MBIRE, Zimbabwe — Police in Mashonaland Central have arrested a 22-year-old woman from Gonono Village under Chief Matsiwo in Mbire, following a horrific incident where she allegedly abandoned her newborn baby in the bush, leading to the infant being mutilated and devoured by a domestic dog. The suspect, identified as Soleen Vhinyu, has since been formally charged with infanticide under Section 52 of Zimbabwe’s Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23]. According to local authorities, the gruesome incident occurred on Wednesday when Vhinyu secretly went into labor and delivered the baby alone in a nearby forested area. Instead of returning to the village with the neonate, she allegedly abandoned the child in the thicket. The tragedy came to light the following morning when a local villager, identified as Mr. Thomas Karuzi, witnessed a disturbing scene at his homestead. "I saw my dog dragging what looked like meat into the yard. When I got closer, I was frozen with shock to discover it was a human baby's leg. The rest of the remains were already severely mutilated," Karuzi told local reporters in Mashonaland Central. Alarmed by the horrific discovery, Karuzi raised the alarm, drawing shocked villagers to the scene before filing an official police report. Subsequent community tracking and investigations quickly linked the newborn to Vhinyu, leading to her immediate arrest by law enforcement agents. Mashonaland Central provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Milton Mundembe, confirmed the details of the arrest, describing the incident as an avoidable societal tragedy. He urged community members to actively utilize available support structures rather than resorting to desperate criminal acts. "We are deeply saddened by this incident and continue to urge members of the public to avoid unwanted pregnancies by using accessible family planning methods. If faced with difficult circumstances post-delivery, individuals must seek psychological, social, or medical help from local clinics and social welfare departments," Inspector Mundembe stated. He strictly warned that concealing a birth and abandoning infants carry stiff criminal penalties under Zimbabwe’s infanticide laws. Legal and social experts note that infanticide cases in rural Zimbabwe are frequently compounded by extreme socio-economic distress, mental health challenges such as postpartum depression, and the intense social stigma associated with out-of-wedlock pregnancies. Harare-based legal practitioner and human rights advocate, Tendai Chivhanga, explained the legal framework surrounding the charge: "Under Zimbabwean law, infanticide is treated differently from murder if it is proven that the mother's mind was disturbed due to the effects of childbirth or lactation. However, it remains a severe offense. We need stronger community-led social safety nets in remote areas like Mbire to prevent young women from reaching such breaking points." Vhinyu is currently in police custody and is expected to appear before the Guruve Magistrates Court, contextually following medical assessments. infanticide cases in Zimbabwe

MOSCOW – The skies above the Russian capital were choked with thick columns of black smoke following an unprecedented, mass-scale aerial assault. In what has been definitively confirmed as the largest and most sophisticated Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow since the outbreak of the full-scale invasion over four years ago, Kyiv brought the physical and psychological weight of the war directly to the Kremlin’s doorstep. The early morning assault triggered widespread panic across the capital’s high-density residential rings, forced the immediate suspension of commercial aviation, and exposed critical strains in Moscow’s heavily fortified air defense networks. The focal point of the multi-pronged drone fleet was the strategically vital Moscow Oil Refinery, located in the southeastern Kapotnya district just nine miles from the Kremlin. The massive facility is a critical linchpin for the capital region’s logistics, accounting for over a third of the entire fuel market and supplying up to 40% of the city’s petrol and roughly half of its diesel. [Mass Long-Range Drone Fleet Launched from Ukraine] │ ▼ [Moscow Air Defense Dragnet] │ ┌───────────────┴───────────────┐ ▼ ▼ [~194 Drones Intercepted] [Defenses Penetrated at Target] │ │ ▼ ▼ [Falling Debris Hits Blocks] [Kapotnya Oil Refinery Ablaze] Eyewitness footage circulating heavily across global media captured the terrifying moments of impact. A fuel processing tank farm was seen detonating in a massive orange fireball, sending its steel roof soaring into the air before being engulfed in five separate major blazes. The sheer intensity of the inferno coated nearby suburbs, including Balashikha, in a toxic "black rain," leaving streets, apartment complexes, and vehicles covered in a dark, oily chemical residue. According to statements issued by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin and the Russian Defense Ministry, local air defenses scrambled to shoot down 194 drones approaching the capital, part of a staggering 555 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) intercepted nationwide overnight. Despite the high interception numbers claimed by the state, independent military analysts noted that the sheer scale and composition of the wave intentionally saturated the capital’s radar systems. Advanced Weaponry: In addition to conventional long-range propeller strike drones, military tracking suggests Ukraine deployed jet-powered hybrid missile-drones—such as the indigenous Bars system, which travel at significantly higher speeds to bypass standard defense layers. Collateral Damage: Falling debris and rogue strikes severely damaged a high-rise residential building in Zhukovsky, triggering an emergency evacuation, alongside structural damage to a fitness center, local private homes, and the prominent Mega Belaya Dacha shopping mall. At least 17 civilians, including two children, were wounded across the region. Aviation Gridlock: The threat completely paralyzed Moscow's airspace. State-owned carrier Aeroflot and its subsidiaries cancelled over 170 commercial flights and severely delayed hundreds of others across major hubs like Sheremetyevo and Vnukovo. The strategic timing of the operation was highly calculated. It came directly on the heels of the G7 summit in France, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy secured major military aid packages, including 150,000 new combat drones and advanced air defense systems. Zelenskyy explicitly framed the raid as an act of direct retaliation for recent Russian missile strikes that damaged a historic, UNESCO-listed monastery in Kyiv, issuing a stark warning regarding the changing parameters of the conflict. "If Ukraine is going to burn, your Moscow will burn too," President Zelenskyy stated via social media, reinforcing that the strikes aim to systematically starve Russia's war machine while forcing ordinary citizens to realize the severe domestic cost of Vladimir Putin's invasion. "It is time to end the aggression, time to end this war... Russia must take the necessary steps in diplomacy." With Vladimir Putin attending a regional summit in Kazan, 700 kilometers east of the capital, the state apparatus largely downplayed the psychological shockwaves of the raid on state TV. However, as local chat rooms flood with panicked residents questioning the absolute vulnerability of their skies, Kyiv has decisively signaled that the insulation of the Russian elite is officially over. largest Ukrainian attack on Moscow

There was a time when shame served a purpose. Not the toxic kind. Not the shame that silences victims or crushes confidence. The quiet kind. The kind that reminded us that our actions had consequences, that dignity mattered, that not everything belonged in the public square. That shame appears to be dying. But we may be misreading the autopsy. Spend a few minutes on social media and the evidence seems clear. Family disputes unfold before thousands of strangers. Couples announce their love publicly, then conduct their breakups with equal enthusiasm. Private conversations are screenshotted and shared. Public confrontations are recorded and uploaded before the anger has even cooled. We call this the death of shame. But shame has not disappeared. It has changed address. We are no longer embarrassed by what we reveal. We are embarrassed by what we fail to project. People share intimate details of their relationships, their finances, their conflicts — and carefully conceal their loneliness, their failure, their doubt. The modern fear is not exposure. It is irrelevance. In today's social media culture, visibility has become a form of social currency. The El Gringo phone dispute is a useful case. What began as a deeply personal conflict between husband and wife became, within hours, national entertainment. Thousands of people with no connection to either party were analysing the incident, assigning blame, sharing clips, creating memes, demanding updates. The most revealing part was not the dispute itself. Couples have argued over trust and fidelity for generations. What was different was the appetite. A marital disagreement became viral content. And content requires consumers. This is the part of the conversation we avoid. We shake our heads at those who overshare. We lament the decline of online privacy. We speak about the death of shame. But every spectacle requires an audience. The El Gringo incident trended because people watched. They shared. They returned for updates. Some offered sympathy. Others offered ridicule. Many treated a stranger's marriage like the latest episode of something they were following. The problem is not exposure. It is consumption. We consume the struggles of others as entertainment. Witness an accident and the instinct is to record. Encounter conflict and the priority becomes footage. Hear a rumour and the temptation is to share before verifying. The first question is no longer whether something should be public. It is whether it will perform. Technology has amplified this. But technology alone cannot explain it. Social media platforms do not force us to watch. They do not compel us to share. They do not require us to convert strangers into spectacles. Those choices remain ours. When visibility becomes currency, life becomes performance. Moments become posts. Relationships become content. Experiences are measured not by what they mean to us, but by how they appear to others. And when life becomes performance, what suffers is not dignity. What suffers is the real thing underneath it. This growing digital culture has blurred the line between public discourse and personal tragedy. A society without shame is not necessarily a freer society. Sometimes it is simply a noisier one. And in the noise, we lose the ability to tell the difference between witnessing something and consuming it. The next time a stranger's marriage collapses on your timeline, ask yourself honestly. Are you witnessing a human tragedy? Or are you consuming entertainment? The answer will tell you less about them than it does about you. Simbarashe Namusi is a peace, leadership, and governance scholar writing in his personal capacity. The Death of Shame

GWERU — A 25-year-old self-styled prophet from Mkoba 4, Gweru, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after raping a woman who had sought spiritual assistance at his shrine. The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) confirmed the conviction on Wednesday, describing the case as an example of how vulnerable individuals can be exploited through spiritual manipulation and deception. According to court proceedings, the incident occurred on 4 June 2026 at the Nyenyedzi Nomwe Shrine in Mkoba 4. The complainant, a 22-year-old woman, had visited the shrine seeking prayers and spiritual guidance. She was carrying her employer's two-year-old child at the time. Prosecutors said the accused conducted prayers before informing the woman that she was allegedly possessed by a spirit that was preventing her from forming relationships with men. He further claimed that someone had stolen her underwear for ritual purposes and convinced her that she required urgent spiritual cleansing. The court heard that the prophet instructed the woman to accompany him to a secluded bushy area behind Mkoba Cemetery, where he claimed he would perform a cleansing ceremony involving fire. Upon arriving at the location, he allegedly directed the complainant to leave the toddler several metres away before commencing what he described as a healing ritual. Prosecutors said the man used rapoko grain and a clay plate, commonly known as mbiya or udiwo, as part of the ceremony. Under the guise of spiritual healing, he allegedly persuaded the woman to remove her undergarments and lie down before raping her. The National Prosecuting Authority said the complainant managed to leave the scene shortly after the attack and immediately informed her employer about what had occurred. Her employer encouraged her to report the matter to the police, leading to a formal complaint being lodged at ZRP Mkoba on the same day. Police investigations resulted in the arrest of the accused and his subsequent prosecution. Following the trial, the court found the self-proclaimed prophet guilty of rape and sentenced him to 15 years' imprisonment. The NPA noted that the conviction sends a strong message against individuals who abuse positions of trust or exploit religious beliefs to commit criminal offences. In keeping with standard practice in sexual offence cases, authorities did not publicly disclose the identity of the offender in order to protect the survivor's privacy. The case is the latest in a series of prosecutions involving self-styled prophets, traditional healers, and religious figures accused of using spiritual claims to exploit vulnerable people. Legal experts and child protection advocates have repeatedly urged members of the public to exercise caution when seeking spiritual assistance and to report any suspicious or abusive conduct to law enforcement authorities. The NPA said the successful prosecution demonstrates the justice system's commitment to protecting victims of sexual violence and holding perpetrators accountable, regardless of the methods used to facilitate the abuse. Gweru prophet jailed for rape

HARARE — A 45-year-old man from Chitungwiza allegedly became the victim of a sexual assault and robbery after being lured into a suspected illegal mushikashika taxi while travelling from Harare to Chitungwiza on Sunday, police have confirmed. The incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety of commuters using unregistered public transport vehicles operating along major routes in Harare and Chitungwiza. According to police, the complainant boarded a blue Honda Fit in Harare's central business district, believing the vehicle was operating as a commuter taxi to Chitungwiza. The vehicle allegedly had a male driver and three female passengers on board. Police said that during the journey, the women began making unwanted sexual advances towards the complainant. Investigators allege the suspects unzipped the man's trousers and attempted to seduce him while the vehicle was still in motion. Upon reaching the corner of Seke Road and Delport Road, the driver reportedly pulled the vehicle off the road. Police allege that two of the women then took turns engaging in sexual acts with the complainant without his consent. The incident is being treated as a serious sexual offence and robbery case. Investigators reportedly recovered condoms believed to have been used during the incident. The exhibits allegedly contained semen and are expected to form part of the forensic evidence in the ongoing investigation. Following the alleged assault, the suspects reportedly stole the complainant's Samsung cellphone and US$20 cash. Police say the victim was then forced out of the vehicle before the suspects drove away towards Chitungwiza. The complainant subsequently reported the matter to the authorities. Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the case and said investigations are currently underway. "The complainant was referred to Chitungwiza Central Hospital for medical examinations," said Insp Chakanza. Police have not yet announced any arrests in connection with the incident. The Zimbabwe Republic Police has urged members of the public to exercise caution when using unregistered transport services, warning that illegal mushikashika vehicles have increasingly been linked to robberies, kidnappings, assaults and other criminal activities. Authorities are encouraging commuters to use registered public transport operators and to verify vehicles before boarding, particularly when travelling at night or in isolated areas. Police have appealed to anyone with information that may assist in identifying the suspects or locating the vehicle involved to report to the nearest police station. The investigation remains ongoing. Chitungwiza man sexually assaulted in mushikashika taxi

HARARE — A domestic dispute involving the father-in-law of businessman Wicknell Chivayo has spilled into the courts, with allegations of cyberbullying, insults and malicious damage to property emerging from a complex relationship dispute. Millicent Murape appeared before Harare magistrate Lisa Mutendereki facing charges of cyberbullying under Zimbabwe's Cyber and Data Protection Act as well as malicious damage to property. The complainant is Mutseriwa Madzikanda, wife of businessman and medical practitioner David Madzikanda, who is also Chivayo's father-in-law. According to evidence presented before the court, Murape was initially a lodger at the Madzikanda family residence before allegedly becoming involved in a romantic relationship with David Madzikanda. The State alleges that Murape sent a series of offensive and insulting WhatsApp messages to Mutseriwa, allegedly claiming she was taking over her husband and would become the new mistress of the household. Testifying in court, Mutseriwa accused Murape of harassment and making allegations of witchcraft against her. "This woman is our lodger and now my husband's girlfriend. She insulted me on WhatsApp and also broke my window panes," Mutseriwa told the court. "She accused me of bewitching her, saying I placed a charm on her doorstep so she would miscarry her pregnancy with Madzikanda's child." Mutseriwa told the court she eventually sought a protection order after receiving what she described as abusive and threatening messages. She also recounted an incident in which she allegedly found her husband at Murape's apartment after deciding to confront her over the messages. "I know Murape had her own husband, so I was surprised to see my husband inside her room in the middle of the day when he was supposed to be at work," she testified. The complainant denied that jealousy was the driving force behind the legal action, insisting that her complaint centred on alleged harassment, cyberbullying and property damage. During cross-examination, Mutseriwa acknowledged that her husband had relationships with other women but maintained that those relationships were not the basis of the charges before the court. In her defence, Murape denied all allegations and argued that both she and the complainant were involved with Madzikanda. She accused Mutseriwa of stalking her and attempting to tarnish her reputation because of the relationship. Murape also denied sending abusive WhatsApp messages or damaging any property belonging to the complainant. According to court records, the alleged cyberbullying offences relate to WhatsApp messages reportedly sent on 5 July and 6 July 2025. The case is being prosecuted under provisions of Zimbabwe's Cyber and Data Protection Act, legislation designed to address online abuse, harassment and other digital offences. The matter has been postponed to next week, when David Madzikanda is expected to testify before the court. His evidence is anticipated to shed further light on the circumstances surrounding the relationship dispute and the allegations raised by both parties. The case remains before the courts. Chivayo father-in-law court case

GWANDA – What was supposed to be a diplomatic taxpayer education breakfast meeting erupted into a fiery shouting match last week, as Matabeleland South businesspeople, cross-border traders, and transport operators aggressively confronted the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) over its controversial inland operations. The engagement, organized by ZIMRA to strengthen relations and improve voluntary compliance among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and taxi operators, was completely derailed by intense community anger regarding the Mapane roadblock located just outside Gwanda. Traders and motorists accused the tax authority of operating a punitive, de facto "second border post" that duplicates processes, extortionately targets legitimate commerce, and subjects compliant travelers to grueling secondary inspections hundreds of kilometers away from the actual port of entry. The Mapane checkpoint, situated along the vital Beitbridge-Bulawayo highway, has fast become a logistical nightmare for regional commerce. Business leaders blasted ZIMRA for a staggering lack of institutional consistency, questioning why haulage trucks, cross-border buses, and private vehicles completely cleared at the Beitbridge Border Post are subjected to aggressive re-searches inland. "We are here to be educated about tax issues, but we must also air our grievances about the second border post at Mapane, manned by ZIMRA," said Thomas Gwatida, chairperson of the Matabeleland South chapter of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC). "We worry that after completing all paperwork at the border, we are still referred back or risk losing our goods through impoundment. These impounded goods range from groceries to motor vehicles." Commuters and cross-border transport operators revealed that passenger buses are routinely grounded for upwards of eight hours at Mapane. Outpaced ZIMRA officials aggressively strip-search luggage to strictly enforce the strict US$200 personal baggage rebate threshold, leaving ordinary travelers stranded on the roadside. The duplicative nature of the highway dragnet has triggered deep suspicion within the local business community, with many openly questioning if ZIMRA's head office lacks confidence in its own border personnel. Stakeholder Backlash "Why are the same goods cleared twice by the same authority at different points along the same route? Personally, I am not happy and suspect foul play." Ndonsi Nkomo, Founder of KwaNdosi Enterprises SME entrepreneur Vusumuzi Zulu echoed these sharp frustrations, asking: “Are Gwanda ZIMRA officers more qualified than those in Beitbridge, or are they corrupt? The Mapane roadblock is not only a nightmare for motorists but also a problem for Beitbridge-Bulawayo road users.” The corporate outcry comes as the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) intensifies its monitoring of inland checkpoints operated by the National Anti-Smuggling Taskforce following an influx of bribery, extortion, and harsh confiscation complaints. The Mapane crisis has quickly escalated into a national legislative battle. In Parliament, Matabeleland South Senator Nonhlanhla Mlotshwa launched a blistering critique against a recent, hardline Treasury directive that orders the automatic forfeiture of any goods deemed by highway officers to have been smuggled. [Beitbridge Border Post: Clear Paperwork & Duty Paid] │ ▼ [190 KM Inland: Mapane Highway Checkpoint] │ ┌────────────────┴────────────────┐ ▼ ▼ [8-Hour Passenger Delays] [Automatic Asset Forfeiture] Senator Mlotshwa warned that this punitive enforcement regime criminalizes citizens over simple, innocent documentation errors and strips entrepreneurs of their livelihoods without any legal recourse to regularize compliance. "This directive has far-reaching consequences for ordinary Zimbabweans, for traders, and for the integrity of our governance system," Mlotshwa warned the Senate, explicitly questioning whether the operations violate Section 68 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which strictly guarantees every citizen the right to fair and reasonable administrative conduct. She argued that turning inland towns like Gwanda into "quasi-border posts" does nothing but breed fertile ground for institutional harassment and the abuse of authority. Faced with a wall of corporate resistance, ZIMRA officials at the meeting dug in, staunchly defending the Mapane checkpoint as an essential national security measure. The authority argued that because significant volumes of contraband bypass official ports via illegal, porous border jumping points along the Limpopo River, inland checkpoints are a necessary secondary line of defense to protect the economy. While ZIMRA conceded that compliant traders are frequently caught in the crossfire, the tax collector maintained that the checkpoints will remain active. However, with pressure mounting from chambers of commerce, commuters, and lawmakers, the government faces a critical ultimatum: reform these predatory highway bottlenecks or risk completely breaking public trust in the national revenue collection system. Mapane roadblock near Gwanda

HARARE — Commercial property owners in Zimbabwe, including those living in the diaspora, are set to face additional tax obligations following the introduction of a new Presumptive Rental Income Tax by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA). The tax, introduced under the Finance Act, 2025, took effect on 1 January 2026 and imposes a 15 percent levy on gross rental income earned from commercial properties used for business, trade, or professional activities. The measure forms part of the government's broader efforts to expand the tax base and strengthen revenue collection amid growing fiscal pressures. Under the new framework, landlords, property owners, lessees, and sub-lessees receiving rental income from commercial tenants are required to register with ZIMRA and submit monthly tax payments. Unlike conventional income tax systems that allow deductions for expenses, the presumptive rental tax is calculated on gross rental income, meaning property owners cannot deduct maintenance costs, management fees, loan repayments, or other operating expenses before calculating the tax due. The tax applies exclusively to commercial properties and does not affect residential rentals. However, buildings with both residential and commercial units will have the commercial portion of rental income subjected to the new levy. Zimbabweans living abroad who own commercial properties in the country will also be required to comply with the new tax regime. According to ZIMRA, non-resident landlords must appoint a local representative to manage their tax affairs and ensure compliance with monthly filing requirements. The move is expected to affect a significant number of diaspora investors who own office buildings, retail shops, warehouses, and other commercial properties across Zimbabwe. In a notable development, estate agents and other intermediaries handling rental payments have been designated as statutory agents for tax purposes. This means property managers and rental collection agents may be held accountable for ensuring that the presumptive rental income tax is paid before rental proceeds are transferred to landlords. Tax experts say the provision is intended to improve compliance and reduce opportunities for tax evasion within the commercial property sector. The legislation also grants ZIMRA powers to recover unpaid taxes directly from tenants where landlords fail to comply. In such cases, tenants may be instructed to remit the tax authority's portion directly to ZIMRA before paying the balance of the rent to the landlord. The law provides protections for affected tenants, preventing landlords from increasing rent or evicting tenants for a period of three months as a result of complying with such directives. The new presumptive tax operates independently of existing tax obligations. Commercial rental properties that are already subject to Value Added Tax (VAT) will continue attracting VAT at 15.5 percent, in addition to the new 15 percent presumptive rental income tax. Landlords are also required to continue collecting any applicable 10 percent informal traders' tax from qualifying tenants. This means some commercial rental transactions could now attract multiple layers of taxation. ZIMRA has warned that property owners who fail to comply with the new requirements face significant penalties. Failure to pay the tax may attract a penalty of up to 100 percent of the outstanding amount, effectively doubling the liability owed to the tax authority. Property owners already registered under the self-assessment income tax system before 31 December 2025 will continue declaring rental income through that framework. However, those not previously registered must enrol under the presumptive rental income tax system and begin making monthly submissions. The introduction of the tax signals the government's determination to widen revenue collection channels, with commercial property owners becoming the latest sector targeted in Zimbabwe's expanding tax landscape. Presumptive Rental Income Tax Zimbabwe

MALABO, EQUATORIAL GUINEA — Equatorial Guinea's government has resigned after failing to meet key performance targets, with Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue revealing that the administration had achieved less than 10% of its objectives. The mass resignation paves the way for President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, the world's longest-serving head of state, to appoint a new cabinet as criticism grows over corruption, economic stagnation, and the country's continued dependence on oil revenues. In a statement posted on social media, Vice-President Obiang said Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua had formally submitted the resignation of all government ministers. The vice-president said the decision reflected a commitment to accountability in public administration. "The degree of execution achieved is clearly insufficient in relation to the expectations and commitments undertaken," Obiang wrote on X. He added that the resignations were consistent with the principle that public officials must be judged by their performance and results. Although specific targets were not disclosed, officials indicated that the government had fallen far short of expectations. A statement issued by the ruling Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE) said President Obiang had expressed dissatisfaction with the outgoing administration's performance. According to the party, the president criticised widespread inefficiency, misuse of public resources, and a failure to implement development programmes. The statement also accused some government officials of using state resources for personal interests while neglecting national priorities. Authorities further highlighted delays in infrastructure and development projects that were intended to improve living standards and stimulate economic growth. A major concern raised by the president was the government's inability to reduce the country's heavy dependence on the oil and gas sector. Equatorial Guinea is one of sub-Saharan Africa's largest oil producers, with petroleum exports accounting for the overwhelming majority of government revenue and foreign currency earnings. However, officials said insufficient progress had been made in expanding sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and other productive industries. The president reportedly criticised the lack of policies aimed at increasing local production and reducing reliance on imported goods that could be produced domestically. Despite significant oil wealth, many citizens have seen little benefit from the country's natural resources. Equatorial Guinea, which has a population of approximately 1.8 million people, continues to face high levels of poverty and inequality. Economic challenges have intensified in recent years as oil production has declined and global demand patterns have shifted, placing pressure on government finances and economic growth. Analysts have long argued that diversifying the economy is critical to ensuring long-term stability and reducing vulnerability to fluctuations in global energy markets. President Obiang, who has ruled Equatorial Guinea since seizing power in 1979, is expected to announce a new cabinet in the coming days. The reshuffle is likely to be closely watched both domestically and internationally, as observers assess whether the new administration can address concerns over governance, corruption, and economic reform. The resignation marks one of the most significant government shake-ups in recent years in the Central African nation and underscores mounting pressure for improved performance within the state apparatus. Equatorial Guinea government resigns

KETTERING, UNITED KINGDOM — A father of three from Kettering has died following a devastating collision on the M25 motorway that caused his lorry to burst into flames. Langton Zulu, described by family and friends as a devoted husband and loving father, was killed in the tragic incident, leaving behind his wife and three young sons aged eight, six, and four. The fatal crash occurred on the M25, one of the United Kingdom's busiest motorways, when the lorry Mr Zulu was driving was involved in a collision that resulted in a fire. Emergency services attended the scene, but he could not be saved. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local community, with relatives, friends, and colleagues paying tribute to a man remembered for his dedication to his family and hardworking nature. Mr Zulu's death has left a young family facing an uncertain future as they come to terms with the loss of a husband, father, and provider. Family members described him as a caring and committed parent whose life revolved around supporting his wife and children. Tributes have continued to pour in from across the community, with many expressing condolences and offering support to the bereaved family during this difficult period. Authorities are continuing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collision. Mr Zulu is survived by his wife and their three sons, aged eight, six, and four. Langton Zulu M25 crash

HARARE — Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Commander Lieutenant-General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi has urged members of the military to remain apolitical and refrain from involving themselves in political processes, including the ongoing constitutional amendment exercise. Speaking during a change-of-command ceremony at Headquarters Mechanised Brigade in Inkomo on Wednesday, Lt Gen Tapfumaneyi said the military's constitutional role is to serve under civilian authority and implement decisions made by elected leaders, not to participate in political debates or constitutional reforms. The remarks come as Zimbabwe continues deliberations on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, which has generated significant political and legal debate. Lt Gen Tapfumaneyi said armies across the world are not involved in drafting or amending constitutions and should not seek to influence political processes. “In instances, as we have now, where the Constitution is being written or amended, we can’t be involved in dissecting and coming to the conclusion that the power of the military has been usurped or that powers have been whittled. What power?” he said. “Are we even authors of the powers that we purport to have? Who among you wrote the Constitution? Did you Brigadier-General Nikisi and Brigadier-General Kufa write the Constitution? So, as it is being written now, why should you be involved?” The ZNA commander stressed that constitutional authority originates from the people through civilian institutions and not from the military. Tapfumaneyi reiterated that the Zimbabwe National Army derives its mandate from the country's civilian leadership and is required to execute lawful instructions issued through established constitutional structures. “We get our instructions as the army from the leadership of the country and execute them to perfection,” he said. “There is no country under the sun, whether you want to call it a democracy or dictatorship, where the army took part in writing the Constitution.” His comments underscore the constitutional principle of civilian oversight of the military, a cornerstone of democratic governance in many countries. The army commander also dismissed the notion that military institutions have a responsibility to intervene when they disagree with government policies or performance. He said no army in the world has a mandate to remove governments or seek to "correct" civilian authorities. “The army is subordinate to civilian authority and should not dabble in politics,” Tapfumaneyi said. The remarks are likely to attract attention, given Zimbabwe's political history and ongoing national debate surrounding constitutional reforms. The comments were made during the handover of command at Headquarters Mechanised Brigade, where Brigadier-General Stanford Kufa officially assumed command from Brigadier-General Raban Nikisi. Nikisi is expected to leave Zimbabwe to pursue further military studies in Nigeria. Military officials described the transition as part of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces' ongoing professional development and leadership succession programme. Zimbabwe is currently considering Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, which proposes a number of changes to the country's governance framework. The Bill has sparked debate among political parties, legal experts, civil society organisations, and constitutional scholars, with supporters arguing that the reforms will strengthen governance, while critics have raised concerns about their potential implications. Against that backdrop, Lt Gen Tapfumaneyi's remarks reinforce the military leadership's position that constitutional and political matters should remain the responsibility of civilian institutions, with the armed forces maintaining their professional and non-partisan role. ZNA commander politics

HARARE — A major police operation in Harare's Southerton industrial area has resulted in the arrest of 46 people following the discovery of what authorities describe as an illegal alcohol manufacturing facility allegedly producing alcoholic beverages using ethanol. The operation, conducted by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), is part of ongoing efforts to combat illicit manufacturing activities, protect public health, and strengthen enforcement of food and beverage regulations. According to police, the suspects comprise 42 Zimbabwean nationals and four foreign nationals believed to have been involved in the operation of the facility. Investigators descended on the premises during a raid that exposed what authorities suspect was a large-scale illicit liquor production operation. Preliminary investigations reportedly uncovered substantial ethanol storage tanks, packaging materials, and quantities of finished alcoholic products allegedly prepared for distribution to consumers. The premises remain under police guard while investigations continue. National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said initial investigations indicate that alcoholic beverages were allegedly being manufactured and marketed as wines and spirits using ethanol that had not been approved by the relevant authorities. Nyathi expressed concern over both the substances used in production and the conditions under which the beverages were allegedly manufactured. “The use of unapproved substances and production processes that do not comply with health regulations poses serious risks to consumers,” police said. Authorities also indicated that the facility's operating environment allegedly failed to meet required health and safety standards. Investigators are now working to establish whether any of the products reached the market and to determine the potential extent of consumer exposure. Police said the suspects are expected to face charges relating to violations of the Food and Food Standards Act and regulations governing the manufacture, processing, and distribution of alcoholic beverages in Zimbabwe. Commissioner Nyathi warned that all businesses operating in Zimbabwe, regardless of ownership, are required to comply with the country's regulatory and legal requirements. He said authorities would continue taking action against individuals and companies found violating public health and safety laws. The arrests come amid intensified government efforts to tackle drug and substance abuse, strengthen consumer protection measures, and improve oversight of potentially harmful products entering the marketplace. Authorities have increasingly targeted illegal manufacturing operations, unlicensed production facilities, and businesses operating outside regulatory frameworks. The government is also pursuing broader measures to address substance abuse through proposed institutional reforms, including plans to establish the Zimbabwe Drug and Substance Abuse Agency, which would coordinate national interventions against drug and substance abuse. Police have encouraged members of the public to report suspected illegal manufacturing activities, warning that unregulated production facilities can pose significant risks to public health, safety, and the economy. Investigations into the Southerton operation are ongoing, with authorities expected to conduct further inspections and forensic assessments of products seized during the raid. The 46 suspects are expected to appear in court once investigations are completed and formal charges have been finalised. Southerton illegal alcohol factory