BULAWAYO – Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart is facing growing political pressure from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) faction aligned to self-styled interim secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu, following his absence from a presidential borehole scheme event in Cowdray Park attended by several party councillors. According to reports carried by The Standard, discussions over Coltart's possible removal have reached an advanced stage, although the claims have been strongly denied by the party's provincial leadership. Sources within the party reportedly said Coltart's decision not to attend the government-backed Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme event, officiated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa's adviser Paul Tungwarara, was viewed by some senior figures in the Tshabangu-aligned faction as a deliberate snub. The event later transformed into a campaign promoting Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), with supporters carrying placards endorsing the proposed constitutional changes while participating in singing, dancing, and competitions in which cash prizes were reportedly distributed. Witnesses at the gathering said some church leaders, including pastors and bishops, shared about US$200, while residents carrying CAB3 placards or participating in the celebrations reportedly received cash handouts of up to US$20 each. Speaking during the event, CCC organising secretary Francis Badzarigere publicly criticised Coltart for failing to attend. "I am not trying to be a racist, but we expect that if you are a city father, a mayor, and there is a programme of the President of this nature, it is wrong not to be here," Badzarigere said. He warned that disciplinary action could follow if the mayor continued to disregard what he described as party expectations. "We have no problems with having a deputy mayor, but if the mayor does not give an apology, if the mayor behaves like he is an independent, we will take action," he said. Party insiders told The Standard that Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu is being considered as a possible successor should efforts to remove Coltart succeed. Ward 17 councillor Skhululekile Moyo is also reportedly being considered for the deputy mayor's position to maintain gender balance in the city's leadership. Ndlovu declined to comment on the speculation. Sources further claimed that succession discussions intensified after Coltart announced he would not seek another term when his current tenure expires in 2028. One source alleged that some party members believe Coltart has increasingly distanced himself from the Tshabangu-led leadership. "The party feels that he is behaving like an independent yet he belongs to a political party. His criticism of the leadership has not gone down well," the source was quoted as saying. The reported divisions come against the backdrop of previous disagreements between Coltart and Tshabangu-aligned councillors, including last year's dispute over the extension of Town Clerk Christopher Dube's contract, during which Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu and several councillors publicly distanced themselves from the mayor. Sources also linked the renewed pressure to recent remarks by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, who described Bulawayo as being in the "intensive care unit" due to poor service delivery. However, CCC Bulawayo provincial spokesperson Lungani Ndebele dismissed reports of an impending leadership change. "There is no move to oust Mayor Coltart. Our focus as CCC remains on service delivery and addressing issues affecting residents of Bulawayo, not internal distractions driven by speculation," Ndebele said. Efforts to obtain comment from Paul Tungwarara and David Coltart were unsuccessful at the time of publication. Political analysts say the public criticism directed at Coltart reflects growing tensions within the Tshabangu-aligned faction of the opposition party. They argue that if any attempt to remove the mayor materialises, it could significantly reshape Bulawayo City Council's political leadership while exposing continuing factional divisions within the CCC. David Coltart

HARARE – The Zimbabwean Government has officially outlawed the practice of "parallel development", declaring that no residential houses may be built or occupied before essential infrastructure such as roads, water supply, sewer systems, and stormwater drainage has been fully installed and certified by local authorities. The policy marks a major shift in Zimbabwe's urban housing development framework and is intended to restore orderly town planning while tackling the rapid growth of poorly serviced residential settlements. Announcing the policy during a media briefing last week, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said the Government would no longer permit developers to sell or allow construction on unserviced residential stands. "There is no such thing as parallel development, where people are being asked to build houses while servicing of roads, water and sewer is still taking place. We don't have such a thing," Garwe said. He said all developers, whether local authorities, Government agencies, or private companies, must first complete all required infrastructure before selling residential stands. "The roads, water and sewer must be constructed before anything else is built, and the local authority must issue the developer with a certificate of compliance, which then empowers the developer to sell the developed stands," he said. Under Zimbabwe's Regional, Town and Country Planning Act and related planning regulations, a Certificate of Compliance is issued only after a local authority confirms that all infrastructure required under approved subdivision plans has been completed to the prescribed standards. The minister said allowing housing construction before infrastructure is completed has contributed to poor urban planning, increased service delivery challenges, and left councils facing costly infrastructure upgrades years after settlements have been established. The announcement comes as Zimbabwe continues to grapple with a growing housing backlog that has encouraged the expansion of private land developments, housing cooperatives, and informal settlements over the past two decades. In many suburbs, residential stands have been sold long before roads, water reticulation, sewer networks, and stormwater drainage systems were installed, leaving thousands of homeowners without basic services. Garwe also announced a renewed nationwide crackdown on illegal land sales, commonly known as "sabhuku deals", where individuals without legal ownership or authority sell land to unsuspecting home seekers. He revealed that the Government is finalising a new Statutory Instrument (SI) that will strengthen enforcement measures and impose tougher penalties on those involved in illegal land transactions. "The Government policy on urban development is very clear. We strongly discourage the construction of houses on illegal land or land that has been processed illegally by institutions or individuals," he said. "This idea of being sold a piece of land by an individual who does not own or have title to that land is not only criminal but is going to attract severe penalties." Garwe warned that the government would no longer tolerate the continued expansion of informal settlements. "Sabhuku deals must come to a grinding halt. We discourage people from buying land from these individuals. It is now a punishable offence." The minister also defended the ongoing demolition of illegal structures in Harare South, saying the operation was being carried out in compliance with court orders obtained several years ago. "Once the courts have decided, we cannot interfere as the Executive. You are very much aware of the separation of powers," he said. Urban planning experts have long argued that completing infrastructure before occupation is essential for sustainable urban development, reducing future maintenance costs and ensuring residents have access to reliable water, sanitation, roads, and drainage. The government believes the new policy will strengthen compliance with planning laws, curb illegal settlements, and promote the development of properly serviced and sustainable urban communities across Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe parallel development ban

BERLIN – As Europe endures an intense heatwave, Berlin police have taken the unusual step of deploying water cannons normally reserved for crowd control to help residents and tourists cool down amid soaring temperatures. The two police water cannon vehicles toured the German capital on Saturday, spraying water over people gathered at some of Berlin's busiest landmarks, including the Brandenburg Gate, Potsdamer Platz, and the Reichstag, home of Germany's parliament. The move comes as Germany experiences one of its most severe heatwaves in recent years, with temperatures approaching 41°C and authorities warning of heightened health risks, particularly for the elderly, young children, and people with underlying medical conditions. The German Weather Service (DWD) said the country has endured several consecutive days of extreme heat, compounded by exceptionally warm nights that have provided little relief. Preliminary data from the national weather agency indicates Saturday night was the warmest ever recorded in Germany, with the overnight temperature reaching 29.4°C in Kubschütz, eastern Saxony. Meanwhile, a provisional daytime high of 41.5°C was recorded at 4:20 pm in Möckern-Drewitz, Saxony-Anhalt, making it one of the hottest temperatures measured during the current heatwave. Eyewitnesses welcomed the cooling initiative by Berlin police. "It was a fantastic surprise," one tourist at the Brandenburg Gate told local media. "Everyone was laughing and enjoying the water because the heat was almost unbearable." Another resident described the water spray as "a huge relief" after spending several hours outdoors in temperatures close to 40°C. The DWD has also warned that the extreme heat could trigger severe thunderstorms later on Sunday, bringing heavy rain, hail, and damaging wind gusts to some regions. Climate experts have repeatedly warned that heatwaves across Europe are becoming more frequent and more intense because of climate change. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), rising global temperatures are increasing both the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including prolonged periods of dangerous heat. Public health authorities continue to advise people to remain hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day, seek shade where possible, and regularly check on vulnerable relatives and neighbours. Relief is expected to arrive on Monday as a cooler weather system moves across Germany. The DWD forecasts overnight temperatures dropping to between 19°C and 23°C, while daytime highs are expected to ease to 27°C to 31°C. Rain and isolated thunderstorms are also forecast, bringing an end to the worst of the current heatwave. Berlin heatwave

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga HARARE – Zanu-PF on Saturday conducted one of its biggest nationwide grassroots mobilisation exercises, with thousands of party members gathering at their registered cells across Zimbabwe for the annual National Cell Day programme aimed at strengthening structures, verifying membership records, and recruiting new supporters. The exercise, held simultaneously in all 10 provinces, brought together Politburo and Central Committee members, Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, senators, councillors, and ordinary party members in line with the ruling party's constitution, which recognises the cell as its basic organisational unit. The programme forms part of Zanu-PF's ongoing digital membership registration initiative, designed to create a verified electronic database while ensuring every member belongs to an active party cell. Each Zanu-PF cell consists of about 50 members and is administered by a committee representing the Main Wing, Women's League, and Youth League. Representing President Emmerson Mnangagwa at Dambudzo 1 Cell at Pricabe Farm, Politburo member Daniel McKenzie said authentic grassroots structures remained central to the party's organisational strength. "There is no structure more important than the cell. Without a strong foundation, nothing stands. That is why Zanu-PF continues to strengthen its grassroots structures," McKenzie said. He said President Mnangagwa, who attended the February verification exercise at the same cell, had intended to participate but was called away by official duties. Cell chairperson Liberty Siziba said the President consistently participated in cell activities because he understood their importance in maintaining party structures. Vice President Constantino Chiwenga attended the Makarichi Cell meeting in Hwedza, Mashonaland East, where he urged members to remain united and embrace community-driven development initiatives. "Development of the country should start from the grassroots. Communities must initiate projects, and Government will support them," Chiwenga said. He also pledged to provide members with copies of the Zanu-PF constitution to strengthen their understanding of party procedures. In Harare Province, provincial vice-chairperson Ephraim Fundukwa attended Cell 3 in Southlea Park, saying National Cell Day promoted unity and strengthened neighbourhood-based mobilisation. Former Harare South legislator Shadreck Mashayamombe, attending Cell 1 under George Nyandoro Branch in Ushewokunze, said increasing attendance reflected growing confidence in the ruling party's programmes. Party officials said more than 15 former opposition supporters joined Zanu-PF during the exercise in Ushewokunze, while Warren Park also recorded new memberships. In Southerton's Sally Mugabe Branch, Julius Nyerere District, cell chairperson Paradzai Mutoti encouraged members to verify their records annually while expanding recruitment. Zanu-PF Secretary for Business in Zone 6, Andrew Makahamadze, praised local structures for sustaining mobilisation efforts. "You can see defections from the opposition joining the party, which reflects growing confidence in our ideology and development programmes," he said. Elsewhere, Zanu-PF Secretary for Legal Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi attended Matikwiri Cell in Zvimba West, describing the verification exercise as critical to the party's digitisation programme. Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira joined members at DSO Business Centre in Masvingo West, while Politburo members Ottilia Maluleke and Lovemore Matuke attended meetings in Chiredzi East and Gutu Central, respectively. Political analyst Rashweat Mukundu previously told local media that strong grassroots structures remain vital for political parties because they enhance voter mobilisation, communication, and policy implementation at the community level. Similarly, the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) has consistently noted that political party structures play an important role in civic engagement and electoral participation. Across the country, eyewitnesses described high attendance, orderly verification processes, and active recruitment drives, with party officials saying the annual National Cell Day has become one of Zanu-PF's flagship organisational programmes as preparations continue ahead of future electoral cycles. Zanu-PF National Cell Day

HARARE – Zimbabwe's local authorities recorded a decline in overall performance during 2025, with the country's largest urban councils failing to significantly improve service delivery despite their critical role in driving economic growth, according to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works' latest performance evaluation. The Annual Performance Feedback Report for the 2025 Fiscal Year reveals that the average performance score for Zimbabwe's 92 local authorities fell from 3.67 in 2024 to 3.61 in 2025 on a six-point assessment scale, signalling a slowdown in service delivery improvements. Although the national average remains above the minimum acceptable threshold, the report warns that most councils are maintaining rather than improving services, raising concerns as the Government transitions into the second phase of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2). The assessment, conducted by independent consultancy Best Practices (Private) Limited, evaluated all 92 local authorities, comprising 60 rural district councils and 32 urban councils, against agreed annual performance targets. One of the report's key findings is the sharp decline in the number of councils achieving all their annual targets. Only 20 percent of local authorities met every performance target in 2025, down from 31 percent the previous year. This means that four out of every five councils failed to fully deliver on their planned commitments. The report identifies local authorities as the weakest-performing institutions within the Ministry's broader performance management framework and warns that without urgent reforms, service delivery could stagnate further and undermine national development objectives. Using the six-point rating system, councils scoring four or above exceeded expectations, while a score of three represented acceptable performance within allowable variance. Scores below three reflected underperformance requiring corrective intervention. The report found that rural district councils continued to outperform urban municipalities. Rural councils recorded an average performance score of 3.66, compared to 3.52 for urban local authorities. Among rural councils, 12 exceeded their performance targets, 45 performed within acceptable variance, while only three were classified as underperforming. Urban councils fared less impressively, with only six councils exceeding targets, 23 performing within acceptable variance, and three falling below acceptable standards. According to the report, stronger rural performance was driven by effective utilisation of devolution resources, focused service delivery programmes, lower infrastructure complexity, and stronger partnerships with the Government and development agencies. Despite being Zimbabwe's largest economic centres, Harare, Bulawayo, and Chitungwiza failed to rank among the country's top-performing councils. Zvimba Rural District Council emerged as Zimbabwe's best-performing local authority with a score of 4.42. Mutare City ranked second nationally and was the highest-performing urban council after scoring 4.33, followed by Kwekwe City on 4.31. Harare scored 3.77, placing 10th among urban councils and 50th nationally. Bulawayo followed closely with 3.72, ranking 11th among urban authorities and 51st nationally. Chitungwiza performed considerably worse, recording 3.29, placing 21st among urban councils and 61st nationally. The report warns that underperformance by Zimbabwe's largest municipalities poses significant economic risks because these cities are expected to anchor industrial growth, investment, commerce, and urban development. The findings reinforce recent remarks by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, who described Harare, Bulawayo, and Chitungwiza as councils in the "intensive care unit" because of persistent failures in water supply, refuse collection, sewer management, and road maintenance. The minister has directed the three councils to submit turnaround strategies detailing how they intend to improve service delivery. Despite the overall decline in performance, the report highlights several achievements recorded during 2025. Local authorities completed 1,867 ward development projects, exceeding the annual target of 1,462 projects. Councils also drilled 1,690 boreholes, constructed 429 classroom blocks and 135 clinics, maintained more than 18,285 kilometres of roads, achieved over 95 percent refuse collection coverage in central business districts, implemented 85 percent e-governance systems, and ensured that all public services were available online. The report attributes these gains to collaboration between central Government, local communities, the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), development partners, non-governmental organisations, and the private sector. At the bottom of the national rankings were Chimanimani Rural District Council, which scored 2.21, and Mutasa Rural District Council, which scored 2.35. The report links poor performance to weak governance systems, deteriorating infrastructure, low revenue collection, and persistent failures in delivering basic municipal services. Many struggling councils reportedly collected less than 30 percent of their projected revenues. Nationally, revenue collection averaged only 59 percent, while non-revenue water losses stood at approximately 45 percent. Other major challenges identified include ageing water and sewer infrastructure, inadequate equipment, delayed devolution funding, reduced allocations from the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA), rapid urbanisation, illegal settlements, and the growth of informal vending. More than 80 percent of councils reportedly received no devolution funding during 2025, resulting in stalled infrastructure projects and delays in acquiring critical service delivery equipment. The report also notes that poor payment compliance by residents and outstanding debts owed by Government institutions continue to weaken municipal finances. To improve local authority performance, the report recommends establishing a Presidential Local Government Performance Delivery Unit to strengthen monitoring and accountability. Other recommendations include improving revenue collection systems, introducing minimum service delivery standards, accelerating rehabilitation of water and sewer infrastructure, increasing investment in municipal equipment, and expanding public-private partnerships. Speaking recently at the launch of the Citizens Engagement and Scoring Platform, Permanent Secretary for Local Government and Public Works, Dr John Basera, said the Government is shifting its focus from administrative reforms to measurable service delivery outcomes. "We are transitioning from setting up administrative structures to enforcing aggressive high-impact service outcomes," Basera said. Meanwhile, Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) director Ruben Akili urged councils to refocus on their constitutional mandate. "Local authorities must return to the fundamentals of local governance. Their primary responsibility is to provide essential services such as clean water, efficient sewer management, refuse collection, road maintenance and public health," Akili said. "Over the years, some councils have become preoccupied with activities that are peripheral to their constitutional mandate, often at the expense of service delivery. Residents expect reliable water supplies, effective waste management and well-maintained infrastructure, and those priorities must come first." Zimbabwe local authorities performance 2025

HARARE – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a nationwide manhunt for members of a Bolt Cutter bus crew after a disturbing video showing passengers being violently assaulted at Musami Cross in Murehwa went viral on social media. The incident, which reportedly occurred at Musami Cross in Domborembudzi along the Harare–Mutoko Road, has sparked widespread public outrage and renewed calls for stronger regulation of public transport operators accused of abusing passengers. In the footage circulating online, two men believed to be members of the bus crew are seen repeatedly kicking one passenger in the head while he lies helplessly on the ground. The victim appears dazed and struggles to stand after the assault, prompting concerns that he may have sustained serious injuries. Zimbabwe Republic Police national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that investigations are underway. "Reference is made to the video circulating on social media in which members of the Bolt Cutter Bus Crew are seen violently assaulting passengers at Musami Cross, Domborembudzi," Nyathi said. "The footage depicts two members of the group repeatedly and brutally kicking one of the passengers on the head while he was lying helplessly on the ground." He said police are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and identify everyone involved. "The Zimbabwe Republic Police has taken note of the incident and investigations are currently underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding the matter and identify all persons involved." Nyathi assured the public that those responsible would face the full force of the law. "The public is assured that appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the law. The Zimbabwe Republic Police strongly condemns all forms of violence, disorderly conduct and acts that endanger human life and public safety. Anyone found responsible for the assault will be dealt with without fear or favour." Police have appealed to members of the public with information that could assist the investigation to report at their nearest police station or contact the National Complaints Desk. Information can also be submitted via telephone on 0242 703631 or via WhatsApp on 0712 800 197. While police have not yet confirmed the identities of the victims, reports circulating on social media suggest they were schoolboys travelling from Juru Growth Point to Mutoko. According to the reports, the boys boarded the Bolt Cutter bus after being assured that seats would become available later in the journey. However, the bus allegedly became even more overcrowded after leaving Juru. When the passengers requested a refund for the remaining distance so they could seek alternative transport, they were allegedly forced off the bus before being assaulted by crew members. Witnesses further allege that the US$20 fare paid by the victims was never refunded. Authorities have not independently confirmed these allegations, and investigations remain ongoing. The incident has reignited debate over passenger safety and the conduct of some public transport operators in Zimbabwe, particularly on long-distance routes where complaints of overcrowding, intimidation, and violence periodically emerge. Transport safety experts say operators are legally obliged to provide safe transport services and resolve disputes through lawful means rather than violence. Legal practitioners have also noted that if the allegations are proven, those involved could face charges ranging from assault to attempted murder, depending on the medical assessment of the victims' injuries. Police have urged commuters to report acts of violence, extortion, or abuse involving transport operators to assist authorities in improving safety across Zimbabwe's public transport sector. Investigations into the Musami Cross assault continue. Bolt Cutter bus crew assault

CAPE TOWN – The City of Cape Town has begun relocating large groups of Zimbabwean nationals who had gathered outside Zimbabwe's Consulate in District Six to the Department of Home Affairs Repatriation Centre in Epping, where they will be processed for voluntary return to Zimbabwe. The relocation operation commenced at approximately 9 am on Sunday, 28 June, and is being coordinated by the City of Cape Town in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs and the Zimbabwean Consulate. Municipal authorities said the Home Affairs Repatriation Centre in Epping is the designated facility for processing voluntary repatriation requests and is equipped to accommodate large numbers of people safely and efficiently. The City has advised Zimbabwean nationals wishing to return home not to report to the Zimbabwean Consulate in District Six, stressing that repatriation applications will no longer be handled there. Instead, all individuals seeking voluntary repatriation will first be processed at the Epping centre before being transported to the Beitbridge Border Post, Zimbabwe's busiest land border crossing with South Africa. City Safety and Security officers have been deployed to oversee the relocation exercise, while Traffic Services and Urban Waste Management teams are managing vehicle movement and sanitation around the affected areas. Authorities also thanked humanitarian organisations assisting displaced families and appealed to members of the public to avoid the vicinity of the consulate while the operation continues. The relocation follows weeks of growing crowds outside Zimbabwe's Consulate in District Six, where hundreds of Zimbabwean nationals had gathered seeking assistance to return home amid increasing uncertainty over their future in South Africa. Many families, including women and children, had been camping outside the diplomatic mission while waiting for information on transport and documentation required for repatriation. The move comes against the backdrop of escalating anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa. Groups including March'n'March and Operation Dudula have publicly called for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country by 30 June, a deadline that has heightened anxiety among migrant communities. Although the deadline is not an official government directive, it has coincided with growing anti-immigrant demonstrations, threats against foreign nationals, and heightened tensions in several communities. Concern that planned protests around 30 June could become violent has prompted many Zimbabwean families to opt for voluntary repatriation ahead of the demonstrations. Authorities say the relocation to Epping is intended to ensure that the repatriation process is conducted in an orderly, safe, and dignified manner while reducing congestion around the Zimbabwean Consulate. Cape Town has relocated Zimbabwean nationals from the Zimbabwean Consulate in District Six to the Epping Repatriation Centre for voluntary return processing before transport to Beitbridge. Zimbabweans repatriation Cape Town

HARARE – A family of five was left traumatised after six armed robbers allegedly stormed their home in Mandara during the early hours of Saturday, assaulting the occupants before escaping with laptops, electronic gadgets, groceries, and other valuables. The violent home invasion occurred shortly after 2 am, turning what had been a peaceful night into a terrifying ordeal that lasted about 30 minutes. According to the victim, Dr Edzai Kachirekwa, the gang forced their way into the house before tying up family members and demanding cash. "The gang, comprising six men, forced entry through the lounge, tied us up and assaulted us with machetes whilst demanding cash. They ransacked the house looking for cash as they escaped with groceries, electronics and some of our valuables," Dr Kachirekwa said. The suspects reportedly searched every room in the house before fleeing with laptops, electronic devices, groceries, and other household valuables. After the robbers fled, Dr Kachirekwa managed to free himself in a desperate bid to seek assistance. "I managed to untie myself and went to the bathroom, where I climbed to the ceiling and hoisted myself onto the roof before alerting a neighbour, who managed to call the police," he said. Neighbours responded to the distress call while police officers were dispatched to the scene. No fatalities were reported, although the family was left shaken by the traumatic experience. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the armed robbery and said investigations are underway to identify and arrest the suspects. National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged members of the public to remain vigilant and take precautions to reduce the risk of becoming targets of armed robbery. "As the Zimbabwe Republic Police, we are aware of the issue, and investigations are currently underway. We appeal to members of the public not to keep large sums of money at home, and also be cautious when discussing and disclosing financial statuses. To anyone with information on these criminals must come through," Nyathi said. Police have since intensified patrols in residential suburbs as part of efforts to curb a rise in armed robbery cases targeting homes in Harare. Authorities are appealing to anyone with information that could assist investigations to report it to the nearest police station or contact the Zimbabwe Republic Police through its established reporting channels. The latest incident adds to growing concerns over violent home invasions in Harare, with police urging residents to strengthen home security measures and promptly report suspicious activities in their neighbourhoods. Mandara armed robbery

BINDURA – A 32-year-old man from Avoca Farm in Bindura has appeared before the courts facing a domestic violence charge after allegedly seriously assaulting his wife during a dispute over suspected infidelity. Bernard Mutara appeared before a Bindura magistrate following an incident that allegedly occurred on 21 June 2026. State prosecutor Carson Kundiona told the court that Mutara confronted his 42-year-old wife over allegations of infidelity and questions about her whereabouts before the argument turned violent. The State alleges that during the altercation, the accused used a razor blade to inflict serious injuries on the complainant. According to the prosecution, the complainant was assisted in cleaning herself following the incident before seeking urgent medical treatment. The court heard that she was medically examined, and a medical affidavit documenting her injuries is expected to form part of the State's evidence during the trial. Mutara has been remanded in custody pending further court proceedings. The matter will continue under the provisions of Zimbabwe's Domestic Violence Act, with the court expected to hear additional evidence when the case resumes. The case highlights ongoing concerns over domestic violence in Zimbabwe, where authorities continue to encourage victims and witnesses to report abuse promptly. Under Zimbabwean law, perpetrators of domestic violence face criminal prosecution, with penalties varying depending on the severity of the offence. Law enforcement agencies and organisations working to combat gender-based violence continue to urge communities to report suspected abuse and seek assistance through the police, health facilities, and victim support services. Bindura domestic violence case

Eddson Kishah Kwangware coaching Gwatipedza Mine FC MASVINGO – The Kwangware name has long been synonymous with football excellence in Masvingo, producing generations of talented players who left an indelible mark on the local game. Today, that proud legacy is being carried forward by Eddson "Kishah" Kwangware, head coach of Ngundu-based Division 2B outfit Gwatipedza Mine FC. Born at Gaths Mine Hospital in Mashava on December 28, 1979, Kwangware developed a passion for football from an early age. He attended King Mine Primary School before transferring to Temeraire Primary School in 1993, where he first showcased his talent at age 13. He later enrolled at Temeraire High School, captaining the school's football team between 1997 and 1998 while simultaneously training with Gaths Mine FC, then competing in the Zimbabwe Division One Southern Region League. "Training with a Division One club was a big advantage. Whenever we played at school, I was way ahead of my peers," Kwangware recalled. After completing his secondary education in 1998, he joined Gaths Mine FC on a full-time basis. Just a year later, he captained the club to the Masvingo Division Two championship, securing promotion to Division One. His brothers, Ernest and Maxwell Kwangware, were also part of that successful squad, extending one of Masvingo's most respected football family traditions. Kwangware credits his late father, Alois Sakala Kwangware, and his uncle Joe Machira Chete Kwangware, whom he describes as one of the finest footballers ever produced by the province, for inspiring his career. During his playing days, he represented several clubs, including Gaths Mine FC, RFC Hotels (Ritz, Flamboyant, and Chevron), Lennox Mine FC, and Mutema Brothers. One of his career highlights came in 2007 when he helped Mutema Brothers secure promotion to Division One. Like many Zimbabwean footballers, Kwangware was eventually forced by difficult economic conditions to seek employment in South Africa. After spending several years there, he returned home in 2022 and embarked on a coaching career. Inspired by his uncle Cuthbert Adhazhi Kwangware and renowned South African coach Steve Komphela, Kwangware obtained a CAF D Coaching Licence and now leads Gwatipedza Mine FC. "My main aim is to give back to the community and help underprivileged young players realise their football dreams. My ultimate ambition is to coach in the Premier Soccer League," he said. He also acknowledged the support of club sponsors David Vurayai, Farai 'Big Fatso' Vurayai, and Edmore Gwatipedza, whom he credited with reviving competitive football in Ngundu. Their investment has already begun yielding positive results. In its debut season in the Masvingo Division 2B League, Gwatipedza Mine FC has exceeded expectations by reaching the Monomotapa Cup knockout stages while remaining among the league's strongest performers. "The mood in camp is very positive. We have a young squad with enormous potential and plenty of room for improvement. Our target is to finish in the top four, but earning promotion to Division One would be a massive achievement for everyone associated with the club," Kwangware said. With a rich football heritage behind him and a new generation of talent under his guidance, Eddson "Kishah" Kwangware is determined to ensure the famous family name continues to inspire Zimbabwean football for years to come. Eddson Kishah Kwangware

MUTARE – The High Court has sentenced a 37-year-old Chipinge man to two life terms in prison after convicting him of murdering two girlfriends in separate incidents committed two years apart. Felix Siyatunya was sentenced by Justice Isaac Muzenda at the High Court in Mutare after being found guilty in two separate murder trials. The court ordered life imprisonment for each conviction, reflecting the gravity of the offences and the repeated nature of the killings. The first murder occurred on 27 September 2023 at Checheche Growth Point in Chipinge. According to court proceedings, Siyatunya and his then-girlfriend became embroiled in a dispute over allegations of infidelity. The argument escalated into a violent assault during which he repeatedly attacked the woman. She later succumbed to the injuries she sustained during the assault. In an apparent attempt to conceal the crime, Siyatunya covered the victim's body with a blanket before locking the room from the outside. He placed the key beneath a doormat and fled the scene. The murder only came to light after the landlord became concerned and entered the room, where the woman's body was discovered. The second murder occurred in 2025, involving another girlfriend. Siyatunya was subsequently arrested, prosecuted, and convicted for both killings in separate proceedings before the High Court. Justice Muzenda imposed two life sentences, underscoring the seriousness of the offences and the fact that the accused had repeatedly taken the lives of intimate partners. The convictions bring to an end a series of violent crimes that shocked communities in Chipinge and highlighted the devastating consequences of domestic and intimate partner violence. Authorities continue to urge victims and communities to report domestic violence and threats promptly, saying early intervention can help prevent fatal outcomes. Chipinge man sentenced to two life terms

The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has condemned a violent robbery at one of its electricity feeder stations near Harare after an armed gang overpowered security guards and stole transformer components valued at approximately US$10,000. The attack, which occurred on the night of 23 June 2026, has raised fresh concerns over the escalating theft and vandalism of critical railway infrastructure, a problem that continues to disrupt rail operations and impose significant financial losses on the state-owned rail operator. According to the NRZ, approximately 20 suspects arrived at Marova Feeder Station, located between Norton and Lochinvar, in a truck before scaling the facility's perimeter fence. The gang confronted two NRZ security guards who were on duty at the time. The attackers allegedly overpowered the guards, tied them up using electrical cables, and covered their mouths with adhesive tape before carrying out the theft. Both guards sustained injuries during the robbery, although the NRZ did not disclose the extent of their injuries. The railway operator described the incident as a "brazen attack" targeting infrastructure that is essential for the safe and efficient operation of Zimbabwe's railway network. During the raid, the suspects reportedly dismantled and stole transformer components valued at around US$10,000. The stolen equipment forms part of the electrical infrastructure that powers sections of the NRZ network and supports railway signalling and operational systems. Authorities have not yet indicated whether the theft has affected rail services in the area. The incident was reported to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) at Marimba Police Station, where investigations have since commenced. Police are expected to review security footage, gather forensic evidence, and interview witnesses as part of efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible. No arrests had been announced at the time of publication. The latest robbery adds to a growing list of attacks targeting Zimbabwe's railway infrastructure. Over the past several years, the NRZ has repeatedly reported theft of signalling equipment, copper cables, transformers, and other critical infrastructure by criminal syndicates. Such acts of vandalism have disrupted train services, increased maintenance costs, and compromised the safety and reliability of rail transport. The incident comes as the government and the Mutapa Investment Fund continue efforts to recapitalise and modernise the NRZ through major infrastructure rehabilitation projects aimed at restoring the country's rail network and improving freight transport capacity. Authorities have appealed for members of the public to report suspicious activities around railway installations, warning that vandalism of public infrastructure undermines national development and public safety. NRZ feeder station robbery