Police say a Mutare mushikashika operator has been arrested after allegedly assaulting an officer at a service station. MUTARE – A 29-year-old Mutare mushikashika operator has been arrested after allegedly assaulting a Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer at a service station, an incident that was captured on video and widely circulated on social media. The suspect, Brendon Tsakatsa, of Chikanga 1, was arrested in connection with the incident, which police said occurred on 29 June 2026. In a statement issued on Saturday, the Zimbabwe Republic Police said the alleged victim is Constable Maxwell Mukumbuzi, who was on duty at the time of the incident. According to the police, investigations were launched after a video showing a motorist allegedly assaulting a police officer at a service station in Mutare gained widespread attention online. Police allege that Tsakatsa attacked the officer during the encounter. Details surrounding what led to the confrontation have not yet been disclosed. The case has attracted significant public interest following the circulation of the footage across social media platforms. Commenting on the arrest, the ZRP warned public transport operators and members of the public against interfering with police officers carrying out their lawful duties. "The ZRP strongly warns kombi and pirate taxi operators, as well as all members of the public, against assaulting, resisting or obstructing police officers in the lawful execution of their duties. Such conduct constitutes a criminal offence, and offenders will be arrested and brought before the courts without fear or favour," the police said. The force also urged members of the public who believe they have been treated unfairly by police officers to pursue complaints through established legal and administrative channels rather than resorting to violence. "Members of the public are encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement officers and utilise the appropriate complaint mechanisms where they are aggrieved by police conduct," the statement added. "Mushikashika" is the term commonly used in Zimbabwe to describe unregistered or illegal taxi operators who provide public transport services outside the formal commuter transport system. Authorities have repeatedly said they are intensifying enforcement against traffic offences, illegal public transport operations and assaults on law enforcement officers. Tsakatsa is expected to appear before the Mutare Magistrates' Court, where the allegations against him will be formally presented. As the matter is before the courts, the allegations remain untested, and the accused is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a competent court. Mutare mushikashika operator arrested

Three Zimbabwe Republic Police officers have been sentenced to five years' imprisonment each after being convicted of criminal abuse of office. HARARE – The Harare Magistrates' Court has sentenced three Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers to five years' imprisonment each after convicting them of criminal abuse of office following an anti-corruption investigation. The convictions were confirmed on Friday by ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, who said the officers were arrested during an operation conducted by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Police Anti-Corruption Unit. According to Commissioner Nyathi, the sentences were handed down on 24 June 2026. The convicted officers are Constable Prosper Muchangani (36), Constable Shelton Masvande (34) and Constable Mercy Makarimai (37). At the time of the offence, the trio was stationed at ZRP Murewa Traffic and deployed to Chinamhora Base. Police said the officers were arrested on 21 December 2025 at a roadblock located at the 21-kilometre peg along the Harare–Domboshava Road. Investigators recovered US$975 in cash from the officers during the operation. According to the ZRP, investigations established that no official traffic fine receipts had been issued for the money found in their possession. Police further alleged that the cash had not been declared before the officers commenced duty and that their deployment to the roadblock had not been entered into the official deployment register. The court subsequently found the three officers guilty of criminal abuse of office and sentenced each of them to five years in prison. Commenting on the outcome of the case, Commissioner Nyathi said the Zimbabwe Republic Police remained committed to rooting out corruption within its ranks. "The public is urged to continue reporting any incidents of corruption, bribery and other forms of criminal conduct involving police officers and other individuals in communities," he said. "The organisation will continue taking decisive action against any officer who engages in corrupt or criminal activities, regardless of rank or position." The convictions form part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement authorities to strengthen accountability and combat corruption within public institutions. Anti-corruption campaigns have increasingly targeted offences involving abuse of office, bribery and unlawful conduct by public officials, with police encouraging members of the public to report suspected cases through established reporting channels. The Zimbabwe Republic Police says internal disciplinary processes and criminal investigations will continue to be pursued where evidence indicates that officers have acted outside the law. ZRP officers jailed for corruption

WhatsApp has started rolling out usernames, allowing users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers while raising new concerns over impersonation scams. HARARE – WhatsApp has begun rolling out its long-awaited username feature, allowing users in Zimbabwe to reserve unique handles that can be shared instead of phone numbers when starting new conversations. The optional feature is designed to enhance privacy by allowing users to communicate without revealing their mobile numbers. However, cybersecurity experts warn that it could also create new opportunities for scammers to impersonate businesses, banks, and government institutions. Unlike social media platforms, WhatsApp usernames are not searchable. Someone must already know your username before they can initiate a conversation, reducing the chances of unsolicited messages from strangers. The messaging platform is also introducing an optional username key, an additional layer of security that requires anyone wishing to contact you via your username to know both your handle and a unique verification key. Users can reset the key at any time without changing their username. WhatsApp has also confirmed that when someone contacts a user through a username, the recipient's phone number remains hidden. The company says usernames are entirely optional, and users who prefer to continue using their phone numbers can do so without any changes to their accounts. For businesses, organisations and public figures, the rollout presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Companies can now promote a memorable WhatsApp handle on websites, advertising material and social media instead of publishing personal or business phone numbers. However, businesses that delay registering their preferred usernames could find them claimed by third parties. Technology publication TechCrunch recently reported that during early testing, usernames resembling well-known brands, politicians and public institutions, including a handle mimicking the Reserve Bank of India, were available for registration. The report prompted India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to ask Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, to pause the rollout while concerns over impersonation and online fraud are addressed. Meta has said it reserves well-known names and certain variations for legitimate owners but has not publicly explained how that system works or which organisations qualify for protection. The feature could have significant implications for Zimbabwe, where WhatsApp has become one of the country's most widely used communication platforms for businesses, churches, schools, transport operators and informal traders. Cybersecurity specialists warn that fraudsters could attempt to register usernames closely resembling trusted organisations to deceive unsuspecting users. Possible examples include fake customer support accounts impersonating mobile money providers, banks, utility companies or government departments in an effort to obtain passwords, PINs or payments. While a username may appear more credible than an unfamiliar phone number, experts stress that users should verify the identity of any account requesting sensitive information or money before responding. Businesses are therefore encouraged to reserve their official usernames as soon as the feature becomes available to reduce the risk of impersonation. The rollout also reflects Meta's strategy of creating a more unified identity across its platforms. Users who already own matching usernames on Instagram or Facebook may be able to claim the same identity on WhatsApp, providing greater consistency across Meta's services. Digital rights advocates have welcomed the added privacy offered by usernames but continue to raise questions about platform interoperability, noting that identities created within Meta's ecosystem cannot easily be transferred to competing messaging services. WhatsApp says users can change their username later if their preferred alternative is available. For added security, users should avoid sharing their username publicly unless necessary, enable the username key once it becomes available, and remain cautious of accounts claiming to represent businesses or government institutions. As the feature rolls out globally, cybersecurity experts say awareness will be just as important as technology in preventing fraud. In Zimbabwe's increasingly digital economy, where WhatsApp plays a central role in commerce and communication, verifying the identity of anyone requesting personal information or payments remains the best defence against scams. WhatsApp usernames Zimbabwe

Cybersecurity investigators say compromised smart TVs and Android-based devices were allegedly used to route malicious internet traffic through residential connections. HARARE – Millions of internet-connected devices, including smart TVs, Android TV boxes and streaming devices, may have been unknowingly used as part of a global proxy network that cybercriminals allegedly exploited to conceal their online activities, according to recent cybersecurity investigations. The operation centred on malware known as Popa, which security researchers say infected Android-based consumer devices and connected them to a residential proxy service known as NetNut. According to researchers at Google Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG), the compromised devices were used by hundreds of threat actors to route malicious internet traffic through residential IP addresses, making cyberattacks appear to originate from ordinary homes rather than criminal infrastructure. During one week in June, Google said it observed 316 distinct threat groups using the proxy network for activities including password-spraying attacks, reconnaissance linked to ransomware campaigns and cyber-espionage operations. Unlike traditional botnets that are often used to launch attacks directly, residential proxy networks allow users to disguise the true source of internet traffic by routing it through legitimate household internet connections. This can make malicious activity more difficult for investigators to trace and block. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recently announced the seizure of domains linked to the infrastructure used in the operation, while Google said it disabled accounts associated with the network as part of broader disruption efforts. The residential proxy service, NetNut, has been associated with Alarum Technologies Ltd, a company listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange. Following the law enforcement action, the company said through legal counsel that it would cooperate with the investigation. Publicly available statements indicate that Alarum has maintained that it does not knowingly permit its services to be used for illegal purposes and is reviewing the allegations. Cybersecurity experts note that residential proxy services have legitimate commercial uses, including website testing, fraud detection and market research. However, such services can be abused if compromised devices are enrolled without their owners' knowledge or if access is resold to malicious actors. The incident highlights growing concerns over supply chain security for internet-connected devices. While it has not been established that all affected devices were infected before reaching consumers, experts recommend purchasing products from reputable manufacturers, installing firmware updates promptly, and avoiding unofficial app stores or modified software. Consumers are also encouraged to: Regularly install software and security updates. Change default passwords on smart devices. Disconnect or factory-reset devices that exhibit unusual behaviour. Monitor home network activity using router security tools where available. As more households adopt internet-connected televisions, streaming devices and smart home products, cybersecurity specialists warn that protecting these devices is becoming as important as securing traditional computers and smartphones. smart TV malware

A High Court ruling involving a disputed Kwekwe house sale highlights the importance of verifying legal authority before purchasing property from a deceased estate. HARARE – A recent High Court judgment involving a disputed house sale in Kwekwe has highlighted the legal risks that can arise when property forming part of a deceased estate is sold before the seller has been properly authorised to administer the estate. The case serves as a reminder to homebuyers and property investors of the importance of conducting thorough legal due diligence before purchasing real estate in Zimbabwe. According to the judgment, Rita Hwata sold a house in Kwekwe to Bernard Timothy Hove in April 2001. Hove paid the agreed purchase price in full, and his family occupied the property for more than two decades. However, after Hove's death in 2004, the validity of the transaction was challenged. Hwata later approached the Bulawayo High Court, arguing that the sale was legally invalid because, at the time she signed the agreement, she had not yet been formally appointed as the executor of her late husband's estate through letters of administration issued by the Master of the High Court. The court agreed that the sale was legally void because Hwata lacked the legal authority to dispose of property belonging to the deceased estate at the time of the transaction. Despite finding that the agreement was invalid from the outset, the court also ruled that allowing Hwata to recover the property without compensating the purchaser's estate would result in unjust enrichment. The judge therefore ordered Hwata to pay US$35,000 in damages to Hove's estate. In addition, the court held that Hove's family has a right of retention, meaning they may continue occupying the property until the compensation ordered by the court has been paid in full. Property lawyers say the case underscores the importance of verifying ownership and legal authority before concluding any property transaction involving a deceased estate. Before purchasing such property, buyers should ensure that: The seller has valid letters of administration or letters of executorship issued by the Master of the High Court. The executor has legal authority to dispose of the property. The property's title and ownership records are independently verified. All payments are properly documented. A qualified conveyancer or legal practitioner handles the transaction. While most property transactions in Zimbabwe proceed without dispute, legal experts caution that estate-related sales require additional scrutiny because only a duly appointed executor or administrator has authority to deal with assets belonging to a deceased person's estate. The judgment illustrates how procedural defects can invalidate a property sale years after it was concluded, potentially exposing both buyers and sellers to lengthy litigation. For investors and homebuyers, legal practitioners say professional due diligence before signing a sale agreement remains one of the most effective safeguards against future ownership disputes. Zimbabwe property due diligence

Zimbabwe's repeal of local telecom ownership requirements comes as Telecel Zimbabwe seeks strategic investors under corporate rescue. HARARE – The Government has repealed newly gazetted regulations that would have required telecommunications companies operating in Zimbabwe to maintain at least 75% local shareholding, a policy reversal that comes as mobile network operator Telecel Zimbabwe seeks new investors while under corporate rescue. The short-lived regulations had raised concerns among industry observers that they could complicate efforts to attract foreign capital into Zimbabwe's telecommunications sector, particularly at a time when operators require significant investment to expand network infrastructure and digital services. The repeal restores the previous investment framework, removing uncertainty over local ownership thresholds that had briefly been introduced through a statutory instrument. The development is especially significant for Telecel Zimbabwe, which has been seeking strategic investors as part of efforts to revive the business under corporate rescue proceedings. Industry analysts say access to international investment could improve competition in Zimbabwe's mobile telecommunications market, which is currently dominated by a small number of operators. Greater competition could encourage investment in network expansion, service quality, digital innovation and next-generation technologies, while providing consumers with more choice. The policy reversal has also reignited debate over the use of Statutory Instruments (SIs) to introduce significant economic and investment regulations. Unlike Acts of Parliament, statutory instruments are subordinate legislation issued under powers granted by existing laws. While they are an important tool for implementing legislation, major policy changes introduced through SIs can attract criticism if stakeholders believe there has been insufficient consultation or parliamentary scrutiny. Business organisations have consistently argued that regulatory certainty is a key factor influencing investor confidence. Frequent changes to investment rules can increase perceived risk, particularly in capital-intensive sectors such as telecommunications, energy and mining, where investors typically make long-term commitments. Zimbabwe's telecommunications industry requires substantial investment in fibre infrastructure, mobile broadband, data centres and emerging technologies to meet growing demand for digital connectivity. Policy stability is therefore viewed as an important factor in attracting both domestic and international capital needed to modernise the sector. The Government has repeatedly stated that it remains committed to creating an investment-friendly environment and increasing private sector participation across key industries. With the ownership restrictions now withdrawn, attention is expected to shift back to Telecel's search for new investors and the broader outlook for competition and investment in Zimbabwe's telecommunications market. Industry participants will also be watching whether future reforms affecting strategic sectors are introduced through broader stakeholder consultation to provide greater regulatory certainty and support long-term infrastructure investment. Zimbabwe telecom ownership rules

The theft of more than US$15,000 from Mukuru has highlighted the security challenges associated with cash-intensive remittance businesses in Zimbabwe. HARARE – The recent conviction of a Mukuru Zimbabwe employee for stealing more than US$15,000 from the remittance company has renewed attention on the operational and security challenges facing businesses that handle large volumes of cash. The case also highlights Zimbabwe's continued reliance on cash transactions, particularly in the remittance sector, despite ongoing efforts to promote digital financial services. Cash remains the preferred option for many recipients of money transfers, with industry observers pointing to a combination of economic, regulatory and consumer confidence factors. One of the key drivers is the cost of banking. Customers frequently cite bank account maintenance fees, withdrawal charges and transaction costs as reasons for preferring to receive and keep money in cash rather than depositing it into formal banking institutions. Economists also note that public confidence in the banking sector has been shaped by previous currency policy changes, including the conversion of foreign currency deposits into local currency during earlier monetary reforms. Those experiences continue to influence how many households and businesses manage their savings and day-to-day transactions. The preference for physical cash, however, creates significant operational risks for financial service providers and remittance companies. Businesses handling substantial cash volumes must invest heavily in physical security, cash transportation, surveillance systems and internal controls to reduce the risks of theft, robbery and employee fraud. The Mukuru case illustrates the potential impact of internal security breaches, while the sector has also experienced incidents involving armed robberies targeting premises known to handle large cash reserves. Security experts say cash-intensive businesses typically require layered protection measures, including strict cash-handling procedures, employee vetting, surveillance technology, segregation of duties and regular audits to minimise both internal and external risks. The continued dominance of cash also has wider economic implications. Financial analysts argue that higher use of electronic payments can improve financial inclusion, reduce cash-handling costs and strengthen transparency in the financial system. However, achieving greater adoption depends on public confidence in banking institutions and payment platforms. Industry stakeholders have repeatedly said that encouraging greater use of formal financial services requires a combination of affordable banking products, reliable digital payment infrastructure and a stable policy environment that gives consumers confidence to retain funds within the banking system. As Zimbabwe's financial sector continues its digital transformation, balancing consumer preferences with improved security and financial inclusion remains one of the industry's biggest challenges. For remittance companies, protecting large cash holdings while meeting customer demand for cash payouts is likely to remain a critical operational priority until broader shifts in banking behaviour occur. Zimbabwe cash economy

BULAWAYO – The City of Bulawayo is strengthening HIV prevention programmes after Magwegwe and Pumula were identified as emerging HIV hotspots, with councillors warning that rising drug and substance abuse could fuel new infections if left unchecked. The concerns emerged during deliberations on the council's Health Promotion Unit, where councillors discussed the latest findings from the National AIDS Council (NAC) and called for intensified interventions in the two high-density suburbs. According to the latest council minutes, Councillor Perseverance Nyathi expressed concern over the increase in new HIV infections, saying the development was particularly worrying as Bulawayo continues to confront growing levels of drug and substance abuse among young people. "The National AIDS Council has flagged Magwegwe and Pumula as new HIV hotspots in the city," Nyathi said. "Currently, the city is battling with drug and substance abuse, and the HIV and AIDS challenge is now recurring. I would like to know the council's strategy in reducing and eradicating new HIV infections in these areas." Responding during the meeting, Ward 23 Councillor Ntombizodwa Khumalo said the local authority was working with government departments, the National AIDS Council and other stakeholders to strengthen HIV prevention efforts and improve community awareness. "Council is engaging other partners to deal with HIV infections in the mentioned areas. Our major target is to achieve zero new HIV infections. Campaigns on drug and substance abuse will also continue," Khumalo said. She noted that tackling HIV requires addressing the broader social and behavioural factors that increase vulnerability, including substance abuse. The Health, Housing and Education Committee's recommendations were subsequently adopted by council, paving the way for continued awareness campaigns, community engagement and prevention initiatives in the affected suburbs. According to UNAIDS, Zimbabwe has made significant progress in reducing HIV-related deaths and expanding access to antiretroviral treatment over the past decade. However, preventing new infections remains a major public health priority, particularly among young people and key populations at higher risk. Health experts have long warned that harmful alcohol and drug use can increase the risk of HIV transmission by impairing judgement, reducing condom use and contributing to unsafe sexual behaviour. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also highlighted the importance of integrating HIV prevention with mental health and substance abuse programmes to improve health outcomes. Bulawayo has historically been one of Zimbabwe's urban centres with a relatively high HIV burden, prompting sustained prevention campaigns involving local authorities, healthcare providers, civil society organisations and community leaders. City officials say partnerships with health agencies and community organisations will remain central to efforts to reduce new infections, improve access to HIV testing and treatment, and raise awareness about both HIV prevention and the dangers of drug and substance abuse. The renewed campaign forms part of broader national efforts to end new HIV infections and achieve global HIV response targets through prevention, early diagnosis and expanded access to treatment. Bulawayo HIV hotspots

The Bindura Magistrates' Court sentenced a man to an effective 12 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to a domestic violence offence. BINDURA – A 32-year-old Bindura man has been sentenced to an effective 12 months in prison after pleading guilty to a charge of domestic violence arising from a violent assault on his wife during a domestic dispute. The sentence was imposed by the Bindura Magistrates' Court after the man admitted to physical abuse in contravention of the Domestic Violence Act. According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPA), the offence occurred on 21 June 2026 at a farm in Bindura following an argument between the couple over allegations of infidelity. Prosecutors told the court that the accused lured his 42-year-old wife into believing he wanted to be intimate before using a razor blade to inflict serious injuries to her genital area. The court heard that after the assault, the woman sustained severe bleeding and the accused gave her water to clean herself. The victim's injuries formed the basis of the criminal charge, to which the accused pleaded guilty. In passing sentence, the court imposed 18 months' imprisonment, with six months suspended for five years on condition that the offender does not commit a similar offence during that period. He will therefore serve an effective 12-month prison term. The NPA said the sentence reflects the seriousness with which Zimbabwean courts continue to treat domestic violence offences, particularly those involving serious physical harm. Domestic violence remains a significant public health and human rights concern in Zimbabwe. The Domestic Violence Act [Chapter 5:16] criminalises physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, psychological and economic abuse, while providing legal protection for survivors and mechanisms for reporting abuse. Authorities continue to encourage victims of domestic violence and members of the public to report incidents to the Zimbabwe Republic Police Victim Friendly Unit, social welfare offices or other designated support services so that survivors can receive medical attention, protection and access to justice. The National Prosecuting Authority has repeatedly urged communities to resolve domestic disputes through lawful means and warned that acts of violence within families can result in lengthy prison sentences. Bindura domestic violence case

HARARE – Dozens of Zimbabwean nationals have begun returning home after seeking refuge at a church property in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, following reports that they were forced to flee their communities amid anti-foreigner tensions. According to Newzroom Afrika, three buses carrying Zimbabwean nationals were preparing to leave the church site on Friday afternoon for Musina, from where the returnees are expected to cross into Zimbabwe through the Beitbridge Border Post. The temporary shelter has also accommodated Malawian nationals who arrived on Thursday night after reportedly fleeing neighbouring communities. Those staying at the church told the broadcaster they had been displaced following door-to-door searches in several communities, during which residents allegedly demanded that landlords identify and remove foreign nationals from their properties. Many of those affected said they fled without collecting their belongings, fearing for their safety. Some of the displaced travelled from Howick and surrounding townships before arriving at the church, where humanitarian organisations have been providing food, water, sanitation facilities and psychosocial support. Because Zimbabwean nationals arrived first, newly arrived Malawian nationals initially occupied a separate section of the church property while additional space was being prepared for them. One Malawian man, who said he had lived in Mpophomeni for nearly five years, told Newzroom Afrika that community members threatened to burn them if they remained in the area. "That's why we escaped from there," he said. The man said he was legally residing in South Africa and held a valid passport but was uncertain about what assistance would be available to help him return home. Zimbabwean national Philip Tinago, a Pietermaritzburg resident, told The Witness that the Zimbabwean Consulate had arranged buses to transport Zimbabwean citizens to Beitbridge. According to Tinago, returnees will be processed at the border before being assisted by Zimbabwean authorities to travel to their respective towns and villages. "It is heartbreaking to see people leaving behind everything they have worked for and returning to a future they know very little about," Tinago said. He added that an estimated 70% of those returning are documented migrants who have lived and worked in South Africa for many years. "Some are over 50 years old and have lived here for more than 20 years. Starting over will not be easy. Many have also left most of their belongings behind because they are only allowed to board with one large and one small bag," he said. Tinago said humanitarian organisations have played a key role in supporting displaced migrants while they await transport, providing essential services including meals, drinking water, sanitation and emotional support. The reported displacement comes amid renewed concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, where periodic tensions linked to immigration, unemployment and crime have, at times, resulted in attacks and the displacement of migrant communities. Neither South African authorities nor the Zimbabwean government had issued an official statement on the reported removals at the time of publication. Zimbabweans returning from South Africa

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has begun constructing the first phase of a solar and battery energy project that will eventually generate up to 100MW of electricity for its Tech City development. HARARE – Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has started construction of the first phase of a major solar and battery energy project that is expected to expand into a 100-megawatt (MW) renewable power plant, marking one of the country's largest private-sector investments in energy security. The project will form the energy backbone of the planned 800-acre Econet Tech City and is designed to provide reliable, independent electricity for the telecommunications company's Harare operations, including its network infrastructure and data centres. The investment comes as businesses increasingly turn to self-generation to address Zimbabwe's recurring electricity shortages and improve operational resilience. Speaking about the project, Econet Group Chief Executive Officer Dr Douglas Mboweni said reliable electricity has become critical to maintaining high-quality telecommunications services. "Our analysis showed that the single biggest threat to network quality is no longer the telecommunications equipment itself – it's power," Mboweni said. "If we are serious about delivering a world-class digital experience, then we must first guarantee a world-class power supply. That is why we are investing in generating our own clean, reliable energy." According to Econet, an internal assessment found that 58% of network service quality challenges are linked to power-related disruptions, including national grid outages and voltage fluctuations that affect sensitive telecommunications equipment. To address those challenges, Chinese contractors have begun installing solar photovoltaic panels and battery energy storage systems at the Tech City site. Battery storage will enable electricity generated during the day to be stored and used during periods of high demand or grid interruptions. The company said similar renewable energy systems are also being rolled out at strategic network sites across Zimbabwe as part of a broader programme to strengthen infrastructure resilience and improve service availability. Once fully developed, the 100MW power plant will supply electricity to Econet's Harare campus, network operations, offices and data centres, significantly reducing dependence on the national electricity grid. In a major shift from the traditional business model, Econet plans for grid electricity to become a secondary or backup power source, with solar generation meeting most of the company's operational energy requirements. The project is also expected to benefit businesses that will establish operations within the planned Econet Tech City, with surplus electricity generated by the solar plant earmarked for tenants occupying the technology and innovation hub. Zimbabwe has witnessed growing investment in captive renewable energy projects as companies seek to protect operations from power shortages while supporting the country's transition to cleaner energy sources. The telecommunications sector, in particular, depends on uninterrupted electricity to keep mobile networks, internet services and cloud infrastructure operational. Industry analysts say investments in renewable energy and battery storage are becoming increasingly important for digital infrastructure, helping operators reduce operating costs, improve network reliability and lower carbon emissions while supporting Zimbabwe's broader digital transformation agenda. Econet 100MW solar power plant

Chief Mutasa ordered the refund of lobola with interest following the breakdown of a marriage heard before a traditional court. MUTASA – A traditional court in Manicaland has ordered the parents of a woman to refund the bride price paid for her marriage after she admitted to having an extramarital relationship with her husband's nephew before leaving the marriage. The ruling was handed down by Chief Mutasa after Aleck Magadu brought the matter before the traditional court, seeking relief following the breakdown of his marriage to Theresa Zimhuwu, 31. According to proceedings reported by The Manica Post, Chief Mutasa ordered Zimhuwu's parents to refund the undisclosed lobola (bride price) paid by Magadu, together with 10 percent annual interest, with the full amount to be settled by August 2026. In delivering the ruling, the chief said the complainant had suffered financial and emotional loss after the marriage collapsed. "The bride price is to be paid back with annual interest because you wasted his time. He thought he had found his lifetime partner, but instead you cheated on him with his nephew and went on to stay with him, abandoning your husband and four children," Chief Mutasa said. Magadu told the court he is now caring for the couple's four children and said he was particularly distressed that the relationship involved his nephew and neighbour, Hambai Muchakuya, 38. "I never imagined that someone from my own family would betray me in such a manner. Losing my wife was painful enough, but knowing she had gone to my nephew, who stays next door, made the situation even harder to accept," Magadu told the court. During the hearing, Zimhuwu acknowledged that her relationship with Muchakuya began while she was still legally married. However, she alleged that she had endured physical abuse during her marriage, which she said influenced her decision to leave. "I did not leave because of excitement or money. I left because I felt trapped in an abusive marriage. I was constantly assaulted and eventually decided I could no longer continue living like that," she said. Muchakuya also admitted before the traditional court that he had a relationship with his uncle's wife before she left the marriage. As part of the ruling, Chief Mutasa ordered Muchakuya to provide seven head of cattle and seven cocks to Magadu as compensation by the end of September 2026. The chief further advised Magadu to consider DNA testing for the couple's four children, saying it could help resolve any future disputes over paternity. The ruling highlights the continuing role of Zimbabwe's traditional courts in resolving family and customary disputes. While chiefs have jurisdiction over matters governed by customary law, decisions involving maintenance, custody, divorce and civil property rights may also fall under the jurisdiction of the country's civil courts, depending on the circumstances. chief orders lobola refund