HARARE – Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested 20 people, shut down 20 illegal shebeens, and dismantled four drug bases during a major anti-crime operation targeting violent offenders in Southlea Park and surrounding suburbs. The operation, codenamed Operation Hurricane, was launched following a surge in reports of murders, robberies, assaults, and unlawful entry cases in the area. Harare Province Police Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru said the operation combined saturation patrols, stop-and-search exercises, and raids on suspected criminal hideouts and unlicensed drinking establishments. "On Tuesday and Wednesday, police embarked on an operation code-named Operation Hurricane covering Southlea Park and surrounding areas," Chikunguru said. According to the police, officers arrested about 20 people for offences including public drinking, while 20 illegal shebeens were ordered to close. Authorities also destroyed four suspected drug bases and recovered sachets of dagga during the raids. Police said half of those arrested were already wanted in connection with unlawful entry and robbery cases. "About 20 people were arrested, 20 shebeens were closed, four drug bases were destroyed, and sachets of dagga were recovered," Chikunguru said. The police commissioner warned operators of unlicensed beer outlets that law enforcement agencies would intensify enforcement against illegal businesses believed to be fuelling crime and disorder in residential communities. He urged all operators of illegal shebeens and other unregistered drinking establishments to cease operations immediately or face prosecution. Commissioner Chikunguru said Operation Hurricane would be rolled out to other suburbs across Harare as police step up efforts to combat violent crime and restore public order. He also appealed to residents to work closely with law enforcement by providing information that could assist in identifying and apprehending criminals. "We would like to warn people harbouring criminals by providing accommodation as tenants that the law will take its course," he said. The commissioner urged landlords to carry out proper background checks before renting out their properties. "Do not rent your houses to criminals. Have detailed information before renting strange people into your homes," he said. Police believe that some criminal suspects have been using rented accommodation and illegal drinking spots as bases to plan robberies, assaults, and other offences. The latest operation comes amid a broader nationwide crackdown on illegal alcohol outlets, drug trafficking, and violent crime. Authorities have repeatedly warned that unlicensed shebeens often operate outside liquor licensing regulations and are frequently linked to drug abuse, public disorder, and other criminal activities. Police have encouraged members of the public to continue reporting suspicious activities, saying community cooperation remains essential in combating crime. "Police is going to leave no stone unturned in bringing all criminals to book," Commissioner Chikunguru said. The Zimbabwe Republic Police says investigations into criminal networks operating in Southlea Park and neighbouring suburbs are continuing, with further arrests expected as Operation Hurricane expands across the capital. Operation Hurricane Southlea Park

Harare is set for a major traffic management upgrade after City Parking announced plans to install 49 smart solar-powered traffic light systems across the capital in partnership with the City of Harare. The project forms part of broader efforts to modernise the city's ageing traffic infrastructure, improve traffic flow, and reduce congestion at some of Harare's busiest intersections. According to City Parking, the new intelligent traffic management system will replace outdated traffic lights with modern, energy-efficient units equipped with advanced monitoring and control technology. A key feature of the project is the installation of solar-powered traffic lights, which are expected to remain operational even during Zimbabwe's frequent electricity outages. Power cuts have often resulted in malfunctioning traffic lights, causing severe congestion, longer travel times, and an increased risk of road accidents. The new installations will use high-visibility LED displays that consume less energy while offering improved visibility for motorists and pedestrians. City Parking said the systems are designed for remote monitoring and can easily be upgraded as technology evolves. The project will also introduce a central traffic control centre that will enable officials to monitor traffic conditions across Harare in real time. Using live data from the network, traffic controllers will be able to adjust signal timings during peak periods to improve the movement of vehicles along major routes. The intelligent traffic management platform is expected to reduce unnecessary delays by automatically responding to changing traffic volumes throughout the day. One of the project's most significant innovations is the introduction of intelligent "green wave" coordination. According to City Parking, the technology synchronises traffic lights along major roads so that motorists travelling at appropriate speeds encounter consecutive green lights. "One of the standout features of the new system is intelligent green wave coordination, which can be implemented by configuring phase differences and timing plans for main road intersections," the company said. "This functionality facilitates continuous green wave progression along main roads, effectively minimising vehicle stops and enhancing both traffic throughput and driver satisfaction." Traffic engineers say coordinated signal systems can significantly reduce congestion, fuel consumption, and vehicle emissions while improving journey times. The traffic light upgrade follows City Parking's recent rollout of an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) parking enforcement system. The ANPR technology uses cameras mounted on enforcement vehicles to automatically scan and record vehicle registration numbers before transmitting the information to a central monitoring centre. Authorities say the integrated systems are intended to improve traffic management, parking enforcement, and overall urban mobility as Harare continues implementing smart city technologies. Once completed, the 49 new smart intersections are expected to enhance road safety, improve traffic efficiency, and reduce the impact of power outages on the capital's transport network. Harare smart traffic lights

The death toll from the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela has climbed to more than 900, while at least 3,360 people have been injured as rescue teams race against time to locate survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings. Government officials said the twin earthquakes, which struck within seconds of each other on Wednesday, caused widespread destruction across northern Venezuela, with the coastal state of La Guaira and the capital, Caracas, suffering the worst damage. Authorities confirmed that at least 172 people remain trapped beneath rubble, raising fears that the death toll will continue to rise. La Guaira, home to one of Venezuela's busiest ports and Simón Bolívar International Airport, has borne the brunt of the disaster. Hundreds of residential buildings, hospitals, shopping centres, and public infrastructure have either collapsed or sustained severe structural damage, leaving thousands homeless. National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez said more than 243 people had already been rescued alive in La Guaira, describing every successful rescue as a source of hope for grieving families. Among those desperately awaiting news is Natacha Diaz, whose two daughters, aged 22 and 23, remain missing after the shopping centre where they worked as manicurists collapsed. "They were together with their friends. I just want them back. They are all I have," Diaz told the BBC. The United Nations says nearly 2,000 international rescue workers have joined local emergency services in one of the largest humanitarian responses Venezuela has seen in decades. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said the first 72 hours following a major earthquake are critical for locating survivors. "It's absolutely devastating," Fletcher told BBC Radio. "We are driven minute by minute by the voices of survivors beneath the rubble. We cannot stop while we can still hear them." According to the UN, 39 specialist urban search-and-rescue teams equipped with trained dogs, medical personnel, and miniature drones have been deployed to assist rescue operations. Countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Mexico, and Switzerland have also dispatched rescue personnel, equipment, and humanitarian aid. The United States has announced US$150 million in emergency assistance alongside military transport aircraft and naval assets to support relief operations. Medical facilities across the affected regions are struggling to cope with the influx of casualties. Many hospitals sustained damage during the earthquakes, forcing healthcare workers to establish makeshift treatment centres. Doctor Pedro Javier Fernandez said Venezuela's already fragile healthcare system had been pushed beyond its limits. "Our hospitals already lacked medicines and essential supplies before the disaster," he said. "Now the emergency is even greater, making it far more difficult to care for the injured." Residents walk across rubble Thursday in Catia La Mar, Venezuela, which was rocked by earthquakes Wednesday. (Pedro Mattey/AP) The second earthquake measured magnitude 7.5, making it one of the strongest earthquakes to strike Venezuela in more than a century. Officials have recorded more than 214 aftershocks since Wednesday, increasing fears of additional building collapses and complicating rescue operations. Experts say the relatively shallow depth of the earthquakes amplified ground shaking, contributing significantly to the widespread destruction. Despite the devastation, rescuers have reported remarkable survival stories. State television broadcast dramatic footage showing three young siblings emerging alive after spending hours trapped beneath concrete debris in La Guaira. Their rescue has become a symbol of hope as emergency workers continue searching for survivors. The disaster has also claimed the lives of foreign nationals, including citizens of Portugal, Brazil, and Spain. Among those mourned is the wife of Venezuelan footballer Héctor Bello, who reportedly died while shielding and saving the couple's young daughter during the earthquake. Humanitarian organisations warn that Venezuela's prolonged economic crisis has left the country particularly vulnerable to natural disasters. Norwegian Refugee Council Secretary-General Jan Egeland said years of underinvestment had weakened public infrastructure and emergency preparedness. "The damage is horrific," he said. "Venezuela entered this disaster with crumbling infrastructure, making the response even more difficult." Heavy machinery has now been deployed to the hardest-hit communities as authorities begin the long process of clearing debris and restoring essential services. Relief agencies warn that recovery efforts are likely to take months, while thousands of displaced families will require food, shelter, clean water, and medical assistance long after rescue operations end. Venezuela earthquake

A former wholesale cashier who stole more than US$48,000 from his employer before fleeing to Zambia and assuming a false identity has been sentenced to an effective six years in prison after failing to repay the stolen money. The dramatic case came to an end after a cross-border investigation involving the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and Interpol led to the arrest of 34-year-old Tawanda Manzinde, who had allegedly been living under a fake Zambian identity. Manzinde, formerly employed as a cashier at N Richards Wholesale in Rusape, appeared before Rusape provincial magistrate Tendai Mahwe after being extradited from Zambia. According to prosecutor Faith Mutukwa, the theft occurred between 17 April and 22 April 2025 when Manzinde was entrusted with US$48,445 and ZiG2,000 belonging to his employer. The money had been placed in his custody for safekeeping and was due to be deposited into the company's bank account after the Independence Day public holiday. Instead of banking the funds, prosecutors said, Manzinde disappeared from work without informing his employer, prompting the company to report the matter to ZRP Rusape Central on 22 April 2025. Police investigations initially yielded only a small recovery after officers searched his Rusape residence. Authorities recovered US$1,242 and ZiG1,440 concealed in a hole at the property, leaving the bulk of the missing funds unaccounted for. The case went cold until June 2026, when investigators received information that Manzinde was living in neighbouring Zambia. The matter was subsequently referred to the Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB) in Harare, which worked closely with the Interpol NCB Lusaka to trace the suspect. Investigators discovered that Manzinde had allegedly obtained fraudulent Zambian identity documents and was living under the name Charles Banda in Chirundu. He was arrested by Zambian authorities on 9 June 2026 before being extradited to Zimbabwe to face trial. During investigations, Manzinde allegedly admitted spending much of the stolen money establishing a new life across the border. Court proceedings heard that he purchased two vehicles, a Honda Fit and a Toyota Daihatsu, opened two bottle stores, and bought a 25-by-25-metre residential stand, where he built a five-roomed house. Despite those investments, prosecutors told the court that only a fraction of the stolen money had been recovered. Manzinde pleaded guilty to theft. Magistrate Mahwe sentenced him to seven years' imprisonment, suspending one year for five years on condition of good behaviour. The remaining six years were conditionally suspended on the understanding that he would immediately make restitution by repaying the stolen funds. However, after failing to reimburse his former employer, the suspended sentence was activated, leaving him with an effective six-year prison term. The prosecution noted that property worth only US$1,240 and ZiG1,440 had been recovered, meaning most of the stolen money remains unrecovered. Former cashier jailed for stealing US$48 000

Two Irish nationals and a Zimbabwean woman have each been fined US$110 after pleading guilty to possessing dagga discovered during a police operation at a Harare hotel. Jodie Kinsella (37), Tadgh Joseph Byrnes (23), and Melisa Khan (42) appeared before Harare Magistrate Lisah Mutendereki, facing charges of unlawful possession of dangerous drugs. Following their guilty pleas, the court convicted all three and fined each accused US$110. They will each serve 60 days in prison if they fail to pay the fine. The court heard that on June 24, detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Drugs and Narcotics Unit received information alleging that dangerous drugs were being kept in a hotel room occupied by the trio. Acting on the intelligence, officers proceeded to Room 1018, where the three suspects were staying. According to the prosecution, detectives obtained the occupants' consent before conducting a search of the room. During the search, police allegedly recovered five sachets of dagga that were lying on a table inside the room. The three suspects were immediately arrested and taken to the CID Drugs and Narcotics offices in Harare for further investigations. Police also issued an exhibit seizure confirmation receipt after taking possession of the recovered substance. Prosecutors told the court that the recovered dagga had an estimated street value of US$5. The three accused subsequently appeared before the Harare Magistrates' Court, where they all admitted unlawfully possessing the drug. After considering their guilty pleas, Magistrate Mutendereki imposed a fine of US$110 on each accused, with an alternative sentence of 60 days' imprisonment in the event of non-payment. The convictions come as Zimbabwean authorities continue nationwide operations targeting the possession, trafficking, and distribution of illegal drugs. Police have repeatedly warned that anyone found in unlawful possession of dangerous drugs faces arrest and prosecution under Zimbabwe's criminal laws, regardless of the quantity involved. Authorities say public cooperation remains essential in combating drug-related offences and protecting communities from substance abuse and illegal drug trafficking. Harare hotel dagga arrest

MASVINGO – Vice President Kembo Mohadi has officially opened the 2026 National Disability Expo in Masvingo, reaffirming the Government's commitment to improving the welfare and economic inclusion of persons with disabilities across Zimbabwe. VP Mohadi, who represented President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the official opening ceremony held at Mucheke Stadium on Friday, presided over an event that attracted more than 500 exhibitors from across the country. Hosted by Masvingo Province on a rotational basis, this year's National Disability Expo began on Wednesday and concludes on Friday. The annual event provides a platform for persons with disabilities, government institutions, private companies, and development partners to showcase products, services, and initiatives aimed at promoting inclusion and economic empowerment. One of the highlights of the three-day exhibition was the strong participation of people living with disabilities, who displayed locally produced goods, entrepreneurial ventures, and artistic talents. A roadshow featuring musical performances by artists with disabilities also drew large crowds throughout the event. Before officiating at the expo, Vice President Mohadi commissioned the new Jairos Jiri Centre Business Unit in Masvingo, a facility expected to enhance vocational training and income-generating opportunities for persons with disabilities. In a speech delivered on behalf of President Mnangagwa, the Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities are fully integrated into Zimbabwe's socio-economic development agenda. The President said the Second Republic remained guided by its policy of "leaving no one and no place behind," adding that empowering people with disabilities remains a national priority. As part of that commitment, the President announced a Presidential Empowerment Package targeting persons with disabilities. The package includes: Fifty goats under the Presidential Goat Scheme; Sixty pigs under the Presidential Piggery Project; Agricultural land for productive farming; Residential stands; and Mining equipment to support income-generating projects. The government said the empowerment resources will be distributed equitably across Zimbabwe's 10 provinces to ensure broad national coverage. The National Disability Expo is held annually to promote disability inclusion, encourage entrepreneurship among persons with disabilities, and create opportunities for networking between government agencies, businesses, and development partners. Authorities say the exhibition also seeks to raise awareness about disability rights while showcasing the abilities, innovation, and economic potential of Zimbabweans living with disabilities. The Government has repeatedly stated that empowering persons with disabilities is central to achieving inclusive national development and improving livelihoods through sustainable economic participation. 2026 National Disability Expo

A 42-year-old Bulawayo man has appeared before the courts facing four rape charges after allegedly preying on women who were stranded at night by pretending to help them find transport home. Alphios Chitsa appeared before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Taurai Manuwere on Tuesday, where he was remanded in custody until July 6, 2026. He was not asked to plead as the matter is still before the court. According to prosecutor Concilia Ncube, the accused allegedly targeted women travelling alone after they failed to secure transport from Bulawayo's city centre. The State alleges that Chitsa used offers of assistance to gain the women's trust before luring them to secluded areas behind Mpilo Central Hospital, where the offences allegedly occurred. The court heard that the first incident occurred on February 11 at around 9 pm. The complainant was reportedly walking along Luveve Road after leaving the old Renkini bus terminus while looking for transport to Lobengula West. Prosecutors allege Chitsa approached her and offered to help carry a sack of green mealies she was carrying. "The accused approached the complainant and offered to help carry her sack of green mealies," prosecutor Ncube told the court. He allegedly suggested they walk together to Emakhandeni (Emachipsini), claiming transport was readily available there. Instead, the State says he diverted her to a bushy area behind Mpilo Central Hospital, where he allegedly raped her before stealing her cellphone. The complainant later reported the matter to the police and subsequently identified Chitsa during an identification parade. The court heard that on March 16 at around 4 pm, Chitsa allegedly approached an 18-year-old woman in Bulawayo's central business district. He reportedly told her he was visiting his mother, who had been admitted to Mpilo Central Hospital, and persuaded her to accompany him. After travelling together by commuter omnibus, prosecutors allege he led the complainant to a secluded area behind the hospital where he raped her. The State further alleges that he dragged her into an abandoned room nearby and raped her a second time before releasing her the following morning. According to the prosecution, another incident occurred on June 4 at around 10 pm near the Tredgold Building. The complainant, aged 22, had allegedly failed to find transport to Nyamandlovu when Chitsa offered her accommodation for the night. The court heard that he then claimed his vehicle was parked at Mpilo Central Hospital before leading her there. Prosecutors allege Chitsa produced an Okapi knife, raped the complainant in nearby bushes, and later took her to an abandoned room where he allegedly raped her again. The fourth charge also relates to events on June 4 involving another 22-year-old woman who was allegedly stranded near the Tredgold Building while trying to travel to Nyamandlovu. The State alleges Chitsa again offered overnight accommodation before taking the complainant to Mpilo Central Hospital. According to prosecutors, he allegedly attempted to rape the woman twice, but she resisted and managed to prevent the assaults before he eventually abandoned his attempts. The accused remains in custody and is expected to return to court on July 6 as investigations continue. Bulawayo rape case

Six Zimbabwean liberation war veterans have issued Parliament with a 72-hour ultimatum to halt the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill (CAB3), accusing legislative leaders of presiding over what they describe as an unconstitutional and procedurally flawed amendment process. The veterans' warning comes just days after the Senate overwhelmingly approved the Bill, with 75 of the 80 senators voting in favour, following its earlier passage in the National Assembly, where it secured the required two-thirds majority with 216 votes against 42. In an open letter dated 25 June 2026 and addressed to Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda and Senate President Mabel Chinomona, the group demanded the immediate suspension of all proceedings related to the Bill. The letter was signed by Reuben Zulu, Godfrey Gurira, Shoorai Nyamangodo, Joseph Chinyangare, Dogmore Knowledge Ndiya, and Joseph Chinguwa, who described themselves as "Concerned Citizens of the Republic of Zimbabwe" and defenders of the Constitution. They argue that CAB3 is "fundamentally flawed, substantively unconstitutional and procedurally fraudulent," warning that its passage would undermine Zimbabwe's constitutional order. Central to their objection is Section 328 of the Constitution, which regulates amendments affecting presidential term limits. According to the veterans, Section 328(7) expressly prevents an incumbent President from benefiting from changes to presidential term limits without the approval of voters through a national referendum. However, they argue that Clause 3(2a) of CAB3 seeks to override this constitutional safeguard by introducing a "notwithstanding Section 328(7)" provision. "This is not merely a procedural oversight; it is a substantive amendment in non-express terms, a direct violation of Section 328(2), and a calculated assault on the Constitution itself," the letter states. The group insists that Parliament cannot bypass entrenched constitutional protections through ordinary legislative procedures. The war veterans also allege that the legislative process was tainted by corruption and inducements offered to Members of Parliament. They cite widespread public allegations that MPs received cash payments and luxury vehicles in exchange for supporting the Bill. The letter specifically references reports linking benefits allegedly provided by businessman Wicknell Chivayo to MPs Samantha Mureyani (CCC), Remigious Matangira (ZANU-PF), and Susan Matsunga (CCC). The veterans further allege that legislators received US$10,000 each, with the funds allegedly distributed through party Chief Whips and financed by businessman Scott Sakupwanya. They argue that if proven, such conduct would violate Section 18 of the Privileges, Immunities and Powers of Parliament Act, which prohibits MPs from accepting rewards or compensation for promoting legislation. The letter also cites Section 170 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, which criminalises bribery involving public officials. "A vote bought by cash and keys is not a constitutional vote; it is an exhibit in a criminal inquiry," the veterans wrote. The group has called on Parliament to: Immediately suspend all proceedings on CAB3; Declare the National Assembly vote invalid; Prevent any further consideration of the Bill; Institute a parliamentary privileges investigation into alleged inducements; Require MPs to disclose any benefits received in relation to the Bill; and Refer the bribery allegations to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and the Prosecutor-General for criminal investigation. The ultimatum comes as President Emmerson Mnangagwa has summoned the National Assembly for an extraordinary sitting on Tuesday to consider amendments made by the Senate. If the lower House adopts the Senate's version without further amendments, CAB3 will proceed to the President for assent before becoming law. The proposed constitutional amendments have generated intense political and legal debate, with critics arguing that some provisions should only take effect following approval in a national referendum, while the Government maintains that Parliament has the constitutional authority to enact the changes without one. Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has summoned the National Assembly to an extraordinary sitting next week to consider amendments made by the Senate to the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, bringing the controversial legislation a step closer to becoming law. According to General Notice No. 1003 of 2026 issued on Friday by Clerk of Parliament Kennedy Chokuda, Members of Parliament have been directed to attend a special sitting at 2:15 pm on Tuesday, 30 June 2026. The extraordinary session has been convened in terms of Section 110(2)(c) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. The purpose of the sitting is to consider the Senate's amendments to the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill (H.B. 1B of 2026), which was approved by the upper House earlier this week. The special sitting comes after the National Assembly had adjourned until 7 July 2026 following the passage of the Bill through the lower House last Thursday. During that sitting, the Clerk of Parliament read the Bill for its Third Reading after it secured the constitutionally required two-thirds majority in the National Assembly. Under Zimbabwe's constitutional amendment process, any proposed amendment must receive a two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and the Senate before it can be presented to the President for assent. Although the Senate has since passed the Bill, it adopted six amendments, meaning the revised version must now return to the National Assembly for consideration before it can proceed further. Tuesday's sitting is therefore expected to be decisive in determining the legislation's immediate future. If Members of Parliament approve the Senate's amendments without making further changes, the Bill will be transmitted to President Mnangagwa for presidential assent, after which it will become law. However, should the National Assembly propose additional amendments, the legislation will be referred back to the Senate for further consideration, potentially extending the parliamentary process. Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3 has generated significant public debate since its introduction, with supporters arguing that it seeks to improve governance structures, while critics have questioned some of its provisions and the broader implications for Zimbabwe's constitutional framework. The extraordinary sitting is expected to attract close attention from political parties, civil society organisations, legal experts, and the public, given the Bill's far-reaching constitutional implications. The outcome of Tuesday's proceedings will determine whether the legislation proceeds directly to the President's desk or returns to Parliament for further deliberations. Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3

Mainini Saru still wakes at five. Old habit. For thirty years, she rose early to prepare before the neighbourhood stirred, before the children needed feeding, before the women gathered, before the day became communal property. The market used to open at six. She would be there before the best tomatoes were gone, before Maiguru Chipo claimed the prime spot near the entrance, before the real business of the morning began, not the buying and selling, but the talking. The catching up. The being known. The market is gone now. A mansion stands where it used to be. Tall walls. Electric fence. No faces visible from the street. Her children are in Johannesburg, in Birmingham, in Auckland. Her burial society dissolved three years ago. The community hall at the end of her street has been converted into a tyre fitment centre. She is not poor her children send money reliably. But she is alone in a way that money cannot fix. When Zimbabwe's challenges are discussed, the conversation almost always revolves around economics. Inflation. Unemployment. Exchange rates. The cost of living. These conversations matter, they describe real pressures facing real people. But another deficit receives almost no attention. A connection deficit. A growing shortage of the relationships, institutions, and shared spaces that once bound communities together. Unlike financial deficits, this one cannot be measured in percentages or balance sheets. No minister announces it in Parliament. No economist tracks it in quarterly reviews. Yet its effects are becoming increasingly visible. For generations, Zimbabwean society was built around what sociologists call "third places," spaces outside the home and the workplace where community happened. Mainini Saru's market. Burial societies. Church fellowships. Sports clubs. Residents' associations. The local store where people lingered long enough to exchange stories, seek advice, or simply be known. These spaces rarely attracted attention because they were simply part of everyday life. Yet they performed something essential. They transformed strangers into neighbours and neighbours into communities. They created trust. They gave people a sense that they were part of something larger than themselves. Today, many of these spaces are weaker than they once were. Some have disappeared altogether, buried, like that market, under the weight of other priorities. Economic pressure has played a major role. For many Zimbabweans, survival consumes almost every waking hour. Weekends that once belonged to social activities are increasingly devoted to side hustles. When people are constantly trying to make ends meet, participation in clubs, associations, and neighbourhood initiatives inevitably declines. Migration has deepened the challenge. Over the past two decades, millions of Zimbabweans have left in search of opportunity elsewhere. Their remittances have sustained countless households. Entire families depend on money sent from South Africa, the United Kingdom, Australia, and beyond. Yet every departure creates a social gap. Parents grow old without their children nearby. Friendship circles shrink. Communities lose their volunteers, their organisers, their mentors. Relationships that once depended on physical presence are forced to survive through screens. Technology has softened the impact but has not eliminated it. A video call can connect people across continents. It cannot replace presence. A WhatsApp group can keep relatives informed. It cannot recreate a community. This is because communication and connection are not the same thing. One involves the exchange of information. The other involves the sharing of life. Modern Zimbabwe is rich in communication. It is growing poor in connection. That distinction matters because strong communities depend on more than roads, buildings, and economic activity. They depend on relationships. People are more likely to help one another when they know one another. They are more likely to trust institutions when they trust their neighbours. They are more likely to volunteer, mentor, and participate in civic life when they feel they belong somewhere. When those bonds weaken, the effects ripple outward quietly. A neighbourhood where nobody knows each other's name. A young person with four hundred online contacts and nobody to call at midnight. An elderly woman who wakes before dawn, dressed for a market that no longer exists. We speak often of infrastructure deficits. Perhaps we should also speak of community deficits because relationships connect people in ways that concrete never will. Zimbabwe's future will require economic growth, investment, and innovation. But it will also require something less tangible and equally important: the slow, deliberate rebuilding of the social bonds that allow people to trust, cooperate, and belong. Community cannot be downloaded. It cannot be manufactured by an algorithm. It is built through shared experiences, repeated interactions, and mutual responsibility. Mainini Saru knows this. She knew it at the market in the argument over tomato prices, in Maiguru Chipo's gossip, in the mundane daily ritual of being among people who recognised her face. She knows it now, at five in the morning, in a house full of remittances and short of company, staring at a street dominated by tall walls and electric fences and no faces visible from anywhere. The most important deficit we face may not appear in any financial statement. It is measured in empty community halls, shrinking social circles, and the quiet weight carried by people who are permanently connected but rarely truly seen. Simbarashe Namusi is a peace, leadership, and governance scholar writing in his personal capacity. connection deficit in Zimbabwe

Today we are featuring an indigenous Zimbabwean fruit, the nhunguru fruit, that actually makes my mouth feel dry. I was excited to come across it on the streets of Harare recently. Just like people, some of the tiny purple-like treasures were sweet, whilst some were so bitter. In spite of this, I continued to indulge. I then decided to investigate more about this tiny forest delight. The nhunguru fruit (scientifically known as Flacourtia indica), commonly called the Governor's plum or Madagascar plum, Batoko plum or Indian plum, is a wild edible fruit native to tropical Africa, including Zimbabwe and Asia. It is commonly known for its sweet-tart flavor and potent medicinal and nutritional properties. Health Benefits of Nhunguru Fruit • Rich in Antioxidants: Nhunguru is loaded with vitamin C and phenolic compounds that neutralize free radicals, mitigating oxidative stress and potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases. • Digestive Support: Nhunguru has traditional use as a mild laxative and carminative to help relieve bloating, indigestion, and constipation. • Immune & Blood Health: Regular consumption provides precious vitamins (like A, C, and E) and minerals (such as iron and calcium) which help build up the blood and boost the immune system. I would recommend it for those pursuing boxing or karate to eat loads of Nhunguru. • Anti-inflammatory & Antimicrobial: Lab studies indicate that the plant's extracts possess anti-inflammatory properties and can inhibit harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. • Traditional Medicinal Use: Nhunguru has been a loyal rural pharmacy for many generations. In many traditional and folk medicine practices, different parts of the plant (including roots, leaves, and bark) are used to treat conditions ranging from cancer, fevers and respiratory infections, skin ailments, abscess, bleeding disorders like nose bleeds, jaundice and pneumonia. Snake bites are also said to be treated by nhunguru bark and leaves. The bark is also used to treat arthritis. The roots are used for nephritic colic and gum is said to treat cholera. Nutritional Profile of Nhunguru Fruit Nhunguru is low in fat but dense in energy. When consumed, it provides essential dietary fiber and important minerals like potassium and sodium, which help in maintaining electrolyte balance and regulating blood pressure. Disclaimer: While nhunguru provides excellent nutritional value and has a rich history in traditional medicine, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before relying on plant remedies for specific medical conditions. Dr Precious Sibiya, a mother, sister, daughter, friend and so much more. She is a certified Wellness Practitioner, stroke survivor and advocate for natural healing and lifestyle. Contact her for more Wellness insights: Email: precioussibiya2014@gmail.com+263775369467

Police have issued a stern warning to retailers, vendors, and consumers over the sale and purchase of unlabelled alcoholic beverages as authorities intensify efforts to remove potentially dangerous products from the market. The warning was delivered during a Liquor Licence Review Workshop held in Gweru on Monday, where law enforcement officials outlined plans to strengthen enforcement against illegal alcohol sales and counterfeit liquor products. Speaking at the event, police official Tonderai Chigweshe said authorities were increasingly concerned about the proliferation of unlabelled alcoholic drinks being sold through informal channels, including street vendors and unlicensed outlets. According to Chigweshe, some of the products contain alcohol but are sold without proper packaging, ingredient information, or alcohol content disclosures, leaving consumers unaware of what they are drinking. "There are a lot of liquids being sold on the streets that have alcohol content, but people are not aware because they are not labelled," he said. "Our police officers are on the lookout for such products, and the Ministry of Health and Child Care will take serious action on such liquids." Authorities say the crackdown forms part of broader efforts to improve compliance within Zimbabwe's liquor industry and protect consumers from counterfeit alcohol and illicitly manufactured beverages. Public health officials have repeatedly warned that unregulated alcoholic products can pose serious health risks because consumers cannot verify their ingredients, manufacturing standards, or alcohol strength. In some cases, counterfeit alcohol has been linked to poisoning incidents, organ damage, and other severe health complications in various parts of the world. Chigweshe said the liquor licensing framework is designed not only to regulate businesses but also to protect communities, maintain public order, and safeguard vulnerable groups, particularly children and young people. Authorities have expressed growing concern over reports that some unlabelled alcoholic products are finding their way into the hands of underage consumers, including schoolchildren. "Our role is preventative in stopping illegal sales. Police is empowered to enforce compliance, investigate breaches and protect public safety," Chigweshe said. He warned that individuals and businesses found violating liquor regulations could face prosecution, fines, and other penalties. "Criminal records are for life and can lead to permanent consequences such as a denied liquor licence for good," he added. The ongoing review of Zimbabwe's liquor licensing framework seeks to improve awareness of existing regulations, strengthen enforcement, and curb the circulation of illicit alcohol products. Authorities are urging consumers to purchase alcoholic beverages only from licensed outlets and to avoid products that do not display clear labels, manufacturer details, and regulatory information. Members of the public have also been encouraged to report suspected cases of counterfeit or unlabelled alcohol sales to police, local authorities, or health officials. The intensified enforcement campaign reflects growing efforts by government agencies to improve consumer protection, reduce alcohol-related harm, and ensure that products sold on the market meet established health and safety standards. Unlabelled alcohol Zimbabwe