CHEGUTU, Zimbabwe – Police in Chegutu have arrested two men allegedly linked to a motorcycle theft syndicate responsible for a series of thefts and break-ins that have plagued the town since January 2026. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the arrest of Andy Ushewokunze (30) and Titus Manjengwa, who are being connected to at least 10 motorcycle theft cases and one unlawful entry and theft case committed in Chegutu between January and May this year. According to ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, investigations began after police received information on 21 May that Manjengwa was in possession of a stolen motorcycle. “Following investigations, the suspect implicated his accomplice, Andy Ushewokunze, who was subsequently arrested at Mukohwe Shopping Centre in Pfupajena,” said Nyathi. Police recovered six stolen motorcycles and a solar battery during the operation, marking a significant breakthrough in efforts to combat rising property crimes in Mashonaland West Province. One of the cases under investigation involves a break-in at a house in Kaguvi Phase Four, Chegutu, where thieves allegedly stole a solar battery and a television set earlier this month. Commissioner Nyathi said the two suspects are currently assisting police with investigations into multiple cases. “The suspects are clearing at least 10 cases of motorcycle theft in Chegutu,” he said. Police have since launched a manhunt for two additional suspects believed to be connected to the theft syndicate. The wanted men have been identified as Tapiwa Ushewokunze and Last Masarakufa. Security experts say motorcycles have increasingly become targets for organised criminal syndicates due to their high resale value, ease of transportation, and demand for spare parts. Crime prevention specialists have previously urged motorcycle owners to install tracking devices, use heavy-duty locks, and park their vehicles in secure locations to reduce the risk of theft. The latest arrests come amid intensified nationwide police operations targeting organised criminal activities, including theft, robbery, and illegal trading networks. Police have repeatedly encouraged members of the public to share information that could lead to the arrest of suspects and recovery of stolen property. The ZRP is appealing to members of the public with information on the whereabouts of Tapiwa Ushewokunze and Last Masarakufa to come forward. Anyone with information can contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631, WhatsApp 0712 800 197, or report to their nearest police station. Authorities say investigations are continuing, and additional arrests have not been ruled out. Chegutu motorcycle theft

MUTARE — A retired senior soldier and prominent liberation war veteran has been handed an effective 10-year prison sentence following his conviction for raping his teenage niece a decade ago at his rural homestead. Mutare Regional Magistrate Ms. Sekai Chiwundura handed down the custodial sentence last week after finding 68-year-old Harry Mangani guilty of the sexual assault, which occurred in 2016 when the victim was just 18 years old. Throughout the high-profile trial, Mangani vehemently denied the charges. He argued in his defense that he had been involved in a consensual romantic relationship with the complainant, whose identity has been strictly withheld by the court for legal and ethical reasons. However, Magistrate Chiwundura completely dismantled and rejected his defense line. The court ruled that the retired senior soldier had aggregately abused his position of trust, ultimately taking predatory advantage of a vulnerable orphan who was living directly under his care, financial support, and protection. The state’s case, presented by seasoned prosecutor Mr. George Nyatsuro, established that the heinous offense took place in June 2016. Mangani, who was 58 at the time, targeted the complainant at the shared homestead where they lived together. The court heard that Mangani stealthily entered the teenager's bedroom in the dead of night while she was fast asleep and forced himself on her. According to traumatic evidence brought forward during the trial, the complainant remained completely silent about the ordeal for nearly a decade due to intense intimidation, family pressure, and fear of the senior military figure. The matter only came to light last year after the complainant bravely sought counseling and advice from close associates before stepping forward to file an official criminal report at the Harare Central Police Station. Mangani has since been escorted to a maximum-security correctional facility to begin serving his decade-long sentence. Harry Mangani veteran rape sentence Mutare

HARARE, Zimbabwe – Second-generation Dendera musician Tryson Chimbetu has spoken candidly about his past struggle with drug and substance abuse, revealing how Zimbabwe's First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, inspired his journey to recovery and his commitment to combating drug addiction among young people. The musician, popularly known as Sekuru Dhimba, shared his story during the ongoing Dr Nero Global Commemoration Tour, a campaign launched in honour of his late father, Dendera music icon Naison Chimbetu. In an emotional address, Tryson praised the First Lady's anti-drug abuse campaigns and humanitarian initiatives, saying her efforts had encouraged him to speak openly about a painful chapter in his life. "Thank you to our humble First Lady. I have seen your dedication and compassion, Amai, and I deeply respect you," said Tryson. "When you speak against drug and substance abuse, you are giving hope to many people. I am ready to work with you in spreading this message to users, dealers, and communities so that together we can save lives." The Dendera star disclosed that he became involved with drugs after allegedly being introduced to substances by friends without fully understanding their long-term effects. "There is nothing positive about drug and substance abuse because it slowly destroys lives," he said. "Today, I am physically fit and mentally stable again. I was introduced to drugs without fully understanding the consequences, and before long, I became dependent on them. That is why I am now passionately advocating for this to end, for the sake of both present and future generations." Having overcome addiction, Tryson says he has transformed his personal experience into a mission to educate young people about the dangers of substance abuse. The musician revealed that anti-drug advocacy has become a key part of his life's work, and earlier this year, he formally declared himself a Global Youth Safety Voluntary Advocate. Zimbabwe, like many countries across the region, continues to grapple with rising cases of drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people. Government agencies, churches, community organisations, and traditional leaders have all intensified awareness campaigns aimed at curbing the growing problem. Tryson said he intends to use the power of music to spread messages of hope, rehabilitation, and responsible living. Beyond anti-drug advocacy, he also plans to promote child protection, youth empowerment, and the preservation of African cultural values through his music and community outreach programmes. The singer commended Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa for championing initiatives that promote Zimbabwean culture, heritage, and social welfare, saying her work has inspired many people to become agents of positive change in their communities. Since launching his advocacy campaign in February, Tryson has incorporated anti-drug awareness messages into his performances, public engagements, and outreach activities conducted under the Dr Nero Global Commemoration Tour. As he continues touring the country and beyond, the musician hopes his story will encourage others battling addiction to seek help and rebuild their lives. "My recovery shows that change is possible. We must continue fighting drug and substance abuse because the future of our young people depends on it," he said. Tryson Chimbetu drug abuse

BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe – A Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer has been sentenced to an effective three years in prison for a violent assault that left a father of two with life-threatening injuries and permanent disability before his eventual death, in a case that has intensified concerns over police brutality in Zimbabwe. Nosonzi Sinyolo (33) was convicted by Bulawayo Provincial Magistrate Themba Chimiso at Tradegold Magistrates Court on charges of assault following a brutal attack on Bakhile Nkomo, a motorist who was stopped at a police roadblock near Nyamandlovu in September 2025. The court sentenced Sinyolo to four years' imprisonment, with one year suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour, leaving him to serve an effective three-year jail term. In a strongly worded judgment, Magistrate Chimiso condemned the abuse of power by law enforcement officers entrusted with protecting citizens. "You held a position of authority and responsibility as a police officer. You had a duty to protect civilians and not to brutalise the victim," Chimiso said. "No one is above the law. You attacked a defenceless victim who suffered life-threatening injuries and permanent disability." Court proceedings revealed that the incident occurred on September 1, 2025, when Nkomo was travelling in a Honda Fit that was stopped at a police checkpoint along the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road. Following a misunderstanding, Sinyolo allegedly dragged Nkomo from the vehicle, threw him to the ground, and repeatedly kicked him in the stomach. The assault reportedly continued inside a police vehicle while Nkomo was being transported to Sauerstown Police Station. Upon arrival at the station, Nkomo began vomiting blood and was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital. His condition deteriorated over the following months, forcing his family to seek specialist treatment in South Africa. Despite spending weeks hospitalised and dependent on oxygen support, Nkomo eventually died from complications linked to the injuries he sustained. Although Nkomo later died, the matter remained before the courts as an assault case because no postmortem examination was conducted. Family members buried him before an autopsy could be carried out. Relatives have indicated they are now exploring legal avenues to have the charges upgraded to murder. The State, represented by prosecutor Karen Gundani, successfully argued that Sinyolo was solely responsible for the attack. Four other officers who were initially charged alongside him, Joseph Chiranda (48), Najo Sianyongole (38), Bhekisipho Ndlovu (35), and Hilton Gororo (34), were acquitted after witnesses consistently identified Sinyolo as the only assailant. Nkomo's death has left his family facing severe financial hardship. Relatives said he was the family's primary breadwinner and that they were forced to sell household possessions, including a refrigerator and television, to pay medical expenses. The family reportedly still owes more than US$5,000 to Mpilo Central Hospital, in addition to significant medical bills incurred in South Africa. His widow is now raising the couple's two young children alone and has appealed for assistance with school fees, food, and other basic necessities. Family members also expressed disappointment that Sinyolo had never apologised for the incident. For many Zimbabweans, the case has renewed calls for greater police accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights within law enforcement institutions. Zimbabwe police brutality

HARARE, Zimbabwe – The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has launched a nationwide Schools Monetary Policy Challenge aimed at improving financial literacy among secondary school learners and giving them practical experience in economic decision-making. The initiative, known as the Schools Monetary Policy Challenge (SMPC), will see learners assume the roles of central bank officials, including Child RBZ Governors and Deputy Governors, as they tackle real-world monetary policy and financial literacy challenges. Speaking during an induction workshop held in Harare on Tuesday, RBZ Corporate Affairs Director Melody Harry said the competition is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical economic knowledge. “The programme seeks to empower learners with a deeper understanding of monetary policy, financial literacy, and economic management while nurturing future leaders who can contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s economic development,” Harry said. The central bank says the competition forms part of broader efforts to strengthen financial education among young people at a time when financial literacy is increasingly viewed as a critical life skill. Under the programme, participating schools will form teams comprising a Child Governor, two Deputy Governors, and a teacher coordinator. Learners will engage in activities that mirror the responsibilities of policymakers at the central bank, including analysing economic issues, developing policy recommendations, and presenting monetary policy positions. The competition will be conducted at cluster, district, provincial, and national levels, allowing learners from across Zimbabwe to showcase their understanding of financial and economic issues. Participants will also undertake community engagement projects aimed at promoting financial awareness and responsible financial behaviour within their communities. Education and financial sector experts have long argued that introducing financial literacy at an early age helps young people make informed decisions about saving, budgeting, investing, and entrepreneurship. The RBZ believes the Schools Monetary Policy Challenge will help develop critical thinking, leadership, and public speaking skills while exposing learners to the workings of the country's financial system. The programme comes as Zimbabwe continues to prioritise financial inclusion and economic education as key pillars of sustainable development. According to the central bank, empowering young people with financial knowledge can contribute to greater economic participation and improved financial decision-making in adulthood. The Reserve Bank said the initiative aligns with the Government’s Heritage-Based Education 5.0 framework, which emphasises innovation, industrialisation, problem-solving, and practical learning. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is expected to play a central role in implementing the programme nationwide, working closely with schools and education officials to ensure broad participation. National winners of the Schools Monetary Policy Challenge will be honoured at a special awards ceremony presided over by the RBZ Governor, providing learners with an opportunity to engage directly with policymakers and financial sector leaders. Officials say the programme has the potential to inspire a new generation of financially literate Zimbabweans equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex economic environment. RBZ Schools Monetary Policy Challenge

HARARE – The Harare High Court has ordered a local man to pay US$6,300 for pregnancy expenses and financial strain to a Harare-based medical doctor, despite dismissing her claims that he breached a formal promise of marriage. The plaintiff, Dr. Nancy Fungai Tsuro, had dragged her former partner, Tinashe Francis Mupindu, to court seeking hefty damages for a broken promise of marriage and seduction. The two had been involved in a four-year relationship that began on an online dating platform. According to court papers, Dr. Tsuro alleged that Mupindu proposed to her and encouraged her to conceive as a sign of commitment. She further claimed that in October 2021, Mupindu presented groceries to her aunt and uncle, a gesture heavily rooted in traditional Zimbabwean marriage customs signaling his intent to pay lobola. Dr. Tsuro's legal team presented extensive WhatsApp conversations to prove the breach of promise to marry in Zimbabwe. However, presiding judge Justice Fatima Maxwell ruled that the emotional exchanges fell short of a binding legal contract. "The totality of the above evidence and the WhatsApp chats produced in evidence lead to the conclusion that, on a balance of probabilities, defendant did not promise to marry the plaintiff," Justice Maxwell ruled. The High Court highlighted gaps and inconsistencies in the submitted chat logs, noting that the family visit appeared to be an announcement of the pregnancy rather than formal marriage negotiations. Mupindu admitted to discussing marriage but stated he felt pressured and never intended to marry Tsuro. The court also heard that Mupindu has five children with different women, two of whom were born during his relationship with the plaintiff. While the High Court of Zimbabwe's marriage law claims were dismissed, Justice Maxwell firmly ruled that Mupindu could not escape the financial realities of fatherhood. Dr. Tsuro had testified that she depleted her savings originally meant for opening her own medical practice and declined a lucrative job offer in Namibia due to the pregnancy. Legal experts have hailed the judgment as a progressive step for child maintenance laws in Zimbabwe. "This ruling is a significant victory for women's reproductive rights," commented Harare-based family law expert, Advocate Tanaka Shumba. "It reinforces that men must share the financial burden of pregnancy and postnatal care, irrespective of the relationship status." An eyewitness who attended the court proceedings noted that Dr. Tsuro looked relieved when the financial damages were awarded. "It shows that the law protects women from bearing the brunt of unplanned situations alone," they said. Justice Maxwell ordered Mupindu to pay US$1,300 for direct pregnancy-related and postnatal costs, alongside US$5,000 in damages for the financial strain Tsuro endured, bringing the total to US$6,300. breach of promise to marry in Zimbabwe

HARARE – Zimbabwe has stepped up Ebola preparedness measures by introducing health screening at ports of entry and activating its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre amid growing regional concerns over an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Government has also requested laboratory testing reagents from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to strengthen the country’s Ebola detection and response capacity. The move follows the decision by the Africa CDC to classify Zimbabwe among countries at high risk of Ebola spillover due to its regional trade links, cross-border movement, and connectivity with affected countries. Other countries identified as high-risk include Zambia, South Sudan, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, and the Republic of the Congo. The current outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus and is centred in Ituri Province in eastern DRC. Health authorities have reported hundreds of suspected infections and dozens of deaths associated with the outbreak. Meanwhile, Uganda has also confirmed imported Ebola cases linked to the DRC outbreak, raising concerns about regional transmission. Briefing the Cabinet this week, Douglas Mombeshora said Zimbabwe had not recorded any confirmed Ebola cases but was taking precautionary measures because of increasing travel and trade links within the region. Mombeshora said health personnel stationed at airports and border posts have already begun screening incoming travellers. The measures include temperature checks and the monitoring of passengers for symptoms commonly associated with Ebola infection. “Zimbabwe has not recorded any Ebola cases, but we are taking proactive steps to strengthen surveillance and preparedness,” he said. The Minister noted that authorities were prioritising early detection to minimise the risk of the virus entering the country. The government has also activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare to coordinate preparedness efforts. The centre will oversee health worker training, public awareness campaigns, disease surveillance, and emergency response planning. Health officials are also working to educate communities about Ebola symptoms and preventive measures. Mombeshora warned that Ebola often begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headaches, and muscle weakness before progressing to severe illness, including vomiting, diarrhoea, internal bleeding, and haemorrhaging. To improve readiness, Zimbabwe is strengthening its laboratory systems and emergency testing capabilities. Mombeshora said South Africa would serve as a regional reference laboratory while Africa CDC assists with specimen transportation and technical support. “We have applied to Africa CDC for reagents to test for the Ebola virus, and they have agreed to support us so that we are fully prepared for any eventuality,” he said. Authorities also plan to work closely with traditional leaders, community health workers, and local authorities to improve public awareness and strengthen disease surveillance at the grassroots level. Health officials say early detection, rapid reporting, and public cooperation remain critical in preventing the spread of Ebola should the virus cross into Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe Ebola preparedness

HARARE – The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) has challenged the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development over newly introduced grain import levies, warning that the measures will trigger significant increases in the prices of basic food commodities and worsen inflationary pressures on consumers. In a strongly worded letter addressed to Agriculture Permanent Secretary Obert Jiri and seen by Southerton Business Times, GMAZ demanded the immediate repeal of Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025, arguing that the levies were introduced without stakeholder consultation and are unlawful. The levies, which are being administered through the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA), include US$89.25 per metric tonne of imported soft wheat, US$89.25 per metric tonne of imported hard wheat beyond the 30 percent quota threshold, US$40 per metric tonne of imported maize, US$20 per metric tonne of imported soya beans, and US$35 per metric tonne of imported soya meal. GMAZ said the additional costs would inevitably be passed on to consumers, resulting in sharp increases in the prices of staple foods. According to the association's projections, the retail price of a 10-kilogram bag of roller meal could rise from approximately US$4.60 to US$5.20. A 50-kilogram bag of bakers' flour is expected to increase from US$36 to US$41, while the price of a loaf of bread could rise to at least US$1.15. The association further warned that stockfeed prices would increase by around 18 percent, creating additional pressure on livestock producers and potentially leading to higher prices for meat, milk, and other agricultural products. GMAZ also criticised AMA over what it described as a lack of transparency and engagement with industry stakeholders. The association said its members, including chief executives and senior representatives from the milling and stockfeed sectors, attended a scheduled meeting with AMA chief executive Alice Mapfiza on 26 May to discuss the levies. However, GMAZ claimed the meeting failed to take place because Mapfiza was unavailable. The association accused AMA of failing to properly publish details of the levies and described the regulator's conduct as dismissive of industry concerns. The millers argued that the impact would be particularly severe in Matabeleland, where recurrent droughts and limited local maize production have forced companies to rely heavily on imported grain. According to GMAZ, 21 milling companies in Bulawayo ceased operations in 2025 due to maize shortages and supply constraints. The association described the US$40 per tonne levy on imported maize as "insensitive, unfair and unreasonable" given the region's food security challenges. GMAZ further questioned the legality of the levies, arguing that the Agricultural Marketing Act permits levies on locally produced agricultural commodities but does not explicitly provide for charges on imported grain. The association contends that imposing levies on imports effectively amounts to taxation, which it says may conflict with Section 298(2) of Zimbabwe's Constitution. It also argued that the law requires stakeholder consultation before such measures are introduced, a process it says was not followed. The association said the levies contradict recent government efforts to ease the cost of living and came shortly after the Cabinet announced measures aimed at reducing selected fees and charges. While reaffirming its support for President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), GMAZ said the new charges risk undermining food affordability and economic stability. The association has demanded that the Ministry either immediately repeal Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025 or provide written confirmation within seven days that the measure will be withdrawn. It has also called on the AMA to refund approximately US$9 million allegedly collected from millers under the levy framework. GMAZ warned that failure to address its concerns could result in legal action, with the association indicating it is prepared to seek relief through the courts. Zimbabwe grain import levies

GWERU, Zimbabwe – A 31-year-old man from Chinyama Village under Chief Gambiza in Gweru has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the brutal murder of his wife after accusing her of infidelity. The High Court sitting in Gweru on Tuesday convicted Brighton Kadhlanga of murdering his wife, Patience Madula, 26, in a shocking case of domestic violence that has renewed calls for peaceful conflict resolution within families and communities. According to court proceedings, the fatal incident occurred on 20 December 2025 after Kadhlanga returned home from Maguma Business Centre at around 7 pm. The court heard that upon arriving home, Kadhlanga confronted Madula inside a kitchen hut where she was seated with her mother-in-law and the couple’s two-year-old son. He accused his wife of engaging in an extramarital affair and threatened to kill both her and their child. Fearing for their safety, Madula’s mother-in-law fled the homestead with the toddler, leaving the couple alone. In a violent outburst, Kadhlanga allegedly attacked Madula with a burning log before striking her twice on the head with a three-legged aluminium pot. The assault left her with severe head injuries, deep cuts on her legs, and multiple bruises across her body. The court was told that later that night, Kadhlanga telephoned Madula’s brother and informed him that he intended to kill her because of the alleged affair. During the call, Madula reportedly managed to speak to her brother, telling him that she had been severely assaulted and could no longer walk. Police attended the scene during the early hours of 21 December 2025 and discovered Madula’s lifeless body inside the kitchen hut. A post-mortem examination later revealed that she died from severe head trauma, brain injury, and subarachnoid haemorrhage resulting from the assault. Following the attack, Kadhlanga fled the area and evaded capture for several days. He was eventually arrested on 31 December 2025 and subsequently charged with murder. In delivering the sentence, the High Court described the killing as both brutal and premeditated, emphasising that domestic violence can never be justified regardless of the circumstances. The court noted that the attack demonstrated extreme violence and disregard for human life, warranting a lengthy custodial sentence. The case highlights the continued prevalence of gender-based violence and domestic abuse in Zimbabwe, where advocacy groups have repeatedly called for stronger interventions to protect vulnerable women and children. Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) urged members of the public to seek lawful and peaceful means of resolving domestic disputes. The NPA also encouraged communities to report threats, intimidation, and violence before situations escalate into tragedy. Authorities say early intervention, counselling, and community support remain critical tools in preventing domestic violence-related deaths across the country. Gweru man jailed for murdering wife

KWEKWE, Zimbabwe – Police have launched investigations after the farmhouse belonging to Bishop Ngoni Mwazha was allegedly petrol-bombed by unknown assailants at his farm near Kwekwe on Sunday night, destroying property valued at more than US$150,000. The attack occurred at approximately 11 pm while most family members were away in Harare. No injuries were reported, although significant damage was caused to the property. Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the incident and said investigations are ongoing to establish the motive behind the suspected arson attack and identify those responsible. Bishop Mwazha is the son of the late Archbishop Paul Mwazha, founder and leader of the African Apostolic Church. Speaking to The Herald, Bishop Mwazha’s wife, Desiree Kwaramba-Mwazha, said the family had travelled to Harare on Saturday morning, leaving their daughter, Loveness Mwazha, at the main house while a worker remained in a nearby cottage. According to Kwaramba-Mwazha, the attack unfolded suddenly late on Sunday night. “At around 11 PM, she heard a loud noise from outside and the sound of a window being broken,” she said. “At first she thought it was ordinary criminals, but moments later she saw a ball of fire inside the house.” Realising the danger, Loveness reportedly fled the building and alerted workers on the farm, who immediately attempted to extinguish the blaze. However, their efforts proved unsuccessful as the fire spread rapidly through parts of the property. Police were subsequently notified and contacted the local Fire Brigade. By the time emergency responders arrived, sections of the 13-room farmhouse had already been engulfed by flames and reduced to ashes. The family said the fire destroyed a substantial amount of property, including household furniture, kitchen equipment, beds, blankets, clothing, bags of maize and beans, and other valuables accumulated over the years. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with residents expressing concern over the increasing number of violent crimes and suspected arson attacks targeting homes and businesses across Zimbabwe. Security experts say petrol-bomb attacks are particularly dangerous because they can spread rapidly and often leave victims with little time to react. Police have not yet announced any arrests or identified possible suspects. Investigators are expected to examine the scene, interview witnesses, and review any available evidence as part of efforts to determine who carried out the attack and why. Authorities have appealed to members of the public with information that could assist investigations to come forward. The suspected arson attack comes amid growing concerns about property-related crimes in several parts of the country, with law enforcement agencies continuing to urge communities to strengthen neighbourhood security and promptly report suspicious activities. Further details are expected to be released as the investigations progress. Bishop Ngoni Mwazha petrol bomb attack

The death toll from Wednesday morning's tragic road accident along the Gokwe–Kwekwe Highway has risen to 10, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed. In a statement released on Thursday, police said the fatal crash occurred at around 5:00 am at the 110-kilometre peg along the Gokwe–Kwekwe Road as a Trip Trans bus carrying 36 passengers travelled towards Kwekwe. According to police investigations, the bus attempted to overtake another vehicle before colliding head-on with a lorry. Authorities initially reported that eight people had died in the crash, but the number was later revised upward to 10 as more victims succumbed to injuries sustained in the collision. The latest accident adds to a growing list of fatal road crashes recorded across Zimbabwe in recent days, raising fresh concerns about road safety, driver behaviour and the condition of the country's transport infrastructure. On Monday, six people were killed in a separate accident along the Harare–Bulawayo Highway when a Honda Fit collided with a haulage truck near the Redcliff turn-off. Police said the crash occurred at the 223-kilometre peg at approximately 5:45 pm. Just two days earlier, eight members of the Roman Catholic Church lost their lives when a Toyota Noah plunged off the Deka River Bridge near Hwange. The victims were returning from night prayers at St John's Makwa Mission when the vehicle reportedly struck the bridge's concrete barriers before overturning into the river at around 7:00 am. The series of fatal crashes has sparked renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, improved road maintenance, and greater caution among motorists, particularly on major highways. Road safety advocates have repeatedly warned against dangerous overtaking, speeding and driver fatigue, which remain among the leading causes of fatal accidents in Zimbabwe. The ZRP continues to urge motorists to exercise caution, obey traffic laws, and ensure vehicles are roadworthy to help reduce the rising number of deaths on the country's roads. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the Gokwe–Kwekwe bus crash are ongoing. Gokwe Kwekwe bus crash

The Zimbabwe senior rugby team, the Zimbabwe Sables, has begun a crucial training camp in South Africa as preparations intensify for the upcoming Rugby Africa Cup, with head coach Piet Benade facing the difficult task of trimming an increasingly competitive squad. The Sables are spending a week training with the Blue Bulls, where coaches will closely assess players competing for places in the final squad ahead of one of Zimbabwe's most important rugby assignments in recent years. The camp, which runs until Friday, features a blend of locally based players and foreign-based stars whose club commitments ended earlier than others, giving the technical team a valuable opportunity to evaluate talent ahead of selection. The South African camp has also provided an opportunity for several young and uncapped players to experience life in the national team setup as the Zimbabwe Rugby Union continues efforts to build squad depth and strengthen the future of Zimbabwean rugby. Zimbabwe Rugby Union interim management committee general manager Takunda Chifokoyo acknowledged that securing competitive international fixtures had been challenging but said the camps would play a vital role in preparing the team. “It was always going to be tough for us to secure many games for the team, coming out of the stage that we were at as a union,” said Chifokoyo. To compensate for the lack of fixtures, Zimbabwe has organised two high-performance camps in South Africa. After completing the Blue Bulls programme, the Sables will travel to Stellenbosch for a second training camp with the South Africa Under-20 Rugby Team from 8 to 13 June. Chifokoyo admitted that the growing pool of talented players available to Benade has created a welcome but challenging selection dilemma. “With the Blue Bulls camp, I am really excited about the players we will get to see because coach Piet Benade has already announced his squad for the trip. “I would really hate to be part of the technical team solely based on the amount of talent at coach Benade’s disposal. “I am sure he would want to pick 50 or 60 players to take to the Nations Cup, but that won’t be possible. However, I am sure he has already started looking at trimming down the squad.” The comments reflect the growing competitiveness within Zimbabwe rugby as more local and overseas-based players push for national team selection. Several foreign-based stars have already linked up with the squad, including: David Hayes Tapiwa Mafura Michael Kumbirai Godfrey Muzanargwo Munashe Mhere Kyle Theron Munashe Dukuswa Edward Sigauke Spain-based duo Bornwell Gwinji and Simba Mandioma are also part of the travelling group. More players are expected to join in the coming weeks as club commitments conclude. Experienced campaigners Farai Mudariki and Matthew McNab are scheduled to link up with the squad next month. For Benade and his coaching staff, the current camps are about more than fitness and tactical preparation. The sessions will help identify players capable of coping with the physical demands and pressure of international competition as Zimbabwe seeks to assemble its strongest squad for the Rugby Africa Cup. The tournament is expected to be a key test of the Sables' progress and could play a significant role in shaping Zimbabwe's ambitions on the continental and global rugby stage. Zimbabwe Sables training camp