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By Southerton Business Times Reporter | Makoni, Manicaland A nurse at Nyamazira Clinic in Makoni North, Manicaland, is facing allegations of assault after he allegedly slapped a heavily pregnant woman and kicked her in the abdomen during an altercation over the use of buckets at the clinic's only water tap. The accused, Shingirai Nyongolo, the nurse-in-charge at the clinic, admitted slapping Chipo Gavi-Tsiga, who was nine months pregnant at the time, but denied allegations that he kicked her in the stomach. The incident allegedly occurred on 13 July 2026, just three days before Gavi-Tsiga gave birth. Speaking about the incident, Gavi-Tsiga said the confrontation began when she and other expectant mothers took buckets used in the maternity waiting shelter to the clinic tap to clean them. "We had gone to fetch water and found him at the tap. He complained that we were bringing urinary buckets to the tap," she said. "We explained that we were not using the buckets to relieve ourselves because of our condition, but he insisted that they were dirty." According to Gavi-Tsiga, the disagreement escalated after she challenged the nurse's remarks. "He continued scolding us, and I told him he was being too talkative. He then became angry, kicked me in the stomach and slapped me on my right eye." She said the alleged assault left her with a swollen eye and persistent back pain. Gavi-Tsiga said she reported the matter at Mayo Police Station, where she was advised to first obtain a medical report before a criminal docket could be opened. She said financial difficulties and her recovery following childbirth had prevented her from travelling for a medical examination. "I was assaulted on July 13 and gave birth on July 16. Since then, he has visited our home several times seeking forgiveness," she said. "He initially offered me US$25 and later increased the amount to US$150, but I have not accepted because I am still in pain." Nyongolo acknowledged slapping Gavi-Tsiga but denied kicking her in the abdomen. He said he had instructed expectant mothers not to wash buckets at the clinic's only water source because of hygiene concerns. "I advised the pregnant women not to wash the buckets they use at the tap because it is the only water point we have. I told them to fetch clean water first and wash the dirty buckets elsewhere," he said. According to Nyongolo, the situation escalated after Gavi-Tsiga allegedly insulted him. "The woman then insulted me, saying she would look for the person who had knocked out my teeth and have my remaining tooth removed. I was deeply offended, and I slapped her." He said he later visited the family to apologise and believed his apology had been accepted, although the family still wanted the matter handled by the police. Gavi-Tsiga's husband, Trymore Tsiga, said the family was shocked that a healthcare worker was allegedly involved in assaulting a heavily pregnant woman. "When she was assaulted, her eye was swollen, and she could barely see. We decided to wait until she delivered before pursuing the matter further," he said. "The police have requested a medical report from Rusape General Hospital, but we currently do not have the money for transport, and she is not yet fit to travel. Her eye remains painful, red and swollen." When contacted for comment, Makoni District Medical Officer Dr Tendai Nyafesa said he had not yet been briefed on the allegations. The matter has not yet been brought before the courts. The allegations against Nyongolo remain under police consideration, and no criminal charges have been announced. Makoni nurse assault pregnant woman

By Southerton Business Times Reporter | Harare Government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) spent ZiG123.6 billion during the first half of 2026, representing 42.5% of the approved national budget, with most institutions utilising less than one-third of their annual allocations, Mthuli Ncube has revealed. Presenting the 2026 Mid-Term Budget and Economic Review in Parliament on Thursday, Ncube said total expenditure and net lending amounted to ZiG123.59 billion against an approved budget of ZiG290.87 billion. When loan repayments are included, total Government spending reached ZiG139.1 billion, equivalent to 46% of the ZiG301.6 billion appropriated for 2026. Budget performance figures show that three spending votes had already exceeded their full-year allocations by the end of June. The Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) recorded the highest utilisation, spending ZiG17.18 billion against an allocation of ZiG12.01 billion, representing 143% of its annual budget. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development spent ZiG5.04 billion against a budget of ZiG4.66 billion, reaching 108% utilisation. Loan repayments also exceeded projections, with Government servicing ZiG15.5 billion against a budgeted ZiG10.73 billion, equivalent to 144% of the allocation. Among ministries still operating within their approved budgets, the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion recorded one of the highest utilisation rates, spending 69% of its allocation. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) also posted high expenditure, utilising 89% of its ZiG514.8 million allocation. The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training spent 52%, while the Ministry of Defence utilised 51% of its approved budget. Several ministries responsible for public service delivery recorded some of the lowest spending levels. The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare utilised only 8% of its ZiG12.71 billion allocation after spending ZiG1.03 billion. The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development spent 10%, while the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife utilised 11%. Other institutions with low budget utilisation included: Zimbabwe Media Commission – 11% Office of the Auditor General – 14% Zimbabwe Gender Commission – 16% Zimbabwe Independent Complaints Commission – 16% Office of the Attorney General – 17% Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services – 18% Parliament of Zimbabwe – 19% Key social service ministries also remained below half of their approved budgets. The Ministry of Health and Child Care spent ZiG9.5 billion, representing 33% of its ZiG28.94 billion allocation. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education utilised 35%, while the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development spent 32%. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development and the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works each utilised 47% of their allocations. Transfers earmarked for Provincial Councils and Local Authorities under Zimbabwe's devolution programme recorded one of the lowest utilisation rates, with only ZiG667.7 million—or 5% of the allocated ZiG14.38 billion—having been disbursed. Ncube said the overall expenditure by Government votes stood at ZiG109.6 billion against a total allocation of ZiG242.2 billion, representing 45% utilisation, while debt interest payments reached 30% of budget and pension expenditure stood at 43%. Zimbabwe budget utilisation 2026

By Southerton Business Times Reporter | Johannesburg South African-based Zimbabwean businessman and philanthropist Moreboys Munetsi has won a R5 million defamation lawsuit against social media user Louisa Jembe after the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, ruled that Facebook posts accusing him of fraud were defamatory and infringed his dignity. The judgment, delivered on 24 July 2026 under case number 2026-090944, found in favour of Munetsi and ordered Jembe to remove the offending content, issue a public apology and pay legal costs. In her ruling, Judge Mabaeng Masenyani Daisy Lenyai held that a statement published on 18 April 2026 through Jembe's Facebook account, "Louisa Official 2," falsely insinuated that Munetsi had been involved in fraudulent activities. The court also found that a video posted on 19 April 2026, in which Jembe addressed Munetsi, violated his constitutional right to dignity. According to the order, Jembe must remove the publications from Facebook and any other social media platforms under her control within 48 hours. The court further directed her to erase all remaining digital traces of the defamatory content by 2 August 2026. "The statement published by the respondent on her Facebook handle (Louisa Official 2) on 18 April 2026, in which she insinuates that the applicant was involved in a fraudulent act, is defamatory," Judge Lenyai ruled. "The video footage published by the respondent... violates the applicant's dignity." In addition to removing the content, the court ordered Jembe to publish an unconditional public apology on her Facebook account. The apology must take the form of a video retracting the defamatory allegations made on 18 and 19 April, regardless of whether the original posts had already been deleted. The ruling also ordered Jembe to pay R300,000 in legal costs on a party-and-party scale, including the costs of counsel. Speaking after the judgment, Munetsi said he would seek further legal action if Jembe failed to comply with the court order. He said he intends to return to court to institute contempt of court proceedings should the respondent fail to remove the posts or publish the required apology within the stipulated time. "If she does not comply with the judgment, we will approach the court for a contempt application and seek the appropriate enforcement measures," Munetsi said. The ruling underscores the growing willingness of South African courts to hold social media users accountable for defamatory online content. Legal experts have increasingly warned that defamatory statements published on platforms such as Facebook, X and TikTok can expose individuals to substantial civil damages and court-ordered apologies, even where posts are later deleted. The judgment reinforces that freedom of expression does not extend to publishing false statements that unlawfully damage another person's reputation or dignity. Moreboys Munetsi defamation case

By Southerton Business Times Reporter | Harare The long-running rift between the family of the late Zimbabwean constitutional law scholar Alex Magaisa and his widow has reportedly deepened after his son, Anotida Magaisa, was buried in the United Kingdom without the knowledge or attendance of relatives in Zimbabwe. Anotida, an emerging fashion designer and poet, died in the United Kingdom earlier this month following heart-related complications. He was recently laid to rest in Kent, according to sources close to the family. Family sources allege that the burial took place without the knowledge of Dr Magaisa's relatives in Zimbabwe, rekindling tensions that have reportedly persisted since the prominent constitutional lawyer died in 2022. According to those familiar with the matter, relations between the Magaisa family and Dr Magaisa's widow, Shamiso Magaisa, deteriorated after disagreements over where the late academic should be buried following his death from heart failure. The sources claim Shamiso preferred that her husband be buried in the United Kingdom, where the family had been living, while Dr Magaisa's relatives insisted that he be laid to rest at his rural home in Njanja, Zimbabwe. Dr Magaisa was ultimately buried in Zimbabwe, but family insiders say the dispute created divisions that were never fully resolved. Southerton Business Times was unable to independently verify the family's claims regarding Anotida's funeral arrangements or obtain comment from Shamiso Magaisa before publication. Beyond the reported family dispute, Anotida had established himself as a promising creative in Britain's fashion industry. After graduating from the University of the Arts London (UAL) in 2025, he launched his fashion label, Magaisa, and became known professionally as "The Guava Boy." His contemporary streetwear collections, including signature beanies, knitwear and trainers, gained growing recognition and were eventually stocked by Urban Outfitters. Among his most recognised creations was the "Pan-Union" scarf, which combined Pan-African colours with elements of the Union Jack, reflecting themes of identity, heritage and belonging. Like his father, Anotida also pursued writing alongside his creative work. He published two poetry collections, Moth Teeth and A Special Providence, exploring themes of love, memory, identity and personal experience. His work earned praise within literary and artistic circles, complementing his growing reputation in fashion. Dr Alex Magaisa, a respected constitutional lawyer, academic and political commentator, served as an adviser to former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and was widely recognised for his legal scholarship and analysis of Zimbabwe's constitutional and governance issues. The death of his son has drawn tributes from friends, fellow creatives and admirers in the United Kingdom, where Anotida was regarded as one of the country's emerging young fashion designers. Alex Magaisa family dispute

By Southerton Business Times Reporter | Johannesburg, South Africa Zimbabwe will host three matches during the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, with games scheduled for Harare Sports Club, Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo and the newly built Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls. The announcement was made on Thursday as the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the tournament's Local Organising Committee officially unveiled the host cities and tournament brand in Johannesburg, confirming plans for South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia to jointly stage the global showpiece in October and November 2027. The tournament will mark the first ICC Men's Cricket World Cup hosted in Africa since 2003, when South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya co-hosted the competition. Zimbabwe's confirmed venues are: Harare Sports Club Queens Sports Club Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium The Victoria Falls stadium will make its ICC Men's Cricket World Cup debut and forms part of Zimbabwe's efforts to expand international sporting infrastructure. Across the three host nations, the tournament will be played at 12 venues eight in South Africa, three in Zimbabwe and one in Namibia at the Namibia Cricket Ground. Former Zimbabwe captain Hamilton Masakadza represented the country at the launch, joining South African cricket legends Graeme Smith, Makhaya Ntini, Hashim Amla, current Proteas captain Temba Bavuma, fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, and Namibia's **Rudolf Jansen van Vuuren. The event introduced the tournament theme, "Three Nations, One Heartbeat," alongside the official brand identity, "Make the Circle Bigger." Inspired by the traditional African woven bowl used to present harvests and gifts, organisers said the brand symbolises unity, hospitality and the growth of cricket across the continent. ICC Chairman Jay Shah described the announcement as a major milestone for world cricket. "This marks an exciting milestone on the road to the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027. The unveiling of the host cities and the tournament brand signals the start of a journey that will unite fans around the world and build anticipation for one of our sport's biggest global events." "The return of this prestigious tournament to Africa after 24 years is a landmark moment for cricket. We are confident that South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will deliver an unforgettable event." Local Organising Committee chairman Trevor Manuel said the launch represented Africa's invitation to the global cricket community. "Today is far more than the unveiling of a tournament brand and host cities; it is the moment Africa begins its invitation to the world." LOC chief executive Qondisa Ngwenya said the campaign aims to inspire new generations of players and supporters while showcasing Africa's culture and diversity. The 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup will feature 57 matches under a new three-stage competition format. The tournament will begin with a Super Series playoff involving the three lowest-ranked qualifying teams before progressing to a 12-team group stage, where teams will be divided into two pools. The leading teams will then advance to a Super Seven round-robin phase, with the top four progressing to the semi-finals before the final determines the world champions. The tournament is expected to attract millions of viewers worldwide while providing a major tourism and economic boost for the three host nations. Zimbabwe ICC Cricket World Cup 2027

By Southerton Business Times Reporter | Free State, South Africa Ten people, including five children, have been killed after a Zimbabwe-bound Munenzva Bus travelling from Cape Town overturned on the N1 highway near Trompsburg in South Africa's Free State Province. The crash occurred on Thursday night, approximately 24 kilometres north of Trompsburg in the direction of Edenburg, when the bus, carrying about 60 passengers, overturned under circumstances that are still under investigation. Emergency responders worked through the night to rescue passengers trapped inside the wreckage, while dozens of injured survivors were taken to nearby health facilities for treatment. Authorities initially reported that 11, and later 12, people had died in the crash. However, the death toll was subsequently revised to 10 following verification at the scene. Mondli Mvambi, spokesperson for the Free State Department of Health, said the confusion arose because of the severity of the collision during the recovery operation. "Due to the severity of the crash, some remains were initially counted more than once. The bus has been recovered and placed back on its wheels. Road recovery operations are still underway, and the N1 diversion remains in place until further notice," Mvambi said. Emergency medical teams transported injured passengers to several healthcare facilities for treatment. Passengers who sustained minor injuries were taken to Albert Nzula Hospital, where they were assessed and prepared for discharge. Authorities have not yet released the identities of those who died, pending the notification of their next of kin. Traffic authorities have diverted vehicles away from the affected section of the N1 while accident investigators and recovery teams continue working at the scene. Motorists have been urged to avoid the area, use alternative routes and exercise caution until the road is fully reopened. Investigators are expected to examine several factors, including the mechanical condition of the bus, road conditions and driver-related circumstances, to establish the cause of the crash. The Cape Town–Zimbabwe route is among the busiest long-distance transport corridors for Zimbabweans living and working in South Africa, particularly during holiday periods and month-end travel. Road safety experts have repeatedly urged long-distance bus operators to ensure strict compliance with vehicle maintenance standards, speed regulations and driver fatigue management to reduce fatal crashes. Authorities in South Africa said investigations into the tragedy are continuing, with further updates expected once the accident reconstruction has been completed. Zimbabwe-bound bus crash South Africa

By Southerton Business Times Reporter | Harare A 21-year-old man from Domboshava was found dead inside a parked vehicle in Harare's Graniteside industrial area in what police are treating as a suspected case of carbon monoxide poisoning. The deceased has been identified as Jairos Nzvimba, of Mandaza Village, Domboshava, who owned Laxline Panel Beaters. His body was discovered on Wednesday morning inside a white Honda Ballade parked at his workshop after he allegedly spent the night in the vehicle while trying to keep warm. According to information gathered at the scene, Nzvimba had been repairing the headlights of a client's Toyota Quantum on Tuesday night before deciding to sleep in one of the vehicles at the garage. When his assistant, Samuel Kasambwa (26), arrived for work at around 7 am on Wednesday, he found Nzvimba lying motionless across the driver's and front passenger's seats. A charcoal stove was found inside the vehicle and was reportedly still emitting heat and smoke. "He told me that he would sleep in one of the cars in the garage once he had finished fixing the headlights of the Toyota Quantum," Kasambwa said. "On Wednesday at around 0700 hours, I arrived at work and found him lying on his back across the driver's and passenger's seats of a white Honda Ballade which was also parked at the garage for repairs." "I tried to wake him and realised that he was not showing any signs of life. He was covered with a blanket." Police suspect the charcoal brazier may have produced carbon monoxide, a colourless, odourless and highly toxic gas that can accumulate in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces and cause fatal poisoning. The matter was reported to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, and a case was opened at Braeside Police Station under reference RRB 6940517. Nzvimba's body was taken to the Sally Mugabe Central Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination to establish the exact cause of death. Police investigations are continuing. Medical experts warn that burning charcoal, wood or other fuels inside enclosed spaces can produce dangerous concentrations of carbon monoxide, which reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen to vital organs. Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness and confusion before victims may lose consciousness without warning. Health authorities advise members of the public never to use charcoal braziers, generators or fuel-burning appliances inside vehicles, homes or other enclosed spaces because of the risk of fatal poisoning. carbon monoxide poisoning Zimbabwe

By Southerton Business Times Reporter | Harare Zimbabwe's agriculture sector is projected to grow by 6.9% in 2026, buoyed by a successful 2025/26 farming season, increased Government support and favourable rainfall that has boosted crop and livestock production, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube has said. Presenting the 2026 Mid-Term Budget and Economic Review in Parliament on Thursday, Ncube said Government's multi-pronged strategy to strengthen domestic food production was yielding positive results through expanded input support, irrigation rehabilitation, climate-smart agriculture and improved extension services. Government increases support for farmers Ncube said the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development received ZiG7.4 billion under the 2026 National Budget. Of this amount, agricultural inputs worth ZiG4.9 billion were distributed during the first half of the year through programmes including Pfumvudza/Intwasa, Zunde Ramambo/Isiphala Senkosi, the Presidential Cotton Scheme and the Rural Horticulture Development Programme. To strengthen livestock production, Treasury disbursed ZiG270 million for veterinary services, covering vaccination campaigns, dipping programmes and the rehabilitation of dip tanks. A further ZiG167 million was allocated to agricultural extension and business advisory services to improve farmer training, mobility and communication for extension officers. Government also released ZiG20 million to the Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee (ZimLAC) to conduct its national survey on food security, nutrition, poverty and vulnerability ahead of the anticipated 2026/27 El Niño season. Development partners complemented Government efforts with US$12.1 million to support agricultural resilience, biodiversity conservation, rural development and value chain development. Tobacco production reaches record levels Zimbabwe's tobacco sector continues to expand, with output projected to reach 400 million kilogrammes in 2026, representing a 12.7% increase from the record 355 million kilogrammes produced in 2025. As of 17 June, growers had delivered 330.6 million kilogrammes to auction floors, up from 299.2 million kilogrammes over the corresponding period last year. However, tobacco earnings declined to US$827.6 million from US$1 billion, reflecting a 25% fall in auction prices. Ncube attributed the decline to oversupply in both domestic and international markets, stockpiles held by major buyers and a gradual global shift away from tobacco products. Maize harvest secures national food supplies Maize production is forecast to increase to 2.4 million metric tonnes, up 2% from 2.3 million metric tonnes recorded during the previous season. Traditional grain production is projected at 390,272 metric tonnes, comprising: Sorghum: 290,216 tonnes Pearl millet: 87,677 tonnes Finger millet: 12,379 tonnes Combined cereal production is expected to reach 2.7 million metric tonnes, sufficient to meet Zimbabwe's domestic food requirements while strengthening the Strategic Grain Reserve. Ncube said the strong performance of drought-tolerant traditional grains demonstrates their growing importance in improving food security and climate resilience, particularly in semi-arid regions. Cotton and livestock sectors record gains Cotton production is projected to rise to 38,500 tonnes, compared to 28,900 tonnes in 2025, driven by a 26.5% increase in the area planted. By 18 June, cumulative cotton deliveries had reached 5.08 million kilogrammes, a sharp increase from 310,625 kilogrammes during the same period last year. The livestock sector is also expected to register positive growth, supported by abundant grazing and improved water availability following favourable rains. Beef production is projected to increase by 2.8%, from 108,000 tonnes to approximately 111,000 tonnes, while cattle mortality has declined to 3.3%, down from 4.5% in 2024. Although the national herd expanded by only 0.3%, improved grazing conditions are expected to support higher offtake. Dairy sector continues strong recovery The dairy industry is forecast to remain one of agriculture's strongest-performing subsectors. Milk production is expected to rise 7.5% from 155 million litres in 2025 to approximately 166 million litres this year. By 30 April, cumulative milk output stood at 40.3 million litres, a 7% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The national dairy herd also grew 7.5%, increasing from 65,659 animals in 2024 to 70,584 in 2025. Ncube said Government-private sector partnerships, out-grower schemes, farmer training and a national dairy breeding programme using artificial insemination are expected to improve productivity to 20 litres per cow per day, up from the current average of 17 litres. "The dairy sector is transitioning from recovery to sustained growth," Ncube said, adding that continued investment in productivity and value addition would underpin Zimbabwe's broader agricultural transformation. Zimbabwe agriculture growth 2026

By Southerton Business Times Reporter | Harare Two employees of the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) have appeared before the Harare Magistrates' Court on allegations of manipulating the department's electronic licensing system to help a woman fraudulently obtain a driver's licence after she allegedly failed her road test. The accused, Tinotenda Maningi and Chrison Chipanda, both data capture clerks at VID, are facing charges linked to the alleged abuse of official systems to facilitate the unlawful issuance of a driver's licence. They were placed on remand, with a ruling on their bail application expected on 4 August 2026. Alleged US$200 arrangement According to court papers, the case stems from events that allegedly occurred after Nadia Samson failed a mandatory road test on 21 June 2026. Prosecutors allege that Samson approached her friend, Anotida Gwenyere, who allegedly introduced her to Maningi after claiming he could assist her in obtaining a driver's licence outside the prescribed legal process. The State alleges that Maningi initially demanded US$250 for the arrangement before the amount was negotiated down to US$200. Court papers state that Samson subsequently provided her personal details, which prosecutors allege were used to initiate the fraudulent licensing process. Officials accused of manipulating VID system The prosecution alleges that Chipanda later processed Samson's application despite several mandatory licensing requirements not being met. According to the State, no road test booking fee had been paid, and the required vehicle details had not been submitted before the application was processed. Investigators further allege that entries were made into the VID electronic system using profiles linked to other officials, creating false records indicating that Samson had successfully completed and passed the required road test. The alleged manipulation enabled the production of a Certificate of Competence, a prerequisite for the issuance of a Zimbabwean driver's licence. Licence allegedly issued unlawfully The State alleges that the fraudulent processing ultimately resulted in the production of a driver's licence. Prosecutors claim that Maningi facilitated the collection of the licence from an employee at the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) before it was handed to Samson on 25 July 2026. The court heard that Samson allegedly paid US$200 for the illicit service. Ministry cites integrity concerns The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, represented by VID Eastlea Depot Manager Onisimo Bumhira, is the complainant in the matter. Prosecutors argue that the alleged conduct undermined the integrity and credibility of Zimbabwe's driver licensing system, which relies on strict testing procedures to ensure motorists possess the necessary knowledge and driving skills before obtaining licences. The accused remain on remand pending the determination of their bail application. Under Zimbabwean law, every accused person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a competent court. VID driver's licence fraud

By Southerton Business Times Reporter | Harare A coalition backing Friday's planned nationwide stay-away says its preliminary assessment indicates reduced economic activity in parts of Zimbabwe, citing quieter central business districts, lower school attendance and an increased security presence in major urban centres. Sungano yeVanhu – Ubumbano Lomphakathi (The People's Coalition) said its initial observations showed reduced traffic and congestion in central business districts, while police deployments had been stepped up in several towns and cities. The coalition is spearheading what it calls the Constitutional Restoration Campaign, opposing the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment) Act (No. 3), 2026, also referred to by the coalition as Constitutional Amendment Act No. 6 of 2026. Coalition reports reduced activity Speaking on behalf of the coalition, spokesperson Jacob Ngarivhume said the observations were preliminary and that monitoring was continuing across the country. "These are preliminary observations, and we continue to monitor developments across the country," Ngarivhume said. "The indications so far suggest that many Zimbabweans have chosen to stay away as a peaceful expression of their views on Constitutional Amendment Act No. 6 of 2026." According to the coalition, there was reduced movement in some urban centres, with fewer vendors operating at Freedom Square in Harare, where police officers and water cannon vehicles were reportedly deployed. The group also claimed that school attendance appeared lower than usual in several areas, although no official figures had been released by education authorities at the time of publication. Transport disruptions cited The coalition further alleged that magistrates' courts had issued an unusually high number of warrants of arrest after accused persons failed to attend court proceedings, attributing many of the absences to transport difficulties linked to the stay-away. Southerton Business Times could not independently verify the coalition's claims regarding court attendance, school absenteeism or the extent of business closures by the time of publication. Stay-away linked to constitutional changes The stay-away was called by social media activists following the enactment of the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment) Act (No. 3), 2026, which was signed into law by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on 7 July 2026. The legislation has generated legal and political debate, with several court applications challenging aspects of the amendment already before the courts. In the days leading up to the planned stay-away, the Government, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Zimbabwe National Army warned against acts of violence, urging citizens to maintain peace and comply with the law. The coalition, meanwhile, commended citizens who it said had conducted themselves peacefully and reiterated its call for non-violence and adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law. Authorities had not issued an official assessment of the stay-away's impact by the time of publication. Zimbabwe stay-away

By Simbarashe Namusi Thursday, July 30, 2026 Mai Chido has sold tomatoes on the same Harare street corner for eleven years. She knows the routine. A truck arrives. Whistles. Baskets overturned. She runs, comes back an hour later, sets up again. She has never called it harassment. A game with no winner, played every week, for over a decade. Versions of that same game are running right now in Bulawayo's Lobengula Street, in Mutare's Sakubva market, in Gweru's Kudzanai terminus. Different corners, same script. That script is about to change its rules, nationwide. The Municipal Police and Courts Bill: Expanding Enforcement Powers Cabinet has approved the principles of the Municipal Police and Courts Bill. Once Parliament passes it and the President signs, municipal officers in every city and town council will be able to arrest, investigate, and prosecute; not just issue tickets and wait for the Zimbabwe Republic Police to finish the job. Municipal courts will be created to process the cases. Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has called it a strengthening of local authorities' ability to enforce by-laws and improve service delivery. On paper, that is a reasonable ambition. No city can function with vendors returning to the same pavement an hour after every raid, or pirate taxis loading at the same forbidden rank every single day. The ZRP has murder cases and armed robberies to worry about. It should not also be the only body that can arrest a man for selling airtime on the wrong corner. But this is where the business case and the street reality start to pull apart. By-Law Enforcement Across Zimbabwe Cities: Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, and Gweru This is not a Harare-only pattern, and the record shows it. In Bulawayo, a by-law enforcement raid on 5th Avenue left about a dozen vendors injured when officers confiscated merchandise without offering the chance to pay a fine on the spot; council denied any violence took place, and vendors described it as heavy-handed. In Mutare, vendors and municipal police clashed in a running battle in the city centre. The specifics differ by city. The pattern does not. And the clearest evidence that even sympathetic officials know the current force is not ready came from Bulawayo's own mayor, David Coltart, who this month argued that council law enforcement officers remain "powerless" to enforce municipal by-laws and should be granted arrest powers; an admission, from the very people asking for the powers, that the existing operation cannot currently do its job, let alone a bigger one. Here is the part that should worry the wider business community, more than the politics of it. A functioning enforcement system is not just a law-and-order question. It is an economic signal, and it reaches further than street vending, and it has a price tag. A 2021 survey of five major local authorities found ratepayers owed councils a combined debt running into tens of millions of dollars. Harare alone owed roughly US$24 million, Bulawayo about US$9.6 million, Mutare US$4.8 million, Gweru US$3.6 million. Every council in that survey pointed to the same consequence, water purification chemicals unbought, refuse trucks ungassed, services collapsing for lack of the very revenue by-law enforcement is meant to protect. That is the real cost of an enforcement system that raids and confiscates but never builds a durable base of compliance money formal ratepayers ultimately cover through repeated tariff hikes while informal operators cycle in and out of the same uncollected fees. Economic Impacts on Formal Business and Informal Sector Regulation Formal retailers who compete daily with unregulated informal trade have a direct stake in whether by-laws are applied consistently rather than violently. Manufacturers and industrialists depend on rates collection that funds the roads their trucks use and the water their factories draw. Tourism and hospitality operators, already facing their own compliance crackdown from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority this year, know how quickly a reputation for heavy-handed enforcement can sour an investment climate that depends on predictability. Transport operators, cross-border traders, and small manufacturers all read the same signal, does this country apply its own rules fairly, or does it apply force instead of rules? Handing arrest powers to a force with a documented, multi-city pattern of heavy-handedness against the same informal traders who make up a large share of urban commerce does not answer that question well. Capacity, Training, and Institutional Reform in Local Governance There is also a harder, more practical problem sitting underneath the politics: capacity. Municipal officers today are trained for administrative compliance, checking permits, writing tickets. Arrest carries with it the demands of criminal procedure: chain of custody, constitutional rights during detention, the standard of evidence a prosecution needs to survive a court challenge. None of that is taught by passing a Bill. South Africa's metro police, the model Zimbabwe is reportedly drawing from, did not arrive at functioning arrest powers overnight. They came with training pipelines, oversight structures, and budget lines built for the job over years, across multiple metros, not just its capital. Zimbabwe's version, as proposed, borrows the powers without any visible sign of borrowing the accountability systems that make those powers survivable in cities that are already short on public trust and, if Bulawayo's own mayor is to be believed, short on basic operational capacity too. The revenue argument for reform is real, and the debt figures above show it applies to every council in the country, not one. Uncollected vending fees, unregulated ranks, by-laws nobody enforces; these cost municipalities money every single day, money that should be going into roads and refuse collection and the basic services businesses and residents already pay rates for. Nobody serious disputes that municipal enforcement across Zimbabwe is broken. The question this Bill answers badly is not whether enforcement needs fixing. It is who gets trusted with more power to fix it, and what happens to Mai Chido, and to the formal businesses operating around her, when that power arrives in every city without the reform that was supposed to come first. She will still be on that corner next month. So will the shops behind her, the transporters passing her, and the factories whose rates are supposed to be paying for a system that works. The only question is whether the person approaching her that morning will still be playing a game, or something with far higher stakes for all of them. Simbarashe Namusi is a media expert, peace, leadership, and governance scholar writing in his personal capacity. Municipal Police and Courts Bill Zimbabwe

By Southerton Business Times Reporter | Harare A 27-year-old Harare man has appeared in court accused of operating a fake taxi scheme that allegedly targeted female passengers before robbing them of cash, mobile phones and other valuables across the capital. Joshua Ruchiki appeared before Ruth Moyo facing six counts of robbery. He was remanded in custody while police continue investigating the alleged offences. Prosecutors allege Ruchiki worked with accomplices to lure unsuspecting women into a pink Nissan Note, registration number AHG 1836, before robbing them and abandoning them in different parts of Harare. According to court papers, the alleged robbery spree occurred between April and May 2026 in several suburbs across Harare. Investigations led to Ruchiki's arrest and the recovery of the Nissan Note allegedly used in the commission of the offences. Police also recovered several handbags and 10 wallets, some of which were positively identified by complainants as stolen property. The State alleges that goods worth approximately US$12,000 were stolen during the robbery spree, while property valued at about US$3,000 has so far been recovered. The State alleges that Ruchiki acted in concert with Kimberly Kumbeze, Tanyaradzwa Nyashinga and another suspect, Given Manhovo, who is still being sought by police. According to the prosecution, one of the alleged incidents occurred on 14 April, when a woman boarded the vehicle at the corner of Churchill Avenue and Hudson Road in Alexandra Park. She was allegedly robbed of a mobile phone and a handbag containing US$75 before being abandoned. In another incident on 28 April, a passenger who entered the same vehicle along Second Street Extension in Harare's central business district was allegedly robbed of her cellphone and handbag. The State further alleges that on 2 May, another complainant boarded the vehicle along Quendon Road in Marlborough and was robbed of two mobile phones. The alleged robbery spree continued on 7 May, when another passenger was reportedly picked up along King George Road in Avondale before allegedly losing a Samsung Galaxy A15 smartphone. Two further incidents were allegedly recorded on 20 May in Avondale and along Harare Drive near KK Tiles. According to prosecutors, one complainant lost an iPhone XR, while another was allegedly robbed of two mobile phones, US$330 in cash and other personal belongings. Police are continuing investigations to establish whether the accused and his alleged accomplices may be linked to additional robbery cases involving unsuspecting commuters. Authorities have urged members of the public to exercise caution when boarding private vehicles posing as taxis and to use registered public transport operators where possible. Ruchiki remains in custody pending further court proceedings. Under Zimbabwean law, every accused person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of law. Harare fake taxi robbery