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An Oil Refinery in Africa ( image source ) Namibia and Botswana are exploring a jointly owned oil refinery, a marquee idea that has rippled across regional energy circles with price tags of about $4 billion and siting whispers around Walvis Bay. Officials and industry platforms describe it as a bid to cut reliance on imported fuels, capture more value from crude flows linked to Namibia’s offshore finds, and bolster energy security for the inland Southern African market. Public statements and trade-press reporting since May confirm high-level talks and feasibility exploration for a joint refinery venture. Energy Capital & Power, FurtherAfrica and other industry outlets have chronicled the agenda: joint funding options, scale between 30,000–60,000 barrels/day in an initial phase, and regional distribution using Namibia’s ports and Botswana’s demand centre. None of these constitute a final investment decision (FID), but they mark a shift from coffee-table idea to pre-feasibility work. A parallel development complicates the landscape: Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery plans to build 1.6 million barrels of fuel storage at Walvis Bay to flood Southern African markets with refined product. If Dangote’s tanks land first, it could reshape supply dynamics—potentially undercutting the economics of a new, capital-intensive refinery unless the Namibia–Botswana project is sized and sequenced carefully. Reuters reporting on Dangote’s Namibia move is specific on capacity and location, suggesting construction could start soon. A right-sized plant could anchor fuel security for Botswana and Namibia, stabilize prices against external shocks, and catalyse downstream jobs in blending, logistics, and maintenance. It could also create strategic stock capacity and leverage Namibia’s burgeoning upstream narrative (Orange Basin discoveries) into industrial policy. For Botswana, access to coastal refining plus pipeline/rail solutions would diversify away from sole dependence on imports routed via South Africa. Risks are real. Refinery margins are cyclical; overcapacity in the region, especially with Dangote scaling up exports, can crush returns. Capital costs and debt terms will define pump-price pass-throughs; if financing is expensive, consumers pay. Environmental compliance—air emissions, wastewater, coastal risks—will be scrutinized by civil society and lenders. And execution risk is non-trivial: EPC selection, feedstock certainty, product slate (diesel vs gasoline bias), and integration with storage and pipelines will make or break viability. Analysts say the next steps in the project will hinge on a formal MoU with site selection and a named transaction advisor; commissioning of a bankable feasibility study (BFS) with transparent assumptions; clarity on feedstock—imported crude vs future local barrels—and offtake agreements; and how the project co-exists or competes with Dangote’s Walvis Bay footprint. Until then, “$4 billion refinery” is a serious exploration, not a signed build. They further reiterate that regional self-reliance in fuels is a compelling goal. If Namibia and Botswana convert political will into disciplined project prep—while sizing against Dangote’s looming presence—the refinery could be a cornerstone of a Southern African energy hub. If not, it risks becoming an expensive monument to good intentions.

over US$170 million in debt cleared ( image source ) Zimbabwe’s drive to clear arrears and resolve external debt obligations has gained significant momentum, with the Ministry of Finance , Economic Development and Investment Promotion confirming a payment of over US$170 million to external creditors during the first half of 2025. The disbursement, covering legacy debts, commitments to development partners, and obligations to major multilateral institutions, marks a major milestone in the government’s strategy to restore credibility with global lenders. Treasury officials, speaking at a strategic meeting in Harare, described the payments as a critical step toward unlocking new avenues for development finance and rebuilding investor confidence. “These payments are critical to positioning Zimbabwe as a credible partner in the eyes of global financiers,” a Treasury official said, adding that the move also signals the country’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations despite ongoing domestic developmental needs. In December 2022, the government established the Structured Dialogue Platform, a forum bringing together creditors and development partners for continuous engagement on arrears clearance and debt resolution. Analysts note that this platform has been instrumental in fostering transparency, dialogue, and cooperation between Zimbabwe and its international creditors. Economists say that while the US$170 million represents only a fraction of the country’s total debt — which stood at over US$20 billion as of December 2024 — it is a significant step toward re-establishing access to concessional loans and other financing options. “The clearance agenda speaks volumes about government’s commitment to pay. This is the hallmark of rebuilding trust, confidence, and restoring relationships at a time when Treasury is mobilising resources to scale up projects across the country,” said Albert Makochekanwa, director of the University of Zimbabwe Business School. Development economist Prosper Chitambara highlighted the balancing act Zimbabwe faces between meeting external debt obligations and funding domestic development. “These efforts highlight government’s balancing act between debt obligation and domestic developmental needs. It is a vital part of the engagement and re-engagement strategy that underpins national growth,” Chitambara said. The payment demonstrates Zimbabwe’s strategy to gradually normalize relations with global lenders, thereby attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and unlocking concessional financing for critical infrastructure projects. Analysts note that sustained engagement and a clear track record of payments will be vital in improving the country’s sovereign creditworthiness. Treasury figures indicate that the repayment was facilitated by revenue mobilization efforts, remittance inflows, and careful fiscal management, reflecting the government’s commitment to prioritizing debt clearance alongside domestic economic growth initiatives. Policymakers express optimism that this momentum will strengthen Zimbabwe’s financial standing and bolster investor confidence, which is essential for attracting long-term capital inflows, expanding industrial capacity, and generating employment. “Our goal is not only to reduce arrears but also to demonstrate that Zimbabwe is a reliable partner on the global stage. This is critical for future economic expansion,” a Treasury official noted. As Zimbabwe continues its engagement with multilateral creditors, the emphasis remains on maintaining fiscal discipline, prioritizing key development projects, and ensuring that future borrowing is sustainable. Analysts agree that these debt clearance efforts, coupled with structural reforms, could lay the foundation for stronger economic resilience and sustainable growth in the years ahead.

The cement plant under construction in Magunje ( image source ) Reporter In Magunje, a proposed Chinese-linked cement plant has become a Rorschach test for Zimbabwe’s development model: flag-ship foreign direct investment for some, a symbol of procedural short-cuts and environmental risk for others. On paper, the project, reported locally as tied to companies such as Labenmon Investments and Whi-Zim, offers jobs, quarry royalties, and local infrastructure. On the ground, villagers and civil society groups say consultations were rushed, documentation opaque, and environmental safeguards incomplete. Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) say they intervened after residents alleged the project broke ground without transparent community engagement or clear proof of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) compliance. Their account, carried in a June report, details community petitions and legal correspondence pressing authorities to halt works pending proper assessments. ZLHR frames the dispute as a rule-of-law issue: development cannot outpace the constitutional rights of communities to information and participation. Reports say there has been rising tension between the stakeholders. There have been reported protests ahead of a Hurungwe Rural District Council (RDC) meeting, with villagers demanding clarity on land acquisition, blasting plans, and compensation. There have also been reports of allegations of environmental non-compliance and worker mistreatment. Officials, meanwhile, stress macro benefits. Some analysts framed the cement plant within a broader investment push into Mashonaland West, touting downstream jobs, lower cement prices, and import substitution. The investment case is real: cement demand remains robust thanks to housing, roads, and mining projects, and Zimbabwe’s logistics cost base would benefit from local clinker. But officials have been lighter on the procedural specifics—when the EIA was filed, whether public hearings met EMA standards, and how mitigation (dust suppression, blasting schedules, water management) will be monitored and enforced. Repercussions are already visible. First, legal: expect urgent court applications seeking interdicts until statutory processes are demonstrably complete, continuing ZLHR’s strategy. Second, political: councillors in Hurungwe face pressure to choose between investment optics and community consent, a choice that will be remembered at the ballot box. Third, financial: project risk premia rise when social license is shaky; lenders may demand more covenants, delaying timelines and raising costs. Finally, operational: even a compliant EIA must be executed—blasting windows, haul-road dust control, groundwater testing, and grievance mechanisms must be budgeted and audited.

A ZIFA Banner ( image source ) Reporter The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has suspended Premier Soccer League referee Rusununguko Mutero for six matchdays, citing poor performance in a recent top-flight fixture. The sanction—covering matchdays 24 to 29—follows a spate of officiating controversies this season and signals ZIFA’s desire to be seen as tougher on standards. The trigger, according to reports, was Mutero’s handling of FC Platinum vs Green Fuel, where critical decisions—advantage application, penalty-area judgment, and game-management—were deemed sub-par by assessors. ZIFA confirmed the suspension and scope in briefings carried by national outlets and football sites, positioning the move as part of a broader clean-up of “sloppy officiating.” While the specifics of the assessor’s report remain confidential, the message is plain: performance reviews now have consequences beyond whispered lectures. In theory, the action by ZIFA is remedial: the referee is assigned refresher work—laws tests, video breakdowns, simulated match scenarios—and returns only after passing fitness and theory re-assessments. In practice, a suspension can be career-shaping. Appointments committees often become risk-averse, keeping sanctioned officials away from high-stakes fixtures even after their ban ends. The pipeline matters: if Zimbabwe’s elite panel is thin, each sidelined referee increases pressure on those left standing, which can paradoxically lower standards through overwork. ZIFA’s disciplinary machinery has often been accused—fairly or not—of opacity and inconsistency. Clubs cry foul when similar offences draw different outcomes; referees complain that assessors lack feedback rigour; fans see conspiracies. Analysts have called for publishing anonymised decision rationales for benchmark incidents (handball thresholds, offside “interference” interpretations); ensuring VAR-equivalent clarity without VAR (think post-match clips with assessor commentary); and insulating appointments from club power games. For Mutero personally, the road back is clear if steep. The law book has not changed, but emphasis areas do: penalty-box thresholds, simulation detection, and time-wasting control are global pressure points. Fitness also matters; the late-game angle is often the difference between “I saw it” and “I guessed.” If he nails re-certification and accepts developmental matches on return, the suspension can be a reset, not an epitaph. For the league, this is a chance to normalise accountability. Strong officiating isn’t invisible; it’s quietly fair. If ZIFA pairs tough love with transparent mentoring—and adds independent observers for a few televised matches—the PSL can cool the temperature while raising the bar. Right now, the table is tight; the stakes are high. Getting the whistle right is the least the game deserves.a

Farai Hallam ( image source ) Farai Hallam, a Zimbabwean-born former footballer, took his first steps into English football’s officiating elite over the weekend when he was appointed fourth official in Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth. For Hallam, once a Championship forward with Middlesbrough, it was not just a career milestone but a defining moment for Zimbabweans across the diaspora who continue to break barriers in fields where their presence is still rare. Hallam’s footballing journey started with boots and goals but has now found a new life in whistles and substitution boards. After his professional playing days wound down, he chose a less-travelled road—refereeing. It required dedication securing FA refereeing badges, cutting his teeth in grassroots leagues, and steadily advancing through the ranks of non-league and the English Football League. By the time he appeared at Anfield this past weekend, Hallam had transformed from a player chasing through defences to an official ensuring order in one of the world’s most scrutinised football arenas. His role as fourth official—managing substitutions, monitoring technical areas, assisting the main referee administratively, and being ready to step in if needed—might appear secondary to fans, but insiders know it is pivotal in keeping the game’s tempo flowing smoothly. For Zimbabweans watching from afar, Hallam’s achievement resonates deeply. It shows that the diaspora is not confined to certain expected paths such as nursing, teaching, or lower-tier sporting roles. Instead, Zimbabweans abroad are increasingly finding spaces in specialist, often overlooked fields. Officiating at the highest level of English football is a clear demonstration of this expansion. Hallam’s success also challenges stereotypes around migration. Often, Zimbabweans in the UK are boxed into narratives of economic struggle or “survival jobs.” Yet his rise to a Premier League touchline reflects a different reality: ambition, persistence, and the ability to diversify professionally. Hallam is not alone in blazing trails. In sport, the UK-based Zimbabwean diaspora has produced players such as Brendan Galloway, who featured for Everton and later represented Zimbabwe internationally; Admiral Muskwe, who plays in the English leagues and also turned out for the Warriors; and Macauley Bonne, who has been a consistent performer in the English Football League. Beyond sport, Zimbabweans have also made notable strides in academia, business, and politics. In health and research, professionals like Dr Brighton Kaoma, a Rhodes Scholar based in the UK, are shaping climate and sustainability discourses. In the arts, Zimbabwean creatives in Britain continue to carve out spaces, with fashion designers, poets, and musicians drawing on heritage while engaging global audiences. Hallam’s transition to refereeing adds another layer to this story, it represents the diversification of Zimbabwean influence in the UK, beyond visibility as players or performers into the “hidden infrastructures” that keep industries functioning. His trajectory also raises important questions for Zimbabwe’s domestic football system. While Hallam has benefited from the professional structures of the English FA, retired players at home often face limited opportunities beyond coaching. Very few transition into refereeing, sports administration, or policy-making. This points to a structural gap in Zimbabwean football: the absence of clear pathways for former professionals to stay in the game in non-playing roles. If Zimbabwe wants to build a stronger football ecosystem, it needs to create frameworks where ex-players can become referees, administrators, or analysts. Hallam’s rise should inspire such reforms, reminding the nation that player careers are finite, but expertise can be redeployed if systems allow. Hallam’s immediate task will be to prove consistency in his new role. The Premier League is unforgiving, and referees face intense scrutiny from managers, players, media, and fans alike. Even a fourth official is not shielded from criticism if errors are perceived. His long-term goal will likely be to step into centre-referee duties, first in lower divisions and eventually in the Premier League itself. Should he achieve this, Hallam would make history as the first Zimbabwean-born central referee in English football’s top flight.

A TICAD 9 Banner ( image source ) From August 20–22, 2025, African leaders head to TICAD 9 —the Tokyo International Conference on African Development, co-hosted by Japan, UN, UNDP, World Bank, and African Union Commission. Themed “People, Planet, and Prosperity in a Changing World,”  the conference has evolved since its inception in 1993, pivoting from security to innovation and economic transformation. Japan’s model is one of ODA with developmental vision—not charity. Facing domestic austerity and rising populism, Japan focuses on concessional finance, such as converting Southeast Asian loan repayments into low-interest funds for African nations. Since 1993, it has committed approximately ¥1.2 trillion (~$8.5 billion) to African infrastructure—dwarfed by China’s $182 billion—but emphasizing sustainability and local capacity. Africa is a target for annual summits—from G7/G20 fora to Western development conventions and Chinese Belt and Road showcases. Each offers access to capital, but also competition for attention and alignment. Japan positions TICAD as an African-owned dialogue with transparent agendas. Analysts say the benefit of Africa to the conference include visibility, new partnerships, concessional funding, and peer-learning. However, there are also risks such as duplicate rhetoric, bureaucratic fatigue, and donor chatter without delivery. The value lies in follow-through on agreements and institutional accountability. Prior to TICAD, Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs Minister Amon Murwira met Japan’s ambassador to align on Expo 2025 and TICAD 9 agendas, signaling political intent. The country will send a delegation—likely led by the Foreign Affairs Minister and economic officials—to engage on business, trade, and investment platforms at the Business Expo & Conference organized by JETRO. Zimbabwe aims to attract TICAD negotiations toward infrastructure, health, agriculture, and finance. Government seeks to showcase investment climate and secure sustainable loan frameworks aligned with national development vision. TICAD 9 is not just another “Africa outside”  event—it’s Japan’s strategic pivot to showcase development diplomacy grounded in empathy, not dominance. For Zimbabwe and other African nations, the return on attending depends on converting dialogue into investment, co-innovation, and equitable partnerships.

Harare City Council Building ( image source ) Across Harare, sewage pools in streets, garbage piles unseen, and residents scramble days for drinking water. Yet, Harare City Council (HCC) continues to allocate significant resources to frequent luxury-hotel “workshops,” prompting criticism that finances aimed at basic services are being wasted on councillor comfiness. Over the first six months of 2025, council financial summaries show at least nine separate “workshop” events held in hotels—with costs frequently topping US$200 per councillor per night. One seasoned councillor, under anonymity, disclosed:“Councillors often sign in, have breakfast, then nap. Their presence is recorded, but little else happens.” Meeting venues ranged from Bulawayo’s upmarket precincts to resorts near Victoria Falls—settings generally unaffordable for ordinary ratepayers. A leaked internal memo outlining logistics for one retreat revealed line-items for “venue hire,” “meals,” “travel,” and “accommodation allowances”—but nothing for deliverables like improved infrastructure or action plans. Meanwhile, residents in high-density suburbs such as Kuwadzana and Mabelreign report weeks without refuse collection. Sewer line blockages spew raw effluent into homes and thoroughfares, turning streets into hazards. The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum characterized conditions as “a slide toward uninhabitability.” A Harare mother and small grocery operator shared:“I pay rates, but the garbage lies as if the council doesn’t exist. They’d rather spend on retreats than garbage pick-ups.” Council documents show external “workshop” costs at roughly US$450,000—while water-trucking operations for dry suburbs received a far smaller allocation of US$300,000. This budget misalignment has dismayed both residents and observers. A policy analyst explained, “Workshops should be tools of efficiency, but here they’re detaching councillors from the urgency of service delivery.” Persistent efforts by some reform-oriented councillors to rein in workshop costs have hit roadblocks. One opposition member lamented:“Proposals to conduct briefings locally or online were voted down. The official line is ‘face-to-face decision-making improves governance’—yet our sanitation remains broken.” Residents associations say residents need to demand financial transparency and access-to-information protocols to request breakdowns of “workshop” expenditures. They also call on organised civic pressure through non-violent, unified ratepayer protests or social media campaigns that can draw attention and restrain wasteful spending. They should also promote alternative formats like hybrid meetings, local venues, or remote conferencing which offer cost savings without compromising oversight. Harare’s “workshopping” culture hints at a troubling disconnection between council rituals and urban realities. For many residents, it is not the leisure of workshops that offends, but the neglect of vital essentials. Sewer fixes and water restoration are non-negotiable. If councillors cannot reallocate time and money to meet those needs, ratepayers will feel compelled to demand accountability more insistently.

From the SADC Summit ( image source ) Reporter Southern Africa’s leaders convened in Antananarivo for the 45th SADC Summit , where Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa formally handed the chairpersonship to Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina—marking a planned rotation that shifts stewardship from Harare to Antananarivo for the coming year. The handover closes a chapter in which Zimbabwe championed agro-industrial value chains and infrastructure delivery, and opens one in which Madagascar has signalled a focus on industrialisation, agricultural transformation and energy transition aligned to regional priorities. The institutional baton-passing began last week at ministerial level: on August 12, the SADC Council of Ministers confirmed Madagascar’s Dr. Rafaravavitafika Rasata as Council Chair, succeeding Zimbabwe’s Prof. Amon Murwira, with the meeting adopting the 2025 theme “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC.” The Council is the bloc’s policy-shaping workhorse and its leadership change typically foreshadows the Head of State rotation at Summit. On Sunday and Monday in Antananarivo, the Summit stage provided the set-piece moment: Mnangagwa’s formal handover to Rajoelina. Zimbabwean outlets covering the proceedings highlighted the outgoing chair’s scorecard and his call for deeper integration, while South African public broadcasting previewed the handover as a central feature of this year’s gathering. The optics matter: by moving from a Harare-hosted 2024 summit to Madagascar’s 2025 stewardship, SADC signals continuity in agenda even as political ownership rotates. Industrialisation remains the region’s top priority, but pathways are changing. The push toward agricultural transformation acknowledges climate volatility and food-security gaps, while “energy transition” recognizes both the global decarbonisation drive and SADC’s own load-shedding realities—most acutely in South Africa, but echoed in generation constraints elsewhere. The framing suggests Madagascar will be expected to shepherd practical cooperation around grid stability, cross-border interconnectors, and unlocking renewables alongside minerals-for-energy value chains. Other areas of focus for the regional bloc include security stabilization in Mozambique through continued SADC Mission draw-down management and economic recovery support in Cabo Delgado. Sadc will also have to navigate member-state polls with SADC observer missions and post-election dialogue, amid perennial debates about standards and consistence as well as advancing AfCFTA-aligned border reforms to lower logistics costs for landlocked members. These files demand deft consensus-building more than headline-grabbing announcements, yet chairs can shape tempo and tone. From Zimbabwe’s perspective, the handover is an opportunity to underline continuity rather than a curtain-call. Outgoing-chair messaging from Antananarivo dwelled on achievements and integration priorities, a point Mnangagwa himself underscored in public updates around the Summit. The Council’s theme alignment means Harare’s industrial policy emphases will not be orphaned; instead, they meet Madagascar’s own development agenda at a useful intersection: agro-processing (rice, vanilla, fisheries), green energy potential (wind and hydro), and maritime logistics that connect Indian Ocean trade to inland SADC markets. Two near-term markers will reveal how Madagascar intends to imprint its chairship. First, watch for concrete follow-ups on energy interconnectivity and regulatory harmonisation—areas where “summit speak” can stall without timelines. Second, track project-level collaboration in agri-value chains, where cross-border sanitary standards, storage, and financing are as decisive as slogans. For business readers in the region, the practical takeaway is to monitor three lanes: (1) any SADC-brokered easing of border times and costs for food and manufactured goods; (2) signals on renewable procurement frameworks and grid links that could crowd in private capital; and (3) the treatment of strategic minerals within regional value-addition schemes. Rotations change who holds the gavel, but the policy runway, industrialisation, agricultural resilience, and energy transition remains the same.

South African Taxis ( image source ) For much of the long weekend, South African social media platforms were awash with alarming posts and voice notes claiming taxi operators were blocking roads and ordering motorists to carry no more than one passenger—or risk having their cars damaged. By early Monday, authorities and the industry’s own national body were publicly—and firmly—pushing back, calling the claims false and warning that any attempt to police private vehicles is illegal. The whiplash between viral warnings and official denials underscores a recurring tension in South Africa’s commuter economy: even unverified threats can cause real-world disruption when they tap into deep-seated anxieties about taxi-related intimidation and violence. In KwaZulu-Natal, the provincial Department of Transport moved quickly to clarify the law. “It is illegal for anyone to stop cars, pull out passengers and force them to use taxis,” the department said in a statement responding to the viral posts, which had alleged a province-wide clampdown by operators. The department rejected the idea that any taxi association could dictate how many people a private motorist may carry, effectively telling motorists to ignore such instructions and report intimidation to law enforcement. Nationally, the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) also dismissed the circulating claims. Santaco said assertions that taxi drivers were blocking motorists with more than one passenger were “false and misleading,” urging the public to avoid sharing unverified content that can stoke panic and damage the sector’s reputation. Other online sources reported Santaco’s denial, noting that screenshots and posts warning of a “one-passenger rule” had spread rapidly online over the weekend. That the rumors gained traction at all speaks to the broader context. South Africa’s minibus taxi industry remains the backbone of urban mobility, transporting millions daily, but it has also been synonymous with periodic flare-ups over routes, permits, and market share. In June, parts of the Western Cape again saw taxi tensions spill over in Somerset West, prompting warnings for commuters to avoid the area during a stand-off between rival groups. Earlier this year, analysts pointed to long-running disputes in Gauteng involving Soweto associations as emblematic of a structural problem: unresolved governance gaps around routes and permitting that allow small sparks to become stand-offs. This weekend’s claims also highlighted how misinformation loops can feed real fear. Multiple Facebook posts amplified the “no more than one passenger” narrative, with some accompanied by alarming images of blocked roads. Yet, as officials note, social posts are not evidence of sanctioned action—and any real attempts to stop private vehicles and enforce such “rules” would amount to criminal conduct. Still, perception is powerful. Even when false, viral warnings can alter behavior: motorists reroute trips, parents postpone school lifts, and businesses plan around potential bottlenecks. That is why clear, early communication matters—both from authorities and the industry. On Monday, provincial messaging stressed that motorists should report intimidation to police, while Santaco sought to separate the sector’s image from the chaos of rumor.

Assistant Inspector Simbarashe Mandizvidza ( image source ) Harare police have confirmed the arrest of Assistant Inspector Simbarashe Mandizvidza, the officer who shocked the nation this week after allegedly stealing a marked police vehicle, disappearing for days, and declaring himself the new head of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). Mandizvidza, who was stationed at the Police General Headquarters (PGHQ), was apprehended late Tuesday night in Mashonaland Central after a nationwide manhunt that gripped both law enforcement and the public. The arrest followed a tip-off from members of the public who spotted the stolen Ford Ranger in a rural area outside Bindura. According to an internal ZRP memo dated August 13 and circulated to all stations in Mashonaland East, Mandizvidza had been temporarily assigned custody of the Ford Ranger (registration ZRP 033) by a senior officer. Instead of returning the vehicle, he absconded, prompting police chiefs to order all stations to be on high alert. Things escalated quickly when Mandizvidza began posting inflammatory statements online, claiming he had “taken over” the ZRP and issuing an extraordinary ultimatum ordering all Chinese nationals to leave Zimbabwe within 48 hours. The remarks, laced with xenophobic undertones, sparked widespread condemnation from citizens, diplomats, and human rights observers. Social media platforms buzzed with disbelief and outrage. While some dismissed his statements as the ramblings of a rogue officer, others worried about the implications of such rhetoric at a time when Zimbabwe’s economic survival is closely tied to Chinese investment, particularly in mining and infrastructure.“This kind of reckless talk can’t be brushed aside as a joke,” said political analyst Eldred Masunungure. “It has the potential to inflame diplomatic tensions and embolden extremist sentiments.” Police sources told online news sources that Mandizvidza attempted to evade capture by moving through remote farming areas, avoiding main roads, and occasionally switching off his mobile devices. However, a villager in Bindura District recognised both the officer and the marked vehicle, alerting local authorities. Mashonaland Central police, working with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), cornered him in the early evening. Witnesses said Mandizvidza appeared disoriented but did not resist arrest. He was immediately taken into custody at CID Bindura before being transferred under heavy guard to Harare. ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest, stating:“The Zimbabwe Republic Police wishes to inform the public that Assistant Inspector Simbarashe Mandizvidza has been apprehended. The stolen vehicle has been recovered, and investigations are ongoing. The ZRP will ensure that the law takes its full course.” Mandizvidza is expected to face multiple charges, including theft of a motor vehicle, criminal abuse of office, and possibly incitement to public disorder. Legal experts say the xenophobic nature of his public statements could see additional charges related to hate speech or threats to national security.If convicted, he could face a lengthy prison sentence and dismissal from the force without benefits. The bizarre episode has reignited public debate about discipline, morale, and leadership within the ZRP. Low salaries, poor working conditions, and corruption scandals have plagued the force for years, leading some officers to become involved in petty crime and others in more audacious acts.“This case is extreme, but it’s not isolated,” said a retired superintendent who requested anonymity. “There’s a growing frustration in the ranks, and without reforms, we may see more officers stepping out of line.” Ordinary Zimbabweans expressed both shock and dark humour at the incident. Memes mocking the “self-appointed police chief” circulated widely, while others called for a serious inquiry into how a senior officer could commandeer an official vehicle without immediate interception.“Only in Zimbabwe could you have a police officer stealing a police car to overthrow the police,” one Harare commuter quipped. Mandizvidza is set to appear before the Harare Magistrates’ Court later this week. The ZRP leadership has promised a full statement after the initial court hearing and reiterated its commitment to restoring public trust.

An Arundel Hospital Ambulance ( image source ) Reporter Air Vice Marshal Biltim Chingono, a decorated commander in the Zimbabwean Air Force, has publicly credited Arundel Hospital, owned by business mogul Kudakwashe Tagwirei, for saving his life following a near-fatal medical crisis that left him on life support for four months. The military officer described his recovery as nothing short of a “miracle,” highlighting both the hospital’s advanced medical facilities and the dedication of its staff. In a rare and candid interview, Chingono recounted the harrowing ordeal.“A lot of people were surprised. I stayed for six months. Of those six months, four months I was in intensive care, on life support. I don’t even know what happened,” he said.He revealed that during the height of his illness, even visitors who came to see him doubted he would survive.“Some had already lost hope that they would see me standing, let alone alive,” Chingono said. The turning point in his recovery came when he was transferred to Arundel Hospital, a facility that gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic for its critical care services and ability to manage complex, life-threatening cases.“When I was taken to Arundel, it didn’t take them 36 months to bring me back to consciousness. It was a real miracle,” Chingono said, emphasizing the role of modern medical equipment and the hospital’s skilled professionals. Chingono also expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who supported him throughout his recovery, including Tagwirei. “The support and intervention I received made all the difference,” he said. Arundel Hospital has, over the years, built a reputation for handling high-risk cases, combining advanced medical technology with a patient-centered approach. The facility’s ability to treat critically ill patients has set a benchmark for private healthcare in Zimbabwe. Chingono’s story has resonated widely across the military and civilian communities, shining a spotlight on the importance of well-equipped private medical facilities in complementing the public health system. Health analysts have noted that such success stories underscore the need for increased investment in critical care infrastructure nationwide. Chingono has an illustrious career in the army, having served as Chief of Staff at the Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo Air Force Base in Chegutu and was promoted to Air Vice Marshal in April 2019. Beyond his military duties, he has been an advocate for enhanced military training and the elimination of drug and substance abuse in the armed forces. His miraculous recovery has reinvigorated his commitment to these causes, with Chingono stating that his experience has given him a renewed perspective on life and leadership. Military experts have praised his resilience and the hospital’s role, noting that successful recoveries in complex medical cases often hinge on both timely intervention and access to top-tier healthcare services.“Air Vice Marshal Chingono’s recovery is an encouraging reminder of what is possible when modern medical facilities are combined with experienced medical personnel,” said Dr. Tendai Moyo, a senior health analyst in Harare. The story has sparked discussions about the broader role of private hospitals in Zimbabwe, particularly as public facilities face resource constraints and rising patient loads. Advocates argue that partnerships between public and private healthcare institutions could improve national health outcomes and save lives in critical cases. Chingono’s recovery serves as both a personal triumph and a testament to the importance of investing in high-quality healthcare infrastructure capable of handling life-threatening medical emergencies.

The Harare International Airport ( image source ) Reporter Once derided as outdated and inefficient, Harare’s Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport has undergone a remarkable transformation that is changing perceptions at home and abroad. The US$200 million upgrade, financed largely through Chinese partnerships under the Belt and Road Initiative, has turned the airport into a modern facility capable of handling six million passengers annually. Step inside the terminal today and the difference is striking: sleek check-in counters, automated baggage systems, glass-fronted boarding gates, and expanded duty-free shopping. For travellers accustomed to delays and cramped facilities, it feels like stepping into a new era. On social media, Zimbabweans have not hidden their pride. “This feels like Nairobi or Johannesburg, not Harare,” one returning student posted. Another traveller wrote: “Finally, our capital has an airport that reflects who we are as a people. I was proud walking through those gates.” The upgrade is more than cosmetic. By expanding capacity and improving efficiency, the airport positions Harare as a potential aviation hub for Southern Africa. Already, airlines from Asia and the Middle East are considering new routes, citing the facility’s modern standards. Air Zimbabwe, though still struggling, has announced plans to acquire new aircraft to take advantage of the infrastructure. Tourism is another big winner. Zimbabwe relies heavily on Victoria Falls and wildlife parks to attract visitors. A world-class airport gateway makes the country more attractive to high-end tourists and investors alike. Travel operators have welcomed the changes, arguing that first impressions matter — and for years, Harare’s old terminal was a national embarrassment. Critics, however, warn that infrastructure alone is not enough. Efficient management, competitive pricing, and strong marketing are essential to ensure the airport does not become a “white elephant.” Corruption, poor customer service, or mismanagement could easily erode the gains. Still, there is no denying the progress. In a country where many state projects stall or under-deliver, the new airport is a rare example of tangible, world-class development. For once, Zimbabweans can point to an achievement that puts their nation on the continental map. As global competition for tourism and investment intensifies, Harare’s upgraded airport is more than just a building — it is a symbol of possibility. If managed wisely, it could become the beating heart of Zimbabwe’s reconnection with the world.