You can tell a lot about a country by how it treats people who are trying to spend money. In countries where customer service is taken seriously, businesses compete to make customers feel welcome. Staff are attentive. Complaints are handled professionally. Queries are answered promptly. Customers leave feeling valued. In Zimbabwe, the customer service experience can sometimes be very different. You join a queue only to be told the system is down. You arrive at an office and are sent from one desk to another in search of a document that should take minutes to process. You walk into a shop and interrupt a lively conversation among employees. You ask a simple question and receive a shrug, a scowl, or the familiar response: "Hameno." Yet these are the very institutions and businesses that want your money. "The customer is king" is one of the most repeated phrases in business. It appears in strategic plans, mission statements, and marketing campaigns. In Zimbabwe, however, it often feels less like a guiding principle and more like a decorative slogan. The reality is that many Zimbabwean customers do not feel like kings. They feel like inconveniences. This is one of the great contradictions of the Zimbabwe economy. Businesses depend on customers for survival, yet many operate as though customers need them more than they need customers. Somewhere along the way, we seem to have developed a business culture in which the person paying for a service is expected to be grateful simply for being served. It is a strange arrangement. Every dollar earned by a business comes from a customer. Salaries are paid because customers spend money. Rent is paid because customers spend money. Profits are generated because customers spend money. Without customers, there is no business. Yet poor customer service in Zimbabwe remains one of the most common complaints. Whether it is in retail shops, restaurants, banks, transport services, or public institutions, many people have stories of being treated with indifference, impatience, or outright hostility. The problem is not that Zimbabweans expect perfection. Far from it. Zimbabweans may be among the most patient consumers anywhere. They endure long queues, delayed services, network failures, power outages, and endless administrative processes. They adjust. They improvise. They return tomorrow when today's efforts produce no result. What most people seek is not perfection. It is respect. Respect for their time. Respect for their money. Respect for their dignity. The deeper issue, however, may not be customer service itself. It may be our relationship with power. Zimbabwean society often places a high premium on authority. We respect titles, positions, and offices. We admire those who occupy positions of influence. In many institutions, authority commands respect while service is viewed as a lesser responsibility. This mindset shapes how we interact with one another. The person behind the counter becomes a gatekeeper rather than a service provider. The official behind the desk becomes someone who controls access rather than someone who assists. The customer seeking help is treated as a petitioner rather than a client. The result is a culture where service can easily give way to power. People are made to feel that they should be thankful for receiving a service to which they are already entitled. That attitude is costly. Customer service is not merely about politeness. It is about competitiveness. It is about trust. It is about economic growth. Countries that succeed economically understand that customer experience is part of their competitive advantage. They know that customers remember how they were treated. They know that customer satisfaction and loyalty are earned through consistency and professionalism. Trust, after all, is one of the most valuable assets in any economy. People may forget what they bought. They rarely forget how they were treated. The world is changing rapidly. Consumers today compare their experiences not only with local businesses but with global standards. Social media allows people to share experiences instantly. A poor interaction that once remained private can now become public within minutes. Businesses are no longer competing only with their neighbours. They are competing with expectations shaped by the wider world. This is why customer service excellence can no longer be treated as an optional extra. It is a necessity. The same principle applies to public institutions and public service delivery. Citizens may not be customers in the traditional sense, but they are entitled to efficient, courteous, and professional service. Public service should, by definition, be about serving the public. Zimbabwe does not lack entrepreneurs. It does not lack talent. It does not lack ambition. What it sometimes lacks is a culture that consistently places people at the centre of service. The day we begin to value service as highly as we value authority, something important will change. Businesses will earn loyal customers. Institutions will build public trust. The economy will become more competitive. Perhaps the true measure of a nation's development is not how it treats its leaders, investors, or dignitaries. Perhaps it is how it treats the ordinary citizen standing at a counter, trying to spend their money. Until then, many Zimbabweans will continue to hear the familiar phrase and smile knowingly. The customer is king. Just not in Zimbabwe. Simbarashe Namusi is a peace, leadership, governance, and media scholar writing in his personal capacity. Customer Service in Zimbabwe

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA — The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is moving closer to implementing a regional UniVisa system aimed at simplifying travel across member states, but tourism industry leaders say its success will depend on reducing border delays and administrative hurdles rather than merely introducing another visa product. The proposed SADC UniVisa was among the key topics discussed during a side event hosted by the Southern Africa Tourism Alliance (SATA) and the SADC Secretariat at Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban. The initiative seeks to allow international visitors to travel across multiple Southern African countries using a single visa, similar to regional travel arrangements used in other parts of the world. UniVisa Advancing Through SADC Structures According to Marygoreth Mushi, Programme Officer for Policy and Market Development at the SADC Secretariat, the UniVisa proposal is progressing through the regional inter-ministerial process following consideration by tourism ministers from member states. Mushi said the visa initiative forms part of a wider regional tourism development strategy that includes improving air connectivity, strengthening border management systems, and promoting cross-border tourism destinations. Among the complementary projects currently under consideration are a regional air access study, a border post audit scheduled to begin in July, and a tourism market strategy focused on promoting SADC's Transfrontier Conservation Areas as integrated tourism destinations. Tourism Operators Want Practical Solutions While the tourism industry has broadly welcomed the UniVisa concept, stakeholders argue that visa reforms alone will not solve the challenges facing regional tourism. Chief Executive Officer of Africa's Eden, Jillian Blackbeard, said border inefficiencies continue to undermine Southern Africa's appeal as a multi-country tourism destination. “Southern Africa is increasingly sold as a multi-country destination. Many visitors are doing three or four countries in under two weeks, so a two- or three-hour delay at a border is not a small inconvenience; it becomes part of the holiday memory,” she said. Blackbeard noted that practical interventions such as dedicated tourism lanes, enhanced customer service training for border officials, and expanded one-stop border posts could significantly improve visitor experiences. “Borders are often the first and last human interaction a visitor has with a country. A welcoming, informed and confident official can shape how a traveller feels about the destination,” she said. Simplicity Key to Success Industry operators say any future UniVisa system must prioritise simplicity, consistency, and digital accessibility. Blackbeard argued that travellers are more likely to be deterred by complex procedures and uncertainty than by the actual cost of obtaining a visa. “I would prefer to see a visa-free or unified entry area rather than simply another paid visa layer,” she said. “If a unified system is introduced, it should be digital, simple, pre-cleared before travel and consistent across the region.” She added that sudden policy changes and inconsistent entry requirements create planning difficulties for tour operators who often design travel packages many months in advance. “Tour operators build itineraries months, often years, in advance. They need to know that entry requirements, park fees, taxes, and border processes will not suddenly change without notice,” Blackbeard said. More Than Just a Visa Tourism experts say the UniVisa could strengthen Southern Africa's competitiveness in the global tourism market if supported by broader reforms. Blackbeard stressed that travellers primarily choose Southern Africa because of its wildlife, cultural diversity, landscapes, hospitality, and multi-country travel experiences. “Where visas matter most is in reducing friction and building repeat visitation,” she said. “Air access, connectivity, safety perception and destination marketing are equally, if not more, important in strengthening our global competitiveness.” Regional Tourism Agenda Gathering Pace As momentum builds ahead of the upcoming SADC Summit in August, SATA and the SADC Secretariat are expected to collaborate on a coordinated regional position covering visa reforms, air connectivity, and border efficiency. Industry observers believe successful implementation of the UniVisa could unlock new opportunities for tourism growth, boost visitor spending, and strengthen regional integration, provided governments address the operational challenges that continue to affect cross-border travel. For many tourism stakeholders, the message is clear: simplifying movement across Southern Africa will require more than a shared visa it will require a seamless travel experience from arrival to departure. SADC UniVisa

BEITBRIDGE — A 64-year-old truck driver has been arrested after he was allegedly caught attempting to smuggle nearly two tonnes of dagga valued at approximately US$210,800 into Zimbabwe through the Beitbridge Border Post. The suspect, identified as Thapson Ndou, was arrested following an operation by law enforcement authorities who intercepted the consignment during routine border security checks. According to preliminary investigations, officers discovered the large quantity of dagga concealed in a haulage truck registered AGK 0535, which has since been seized as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities estimate the recovered cannabis weighs close to two tonnes, making it one of the significant drug interceptions recorded at Zimbabwe's busiest border crossing in recent months. Police have confirmed that investigations are continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged smuggling operation and to identify other individuals who may have been involved. "The haulage truck used in the alleged smuggling operation has been impounded, and investigations are underway to account for all persons connected to the case," a source familiar with the matter said. Law enforcement agencies are now pursuing leads to determine the origin and intended destination of the consignment, as well as any possible links to organised cross-border drug trafficking networks. The arrest comes amid intensified efforts by Zimbabwean authorities to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse, which have become growing concerns across the country. Beitbridge Border Post remains a key focus area for anti-smuggling operations due to the high volume of commercial and passenger traffic passing through the gateway between Zimbabwe and South Africa. Authorities have repeatedly warned transport operators against being used to transport illicit goods, saying offenders face severe penalties under Zimbabwe's drug control laws. Ndou is expected to appear in court facing charges related to the unlawful possession and transportation of dangerous drugs. Police said more arrests are likely as investigations progress. Beitbridge dagga smuggling

HARARE — Residents of Sunningdale are calling on the City of Harare to clarify why they continue to receive water consumption charges on their monthly bills despite recently being moved onto a prepaid water meter system. The concern was raised by a resident who said prepaid water meters were installed in the suburb approximately three months ago as part of efforts to modernise water billing and improve revenue collection. According to residents, households were issued new prepaid water meters and token vending devices, requiring them to purchase water credits in advance before accessing water supplies. Since the rollout of the system, residents say they have been regularly purchasing water tokens and using the prepaid service as required. However, many were surprised to discover that monthly municipal bills continue to include charges for water consumption, raising fears that they may effectively be paying twice for the same service. "We were issued with prepaid water meters and have been buying water tokens whenever we need water. What is confusing us is that the City of Harare is still charging us for water usage on our monthly bills," said one resident. The resident said several households in the area are facing the same challenge and are seeking a clear explanation from the local authority. "I visited the relevant offices to seek clarification, but I was not given a satisfactory explanation as to why these charges are still appearing on our statements," the resident said. The issue has sparked concern among residents who say the purpose of prepaid water meters is to ensure consumers pay in advance for what they use, making additional consumption charges difficult to understand. Community members are now appealing to the City of Harare to explain whether the charges relate to historical arrears, fixed service fees, administrative costs, or a technical issue associated with the transition to prepaid metering. Residents say greater transparency is needed to help consumers understand their obligations and avoid unnecessary disputes over billing. They are also calling on the local authority to engage affected households and provide detailed information regarding how prepaid water accounts are being administered. The City of Harare had not responded to the concerns at the time of publication. Sunningdale prepaid water meters

HARARE — Zimbabwe's leading mobile money platform, EcoCash, has regained control of its official X account after it was briefly compromised by an unauthorised individual who used the platform to post explicit content and messages claiming responsibility for the breach. The incident triggered concern among users after unusual posts appeared on the account, including explicit material and statements from an individual alleging that the takeover was intended to expose what he described as weaknesses in EcoCash's security systems. The individual claimed he resorted to hacking the account after allegedly losing US$35 and failing to obtain a refund. However, EcoCash has not commented on those specific claims. Messages sent by a hacker from an Econet handle In a statement issued during the incident, EcoCash confirmed that its official X account had been compromised but stressed that the breach was limited to its social media platform and did not affect customer accounts or transaction systems. "We are aware of unauthorized access to our X handle and are working to restore full control," the company said. "Customer funds and transaction data are not impacted." The company urged customers to ignore any suspicious messages or posts appearing on the account while efforts were underway to regain access. During the takeover, the compromised account briefly published unauthorised content, including explicit images and messages that did not originate from EcoCash. Users who follow the account were warned not to engage with or share the posts as the company worked with X to resolve the situation. The incident quickly attracted attention on social media, with screenshots of the unauthorised posts circulating widely before they were removed. EcoCash later confirmed that it had successfully regained control of the account and removed all unauthorised content. An update issued by the company stated that normal control had been restored and that efforts were continuing to investigate how the breach occurred. "EcoCash has regained control of its X account and removed the unauthorised posts," the company said. The company reiterated that its core mobile money infrastructure, customer balances, and transaction data remained secure throughout the incident. Authorities and relevant stakeholders are understood to be investigating the circumstances surrounding the compromise. Cybersecurity experts note that social media account takeovers can occur through various methods, including phishing attacks, credential theft, password reuse, or compromised third-party applications. The incident highlights the growing cybersecurity risks facing organisations that maintain large digital and social media footprints. EcoCash has advised customers to remain alert and verify information through official channels, particularly following the temporary compromise of the account. The company also encouraged users to report any suspicious activity or messages claiming to originate from EcoCash. While the social media breach caused temporary disruption and reputational concerns, EcoCash maintains that customer funds, transaction records, and internal financial systems were never exposed or compromised. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of strong cybersecurity practices and account protection measures across all digital platforms. EcoCash X account hacked

HARARE – In a shocking breakdown of municipal infrastructure, raw sewage has flooded the entrance and interior corridors of Budiriro Polyclinic, forcing patients, pregnant women, and visitors to wade through highly contaminated water to access healthcare. The effluent has reportedly spread deep inside the medical facility, reaching passages directly adjacent to the patient wards. Visibly distressed patients have been photographed navigating the toxic floodwaters, while a pungent, overpowering stench has completely overtaken the clinic's treatment areas. The ongoing crisis at the clinic has sparked immediate outrage and deep concern from local residents and public health experts. Budiriro has historically been one of Harare’s high-density hotspots for devastating cholera and typhoid outbreaks. Medical professionals warning about the situation note that allowing raw effluent to pool inside a primary care facility completely compromises sterile medical standards. "This is a public health catastrophe waiting to happen," warned Harare-based epidemiologist Dr. Kelvin Chiri. "A clinic is supposed to be a sanctuary of healing. Flooding it with raw sewage exposes highly vulnerable patients, newborns, and medical staff to severe waterborne pathogens right at the point of care." Local residents visiting the clinic reported that the situation has been worsening over the last few days without an effective response from the Harare City Council’s engineering department. The structural failure comes at a time when city authorities are under immense scrutiny over poor sanitation management, dry taps, and delayed responses to burst sewer pipes across high-density suburbs. Eyewitnesses at the scene described the conditions as unlivable and deeply degrading for patients seeking routine maternal and emergency medical care. Many are calling on the Ministry of Health and Child Care and municipal health directors to temporarily condemn or close off the flooded wings until a thorough disinfection and plumbing overhaul is completed. raw sewage at Budiriro Polyclinic

HARARE — Residents of Glen Norah's Chitubu area are appealing for urgent intervention from authorities, community leaders, and anti-drug agencies amid growing concerns over drug abuse among young people in the community. Community members say drug and substance abuse has reached alarming levels, with families increasingly reporting cases of addiction, school dropouts, crime, and deaths linked to the problem. Residents have specifically raised concerns about a location locally known as "pa Mkanya", which they allege is being used as a base for the sale and distribution of illegal drugs. Community members claim the activities are widely known within the area and have become a source of anxiety for many families. According to residents, reports have been made on numerous occasions to the police and other authorities. However, community members say they remain concerned because the alleged drug trade continues despite repeated complaints. One resident, who contacted Southerton Business Times, said the issue had become deeply personal after losing a family member to drug abuse. "I recently lost my brother because of the drug problem affecting our community. It is painful to see more young people falling into addiction while many parents remain unaware of what their children are going through," the resident said. Residents say the situation is affecting the future of many young people, with some families struggling to access counselling, rehabilitation, and support services. Community members are now calling for a coordinated response involving law enforcement agencies, health authorities, churches, schools, social workers, and local leaders to address both the alleged supply of drugs and the growing demand among youths. They are appealing for thorough investigations into the concerns raised and for increased community awareness programmes aimed at preventing substance abuse. The residents say they are prepared to cooperate with authorities and provide any information that may assist investigations. As Zimbabwe continues to grapple with rising concerns over drug and substance abuse, the residents of Glen Norah say urgent action is needed to prevent further loss of life and to protect vulnerable young people from addiction. Authorities had not yet responded to the specific allegations at the time of publication. Glen Norah drug abuse

Tulani Sikwila, CEO of Namib Minerals PENHALONGA, MANICALAND — The constant hum of high-capacity pumps echoing through Redwing Mine signals far more than a dewatering operation. It marks the beginning of what could become one of Zimbabwe's most significant mining revival projects and one of the largest gold restart investments currently underway in Southern Africa. Backed by international investors following its landmark Nasdaq listing, Namib Minerals is accelerating plans to restore production at Redwing Mine in Penhalonga while simultaneously advancing the restart of Mazowe Mine, positioning Zimbabwe at the centre of renewed global interest in African gold assets. Since January 2026, rehabilitation work at Redwing Mine has gathered pace, with more than 544,000 cubic metres of water pumped from underground workings. The extensive dewatering exercise has lowered water levels by nearly 22 metres, allowing engineers and technical teams to gain access to previously submerged sections of the mine. At the same time, new electricity infrastructure is being installed, critical equipment is being mobilised to the site, and engineering assessments are progressing ahead of full-scale mining operations. The work represents a major milestone for a mine that had remained under care and maintenance for years. Namib Minerals' expansion strategy comes at a time when gold prices remain elevated, and investors are increasingly seeking exposure to stable, high-potential gold assets. The company attracted international attention in 2025 when it completed a historic listing on the Nasdaq Stock Market through what was widely reported as the largest Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) transaction involving an African mining business. The listing opened access to major pools of institutional capital in the United States and other international markets, strengthening Namib's ability to fund growth projects across Zimbabwe. Its local portfolio includes the producing How Mine, alongside the redevelopment of Redwing and Mazowe mines. According to Namib Minerals Chief Executive Officer Tulani Sikwila, the success of How Mine demonstrates the company's ability to operate large-scale mining assets efficiently and profitably. "How Mine remains a very strong asset, and we are proud that the operation is a symbol of our track record in delivering value, whether to shareholders, government, or communities," Sikwila said. Having assumed the CEO role in March 2026, Sikwila brings extensive institutional knowledge to the position after spending nearly two decades within the group in finance, operational, and leadership roles. "I've been part of this business for two decades across various leadership positions. I know these assets. I'm tuned in to the operating environment. I know the communities around our operations," he said. The company plans to invest between US$300 million and US$400 million into restarting and expanding operations at Redwing and Mazowe. Industry analysts note that brownfield projects such as Redwing and Mazowe offer significant advantages because they already possess established infrastructure, historical workings, access roads, and geological data, reducing development costs compared to greenfield mining projects. "We want to build a capital-efficient African mining platform, one that creates real value for investors, employees and the communities we operate in," Sikwila said. "The success of How Mine shows our capacity as a business. But the real opportunity is in unlocking the full potential of our asset base." The restart programme is also expected to deliver substantial employment benefits. Some former workers have already returned as rehabilitation activities intensify. Direct employment across Namib's Zimbabwe operations is projected to rise from approximately 1,375 employees to around 3,100 workers once Redwing and Mazowe reach full production. Additional indirect jobs are expected to be created through local procurement, contracting opportunities, and supplier development programmes. To support the expansion programme, Namib has strengthened its technical leadership team through the appointment of Antonio Nieto as Vice President for Technical Services. Nieto brings more than 25 years of international mining experience to the company. Meanwhile, global engineering consultancy WSP Global has been engaged to undertake definitive feasibility studies across the group's mining portfolio, including Redwing. Beyond mining operations, Namib says it intends to replicate community development initiatives already established at How Mine. The company has begun upgrading healthcare infrastructure around Redwing, including improvements to the mine clinic, which provides free primary healthcare services to local residents. A new ambulance has also been acquired, while mine transport resources are expected to assist local schools. "At Redwing, we are upgrading the mine clinic, which provides free basic healthcare to the surrounding community. A new ambulance has been acquired to serve the community, and the mine bus will be available for local school children," Sikwila said. With rehabilitation work progressing, technical studies underway, and financing efforts advancing simultaneously, Redwing Mine's revival is emerging as one of Zimbabwe's most closely watched mining developments. For a country seeking to increase mineral production, attract foreign investment, and create employment, the success of Redwing and Mazowe could become a significant indicator of confidence in Zimbabwe's mining sector. "What I want people to understand is that this is not just a plan on paper," Sikwila said. "It is already in motion." Redwing Mine restart

HARARE — The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has warned that it will take firm action against any individuals or groups attempting to incite violence or public disorder during ongoing national debate and parliamentary deliberations on the controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB 3). In a statement issued on Wednesday, ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said police had heightened security measures across the country and would closely monitor activities, particularly on social media platforms, where authorities say inflammatory messages and threats can quickly spread. The warning comes as Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 continues to generate heated political debate, with supporters and critics sharply divided over proposed changes to Zimbabwe's Constitution. Commissioner Nyathi said the police expected citizens to exercise their constitutional rights peacefully while respecting public order and national security. “As the country follows the ongoing Constitutional Amendment Bill Number Three (CAB 3) deliberations in the August House, the Zimbabwe Republic Police expects peace and the general maintenance of law and order to be observed by Zimbabweans,” Nyathi said. He warned that law enforcement agencies would not hesitate to act against individuals or organised groups accused of encouraging violence, destruction of property, or public disturbances. “In this regard, the police reiterates that the law will take effect on anyone, whether individuals, groups, or syndicates, who incite violence and issue threats to Zimbabweans through social media,” he said. The police statement specifically highlighted concerns about online platforms being used to mobilise unlawful activities or spread messages capable of causing public alarm. Authorities warned that any attempts to encourage unrest, disrupt traffic, damage infrastructure, or incite resistance against the government would attract legal consequences. “Any attempt to influence Zimbabweans to revolt against the Government, destroy property, affect the smooth flow of traffic, and cause alarm and chaos will be responded to appropriately by the Police through the full wrath of the law,” Nyathi said. The remarks come amid increased online discussion surrounding CAB 3, with political parties, civil society organisations, legal experts, and citizens debating the implications of the proposed constitutional amendments. Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 seeks to introduce several significant changes to Zimbabwe's governance framework, including extending the terms of office for the President, Members of Parliament, and local authority councillors from five years to seven years. The Bill has sparked legal and political challenges, with critics arguing that some of the proposed amendments require broader public consultation or a referendum. Supporters maintain that the amendments can be lawfully enacted through Parliament under existing constitutional procedures. The issue has become one of the most closely watched political developments in Zimbabwe, attracting attention from legal practitioners, opposition parties, civil society groups, and international observers. Nyathi said the police remained committed to maintaining peace and ensuring that citizens could continue their daily activities without disruption. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police is on high alert to ensure that Zimbabweans continue to enjoy the safety and security obtained in the country,” he said. Authorities urged members of the public to report any individuals or groups involved in activities that threaten public order. Citizens were encouraged to contact the police through the National Complaints Desk or report concerns at their nearest police station. As the parliamentary debate on CAB 3 continues, authorities are expected to maintain heightened vigilance amid growing public interest in the proposed constitutional reforms. CAB 3 Zimbabwe

HARARE — Opposition activist Godfrey Karembera, popularly known as Madzibaba VeShanduko, has been acquitted after spending eight months in prison on charges related to alleged anti-government mobilisation activities. The ruling brings an end to a case that attracted significant public attention following his arrest during a police crackdown linked to planned anti-government protests. According to his lawyer, Paida Saurombe, the court found that prosecutors had failed to present sufficient evidence connecting Karembera to the offence. “The magistrate found that there was no evidence connecting him to the crime and accordingly acquitted and discharged him,” Saurombe said after the ruling. Karembera, 47, a former member of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), was arrested in October 2025 following a police manhunt. Prosecutors alleged that he had evaded arrest during a high-speed chase involving police officers while distributing flyers in several high-density suburbs of Harare, including Machipisa, Glen View, and Budiriro. The state claimed that the distributed material was linked to the planned One Million Men March, a protest campaign that had been called by the late war veteran Blessed Geza. The proposed demonstration was intended to protest against President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration, with organisers citing concerns over corruption, economic challenges, and governance issues. Authorities accused Karembera of inciting public violence through the distribution of protest-related material and charged him under provisions of Zimbabwean law dealing with public order and security. The prosecution argued that his actions were intended to mobilise citizens to participate in unlawful demonstrations. However, after hearing the matter, the court concluded that the state had failed to establish a prima facie case against the activist. A prima facie case requires prosecutors to present sufficient evidence capable of supporting a conviction if left unanswered by the defence. In its ruling, the court determined that the evidence presented did not directly link Karembera to the alleged offence, resulting in his acquittal and discharge. Legal analysts say the decision underscores the importance of meeting evidentiary standards in criminal prosecutions, particularly in cases involving political activism and public demonstrations. The acquittal means Karembera regains his freedom after spending approximately eight months in custody while awaiting the conclusion of his trial. The case had drawn interest from human rights advocates and political observers, who closely monitored developments amid ongoing debates over political freedoms, freedom of expression, and the handling of protest-related cases in Zimbabwe. Neither prosecutors nor the National Prosecuting Authority had publicly indicated whether they intended to challenge the ruling at the time of publication. For Karembera and his supporters, the judgment marks the end of a lengthy legal battle that began with his arrest during heightened political tensions and concludes with the court finding insufficient evidence to sustain the charges brought against him. Godfrey Karembera acquitted

HARARE — A parliamentary committee has reported overwhelming public support for the controversial Constitutional Amendment (No. 3) Bill, claiming that 99.4 percent of submissions received during nationwide consultations backed the proposed constitutional changes. The figures, tabled in the National Assembly on Wednesday by the Joint Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and eight other parliamentary committees, have immediately sparked controversy, with opposition groups, legal experts and civil society organisations questioning both the methodology and credibility of the consultation process. According to the report, Parliament received 540,037 submissions during public consultations, with 537,102 supporting the Bill and just 2,935 opposing it. The report recommends the adoption of key provisions contained in the legislation, including extending the electoral cycle from five to seven years and replacing direct presidential elections with a parliamentary electoral college system. Bill Advances Through Parliament The Constitutional Amendment (No. 3) Bill passed its second reading in Parliament on Wednesday and now proceeds to the committee and debate stages before a final vote. With the ruling ZANU PF holding a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly and significant influence in the Senate, political analysts believe the Bill has a strong chance of securing the constitutional majority required for passage. Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has previously indicated that the legislative process could take about a month, although some observers believe Parliament could conclude deliberations much sooner. Questions Over Consultation Results The reported 99.4 percent support rate has become the centre of intense debate. Critics argue that the figures appear inconsistent with Zimbabwe's highly contested political landscape. In the 2023 presidential election, President Emmerson Mnangagwa was declared the winner with 52.6 percent of the vote, highlighting a politically divided electorate. Among the strongest critics is constitutional lawyer and opposition figure Tendai Biti, who described the consultation outcome as unrepresentative of public sentiment. Biti argued that opposition to the Bill remains widespread among civil society groups, legal practitioners, churches, and activists. Contrasting Patterns in Submissions The parliamentary report itself reveals notable differences between categories of submissions. Of the 470,117 written submissions physically delivered to Parliament, 469,040 reportedly supported the Bill while 1,077 opposed it. However, among 2,232 submissions received electronically via email, 1,472 opposed the Bill while only 760 supported it. Political analysts say the contrasting figures have fuelled questions about whether different consultation methods captured different segments of the population. Meanwhile, Parliament reported that 67,688 people attended physical public hearings nationwide, with 67,302 supporting the Bill and 386 opposing it. Growing Opposition From Civil Society The proposed constitutional changes have attracted criticism from several influential organisations and individuals. Opposition has been expressed by church bodies, legal associations, human rights groups, and constitutional advocacy organisations. Several court challenges have also been filed seeking to block or limit aspects of the proposed amendments. Among the concerns raised are provisions extending terms of office, altering the presidential election system, transferring voter registration functions, increasing presidential influence over certain appointments, and restructuring constitutional commissions. Supporters of the Bill argue that the reforms will improve governance, strengthen institutional efficiency, and address constitutional gaps identified since the adoption of the 2013 Constitution. High-Stakes Constitutional Debate Constitutional Amendment No. 3 represents one of the most far-reaching proposed changes to Zimbabwe's constitutional framework in recent years. Beyond extending the terms of elected officials, the Bill proposes reforms affecting electoral administration, judicial appointments, parliamentary representation, and the structure of independent commissions. As debate intensifies both inside and outside Parliament, the dispute is increasingly shaping into a broader contest over constitutional governance, democratic accountability, and the future direction of Zimbabwe's political system. With court challenges pending and parliamentary deliberations continuing, Constitutional Amendment No. 3 is likely to remain at the centre of national political discourse in the weeks ahead. Constitutional Amendment No 3 Zimbabwe

HARARE – Prominent social media personality Patricia Jack has been remanded in custody following fresh criminal charges arising from controversial videos and statements published across her digital platforms. The state alleges that Jack used her Facebook and TikTok accounts to launch a targeted character assassination campaign against high-profile Zimbabwean social media influencer and musician, Felistas Murata, widely known as Mai TT. According to prosecution papers, the digital content explicitly accused Murata of being a thief and a prostitute. The state’s aggressive push to remand Jack in custody signals a growing intolerance by Zimbabwean law enforcement toward cyberbullying and malicious online defamation. Under the Cyber and Data Protection Act, publishing false data with the intent to cause psychological distress or damage an individual's reputation carries stiff penalties, including hefty fines and custodial sentences. Legal observers note that the high-profile nature of the feud will likely serve as a litmus test for online freedom of expression versus criminal defamation boundaries in Zimbabwe. "The digital space is no longer a lawless frontier," commented Harare-based legal analyst Advocate Tinashe Marisa. "The courts are increasingly treating online character assassination with the same gravity as physical threats, especially when it impacts an individual's commercial brand and livelihood." This is not the first time high-profile social media influencers have clashed in the Harare Magistrates' Court, with Mai TT herself having been involved in various legal disputes regarding online conduct and breach of peace complaints in recent years. What happens next in the case will be closely watched by the digital content creation community and legal experts alike. Jack’s legal team is expected to mount an urgent bail application at the High Court, arguing that the charges do not warrant continued pre-trial detention. The prosecution, however, is expected to argue that Jack is a flight risk or likely to continue publishing defamatory material if released back onto social media. criminal defamation in Zimbabwe