By Southerton Business Times | Harare, Zimbabwe | August 7, 2026 POLICE have launched investigations after the body of an unidentified man was found along First Street near Kuwana House in central Harare on Friday morning. The circumstances surrounding the man's death were not immediately clear, with police attending the scene following the discovery. The deceased had not been identified by the time of publication, and authorities were expected to establish his identity as part of the preliminary investigation. The discovery reportedly attracted the attention of members of the public, with police officers subsequently arriving at the scene to assess the circumstances surrounding the death. Details about the man's age, identity and possible cause of death remained unavailable. It was also not immediately clear how long the man had been at the location before his body was discovered. Police are expected to investigate the circumstances leading to the death before further information is released. The case could also involve a post-mortem examination to establish the cause of death, depending on the findings of the initial investigation. There was no official confirmation that the man died from exposure to cold weather, hunger, illness or any other condition. Speculation about the possible circumstances surrounding the death circulated among members of the public following the discovery. Some people expressed concern about the plight of homeless and vulnerable people in Harare, particularly during periods of cold weather. Others called for the area to be properly secured so that investigators could establish what happened and determine whether there were any circumstances surrounding the death that required further investigation. Members of the public also urged authorities to identify the deceased and trace his relatives. However, until police or medical authorities release further information, the cause of death of the unidentified man found in central Harare remains unknown. The discovery comes amid continuing concerns over the welfare of vulnerable people living or sleeping on Harare's streets. However, there is currently no evidence establishing that homelessness or exposure to cold contributed to this particular death. Police investigations are ongoing. Anyone who may have information that could assist authorities in identifying the deceased or establishing the circumstances surrounding his death is encouraged to contact the police. Southerton Business Times will update this story when more information becomes available from the police or other official sources. unidentified man found dead in Harare

By Southerton Business Times A Zimbabwean man has reportedly been accused of selling the same tuck shop container to four different buyers in South Africa, leaving the unsuspecting purchasers embroiled in a bizarre ownership dispute. According to reports circulating about the case, each of the four South Africans allegedly paid the man for the container believing they had legitimately purchased it for their respective businesses. The alleged deception only came to light after the buyers discovered that they had all entered into separate transactions with the same seller. The buyers reportedly confronted one another after each claimed ownership of the same tuck shop container. As they compared details of their transactions, they allegedly discovered that the same Zimbabwean man had collected money from all four of them. The seller was reportedly no longer available, leaving the buyers to deal with the consequences of the alleged multiple sales. What began as four separate business transactions consequently turned into a dispute over who had the strongest claim to the container. Each buyer reportedly maintains that they paid for the property in good faith and believed the transaction was legitimate. The alleged seller, meanwhile, is said to have disappeared after collecting payments. The circumstances have left the four buyers facing an unusual dilemma: they each have a separate transaction with the same person but are claiming ownership of one physical container. The reported incident highlights the potential risks associated with informal business transactions in South Africa, particularly where movable business structures such as tuck shop containers are bought and sold without adequate documentation. Tuck shops and container-based businesses are common across South African townships and informal settlements, where entrepreneurs use converted shipping and storage containers as retail outlets. Consumer and legal experts routinely advise buyers to establish who legally owns an asset before making payment and to ensure that transactions are supported by written agreements and proof of ownership. Buyers should also verify the seller's identity and authority to dispose of the property, particularly when purchasing second-hand business equipment or structures. In cases involving alleged fraud, victims may also need to report the matter to law enforcement and preserve evidence such as payment records, messages, contracts, photographs and witnesses. In this case, the four buyers reportedly remain locked in the ownership dispute while the alleged seller remains out of reach. It was not immediately clear whether a criminal case had been opened against the seller, whether police were investigating the allegations or whether the matter had been taken before a South African court. Southerton Business Times could not independently verify the identity of the alleged seller, the four buyers, the exact location of the disputed tuck shop or the amounts reportedly paid. The allegations should therefore not be treated as established fact unless confirmed by the parties involved, police or court records. For the four buyers, what appeared to be straightforward purchases have instead resulted in an extraordinary dispute over one tuck shop container allegedly sold four times. tuck shop sold to four buyers

By Southerton Business Times | Harare MT PLEASANT Member of Parliament G. Mashavave has announced plans to introduce digital learning and security systems at public schools across the constituency, saying improved infrastructure must be matched by technology to prepare learners for the future. Mashavave made the announcement on Wednesday during the commissioning of a new classroom block at Hallingburry Primary School in Mt Pleasant. The event was attended by senior Government officials, including Secretary for Defence Aaron Daniel Tonde Nhepera, representatives of the Presidential Guard, Zimbabwe National Army, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, the Office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. Nhepera's attendance underscored the Ministry of Defence's support for the school development programme being pursued by the constituency, according to officials at the event. Nhepera has served as Secretary for Defence since his appointment to the ministry in 2023. Addressing parents, teachers and learners, Mashavave said his office was working with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to introduce technology alongside physical infrastructure improvements. Under the proposed programme, beneficiary schools will receive Starlink satellite internet, with the first three months of service provided free of charge. Mashavave also announced plans to install CCTV security systems covering classrooms and administration blocks to improve the safety of learners, teachers and school property. The programme will further introduce the EduNexus school management system, which is expected to digitise school records, including attendance, fees and learner performance. Teachers will also receive digital lesson notes and e-learning materials aligned with the Zimbabwean curriculum, while training will be provided to teachers and administrators to enable them to use the new systems. Mashavave said the programmes were already being implemented through partnerships and were not simply commitments made during the commissioning ceremony. He also pledged to personally monitor progress and revisit beneficiary schools to assess whether the systems were fully operational. “Wherever infrastructure is built, digital connectivity and modern tools must follow,” Mashavave said, urging parents and communities to support the initiative. The MP's announcement comes against the backdrop of concerns over the condition of some public schools in the constituency. A community member who attended the event said public schools had received less attention over the years as some families increasingly opted for private education. “This is the first MP in our constituency who I have seen taking an interest in improving our public schools,” the resident said. “This is one area which has been neglected for a very long time. Most people just take their children to private schools so they are not bothered about public schools. Most have really deteriorated, yet they serve the majority of our communities.” The proposed Mt Pleasant public schools digitalisation programme could therefore mark a shift towards combining classroom construction with internet connectivity, digital administration, online learning resources and improved school security. The initiative also comes as Zimbabwean schools increasingly seek to integrate digital technologies into teaching, administration and access to educational resources. For Mt Pleasant, the immediate challenge will be ensuring that the promised technology reaches schools consistently and that teachers receive adequate support to use the systems effectively. The programme's implementation will therefore be closely watched by parents and schools, particularly as the constituency seeks to improve public education infrastructure and bridge the digital divide between public and private schools. Mt Pleasant public schools

Staff Reporter Zimbabwe’s leadership in artificial intelligence and digital transformation was thrust onto the global stage when Zimbabwe National AI Strategy co-architect Hon Dr Martin Muduva received the Global Business Achievers Network (GBAN) Platinum Award for Visionary Leadership and Sustainability Excellence. The honour was presented at a high-profile ceremony in Harare, presided over by Vice President Kembo Mohadi and attended by senior government dignitaries, including Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa. The Platinum Award, one of GBAN’s highest international accolades, recognises leaders whose work demonstrates groundbreaking innovation, sustainability, and transformative socio-economic impact. Dr Muduva’s recognition underscores Zimbabwe’s growing profile in the global AI landscape, highlighting the nation's commitment to responsible technology governance and the advancement of Vision 2030. Speaking to Zimpapers, Dr Muduva emphasised that the prestigious award reflects Zimbabwe’s collective innovation journey. He stressed that artificial intelligence must be strategically harnessed to transform lives, build digital skills, and strengthen national economic competitiveness. "Receiving this Platinum Award is a tremendous honour and a reminder that meaningful innovation is achieved through collaboration,” said Dr Muduva. He noted that the recognition symbolises the combined efforts of public institutions, tech professionals, and industry stakeholders shaping Zimbabwe’s digital future. "The Zimbabwe National Artificial Intelligence Strategy provides a clear roadmap, but its success will depend on investing in our people," he said. Dr Muduva highlighted the importance of nurturing youth STEM skills, supporting local research, and creating opportunities for young tech innovators to become active creators of emerging Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies. "Artificial intelligence is not an end in itself. It is a vital enabler of better healthcare, smarter precision agriculture, quality education, efficient public services, and sustainable economic growth," he explained. He concluded that modern technologies must be deployed ethically, securely, and inclusively to deliver tangible, long-term benefits for every Zimbabwean while advancing the country's sustainable development goals. Martin Muduva GBAN Platinum Award AI Zimbabwe

Southerton Times Staff Reporter THE Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) has raised urgent concerns over the growing harassment of Zimbabwean passengers by kombi touts, calling for comprehensive public transport reforms to restore safety, order, and commuter rights. In an official statement yesterday, the Commission warned that the harassment, extortion, and coercion of commuters by kombi touts is a clear violation of Section 35(2) of the Consumer Protection Act [Chapter 14:44], which strictly prohibits the use of physical force, intimidation, or unfair tactics against consumers. It further indicated offenders risk severe fines or imprisonment under the Consumer Protection Act, pledging to work directly with law enforcement agencies like the ZRP and regional transport associations to restore sanity, eliminate illegal ranks, and protect commuter rights nationwide. Speaking on the sidelines, Director for Research and Public Affairs in the Consumer Protection Commission, Mr Kudakwashe Mudereri, emphasised that both public transport operators and commuters are united in rejecting touts. He said the Commission identified passenger harassment by rank marshals and touts as a major gap in the transport sector, stressing that the lack of structured municipal systems is the root cause. “We noted that we need to put systems that work, because it has been noted that it’s the absence of systems that is causing all those things,” said Mr Mudereri. "Where we need to put people with uniforms in our ranks, and also where the City Council needs to do their job, because in terms of manning of these ranks, it is the responsibility of the City Councils." He said key industry stakeholders agreed that Zimbabwe urgently needs a national public transport policy to regulate kombi operators, enforce urban traffic laws, and protect passengers. “The passenger association said that we do not have a transport policy in Zimbabwe. "So the starting point is to have one where some of the challenges that we are highlighting, they actually put in that policy,” he said. The Commission resolved to lead a nationwide consumer rights awareness campaign to educate both commuters and public transport providers on legal rights and responsibilities. In his sentiment, Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) coordinator, Mr Tafadzwa Goliati, said the kombi industry should only consist of uniformed bus loaders and licensed drivers, not unregistered touts. “Kombi touts are reckless and they should not be allowed to serve passengers, since they have no training and belong to no recognised association. “If they harass or intimidate passengers, no institution takes responsibility, hence the lack of a coordinated policy,” he said. Zimbabwe Union of Drivers and Conductors (ZUDAC) president, Mr Pious Chidzenga, emphasised that kombi touts are unfit to serve passengers because they lack awareness of the fundamental pillars of road safety management. “Kombi touts are not even aware or recognise five pillars of road safety management. "Road safety management, safer roads and mobility, safe vehicles, safe road users, and effective post-crash response," he said. kombi touts passenger harassment Zimbabwe

By Southerton Business Times | Midlands, Zimbabwe MIDLANDS STATE UNIVERSITY (MSU) has reportedly dismissed nine lecturers from its Department of Media, Communication, Film and Theatre Arts following disciplinary proceedings over alleged examination irregularities and professional misconduct. The lecturers were reportedly accused of gross incompetence, including setting examination papers containing errors, failing to correct the mistakes, and allegedly not attending examination sessions for papers they had set. MSU acting director of marketing and communications Kudakwashe Bhowa neither confirmed nor denied the dismissals when contacted for comment, saying the matter was confidential. “Thank you for the inquiry. These are private contractual and human resources matters between the university and the individuals concerned,” Bhowa said. “Consequently, in accordance with our duty of confidentiality and institutional policy, the university does not comment publicly on individual staffing affairs.” However, sources familiar with the matter said 13 lecturers were initially charged and brought before a disciplinary hearing, with nine subsequently dismissed. The allegations reportedly centre on errors contained in examination question papers prepared by some of the lecturers. According to one source, an examination paper contained a contradictory instruction requiring candidates to answer all questions in Section B and all three questions in Section B, rather than instructing students to answer all questions in Section A and three questions in Section B. “The question papers were found to contain numerous errors. Furthermore, some lecturers were absent from the examination venue during the sitting of their respective papers, contrary to university regulations, which make attendance compulsory,” the source said. “There was also a failure to address the mistakes in a timely manner.” The alleged errors have raised questions about examination quality control at Midlands State University, particularly the procedures used to review and approve examination papers before they are administered to students. Examination papers typically undergo academic and administrative checks designed to ensure that instructions are clear, accurate and consistent with the assessment requirements. Errors in examination instructions can potentially affect how students interpret and answer questions. The sources said the lecturers were subjected to disciplinary proceedings before the university reached its decision to dismiss nine of them. It was not immediately clear whether the affected lecturers intend to challenge the dismissals through the university's internal appeals procedures or other available legal channels. The reported dismissals come at a time when universities face increasing scrutiny over academic standards, assessment integrity and the quality of teaching and learning. MSU, one of Zimbabwe's major public universities, has not publicly disclosed the identities of the affected lecturers or the specific disciplinary findings against them. The university's position is that individual staffing matters are private and confidential. Southerton Business Times could not independently verify the full disciplinary record or establish whether all nine dismissals have been formally communicated to the affected lecturers. The lecturers are also entitled to respond to the allegations against them. As of publication, no detailed statement had been issued by MSU explaining whether the examination papers in question affected students' results or whether any remedial measures were taken. The reported case highlights the importance of accurate examination papers, lecturer attendance and academic quality assurance in Zimbabwean universities, particularly where errors could potentially affect students' assessment outcomes. MSU lecturers dismissed

By Southerton Business Times | Harare, Zimbabwe HARARE Metropolitan Province is facing renewed concern over HIV infections among young people after health figures showed that more than half of the province’s estimated annual new infections occur among people aged 15 to 24. The figures were presented during a National AIDS Council (NAC) sensitisation meeting in Mazowe attended by provincial heads of Government departments, highlighting the need for targeted HIV prevention programmes among adolescents and young adults. According to figures reported by The Herald, Harare has an estimated 195,429 people living with HIV, representing an HIV prevalence rate of 8.4 percent. The province records an estimated 2,644 new HIV infections annually, with 1,341 occurring among people aged between 15 and 24. The figures mean that young people in the 15–24 age group account for slightly more than half of the reported annual new infections in Harare. Dr Shingirayi Mushamba, Secretary for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution, said the trend required urgent and targeted interventions. “We are very concerned because although HIV and TB cases have generally declined, our statistical analysis shows an increase in infections among the 15 to 24 age group. That is our future at stake,” Mushamba said. The Government is expected to work with schools, parents, local authorities, the Ministry of Health and Child Care and NAC to strengthen HIV education, prevention and behavioural change programmes. Mushamba also urged young people to make use of available HIV prevention and treatment services, including Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) following possible exposure to HIV. PEP is an emergency HIV prevention intervention that involves taking antiretroviral medicines as soon as possible after a potential exposure. It is most effective when started promptly and is intended for emergency situations rather than routine HIV prevention. NAC Harare provincial manager Adonijah Muzondiona said Harare continued to carry Zimbabwe's largest HIV burden largely because of its population size. He said adolescent girls and young women remain particularly affected, while sustained community awareness, HIV testing and safer sexual practices are critical to reducing new infections. The latest figures have renewed attention on HIV prevention among young people in Harare, particularly the need to make prevention information and services accessible to adolescents and young adults. Public-health programmes targeting young people are increasingly expected to address not only HIV knowledge but also access to testing, condoms and other prevention services, treatment and accurate sexual and reproductive health information. The reported figures also underline the importance of reaching young people through schools, communities and digital platforms, where health information can be delivered in ways that are accessible to younger audiences. Zimbabwe has made significant progress in responding to HIV over the years, but new infections among young people remain a major public-health concern. Health authorities are therefore expected to intensify prevention and awareness programmes as they seek to reduce new HIV infections among young people in Harare. NAC and Government officials have urged communities, parents, schools and young people themselves to play a greater role in HIV prevention efforts. HIV infections among young people in Harare

By Southerton Business Times | Harare, Zimbabwe | August 7, 2026 A Harare man has appeared in court facing charges of allegedly conducting illegal gold mining and blasting operations at a residential property in Marlborough, amid concerns over unlicensed mineral prospecting and the use of explosives in an urban neighbourhood. Chiripayi Chipandire appeared before Harare magistrate Artwell Sanyatwe on Thursday and was granted US$500 bail. Chipandire, who is represented by lawyer Tawanda Takaindisa, faces charges relating to the alleged illegal possession of explosives, blasting and prospecting for minerals without the required licence or permits. According to the State, the case dates back to early 2024 when Chipandire allegedly met Douglas Walsh in central Harare. Walsh allegedly told him that there was hidden treasure at Stand Number 4, Wallington Close, Marlborough. Chipandire allegedly hired an excavator and began digging near the property but was stopped after residents objected. He later approached the property owner, who allegedly allowed him to search for the suspected treasure. Court papers indicate that the operation was subsequently formalised through the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development. However, residents reportedly raised fresh complaints in January 2025, resulting in the temporary suspension of the activities. The State alleges that Chipandire later resumed prospecting and mining activities without the required documentation from the ministry. The allegations have raised renewed questions about the risks associated with gold mining in Harare residential areas, particularly where excavation and blasting are undertaken close to homes. The Mines and Minerals Act requires mineral prospecting to be conducted under legally recognised prospecting rights. The legislation also places restrictions on drilling and excavation, meaning possession of a prospecting licence does not automatically authorise all forms of excavation. Zimbabwe's Environmental Management Agency (EMA) also states that prospecting, mining and quarrying projects require an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment certificate before implementation where the activities fall within the prescribed projects. The issue is not entirely new in Marlborough. In October 2024, former Harare deputy mayor Kudzai Kadzombe said she personally visited a residential property after receiving a report of suspected gold mining. “I was shocked to receive a report about gold mining happening in one of the residential properties in Marlborough,” Kadzombe said, adding that workers were found digging and claimed they were constructing a well. On July 17, 2026, police allegedly arrested several of Chipandire's employees at the property while they were digging shafts. The State says police recovered explosives, cable fuses, a drill bit, windlass, rope, a demolition hammer and a makeshift “bunga” made from conveyor belts. The prosecution is also alleging that blasting was carried out without the necessary blasting licence and that explosives were acquired without a valid permit. Chipandire has not been convicted of any offence, and the allegations against him remain before the courts. The case highlights the legal, environmental and public-safety concerns surrounding illegal gold mining in Harare suburbs, particularly where underground shafts and blasting activities are carried out near residential properties. A Harare man has appeared in court over alleged illegal gold mining, blasting and possession of explosives at a residential property in Marlborough. illegal gold mining in Harare

By Southerton Business Times | August 7, 2026 A suspected human trafficking and drug smuggling syndicate that allegedly forced a trafficking victim to swallow drug-filled capsules has been dismantled following a joint operation involving authorities in Zimbabwe and Oman, according to INTERPOL. The international policing organisation said the victim had been lured to Oman with promises of employment before allegedly being intercepted by members of the criminal network during a layover and forced to swallow capsules containing illicit drugs. The case highlights the dangers faced by people targeted by trafficking networks that use false employment opportunities to lure vulnerable victims into international criminal operations. INTERPOL said the investigation began in June after the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) alerted Omani authorities and the international organisation about a suspected human trafficking case. Victim allegedly forced to swallow drug capsules According to INTERPOL, the victim was intercepted during a layover and allegedly forced to ingest capsules containing drugs for transportation to another destination. “During a layover, the victim was intercepted by members of a criminal network and forced to swallow drug-filled capsules for the onward journey,” INTERPOL said in a statement posted on its official X account. The victim was allegedly forced to transport the drugs before being made to expel them after arriving at the destination. INTERPOL said the drugs were intended for distribution in the region. The organisation said Omani law enforcement authorities, supported by INTERPOL, moved quickly to investigate the case. Four suspects were subsequently arrested, while the drugs were seized and the trafficking victim rescued. Zimbabwe and Oman cooperate against trafficking The operation demonstrates the importance of cooperation between national police forces when investigating international human trafficking and drug smuggling networks. Criminal syndicates often operate across several countries, making information sharing and rapid coordination between law enforcement agencies critical to identifying victims, tracing suspects and disrupting trafficking routes. INTERPOL’s involvement also reflects the growing role of international policing cooperation in tackling organised crime that crosses national borders. The organisation released an X-ray image showing capsules inside the body of a suspected drug mule as part of its account of the investigation. The case also serves as a warning to people seeking employment abroad to exercise caution when dealing with unfamiliar recruiters or individuals offering seemingly attractive overseas job opportunities. Authorities have repeatedly warned that trafficking networks can use legitimate-looking employment offers to gain the trust of potential victims before exploiting them. The latest Zimbabwe-Oman operation resulted in the rescue of the victim and the arrest of four suspects, although investigations into the wider criminal network are continuing. Zimbabwe-Oman police operation

Unregulated prescription medication blister packs displayed for sale outside formal pharmacy channels. By Simbarashe Namusi The corner of Robert Mugabe and Julius Nyerere is not supposed to be a bus terminus. The council never licensed it as one. But the kombis stop there anyway, conductors hanging out of sliding doors shouting destinations over each other, and where commuters gather, so does everything they might need. The Informal Drug Trade at Urban Transport Hubs Doc works the edge of that crowd, a sports bag slung across his chest, unzipped just enough to show what's inside without announcing it to the wrong person. That's what the touts and regulars call him. Not his real name, just what he sells and how he sells it. He used to assist at a pharmacy in Mbare before it closed. He still knows the names. Amoxicillin. Metformin. Something for the pressure, something for the malaria that never quite clears. He sells to people boarding kombis who don't have time to queue at a real pharmacy, and to people getting off kombis who can't afford one. He doesn't ask what the tablets are for. He asks how many, and whether they want the small pack or the big one. This is the arrangement Harare has settled into. Antibiotics, antihypertensives, antidiabetics, antimalarials, sold loose out of sports bags and car boots and folded plastic packets, at the exact spots where the city's illegal transport network concentrates its captive audience. No cold chain. No prescription. No pharmacist asking the one question that actually matters: does this drug interact with what the buyer is already taking. Regulatory Crackdowns and the Economics of Illegal Medicines The scale of it surprised even the regulators. In May, police arrested five people at a Showground parking area in Belvedere, recovering unregistered medicines and pharmaceutical supplies worth close to US$2,700. It was one raid among many. Health authorities have flagged a broader surge in prescription drugs moving through unauthorised channels, alongside healthcare being delivered by people with no license to deliver it. Among the medicines recovered in these sweeps: epilepsy drugs, antifungals, painkillers like tramadol, and antibiotics including doxycycline and metronidazole. These are not vitamin supplements. They are drugs that punish incorrect use. The economics explain the demand better than any morality lecture does. A consultation costs money. A prescription costs more. Doc's sports bag costs neither, and it moves at the speed of the commuter's own schedule: no queue, no waiting room, no appointment. The products on offer range from antibiotics and painkillers to skin-lightening creams and restricted prescription medicines, sold from homes, tuckshops, and market corners without any quality control or professional oversight. Zimbabwe's informal medicine trade didn't appear because people stopped caring about their health. It appeared because the formal system priced too many of them out of caring for it properly. Public Health Risks: Antimicrobial Resistance and Counterfeit Drugs The long-term bill is quieter than the short-term convenience, and it's a bill the whole country pays, not just the buyer. An antibiotic course taken incompletely, because the packet ran out, or Doc was out of stock that week, doesn't just fail to cure the infection. It trains the bacteria. Public health experts warn that the unregulated circulation of these drugs accelerates antimicrobial resistance, a trend capable of undermining legitimate treatment across the whole region. The antibiotic that saved your father's life in 2015 may not save yours in 2030, because somewhere along the way, resistance was cultivated one incomplete, unsupervised dose at a time. Then there's the counterfeit question, which nobody selling from a sports bag can answer honestly because nobody selling from a sports bag actually knows. Africa accounted for 42 percent of the counterfeit and substandard medical products detected worldwide between 2013 and 2017, and the pipeline into corners like this one runs through the same porous borders that move everything else the state can't track. A tablet that looks right, is packaged wrong, dosed wrong, or entirely inert, kills exactly as effectively as no treatment at all. Except the patient believes they've been treated, and delays the point at which they seek real care. Governance Challenges: Policy Enforcement vs Economic Reality The regulators know all this. Circulars get issued. Licenses get revoked. Blitzes get announced with the appropriate stern language about the full force of the law. Doc is back at the corner the following week, because enforcement without alternative is just a temporary interruption of an economic necessity, the same way the illegal bus terminus behind him reopens within hours of every council crackdown. He is there again this morning, actually. Same bag, same corner, same glance up the road before the next sale. Nobody in this exchange is protected. Not the buyer, guessing at a dose. Not Doc, one raid away from losing what little he has. Not the country, quietly building resistance to the medicine that's supposed to save it. Editor's note: "Doc" is a composite figure representing a pattern of trade observed at Harare's illegal transport hubs; details are illustrative, not a single-sourced account. Simbarashe Namusi is a media expert, peace, leadership, and governance scholar writing in his personal capacity. informal medicine trade Harare

By Southerton Business Times | Harare The Government of Zimbabwe has taken a significant step towards reviewing how the country's laws and public services respond to intersex people, with senior ministers acknowledging that existing legislation does not adequately address their needs. The move follows a court challenge involving intersex rights and could lead to legal and policy reforms aimed at improving access to identity documents, healthcare, education and other public services. Ministers Hold High-Level Meeting The Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs convened a high-level breakfast meeting in Harare on 5 August, bringing together government officials, legal experts, health professionals, development partners and civil society representatives. The meeting, held at the Holiday Inn, was attended by Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo, and Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora. Discussions focused on identifying legal gaps affecting intersex people and exploring possible reforms. What Does Intersex Mean? Officials used the meeting to clarify the meaning of intersex, saying the term refers to people born with natural biological characteristics such as chromosomes, hormones, reproductive organs or anatomy that do not fit typical medical definitions of exclusively male or female. They stressed that being intersex is a natural biological variation, not a disease, lifestyle choice or result of wrongdoing. Court Challenge Prompted Review Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting, Minister Ziyambi said the Government's review was triggered by litigation involving intersex rights. "Basically what we have done is we have received a court challenge regarding this issue (intersex) and we referred it to the Attorney General," he said. "After that we decided as a Ministry that we need to undertake research." Ziyambi said that while Zimbabwe's Constitution recognises two sexes, Government institutions must also consider practical situations where some citizens do not fit neatly into existing administrative categories. The Ministry said the research was undertaken by the Law Development Commission, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to assess possible legal and policy reforms. Government Identifies Gaps in Existing Laws Minister Edgar Moyo said the consultations had highlighted shortcomings in current legislation. "There is a real gap in our statutes to address those issues. Because we are basically classified as male and female, and then there are people falling in between," he said. Moyo said stigma, limited public awareness and cultural attitudes have contributed to many intersex people facing discrimination and exclusion. He noted that mismatches between biological characteristics and official documentation can create difficulties when applying for birth certificates, national identity cards and other essential documents. Participants also discussed challenges affecting access to education, healthcare, employment, banking services and voter registration. The Ministry of Justice said it will validate the research findings before preparing legal and policy recommendations for Cabinet consideration. Government also plans to continue consulting intersex persons, legal experts, healthcare professionals and civil society organisations as part of the review process. Officials said the objective is to ensure that Zimbabwe's legal and administrative systems respond appropriately to the needs of all citizens while remaining consistent with the country's constitutional and legislative framework. Zimbabwe is reviewing its laws affecting intersex people after a court challenge prompted Government consultations on legal recognition, identity documents and access to public services. Zimbabwe intersex rights

By Southerton Business Times Reporter MUTARE — A 16-year-old Form Three learner at St Werburgh’s High School in Chigodora was left severely injured and unable to walk independently after she was allegedly assaulted by the mother of a primary school pupil in a feud over reported bullying. The incident occurred as the teenager was walking home from school. The suspect, identified as Plaxedes Muchena of Chigodora, allegedly confronted the learner, accusing her of participating in an earlier assault on her young daughter. Severe Injuries and Hospital Referral The victim's father, Blessing Chifamba, confirmed that the extent of his daughter's injuries required an urgent referral to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital for specialist medical treatment. “My daughter was attacked while on her way home from school. The woman accused her of beating her child,” Chifamba stated. “She sustained serious injuries and had to be referred to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital. She is now recovering at home.” Chifamba highlighted the debilitating impact of the assault on his daughter's education and basic mobility, noting that she missed her mid-term examinations. “She is using walking sticks to move around and cannot do simple tasks on her own. She even needs assistance to eat,” he added. “She also failed to sit for her mid-term examinations because of her condition.” When questioned regarding the incident, Muchena acknowledged confronting the teenager, explaining that she acted in response to her daughter returning home with visible marks of violence. “My child came home with visible assault marks and told me secondary school girls had beaten her,” Muchena claimed. “I followed up the matter, but the girl became aggressive and wanted to attack me. I slapped her on the hands, and she fell. The matter is now before the courts.” Manicaland Provincial Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the report and verified that Muchena had been taken into custody. Assistant Inspector Chinyoka urged members of the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, emphasizing the severe legal and physical consequences of vigilante actions. "We appeal to members of the public to seek peaceful and lawful ways of resolving disputes instead of resorting to violence, which can result in serious injuries and criminal charges," Chinyoka stated. The matter is currently pending before the courts. St Werburghs High School assault Chigodora