By Southerton Business Times | Buhera Hundreds of schoolchildren in Buhera are reportedly receiving treatment for dust-related illnesses every year, borehole water has become unsafe to drink in some villages, and livestock are dying after consuming contaminated water allegedly linked to mining activities at the Chinese-owned Sabi Star Lithium Mine, Parliament has heard. The allegations were made during public hearings conducted by the Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate and Wildlife in Buhera on Sunday following a petition submitted by the Buhera Residents Network Trust on behalf of affected communities. The committee, chaired by Sam Matema, visited Mukwasi Primary School, Watekama Business Centre in St Albans and Murambinda Growth Point under Chief Nyashanu to hear evidence from residents, health workers, teachers and local leaders. The mine, operated by Chinese company Max Mind Investments, was commissioned by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2023 and is one of Zimbabwe's major lithium projects. Village health worker Senzeni Taruona Mukwasi told legislators that respiratory and stomach-related illnesses have increased since mining operations began. She said children, pregnant women and elderly residents were among those most affected by dust generated by heavy trucks transporting lithium ore. "We have elderly people, pregnant women and children inhaling polluted air every day. People fear for their health," Taruona told the committee. "As a village health worker, I informed my superiors that coughing cases were increasing because of dust from the trucks and the mine. They engaged the mine, but nothing was done." Teachers at Mukwasi Primary School told the committee that at least five pupils are referred to the nearest clinic every day after complaining of chest problems and other illnesses they believe are linked to dust pollution. Residents said more than 100 heavy trucks use the 37-kilometre gravel road between the mine and Gaza daily, creating thick dust that affects nine schools and nearby villages. Villagers also alleged that several boreholes have developed an unusual smell, prompting many households to stop drinking the water. Instead, some residents now use the water only for gardening and other non-domestic purposes. Community members further claimed that cattle, goats and other livestock have died after drinking water contaminated by dump tailings from the mine. Village Head Newton Mudzoto said health workers had repeatedly raised concerns over the growing number of schoolchildren seeking treatment. "Health workers are alarmed by the rate at which pupils turn up at the clinic. Five or more children are sent to the clinic every day," he said. "They complain of chest and stomach pains. The children's health is no longer good." Committee chairperson Sam Matema said the hearings revealed concerns about communication between the mining company, local communities and public institutions. "It looks like there is little engagement. Schools, clinics, local leadership, stakeholders and the mine should sit down and engage," Matema said. "As a committee, we came to hear your concerns and make a report with recommendations to Parliament." The parliamentary inquiry follows a formal petition by residents calling for an investigation into the mine's environmental, health, social and economic impacts. Meanwhile, Presidential spokesperson George Charamba, speaking to Chipinge Times, criticised the petition, saying communities should seek ways to work with the mining company rather than oppose its operations. Southerton Business Times was unable to obtain an immediate response from Max Mind Investments regarding the allegations. The claims raised during the parliamentary hearings have not been independently verified. Mining companies operating in Zimbabwe are required under the Environmental Management Act to implement measures that minimise pollution and protect surrounding communities, while the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) is mandated to monitor compliance. Sabi Star Lithium Mine

By Southerton Business Times | Bocha, Manicaland President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday joined thousands of congregants at the Johane Marange Apostolic Church's annual Pasika Big Sabbath Service in Bocha, Manicaland, where he reaffirmed the Government's commitment to working with churches to promote peace, national unity and socio-economic development. Addressing worshippers gathered for one of Zimbabwe's largest annual religious gatherings, President Mnangagwa said faith-based organisations remain critical partners in building a peaceful, united and prosperous nation. He said the Government values the role played by churches in fostering moral values, social cohesion and community development, adding that collaboration between the State and religious institutions is essential to achieving the country's development aspirations. "The Government will continue working hand in hand with the Church in promoting peace, unity and national development," President Mnangagwa said. The annual Pasika Big Sabbath Service draws tens of thousands of Johane Marange Apostolic Church members from across Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries for worship, prayer and spiritual reflection. President Mnangagwa commended the Johane Marange Apostolic Church for its continued emphasis on peace, discipline and harmony, values he said are necessary for Zimbabwe's continued growth. He urged Zimbabweans to safeguard the country's peace and remain united despite differing political, social and economic views. The President reiterated that national development requires collective effort from Government, churches, the private sector and communities working towards shared national goals. His remarks come as Government continues to engage religious organisations on programmes covering education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment and social welfare. Zimbabwe's apostolic churches represent one of the country's largest religious constituencies and have increasingly partnered with Government on health awareness campaigns, food security initiatives and community development programmes. Religious leaders have also been encouraged to promote peaceful coexistence, discourage violence and support national dialogue. The annual Pasika gathering remains one of the most significant events on Zimbabwe's religious calendar, attracting thousands of pilgrims to Bocha each year. Emmerson Mnangagwa

Zimbabwe Warriors stars Marshall Munetsi and Jordan Zemura are making headlines ahead of the new European football season, with Munetsi praising new Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Cesar Peixoto while reports in England link Zemura with a return to the English game. The developments come as both Zimbabwe internationals prepare for crucial campaigns that could shape their club careers and boost the Warriors ahead of upcoming international fixtures. Munetsi has thrown his support behind Wolves' new manager, saying the Portuguese coach has injected fresh energy into the squad during pre-season. Speaking to the club's media team, the Zimbabwe midfielder said players have responded positively to Peixoto's demanding training sessions as the club prepares for the new Championship campaign. "The new manager has come in with a lot of fire, and it's been seen with the training sessions. Everybody's really working hard to make sure that when the season starts we'll be ready to put this club back where it deserves," Munetsi said. The Warriors midfielder revealed that he was already familiar with Peixoto's coaching philosophy from the coach's time in Portugal, where he managed two of Munetsi's former teammates. According to Munetsi, the Portuguese tactician's emphasis on intensity, discipline and teamwork makes him well suited to lead Wolves' bid for promotion back to the Premier League. "The way he plays, there's a lot of intensity – a lot of energy comes from his team, and this is exactly what we need in the Championship," he said. Munetsi added that players are already beginning to understand the coach's tactical approach. "You can already feel the energy that he has, putting things into place that will put us in a better position to win games. You can see his game model, his plans, how he wants the team to be connected, the discipline, and everything that you need as a team to progress." Watford linked with Zemura move Meanwhile, fellow Zimbabwe international Jordan Zemura has emerged as a reported transfer target for English Championship side Watford. According to the Watford Observer, the Hornets are in discussions with Italian Serie A club Udinese over a possible deal for the 26-year-old left-back as part of their squad rebuild. The report says Watford are also pursuing Spanish striker Iker Bravo from Udinese after completing the signing of right-back Omar Traore. Zemura was reportedly close to joining Watford during the January transfer window, but the move did not materialise after then-manager Javi Gracia opted for a different option. A move to Vicarage Road would see Zemura return to English football after leaving AFC Bournemouth for Udinese in 2023 following the expiry of his contract. The Zimbabwe defender began his football development in the youth systems of Queens Park Rangers and Charlton Athletic before making his breakthrough at Bournemouth, where he progressed to the Premier League. Since joining Udinese, Zemura has established himself in Serie A while remaining a regular member of the Zimbabwe national team. Should the transfer be completed, he would become another high-profile Warriors player competing in the English Championship, potentially joining Munetsi in one of Europe's most competitive leagues. Neither Watford nor Udinese had officially confirmed negotiations at the time of publication. Marshall Munetsi and Jordan Zemura

By Southerton Business Times | Harare The family of Zandile Tshuma and her two young daughters says its greatest wish is to lay the trio to rest in Zimbabwe as they await the completion of legal processes in the United Kingdom before the bodies can be released for repatriation. The deaths of Zandile and her daughters have sent shockwaves through Zimbabwean communities at home and abroad, with relatives now focused on bringing their loved ones home for burial. Speaking to B-Metro, Zandile's uncle, Leon Leroy Khumalo, said the family is unable to finalise funeral arrangements until UK authorities complete the necessary legal and administrative procedures. "At the moment I cannot give you a full view of what is going to happen since the bodies of our loved ones are still in the UK," he said. He explained that the family would only be in a position to make firm funeral plans once they receive guidance from the UK coroner and the authorities handling the case. "Once we get further information, we will know whether they will be released early to us so that we can start working on the funeral proceedings," Khumalo said. The family has already begun making preliminary arrangements for the eventual funeral, including seeking quotations from funeral service providers in both Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom. However, Khumalo said everything depends on when the coroner authorises the release of the bodies. "We don't know exactly when the bodies will be released by the coroner and when they will be handed over to the funeral parlour to start preparing the repatriation of the three bodies, if that is going to happen," he said. Under UK law, the release of bodies in suspected homicide cases is subject to coronial and criminal justice procedures, which must be completed before repatriation can take place. According to Khumalo, Zandile's parents hope their daughter and granddaughters will be buried in Zimbabwe, saying it would help the family begin the difficult process of healing. "The parents are really keen that the remains of their loved ones lie in this country so that they can have closure of this whole episode," he said. The family said it would announce funeral arrangements once the repatriation process has been completed. Khumalo also expressed gratitude to Zimbabweans both locally and abroad who have offered messages of sympathy, prayers and practical support since the tragedy. He said the outpouring of compassion has helped sustain the family through one of the most difficult periods of their lives. As of 18 July 2026, no burial date had been confirmed, with the family's immediate priority remaining the return of Zandile and her daughters to Zimbabwe. The deaths remain the subject of criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom, where Zandile's husband, Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, has been accused in connection with the killings. He was arrested in South Africa and remains in custody while extradition proceedings continue. The allegations against him have not yet been tested in court, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Zandile Tshuma

By Southerton Business Times | Harare The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested four suspects in separate motor vehicle theft and robbery cases in Bulawayo and Murewa as part of an intensified nationwide crackdown on vehicle crime. In a statement issued on Friday, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) said the arrests followed investigations by detectives from the CID Vehicle Theft Squad in Bulawayo and CID Murewa, resulting in the recovery of stolen vehicle parts, a stolen Honda Fit and an air gun allegedly used during a robbery. Police said Anisto Nkanyiso Nyoni (32) and Alfred Mthunzi (33), both of Emganwini, appeared before Tredgold Regional Court B on 17 July 2026 facing two counts of motor vehicle theft. According to the ZRP, detectives received information on 10 July linking the pair to the theft of a Honda Fit stolen from Nketa 9 Shopping Centre on 24 June 2026. Investigations allegedly revealed that the suspects used an unknown object to start the vehicle before driving away with it. The vehicle was recovered the following day in Upper Rangemore, Bulawayo, after it had allegedly been stripped of its gearbox, radiator and three wheels, while the front bumper had also been damaged. Police said further investigations connected the suspects to another Honda Fit theft that occurred on 19 June 2026. In that incident, the vehicle was allegedly stripped of its gearbox before being abandoned along the Bulawayo–Plumtree Road. During the investigation, detectives recovered two motor vehicle gearboxes, which police believe are linked to the thefts. The accused were remanded in custody until 27 July 2026 for the setting of a trial date. Police said investigations are continuing and that three other suspects, Munashe Ndlovu, Joramu Mpofu and a man identified only as John, are still being sought in connection with the case. Two arrested over alleged carjacking in Murewa In a separate incident, detectives from CID Murewa arrested Nigel Tafadzwa Nyamuzinga (21) and Godknows Divas Zisengwe (26), both from Mutoko, in connection with the alleged robbery of a Honda Fit. Police said the robbery occurred on 11 July 2026, when the suspects allegedly hired the complainant to transport them to Nyahuni before robbing him of his vehicle. Following a tip-off received on 15 July, detectives tracked a suspicious Honda Fit parked at Mutoko Business Centre without registration plates. A search of the vehicle allegedly led to the recovery of the stolen registration plates concealed in the boot. Police also recovered an air gun, which investigators allege was used during the commission of the robbery. The two suspects appeared before the Mutoko Magistrates' Court on 17 July 2026, where they were remanded in custody pending further court proceedings. The Zimbabwe Republic Police said investigations into both cases are continuing and urged members of the public to report suspicious vehicles, stripped vehicle parts or suspected vehicle theft syndicates. Authorities also encouraged motorists to remain vigilant when offering transport to unknown passengers and to promptly report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station. The accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. ZRP vehicle theft

By Southerton Business Times | Harare The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has announced two significant convictions in separate commercial crime cases, saying the outcomes demonstrate its continued efforts to combat fraud, money laundering and other economic offences. In a statement issued on Friday, the Provincial Community Relations Liaison Officer, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Detective Inspector Muteweri R, said a former company executive had been convicted of fraud, while a Mutare woman was ordered by the High Court to forfeit US$35,000 after being found to have benefited from proceeds of crime. According to police, Shingai Faranisi (34) was convicted of fraud by the Harare Magistrates' Court after investigations by the CID Commercial Crimes Division established that he unlawfully authorised the transfer of company funds while serving as a managing director. Police said Faranisi was arrested in June 2024 and appeared before Magistrate L. Mutendereki, who convicted him on 26 June 2026. The court sentenced him to 16 months' imprisonment, with the sentence effectively suspended under various conditions. According to the ZRP, four months were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour, six months were suspended on condition that he restitutes the complainant, while the remaining six months were suspended on condition that he completes 210 hours of community service at Damafalls Clinic in Ruwa. Investigators alleged that in 2022, Faranisi abused his authority as one of the company's bank account signatories by authorising the transfer of ZWL$3.24 million from the company's account without the knowledge or approval of the required co-signatory, contrary to the firm's financial procedures. Police said the unauthorised transaction resulted in financial prejudice to the company. Woman ordered to pay US$35,000 in money laundering case In a separate case, the High Court ordered Moud Fadzayi Mutambara, of Ngani Village under Chief Mutambara, to pay US$35,000 into the Recovered Assets Fund, administered by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, after proceedings related to money laundering. According to the ZRP, Mutambara appeared before the High Court on 17 July 2026 over allegations that she assisted her partner in concealing proceeds of crime. Police alleged that she received US$26,000, which she used to purchase Stand Number 953, Raheem Farm, Mutare, knowing that the money had originated from a staged robbery allegedly orchestrated by her boyfriend, George Mapudzi. The High Court ordered Mutambara to pay US$35,000, representing the assessed value of the benefit derived from the offence, within 90 days. Police said failure to comply with the order would result in a two-year prison sentence. The CID said the successful investigation and prosecution of the two matters underscore the Zimbabwe Republic Police's commitment to tackling commercial crime and protecting the country's financial system. "The successful investigation and prosecution of these cases demonstrate the ZRP's unwavering commitment to combating commercial crimes such as fraud, money laundering and other economic crimes and ensuring justice prevails," the police said. Zimbabwe fraud conviction

By Southerton Business Times | Harare The Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) has warned women against using unregulated herbal products marketed for vaginal tightening, cleansing and other intimate health purposes, saying the products may expose users to serious reproductive health risks. The warning comes amid growing concern over the widespread sale of herbal products such as Ibhodo Labafazi, Pisa Pisa and Weti Yegudo, which are promoted on social media and in informal markets without approval from health authorities. Speaking at a media workshop in Harare last Friday, ZNFPC nurse Fungai Mushosho urged women to avoid inserting substances into their bodies without medical advice. "Don't put inside your body what you do not know. Most of these herbs are not prescribed through pharmacies or health institutions, yet women continue to use them without knowing what they contain," Mushosho said. She encouraged women to consult qualified healthcare professionals before using products marketed for intimate health. Mushosho expressed concern over the increasing popularity of herbal preparations sold outside regulated healthcare systems, warning that they could cause harm to women's reproductive health. "Women should visit health facilities for cervical cancer screening and seek professional advice before using any product," she said. "Early detection saves lives, and it is important for women to protect their reproductive health by avoiding unregulated herbs and relying on approved medical treatment." She also claimed that healthcare workers were seeing increasing numbers of women diagnosed with cervical cancer and suggested that the use of some unregulated herbal products could be contributing to the problem. However, there is currently no established scientific evidence demonstrating that products such as Ibhodo Labafazi, Pisa Pisa or Weti Yegudo directly cause cervical cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), persistent infection with high-risk strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer worldwide. The WHO says nearly all cervical cancer cases are linked to HPV infection, while the most effective prevention measures include: HPV vaccination. Regular cervical cancer screening. Early diagnosis and treatment of precancerous lesions. Access to appropriate medical care. Health experts also caution against using unregulated vaginal products because they may cause irritation, burns, allergic reactions, infections, or disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina, even where they have not been proven to cause cancer. The ZNFPC urged women to rely on registered health facilities and approved medicines when seeking reproductive healthcare. Medical professionals advise that women experiencing vaginal discomfort, discharge, pain or other reproductive health concerns should seek prompt medical attention rather than self-medicating with products whose ingredients and safety have not been scientifically verified. The council said increasing public awareness about cervical cancer prevention, HPV vaccination and regular screening remains critical to reducing the burden of one of Zimbabwe's leading cancers affecting women. ZNFPC

By Southerton Business Times | Harare Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe says Zimbabwe's security services are prepared to respond to any unlawful activities linked to planned demonstrations and a nationwide shutdown scheduled for July 31, 2026. His remarks come amid calls by some civil society groups and activists for peaceful protests against recent constitutional changes and the country's economic challenges. Speaking to the media, Kazembe said Zimbabwe remains governed by the rule of law and that law enforcement agencies would act to preserve peace and public order. "This is a country governed by laws. This is a country with law enforcement agencies. I can assure you that nothing of that sort will happen. Law enforcement agents will be ready and waiting," he said. Kazembe said citizens with grievances should use constitutional and legal mechanisms rather than engage in unlawful activities. "People have spoken, people are happy, and things have been done constitutionally. Therefore, it would be unreasonable for anyone to think of doing anything unlawful on July 31," he said. He added that while Zimbabwe's Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, authorities would act against any conduct deemed to violate the law. "People can say whatever they want on social media. However, I can assure you that this is a peaceful country, and there will be peace and tranquillity come July 31," Kazembe said. The minister's comments follow announcements by activists and civil society organisations calling for peaceful demonstrations and a nationwide shutdown on July 31. Among the organisers is the M31 Movement, which says the campaign is intended to protest the Constitutional Amendment Act No. 6 of 2026 and the country's economic conditions. The movement argues that the constitutional amendments alter Zimbabwe's governance framework and has urged citizens to participate in peaceful action. Authorities have not approved any unlawful gatherings and have reiterated that public demonstrations must comply with the provisions of the Constitution and the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA), which regulates public assemblies and processions. The planned mobilisation comes after activist Bhekimpilo Mbedzi was arrested on 15 July 2026 over allegations linked to organising opposition to the constitutional amendments. Police have not publicly linked Mbedzi's arrest directly to the planned July 31 demonstrations, and his legal matter remains before the courts. The Constitution of Zimbabwe guarantees the rights to freedom of assembly, association and expression, while also providing that these rights may be regulated by law in the interests of public safety, public order and national security. As July 31 approaches, both the Government and organisers have maintained their respective positions, with authorities emphasising the need to comply with the law and organisers describing their planned actions as peaceful. Kazembe Kazembe

By Southerton Business Times | Harare The quiet, tree-lined streets of Denham, an affluent Buckinghamshire village where million-pound homes stand behind manicured hedges, became the scene of one of the most devastating family tragedies to shock the Zimbabwean diaspora in recent years. Inside a £1.7 million family home, Nothabo Zandile Khumalo and her two daughters, Natalie and Nala, were found dead after relatives raised the alarm when they could no longer reach them. Days later, Nothabo's husband, Zimbabwean-born British citizen Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, was arrested in Johannesburg, South Africa, following an international manhunt led by Bedfordshire Police, Interpol and the South African Police Service (SAPS). Authorities in the United Kingdom have accused Tshuma of murdering his wife and two children before fleeing the country. He remains in custody in South Africa as extradition proceedings continue. He also faces a separate South African charge of allegedly possessing an unlicensed firearm. According to information gathered from relatives, investigators and official police statements, concern first emerged after Nothabo suddenly stopped communicating with her family. Instead, relatives began receiving text messages from her phone containing explanations they considered unusual and inconsistent. The messages claimed she was occupied with household chores, overwhelmed at work, or that one of the children had been admitted to hospital. Family members quickly became suspicious. They later said the language and writing style differed from Nothabo's usual manner of communicating, prompting them to question who was actually responding. Relatives repeatedly asked where Nothabo and the children were and why her husband appeared to be answering messages from her phone. They said the responses became increasingly contradictory before communication abruptly stopped altogether. Unable to obtain answers and fearing something had gone terribly wrong, the family contacted police and requested a welfare check. When officers forced entry into the Denham property, they made the grim discovery of Nothabo and her daughters dead inside the home. Bedfordshire Police immediately launched a murder investigation and released CCTV footage and photographs of Tshuma, who was also known as Mark, appealing for information about his whereabouts. Investigators established that he had departed Heathrow Airport on 4 July using a British passport before travelling to Johannesburg via Dubai. British authorities subsequently sought international assistance through Interpol, triggering a coordinated investigation involving the SAPS Crime Intelligence Unit, Gauteng Organised Crime detectives and South African Interpol officers. According to SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, investigators quickly established that Tshuma had arrived at OR Tambo International Airport on 5 July before checking into a Sandton hotel. Police monitored his movements as he later relocated to relatives in Kensington, Johannesburg. Mathe said surveillance, intelligence gathering and information provided by family members assisted investigators in locating him. "Once Interpol issued a Red Notice, their team and our police coordinated, and it was only a matter of hours before we arrested him. It was a swift and efficient operation," she said. Police arrested Tshuma on 10 July without incident. During the operation, officers allegedly recovered an unlicensed 9mm firearm and ammunition, resulting in additional criminal charges in South Africa. Tshuma appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on 13 July. South African prosecutors told the court they had received a provisional extradition request from the United Kingdom while authorities complete the documentation required for his return to Britain. The matter was postponed to 22 July to allow the State to verify his immigration status and finalise the extradition process. He remains in custody. The allegations against Tshuma have not yet been tested in court, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Friends describe Nothabo as a devoted mother and respected information technology professional who had built a successful life in Britain alongside her husband. Their deaths have sent shockwaves through Zimbabwean communities in the United Kingdom, South Africa and Zimbabwe, prompting an outpouring of grief and calls for justice. The case has also reignited conversations about domestic violence, coercive control and the warning signs that can precede family violence. Advocates say domestic abuse often escalates during periods of relationship breakdown, separation or divorce, underscoring the importance of recognising controlling behaviour, threats and isolation before violence occurs. As investigators in Britain continue building their case, three lives have been lost, two families have been left devastated, and a community continues searching for answers to a tragedy that has reverberated far beyond the walls of a single home. Ndodana Tshuma

By Southerton Business Times | Harare Zimbabwe's lowest-paid mine workers will earn a minimum of US$418 per month following a new sector-wide wage agreement concluded by employers and labour unions for 2026. The revised salary structure is contained in a circular issued by the National Employment Council (NEC) for the Mining Industry after successful wage negotiations involving the Associated Mine Workers Union of Zimbabwe (AMWUZ), the Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU) and the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe. The agreement, reached on 9 July 2026, will apply from 1 January to 31 December 2026, subject to registration by the Ministry of Labour and Social Services. Under the agreement, the minimum monthly wages are as follows: Grade Monthly Wage Grade 1 US$418 Grade 6 US$465 Grade 7 US$484 Grade 12 US$911 Grade 13 US$971 The revised wage schedule covers employees across Zimbabwe's mining industry and is expected to benefit thousands of workers employed in gold, platinum, chrome, coal, diamond and other mineral operations. The parties agreed that the salary structure remains subject to review should economic conditions materially change during the year. The agreement also retains existing exemption provisions that allow qualifying employers facing genuine financial difficulties to apply for relief under NEC procedures. The agreement distinguishes between exporters and mines that generate foreign currency and those that do not. Under the new arrangement: Foreign currency-generating mines will pay employees 100% of their wages in US dollars. Non-foreign currency-generating mines that receive the necessary approval may pay the full wage in Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) using the prevailing Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) interbank exchange rate. The provision is intended to accommodate differences in revenue streams across the mining sector while maintaining agreed minimum earnings. Mining is one of Zimbabwe's largest export-earning industries and a major employer, accounting for a significant share of foreign currency receipts through exports of gold, platinum, lithium, diamonds, chrome and nickel. Labour unions have argued that periodic wage reviews are necessary to protect workers' purchasing power amid changing economic conditions, while mining companies have maintained that wage adjustments must balance employee welfare with the need to sustain production and investment. The new agreement follows collective bargaining negotiations between organised labour and employers under the National Employment Council framework, which governs wages and conditions of service in Zimbabwe's mining industry. Zimbabwe mining wages

By Southerton Business Times Reporter MUTARE — A tragic classroom altercation over just US$2 (approximately R35) has left the Marange community in deep mourning after a 14-year-old Form One learner at Mushunje High School was fatally struck by his best friend. The deceased, Leonard Karimanzira, collapsed and died during lessons following a sudden dispute that escalated in front of dozens of classmates. The incident has forced local business leaders, educators, and governance experts to confront growing concerns over adolescent conflict resolution and emergency response protocols within rural school systems. According to details presented in court by prosecutor Mr. Tavonga Mawire, the two 14-year-old boys were not only classmates but exceptionally close friends who routinely commuted to school together. The fatal misunderstanding arose inside a classroom of 42 learners on July 9. Relatives later learned that the tension started when one of the boys reportedly spent US$2 without sharing it, prompting Leonard to confront his friend. "They were inseparable," Leonard's uncle, Pharaoh Manjeese, told The Manica Post. "They cycled to school together, shared lunchboxes and even shared whatever money they had. No one ever imagined that one would die at the hands of the other." The verbal dispute quickly spiraled into mutual insults. The court heard that Leonard reportedly slapped the accused first. In immediate retaliation, the accused punched Leonard once below the ear with a clenched fist. The single blow caused Leonard to lose his balance, strike a classroom desk, and collapse onto the floor. Though teachers and fellow learners rushed to assist and immediately transported him to Mushunje Clinic, he was tragically pronounced dead upon arrival. Unconfirmed accounts from classmates suggested the involvement of traditional medicine (mangoromera), though family members stressed these claims remain unverified. The juvenile accused appeared before Mutare Provincial Magistrate Mr. Poterai Gwezhira facing a formal murder charge. Magistrate Gwezhira remanded the boy to July 23, 2026, releasing him into the legal custody of his father pending his next court appearance. Despite the profound grief, the Karimanzira and Manjeese families have shown remarkable resilience, opting for peace over hostility. Leonard’s grandmother, Maud Manjeese, recalled the heartbreaking moment she arrived at the clinic, holding onto hope because his body was still warm. "We are heartbroken, but we also know no child wakes up intending to kill another," the family stated, describing the incident as a tragic accident. Local traditional leaders have already stepped in to facilitate customary peace talks between the two families while formal criminal proceedings run their course. An official autopsy is scheduled for July 23, 2026, before burial arrangements are finalized. Mushunje High School student death Marange

By Southerton Business Times Reporter MUTARE — A dark cloud of legal debate and public outrage continues to hover over Manicaland after Regional Magistrate Ms. Sekai Chiwundura handed down a total of 15 years in prison to two former Masasi High School pupils convicted of raping a minor schoolmate, only to suspend the entire custodial term because of their ages. The ruling has ignited a fierce national conversation regarding the intersections of juvenile justice, corporate social responsibility for digital platforms, and the protection of vulnerable children in Zimbabwe. The state’s case, meticulously detailed by prosecutor Mr. Tom Nyatsuro, paints a harrowing picture of an incident that took place on February 8, 2025, around 4:00 PM. The two convicts, who were aged 16 and 17 at the time, were walking home from school in the company of the minor schoolmate. What was supposed to be a routine walk home turned into a nightmare when the duo forcefully dragged the complainant into a secluded spot within a nearby forest. There, they took turns raping her and forcing her to endure further aggravated sexual acts. Compounding the horror, one of the convicts used a mobile phone to record video footage of the assault. The digital material was subsequently leaked and widely circulated on social media networks, causing widespread public outrage and exposing the victim to secondary trauma on a national scale. Throughout a grueling full trial, the two teenagers represented by legal counsel from the Justice for Children Trust maintained a strict plea of not guilty. They aggressively argued that the sexual encounter was completely consensual, denying allegations that they had actively exploited the victim’s recognized cognitive difficulties. However, the defense crumbled under the weight of the evidence presented by the state. Magistrate Chiwundura dismissed the claims of consent, finding both accused guilty on all counts. In her final ruling, Chiwundura sentenced the duo to 10 years each for the count of rape and an additional five years each for the charge of aggravated indecent assault, bringing the total to a hefty 15-year sentence. Despite the severity of the 15-year sentence, the courtroom was left stunned when Magistrate Chiwundura announced that the entire custodial jail term would be suspended. The judicial reprieve was granted strictly on the grounds that the convicts were legally classified as minors when the crimes were committed. While the convicts have since filed an appeal at the Mutare High Court to challenge the conviction entirely, the immediate suspension of their prison time has triggered sharp criticism from child rights advocates and legal analysts alike. Many argue that the suspension sends a conflicting message to society at a time when cyber-bullying and school-based sexual violence are on the rise across the country. As the case moves to the High Court, the corporate and civil sectors are watching closely, noting that this trial highlights an urgent need for stricter community policing, digital literacy, and reformative institutional governance for Zimbabwe's youth. Masasi High School rape conviction Mutare