claims. Promoters placed on notice The notice names Chipaz Promotions, Primus Energy Corporation, Naison Marufu and Percival Percy Mukuchura of Tropical Sound & Music Distributors among parties whom the company alleges have been involved in infringing activities. Chimurenga Music Company warned promoters, event organisers and venue owners that they could potentially face liability if copyrighted Mapfumo works were performed without the necessary authorisation. It urged organisers to verify that artists performing Mapfumo's works have appropriate music copyright licences before allowing performances to proceed. The company specifically referred to licences from the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) and said failure to comply could result in legal action, claims for damages and other remedies. It also cited Zimbabwe's Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act [Chapter 26:05] in support of its position. Social media platforms warned The cease-and-desist notice also extends to digital platforms. Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and other platforms hosting videos or livestreams featuring Makore performing the disputed works were urged to remove the material and stop further distribution or promotion. The company warned that it could pursue claims against parties it believes contributed to alleged copyright infringement. It said legal proceedings involving Makore, promoters and other allegedly involved parties were already active. The company warned that continued alleged violations could result in financial penalties, injunctions and, where applicable, criminal proceedings. “These actions are not about personal disputes – they are about defending the rule of law, protecting intellectual property, and preserving the dignity of creative labour,” the company said. The notice represents Chimurenga Music Company's position in the dispute. It does not by itself establish that Makore or any of the named promoters have infringed copyright, and the allegations would have to be determined through the appropriate legal processes. Mapfumo, widely regarded as one of Zimbabwe's most influential musicians, has built a decades-long musical legacy around Chimurenga music, making questions surrounding control and use of his catalogue particularly significant for Zimbabwe's music industry. Thomas Mapfumo Kurai Makore

By Southerton Business Times | Mashonaland Central, Zimbabwe | August 9, 2026 POLICE in Mashonaland Central have arrested three people after allegedly intercepting them with unregistered medicines and undeclared bales of second-hand clothes during a roadblock along the Harare-Mukumbura Road. The suspects were arrested on August 6, 2026, at about 6.29 am at the 40.5-kilometre peg along the highway, according to Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe. The suspects were identified as Artwell Sixpence, 27, of Mupangira Village under Chief Musana in Bindura; Mejury Mupeusa, 29, of O-31 Tsungubvi, Glendale; and Memory Sixpence, 33, of Number 992 Rujeko, Glendale. Mundembe said officers from the ZRP Mazowe Traffic Support Unit and CID were conducting a security roadblock when they stopped a white Suzuki hatchback travelling from Harare. A search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered several boxes of cough expectorants and three bales of second-hand clothing. Police said the recovered medicines included four boxes containing 20 bottles each of 100ml Novalyn Cough Expectorant, as well as four boxes containing 50 bottles each of 100ml Fenelyn Expectorant. Three bales of second-hand clothes were also allegedly recovered from the vehicle. Police probe source of medicines According to police, Artwell Sixpence told investigators that he was transporting the two women and the goods from Harare to Glendale. The two women allegedly told police that they had purchased the second-hand clothing at Mupedzanhamo Market in Harare. They reportedly said they had collected the medicines from an unidentified person who instructed them to deliver the products in Glendale to another person known to them only through a cellphone number. Police have launched investigations to establish the source of the medicines, who supplied them, and their intended recipient. The three suspects were taken to ZRP Mazowe for documentation and are facing charges under Section 29 of the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act, according to police. The exact legal allegations against each suspect will be determined through the court process. Police warn against unregulated medicines Mundembe urged members of the public to avoid abusing medicines and warned against involvement in drug-related activities. “We appeal to all members of the public with information about drug dealings to contact the police. The information will be treated with confidentiality,” he said. The arrests come amid continued efforts by law enforcement authorities to disrupt the movement and distribution of controlled or unregistered medicines and other substances. Unregulated medicines can pose public-health risks because consumers may not know whether products have been properly manufactured, stored, transported or authorised for sale. Authorities have repeatedly encouraged members of the public to obtain medicines through legitimate and regulated channels. Police said investigations into the Mashonaland Central case are continuing, particularly to establish the source and intended recipient of the medicines. The three suspects have not been convicted of any offence and are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. unregistered medicines Zimbabwe