HARARE — The Zimbabwean government has ordered local authorities across the country to immediately suspend workshops, conferences, foreign trips, and so-called “look-and-learn” visits, citing growing concerns that excessive spending on travel and meetings is undermining service delivery. The directive, issued by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe on 27 May, places an immediate moratorium on activities that consume council resources without demonstrating measurable benefits to residents. According to a ministerial circular, no local authority may participate in or host workshops, seminars, symposiums, conferences, study tours, or foreign travel involving council funds without prior written approval from the ministry. The restriction also applies to programmes organised by government departments, development partners, private institutions, and local government associations. The move represents one of the clearest acknowledgements yet by the government that councils may be prioritising conferences and benchmarking visits while residents continue to face deteriorating public services. The directive comes amid mounting complaints from residents in major urban centres, including Harare, Bulawayo, and Gweru, where communities have struggled with unreliable water supplies, uncollected refuse, pothole-ridden roads, and ageing infrastructure. “We are paying rates every month, but refuse can go for weeks without being collected,” said Harare resident Tendai Muchengeti. “People are tired of hearing about workshops while basic services continue to deteriorate.” Another resident, Rudo Chikowore of Mabvuku, said councils must focus on improving water delivery. “We need clean water, working sewer systems, and better roads. Those are the things residents care about,” she said. Government officials argue that scarce financial resources should be redirected towards operational priorities rather than administrative activities. In a related memorandum issued earlier this month, Local Government Permanent Secretary Dr John Basera warned that some organisations were targeting local authorities primarily for fundraising purposes through conferences and workshops that offer little value to service delivery outcomes. Local governance analyst Rejoice Ngwenya said the directive reflects growing recognition that councils must be judged by outcomes rather than attendance at events. “Training and benchmarking visits can be useful, but they must produce measurable improvements. Residents are increasingly demanding value for money from local authorities,” Ngwenya said. Economic analyst Persistence Gwanyanya noted that local authorities are operating under severe financial constraints and should prioritise infrastructure rehabilitation and service delivery. “The key issue is accountability. Citizens want to see tangible improvements in roads, water systems and waste management,” he said. Minister Garwe said future approvals would only be granted where councils can demonstrate a direct contribution towards meeting Minimum Service Delivery Standards and improving municipal performance. Local authorities have also been instructed to submit schedules of previously approved travel and workshop programmes for ministry review. Officials who fail to comply risk administrative sanctions. The latest intervention signals a broader shift in government policy, placing greater emphasis on measurable service delivery outcomes rather than participation in conferences and official engagements. For many residents, the success of the directive will ultimately be measured not by the number of cancelled trips, but by cleaner streets, reliable water supplies, and improved municipal services. Zimbabwe council travel ban

FLORIDA, US — A Florida middle school teacher has been fired after a viral video showed her hanging a Black baby doll by its neck from a classroom television using a charger cord, triggering widespread outrage from parents, students, and civil rights advocates. Karen Whitmire Savage, 63, an art teacher at Barrington Middle School in Hillsborough County near Tampa, was dismissed following an internal investigation by Hillsborough County Public Schools. The district also referred the matter to the Florida Department of Education for possible action against her teaching license. The incident reportedly occurred on May 18 during class after Savage confiscated a doll from a student. According to witnesses, she wrapped a charger cord around the doll’s neck and suspended it from a television monitor in front of students. A 14-year-old student, Noah Carter, recorded part of the incident on his cellphone after becoming disturbed by what he was seeing. “She took the charger cord and wrapped it around the baby's neck and tied it,” Noah told local media. “Everybody started telling her it was wrong and racist to do that.” Students reportedly challenged the display, telling Savage it resembled a lynching and was racially offensive. Witnesses said she laughed and dismissed concerns, allegedly claiming that she did it “to get their attention.” The video later went viral after Noah’s mother, Nina Williams, shared it online, where it generated hundreds of thousands of views and intense public criticism. “This is not classroom management. This is hate and trauma being displayed in front of children who are supposed to feel safe,” Williams said, describing the incident as emotionally damaging for students from different racial and cultural backgrounds. The imagery drew particular condemnation because of its resemblance to historical lynchings of Black Americans during the era of racial segregation and white supremacist violence in the United States. Civil rights advocates argued that such symbolism can cause significant emotional distress, especially among Black students. Hillsborough County Schools Superintendent Van Ayres condemned the incident, calling it “an inappropriate and highly offensive display.” “The content of this display is unacceptable and does not reflect the values of our school community,” Ayres said. School officials initially removed Savage from campus while investigating the matter before terminating her employment. In a statement, the district confirmed that her dismissal took immediate effect and that the case had been referred to state education authorities for possible disciplinary action regarding her teaching certificate. The district also said counsellors had been made available to support affected students. Parents have welcomed the swift response but continue to call for accountability. Williams said the image of a Black doll hanging by its neck inside a classroom is something many students may never forget. The controversy has reignited national debate in the United States about racial sensitivity in schools, classroom conduct, and the responsibility of educators to provide safe and inclusive learning environments. Florida teacher fired Black doll incident

ZAKA, Zimbabwe – A teacher affiliated with an apostolic sect has been sentenced to eight months in prison after police uncovered dagga and crystal methamphetamine hidden inside his school staff quarters in Zaka District. The conviction of 47-year-old Shadreck Chitsama, a teacher at Jinjika Secondary School, has sparked widespread reaction on social media amid growing national concern over drug and substance abuse in Zimbabwe. Chitsama appeared before Zaka Magistrate Grace Tupiri on May 28, 2026, facing charges of unlawful possession of dagga and possession of crystal meth, commonly known as "mutoriro." The court found him guilty on both counts. For unlawful possession of dagga, Chitsama was sentenced to four months' imprisonment, with two months suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during that period. On the crystal meth charge, he received an eight-month prison sentence, with two months suspended on the same conditions. The sentences were ordered to run consecutively, resulting in an effective eight-month jail term. According to prosecutor Davyson Mavenga, detectives from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Zaka acted on intelligence received from members of the public regarding suspected drug activities at the school. At approximately 1 pm on May 12, 2026, officers proceeded to Jinjika Secondary School armed with a search warrant. Police encountered Chitsama before reaching his residence and informed him of the search. During a search of his person, officers allegedly recovered a sachet of dagga from his left trouser pocket. Following the discovery, Chitsama was arrested and escorted by officers to his staff quarters. The subsequent search uncovered additional drugs hidden throughout the house. In the living room, police recovered another sachet of dagga concealed beneath a sofa. Loose dagga wrapped in black plastic was later found among shoes near an electricity meter after being discovered by Chitsama's wife, Learnmore Gondo. The most serious discovery came in the main bedroom, where officers allegedly found two sachets of crystal methamphetamine hidden inside a black Monarch bag stored in a wardrobe. Several empty drug sachets were also recovered from the wardrobe. A further sachet of crystal meth was discovered beneath another sofa in the house. All recovered substances were taken to Jerera ZimPost for weighing and processing as evidence. The case comes as Zimbabwe continues to intensify its nationwide crackdown on drug and substance abuse under the Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024-2030). Authorities have repeatedly warned that crystal meth, locally known as mutoriro, has become one of the country's fastest-growing drug threats, particularly among young people. Law enforcement agencies have urged members of the public to continue reporting suspected drug dealers and users as part of efforts to combat the growing drug crisis. Investigators told the court that Chitsama did not possess any permit, licence, or legal authority to possess either dagga or crystal meth. Zaka teacher drug arrest

BULAWAYO – A Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer has been sentenced to an effective three years in prison after being convicted of violently assaulting a motorist at a roadblock near Nyamandlovu, in a case that has renewed concerns over police brutality in Zimbabwe. Constable Nosizi Sinyoro (33) was found guilty by Bulawayo magistrate Courage Mudenda, who described the attack as a serious abuse of authority and stressed that law enforcement officers must protect, not harm, members of the public. The court sentenced Sinyoro to four years in prison, with one year suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour, leaving him to serve an effective three-year jail term. According to prosecutor Samuel Mpofu, the incident occurred on September 1, 2025, at a police roadblock near the Nyamandlovu turn-off along the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road. The court heard that Sinyoro and four other police officers stopped a vehicle being driven by Bakhile Nkomo. Following an argument, Sinyoro allegedly dragged Nkomo from the vehicle and kicked him forcefully in the stomach. Prosecutors said the assault continued while Nkomo was being transported under arrest to Sauerstown Police Station. As a result of the attack, Nkomo reportedly began vomiting blood and was later admitted to Mpilo Central Hospital with life-threatening injuries. In his judgment, Magistrate Mudenda said the State had presented compelling evidence linking Sinyoro to the assault. The court noted that witnesses consistently identified Sinyoro as the sole perpetrator despite the presence of four other officers at the scene. Nkomo testified that only Sinyoro assaulted him, while witness Ryan Ncube also told the court that Sinyoro was the only officer who physically attacked the motorist. Mudenda said the testimony strengthened the State's case. "If he had lied, he would have falsely implicated all five officers," the magistrate said. The court also relied on medical evidence that matched the injuries sustained by Nkomo. The four co-accused officers were acquitted after successfully applying for discharge during the trial. Magistrate Mudenda also questioned the credibility of testimony from one police officer who had initially been charged alongside Sinyoro, describing him as a "suspect witness" because of his involvement in the incident. The court found no sufficient evidence linking the other officers to the assault. While acknowledging that Sinyoro was a first-time offender with no previous criminal record, the magistrate ruled that the seriousness of the offence outweighed any mitigating factors. "The offender attacked a defenceless victim in a demeaning manner. Cases of police brutality are on the rise," Mudenda said. "The offender held a position of authority. We expect police officers to protect and not harm civilians. A message has to be sent to the community that no one is above the law." The ruling has been welcomed by legal observers who say it reinforces accountability within law enforcement and demonstrates that abuses of authority can result in criminal prosecution and imprisonment. The case also highlights ongoing public concerns over the conduct of some police officers during roadblock operations and arrests. police officer jailed for assaulting motorist

VICTORIA FALLS – Zimbabwe has trained more than 10,000 young people in ethical hacking and cyber defence as part of a national strategy aimed at strengthening cybersecurity, protecting critical infrastructure, and creating opportunities in the digital economy. The announcement was made by ICT, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera during the 2nd Africa Preparatory Meeting for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26), held in Victoria Falls. The minister, who was represented by Deputy Minister Dingimuzi Phuti, told delegates from across Africa that Zimbabwe had completed a comprehensive national cybersecurity strategy to safeguard digital assets, critical infrastructure, and citizens' data from growing cyber threats. Ethical hacking involves legally testing computer systems, networks, and applications to identify vulnerabilities before cybercriminals can exploit them. Ethical hackers are authorised to probe systems and recommend security improvements, helping organisations strengthen their cyber defences. Speaking at the conference, Mavetera said Zimbabwe's cybersecurity programme is designed not only to enhance national security but also to position young people for employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in the rapidly expanding technology sector. "Cyber threats are borderless. Zimbabwe has completed a comprehensive Cybersecurity Strategy to protect our digital assets, critical infrastructure, and citizens' data," she said. "We are training over 10,000 young Zimbabweans in ethical hacking and cyber-defence, turning a vulnerability into a national export opportunity." As governments, businesses, and individuals increasingly rely on digital technologies, cybersecurity has become a major concern worldwide. Cyberattacks targeting financial institutions, government systems, telecommunications networks, and private companies continue to rise across the globe. Zimbabwe's investment in cyber defence training comes as African countries seek to strengthen resilience against cybercrime, online fraud, ransomware attacks, and data breaches. Experts say developing local cybersecurity expertise is essential for protecting digital infrastructure while creating highly skilled jobs in a sector experiencing strong global demand. The three-day meeting in Victoria Falls brought together policymakers, regulators, and technology experts from across the continent to develop common African positions ahead of the upcoming International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference. Discussions focused on key issues shaping Africa's digital future, including spectrum management, cybersecurity regulation, artificial intelligence governance, and universal internet access. The meeting also explored strategies to bridge the digital divide and ensure that African countries benefit from emerging technologies while maintaining secure and inclusive digital ecosystems. Government officials believe cybersecurity training can help transform Zimbabwe into a regional hub for digital skills and technology services. With global demand for cybersecurity professionals continuing to outpace supply, ethical hacking and cyber defence are increasingly viewed as high-value career paths capable of generating employment and export earnings. The initiative aligns with broader government efforts to promote innovation, digital transformation, and skills development as part of Zimbabwe's long-term economic growth strategy. Zimbabwe ethical hacking training

NANYUKI, Kenya — Hundreds of young people took to the streets of Nanyuki on Monday to protest plans to establish a United States-backed Ebola quarantine centre at Laikipia Air Base, deepening a growing national debate over public health, sovereignty, and Kenya’s healthcare capacity. The demonstrations came just days after Kenya’s High Court temporarily suspended the establishment of the proposed facility and blocked the admission of foreign Ebola patients pending the hearing of a constitutional challenge filed by the Law Society of Kenya and the Katiba Institute. Protesters marched towards the military air base carrying placards and chanting anti-Ebola slogans, expressing fears that the facility could expose local communities to a highly contagious virus. The proposed 50-bed quarantine centre would reportedly house United States citizens who have been exposed to Ebola while abroad, rather than transporting them back to the US. Senior US officials said the facility was expected to become operational last week. Local leaders have strongly opposed the project. Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu warned that many residents work at or around the air base and could face increased health risks if the quarantine facility proceeds. “This will expose our people to Ebola,” Irungu told journalists. Kenya’s Health Minister Aden Duale defended the proposal, insisting that the facility is not intended exclusively for American citizens and forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s epidemic preparedness systems. “The quarantine centre is for everyone,” Duale said. The controversy intensified after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Washington intends to commit US$13.5 million towards Kenya’s Ebola preparedness programmes. However, legal groups and healthcare advocates argue that Kenya’s already strained health system should not be used to quarantine foreign Ebola patients. Court documents filed by the petitioners contend that the project raises serious constitutional, public health, and transparency concerns. The High Court has since issued conservatory orders preventing authorities from operationalising the facility until the matter is fully heard. Public health concerns have been heightened by ongoing Ebola outbreaks in parts of Central and East Africa. Uganda has reported confirmed Ebola cases and temporarily closed parts of its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where officials have recorded at least 263 confirmed cases of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. The strain currently has no approved vaccine or treatment. Despite fears surrounding the proposed quarantine facility, Kenyan health authorities have stressed that the country has not recorded any Ebola cases linked to the current outbreak. Officials say surveillance systems, laboratory testing capacity, and border monitoring have been strengthened as a precautionary measure. The case is expected to return to court this week, with the outcome likely to influence both Kenya’s public health policy and its growing cooperation with international partners on epidemic response initiatives. Soldiers are shooting at protesters in Kenya Kenya Ebola quarantine centre

HARARE – Violent unrest linked to anti-immigration protests erupted in the KwaNonqaba and Asla Park areas of Mossel Bay, South Africa, in late May 2026, leaving a trail of destruction, displacement, and death. Local police have confirmed that two men died during the chaos, multiple homes were razed by fire, and hundreds of residents have been displaced in what community leaders and local officials describe as suspected xenophobic attacks. Among the casualties is 19-year-old Nhlamulo Sambo, whose death has sparked a wave of emotionally charged allegations across social media platforms. Unverified Motives and Fears of Ethnic Profiling Sambo’s family alleges that the teenager was targeted and killed by a mob simply because he spoke Tsonga. If these allegations are proven accurate, the implications are deeply troubling for regional social cohesion. Tsonga and Venda speakers are indigenous South African citizens. Targeting individuals based on their language or accent represents a dangerous shift toward internal ethnic profiling, directly undermining constitutional protections. However, authorities have urged calm and cautioned against relying strictly on social media narratives. South African police have stated that the precise motives for the killings remain under active investigation, and they have not yet publicly confirmed whether either victim was singled out due to ethnicity or language. A Growing Regional Threat: Vigilantism and Tribalism Human rights groups, community organizations, and regional political leaders have repeatedly warned that unchecked anti-immigration campaigns create toxic environments. In these spaces, individuals are violently profiled based on their language, accent, nationality, or physical appearance. Researchers and policy analysts cite several systemic factors driving this volatile landscape: Economic Despair: High unemployment rates and deep socioeconomic frustrations within local communities. Institutional Distrust: Perceptions of weak immigration management and a belief that state authorities are failing to enforce existing laws. Political Rhetoric: Populist political messaging that frequently scapegoats migrants for broader infrastructure and economic challenges. Rise of Vigilante Groups: The rapid growth of organized vigilante movements attempting to enforce immigration law outside established legal channels. Digital Misinformation: The unchecked spread of social media rumors that rapidly inflame local tensions and spark real-world violence. Analysts warn that when citizens lose confidence in state institutions, the law is increasingly taken into private hands. Historically, this breakdown of the rule of law results in innocent people becoming victims of untested accusations. The Legal Framework and Moving Forward South Africa's Constitution strictly guarantees equality before the law, regardless of ethnicity, language, or nationality. While public concerns regarding undocumented migration are legitimate policy debates, identifying, detaining, and deporting undocumented individuals remains the exclusive responsibility of formal law enforcement and immigration authorities, not private citizens or community groups. Until formal police investigations are finalized, the exact motives behind the death of Nhlamulo Sambo must be treated as unconfirmed allegations. What remains undeniable, however, is that the latest cycle of unrest in Mossel Bay has inflicted significant trauma, displacement, and loss of life. Nhlamulo Sambo's mother speaks. violent unrest in Mossel Bay

Bulawayo Man, 22, Dies by Suicide After Devastating Emakhandeni Fire Destroys Family Homes BULAWAYO – A 22-year-old Bulawayo man has died by suicide following a devastating fire that destroyed several homes and left families homeless in Emakhandeni on Saturday morning. The tragedy has shocked residents of the high-density suburb, where multiple families lost their homes and belongings after a blaze believed to have been triggered by an exploding cellphone battery in a room containing a gas tank. Local legislator Discent Collins Bajila visited the affected families and described the destruction as catastrophic, saying many victims lost virtually everything they owned. According to Bajila, preliminary information suggests that a cellphone battery exploded inside one of the rooms, igniting a fire that was intensified by the presence of a gas cylinder. "This morning I visited Emakhandeni families whose entire livelihoods were razed by fires on Saturday morning. It is suspected that a cellphone battery burst in a room that had a gas tank," he said. The fire spread rapidly through the property, reducing several rooms to rubble before emergency services could contain the blaze. While no fatalities were recorded during the fire itself, residents were unable to salvage their belongings as the flames quickly engulfed the structures. "While no one died on the scene, nothing was recovered from all the rooms that caught fire before the arrival of the Fire Brigade from the City of Bulawayo. The Fire Brigade saved the other half of the compound and, for that, we are grateful," Bajila said. Photographs shared after the incident show extensive damage, with walls blackened by smoke, roofs destroyed, and household possessions reduced to ashes. The affected families have reportedly received emergency groceries and basic support from well-wishers, but urgent assistance is still needed to help them rebuild their lives. Community members have since mobilised efforts to provide clothing, bedding, food, and other essentials to those displaced by the fire. In a heartbreaking development, Bajila confirmed that Mihla, the occupant of the room where the explosions are believed to have originated, later took his own life. "Unfortunately, Mihla (22), the occupant of the room where the two blasts happened, has ended his own life," Bajila said. The circumstances surrounding his death have further saddened the community, which is already grappling with the aftermath of the fire. Mental health experts note that traumatic incidents such as house fires can trigger severe emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, guilt, and feelings of hopelessness. Community leaders have urged residents affected by the tragedy to seek emotional support from family members, faith-based organisations, healthcare professionals, and counselling services. Authorities are expected to continue assessing the needs of affected families as recovery efforts continue in Emakhandeni. Investigations into the exact cause of the fire are ongoing. Emakhandeni fire Bulawayo

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that originates on the surface of the cervix. It occurs when the cells lining the cervix undergo changes and become precancerous. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the primary cause of almost all cervical cancer cases. HPV is a virus that spreads through sexual contact. To reduce your risk of cervical cancer, it’s crucial to undergo regular cervical cancer screenings, such as Pap smears, and receive the HPV vaccine. Cervical cancer often goes unnoticed until it has spread. Therefore, regular screenings and the HPV vaccine are vital for early detection. When diagnosed in its early stages, cervical cancer is highly treatable. A healthcare provider can effectively treat it through various methods. In Zimbabwe, cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women, accounting for over 21% of all cancer cases nationwide. Zimbabwe has one of the highest incidence and mortality rates for cervical cancer globally. The incidence rate is approximately 68.2 cases per 100,000 women, and the age-standardised mortality rate is 47.9 per 100,000 women. Key Statistics Annual Diagnoses: Approximately 3,000 to 3,500 new cases are diagnosed each year. Annual Mortality: Around 2,000 women die from the disease annually. Primary Cause: The disease is primarily caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Contributing Factors The high prevalence and severity of cervical cancer in Zimbabwe are exacerbated by two significant public health issues: HIV Co-infection: Women living with HIV have a significantly higher risk of developing cervical cancer. In Zimbabwe, over two-thirds of women presenting with advanced cervical cancer are HIV-positive. Delayed Diagnosis: A large proportion of patients seek medical attention when the cancer has already progressed to advanced stages. This is often due to limited diagnostic facilities, unequal access to screening services, and cultural or educational barriers. To combat this, the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) has prioritised cervical cancer prevention through a dual approach. Firstly, they have implemented nationwide HPV vaccination programmes targeting girls aged 9 to 14. Secondly, they offer secondary prevention through Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIAC) and HPV testing for women aged 25 to 49. Diet for Cervical Cancer Prevention While no specific food can prevent or cure cervical cancer, a diet rich in plant-based nutrients and antioxidants can help your immune system fight HPV infections and repair cell damage. Prioritise folate (Vitamin B9), Vitamins A, C, and E. Important Note: No diet can replace essential preventive measures, particularly the HPV vaccine. Key Nutrients & Foods Folate (Vitamin B9): This nutrient helps repair DNA and clear HPV. Sources include spinach, lentils, chickpeas, and strawberries. Antioxidant Vitamins (A, C, E): These vitamins protect cells from damage and boost immunity. Sources include citrus fruits (oranges and kiwis), berries, carrots, sweet potatoes, and nuts. Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage contain compounds such as sulforaphane, which help fight abnormal cell growth. Lycopene: Found in cooked or sauce-based tomatoes, lycopene is linked to lower rates of cervical cell changes. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in flaxseeds and fatty fish like salmon and sardines, these acids effectively reduce inflammation. To maintain cervical health, it’s best to avoid or limit foods that cause inflammation and weaken your immune system. This includes processed meats, excessive red meat, ultra-processed junk foods, high-sugar items, and excessive alcohol consumption. For a holistic approach to your health, pair a balanced whole-foods diet with regular physical activity and avoid tobacco. Always consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for a nutrition plan tailored to your specific medical history and risk factors. Disclaimer This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here. Dr. Precious Sibiya, a mother, sister, daughter, and friend, is a certified Wellness Practitioner, stroke survivor, and advocate for natural healing and lifestyle. Contact her for more wellness insights: Email: precioussibiya2014@gmail.com Phone: +263775369467 cervical cancer in Zimbabwe

HARARE – Motorists travelling through eastern Harare will need to use alternative routes after the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development officially closed the busy Mutare Road/Harare Drive junction at Msasa Jaggers Roundabout to pave the way for the long-awaited Msasa Interchange Project. The closure took effect on Monday, 1 June 2026, following a public notice issued by the Ministry on 30 May 2026, marking the start of major construction works aimed at improving traffic flow along one of Harare's busiest transport corridors. Authorities have advised motorists to follow designated diversion routes and comply with temporary traffic management measures that have been put in place around the construction zone. Traffic controllers will be deployed throughout the project area to assist motorists and manage congestion during peak travel periods. The Ministry urged drivers to remain vigilant and obey all temporary road signs to ensure the safety of both road users and construction personnel. "We regret any inconvenience caused and appreciate the public's understanding as we work on this important infrastructure project," the Ministry said in a statement. The Msasa Jaggers Roundabout is one of Harare's most heavily used intersections, linking Mutare Road, a key gateway to eastern Zimbabwe and neighbouring Mozambique, with Harare Drive, one of the capital's major ring roads. Traffic congestion at the junction has long been a concern for commuters, transport operators, and businesses operating in the Msasa industrial area. The planned interchange is expected to improve traffic flow, reduce travel times, and enhance road safety once completed. The temporary closure is likely to affect thousands of daily commuters, public transport operators, and freight companies that rely on the route to access industrial zones, residential suburbs, and regional trade corridors. Transport experts say motorists should allow additional travel time, particularly during morning and evening rush hours, as traffic adjusts to the new diversions. An Msasa-based logistics operator said the closure would initially cause delays but welcomed the long-term benefits. "There will definitely be disruptions at first, especially for trucks and delivery vehicles, but if the interchange reduces congestion permanently, it will be worth it," said a local transport manager who commutes through the area daily. The Msasa Interchange Project forms part of the Government's broader infrastructure development programme aimed at upgrading major roads, improving urban mobility, and supporting economic growth. Over the past few years, authorities have invested heavily in road rehabilitation and the construction of interchanges at key traffic bottlenecks across the country. Officials say the project will ultimately improve connectivity between Harare's industrial, commercial, and residential areas while supporting increased traffic volumes associated with the city's growth. Motorists are encouraged to monitor official updates from the Ministry of Transport for information on diversion routes, construction progress, and any further traffic management measures. Msasa Interchange Project

HARARE – Liverpool are reportedly closing in on the signing of highly rated Zimbabwean-born midfielder Darren Motsi, who is set to leave Leicester City and join the Premier League giants' academy setup. According to reports from football transfer sources, the 15-year-old attacking midfielder has chosen Liverpool as his next destination, following in the footsteps of fellow Zimbabwean talent Trey Nyoni, who made the same move from Leicester in 2023. The potential transfer represents another significant milestone for Zimbabwean football, with two of the country's most promising young players now progressing through one of Europe's most respected youth development systems. Liverpool has increasingly focused on recruiting elite academy prospects from across England and Europe as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen their first-team squad. That approach has already paid dividends with the emergence of players such as Rio Ngumoha, who joined from Chelsea FC in 2024 and has since become involved with Liverpool's senior setup. Nyoni has also enjoyed rapid progress since arriving at Anfield. The teenage midfielder has already featured 20 times for Liverpool's first team, underlining the pathway available to exceptional young players at the club. For Motsi, the move could provide a similar opportunity to develop among some of the best young talents in English football. Despite being only 15 years old, Motsi has already achieved what few players his age have managed. The versatile midfielder rose through Leicester City's academy ranks at remarkable speed and featured regularly for the club's Under-21 side during the 2025/26 season. He scored three goals and provided two assists in 19 appearances across competitions, including an impressive return of three goals and two assists in 11 Premier League 2 matches. His performances earned widespread praise within Leicester's academy system, where coaches reportedly viewed him as one of the club's standout prospects. Motsi also made headlines by becoming one of the youngest goalscorers in Premier League 2 history before setting another record by scoring in consecutive league matches. Motsi has represented the England national under-15 football team at the youth level and has impressed in international tournaments. One of his standout displays came at the Vertex Cup, where he registered a goal and an assist against Mexico, showcasing the technical quality that has attracted attention from top clubs. Although relatively small in stature, coaches and scouts have praised his ability to compete against older and physically stronger opponents. The Zimbabwean youngster is capable of playing as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder, or attacking midfielder. His greatest strengths include: Excellent passing range Vision and creativity Ability to operate in tight spaces Strong ball control under pressure Intelligent movement between the lines Powerful left-footed shooting ability Academy observers have highlighted his composure when dropping deep to collect possession and his ability to dictate the tempo of matches despite his young age. His technical profile makes him well-suited to Liverpool's possession-based style of play. Should the move be completed, Motsi would become the latest Zimbabwean youngster to join Liverpool's academy and another example of local talent making an impact on the global stage. His arrival would reunite him with Nyoni, giving Zimbabwean football supporters another exciting prospect to follow at Anfield. With Liverpool continuing to invest heavily in youth development, many observers believe Motsi could have the ideal environment to develop his considerable potential before eventually pushing for senior football. Darren Motsi Liverpool transfer

HARARE – In a scathing judgment aimed at dismantling deep-seated superstitious beliefs within the commercial sector, the Harare High Court has sentenced three men to life imprisonment for the gruesome murder and decapitation of a 34-year-old Rushinga woman. Victor Mazhambe, Absey Bizek Kahuruva, and local businessman Barnabas Murenza were convicted of the premeditated killing of Grace Murenza, a mother of five. The court heard that the murder was orchestrated to harvest her blood for business ritual murders in Zimbabwe to spiritually fortify Barnabas's failing commercial ventures. The prosecution revealed a chilling conspiracy that began in September 2024 in Manyozo Village, Rushinga. Desperate for a spiritual shortcut to wealth, Barnabas Murenza hired Mazhambe and Kahuruva for US$2,500 to assassinate Grace. In a shocking twist of betrayal, the killers recruited David Meja Grace’s former husband and the father of her five children to lure her into a trap. On the night of September 22, 2024, Meja tricked Grace into an empty room where Mazhambe attacked her with an axe. Meja then used a sharp instrument to sever her head. The men drained the victim's blood into a container for Barnabas's rituals before dumping her severed head down a Blair toilet at a nearby Zion church shrine, where it was discovered by a young girl the following morning. [The Conspiracy Hierarchy] Barnabas Murenza (Financier / Mastermind) │ ├──> Victor Mazhambe & Absey Kahuruva (Hired Assassins - US$2,500) │ └──> David Meja (Ex-Husband / Insider - Died in Remand) While Meja died in remand custody before the trial, his three co-conspirators faced the full wrath of the law. Presiding Judge Justice Gibson Mandaza did not mince words, using the ruling to address the wider business community regarding superstition and crime in Zimbabwe. "It is high time that those in the business community disabuse themselves of the misguided belief that charms derived from human blood enhance commercial performance or bring prosperity," Justice Mandaza ruled. To completely deconstruct the myth of human sacrifice as a corporate strategy, the judge listed legendary, legitimate Zimbabwean corporate giants that achieved massive success through modern management rather than witchcraft: Econet Wireless Zimplats Pick n Pay Zimbabwe Spar Justice Mandaza emphasized that these multi-million dollar corporate empires thrived strictly on sound business principles, financial discipline, and market strategies. Legal analysts note that this case mirrors the infamous 2020 Tapiwa Makore ritual murder case, where a seven-year-old boy was dismembered by his uncle in Murewa to harvest body parts for a cabbage-farming venture. The killers in that landmark case saw their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment in May 2025. The persistent underground demand for human organs and blood was further verified in late 2025 by a comprehensive BBC Africa Eye juju investigation, which exposed underground syndicates across Sub-Saharan Africa catering to wealthy, superstitious clients. With this latest ruling, the High Court has reinforced that anyone seeking to build financial empires on human blood will find their dreams of wealth permanently replaced by a life behind bars. business ritual murders in Zimbabwe