Panic and anxiety have swept through Mabelreign Girls High School after suspected burglars allegedly broke into one of the school’s girls’ hostels and ransacked students’ lockers. According to sources at the school, the suspected thieves reportedly gained entry through a bathroom window in the duty teachers’ wing before making their way into dormitories located in the eastern section of the hostel complex. The incident reportedly occurred yesterday and has left students, parents, and staff shaken. Sources said the intruders allegedly moved upstairs into several dormitories where they targeted lockers situated along bathroom passages. School authorities were still assessing the full extent of the break-in and determining the value of stolen property at the time of reporting. In a communication sent to parents and guardians, the school head informed families that students would be temporarily released while police conducted investigations and compiled inventories of missing items. “I am therefore appealing to you to bring the girls by 1400hrs so that the police compile the lists and you also get to know what was stolen,” part of the statement read. “We also need to meet with the Parents/Guardians while the Police carry out their investigations, to share information.” Local councillor Denford Ngadziore confirmed the incident and said further details would be released once police completed preliminary investigations. The burglary has heightened fears among residents in Harare amid growing concerns over rising criminal activity in several suburbs. Residents have claimed that a suspected gang linked to armed robberies and break-ins has been operating in the area for months while allegedly evading arrest. The incident has also reignited debate over security at boarding schools and educational institutions across Zimbabwe. Parents and guardians have increasingly raised concerns about the safety of students following reports of robberies targeting schools, construction sites and homes. Security experts say schools may need to strengthen surveillance systems, improve perimeter security, and increase overnight patrols to reduce the risk of similar incidents. Police have not yet confirmed whether any arrests have been made in connection with the Mabelreign Girls High School break-in. Investigations are continuing. Mabelreign Girls High burglary

Comments by Trevor Noah about modern music marketing have reignited debate over whether record labels and artists are artificially manufacturing online hype through paid viral campaigns. Speaking on his podcast, Noah discussed how music promotion has evolved into what some critics now describe as a “grey market” version of payola, where creators are allegedly paid to push songs into viral territory on platforms like TikTok, Instagram and X. The discussion gained traction online after fans linked Noah’s comments to a promotional campaign surrounding Drake’s latest project, ICEMAN. “Pay-to-Post” Campaigns Under Spotlight According to online discussions, creators participating in the ICEMAN campaign could reportedly earn payments if videos featuring the music reached certain engagement targets, including 100,000 views or more. Critics argue that such campaigns blur the line between organic popularity and paid influence. “Trevor Noah is 100% correct. They are paying for fake trends now,” one social media user wrote. Others compared the trend to traditional radio payola scandals, where broadcasters were secretly paid to heavily rotate songs. “PAYOLA. PAY TO PLAY. But designed in such a way that it’s more ambiguous,” another user argued. Music industry insiders, however, say influencer-driven promotion has become standard practice in the streaming era, where viral moments on short-form video platforms can dramatically impact chart performance and streaming numbers. Drake’s Streaming Numbers Fuel Debate The controversy intensified after reports that Drake’s latest releases generated massive first-day streaming numbers, reportedly reaching around 140 million streams on Spotify within 24 hours. Fans online claimed the campaign also involved large meme pages, livestream personalities and prediction-betting platforms such as Stake, Kalshi and Polymarket amplifying attention around the rollout. Some critics argue that heavy promotional spending creates distorted perceptions of popularity and crowds out smaller artists relying on genuine audience growth. “This is why when Drake keeps talking about numbers, I roll my eyes because they’re vanity metrics that can be manipulated,” one user posted online. Others defended the strategy as simply the latest evolution of music marketing. Music Industry Tactics Evolving Industry analysts note that labels have increasingly shifted advertising budgets toward social media creators and algorithm-driven campaigns rather than traditional radio or television promotion. TikTok trends, dance challenges, meme culture, and influencer engagement now play a major role in determining whether songs break into mainstream charts. Experts say this has transformed streaming metrics into powerful marketing tools but also raised questions about authenticity. Some longtime hip-hop fans argue these strategies have contributed to declining trust in charts and streaming statistics. “This has been happening since 2019,” one commenter noted. “It chokes out the genuine crowd.” Despite criticism, many fans still praised ICEMAN as an entertaining release, suggesting audiences can separate marketing tactics from the music itself. “Iceman is a good bop for sure,” another fan admitted. Trevor Noah Drake

Abiola Dauda and Marvelous Nakamba Disturbing accounts from former African footballers and sports legal experts have once again exposed the widespread exploitation of young players by rogue football agents, with many athletes allegedly losing large portions of their salaries and signing abusive representation contracts without proper legal guidance. The revelations have reignited debate around player protection, FIFA regulations and the vulnerability of African footballers seeking opportunities abroad. One former Nigerian footballer, Abiola Dauda, shared a deeply personal account detailing how he was allegedly financially exploited by a football agent during the early years of his professional career in Europe. According to the player, a well-known Nigerian agent identified as Victor McDonald facilitated his move from Nigeria to clubs in Denmark before later overseeing his transfer to Kalmar FF in Sweden. “I Didn’t Know the Rules” The player said he initially trusted the agent because he lacked knowledge of FIFA regulations governing player representation contracts. “The first pay I got from Sölvesborg GIF was paid to him,” the player revealed. He further alleged that portions of his salary and contractual bonuses were continuously diverted to the agent during his first two years at Kalmar FF. “At the time I had no knowledge of the rules and regulations with rep contracts,” he explained. The player claimed the arrangement continued partly because the agent had promised to help another family member secure an opportunity in Sweden. According to the account, the player later learned that some deductions being taken from his salary were allegedly not permitted under FIFA regulations. After eventually refusing to renew the representation agreement, the footballer later worked with Swedish-based agent Patrick Mörk for seven years. Marvelous Nakamba’s Contract Concerns The former player also recounted a separate case involving Marvelous Nakamba during their time together at Vitesse Arnhem in 2014. According to the account, Nakamba allegedly complained that a French agent continued deducting money from his monthly salary despite already receiving commission payments from the club. The player said he reviewed Nakamba’s representation contract and immediately noticed alleged irregularities. “My eyes couldn’t believe what I was reading in the contract,” he said. A lawyer was reportedly consulted and later informed them that the contract was allegedly unlawful. The matter was then reportedly raised with Vitesse Arnhem, after which the agent allegedly disappeared from the arrangement. African Players Remain Vulnerable Sports lawyers and football development experts say such cases remain common across Africa, where many young players desperately seek overseas opportunities. Legal experts warn that some aspiring footballers sign contracts they do not fully understand due to financial hardship, illiteracy, or lack of independent legal advice. One sports lawyer handling a current case involving an African footballer said many athletes lose substantial earnings through exploitative representation agreements. “If something feels off with your contract or agent, trust your instincts and consult a sports lawyer immediately,” the lawyer advised. Football scouts and analysts say “jackal agents” continue to exploit loopholes and weak player education systems across the continent. Critics argue that African football authorities need stronger regulation, player education programmes and legal safeguards to protect young athletes from exploitation. football agent exploitation

Authorities in the Turkish-controlled part of Cyprus have arrested an Israeli national suspected of involvement in illegal embryo trafficking following a dramatic interception at Ercan Airport. The arrest has triggered an international investigation into the alleged cross-border transport of human embryos without official authorisation. According to authorities, the Israeli suspect was detained while attempting to travel from northern Cyprus to Mexico via Istanbul. Police said the man was carrying a specialised embryo transport container labelled “Life Parcel,” inside which investigators allegedly discovered four embryos stored in separate test tubes. Officials later raided a fertility clinic in Lefkoşa, internationally known as northern Nicosia, and arrested two Turkish Cypriots linked to the facility. The suspects include the clinic director and a local doctor. Authorities allege the three individuals attempted to remove embryos from northern Cyprus without the required permits or approval from the local Health Ministry. The suspects appeared before a court, which extended their detention by one day to allow investigators to continue gathering evidence, reviewing security camera footage and recording witness testimony. A police representative told the court that the Israeli suspect was arrested on May 19 at approximately 9:30 am at a checkpoint known as “Gate 8” shortly before boarding his flight. Investigators believe the embryos originated from a fertility centre operating in Lefkoşa. Authorities say the investigation is now focusing on possible violations of laws governing the transplantation and transfer of human cells, tissues, and organs. Officials are also probing suspected illegal embryo trafficking networks and the movement of genetic material through multiple countries. According to investigators, Mexico may have been the intended final destination for the embryos. The case has drawn international attention because of the complex legal and ethical issues surrounding assisted reproductive technology, IVF procedures, and cross-border embryo transfers. Investigators are also examining the suspected transport route used in the operation. Ercan International Airport operates within the Turkish-controlled region of northern Cyprus, which is recognised as an independent state only by Turkey. Most international flights from the airport pass through Istanbul due to restrictions linked to the territory’s political status. Legal experts say international embryo transfer cases have become increasingly common as fertility tourism expands globally. Attorney Nir Yaslovitzh, a specialist in international criminal law, said disputes involving IVF regulation and cross-border movement of genetic material are growing more complex. “This is a complex legal field that unfolds simultaneously before law enforcement authorities, health officials and various international mechanisms,” Yaslovitzh said. “In many cases, the central legal question is not only what was done, but how the procedure was arranged with the authorities and what regulatory framework applied.” Authorities have not yet disclosed whether additional arrests are expected as investigations continue. embryo trafficking

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed a fatal road traffic accident that claimed six lives along the busy Harare–Bulawayo Highway on Monday evening. According to police, the crash occurred at around 5:45pm on 25 May 2026 at the 223-kilometre peg near the Redcliff turn-off when a Honda Fit collided with a haulage truck. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims or clarified how many of the deceased were travelling in each vehicle. Police also said investigations are still underway to establish the exact cause of the collision. At the time of publication, investigators had not confirmed whether the accident was caused by speeding, dangerous overtaking, mechanical failure, or another contributing factor. The ZRP said further details would be released once investigations are complete. The latest tragedy adds to growing concern over rising fatal accidents on Zimbabwe’s major highways, particularly involving small passenger vehicles such as Honda Fits and long-distance haulage trucks. Road safety campaigners have repeatedly warned about reckless driving, speeding and driver fatigue along the Harare–Bulawayo Road, one of the country’s busiest transport corridors. The accident comes barely two days after another tragic crash near Hwange claimed the lives of eight members of the Roman Catholic Church. The victims were reportedly returning from night prayers at St John’s Makwa Mission when their Toyota Noah crashed at the Deka River Bridge on Saturday morning. Police said the vehicle struck the bridge’s concrete barriers before plunging off the bridge at around 7 am. The back-to-back fatal crashes have renewed calls for improved road safety awareness, stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and greater caution among motorists travelling on Zimbabwe’s highways. Transport and road safety experts say Zimbabwe continues to face significant challenges related to road infrastructure, speeding and public transport compliance. Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe officials have previously urged motorists to avoid excessive speeding, dangerous overtaking, and driving while fatigued. The increasing number of fatal accidents involving commuter vehicles and light passenger cars has also intensified debate around vehicle roadworthiness and enforcement of traffic laws. Police have appealed to motorists to exercise caution, especially on major highways where traffic volumes remain high. Further updates on the Harare–Bulawayo highway crash are expected once police complete investigations and notify families of the victims. Harare Bulawayo highway accident

Police in Zimbabwe have arrested a motorist suspected of fleeing from two separate fatal road traffic accidents in Harare and Murehwa. The suspect, identified as Zivai Jembere, was allegedly captured on video speeding away from one of the accident scenes following a deadly collision in Harare earlier this month. According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the latest accident occurred on May 3 at approximately 1:30 a.m. at the intersection of Simon Vengai Muzenda Road and Samora Machel Avenue. Police said Jembere was driving a Honda Fit registration number ADJ 1907 when his vehicle allegedly collided with another Honda Fit driven by Frankson Simbarashe Mudzingwa. Investigators say the impact caused Mudzingwa’s vehicle, registration number AHC 9230, to overturn several times before landing upright. A passenger in Mudzingwa’s vehicle, identified as Andrew Tawanda Mbaya, sustained serious injuries during the crash. Police confirmed that Mbaya later died while receiving treatment at Parirenyatwa Hospital eight days after the accident. Authorities allege that Jembere failed to stop after the collision and fled the scene. Following his arrest, police also linked him to another fatal road traffic accident that reportedly occurred in Murehwa in January this year, where another victim lost their life. Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the arrest and urged motorists to comply with road traffic laws. “Police arrested a motorist who was involved in road traffic accidents and failed to stop. We continue to urge motorists to stop when involved in a road traffic accident,” said Insp Chakanza. He said police were intensifying efforts to crack down on reckless driving, particularly among mushikashika operators, who are frequently accused of violating traffic regulations. “A number of mushikashika drivers have been failing to stop when involved in road traffic accidents, and we continue to warn such drivers to obey road rules and regulations,” he said. Inspector Chakanza added that Harare provincial police commander Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru had previously warned that suspicious vehicle damage on impounded commuter vehicles would be thoroughly investigated. Meanwhile, police are also investigating another fatal hit-and-run accident that occurred on May 18 along the Harare–Mutare Road. Authorities said a 21-year-old man was struck by an unidentified vehicle while attempting to cross the road near the 148-kilometre peg. The victim reportedly sustained severe head injuries and died on the spot. Police have appealed for information that may assist in locating the driver involved in the incident. Road safety experts continue to express concern over rising hit-and-run cases involving speeding and unregistered public transport operators in Zimbabwe’s urban centres and on highways. fatal hit-and-run Zimbabwe

Traditional leaders and residents in Shurugwi District have voiced strong opposition to government plans to construct a new tollgate along the recently rehabilitated Mhandamabwe–Shurugwi Road, arguing that the project would unfairly burden local communities and motorists. The proposed tollgate, planned near the Musavezi River and the Makotosi turn-off, would sit less than 30 kilometres from two existing toll plazas along the same highway. Officials from the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) announced the proposal during a stakeholder consultation meeting held last Friday at the Tongogara Rural District Council boardroom. If approved, the development would create one of the densest concentrations of tollgates in Zimbabwe along a relatively short stretch of road. Motorists travelling from Gweru would first pass through the existing Guinea Fowl tollgate approximately 20 kilometres into the journey. Drivers would then encounter the proposed Musavezi River tollgate at around the 50-kilometre mark, before reaching the already existing Mhandamabwe tollgate roughly 40 kilometres further along the route. Residents at the meeting expressed anger over what they described as excessive tolling within a single district. One resident argued that it was unfair for communities in Shurugwi to shoulder a disproportionate financial burden in raising national road maintenance revenue. Chief Nhema, born Munetsi Ngere, warned that the tollgate would negatively affect villagers carrying out basic daily activities. He said local residents travelling short distances to business centres, churches or nearby relatives would be forced to repeatedly pay toll fees. “Apart from daily hustles with these tollgates, our children who come home for holidays will be restricted from driving locally and visiting relatives, going to business centres to meet friends or to churches,” said Chief Nhema. The traditional leader also questioned promises made by officials regarding discounts and local road maintenance support. “These are just promises. We know that after establishing the tollgate, you are not going to come back and talk about those discounts or to give us money to maintain our roads,” he said. Ward 18 Councillor Stewart Tavagwisa warned that the tollgate could disrupt economic activity in the district, particularly construction projects relying on sand extraction from the Musavezi River. He said transport operators moving river sand for housing developments would be forced to pay toll fees multiple times, increasing construction costs for local residents. The concerns triggered widespread rejection of the proposal during the meeting, with many residents demanding the government reconsider the location or abandon the plan altogether. Speaking on behalf of Ministry of Transport engineer Stephen Kamutema, Kenneth Sakupwanya defended the proposed tollgate, saying traffic volumes had significantly increased following the rehabilitation of the Mhandamabwe–Shurugwi Road two years ago. He argued that revenue generated from the tollgate would help fund road maintenance projects within the district. Sakupwanya also said residents living within a 10-kilometre radius of the proposed site could apply for discounted toll fees. However, many attendees remained unconvinced, accusing authorities of failing to adequately consult affected communities before advancing the project. The proposed tollgate has now sparked wider debate about road user costs, infrastructure funding and the growing number of toll plazas across Zimbabwe’s major highways. Shurugwi tollgate

HWANGE — Police have arrested the driver of a Toyota Noah following a horrific weekend accident that claimed the lives of eight Roman Catholic Church members when the vehicle plummeted off the Deka River Bridge into the waters below. The driver, identified as Fanuel Mathe, was behind the wheel of the severely overloaded vehicle, which was carrying 13 passengers when the disaster struck on Saturday morning near Hwange. While initial police dispatches on Saturday briefly misidentified the vehicle as a traditional commuter omnibus (kombi), subsequent investigations confirmed it was a Toyota Noah. Commissioner Steven Kazingizi, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Officer Commanding Matabeleland North Province, confirmed that Mathe has been officially detained. He is currently being held at the Hwange Police Station and faces multiple counts of culpable homicide. The victims, all devout members of the Roman Catholic Church, were traveling back from an intense night prayer gathering hosted by the Catholic Charismatic Renewal movement at St. John’s Makwa Mission. According to police reports, the vehicle struck the Deka River Bridge’s concrete safety barriers before toppling over the edge and plunging directly into the river. Rescuers recovered eight bodies from the scene, while the remaining five passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local Christian community. In response, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hwange has declared three days of official, diocese-wide mourning, running from Monday, May 25, through Wednesday, May 27, 2026. In a poignant condolence notice, the Bishop of Hwange, Father Raphael Ncube, directed all parishes to dedicate their altars to the victims. “I hereby announce to all of us in the whole Diocese to observe three days of mourning as a Diocese... I ask that all Masses in these three days be Masses for these deceased brothers and sisters," Bishop Ncube stated. The Bishop further requested that priests celebrating Gregorian Masses offer an additional daily Mass during the mourning period to pray for the souls of the deceased, extending the directive to all Hwange priests currently serving outside the borders of the diocese. Hwange Toyota Noah accident 2026

Law enforcement authorities in South Africa intercepted 48 undocumented foreign nationals at the Polokwane Traffic Control Centre after stopping two minibuses travelling from Zimbabwe to Gauteng. The operation took place on Friday, 23 May 2026, during a routine road traffic and immigration enforcement exercise in Limpopo. According to the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, only two of the 50 passengers travelling in the two minibuses possessed valid passports, triggering immediate intervention by immigration authorities. Department spokesperson Mashudu Mabata said immigration officials were activated immediately after the vehicles were stopped and inspected. The first minibus, carrying 27 passengers, reportedly had only one passenger with valid travel documentation. A second minibus transporting 23 passengers was also found to have just one valid passport holder. “The Immigration team was immediately activated and is currently on site processing the 48 individuals found to be in the country illegally, in line with deportation procedures,” Mabata said. Authorities confirmed that deportation proceedings had already begun and that the undocumented migrants would be escorted back to the Beitbridge Border Post. “The group will be escorted back to the Beitbridge border for deportation in line with legal requirements,” Mabata added. Officials also impounded both minibuses for allegedly violating operating licence conditions. The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety said the vehicles were suspected of operating outside the terms of their permits while transporting passengers across provinces. Authorities stressed that the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety, regulate public transport operations and enforce immigration laws. The latest interception highlights continuing concerns over undocumented migration and illegal transport operations along South Africa’s northern border. Limpopo province, which shares a border with Zimbabwe, remains one of the country’s busiest migration corridors, particularly along the N1 highway linking Beitbridge and Gauteng. South African authorities have intensified enforcement operations in recent years amid growing pressure over illegal immigration, border security and human trafficking concerns. Security analyst Johan Burger said undocumented migration often exposes vulnerable travellers to exploitation by illegal transport operators. “Many undocumented migrants rely on informal transport systems, which create safety risks and complicate border enforcement efforts,” he said. Officials say enforcement operations will continue along key transport routes to ensure compliance with South Africa’s immigration and road safety regulations. The department reiterated its commitment to working with law enforcement agencies to safeguard commuters and maintain lawful cross-border movement. undocumented migrants South Africa

The Zimbabwe Government has officially classified several minerals as critical, special critical and strategic in a move aimed at strengthening mineral beneficiation, resource control and long-term economic planning. The announcement was made by Polite Kambamura, Minister of Mines and Mining Development, during a media briefing in Harare last week. The new policy forms part of Zimbabwe’s broader Critical Minerals Development Strategy, which seeks to maximise value from the country’s vast mineral resources through local processing and tighter regulation of exports. Zimbabwe Lists Critical and Strategic Minerals According to the government, the following minerals have now been designated as critical minerals: Lithium Nickel Cobalt Graphite Copper Rare earth elements Chrome Platinum group metals Manganese Antimony Uranium Ruthenium Tungsten Niobium Metallurgical coal has been classified as a special critical mineral. Meanwhile, the following have been designated as strategic minerals: Limestone Potash Phosphorus Iron ore Pyrites Oil and gas Coal Gold Diamonds The classifications are expected to influence future mining licences, investment structures, export approvals and beneficiation requirements across Zimbabwe’s mining sector. Government Tightens Control Over Mineral Exploitation Under the new framework, the Government said designated Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) will be required to hold a mandatory minimum shareholding in the exploitation of critical minerals. Authorities say the move is intended to ensure Zimbabwe retains greater economic participation and oversight in high-value mining projects. The Government also announced tighter restrictions on raw mineral exports. “No one will be allowed to export listed minerals in raw or unbeneficiated form unless authorised under a transitional plan approved by the Minister of Mines, with clear timelines for local beneficiation,” the policy statement said. The decision signals a stronger push toward local value addition, refining and industrialisation. Lithium and Rare Earth Minerals in Global Demand Zimbabwe’s policy shift comes as global demand for critical minerals continues to rise due to the expansion of electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and battery manufacturing. Lithium, cobalt, graphite, and rare earth elements are considered essential components in green energy technologies and advanced electronics. Zimbabwe is home to some of Africa’s largest lithium deposits and has increasingly attracted international mining interest in recent years. Mining analysts say the new policy could reshape investment negotiations within the sector. Economic analyst Persistence Gwanyanya said the strategy reflects growing resource nationalism seen across mineral-rich countries. “Governments globally are now seeking greater control and value retention from strategic minerals linked to the energy transition,” he said. However, industry observers say implementation will be critical to maintaining investor confidence while balancing national interests. Push for Beneficiation and Industrial Growth The Government has repeatedly stated that exporting raw minerals deprives Zimbabwe of jobs, industrial growth, and foreign currency earnings. Authorities believe local beneficiation and processing could help stimulate downstream industries, including battery manufacturing, steel production and chemical processing. Zimbabwe has already introduced export restrictions on raw lithium in recent years as part of efforts to encourage local processing plants and investment in value-addition infrastructure. The latest classifications are expected to further strengthen Government oversight over the mining sector, which remains one of Zimbabwe’s largest foreign currency earners. Zimbabwe critical minerals

Gender experts and women’s rights advocates are calling on Zimbabwe to explicitly criminalise sextortion following disturbing reports of sexual exploitation targeting women working in the country’s informal sector. The calls emerged during the Informal Sector Women’s Symposium on Gender Justice and Policy Positioning organised by Vendor Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) in Gweru. Experts at the symposium warned that thousands of women vendors remain vulnerable to abuse, extortion and economic discrimination in informal trading spaces across Zimbabwe. Women Vendors Face Harassment and Sexual Exploitation Gender and inclusion specialist Thando Gwinji said women now make up more than two-thirds of Zimbabwe’s street vendors but continue to operate under unsafe and exploitative conditions. She described vending spaces as hostile environments characterised by police raids, confiscation of goods, extortion, and sexual harassment. According to research findings presented during the symposium, some women vendors allegedly face pressure to exchange sexual favours for access to vending bays, protection from arrest or the return of confiscated merchandise. “Women reported sex being demanded in exchange for avoiding arrest, recovering goods and accessing vending spaces,” Gwinji said. The revelations have intensified calls for Zimbabwean lawmakers to formally recognise sextortion as a criminal offence under the country’s legal framework. Sextortion is widely defined as the abuse of power to obtain sexual favours and is increasingly being recognised globally as a form of corruption and gender-based violence. Economic Inequality in Zimbabwe’s Informal Sector The symposium also highlighted deep economic inequalities between men and women operating within Zimbabwe’s informal economy. Researchers found that women largely dominate low-income sectors such as vegetable vending, clothing sales, and fresh produce markets, while men tend to control more profitable trades involving electronics and technology products. According to the findings, many women vendors reportedly earn less than US$100 per month after expenses, while men in higher-value sectors can earn between US$300 and US$1 200 monthly. Experts said the income disparity further exposes women to exploitation and financial vulnerability. The study additionally revealed that women vendors shoulder a disproportionate burden of unpaid care work, balancing trading activities with childcare responsibilities, household duties, and family care. Experts Push for Legal Reform and Protection Advocates at the symposium called for stronger legal safeguards to protect women traders from abuse and exploitation. Recommendations included: Explicit criminalisation of sextortion in Zimbabwean law Anonymous reporting systems for victims Gender sensitivity training for police and municipal officers Improved accountability mechanisms within local authorities Samuel Wadza of VISET said the organisation continues pushing for safer and more inclusive trading spaces for women in the informal economy. He said women vendors require access to clean water, ablution facilities, childcare centres and social protection programmes to improve working conditions. The report also called for expanded access to healthcare services, maternity support, affordable credit facilities, and stronger interventions against gender-based violence in marketplaces and vending areas. Women’s rights activists say addressing abuse in the informal sector is critical, especially as Zimbabwe’s struggling economy forces more citizens into informal trading for survival. sextortion Zimbabwe

By Talent Chimutambgi Senior Reporter, Southerton Business Times_ Residents of Tagarika Flats in Mbare are set to breathe a sigh of relief following swift intervention by Southerton Constituency shadow legislator Cde Andrew Makahamadze to address persistent water shortages in the area. The intervention comes after residents raised concern over worsening water challenges at the flats, where two existing boreholes have failed to adequately supply water to the growing population. The situation was further worsened after the two boreholes, which residents previously relied on, were swallowed up by the newly constructed Mbare Musika Market, making it difficult for residents to access water as they once did when the area was still an open space. Masimba Holdings, the company behind the construction of the modern market facility, has now stepped in to help address the water challenges affecting residents. The state-of-the-art market was constructed after a devastating conflagration engulfed the old Mbare Musika Market, leaving thousands of traders counting losses. Following the disaster, the Government moved in swiftly to facilitate the construction of a world-class market in line with the Second Republic’s infrastructure development agenda. However, the development inadvertently affected community access to the two boreholes that had been serving Tagarika Flats residents for years. Cde Makahamadze moved quickly after receiving reports on the crisis and convened a high-level meeting with Masimba Holdings. The meeting resolved that engineers from the company would immediately move onto the ground this Tuesday to assess the situation and craft a lasting solution. Tagarika Flats fall under Southerton Constituency. Speaking to journalists, Cde Makahamadze said access to clean and safe water remains a key priority under the Second Republic’s development agenda guided by the mantra of “Leaving No One and No Place Behind.” “We have engaged Masimba Holdings and their engineers will be on the ground on Tuesday to assess the situation and come up with a strategic and sustainable solution to the water challenges affecting residents of Tagarika Flats,” he said. He added that his rapid response was also aimed at preventing outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid, which often emerge in areas affected by poor sanitation and inadequate water supplies. “Lack of water compromises hygiene and sanitation. As leaders, we must act swiftly to protect communities from diseases that thrive in such conditions. Prevention is always better than diverting national resources towards curing preventable outbreaks,” said Cde Makahamadze. Engineers are expected to ensure that residents regain reliable access to clean water before the situation deteriorates into a public health crisis. Residents welcomed the development and praised the legislator for what they described as responsive and people-centred leadership. “He always comes to our rescue whenever challenges arise in the constituency. This intervention gives us hope that our water problems will soon be a thing of the past,” said one resident. Cde Makahamadze has earned a reputation for being active on the ground and closely engaging communities across Southerton Constituency on service delivery issues. The development also complements Government efforts under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to improve access to clean water through the Presidential Borehole Drilling Programme, which seeks to ensure communities across the country enjoy reliable water supplies. Tagarika Flats water crisis