HARARE – The Government has adopted a sustainable financing model aimed at accelerating the rehabilitation of the 356-kilometre Harare-Chirundu Highway, one of Zimbabwe's most strategic transport corridors linking the country to Zambia, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Authorities say the new funding framework is designed to ensure uninterrupted construction once full-scale works commence, addressing concerns that have previously slowed major infrastructure projects. The highway is a critical component of regional trade and transport networks, carrying thousands of commercial and passenger vehicles between Southern and Central Africa each year. So far, 26 kilometres of the highway have been rehabilitated with support from the Government of Japan, bringing relief to motorists and businesses that rely on the route for the movement of goods and services. The completed section has generated optimism among road users, who have long called for the full rehabilitation of the ageing highway. Speaking on the project, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said the government had put in place mechanisms to guarantee sustained funding throughout the construction period. "We have now put in place a funding model that ensures that when we start, we do not stop. We are targeting about 18 months to complete the project, and currently finalising financial modalities for contractors to fully move on site," said Mhona. While financial arrangements are being finalised, contractors already deployed along the route will continue carrying out maintenance works aimed at improving road conditions and traffic flow. Government officials say the approach will help maintain the highway's usability while preparations for large-scale rehabilitation continue. The Harare-Chirundu Road serves as Zimbabwe's main gateway to northern regional markets and is a key route for cargo destined for Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Malawi. Transport operators have repeatedly highlighted the need for upgrades to reduce travel times, vehicle maintenance costs, and accident risks. The government has also announced plans to modernise the Chirundu Border Post, with works expected to begin this month. The project seeks to replicate improvements implemented at the Beitbridge Border Post, which has undergone extensive upgrades in recent years to improve efficiency and reduce congestion. "You will also see us modernising our border posts, upgrading tollgates into plazas, and installing weighbridges to curb overloading," Mhona said. The installation of modern weighbridges is expected to strengthen enforcement against overloaded vehicles, which are often blamed for damaging road infrastructure. President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the rehabilitation of the Harare-Chirundu Highway forms part of a broader national infrastructure development programme supported through a combination of Treasury funding, private sector investment, and development partner support. "Infrastructure upgrading and development projects are steadily progressing through innovative funding models by Treasury, private sector financing, as well as support from development partners," the President said. He identified the completion and rehabilitation of the Harare-Chirundu Road, the Christmas Pass bypass, the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road, Chirundu Border Post, and Forbes Border Post among the government's top infrastructure priorities. The President also highlighted plans for additional urban road infrastructure, including new interchanges at strategic locations, following the commissioning of the Trabablas Interchange. The rehabilitation of the Harare-Chirundu Highway is expected to improve road safety, reduce transport costs, and enhance the movement of goods and people along one of Zimbabwe's busiest economic corridors. Analysts say improved transport infrastructure could strengthen regional trade, boost investor confidence, and support economic growth by improving connectivity between Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries. Once completed, the upgraded highway is expected to play a vital role in facilitating commerce across Southern and Central Africa while improving travel conditions for motorists and freight operators. Harare-Chirundu Highway rehabilitation

HARARE – Police have arrested four Harare City Council officials in connection with the deaths of three residents who drowned after falling into an open sewer sludge pit in Budiriro earlier this month. Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests on Friday, saying the suspects are facing allegations of negligently causing death through acts of omission and commission that allegedly contributed to the fatal incident. The arrested officials have been identified as Engineer Tapiwa Richard Kunyadini (58), Moses Dicko (57), Thomas Rwakatiwana (52), and Tineyi Chihwai (41). Commissioner Nyathi identified the victims as Saul Karakadzai (19), Vimbanashe Shalom Chihota (34), and Talita Munda (17), all residents of New Stands, Budiriro 3 Extension in Harare. The three victims died after falling into a water- and sewage-filled excavation pit that had reportedly been left exposed during sewer infrastructure works. The tragedy sparked widespread public outrage and renewed scrutiny of safety standards at municipal construction and maintenance sites across the capital. Police allege that negligence by officials responsible for the project may have contributed to the deaths. The arrests come as authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident. Earlier this week, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe announced that both police and independent investigations had been launched to establish accountability and determine whether criminal negligence played a role in the tragedy. Garwe described the incident as preventable and blamed failures in safety procedures and enforcement. The minister said those responsible for leaving the site unsecured would face the full force of the law. Prior to the police announcement, City of Harare spokesperson Stanley Gama confirmed that council employees had been taken into custody in connection with the case. Gama said the officials had been charged with culpable homicide following the deaths. The latest police statement, however, indicates that four council officials have now been arrested as investigations progress. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether additional arrests are expected. The Budiriro sewer pit disaster has generated significant public concern over the condition of municipal infrastructure and the management of public works projects in Harare. Residents and civic organisations have questioned why the excavation was allegedly left without adequate safety barriers, warning signs, or protective measures to prevent access by members of the public. The incident has also reignited debate about occupational safety, infrastructure maintenance, and accountability within local authorities. Meanwhile, the families of the victims continue to seek answers and justice following the deaths of their loved ones. The accused officials are expected to appear in court as investigations continue. Budiriro sewer pit deaths

HARARE – The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Raphael Faranisi, has declared that mining and blasting activities should not be permitted at cultural heritage sites anywhere in Zimbabwe, warning that the destruction of national heritage threatens the country's identity and historical legacy. Faranisi made the remarks on Thursday while giving oral evidence before a joint Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture and the Thematic Committee on Culture and Heritage at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden. The hearing focused on concerns over the protection and preservation of Zimbabwe's cultural and historical sites amid increasing development and mining activities in some areas. Addressing lawmakers, Faranisi said authorities have received numerous complaints regarding activities taking place at sites of cultural and historical significance. "There are so many complaints. We have got very good investors, our dear friends, but they don't care. In their countries, they will never do that," said Faranisi. He warned that some investors and mining operators were damaging locations that hold cultural, spiritual, and historical importance to local communities and the nation as a whole. According to Faranisi, Zimbabwe must safeguard its heritage sites from activities that could permanently alter or destroy them. The permanent secretary called on members of the public to report any mining, quarrying, or blasting activities taking place at protected cultural heritage sites. He urged communities to work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure violations are investigated and addressed promptly. Faranisi also appealed to traditional leaders to take a more active role in protecting sacred and culturally significant areas within their jurisdictions. "Communities must report such activities to the police, and traditional leaders should assist in ensuring that our heritage sites are protected," he said. Faranisi said cultural heritage sites form an important part of Zimbabwe's identity and should be preserved for future generations. He expressed concern that some foreign actors appeared willing to undertake activities at heritage sites in Zimbabwe that would not be tolerated in their countries of origin. The preservation of heritage sites has become an increasingly important issue as Zimbabwe seeks to balance economic development, mining investment, and environmental conservation with the protection of cultural resources. Experts in heritage conservation have long argued that historical and cultural landmarks provide educational, tourism, and cultural value, while also serving as important symbols of national history and identity. The issue of mining near culturally significant areas has generated public debate in recent years, with conservationists, traditional leaders, and civil society organisations calling for stricter enforcement of heritage protection laws. Zimbabwe is home to numerous archaeological, historical, and sacred sites that are protected under national heritage legislation. Stakeholders have repeatedly warned that blasting, excavation, and other extractive activities can cause irreversible damage to cultural landscapes, historical artefacts, and sacred sites. Faranisi's remarks signal the government's intention to strengthen oversight and encourage greater community involvement in protecting Zimbabwe's cultural heritage from destructive activities. The parliamentary committees are expected to continue engaging stakeholders as discussions on heritage conservation and site protection progress. Zimbabwe cultural heritage sites

BULAWAYO – Police in Bulawayo have uncovered a suspected illegal alcohol manufacturing operation in the city centre, leading to the arrest of two people and the seizure of large quantities of ethanol, distilling equipment, and hundreds of bottles bearing the recently launched Highlanders African Gin brand. The operation, carried out on Wednesday, followed a tip-off from members of the public about a premises allegedly being used to manufacture and distribute illicit alcoholic beverages. Speaking during a media briefing on Thursday, Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said officers raided a residential flat suspected of operating as an illegal alcohol production facility. "We received a tip-off that there was a premises in town producing illicit alcohol. We went there and recovered three full 200-litre drums containing ethanol," said Inspector Msebele. Police also recovered equipment believed to have been used in the production and packaging of illegal alcoholic beverages. In addition to the ethanol, officers seized various alcoholic products suspected to be illicit brews commonly known as "njengu" as well as other unregulated brands. "We recovered various assortments of alcohol, which we suspect to be njengu and other illicit products. When we asked for licences authorising production and distribution, none were produced," she said. Authorities also impounded two vehicles allegedly linked to the operation. Among the products recovered during the raid were hundreds of bottles labelled as Highlanders African Gin, a beverage recently launched as part of Highlanders Football Club's centenary celebrations. The discovery comes less than three weeks after the gin was officially unveiled on 25 May through a partnership between Highlanders FC and Comrades Beverages. Police have not indicated whether the seized products were genuine or counterfeit, but said investigations are underway. Inspector Msebele confirmed that samples of the confiscated alcohol would undergo laboratory testing. "The confiscated alcohol will be sent to a laboratory for scientific tests to determine the components used in the manufacturing of the illicit alcohol brew," she said. The results are expected to establish whether the products meet regulatory standards and whether any counterfeit branding was involved. Police arrested a man and a woman in connection with the suspected illicit alcohol operation. The pair is expected to appear in court to face charges linked to the alleged unlawful production and distribution of alcoholic beverages. Investigations remain ongoing. Inspector Msebele warned that the production, distribution, and sale of illicit alcohol are prohibited under Zimbabwean law and can pose serious health risks to consumers. She urged members of the public to report suspected illegal brewing activities to law enforcement authorities. Police also advised consumers to purchase alcoholic beverages only from licensed retailers and authorised distributors to reduce the risk of buying counterfeit or unsafe products. The raid highlights growing concerns over the proliferation of illicit alcohol operations, which authorities say undermine legitimate businesses, evade taxes, and potentially expose consumers to harmful substances. Counterfeit Highlanders African Gin

BULAWAYO – The family of a 66-year-old pensioner has expressed concern over his recent marriage to a woman nearly two decades younger, claiming they fear he could be vulnerable to manipulation and the possible loss of family assets. However, the newlyweds have dismissed the allegations, insisting their relationship is based on love and mutual support. The controversy emerged after Njabulo Mhlanga (66) recently married Nqobizitha Ncube (47) in a civil ceremony held on Tuesday. Relatives say Mhlanga returned to Zimbabwe after spending many years working in South Africa, where he met Ncube. According to family members, the relationship developed rapidly after his return, culminating in the wedding. While relatives insist they are not opposed to their father finding companionship later in life, they say they are worried about the circumstances surrounding the marriage. "We are not against our father finding love. Everyone deserves companionship. But we are worried about the circumstances surrounding this marriage," a family member said. "We fear he is being manipulated and that the houses are the real target." The family alleges that Mhlanga inherited three five-roomed houses and believes the properties could be a factor in the relationship. Relatives also claim that Mhlanga, who reportedly lives with diabetes, has not been consistently taking his medication in recent months. Family members said their concerns intensified after observing what they described as significant changes in his behaviour and lifestyle. According to relatives, they were informed last Friday that Mhlanga and Ncube were preparing to exchange vows at a magistrates' court. "We rushed to court because we could not believe it. When we got there, the marriage was already taking place," another family member said. The relatives claim they attempted to speak to Mhlanga during the proceedings but were unsuccessful in persuading him to reconsider. The family says they were left devastated after he proceeded with the marriage. Mhlanga has strongly rejected the concerns raised by his relatives, insisting that he made the decision independently. "They don't want me to marry her because of their own interests. Why should they decide who I should live with?" he said. "I am old enough to make my own decisions. I can't divorce her." The pensioner said his family was interfering in a personal matter that should be left to him and his wife. Ncube also dismissed suggestions that she married Mhlanga for financial gain or access to property. She said she has become the target of rumours and personal attacks since the marriage. "People are lying and calling me a witch. They are insulting me and spreading false stories. That is wrong, and it is hurtful," she said. Ncube said she met Mhlanga while he was unwell and supported him during a difficult period. "I met him when he was unwell. I helped him and even raised money for his medication. I took care of him when he needed support," she said. She further denied having control over his properties, explaining that family members remain involved in managing some of the rental income. "The two houses we share are managed together, and some of the rent is collected by his aunties. The house we live in had City Council debts, and it is not owned by me," she said. The dispute highlights tensions that can arise when elderly relatives enter new relationships, particularly where property, inheritance, and family expectations are involved. No legal challenge to the marriage has been announced, and there is no evidence before the courts suggesting any wrongdoing by either party. For now, the couple says they intend to continue their life together despite opposition from some members of Mhlanga's family. 66-year-old pensioner marries younger woman

HARARE – Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe has announced a formal investigation into the deaths of three Budiriro residents who drowned after falling into an open sewer trench in Harare, saying council employees responsible for leaving the site unsecured could face culpable homicide charges. Speaking in the Senate on Thursday, Garwe described the incident as a preventable tragedy caused by negligence and poor safety enforcement at a Harare City Council sewer rehabilitation site. "It is very disheartening and regrettable that due to negligence of duty by employees of our capital city council, City of Harare, we lost lives, and these lives were lost because people did not put precautionary measures in place to alert passers-by to avoid the area that was left unprotected," Garwe said. The minister said authorities had engaged the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and that criminal investigations were already underway. "This is also a result of poor enforcement by the municipal police. We had discussions with ZRP, and as we speak, action is being taken for culpable homicide for the people who were involved in this tragic loss of lives," he said. Garwe added that independent investigators had also been brought in to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. "We've also engaged some people outside the local authority who can do a thorough investigation of what happened and, thereafter, will make recommendations for action to be taken," he said. The minister said any decisions regarding compensation for the affected families would depend on the outcome of police investigations and any subsequent court proceedings. "Once the ZRP has done their investigations for culpable homicide and matters go to the courts, the courts will then decide how to deal with the issues," he said. The fatal incident occurred in Budiriro 3, where three people drowned after falling into a deep trench that had been left exposed during sewer works being undertaken by the City of Harare. According to residents, the excavation had filled with water, mud, and raw sewage, creating a dangerous and unprotected pool in a residential area. The tragedy initially came to light after a 19-year-old resident was reported missing. Local volunteer diver Victor "Coach Rambo" Kazembe was called in to assist with the search. What began as a rescue mission quickly turned into a recovery operation after Kazembe discovered three bodies submerged in the water-filled trench. Two of the victims were teenagers from the local community. The Budiriro disaster has sparked widespread public outrage and renewed scrutiny of safety standards at municipal infrastructure projects across Harare. Residents and civic groups have questioned why the trench was allegedly left uncovered and without adequate warning signs, barriers, or protective measures to prevent members of the public from accessing the area. The incident has also intensified concerns over ageing sewer infrastructure, delayed maintenance programmes, and public safety management within the capital's residential suburbs. As investigations continue, families of the victims are demanding accountability for what many residents describe as a tragedy that could have been avoided through proper safety precautions. Authorities are expected to release further details once police investigations and the independent inquiry are completed. Budiriro trench deaths

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – More than 3,000 Malawian nationals, including hundreds of children, are sleeping in the open in Durban after fleeing what they describe as growing threats, intimidation, and attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa. The displaced group has established a makeshift camp in Sherwood, a suburb of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal Province, as fears mount over escalating anti-immigrant sentiment and calls for undocumented migrants to leave the country. Many of those sheltering at the site say they now want to be repatriated to Malawi because they no longer feel safe. The group gathered in a park in the port city on Wednesday, transforming the area into a temporary transit camp as humanitarian organisations, community groups, and volunteers worked to provide food, blankets, and other essential supplies. The situation follows weeks of demonstrations in several communities where groups of South Africans reportedly marched carrying sticks, whips, and shields while demanding that undocumented foreign nationals leave the country by 30 June. Many of the displaced Malawians said they fled their homes after receiving threats or witnessing acts of intimidation directed at immigrants. The camp now includes families with young children, pregnant women, and elderly people, many of whom left their belongings behind when they fled. The demonstrations have been backed by the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party), led by former South African president Jacob Zuma. The party has been vocal in its criticism of undocumented migration, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, where it enjoys significant political support. Following calls for action against undocumented migrants, large numbers of demonstrators reportedly joined marches demanding stricter immigration enforcement. Some protesters have accused foreign nationals of taking jobs, business opportunities, and public services that should benefit South African citizens. Malawi is not the only country responding to the situation. Authorities from several African nations have begun assisting citizens who wish to return home amid growing concerns about their safety. According to reports, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Ghana have already repatriated hundreds of nationals from South Africa this month. A flight carrying Nigerian citizens who have opted for voluntary repatriation is also expected to depart from Johannesburg in the coming days. In addition to the Malawians camped in Sherwood, approximately 150 migrants from several countries, including Zimbabwe, Burundi, and Ethiopia, are reportedly being accommodated at a nearby government facility. Aid organisations continue to provide emergency assistance while authorities assess options for temporary shelter, protection, and repatriation for those wishing to return to their countries of origin. The developments have reignited debate over immigration, unemployment, and social tensions in South Africa, which hosts one of the largest migrant populations on the continent. Human rights organisations have repeatedly called for the protection of migrants and refugees, warning that violence and intimidation against foreign nationals could deepen humanitarian challenges and strain regional relations. As authorities work with foreign embassies and community leaders, thousands of displaced migrants remain uncertain about their future, with many hoping for a safe return home after days spent sleeping in the open. Malawians in Durban

HARARE – The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) faction led by Welshman Ncube has dismissed as fake a statement circulating on social media that purportedly shows the party leader backing the controversial Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3). In a statement issued on Wednesday, party spokesperson Willias Madzimure said the document falsely attributed to Ncube was fabricated and designed to mislead the public. "The document purporting to be a statement by President Welshman Ncube on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 is FAKE. It is a malicious fabrication," Madzimure said. Madzimure said the emergence of the document was significant given the ongoing national debate surrounding CAB3 and what he described as growing resistance to the proposed constitutional changes. "It comes at a time when proponents of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 are increasingly struggling to secure broad public support and meaningful consensus, even within sections of ZANU-PF itself," he said. "Having failed to generate sufficient public traction for Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, there now appears to be a desperate attempt to create the false impression that President Welshman Ncube is a supporter of CAB3." The opposition party urged supporters and the public to disregard the statement and rely only on official party communications. The CCC faction reiterated that its position on the Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3 remains unchanged and has been consistently articulated by legislators aligned to the party in Parliament. "The position of the CCC party led by Prof. Ncube on CAB3 is a matter of public record and is being articulated in Parliament by the MPs loyal to the Party," Madzimure said. He criticised both the content of the proposed amendments and the process through which the bill was developed. According to Madzimure, the processes behind CAB3 have been "opaque, secretive, exclusive, non-participatory, cabal-driven and therefore fundamentally flawed." He argued that constitutional reform should be conducted through a transparent and inclusive national dialogue. "To be legitimate, a constitutional reform process must always be transparent, open, honest, sincere, in good faith, and driven by a genuine desire to improve upon the constitutional governance architecture of the country," he said. The party further argued that the manner in which CAB3 has been pursued has limited meaningful public engagement on constitutional reform. Madzimure said the process had "prevented and inhibited proper, open, honest and effective national discourse on what would be proper and merited constitutional reform measures at this juncture of our national history." The CCC faction maintained that it remains committed to protecting Zimbabwe's Constitution, democratic accountability, and citizen participation in governance. Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3 has become one of the most debated political issues in Zimbabwe this year. The proposed amendments include provisions relating to presidential and parliamentary terms, as well as changes to aspects of Zimbabwe's electoral framework. While government officials and supporters of the bill argue that the Constitution does not require a referendum for the proposed amendments, critics have called for a national vote before any changes are adopted. Opposition parties, constitutional lawyers, church groups, civil society organisations, and some war veterans have publicly argued that Zimbabweans should be given an opportunity to directly determine whether the proposed constitutional changes should proceed. As debate over CAB3 continues, political parties on both sides of the issue are intensifying efforts to influence public opinion ahead of parliamentary consideration of the bill. Welshman Ncube CAB3

Zimbabwe's Children Are Working Adult Hours — And We Call It Education By Simbarashe Namusi If an employer required staff to work six days a week, spend eight hours a day on the job, take work home every evening and attend compulsory weekend sessions, labour unions would have something to say about it. Yet for a growing number of Zimbabwean children, this is simply called school. A typical learner's day begins before sunrise. School occupies most of the day. Homework follows in the evening. Weekends are increasingly consumed by extra lessons, study groups, and catch-up classes. During examination periods, the pressure intensifies further. The result is that many children in Zimbabwe's education system now operate on schedules that would leave most adults exhausted. And somehow, we have convinced ourselves that this is normal. Zimbabwe's commitment to education is one of its proudest national achievements. For decades, education has been viewed as the pathway through which ordinary families could improve their circumstances and secure a better future. Parents who invest heavily in their children's education are acting from a place of sacrifice and hope. The problem is not that we value education too much. The problem is that we have increasingly confused education with occupation. Somewhere along the way, we began measuring educational seriousness by the number of hours a child spends under instruction. More lessons became better lessons. More homework became evidence of academic rigour. More contact hours became proof of commitment. In this logic, a busy child is a successful child. But being busy is not the same thing as learning. A child can spend ten hours a day moving between classrooms and still fail to develop curiosity, creativity, confidence, or critical thinking. Excessive academic pressure on children can undermine the very outcomes it seeks to achieve. Fatigue affects concentration. Stress affects memory. Burnout affects motivation. What makes this trend in Zimbabwe's schools particularly concerning is what children are being forced to give up in exchange. Every additional lesson consumes time that might otherwise be spent reading for pleasure, playing sports, exploring hobbies, building friendships, or simply interacting with family. These activities are often dismissed as secondary to academic work, yet they are essential to healthy child development and learner wellbeing. Play teaches problem-solving. Sport teaches teamwork and resilience. Conversation teaches communication. Unstructured time nurtures imagination. These are not distractions from education. They are part of education. Yet, increasingly, childhood itself appears to be treated as an obstacle to academic achievement. The pressure is understandable. Zimbabwean parents are responding to genuine economic realities. Competition for opportunities is intense. University places are limited. Jobs are scarce. Qualifications continue to carry significant weight in determining life chances. In such an environment, every parent fears falling behind. The result is a cycle that feeds itself. If one child attends extra lessons, another feels compelled to do the same. If one school offers Saturday classes, others follow suit. What begins as a strategy for gaining advantage soon becomes an educational arms race from which nobody feels able to withdraw. Schools are not entirely innocent in this process. Pass rates have become a measure of institutional success. Parents compare schools based on examination performance. Teachers are under pressure to complete syllabi and produce results. The temptation is, therefore, to add more lessons, more revision sessions, and more academic activity. But there is a danger in assuming that every educational challenge can be solved by extending the school day. More classroom time does not automatically produce better learning. Indeed, some of the world's most admired education systems have increasingly recognised that quality education matters more than quantity. Their focus is not on maximising classroom hours but on creating learning environments where students are engaged, curious, and capable of independent thought. This is not an argument against discipline, effort, or academic excellence. Children should be challenged. Standards matter. Achievement matters. But so does balance. A society that values only examination results risks producing young people who know how to pass tests but struggle to navigate life. The future of education in Zimbabwe will demand far more than the ability to memorise information. It will require adaptability, creativity, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills, qualities that cannot be developed solely through endless hours of formal instruction. Perhaps the most revealing question is a simple one. Would we willingly accept for ourselves the schedules we impose on our children? If the answer is no, then perhaps it is time to reconsider what success in education truly means. Zimbabwe's education challenge may no longer be that children are learning too little. It may be that adults have become so anxious about the future that we have mistaken constant activity for meaningful learning. Children are not examination projects. They are human beings. Before they become workers, professionals, entrepreneurs, or leaders, they deserve something increasingly scarce in modern education: the chance to be children. Simbarashe Namusi is a peace, leadership, and governance scholar writing in his personal capacity. Academic pressure on children in Zimbabwe

HARARE – The Government of Zimbabwe has launched revised clinical guidelines for the care and management of survivors of sexual violence, a move aimed at strengthening the country's response to gender-based violence and equipping health workers with updated tools to provide comprehensive, survivor-centred care. The revised sexual violence clinical guidelines were unveiled in Harare on Thursday by Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora, who said the new framework reinforces Zimbabwe's commitment to ensuring that survivors receive timely, professional, and dignified support. The updated guidelines build on existing protocols that require healthcare services to be delivered in a manner that prioritises dignity, confidentiality, privacy, and informed consent. Under the framework, survivors of sexual violence are entitled to receive medical care free of charge and do not require a police report before accessing treatment. The revised guidelines introduce a standardised approach for the management of sexual violence cases across Zimbabwe's healthcare system, ensuring that survivors receive consistent care regardless of where they seek assistance. Importantly, the framework recognises that survivors of sexual violence include women, girls, men, and boys of all ages, broadening the scope of care and protection available through public health institutions. Speaking at the launch, Mombeshora said the guidelines must deliver tangible improvements in the experiences of survivors seeking help. "We are not merely launching a document. We are strengthening Zimbabwe's commitment to ensure that every survivor of sexual violence receives timely, professional, compassionate and dignified care," he said. The Minister noted that while women and girls continue to be disproportionately affected by sexual violence, the revised policy deliberately acknowledges that men and boys can also be victims and should have equal access to care and support services. "Males who experience sexual violence are entitled to the same quality of care, support, and protection as any other survivor," Mombeshora said. Health experts have increasingly called for inclusive approaches to sexual violence response programmes, arguing that stigma often prevents male survivors from reporting abuse or seeking medical assistance. The revised Zimbabwe sexual violence management guidelines are also expected to improve coordination between multiple agencies involved in responding to cases of abuse. These include the police, social welfare services, the judiciary, local authorities, healthcare institutions, and community-based support structures. Officials say improved collaboration will help strengthen referral systems, enhance survivor protection, and ensure more effective access to justice and psychosocial support. The launch comes as Zimbabwe continues efforts to combat gender-based violence and improve access to essential services for survivors. Public health specialists have long emphasised that prompt medical treatment following sexual violence is critical, not only for addressing physical injuries but also for preventing infections, providing psychological support, and collecting forensic evidence where necessary. The revised guidelines are expected to serve as a key resource for healthcare workers, ensuring that survivors receive comprehensive care that is professional, compassionate, and aligned with international best practices. Sexual violence care guidelines Zimbabwe

MASVINGO – Convicted armed robber Daniel Munyanyi, who is currently serving a cumulative 185-year prison sentence for robbery-related offences, stunned the High Court last week when he refused to answer questions, claiming that bees had instructed him to remain silent. Munyanyi (50) appeared before High Court Judge Christopher Dube-Banda on Thursday, facing two counts of murder arising from the fatal shooting of detectives Bernard Chindeke (38) and McKenzie Chitowe (42) in Zaka earlier this year. The accused allegedly shot and killed the two police officers on 1 March 2026 at Ndume Village under Chief Ndanga in Zaka District. Court proceedings took an unusual turn when Munyanyi declined to respond to questions relating to the charges before him. According to court proceedings, he told Justice Dube-Banda that bees were stinging him and had instructed him to plead guilty to the murders before remaining silent. Munyanyi claimed the bees would only leave him alone if he confessed to the killings and refrained from speaking further about the matter. When asked routine questions relating to his identity, age, and marital status, Munyanyi responded appropriately. However, he later claimed he did not know why he had been arrested or why he was appearing in court. His court-appointed lawyer, Tatenda Nyoka, informed the court that he had been unable to obtain instructions from his client during a visit to Mutimurefu Prison because Munyanyi refused to engage with him. Justice Dube-Banda then asked Munyanyi directly why he had not communicated with his lawyer. In response, Munyanyi told the court: "Ndikurumwa ne nyuchi nekuti ndakauraya vanhu. Pese pandinovhura muromo kuti nditaure nezve nyaya iyi nyuchi dzinondiruma dzichindiudza kuti ndinyarare uye kuti dzichandisiya ndakabvuma mhosva yekuuraya vanhu." Translated, he claimed that bees were biting him whenever he attempted to discuss the murder allegations and would only stop if he admitted responsibility. The accused further warned that if he continued speaking, the bees would enter the courtroom and sting everyone present. Following the unusual exchange, Nyoka applied for his client to undergo a psychiatric and medical evaluation to determine whether he is mentally fit to stand trial. Under Zimbabwean law, courts may order medical examinations where concerns arise regarding an accused person's mental capacity to understand proceedings or provide instructions to legal counsel. The State, represented by prosecutor Mukai Mutumhe, did not oppose the application. Justice Dube-Banda granted the request and ordered that Munyanyi be examined by two medical practitioners who will assess his fitness to stand trial and report their findings to the court. The murder charges relate to the deaths of detectives Chindeke and Chitowe, who were allegedly shot while carrying out their duties in Zaka. The allegations have not yet been tested during a full trial, and Munyanyi remains entitled to the presumption of innocence on the murder charges until proven guilty in court. The matter was postponed to 25 June 2026, when the court is expected to receive the medical reports and determine the next course of action. Daniel Munyanyi murder trial

BULAWAYO – An Inter Africa bus was extensively damaged after it caught fire in Bulawayo on Thursday afternoon, shortly after passengers had disembarked, prompting a swift response from the Bulawayo Fire Brigade. The incident occurred along Basch Street and Sixth Avenue Extension at around 1:30 pm, according to Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo. Moyo said firefighters were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of a bus engulfed in flames. "The brigade was summoned to a bus on fire at Basch Street and Sixth Avenue Extension. It was found well alight," he said. "The brigade used four high-pressure hose reels with breathing apparatus sets, stage one." Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, although authorities say investigations are continuing. "The suspected cause of fire is electrical. It's an Inter Africa bus," Moyo said. According to the Fire Brigade, the bus had completed a passenger trip from Tsholotsho and had already dropped off all passengers when the blaze broke out. The vehicle was reportedly travelling to Kelvin Workshops when the fire started. A source familiar with the incident said only the driver, conductor, and loader remained on board at the time of the fire. "The driver, conductor, and loader were the only people on board at the time, and all escaped unharmed," the source said. The driver, who declined to be identified, reportedly became aware of the fire only after members of the public alerted him. No injuries were reported. Witnesses said the blaze caused significant damage to the bus interior, reducing parts of the cabin to ashes. The intense heat reportedly caused fittings, including mirrors and interior fixtures, to detach and fall off. Despite the severity of the fire, the exterior structure of the bus remained largely intact. Remarkably, all tyres survived the blaze without visible damage, despite the high temperatures generated by the fire. The Bulawayo Fire Brigade managed to bring the fire under control before it could spread to nearby property or vehicles. Emergency responders remained at the scene while investigations continued into the exact cause of the incident. The latest bus fire comes amid growing concerns over vehicle maintenance and road transport safety, with experts regularly urging operators to conduct routine inspections of electrical systems and other critical components to reduce the risk of onboard fires. Authorities are expected to release further details once investigations are completed. Inter Africa bus fire Bulawayo