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Vice President Constantino Chiwenga at the ZNCC annual congress ( image source ) HARARE  — Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has carved out a unique space in Zimbabwe’s political theatre: the general-turned-politician who promises a “day of reckoning” for the country’s corrupt elites. His speeches often ring with fire and fury, targeting the zvigananda  — the untouchable, politically connected figures accused of siphoning off public resources. But as each fiery address makes its way into headlines, one uncomfortable truth lingers: no meaningful prosecutions, no major asset recoveries, and certainly no high-profile handcuffs have followed. Instead, Zimbabweans are left asking whether Chiwenga’s anti-corruption crusade is genuine — or merely a rhetorical weapon in the factional power games of ZANU-PF. The Sound and the Silence The Vice President’s speeches have become predictable theatre. His warnings of “a day of reckoning” are widely quoted in state media, his denunciations of “economic saboteurs” repeated across political rallies. Yet beyond words, tangible consequences remain elusive. “Every speech sounds the same — threats without handcuffs,” a Harare resident told NewsDay . Political commentator Rashweat Mukundu sharpened the point further:“The louder the speeches grow, the more the silence of real action becomes deafening.” Zimbabwe’s Anti-Corruption Machinery Zimbabwe is not short on anti-corruption infrastructure. The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), the Auditor-General’s Office, and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) all exist — at least on paper — to ensure accountability. Yet these institutions remain shackled by political interference, selective justice, and a lack of independence. High-profile arrests, when they do occur, often collapse in court for “lack of evidence” or are quietly abandoned. Civil society groups have consistently called for reforms: Mandatory asset declarations  for top officials Whistle-blower protections  for insiders Judicial independence  shielded from political meddling “These reforms don’t need fiery speeches. They need political will,” The Southern Eye wrote in a recent editorial. Politics, Not Principles? Still, Chiwenga’s stance is striking because he is the only senior government official who consistently deploys anti-corruption language. Other ministers remain silent — either out of fear, complicity, or recognition that their wealth cannot withstand scrutiny. This raises the question: is Chiwenga laying the groundwork for a post-Mnangagwa power bid, branding himself as the reformist soldier-statesman? Or is this simply a tool to weaken rivals while protecting allies? Analysts suggest many of his warnings are coded attacks on tycoons aligned with President Mnangagwa, such as Wicknell Chivayo or remnants of Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s patronage empire. If true, anti-corruption talk becomes less about good governance and more about succession politics. The Cost of Inaction Zimbabweans have seen this script before. Under Robert Mugabe, corruption exposés were weaponised in intra-party battles, but rarely produced systemic reform. The cost is borne by citizens: hospitals without drugs, teachers striking for wages, pensioners sleeping in bank queues. Each unpunished scandal deepens hardship. “We don’t need more generals with speeches. We need generals with handcuffs,” muttered one civil servant at a recent rally. Symbolism vs Substance Chiwenga has succeeded in keeping corruption in public discourse, but failure to deliver real accountability risks turning him into a caricature — the loud general who threatens but never bites. For Zimbabweans, the test is simple: when will the zvigananda  finally face justice in the courts, rather than just in the Vice President’s speeches? Until that day arrives, the so-called “day of reckoning” remains indefinitely postponed.

Can ZBC and local media keep up with the digital shift ( image source ) As Zimbabweans increasingly turn to free online platforms to watch live football, questions arise about whether local broadcasters are adapting to this digital shift. With data bundles becoming more affordable and mobile penetration rising, fans are ditching traditional TV for streaming. “I haven’t watched ZBC Sports in months. Everything I need is online,” said Harare-based fan Tawanda Moyo. Top 10 Free Sites for Watching Soccer in Zimbabwe Here are the most reliable and free platforms Zimbabweans are using: Site Name Description Live Soccer TV Global match schedules and free streams APWin South African leagues and CAF matches Facebook Live Often used for local and friendly matches YouTube Sports Channels Highlights and live streams from clubs Bet365 (Free for registered users) Live matches with betting account SportRAR.TV Streams of European leagues Cricfree Multi-sport streaming including football Stream2Watch Live sports and TV channels MamaHD HD streams of major football events FootyBite Premier League and Champions League coverage “These platforms are changing how we consume football. It’s fast, free, and mobile,” said tech analyst Rutendo Gondo. Are Local Media Houses Adapting? Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) and other local stations have yet to launch robust online streaming platforms. While ZBC occasionally posts match highlights on social media, full live coverage remains elusive. “We need to evolve. The audience is online now,” said a ZBC insider who requested anonymity. Missed Opportunities Local media could monetize streaming through ads, subscriptions, or partnerships with clubs. Instead, they risk losing relevance among younger viewers. “If ZBC doesn’t adapt, it’ll become obsolete in sports broadcasting,” warned media consultant Tapiwa Nyatsanza. The Way Forward Experts suggest collaboration between broadcasters and tech startups to build streaming infrastructure. Licensing deals with CAF and PSL could also bring exclusive content to Zimbabwean platforms. “We have the talent and the audience. What’s missing is vision,” said Gondo.

The wooden Jumbo Jet in Aba,Nigeria ( image source ) In a tale that blends creativity, resilience, and defiance, a Nigerian innovator has stunned the world by constructing a full-sized jumbo jet out of wood, turning what began as a backyard experiment into a viral symbol of African innovation. The aircraft, built in the city of Aba, became an internet sensation after videos of its maiden lift-off circulated on TikTok and YouTube, amassing over four million views in less than a week. “This is not just a plane. It’s a rebellion against the idea that innovation must come from the West,” said Nigerian tech blogger Chinedu Okafor. Using salvaged parts, hand tools, and sheer determination, the builder—who has no formal engineering training—spent years assembling the wooden fuselage, wings, and rudimentary engines. Though the jet has not achieved sustained flight, video evidence shows it briefly lifting off the ground, enough to silence doubters. “A dream took off in Aba,” remarked aviation enthusiast Torkia Chaibi. “He built it. It flew. That’s enough to rewrite what we thought was possible.” The project resonates with comparisons to the Wright brothers, who pioneered flight in 1903 without institutional backing. Analysts suggest the invention could spur STEM investment in Africa if governments and philanthropists provide mentorship and capital. Social media has split between skeptics mocking the aircraft as “a toy plane” and supporters hailing it as proof of Africa’s untapped grassroots engineering potential. The Marvel Itself ( Video Source ) Trending Now: #ScrapToSky “The real question isn’t whether this jet can compete with Boeing or Airbus. It’s whether Africa is willing to invest in its own innovators,” said Ethiopian aerospace scholar Dr. Amina Bekele. Crowdfunding campaigns have since emerged, with diaspora networks pushing for scholarships and lab access for the inventor. The wooden jumbo jet embodies resourcefulness in scarcity, a hallmark of African inventors who innovate under economic and institutional constraints. For many, it has reignited debate about how African governments often overlook grassroots innovators while celebrating imported technology. “Innovation without support is just survival disguised as genius.” The viral feat, however modest, underscores Africa’s capacity to dream big with little. What remains to be seen is whether it will inspire lasting policy frameworks to nurture innovation, or remain just another viral curiosity.

Wicknell Chivayo in office ( image source ) To his supporters, Wicknell Chivayo is a generous benefactor — a businessman who donates cars, buses, and cash to struggling communities. To his critics, he is a mbinga  — a flamboyant power broker using philanthropy as a political ladder. As Zimbabwe edges toward the 2028 elections, Chivayo’s growing profile in ZANU-PF’s succession battles is turning heads. Analysts warn his meteoric rise mirrors the earlier saga of fuel tycoon Kudakwashe Tagwirei, whose fortune and political influence stirred factional rifts. A Netflix-Ready Character Political analyst Tichaona Zindoga captured the mood bluntly:“He’s a Netflix-ready charismatic character — a rags-to-riches figure who knows how to win hearts through spectacle.” Born in poverty, Chivayo now flaunts Lamborghinis, designer suits, and social media bravado. Yet it is his strategic philanthropy  — gifting buses to schools, funding churches, sponsoring musicians — that has cemented his grassroots influence. A Divide Within ZANU-PF Chivayo’s rise unsettles Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who has reportedly branded him a state contract profiteer. Chiwenga’s allies argue that businessmen-turned-politicians distort governance and entrench patronage. But insiders say President Emmerson Mnangagwa views Chivayo as a loyalist capable of galvanizing youth, churches, and informal traders — key constituencies in Zimbabwe’s fractured politics. The Church, the Stage, and Starlink Unlike traditional tycoons, Chivayo has cultivated influence through Pentecostal churches and entertainers . Gospel singers, pastors, and dancehall stars openly thank him for patronage, with viral clips multiplying his political capital. He has also championed Starlink satellite internet , presenting himself as a tech-savvy benefactor for rural areas starved of connectivity. Power Play or Genuine Philanthropy? Critics argue Chivayo’s generosity masks deeper ambitions. His recent post on X —“I will neither be moved nor shaken by veiled threats from failed politicians.”— was widely interpreted as a jab at Vice President Chiwenga. Civil society leaders fear such spats risk destabilising governance. “The state cannot be reduced to a playground for tycoons,”  said activist Fadzayi Mahere. The 2028 Question As Zimbabwe inches closer to 2028, factional rivalries are sharpening. Whether Chivayo remains Mnangagwa’s protégé or emerges as a disruptive challenger depends on how ZANU-PF manages succession politics. For now, he straddles the line between philanthropist and power player , embodying both hope and fear. To some, his rise represents opportunity; to others, it’s a ticking time bomb. As one Harare vendor put it after receiving a free bus ride donated by Chivayo:“He feeds us today. But what will he ask for tomorrow?”

The Logo for the CZI ( image source ) Zimbabwe’s largest business lobby, the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), has called on the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) to stop relying on verbal assurances and instead formalise its de-dollarisation roadmap through legally binding instruments. The memory of the 2019 Statutory Instrument 142, which abruptly abolished the multi-currency system and converted US dollar deposits into RTGS dollars at 1:1, remains fresh. That move wiped out corporate savings, destabilised contracts, and shattered trust. “Clear legal instruments will provide certainty and build trust with industry and investors,” the CZI said in submissions to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce this week. The RBZ has repeatedly pledged to maintain the multi-currency system until 2030, but without statutory backing, businesses fear reversals could happen overnight. According to CZI, formalisation should cover protection of USD balances in bank accounts, guarantees on USD-denominated obligations (loans, contracts, salaries) and monetary stability safeguards against arbitrary policy changes. “Assurances in speeches are not enough. We need guarantees in law.” — CZI Economists say the trust deficit created in 2019 continues to haunt Zimbabwe’s financial system, with businesses hoarding forex and consumers preferring USD cash over banking channels. Professor Gift Mugano, a Harare-based economist, noted:“Unless backed by law, RBZ promises are like sandcastles—washed away by the next policy tide.” The RBZ has hinted that a formal de-dollarisation bill may be tabled under National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), but timelines remain vague. Meanwhile, businesses warn that investment will stall unless confidence is restored. This debate mirrors Zimbabwe’s larger dilemma: balancing sovereignty over currency policy with the need for predictability in global markets. Without reforms, analysts warn, the country risks perpetuating a vicious cycle of policy shocks, capital flight, and informalisation. “2019 was an earthquake. Industry cannot afford another aftershock.” As Zimbabwe positions itself for Vision 2030, the message from industry is clear: only law, not rhetoric, can rebuild confidence.

Sri Lanka Vs Zimbabwe Graphic ( image source ) Harare Sports Club was electric as Sri Lanka edged Zimbabwe in a heart-stopping first ODI of their 2025 tour, winning by just seven runs. The August 29 clash delivered high drama, standout performances, and a final-over hat-trick that stunned fans. Match Recap Sri Lanka posted a formidable 298/6 , led by: Pathum Nissanka – 76 runs Janith Liyanage – 70* Kamindu Mendis – 57 Zimbabwe’s response was equally spirited. Sikandar Raza  anchored the innings with a heroic 92 , supported by Sean Williams  and Ryan Burl . The Chevrons reached 291/8  before falling short in the final over. “We were ten runs away. It hurts, but we’ll bounce back,” said Zimbabwe captain Sean Williams. Final-Over Drama Sri Lankan pacer Dilshan Madushanka  sealed the win with a dramatic hat-trick in the last over, earning Player of the Match  honors. Cricket analyst Tatenda Taibu  remarked: “This was one of the most gripping ODIs Harare has hosted in years. Both teams showed grit and flair.” Multimedia Highlights The Game Ending Hat Trick The Strong Chevron Efforts Fan Reactions Social media lit up with praise for both teams. The hashtag #ZIMvSL  trended across platforms, with fans applauding Zimbabwe’s fighting spirit and Sri Lanka’s composure under pressure. “That final over was pure adrenaline. Madushanka is a beast!” tweeted @CricketZimFan . What’s Next The second ODI is scheduled for August 31 at Harare Sports Club . Zimbabwe will aim to level the series, while Sri Lanka looks to seal a clean sweep. Fans can follow the action live via: LIVE | 2nd ODI - Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe | Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe  (expert commentary and post-game analysis).

The ZIMSEC Logo ( image source ) The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has released the official 2025 Ordinary and Advanced Level registration fees, sparking debate among parents, educators, and watchdog groups. While government subsidies aim to cushion public school candidates, questions of affordability and accountability persist. Fee Structure Breakdown According to the latest ZIMSEC circular, exam fees are as follows: Public Schools:  O-Level – US$11 per subject | A-Level – US$22 per subject Private Schools:  O-Level – US$24 per subject | A-Level – US$48 per subject Extra-Territorial Candidates:  O-Level – US$56 per subject | A-Level – US$98 per subject Government subsidies will cover 55% of fees  for up to seven O-Level subjects  and four A-Level subjects  per candidate. Payments can be made in USD, ZAR, or ZiG  at official interbank rates . ZIMSEC spokesperson Mrs. Nyasha Chikasha  said the council’s priority is inclusivity: “We aim to ensure no child is left behind due to financial constraints.” Deadlines and Payment Channels Registration and payment dates have been set as follows: June Exams:  March 10–14, 2025 November Exams:  March 24–28, 2025 In response to mounting pressure from lawmakers, ZIMSEC extended the payment deadline to May 16, 2025 . This adjustment, particularly affecting rural schools, is covered in the companion report Zimbabwe Exam Fees Payment Deadline Extended to 2025 . Public Reaction Parents and guardians expressed mixed feelings about the new structure. In Glen View, parent Tariro Moyo  said: “We’re still paying school fees, uniforms, and now this. It’s overwhelming.” Private school families noted they were excluded from subsidies, while educators voiced frustration over administrative hurdles and late payments. To support students, resources such as ZimSec & Cambridge Exam Preparation Tips for Zimbabwean Students  have gained traction online. Accountability and Oversight Civil society groups are demanding transparency on fee usage, citing previous scandals where exam funds were allegedly mismanaged. Education analyst Dr. Tendai Mahere  said: “We need full disclosure. Every dollar must be accounted for.” The issue echoes past controversies highlighted in The Newsflash @3 | ZBC News Online  report, where school authorities were accused of misusing collected fees, leaving candidates stranded. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education  is expected to issue a follow-up statement on monitoring mechanisms. Meanwhile, parents have been urged to verify official payment channels  and keep proof of transactions.

A Bucket Wheel Excavator ( image source ) Burkina Faso, a landlocked West African nation often defined by political instability and security crises, is now testing a different narrative: industrial modernisation through mining. The government this week confirmed the arrival of a state-of-the-art Bucket Wheel Excavator (BWE)  from Chinese giant SINOMACH-HI International Equipment Co., Ltd. The machine—more often seen in coal mines and mega-projects—will be deployed at the Kiaka Gold Project , one of the region’s largest new mines. “This excavator will allow us to process more ore with less energy and manpower,” said mining engineer Ibrahim Traoré . Gold-Driven Growth Burkina Faso already relies on gold for over 70% of its export revenues , but most production has historically been handled with relatively small-scale equipment. The BWE, designed for continuous surface mining , promises excavation rates never before seen in the country. West African Resources (WAF) , the Australian-listed company leading Kiaka, recently poured its first gold ahead of schedule. Its CEO, Richard Hyde , said the partnership with China positions the mine to become a 500,000-ounce-per-year producer by 2030 . Strategic Partnership with China The deal extends beyond hardware. It includes: ODM Bucket Wheel Excavator solutions, technical training for Burkinabè operators, and long-term maintenance contracts. Analysts see China’s role as part of its wider strategy to secure access to Africa’s critical minerals . While gold isn’t a rare earth, it serves as a strategic hedge against currency volatility . “Gold is still a reserve asset in uncertain times,” said Dr. Hannah Wanjiru , a Nairobi-based economist. “By positioning itself in West Africa, China secures both market share and political goodwill.” Economic Promise vs. Local Concerns For the government, the economic upside is clear—higher productivity could boost tax revenue, create jobs, and stabilise a fragile economy . “This is a game-changer for our mining sector,” said Fatoumata Diallo , spokesperson for NEEMBA Burkina Faso . But locals remain cautious. Artisanal miners  fear displacement, while environmental groups  warn of land degradation and water scarcity. With its enormous scooping wheels, the BWE could strip vast areas of soil within weeks . Security Risks Another pressing challenge is security. Since 2015, Burkina Faso has battled jihadist insurgencies , with gold mines often targeted by militants for extortion. Deploying billion-dollar machinery in such regions carries high risks. “Technology cannot dig in peace,” warned security analyst Col. Amadou Sawadogo . “Unless the state regains control of rural zones, mining companies will remain vulnerable.” A Regional Gold Rush Burkina Faso’s gamble mirrors a broader West African trend . Neighbouring Ghana, Mali, and Côte d’Ivoire  are all expanding gold output to ride high global prices. But unlike Ghana— Africa’s top gold producer —Burkina Faso faces steeper hurdles: instability, repeated coups, and community displacement. Still, if the BWE delivers on its promise, Burkina Faso could rise from a mid-tier producer to one of Africa’s top three gold powers by the next decade.

The case has sparked public outrage and calls for independent oversight ( image source ) A police officer stationed at Matapi Police Station in Mbare is on the run after allegedly raping a stranded woman in Pioneer Cemetery—a case that has shaken public trust in law enforcement. According to eyewitness accounts and police reports, the victim was abducted near the Simon Mazorodze flyover by Tarisai Sithole (35)  and an accomplice. They allegedly took her to Pioneer Cemetery, robbed her, and raped her. “He threatened me inside the police station while I was reporting the crime,” the victim told investigators. Sithole, who was off duty and in civilian clothing, entered the station during the report and allegedly tried to intimidate the victim. Despite this, she bravely identified him. Institutional Accountability Gender rights activist Rudo Chikukwa commented:“This case is a horrifying reminder of the vulnerability women face—even from those sworn to protect them.” The ZRP has launched a manhunt for Sithole’s accomplice and confirmed that Sithole was remanded out of custody pending trial. To explore the broader issue of police misconduct, WATCH | Police officer denied bail for alleged rape of woman  provides insight into similar cases and judicial responses. Meanwhile, BOSA slams alleged rape by a police officer at Mfuleni police  highlights the growing demand for independent oversight of police behavior across Southern Africa. Public Outcry The incident has reignited debate over the need for an independent police oversight body. Civil society organizations are calling for the establishment of a Police Complaints Commission . “We cannot allow rogue officers to operate with impunity,” said Linda Masarira, leader of LEAD Zimbabwe. Policy Implications Legal experts argue that Zimbabwe’s Police Act  must be amended to include mandatory psychological evaluations  and the use of body cameras  for officers.

The Armored Convoy in Harare ( image source ) Harare residents were stunned this week as nearly two dozen Chinese-made armored vehicles rolled through the capital in a tightly coordinated convoy—marking the first public deployment of Zimbabwe’s new mechanized arsenal. The spectacle, captured in roadside footage and shared by presidential spokesman George Charamba , has ignited speculation about internal political tensions and the strategic timing of the display. The Convoy: What Was Seen The convoy featured a mix of Norinco PTL-02 wheeled assault guns —armed with 105mm cannons—and WZ551 armored personnel carriers  in various configurations. These vehicles are part of a US$28 million military aid package  delivered by China in late 2023, confirmed during a handover ceremony at Inkomo Barracks attended by President Emmerson Mnangagwa  and the Chinese ambassador. “Zimbabwe continues to upgrade its defence capabilities to deter would-be aggressors. Weakness tempts!” Charamba posted on X (formerly Twitter). Strategic Implications While Charamba’s post suggested a fresh delivery, defence analysts believe the convoy likely consisted of the 2023 consignment, now being shifted from storage or training zones to operational bases. The timing , however, has raised eyebrows. “If the ZDF is suddenly parading assault guns and APCs that have been sitting in depots since 2023, it can easily be read as a signal from Mnangagwa to deter not just external threats, but internal rivals too,” said a Harare-based security analyst. The PTL-02 assault gun , built on China’s WZ551 6×6 chassis, offers mobile firepower akin to a light tank, capable of firing shells and laser-guided missiles up to five kilometers. Its companion vehicles—troop carriers, command units, recovery trucks, and ambulances—enhance the Zimbabwe Defence Forces’ (ZDF) mobility and battlefield sustainment . Political Undercurrents The display comes amid persistent rumors of tension between President Mnangagwa  and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga , his former army chief and long-rumored successor. Analysts suggest the convoy may have been a calculated show of strength  to reinforce Mnangagwa’s authority within ZANU-PF. “The optics matter. This was not just a logistical movement—it was a message,” said Dr. Nyasha Mudzamiri, political scientist at the University of Zimbabwe. The convoy’s timing coincides with growing calls from war veterans aligned with Chiwenga  for Mnangagwa to step down before 2028. Some factions have even hinted at a possible March 2026 ‘uprising’  if succession remains unresolved. China’s Role China has become Zimbabwe’s largest trading partner and weapons supplier . Defence experts note that 70% of African militaries now use Chinese-made armored vehicles , cementing Beijing’s influence on the continent’s security landscape. “This is not just about hardware—it’s about influence,” said Dr. Chenai Moyo, a regional security expert. Public Reaction Social media erupted with both praise and concern. Some citizens lauded the modernization of the army , while others feared a return to militarized politics . “We remember 2017. Tanks in Harare are never just tanks,” tweeted @ZimWatchdog. The ZDF has yet to issue an official statement. However, insiders suggest the vehicles may be deployed to strategic locations  in Mashonaland and Midlands provinces. Parliament is expected to debate the implications in the coming week.

A Blast furnace at Dinson Iron and Steel Company ( image source ) A new industrial narrative is unfolding in southern Africa: Zimbabwe, once reliant on imported metal, is strengthening its steel production while South African mills are struggling. At the forefront is Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO), backed by a US$800 million Tsingshan investment, reviving industrial capacity at the Manhize plant near Mvuma. Forging Zimbabwe's Steel Future Reports from Reuters confirm Tsingshan’s expansion backed by US$800 million to take annual carbon steel production from 600,000 to 1.2 million tonnes. Currently, DISCO is manufacturing steel products—including 16mm to 25mm deformed bars—at around 300 tonnes per day, with ambitions to double output in the near future. Economist Knox Mushava underscores the strategic significance: “Steel is not just an industry—it’s a strategic asset. Zimbabwe is reclaiming its industrial autonomy.” South Africa's Decline and Zimbabwe's Opportunity Industry data show that South Africa’s steel output has fallen by approximately 30% since 2018, while imports have surged by 71%, with foreign steel now covering 36% of national consumption. With DISCO ramping up, Zimbabwe is filling the void in the regional market. DISCO Project Manager Wilfred Motsi says: “We’ve received orders from South Africa, Zambia, and Mozambique.” Energy Synergy and Industrial Resilience DISCO’s ability to sustain operations stems from self-supply through a 50 MW thermal power plant and gas recovery systems meeting 20% of internal energy needs. Energy reports also highlight future clean-energy partnerships using wind and hydro to further strengthen resilience. Economic Impact and Local Growth The steel plant’s early production is supporting Zimbabwe’s construction sector and generating employment opportunities. Analysts expect that once the facility reaches its full scale of 1.2 million tonnes—and potentially up to 5 million tonnes—it could add billions of dollars in annual economic output, cementing Zimbabwe’s role as a regional steel hub.

A Harare Spar employee was fired after being caught spying on female coworkers ( image source ) A Harare retail employee was terminated after being caught spying on female coworkers in a changing room, igniting a broader conversation about workplace ethics and privacy. The man, whose identity is withheld for legal reasons, was employed at a local Spar outlet. According to internal reports, he installed a hidden camera in the female staff changing room. The footage was leaked on social media, prompting immediate backlash. “We acted swiftly to protect our brand and our employees,” said a Spar spokesperson. The video, widely circulated on TikTok and WhatsApp, showed the employee in company uniform engaging in inappropriate behavior. Legal and Ethical Fallout Labor law expert Advocate Tafadzwa Muvhami noted:“Employers must balance privacy rights with the need to maintain a safe and respectful workplace.” The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has called for mandatory workplace ethics training and surveillance policy reviews. The incident has prompted Spar Zimbabwe to initiate a full audit of its surveillance policies and staff conduct protocols. Other retailers are following suit. “This is a wake-up call for all employers,” said HR consultant Memory Dube. Public Reaction Online forums and comment sections were flooded with calls for criminal charges. The Zimbabwe Gender Commission has launched an inquiry into workplace harassment trends.