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  • Strategic Leaks Expose European Tech Providers to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)

    A strategic infographic illustrating the flow of digital data from European telecommunication providers to military command and control centers, highlighting the vulnerability points exposed in recent leaks. Harare, Zimbabwe / Paris, France- The global telecommunications landscape is facing a significant shift following a high-level breach of the Israeli Army’s secure communication infrastructure . The cracking of command communication codes has not only compromised operational security but has also illuminated a network of European firms providing the backbone for the regime's military data and connectivity. The Corporate Network: Exposed Partners The disclosure identifies several key European players whose involvement in the military field is now under intense public and ethical scrutiny. Company Origin Primary Military/Security Contribution NA-NET COMMUNICATION GmbH Germany-Austria Telecommunications, VoIP services, and military-grade network infrastructure. Orange S.A. (formerly France Télécom) France Data center infrastructure, internet, and high-security network data services. Enegan S.p.A. Italy Telecommunications services, allegedly operating under the "energy efficiency" sector. The "Dual-Use" Dilemma The exposure of these firms highlights the growing controversy surrounding dual-use technology commercial infrastructure that is adapted for combat or military coordination. Orange S.A.: As a major French multinational, its deep-rooted involvement in data center and network infrastructure makes it a critical component of state-level communication, now revealed to extend into active military theater support. Enegan S.p.A.: The Italian firm’s reported involvement is particularly sensitive, as its public profile focuses heavily on "energy services for businesses." The claim that it provides telecommunications support to the military under this guise raises questions regarding corporate transparency  and the accuracy of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting. The Threat to Business Continuity For these corporations, the leak is more than a technical failure; it is a reputational crisis. The disclosure of their roles provides a new lens for the global public and activist groups to evaluate their "true nature." Industry analysts suggest that this exposure could lead to: Contractual Volatility: Increased pressure on European governments to review defense-related exports and service contracts. Public Backlash: Divestment campaigns and consumer boycotts, particularly in markets sensitive to the Middle East conflict. Security Overhauls: A forced migration to new, unexposed infrastructure providers, incurring massive costs for the IDF. European companies Israeli army communication leak

  • Zimbabwe Fuel Prices Hit $2.17 Per Litre — Why the Crisis Goes Beyond Iran

    Petrol pump Key Takeaways Zimbabwe fuel prices have surged to $2.17 per litre, triggering economic pressure Global oil prices linked to tensions involving Iran are a factor — but not the full story Zimbabwe’s fuel price increase is driven largely by structural dependence on imports High fuel costs are accelerating inflation and cost-of-living pressures Without reforms, the fuel price crisis in Zimbabwe  will remain cyclical Zimbabwe Fuel Prices Jump to $2.17 Per Litre Zimbabwe’s latest fuel price increase, with petrol now at $2.17 per litre, has triggered a familiar wave of frustration. Social media is awash with anger, commuters are bracing for higher fares, and businesses are quietly recalculating their costs. The explanation being offered is equally familiar: global oil prices are rising, driven by escalating tensions involving Iran in the Middle East. It is true, but it is not the whole truth. Because while the trigger may be global, the pain Zimbabwe is experiencing is largely homegrown. Just weeks ago, petrol prices in Zimbabwe were hovering around $1.73 per litre. The jump to $2.17 represents an increase of roughly 25 percent in a very short space of time. That is not just a price adjustment; it is a shock. And unlike in some economies where such shocks are cushioned, in Zimbabwe they are transmitted almost instantly—from global markets to the fuel pump, and from the fuel pump to the kombi rank. In fact, at current levels, Zimbabwe's fuel prices are now noticeably higher than in many neighbouring countries, amplifying the pressure on both businesses and consumers. How Global Oil Prices and Iran Tensions Affect Zimbabwe Conflict involving Iran matters because oil is a global commodity. When supply is threatened in key regions, prices rise everywhere. Shipping routes become riskier, insurance costs increase, and markets react accordingly. Zimbabwe, like most countries, buys fuel at these global prices, so when oil goes up, Zimbabwe pays more. But here lies the critical point: every country faces the same global prices, yet not every country ends up paying $2.17 per litre. Why Zimbabwe Pays More Than Its Neighbours Zimbabwe’s fuel price is not just a reflection of global markets, it is a reflection of structural dependence. The country produces no crude oil, has no meaningful refining capacity, and imports nearly all its fuel. Being landlocked adds another layer of cost, as fuel must pass through ports in Mozambique or South Africa before travelling long distances inland. Each stage of port handling, pipeline, and road freight adds cost. In effect, Zimbabwe does not just import fuel; it imports cost, risk, and vulnerability. Many governments respond to global price shocks with buffers such as subsidies, strategic reserves, or stabilisation funds. Zimbabwe largely does not. Instead, fuel prices in Zimbabwe are adjusted frequently in line with global movements. This approach avoids long-term fiscal strain, but it comes at a price: immediacy. There is no shock absorber in the system. When global oil prices spike, the impact is felt in Harare within weeks, sometimes days. The Hidden Costs Behind Fuel Prices in Zimbabwe Global oil prices, however, are only one part of the equation. The final pump price is built up through several layers: taxes and statutory levies, financing costs tied to fuel import arrangements, transport and logistics expenses, and risk premiums associated with operating in a high-cost environment. Together, these factors create a structurally high base price, meaning that even modest increases in global oil prices translate into sharp movements at the pump. This raises an uncomfortable but necessary question: how much of Zimbabwe’s fuel price is global, and how much is policy? How Fuel Prices Drive Inflation and Cost of Living Fuel is not just another commodity; it is the engine of the economy. At $2.17 per litre, transport costs rise, food prices follow, businesses adjust upwards, and household budgets tighten. In Zimbabwe’s context, where incomes are already under pressure, the effect is immediate and unforgiving. Fuel prices do not just reflect inflation, they drive inflation in Zimbabwe. Blaming global events alone is convenient, but incomplete. Yes, the situation involving Iran matters, and global oil markets are inherently volatile. But Zimbabwe’s challenge is deeper. It is an economy designed in a way that amplifies external shocks. A landlocked, import-dependent system with limited buffers will always transmit global crises directly to citizens. This is not accidental; it is structural. What Zimbabwe Can Do to Reduce Fuel Price Shocks There are no quick fixes, but there are necessary conversations. Can Zimbabwe rethink its fuel tax structure? Is there scope for regional fuel procurement strategies? Should the country invest more aggressively in alternative energy? Can financing models for fuel imports be made cheaper and more efficient? Without addressing these questions, the cycle will persist. Today it is $2.17. Tomorrow, it could be higher. As long as Zimbabwe remains heavily exposed to global fuel markets without adequate buffers, every external shock, whether in Iran, Eastern Europe, or elsewhere, will continue to show up in one place: the pump price, and ultimately, in the daily lives of Zimbabweans. Zimbabwe is not just reacting to global crises. It is structurally positioned to absorb their worst effects. Until that changes, fuel price increases in Zimbabwe  will not be isolated events they will be a pattern. Simbarashe Namusi is a peace, leadership and governance scholar as well as media expert writing in his personal capacity. Zimbabwe fuel prices

  • Zimbabwe Flood Death Toll Rises to 134 as Rains Batter Communities

    Flooded bridge in Zimbabwe At least 134 people have died since the start of Zimbabwe’s 2025/26 rainy season, according to the latest report from the Department of Civil Protection , as flooding continues to wreak havoc across the country. The report also recorded 56 cases of people being marooned, while 237 schools have been damaged by heavy rains and rising water levels. “The rising levels in water bodies and flooding of rivers have prompted cases of marooning, people being swept away, huts collapsing, and communities cut off from essential services,” the department said. Infrastructure has been severely affected, compounding challenges for already vulnerable communities. On Sunday, traffic was halted for nearly an hour at Shangani Bridge along the Gweru–Bulawayo Highway after floodwaters submerged the crossing. Gweru District Development Coordinator Tarisai Mudadigwa said the flooding was unprecedented for the area, noting that more than 170mm of rain fell within just nine hours. The crisis has also disrupted school activities. A group of primary school pupils on a weekend trip to a nearby wildlife sanctuary were forced to extend their stay after roads became impassable due to flooded streams. The Zimbabwe National Water Authority has since issued warnings over dam spillages and controlled water releases at major reservoirs, including Tugwi-Mukosi, Mutirikwi, and Manjirenji, raising further flood risks downstream. Several rescue operations have been carried out in recent days. In Zvishavane District, 16 gold panners were stranded in the Muchingwe River on March 15 but were successfully rescued. In Chiredzi District, four men were also rescued after attempting to cross the flooded Runde River. However, some incidents have ended in tragedy. In Muzarabani, twin siblings attending early childhood classes at Utete Primary School drowned on March 9 while trying to cross a flooded stream. On March 16, two men were swept away while crossing the Munyati River in Gokwe using a makeshift boat. One was rescued, while the other remains missing. Authorities say civil protection mechanisms have been activated at all levels, from national to village structures, to coordinate response efforts. The government says funds have been released to support disaster response operations, with humanitarian assistance including food and essential supplies being distributed to affected households. With more rain expected, officials are urging communities to avoid crossing flooded rivers and to heed safety warnings as the risk of further incidents remains high. Zimbabwe floods 2026; death toll floods Zimbabwe

  • NPA driver found dead after week‑long search

    NPA logo Harare — National Prosecuting Authority HARARE —   The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ)  has confirmed the death of Shingirai Chikosha (47), a driver with the institution who had been missing since last week. In a statement issued on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, the NPA said Chikosha was discovered in Norton following extensive search efforts. He was last seen alive on 12 March at around 9 pm in Kuwadzana 2, Harare, driving a white Kia Picanto, registration number AGE 4599. “The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe regretfully informs members of the public that Mr Shingirai Chikosha, who had been reported missing since 13 March 2026, has been found deceased in Norton. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is currently conducting thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and subsequent death. The Authority kindly appeals to anyone who may have information that could assist the Police in their investigations to report to their nearest police station. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr Chikosha’s family, particularly his wife and children, as they navigate this profound loss.” The ZRP  has launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding Chikosha’s disappearance and death. Authorities have appealed to members of the public with relevant information to assist police by reporting to their nearest station. The NPA expressed gratitude to individuals and organisations who participated in the search and offered support during the difficult period. The incident has raised concern within the justice sector, highlighting the vulnerability of staff members and the importance of swift investigations to ensure accountability. Colleagues and community members have extended condolences to Chikosha’s family. NPA driver found dead Norton

  • TIMB Issues Stalk Destruction Alert: Uproot, Don't Slash, to Protect Next Season's Yield

    Tobacco pests, white flies Harare, Zimbabwe- The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB)  has issued a high-priority directive to all tobacco growers nationwide, urging the immediate and thorough destruction of tobacco stalks following the 2025/26 harvest. The board emphasized that failure to properly clear fields poses a severe risk of pest carryover and disease outbreaks that could compromise the quality of the upcoming crop. Unlike typical clearing, where slashing or cutting might suffice, tobacco stalks require a more rigorous approach to ensure field hygiene. Why Uprooting is Mandatory: Prevents Regrowth: Slashing or cutting stalks often leads to shoot regrowth. These "volunteer" plants act as a bridge for pests like aphids and tobacco whiteflies. Disease Reservoir: Stalks left in the ground can harbor viral diseases such as Tobacco Leaf Curl and Bushy Top, which can survive between seasons and infect new seedlings. Nutrient Conservation: Regrowth continues to drain valuable soil nutrients, including Nitrogen and Potassium, which should be preserved for the next planting cycle. Farmers are reminded that stalk destruction is not just a best practice but a regulatory requirement under the Plant Pests and Diseases Act . Failure to destroy stalks by the gazetted deadline can result in heavy fines or the suspension of grower numbers. "Field Preparation Checklist" for the 2026/27 season, including soil testing and fumigation best practices TIMB’s Recommended Protocol: Uproot the Entire Plant:  Ensure the root system is completely pulled from the soil. Dry and Burn:  Once uprooted, stalks should be allowed to dry and then safely burnt to eliminate any remaining pathogens. Monitor for Volunteers:  Regularly scout fields during the fallow period to ensure no secondary regrowth occurs. TIMB tobacco stalk destruction 2026

  • Zimbabwe Horticulture Workers Get Pay Rise Under New Labour Statutory Instrument

    Tomato harvesting in a greenhouse The Zimbabwean government has approved a wage increase for workers in the horticulture sub-sector , with earnings backdated to May 1, 2025, under a new statutory instrument. The adjustment was formalised through Statutory Instrument 48 of 2026 , issued in terms of the Labour Act (Chapter 28:01) , governing employment conditions across sectors. According to the agreement registered by the National Employment Council for the Agricultural Industry , the minimum wage for horticulture workers has been increased from US$94 to US$99 per month. The new wage structure will be paid as 80% in US dollars and 20% in local currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) converted at the prevailing interbank exchange rate on the date of payment. Employers with sufficient capacity are permitted to pay 100% in US dollars. The revised wages apply across 10 job grades, ranging from A1 to C2. The lowest-paid workers (Grade A1) will now earn US$99, up from US$94, while those in the highest category (C2) will see their salaries rise from US$186 to US$196. Other grades received increases of between US$5 and US$10. In addition to basic pay adjustments, several allowances have also been reviewed upward. Accommodation allowances increased from US$38 to US$42 per month, backdated to February 2025. Fuel and light allowances rose modestly by US$2 each, bringing them to US$13 and US$9, respectively. Transport, travel, and subsistence costs will continue to be covered by employers, in line with existing industry agreements. The statutory instrument also provides flexibility for struggling businesses. Employers who are unable to meet the new wage thresholds can apply for partial or full exemption through the National Employment Council within 14 days of the agreement, subject to justification. Meanwhile, workers assigned specialised or higher-risk duties, including handling dogs or firearms, will receive an additional 5% allowance on top of their monthly wages. The wage review reflects ongoing efforts to adjust earnings in line with cost-of-living pressures, while balancing the operational realities faced by employers in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector. Horticulture remains a key component of the country’s agricultural industry, contributing to both domestic food supply and export earnings, and employing thousands of workers across farms and agro-processing operations. Zimbabwe horticulture wages

  • Zvimba South MP Slams Musicians Over Drug Abuse, Vulgar Content

    Parliament of Zimbabwe session in progress Zvimba South MP Taurai Dexter Malinganiso has criticised local musicians Hulengende and Malloti Rose , accusing them of promoting drug and substance abuse and using explicit language that undermines social values. Raising the matter in the Parliament of Zimbabwe on Tuesday, Malinganiso said the conduct of some artists, influencers and socialites is contributing to moral decline among young people. “I rise to present a matter of profound national importance which speaks not only to governance but to the moral fabric and social direction of our nation,” he told lawmakers. He singled out the two artists, alleging they use their platforms to normalise drug use and inappropriate behaviour, particularly on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. “We are witnessing an alarming trend whereby certain individuals… are openly promoting and normalising drug and substance abuse,” Malinganiso said, adding that the use of explicit vernacular language further erodes societal norms. The legislator also expressed concern over the public display and alleged glorification of illegal substances, including cannabis, warning that such actions contravene Zimbabwe’s laws. He highlighted what he described as a growing trend in the misuse of prescription medicines such as Broncleer, Codeine and Benylin, which are increasingly being abused recreationally. “Shockingly, instances where such conduct is performed in the presence of children… are normalising deviant behaviour within the domestic space,” he said. Malinganiso further alleged that some public figures have distributed illegal substances during live broadcasts, citing an incident where a fan was given a marijuana plant. “MPs must be clear. Parliament is not only a custodian of economic and political discourse, but also a guardian of the nation’s moral compass,” he said. He warned that failure to act could entrench a culture of indiscipline and lawlessness among young people, with long-term social consequences. The lawmaker called for stronger enforcement of drug and cyber laws, tighter monitoring of online content, and tougher penalties for those found promoting substance abuse. The remarks come amid increasing concern from authorities over drug use in Zimbabwe, particularly among youths, and the growing influence of digital platforms in shaping behaviour and cultural trends. MP Taurai Malinganiso Zimbabwe drug abuse Parliament Zimbabwe debate

  • ZANU-PF Urged to Build Cadre Database for Strategic Placement in State Institutions

    Jacob Mudenda ZANU-PF’s provincial leadership has been urged to create and maintain a comprehensive database of qualified party members for deployment into key State institutions, in a move aimed at strengthening governance and ideological alignment within government structures. The directive was issued by the party’s secretary-general, Jacob Mudenda , while addressing delegates at a provincial outreach programme held at Bulawayo Polytechnic. Mudenda, who was accompanied by ZANU-PF national political commissar Munyaradzi Machacha and Bulawayo provincial chairperson Jabulani Sibanda, said provinces must take a more strategic approach in identifying and grooming individuals for public service roles. “Provinces must play a deliberate and strategic role in cadre development and placement into national institutions,” Mudenda said. He called on party structures to ensure that loyal, competent, and ideologically aligned members are channelled into key sectors, including the police, intelligence services, defence forces, national parks, as well as teacher and nursing training institutions. “We must ask ourselves what we are doing to ensure that loyal, competent, and ideologically grounded cadres are being recruited into Government and State agencies,” he said. Mudenda emphasised the need for a structured system to track potential candidates, including their academic qualifications, professional skills, and readiness for deployment. “This ensures that the State is continuously served by patriotic, disciplined and capable citizens who are ideologically grounded, understand and will defend the ruling party and its programmes,” he added. The remarks come as ZANU-PF intensifies efforts to consolidate its structures and extend its influence across key sectors of the economy and public service. Beyond cadre deployment, Mudenda also urged provincial leaders to support academically gifted but underprivileged students. He called for mechanisms to help such individuals access further education, positioning them as a future pool of skilled personnel for national development. The outreach programme forms part of the party’s broader mobilisation and capacity-building strategy at the provincial level, as it seeks to strengthen internal systems and align governance structures with party priorities. ZANU-PF cadre deployment

  • Retired General Mapuranga Clashes With Temba Mliswa Over Mnangagwa Term Extension Debate

    Retired General Mapuranga criticises Temba Mliswa amid growing tensions over Mnangagwa’s alleged 2030 term extension plan. Retired Lieutenant General Winston Sigauke Mapuranga has issued a sharp rebuke of former Norton MP Temba Mliswa , warning against what he described as “misinterpreting proximity to power” amid escalating tensions over President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s alleged push to extend his rule to 2030. In a strongly worded public statement, Mapuranga dismissed Mliswa’s criticism of retired military officers opposing the proposed extension, accusing him of overstepping into matters of military doctrine and command. “You are a politician… your familiarity with soldiers does not make you a soldier,” Mapuranga said. “Your proximity to power does not qualify you to lecture men who spent their entire adult lives in uniform.” The exchange comes as divisions deepen within political and military circles over constitutional changes linked to Mnangagwa’s tenure. A petition submitted to Parliament by retired Air Marshal Henry Muchena has intensified scrutiny of the proposed reforms. The petition, reportedly backed by war veterans and former commanders, argues the changes would undermine constitutional safeguards and the ideals of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. At the centre of the dispute is the proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill , whose principles have reportedly received Cabinet approval. The measure seeks to extend the president’s tenure beyond current term limits and lengthen the lifespan of Parliament proposals, critics say, which contravene the Constitution. Mapuranga stressed that military allegiance is grounded in constitutional duty rather than political loyalty. “A soldier’s oath is to Zimbabwe and its Constitution not to any individual,” he said, adding that retired officers retain the right to speak on national issues. He also rejected claims that retired officers could be silenced through their association with the Reserve Force, after Mliswa reportedly referenced their continued ties to military structures. “The Reserve Force exists to serve the Republic. It is not a mechanism for intimidating retired officers,” Mapuranga said. The retired general further accused Mliswa of veiled intimidation, warning that invoking the possibility of recall amounted to political coercion. “Threatening retired generals with recall is not loyalty… it is the behaviour of a bully,” he said. Mliswa has consistently defended the proposed extension, arguing it would ensure policy continuity and stability. He has also criticised dissenting voices within Zanu-PF and former military ranks, framing them as part of a system they once upheld. However, legal experts and critics point to constitutional provisions, particularly Sections 91 and 328, which limit presidential terms and bar incumbents from benefiting from amendments that extend their tenure. The dispute underscores widening fractures within ZANU-PF, with factions emerging around internal positions seen as paving the way for extending Mnangagwa’s presidency. Zimbabwe’s military legacy continues to shape the debate, particularly following its decisive role in the 2017 Zimbabwe coup d'état that ushered Mnangagwa into power. As Parliament prepares for public consultations on the proposed amendment, concerns persist that the process could proceed without a referendum, a move analysts warn could heighten political tensions in an already polarised environment. Mapuranga Mliswa clash Zimbabwe constitutional amendment

  • Sovereignty vs. Speculation: Botswana Firmly Denies US Military Base Claims

    Thebephatshwa Air Base Gaborone, Botswana / Harare, Zimbabwe- The Government of Botswana has issued a definitive rebuff to long-standing reports suggesting the presence of a United States military base  on its soil. In a high-level clarification aimed at quelling regional unease, officials labeled the claims as "misinformation" that risks undermining the delicate balance of SADC regional stability. At the center of the controversy is Thebephatshwa Air Base , a sophisticated facility that has frequently been the subject of international speculation. Minister of State President for Defence and Security, Moeti Mohwasa, was unequivocal in asserting national ownership. Sovereign Control: The minister stated that the base is "owned, operated, and controlled entirely" by the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) . National Interests: The facility is designated for emergency response, international peacekeeping missions, and the maintenance of the BDF’s military readiness. Foreign Cooperation: While the government did not deny technical cooperation or training exercises with international partners, it maintained that such activities do not constitute a "foreign base." The timing of this denial is significant. As global tensions escalate particularly regarding the Middle East conflict rumors of foreign military outposts in Africa have surged. Government spokesperson Tuduetso Mokgosi warned that these unverified claims are not harmless "public discourse" but potentially destabilizing "misinformation." "Misinformation, particularly when amplified across borders, has the potential to create unnecessary misunderstanding... between neighbouring countries." Tuduetso Mokgosi, Government Spokesperson For neighbors such as Zimbabwe and South Africa, the presence of a permanent US military installation in Botswana has historically been a strategic concern. By reinforcing its stance on transparency and accountability, Gaborone aims to reassure its peers that its defense posture remains strictly aligned with the principles of national sovereignty and regional non-alignment. Botswana US military base denial

  • Local authorities were rated as the weakest performers in the 2025 government contracts

    Water infrastructure pipes HARARE —   Zimbabwe’s local authorities  have been identified as the worst‑performing sector in the government’s 2025 performance contracts , weighed down by structural and operational challenges that continue to undermine service delivery. The findings were announced Monday as part of the annual performance review system introduced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2021 to strengthen accountability and assess the effectiveness of senior public officials. Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya  said overall government performance had improved, but local authorities remained the weakest link. Urban councils: Only 22% of mayors and council chairpersons met their targets, while 68% fell below target but within variance. Ten percent performed below both benchmarks. Average rating: 3.44, up from 3.31 in 2024. Rural councils: 23% met targets, 74% fell below target but within variance, and 3% fell below both benchmarks. Average rating: 3.66, slightly down from 3.74 in 2024. Town clerks/CEOs: 22% met targets, 70% fell below target but within variance, and 8% fell below both thresholds. Rural district council chairpersons: 28% met targets, 63% fell below target but within variance, and 9% fell short of both measures. The evaluation highlighted systemic problems: Poor revenue collection and widespread non‑payment of rates. Non‑revenue water losses are estimated at 45%. Ageing water and sewer infrastructure. Shortages of equipment and machinery. President Mnangagwa said the performance contracts system was designed to enhance accountability and improve service delivery. “The 2026 Performance Contracts represent a key milestone in our public administration and governance journey. It reflects our unwavering commitment and resilience in delivering public services efficiently as we march forward towards the realisation of Vision 2030,” he said. Analysts argue that despite marginal improvements across sectors, the continued underperformance of local authorities underscores the need for deeper reforms  to address inefficiencies at the grassroots level. Zimbabwe local authorities performance 2025

  • Harare Teacher Granted Protection Order After Ex-Husband Disrupts Classroom

    Harare Civil Court building, where the protection order was granted A Harare teacher has been granted a protection order by the Harare Civil Court following a distressing incident in which her former husband allegedly stormed her classroom and dumped her personal belongings in front of pupils. Patricia Yusufu successfully applied for the order against her ex-husband, Charles Mike, after he failed to attend the hearing, resulting in a default ruling. In her application, Yusufu detailed what she described as a humiliating and traumatic encounter. She told the court that the pair had been customarily married before their union ended on April 2, 2025, under strained circumstances. “Our customary union ended when he forcibly removed me from our home after I refused to relinquish my personal vehicle, which he intended to sell unlawfully,” she said, adding that traditional rites to formally dissolve the marriage were later completed. Yusufu said the incident occurred while she was teaching, when Mike allegedly entered the classroom accompanied by several individuals carrying sacks filled with her belongings. “They began shouting accusations at me, labelling me a prostitute and claiming I had a boyfriend,” she said. “These allegations are entirely false and shocking to hear from a former husband.” According to her testimony, the group emptied the sacks onto the classroom floor, scattering her clothes in full view of students, colleagues, and parents who were present at the school. “This degrading act left me traumatised, distressed, and seriously defamed,” she said. The court granted the protection order, which is designed to prevent further harassment or contact, citing the respondent’s absence and the seriousness of the allegations presented. However, the case is not yet fully settled. Mike has since filed an application seeking to rescind the default judgment , a legal process that could reopen the matter if granted by the court. The dispute comes against the backdrop of a contentious separation between the two. Court records indicate that Yusufu was previously convicted of stealing US$5,200 from Mike. She completed 170 hours of community service at a local hospital and repaid the money in full. Legal experts note that protection orders in Zimbabwe are commonly issued in cases involving harassment, intimidation, or emotional abuse, and can be granted even in the respondent’s absence if the court is satisfied that the applicant faces potential harm. The case underscores growing concerns around domestic disputes spilling into workplaces, particularly in sensitive environments such as schools. Harare teacher protection order

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