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Air Tanzania launches a new Victoria Falls–Dar es Salaam–Cape Town route, boosting Zimbabwe’s air connectivity and strengthening regional tourism links ( image source ) Harare — Air Tanzania will on Thursday, 11 December 2025, inaugurate a new triangular service connecting Victoria Falls, Dar es Salaam and Cape Town — a development expected to enhance regional air mobility and inject fresh momentum into Zimbabwe’s tourism sector. The twice-weekly flights, operating on Thursdays and Sundays, are the latest addition under the government’s Open Skies Policy, which has attracted 23 international airlines and positioned Victoria Falls International Airport as a rising regional hub. The Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) hailed the route as a milestone for Victoria Falls International Airport, saying it expands multi-destination travel options for both leisure and business markets across Southern and East Africa. The new service will allow visitors to combine Zimbabwe’s natural attractions with coastal and metropolitan experiences in Tanzania and South Africa, creating seamless travel circuits that strengthen the region’s tourism value chain. Air Tanzania’s Zimbabwe Country Manager, Ismail Mpinga, said the carrier would collaborate closely with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and regional partners to promote the route and develop integrated travel packages. He said the airline would “link these brothers and sisters in marketing with the tourism board,” signalling coordinated campaigns targeting tour operators, travel agents and global markets. The launch comes amid ongoing government investment in aviation infrastructure, including upgrades to the Air Space Management System and the RGMI Airport VVIP Pavilion under National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). ACZ and aviation stakeholders say these improvements have helped attract major carriers — including Qatar Airways, Emirates and Ethiopian Airlines — that have expanded Zimbabwe’s international connectivity in recent months. Industry analysts anticipate several economic and tourism benefits. The connection to Dar es Salaam opens access to East African source markets and coastal tourism circuits, while the Cape Town link taps into one of Southern Africa’s strongest leisure markets. The triangular routing also enables multi-stop itineraries that can increase tourist length of stay and overall spend. For local businesses, improved connectivity promises more predictable visitor flows and new opportunities for joint regional marketing. Tourism operators welcomed the new service but urged streamlined visa systems, efficient ground-handling and readiness across hospitality products to ensure seamless visitor experiences. Hoteliers, tour operators and transport providers around Victoria Falls said they were aligning capacity and packages to capitalise on the flights, while calling for continued upgrades to road infrastructure and service quality to convert arrivals into repeat business. Observers note that challenges remain, including ensuring flight reliability, competitive pricing and sustained marketing to priority markets. Maintaining safety and service standards as traffic increases will also be key. Nonetheless, aviation stakeholders view the Air Tanzania launch as a positive signal of sector recovery and of Victoria Falls’ growing role as a gateway for regional tourism. As the first flights prepare to land, attention will turn to passenger uptake, load factors and the route’s impact on cross-border tourism flows. Should the model prove successful, analysts say it could pave the way for more triangular or multi-city routes that knit Southern and East African destinations into cohesive travel networks.

A split between Lake Chivero Eco Revival and the new Chivero Action Alliance has exposed transparency and governance disputes in a major clean-up initiative ( image source ) A major volunteer campaign to rehabilitate Lake Chivero, Zimbabwe’s primary water source for Harare and one of the nation’s busiest recreational lakes, has been disrupted by a widening fallout between community groups over governance, transparency, and the handling of public donations. The dispute — now unfolding publicly through widely circulated WhatsApp messages and a contested letter issued by the newly formed Chivero Action Alliance — has fractured what was once a unified initiative operating under Lake Chivero Eco Revival. The new Alliance claims the split resulted from a “scramble for power,” but Eco Revival members argue the real issue is unresolved questions about financial accountability. According to Eco Revival founder Liane Lynley Lombard, her organisation, working with volunteers, partners, and state authorities, repeatedly requested clarity on expenditure and donations received. She says most funding for meals, transport, equipment, and logistics came from her other community organisation, the Emergency Help Group (EHG), whose members donated specifically for Lake Chivero cleaning efforts. Concerns grew after volunteers and prisoners assisting with labour reportedly received poor-quality meals, alongside allegations of incomplete or unclear financial reporting. Stakeholders said itemised accountability was needed before more donations could be mobilised. Instead, a faction led by Garry Stafford formed a new PVO — Chivero Action Alliance — and published a PDF suggesting the original team collapsed due to leadership battles. Eco Revival strongly disputes this narrative. In a formal statement, Eco Revival member Masimba Chapeyama accused the new Alliance of “misleading stakeholders,” “evading responsibility,” and “misrepresenting Eco Revival’s work as its own.” The group says it does not oppose new environmental initiatives but insists that truthful communication and ethical governance are essential, especially where public funds are involved. Amid rising tensions, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has tried to stabilise the situation, reiterating that no single group owns Lake Chivero’s restoration efforts. “As Parks we work with anyone who wants to clean Chivero. No one is superior to another. Pollution is our shared responsibility,” a representative said. ZimParks also noted that more than 55 tonnes of waste have been removed recently from the lake’s north and south banks. Eco Revival has invited EMA, ZINWA, City of Harare, and the Ministry of Environment to upcoming clean-up activities to ensure full transparency and coordinated oversight. The lake remains in a state of environmental emergency, with untreated sewage, industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and recurring cyanobacteria blooms posing severe risks to human and ecological health. For observers, the dispute underscores a critical truth: environmental activism must rest on transparency, collaboration, and ethical leadership. Without those foundations, even the most passionate volunteer efforts risk losing credibility — and Lake Chivero, already in urgent need of restoration, cannot afford delays.

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume exposes major revenue losses from unregulated billboards, prompting a push for a digital registry, stricter enforcement and a cleanup of the city’s outdoor-advertising sector ( image source ) Harare — Mayor Jacob Mafume has sounded the alarm over what he termed a “major revenue scandal,” raising fresh concerns about significant losses from billboard advertising across the capital. The issue surfaced during a full council sitting at Town House last week, where Mafume pressed the finance department for clear revenue figures and accused officials of enabling systemic fraud within the outdoor-advertising sector. Council accountant Benjamin Nhukarume acknowledged that billboard income was “not clear” and described collections as “insignificant,” prompting sharp criticism from councillors. Mafume warned that the leakages are substantial and said recovered revenue could fund urgent improvements to water, sanitation and road infrastructure. For years, Harare’s billboard industry has operated in a regulatory grey zone, with numerous advertising structures erected without proper permits and fee enforcement inconsistently applied. Internal audits have previously flagged millions of dollars in potential annual earnings that never reached municipal coffers. Mafume said the absence of a central register and weak oversight have allowed operators to exploit loopholes and avoid payment. “Billboards of varying sizes and standards crowd intersections, often obstructing sightlines and creating urban clutter, with no clear public record of which is legally sanctioned,” he said, directly blaming council officials for failing to implement stronger controls. He also criticised some committees for blocking regulatory proposals on the basis of “phantom costs,” enabling continued noncompliance. Highlighting the sector’s vast untapped potential, Mafume cited an example showing that advertising at a single stadium could generate nearly US$500,000 per month. To stem the losses, he called for an urgent digital overhaul: a centralised and fully auditable system to track every billboard, its owner and its payment status. “No one knows how many billboards we have. I want a system so that you don’t blame each other. The system will tell us that this billboard is not paid up… we go and cut it,” he said. Council officials have been directed to develop a comprehensive reform plan, including a full audit of existing structures, a digital registry linked to payment and enforcement modules, tighter permitting protocols and targeted operations to remove illegal billboards. Officials also indicated plans to review contracts with outdoor-advertising firms and strengthen penalties for noncompliance. Urban planners and road-safety advocates welcomed the mayor’s intervention, noting that unregulated billboards deprive the city of vital revenue while creating visual clutter and obstructing driver sightlines. Civil-society groups urged transparency in the audit process and recommended public access to the digital registry to prevent future irregularities. Advertising industry stakeholders cautioned that while enforcement is necessary, it should be paired with clear communication and a reasonable transition period to allow legitimate operators to regularise their sites. They argued that combining digital tracking, fair fees and predictable enforcement would stabilise the sector and restore investor confidence. As Harare pushes to tighten oversight, the council faces a test of both capacity and political will. The effectiveness of the reforms will depend on swift implementation of the digital registry, consistent enforcement and transparent reporting to ensure that recovered funds are channelled into the essential city services residents urgently require.

The trial of AMH journalist Blessed Mhlanga and HStv manager Olga Muteiwa resumes in Harare as a CID witness faces tough cross-examination in a case testing the boundaries between press freedom and public-order law ( image source ) Harare — The trial of Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) senior journalist Blessed Mhlanga and HStv general manager Olga Muteiwa resumed in the Harare magistrate’s court, where State witness Edmore Nyadzamba, the officer in charge of CID Law and Order, faced extended cross-examination in a case involving allegations of transmitting messages likely to incite public violence. Magistrate Sheunesu Matova presided as defence lawyers Chris Mhike, Douglas Coltart and Beatrice Mtetwa interrogated the credibility of the investigation and the consistency of Nyadzamba’s testimony. The charges stem from broadcasts of two press conferences by war veteran Blessed “Bombshell” Geza, during which he urged public action against President Emmerson Mnangagwa and accused the government of corruption and misgovernance. Nyadzamba told the court that Mhlanga facilitated Geza’s recording sessions and that the messages were disseminated via computer-based platforms, including social media. Under cross-examination, Mhike challenged the State’s position by arguing that Mhlanga was operating strictly as a journalist and did not control HStv editorial or ownership structures. He contended that the charges amounted to the improper criminalisation of routine journalistic work. The defence also pointed to discrepancies between Nyadzamba’s in-court testimony and his earlier warned and caution statement, questioning the officer’s impartiality and attention to investigative standards. Nyadzamba confirmed that police had obtained Mhlanga’s address during an interview but conceded the failure to execute a search warrant, offering no explanation. Tensions rose when the defence produced a police document referencing a search for the accused. Nyadzamba initially declined to read it, citing poor eyesight. Mhike used the moment to argue that the witness’s conduct undermined the credibility of the investigation, suggesting an element of malice or negligence in the State’s approach. Prosecutors maintain that the broadcasts—featuring Geza’s calls for the president’s removal—were transmitted in a manner capable of inciting public disorder, relying on testimony from CID officers and digital-forensic links to demonstrate how the content was disseminated. Legal analysts say the case touches on wider concerns regarding press freedom and the application of public-order laws. Defence lawyers argue that coverage of public events is protected journalistic activity, while the State insists that the intentional or reckless spread of inciteful material does not fall under media freedoms. The hearing continues today, with further cross-examination expected as the court evaluates the evidentiary record. Media and civil-liberties groups are closely monitoring proceedings due to their significance for freedom of expression and journalistic protections in Zimbabwe.

Securico Security Services calls for national action against gender-based violence during the 16 Days of Activism ( image source ) Harare — Securico Security Services has urged Zimbabweans to take an active role in combating gender-based violence (GBV), stressing that community vigilance and timely reporting are essential to creating safe, supportive environments for women and girls. The call comes during the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, running from November 25 to December 10, 2025, under the theme Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls. Speaking at the security firm’s 27th anniversary event, Securico chief director for Gender and Women Affairs, Lilian Matsika Takaendesa, said the fight against GBV must begin in homes, workplaces and neighbourhoods. She emphasised that true security extends beyond physical protection and depends on how people treat one another. She encouraged citizens to serve as “guardians of dignity” by supporting colleagues, neighbours and family members who may be at risk. Securico raised concern over prevailing national trends, noting that physical violence affects an estimated 39.4% of women in Zimbabwe, while sexual violence stands at 11.6%. Takaendesa highlighted a rise in emotional, psychological, economic and digital forms of abuse, driven in part by the growing use of smartphones and social media platforms. She warned that online harassment, stalking and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images are emerging threats that require both corporate and community responses. The company said it has developed an internal platform to promote dignity and safety across its operations and encouraged other businesses to adopt similar frameworks. With more than 900 female employees—making it one of Zimbabwe’s largest private-sector employers of women—Securico said it has a responsibility to lead by example. Takaendesa called for comprehensive workplace protections, survivor-friendly reporting systems and stronger partnerships with local support services to ensure victims receive timely medical, legal and psychosocial assistance. Civil-society groups commended Securico’s stance but said broader systemic interventions are still needed. Advocates recommended expanding shelter access, tightening legal protections, enhancing digital literacy programmes and rolling out wide-reaching public-education campaigns to shift social norms that tolerate violence. Public-health experts urged government and community-based organisations to integrate GBV screening, counselling and referral pathways into routine health services. They also recommended specialised training for frontline workers such as health staff, police officers and social workers to ensure trauma-informed responses. Securico said it will use its anniversary programming to launch staff training on GBV awareness and digital safety, while partnering with NGOs on community outreach. The company also pledged to review internal procedures to strengthen safeguards for employees who report abuse. As the 16 Days campaign continues, Securico reiterated that ending violence against women and girls requires both institutional leadership and everyday civic action, urging citizens to report abuse promptly and support survivors.

A major Harare concert at Belgravia Sports Club was disrupted after headline acts failed to perform, but strong sets from Mary Anibal, Nisha Ts and top DJs salvaged the night ( image source ) Harare — What was billed as a high-energy showcase at the Belgravia Sports Club on Saturday unfolded into a night of mixed emotions after several headline artistes failed to appear. While fans expressed disappointment at the no-shows, standout performances from DJs and select local acts ensured the event did not collapse entirely. Gates opened at midday, with early arrivals watching sound checks as organisers prepared for the full-day programme. Mary Anibal and Nisha Ts ultimately delivered the night’s most memorable sets, earning praise for professionalism and stage presence. Anibal performed tracks from her Maria Wenyu album, including Paraffin and Bhonzo Muderere, while Nisha Ts energised the crowd with Zimdancehall favourites such as Manake and Kutsamwa Kune Labour. Her predominantly female live band added a distinctive touch that resonated with the audience. “I am just a celebrity who performs to please people,” Nisha Ts said after her set. However, the atmosphere deteriorated as the night progressed. Freeman HKD, Nutty O and Saint Floew completed sound checks earlier in the day but did not return for their scheduled performances, while Baba Harare failed to appear altogether. Their absence left sections of the audience demanding refunds and questioning the event’s organisation. Promoters responded swiftly, with a spokesperson addressing the crowd, offering apologies and confirming that tickets would be honoured at the next Big Show. This gesture eased tensions, while ushers, hygiene personnel and professional stewards maintained order throughout the night, preventing any escalation. The event’s branding earned praise for its sleek black T-shirt designs, clear signage and active social-media marketing. Yet promoters acknowledged shortcomings in broader outreach, citing limited road flyer distribution and an absence of billboard advertising, which likely contributed to lower-than-expected turnout. Industry experts say the incident underscores the need for stronger contractual safeguards and ethical booking practices. When headliners fail to perform, promoters bear the reputational damage, making robust performance guarantees and penalty clauses essential. For those who remained until late, the DJs kept the atmosphere lively, and the professionalism of Mary Anibal and Nisha Ts stood out as the evening’s saving grace. Still, the broader lesson for organisers is clear: strong production values must be matched by dependable artist commitments and comprehensive marketing strategies. Promoters say they will tighten artist liaison procedures and review contracts to prevent similar issues in future editions. With firmer structures and more aggressive promotion, they aim to restore the Big Show as a marquee event within Harare’s live-music landscape.

Dreamstar Zimbabwe’s ninth season concludes with a dynamic China-sponsored finale in Harare ( image source ) Harare — The ninth season of Dreamstar Zimbabwe, a China-sponsored national talent showcase, concluded on Friday night in a packed Harare theatre, where 17 artiste groups competed for top honours in an event organisers say merges performance opportunity with deepening cultural exchange. Hosted by the Zimbabwe Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation (JCMC) in partnership with the China-Zimbabwe Exchange Centre, the finale followed months of nationwide auditions covering music, dance, opera, magic and other creative disciplines. Three acts walked away with top prizes, which included cash awards, JCMC recording deals and all-expenses-paid cultural tours to China. Pandazz Dance Hub, a seven-member Harare dance collective, won the fan-favourite title after delivering a high-energy routine that drew loud acclaim from judges and the live audience. Founder Shadreck Moyo hailed the win as a historic breakthrough for dancers in the competition. “It’s an amazing feeling. This is the first time that a dance crew has won Dreamstar. It is a dream come true,” he said, adding that the China tour will expose the group to international stages and expand their professional networks. Organisers emphasised that Dreamstar is designed as both a talent competition and a development pipeline. Zhao Ke, founder of Dreamstar and director of the China-Zimbabwe Exchange Centre, said the programme is intended to uncover performers in communities with limited creative platforms and to transform raw talent into viable careers. “Lots of Zimbabwean people have talents in arts and culture, but they do not have a platform to showcase their talents,” Zhao said. Since 2014, the initiative has helped propel emerging artistes into the national spotlight. Roughly 300 Zimbabwean youths have travelled to China through Dreamstar’s cultural-exchange programmes, with some beneficiaries receiving scholarships for further study. Liu Bing, a Chinese participant who made the top 10 in the inaugural 2014 season, said the show has grown into a celebrated fixture. “Compared to 2014, the local response is now very strong. It’s similar to some of the most popular events in China right now,” Liu said, noting that the platform has strengthened cultural ties and provided valuable learning experiences. Sponsorship from Chinese enterprises has been central to the programme’s expansion. Zhao Zhanyu, a board member of China Railway No. 9 Engineering Group (Zimbabwe) — a key sponsor of this year’s finale — told Xinhua the event enables Chinese companies to support Zimbabwean creativity and foster people-to-people exchange. “On the stage, the sincere connections between the two peoples have overcome barriers of language,” Zhao Zhanyu said, pledging continued involvement in cultural initiatives that promote bilateral friendship. Industry stakeholders praised Dreamstar for helping to professionalise the creative sector. Promoters and producers at the event highlighted the value of mentorship, studio access and exposure to regional markets — all essential for turning visibility into sustainable artistic careers. Still, cultural advocates urged organisers to pair high-profile showcases with long-term support structures, including transparent selection processes, follow-up training and clear monetisation pathways. Recommendations included seed grants, ongoing recording support and structured touring opportunities to ensure winners can fully leverage their exposure. Organisers said plans are underway to institutionalise Dreamstar as a permanent annual fixture with stronger local partnerships and an alumni network to track long-term outcomes. For now, the ninth-season finale demonstrated the power of platforms and partnerships in elevating Zimbabwean talent to audiences at home and abroad — a reminder that with sustained investment, the country’s creative potential can continue to grow.

WestProp advances plans for the US$100 million Mall of Zimbabwe, set to become the country’s largest retail complex ( image source ) Harare — WestProp Holdings Limited is pressing ahead with The Mall of Zimbabwe, an ambitious US$100 million retail complex set to become the country’s largest commercial development. The long-anticipated project has gained renewed momentum as South African retail developer Exemplar REITail Limited works to finalise anchor leases and refine an expanded blueprint ahead of a planned groundbreaking in early 2026. Designed to offer a peak gross lettable area of 90,000 square metres, The Mall of Zimbabwe is envisioned as a comprehensive destination for shopping, dining, business and entertainment. Developers say the centre will accommodate more than 150 tenants, blending global anchor brands with regional retailers and emerging local enterprises. The tenant mix is expected to enhance Zimbabwe’s retail competitiveness while stimulating domestic business growth. WestProp chief executive Ken Sharpe told BusinessDigest that the project will transform the nation’s retail landscape through both scale and technological innovation. Planned smart features include digital navigation systems, energy-efficient infrastructure and advanced security technologies. Sustainability is a core element of the design, with environmentally conscious architecture and operational efficiencies intended to align with global green-building standards. Beyond retail, the development will incorporate extensive leisure and experiential components. Proposed features include large event spaces, exhibition facilities and interactive zones aimed at attracting families, tourists and business visitors. Developers believe these amenities will extend visitor dwell time, boost ancillary spending and position the mall as a regional lifestyle and events hub. The project is expected to deliver significant economic impact. Sharpe estimated that construction will generate thousands of jobs across engineering, skilled trades, project management and supply chains, benefiting sectors such as cement, steel and transport. Once operational, the mall is projected to support thousands of direct and indirect jobs across retail, hospitality, facilities management and security. Exemplar REITail’s participation signals renewed regional investor confidence in Zimbabwe’s retail sector. The company is currently securing anchor leases and refining the tenant mix to ensure a balance between international attraction and local inclusion. Sharpe emphasised that curated tenancy will be critical for long-term viability, enabling smaller local enterprises to scale alongside established global brands. WestProp has also framed the development as a commitment to community advancement. The company plans to prioritise local procurement where possible and explore skills-development programmes to prepare workers for roles in construction and retail. Sharpe said the project reflects a long-term vision for inclusive growth and economic participation. Developers acknowledge challenges ahead, including securing financing, navigating municipal approvals and ensuring adequate infrastructure for traffic, utilities and waste management. They say they are working with city authorities to address these issues and align the project with broader urban planning objectives. If completed on schedule, The Mall of Zimbabwe could become a landmark of the country’s retail evolution, attracting new brands, expanding consumer choice and generating substantial employment. The coming months will focus on finalising design work, locking in tenant commitments and mobilising construction finance ahead of the projected 2026 start.

Harare hosts the 16th Africa Youth Chess Championships, welcoming 450 young players from 17 countries for nine days of competition ( image source ) Harare — The 16th edition of the Africa Youth Chess Championships opened yesterday at Dominican Convent School, drawing more than 450 young players from 17 African countries for nine days of strategic competition and cultural exchange. The event marks the tournament’s first return to Zimbabwe since 2017 and follows months of preparation by the Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF). Federation president Todd Mapingire welcomed the full turnout, commending organisers for delivering a high-standard event under tight timelines. The championships feature several age groups and formats, with players competing in a Swiss-system structure that rewards consistency across rapid and classical rounds. Beyond medal contention and national rankings, organisers have emphasised the developmental value of the tournament. Coaching clinics, referee seminars and youth outreach programmes are running alongside the games to strengthen grassroots chess and build regional capacity for future events. Visiting coaches and officials are expected to leave lasting improvements in technical skills and training systems. Dominican Convent School has been transformed into a fully equipped chess venue, complete with playing halls, analysis rooms and hospitality spaces for delegations. Mapingire highlighted the collaboration between the federation, schools, hotels and transport partners to ensure a smooth experience for visiting teams. The event’s return to Harare is also providing a boost to the local economy as hotels, restaurants and vendors benefit from increased activity. Chess officials say the successful hosting of continental tournaments can grow sports tourism and create international pathways for emerging talent. The ZCF views the championships as a key platform for identifying potential future grandmasters. Talent scouts and national youth coordinators will track performances to guide scholarship considerations and development pipelines. For many participants, the tournament offers a rare opportunity to compete against continental peers and measure progress at a high level. Running until December 14, the championships will spotlight standout performers and contribute to shaping Zimbabwe’s chess landscape for years ahead.

Harare commuters face severe delays at the Trabablas roundabout after a police roadblock creates congestion on the new overpass ( image source ) Harare — Motorists and residents near the Trabablas roundabout have raised renewed concerns after a police roadblock positioned just beyond the interchange toward the city centre created severe congestion during peak hours, undermining the purpose of the recently constructed overpass. Commuters said the overpass was designed to ease traffic flow by enabling through-traffic to bypass the roundabout, but the location of the checkpoint on the feeder road has caused long queues that spill back onto the interchange and into nearby suburbs. Some motorists reported delays of up to an hour during the morning rush, with public-transport operators and delivery drivers among the worst affected. One frustrated commuter said, “The overpass was supposed to make our commute faster, not turn it into a parking lot. The roadblock is in the wrong place.” Local traders, taxi operators and service providers say the prolonged delays are affecting business, reducing the number of daily trips and causing late arrivals for workers reliant on commuter transport. Police sources said the checkpoint is part of enhanced enforcement operations aimed at curbing crime and improving road safety along the busy corridor. Officers at the scene said the location allows them to intercept vehicles leaving the city, check for stolen goods, and enforce licensing regulations. A senior traffic officer acknowledged the congestion but defended the operation as necessary, saying, “We are balancing enforcement with traffic flow. Where possible we will adjust deployment to reduce disruption.” City traffic engineers and Harare City Council officials are engaging police to coordinate a solution. Council representatives said they will request a reassessment of the checkpoint’s timing and placement to reduce interference with peak-hour traffic. Urban-planning experts noted that roadblocks on feeder roads to major interchanges can create systemic bottlenecks, recommending temporary relocation during peak periods and the use of mobile enforcement units that avoid blocking primary flows. Residents and commuter groups have urged clearer communication and joint planning between police, city engineers and transport associations. Short-term proposals include staggered enforcement hours, designated public-transport lanes and deploying traffic marshals to prevent queues from backing up onto the overpass. Longer-term suggestions include improved signage, real-time traffic alerts and formal guidelines for placing enforcement operations near major interchanges to avoid compromising costly infrastructure upgrades. Practical advice for commuters: • Allow additional travel time while authorities review the checkpoint’s placement. • Use alternative routes to avoid the Trabablas interchange during peak hours. • Share only verified updates from official council or police channels. As Harare works to balance crime-prevention efforts with traffic efficiency, residents say safeguarding the gains of major infrastructure projects must be a priority. For now, commuters and businesses near the Trabablas roundabout are calling for swift, coordinated action to restore the intended benefits of smoother, faster movement into the city’s central districts.

Zimbabwe rolls out body-worn cameras nationwide as the ZRP adopts modern policing tools to enhance transparency, accountability and evidence-based law enforcement ( image source ) Harare — The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has begun the nationwide deployment of body-worn cameras, a move officials describe as a landmark step toward modernising policing and strengthening transparency, accountability and public confidence. National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the rollout in comments carried by B-Metro, noting that devices have already been dispatched to all provinces. Provincial commanders will determine allocation and operational deployment, with training underway as part of a phased implementation programme. “Yes, the process has started. We have distributed the cameras to all the provinces, and it’s the prerogative of the Officer Commanding the province on how those cameras will be distributed,” Comm Nyathi said, adding that officer training will continue throughout the rollout. Body-worn cameras capture real-time audio and visual recordings during police interactions with motorists, suspects, victims and witnesses. International studies show the technology can reduce complaints of misconduct, lower confrontation rates and improve evidence reliability. For Zimbabwe, the cameras are expected to enhance documentation at roadblocks, arrests, searches and public-order operations, while also strengthening internal disciplinary processes. Human-rights groups and civil-society organisations have long advocated for objective recording tools to curb harassment, corruption and excessive force. The adoption of body-worn cameras marks a direct response to those calls and signals a shift toward evidence-based, accountable policing. While the ZRP has not disclosed the number of devices issued or a detailed timeline for full adoption, sources indicate the first phase will prioritise high-visibility units in urban areas — particularly traffic and public-order sections — before expanding to rural districts and specialised teams. Training remains central to the rollout, with policy guidelines on when devices should be activated, how footage will be stored, and how recordings will be used in disciplinary matters currently being finalised. Experts warn that the programme’s credibility depends on strong data-management systems, including secure storage, strict access controls, tamper-proof chain-of-custody protocols and clear regulations for mandatory activation. Without these safeguards, concerns may arise over selective recording or misuse of video evidence. Analysts also emphasise the importance of independent oversight to ensure transparency and public trust, especially in disputed cases or when footage captures misconduct. Early public reaction has been cautiously positive. Many citizens view the cameras as a potential deterrent to abuse of authority and corruption, while advocacy groups urge the ZRP to ensure consistent use of the devices and to publish clear accountability procedures. Calls have also been made for timely access to footage in contested incidents to reinforce confidence in the system. As the programme moves from distribution to practical deployment, the coming months will test how effectively the ZRP integrates the technology into daily policing. If backed by strong governance, transparent oversight and consistent use, body-worn cameras could represent a major step toward a more professional and trusted police service in Zimbabwe.

Bulawayo police have renewed an urgent appeal for information after 25-year-old Nicole Paidamoyo Mutasa vanished from NUST on 23 September, with investigations ongoing ( image source ) Bulawayo — Police have renewed an urgent appeal for public assistance following the unexplained disappearance of a 25-year-old woman from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), a case that has heightened anxiety across the campus and wider city. The missing woman has been identified as Nicole Paidamoyo Mutasa, who was last seen at NUST on 23 September. According to a police description, she is of heavy build, dark complexion, approximately 1.72 metres tall, with brown eyes and a box-braided hairstyle. At the time of her disappearance, she was reportedly wearing a blue skinny jean, brown crop top, pink and brown sneakers, and a black headband. Despite extensive campus searches and ongoing investigations, police say no concrete leads have emerged. University authorities have expressed concern over student safety and are working closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to support investigations. Security patrols have been increased across campus and surrounding areas, while notices have been issued to staff and students encouraging the confidential submission of any information. Student leaders have also intensified awareness efforts, urging students to move in groups after hours and to use registered transport services. Police are currently reviewing digital evidence, interviewing potential witnesses and studying transport routes commonly used by students. Businesses operating near the campus, including shops, service stations and transport operators, have been asked to retain and share any surveillance footage from the period surrounding the disappearance. Specialised units may be deployed if credible leads emerge. The case has reignited debate around urban safety, campus security and transport reliability. Student organisations are now pushing for improved lighting, expanded shuttle services and stronger emergency response systems within and around the university. Family members, with support from community groups, continue to appeal for calm and cooperation as the search continues. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact the nearest police station or campus security immediately.