The Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have intensified a nationwide crackdown on illegal sesame trading and smuggling, with authorities confiscating more than 15,600 kilograms of sesame since the start of the 2026 buying season. Officials say the joint operation is targeting sophisticated smuggling syndicates allegedly moving sesame seeds into Mozambique through illegal crossing points, particularly from Mbire District. Authorities are also seeking to curb roadside marketing and identify unlicensed buyers operating outside the country’s agricultural marketing regulations. According to the AMA, authorities seized a total of 15,658 kilograms of sesame valued at approximately US$11,400 during recent operations. The confiscated produce was later auctioned in accordance with standard legal procedures. The multi-agency task force carried out three major raids this month: On 17 May, officials seized 1,692kg of sesame worth US$1,185 in Mbire. On 22 May, authorities recovered 4,800kg valued at US$2,880 in Chiredzi. Later the same day, another 9,166kg consignment valued at US$7,332 was intercepted in Mbire. Authorities also issued five compliance fines amounting to US$5,000 against offenders accused of operating outside legal requirements. AMA chief executive Alice Mapfiza warned that authorities would continue enforcing regulations throughout the sesame marketing season. “She added that anyone found buying sesame seeds without AMA registration risks prosecution, confiscation of produce and penalties under the governing regulations.” Mapfiza stressed that the regulatory authority would not tolerate illegal buying, side marketing, or smuggling activities. Despite the crackdown, legitimate sesame trading continues to grow across Zimbabwe. Latest AMA figures show that licensed contractors and registered buyers have already purchased 465,843 kilograms of sesame this season, injecting approximately US$372,674 into the agricultural economy. The authority encouraged farmers to sell their produce exclusively to registered buyers to avoid exploitation, payment disputes, and financial losses. Officials say regulated trading systems also help improve transparency and protect contract farming arrangements. Sesame has become an increasingly valuable cash crop in Zimbabwe due to growing regional and international demand, particularly in Asian export markets. However, authorities say illegal trading networks and smuggling continue to undermine formal agricultural markets and reduce government revenue. The AMA and ZRP indicated that enforcement operations would continue in border districts and key trading centres throughout the marketing season. illegal sesame trading Zimbabwe

Human rights lawyer and opposition politician Tendai Biti and former MDC activist Morgan Ncube have been remanded to 16 June after appearing in court on allegations of holding an unauthorised meeting in Mutare. The two appeared before Mutare magistrate Honest Musiiwa on Tuesday, when the matter was postponed to next month. Prosecutor Brighton Garikai Chiromo represented the State. Biti, who serves as convenor of the Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF), and Ncube were arrested on 21 March 2026 following a meeting allegedly held at 26B Carrington, Darlington, Mutare. According to prosecutors, the gathering was attended by approximately 30 people and focused on discussions surrounding Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3. The State alleges the organisers failed to notify the Mutare Central District Regulating Authority before convening the meeting, as required under Zimbabwean law governing public gatherings. Court papers further claim the venue where the meeting was held is commonly associated with political activities involving supporters of the MDC Alliance and the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). Authorities argue the meeting therefore fell within the scope of gatherings requiring formal notification to law enforcement agencies. Biti and Ncube are being represented by lawyer Chris Ndlovu of Gonese and Ndlovu Legal Practitioners. The matter had initially been postponed to 26 May after the State indicated it was not yet ready for trial proceedings. Both men remain out on bail pending their next court appearance scheduled for 16 June. Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 has generated debate among political parties, legal experts and civil society groups in Zimbabwe, with critics arguing that proposed amendments could affect constitutional governance and democratic processes. The Constitution Defenders Forum has been among organisations publicly engaging citizens on constitutional matters and governance reforms. Tendai Biti court case

Former police officer Jaison Muvevi of Wedza has been sentenced to four life terms plus an additional 40 years in prison after the High Court convicted him on four counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. The shocking case gripped Zimbabwe after Muvevi embarked on a violent shooting spree across Harare, Hwedza and Mutare before fleeing into Mozambique, where he was later arrested and extradited back to Zimbabwe. Muvevi had previously been admitted to the Chikurubi Psychiatric Unit in 2023 after reportedly showing signs of mental instability. However, medical experts later declared him mentally fit to stand trial. The former officer was convicted over the murders of: Nyarai Round Chrispen Kanerusine Inspector Maxwell Hove Munashe Majani Several others, including police officers and civilians, survived attacks linked to the former officer. Court proceedings heard that on 13 January, Muvevi drove to a Johanne Masowe eChishanu Apostolic Church shrine where his mother, Shupikai Muvevi, was worshipping. He allegedly approached church leader Chrispen Kanerusine and shot him at close range, killing him instantly. Witnesses said his mother reacted in horror, asking him: “What have you done, my son?” After the shooting, Muvevi reportedly ordered congregants to leave the shrine before speeding away. Following reports of the church shooting, a police team led by Inspector Maxwell Hove from ZRP Hwedza tracked Muvevi along the Hwedza–Murambinda Road. Investigators said Muvevi opened fire on the officers after they blocked his vehicle. Inspector Hove was shot three times in the head and died on the spot, while Detective Constable Tendai Mugova sustained serious injuries after being shot in the pelvis and abdomen. The remaining officers fled, leaving behind firearms later recovered by police. Muvevi later drove to Mukamba Business Centre and entered Ruzema Bottle Store. He allegedly called barman Munashe Majani outside before shooting him dead at close range. Authorities said the motive behind the killing remains unclear. Police later intercepted Muvevi near Rusape following another shootout, but he managed to escape on foot after abandoning his Toyota Allion vehicle. Investigators said he travelled to Mutare, bought a blue work suit using EcoCash and attempted to flee into Mozambique. While hiding near Mutare Boys High School, Muvevi reportedly terrified residents and workers after claiming he was hunting baboons. A school employee narrowly escaped death after Muvevi allegedly fired three shots toward him from close range. Muvevi later crossed into Mozambique and reportedly hired a motorcyclist with US$200 to transport him to Chimoio before his eventual arrest. The court also linked Muvevi to the 2021 fatal shooting of Nyarai Round in Eastlea, Harare. Round was reportedly killed “for no apparent reason” while in the company of a friend. The case later became a key part of the broader murder trial that resulted in Muvevi receiving multiple life sentences. Jaison Muvevi sentenced

A major polio vaccination campaign targeting all children under the age of five is set to begin across Harare next month following confirmation of an outbreak of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) in neighbouring Malawi. The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC) said the first round of the nOPV2 supplementary immunisation campaign was conducted between 20 and 23 April 2026. Two additional rounds are now scheduled for 2–5 June and 7–10 July as health authorities intensify efforts to prevent the virus from spreading across the region. The Harare City Health Department is among several cross-border health authorities participating in the synchronised vaccination campaign, which is also being rolled out in Mozambique, Zambia and Botswana. Health officials warned that the risk of transmission remains high because of frequent travel and trade movements between Southern African countries. “The risk of potential spread is considered high, especially with frequent travel and connections between Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique and Botswana,” the Harare City Health Promotion Office said in a statement. Authorities stressed that every child under five years old, including newborn babies, should receive the nOPV2 vaccine during the campaign regardless of previous vaccination history. Vaccines will be available through: Public clinics and hospitals Door-to-door vaccination teams Outreach centres Community sites including churches and markets Parents and guardians have been urged to bring children’s health cards or vaccination records when presenting them for immunisation. Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) is a rare strain of poliovirus that can emerge in areas with low immunisation coverage. Health experts say the virus can cause irreversible paralysis, particularly in young children, and poses serious public health risks if outbreaks are not quickly contained. The MOHCC emphasised that polio remains highly preventable through routine vaccination and supplementary immunisation campaigns. The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division of the Harare City Health Promotion Office is coordinating the supplementary immunisation programme. Health officials are encouraging communities to cooperate fully with vaccination teams to ensure maximum coverage and protect children from preventable disease. Zimbabwe previously conducted large-scale polio campaigns in response to outbreaks detected in neighbouring countries as part of regional efforts to maintain Southern Africa’s polio-free status. Harare polio vaccination campaign

Several people are feared dead after a Trip Trans bus collided with a truck near Bomba on the morning of Wednesday, 27 May 2026. The fatal road accident occurred along the busy Sengwa Colliery–Kwekwe route and is being treated as a developing story, with authorities yet to confirm the official death toll or the exact cause of the crash. Videos from the accident scene circulated widely on social media on Wednesday morning, showing severe damage to the vehicles involved and drawing emotional reactions from Zimbabweans concerned about rising road carnage. The accident triggered widespread debate online, with many users blaming poor road conditions, speeding haulage trucks, and reckless driving practices along the route. X user @LEOTSINDA, who said Bomba is their home area, described coal trucks operating along the road as a persistent danger. “Bomba is my home area. These coal trucks are a menace. Barely a week goes on the Sengwa Colliery to Kwekwe road pasina kuita accident involving one of these trucks,” the user wrote. Another user, @Saiga1hundred, pointed to the condition of the road infrastructure. “Road too narrow and it’s unmarked and unregulated speeding drivers the result,” the user posted. Others criticised reckless driving by some public transport operators. “Normalize kukwatura madriver anotyaira sevakasvikirwa,” wrote @Hosoro1, expressing frustration over alleged speeding and dangerous driving habits. Meanwhile, @dsmchenium blamed Zimbabwe’s deteriorating road infrastructure for the latest tragedy. By Wednesday morning, the Zimbabwe Republic Police and emergency services had not yet issued an official statement regarding the number of casualties, identities of victims or circumstances surrounding the crash. Investigations were still underway at the time of publication. The latest accident adds to growing concern over road safety in Zimbabwe, particularly involving buses and heavy trucks travelling on narrow or poorly maintained highways. Communities along major transport corridors have repeatedly raised alarm over speeding haulage vehicles, overloaded trucks, and inadequate road markings. Zimbabwe has witnessed a series of deadly road traffic accidents in recent weeks, sparking renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, improved road infrastructure, and enhanced driver safety training. Road safety campaigners say speeding, driver fatigue, poor vehicle maintenance and deteriorating roads continue to contribute to fatal crashes across the country. More details are expected as police and emergency officials continue investigations into the Bomba collision. Trip Trans bus accident

HARARE — In a political development that could reshape Zimbabwe’s governance landscape, the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has announced it is prepared to offer conditional parliamentary support for the highly controversial Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3). However, the opposition faction firmly warned the ruling ZANU-PF administration that its backing "cannot be a blank cheque." The announcement was made via an official press statement issued on Tuesday by the party’s interim spokesperson, Nqobizitha Mlilo. The position highlights the ongoing ideological and operational shift within the CCC since it fell under the control of Sengezo Tshabangu, the self-appointed Secretary-General and current Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. Under Tshabangu's tenure, the party's legislative stance has increasingly aligned with ZANU-PF on several core governance matters. Mlilo stated that while the CCC supports the "spirit and intent" of the sweeping constitutional reforms, it will withhold final backing until meaningful concessions are secured: “Our support for the Bill is not, and can never be a blank cheque. In the intervening period, we have reached out to our counterparts in ZANU PF, engaged them and proposed certain adjustments to both wording and substance of the Bill.” Despite the willingness to negotiate, the CCC spokesperson levelled sharp criticism at the structural architecture of the current draft. Mlilo observed that as CAB3 stands, it reads less like an objective legislative document and more like a direct blueprint designed to implement Resolution Number One adopted during ZANU-PF’s 21st Annual National People’s Conference in Bulawayo on October 26, 2024. The core pillars of CAB3 have already drawn intense scrutiny from civic society and legal watchdogs. Key provisions include: Term Extensions: Expanding the executive terms of office for the President, Parliament, and local authorities from five to seven years. Presidential Selection: Abolishing the direct popular election of the President, replacing it with an indirect vote conducted by a joint sitting of Parliament. Institutional Overhauls: Moving voter registration from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) back to the Registrar-General's office and enlarging the Senate with an expanded pool of presidential appointees. The CCC appears to be utilizing its parliamentary voting bloc to leverage a broader political settlement. Mlilo strongly hinted that the party’s ultimate compliance with the constitutional amendments must be tied to systemic structural rewards for the opposition, explicitly stating that the passage of the bill “must lead to the establishment of a Government of National Consensus.” With public consultations and parliamentary portfolio committee reviews drawing significant crowds across the provinces, the CCC's willingness to barter for a unity framework injects a complex dynamic into how the bill will navigate its upcoming legal readings. Political Analysts' Perspectives on CAB3 provides additional context on how various regional political commentators view the bill's alignment with Vision 2030 and its potential to reduce electoral friction in Zimbabwe. CCC support Constitutional Amendment Bill No 3

Workers at Zhongjin Heli Energy in Hwange have raised serious allegations over poor working and living conditions at the Chinese-owned company, accusing management of unsafe labour practices, poor sanitation, and discrimination between local and foreign employees. One employee who contacted this publication on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation described conditions at the company as “inhumane” and said workers were being exposed to dangerous environments without adequate protection. According to the worker, local employees allegedly do not have access to clean toilets, safe drinking water, or proper bathing facilities either at the plant or at workers’ accommodation quarters. “The situation here is very bad. The company does not provide proper toilets at the plant or even at the workers’ living quarters. There is no clean drinking water, no proper bathrooms, and hygiene practices are extremely poor,” the worker said. The employee further alleged that some workers are operating without formal contracts, while many reportedly lack proper personal protective equipment (PPE). “In terms of safety, it is zero, zero. There are no proper safety practices at all. We are surviving only by the grace of God,” the worker claimed. The whistleblower also accused the company of maintaining separate facilities for Chinese employees while local Zimbabwean workers allegedly continue to endure poor conditions. “What hurts us the most is that the Chinese workers have purified drinking water, clean toilets, and proper bathrooms only for themselves, but local employees are not allowed access to those places,” the source said. The worker alleged that the company employs a large number of Chinese nationals, including in office and supervisory positions, while qualified Zimbabweans are allegedly being overlooked. “There is only one local person working as an HR assistant, while the rest are Chinese nationals,” the employee claimed. The source also raised concerns over alleged irregularities involving immigration permits and job designations for some expatriate workers. According to the employee, some Chinese nationals allegedly hold permits for technical or specialised positions they are not qualified to perform. “For example, someone may be registered as an electrical engineer when in reality he is a plumber, or someone who simply learned the job on site,” the worker alleged. The employee claimed qualified Zimbabweans capable of filling those roles are being sidelined despite possessing the required skills and experience. The allegations come amid growing scrutiny of labour practices at some foreign-owned companies operating in Zimbabwe, particularly in the mining, construction and energy sectors. Labour experts say employers operating in Zimbabwe are legally required to comply with occupational safety standards, labour regulations and non-discriminatory workplace practices under Zimbabwean labour laws. The anonymous employee appealed for authorities to investigate the matter urgently before a serious workplace disaster occurs. “Tiri kungoshanda semhuka and management does not seem to care about workers’ welfare, dignity, or fairness,” the worker said. Efforts to obtain comment from Zhongjin Heli Energy were unsuccessful at the time of publication. Zhongjin Heli Energy Zimbabwe

A 19-year-old woman from Makokoba has been arrested after allegedly giving birth to twins, dumping them at an illegal rubbish site and attempting to conceal the incident by burning the foetuses. The suspect has been identified by police as Praise Chibwanda. According to authorities, the grim discovery was made by residents early on Saturday morning, triggering shock and outrage within the community. The newborn twins were allegedly dumped at an illegal dumpsite commonly used by local residents in Makokoba. One resident, Elina Malunga, said she was left traumatised after neighbours gathered outside her home following the discovery. “It was a frightening scene. Two little newborns were dumped next to my yard, and they appeared to be burnt. How can a mother do that to her children?” said Malunga. The disturbing incident has sparked widespread concern among residents in Bulawayo, with many calling for stronger mental health support and reproductive health awareness programmes targeting vulnerable young women. Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson for Bulawayo province, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, confirmed the arrest of Chibwanda. “Preliminary investigations indicate that on 23 May, a local resident from Makokoba went out to her garden intending to burn waste,” said Inspector Msebele. “She used a rake to put together the waste that was not completely burnt and in the process, a blue paper bag was torn, revealing the contents inside it.” “She then saw two fetuses and advised her neighbours and a report was made at Mzilikazi Police Station, leading to the arrest of the accused.” Police said investigations into the matter are continuing. The incident adds to growing concern over cases involving infant abandonment and illegal dumping of newborns reported in different parts of Zimbabwe. Child welfare advocates say poverty, stigma surrounding teenage pregnancy, mental health challenges, and lack of social support systems often contribute to such tragedies. Health and social experts have repeatedly urged communities to improve access to counselling services, maternal healthcare and reproductive education for young women. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the suspect received medical attention following the alleged birth. Further details are expected to emerge as investigations continue. Bulawayo infant dumping case

Mmusi Maimane has condemned anti-migrant violence in South Africa and called for a regulated immigration system that protects human dignity while strengthening border management. Speaking during an Africa Day event at Constitution Hill on Monday, 25 May, the leader of Build One South Africa (BOSA) warned that xenophobia was rooted in “fear, tribalism and division”. Addressing diplomats, media representatives and invited guests, Maimane outlined a five-point plan aimed at improving immigration management and border security while rejecting violence against foreign nationals. Quoting from Africa My Beginning, Africa My Ending, a 1979 poem by Ingoapele Madingoane, Maimane referenced former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe. “They asked Mugabe, what do you want here, my brother? He said, ‘All Africans are my brothers,’” Maimane said. “Note that he said all Africans. Not some Africans. Not Africans of convenience. But all Africans.” Maimane criticised what he described as “nefarious movements” targeting foreign nationals, specifically mentioning groups such as Operation Dudula and March and March. He accused such organisations of taking the law into their own hands and fuelling hostility against fellow Africans. The BOSA leader acknowledged growing frustration among South Africans over unemployment, crime, housing shortages and pressure on public services. “Communities feel abandoned. South Africans feel economically cornered. Migrants often live in fear and exploitation. And government has failed to provide leadership,” he said. Maimane noted that South Africa’s economy continues to struggle, with economic growth reportedly failing to exceed 1% in recent years. He argued that the immigration debate had become dangerously polarised between those denying the existence of a migration crisis and those advocating hostility toward migrants. “Both positions are intellectually inadequate,” he said. “A mature response requires that we hold both realities at once: that migration must be regulated, and that human dignity must be protected without exception.” Maimane also criticised the South African government for allegedly underfunding the Border Management Authority and failing to establish effective migrant registration systems. “It suits government when we turn our hatred toward one another, for then we don’t hold it accountable,” he said. The opposition leader warned that xenophobia would not solve the country’s economic or social problems. “Hatred of fellow Africans will not solve our healthcare crisis. Xenophobia will not create jobs. Violence against immigrants will not restore safety to our communities,” he said. Turning to broader continental issues, Maimane said Africa accounts for only about 3% of global trade despite its vast natural and human resources. He referenced a study conducted by the Jubilee Commission led by Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz and supported by the late Pope Francis. According to the study, nearly three in five Africans live in countries spending more on debt repayments than on education or healthcare. “Africa cannot fully develop while chained to perpetual debt. The global West must support meaningful debt relief,” Maimane said. Invoking the African philosophy of Ubuntu, he concluded: “Xenophobia is the antithesis of Ubuntu. I am my brother’s keeper.” Mmusi Maimane xenophobia

Senegal is witnessing one of the most dramatic political ruptures seen in modern African politics, as the once-powerful alliance between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko appears to have completely collapsed. The political crisis has intensified after Faye dismissed Sonko as prime minister last week before lawmakers loyal to Sonko swiftly reinstated him into parliament and elected him Speaker of the National Assembly. The relationship between Faye and Sonko was once viewed as one of the strongest political partnerships in Africa. Both men were former tax inspectors who entered politics through anti-establishment activism and criticism of corruption, economic inequality and foreign influence in Senegalese affairs. Sonko emerged as the charismatic face of resistance under former President Macky Sall, particularly among young voters attracted by his pan-African rhetoric and promises of systemic reform. However, Sonko’s presidential ambitions were blocked after legal battles and court rulings prevented him from contesting the 2024 election. His supporters argued the cases were politically motivated. In response, Sonko backed his close ally Bassirou Diomaye Faye as the presidential candidate for the ruling PASTEF movement. The strategy worked. Faye won the presidency in 2024 and immediately appointed Sonko as prime minister. The partnership was built on promises of radical political and economic transformation, including reducing foreign dependence and restructuring governance. But tensions reportedly emerged over how to manage Senegal’s worsening debt crisis and negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Reports indicate Sonko opposed IMF-backed restructuring measures, while Faye increasingly leaned toward a more pragmatic economic approach. Analysts say divisions also deepened over the pace of reforms and relations with Western allies, particularly France. On 23 May 2026, Faye officially dismissed Sonko and dissolved the government, confirming the political split. What happened next shocked many observers. Within days, parliamentary speaker El Malick Ndiaye resigned, creating a pathway for Sonko’s return to parliament. Lawmakers loyal to Sonko then reinstated him as an MP before electing him Speaker of Senegal’s National Assembly with overwhelming support. The development effectively created two competing centres of power in Senegal: Faye controls the presidency and executive branch. Sonko now controls parliament and retains strong grassroots influence within PASTEF. Political analysts say Sonko remains the dominant political figure among many ordinary Senegalese citizens despite no longer being prime minister. The unfolding rivalry is now being viewed as a major test for Senegal’s democratic institutions. Some analysts fear prolonged institutional conflict could destabilise governance in one of West Africa’s most politically stable democracies. Others argue the developments demonstrate democratic maturity, where internal power struggles are being resolved through constitutional and parliamentary mechanisms rather than military intervention or violence. Observers say all eyes are now on the 2029 presidential election, where Sonko is widely expected to remain a major contender. Senegal political crisis

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has urged the Zimbabwe Government to urgently strengthen investment in water and sanitation infrastructure, warning that worsening shortages and pollution are deepening disease outbreaks, inequality and poverty. In a statement issued to mark Africa Day on 25 May 2026, ZLHR said access to safe and clean water remains a fundamental constitutional and human right directly linked to health, dignity and life. The human rights organisation cited several environmental and public health concerns across Zimbabwe as evidence of a growing national water crisis. Among the cases highlighted were: Recent cholera infections in Zvishavane Ongoing water rationing in Bulawayo Raw sewage pollution flowing into Lake Chivero Mercury contamination affecting Lake Alexander near Mutare According to ZLHR, mercury levels detected at Lake Alexander were nearly 45 times higher than Zimbabwe’s national safety threshold due to unregulated artisanal mining activities. Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that mercury contamination poses serious health risks, including neurological damage, especially for communities relying on contaminated water sources. ZLHR called on authorities to intensify environmental protection measures and hold polluters accountable. The organisation urged the government to: Prosecute polluters responsible for contaminating Lake Chivero Stop issuing mining licences in critical water catchment areas Improve access to safe water and sanitation infrastructure Ensure equal access to clean water for women, children and marginalised communities The group said failure to address water and sanitation challenges continues to undermine social and economic development. ZLHR reminded authorities that Section 77 of Zimbabwe’s Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to safe, clean and potable water. The organisation said the State has a legal obligation to progressively realise these rights using available national resources. “Protecting these rights is essential to building a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous Africa envisioned under Agenda 2063,” the statement said. Zimbabwe has faced recurring challenges related to water shortages, aging infrastructure, sewer system failures and pollution in recent years, particularly in major urban centres. Public health experts warn that poor sanitation and contaminated water supplies increase the risk of cholera, typhoid and other waterborne diseases. The latest call by ZLHR comes amid growing pressure on authorities to modernise Zimbabwe’s water infrastructure and strengthen environmental monitoring systems. Zimbabwe water crisis

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the arrest of five individuals, including the chief executive officer of Hardrock FC, following violent clashes that forced the abandonment of a heated league match against Dynamos FC at Chahwanda Stadium. The match, played in Kwekwe on Sunday, descended into chaos in the 80th minute after supporters from both clubs allegedly invaded the pitch and engaged in violent confrontations. Police initially confirmed the arrest of four men identified as: Shingirai Chivavare (34) Matthias Taderera (43) Tavakuda Nyoni (46) Emmanuel Dube (50) According to authorities, supporters from both teams hurled missiles at each other before violence escalated inside the stadium. The match was abandoned with the score tied at 1-1 after tensions flared following a controversial penalty awarded to Hardrock FC, which resulted in the home side’s equaliser. Police said seven supporters sustained injuries during the disturbances and were admitted to Kwekwe General Hospital in stable condition. In a later development, the ZRP confirmed the arrest of Kudzanai Hove, the CEO of Hardrock FC, in connection with the violence that erupted at the stadium. “The ZRP confirms the arrest of the CEO of Hardrock FC, Kudzanai Hove (44), in connection with the violence at Chahwanda Stadium on 24/05/26. More information will be released in due course,” police said. Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific charges being considered against Hove. The violence reportedly caused significant damage to stadium infrastructure, including perimeter barricades and turnstiles. Police are also investigating how nearly 5,000 supporters who allegedly failed to gain entry to the stadium later forced their way inside, contributing to overcrowding and disorder. The incident has raised serious concerns about crowd control, stadium safety and match-day security standards in Zimbabwean football. The Premier Soccer League (PSL) said it is awaiting official reports from match officials before making a final determination on the abandoned fixture. Both clubs have been instructed to submit written accounts of the events. The PSL warned that any individuals or clubs found guilty of misconduct would face the full extent of disciplinary penalties under league regulations. Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged football clubs to strengthen crowd management measures. He recommended stricter enforcement of seating capacity limits and the introduction of pre-sold ticket systems to reduce the risk of overcrowding and stampedes. “The public is warned against engaging in violence, vandalism or any form of public disorder, as offenders will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” Nyathi said. The ZRP said it would engage the PSL and the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) to improve stadium administration and public safety ahead of future fixtures. Hardrock vs Dynamos violence