By Southerton Business Times Reporter, Harare A commuter omnibus travelling from Harare's central business district towards Warren Park D reportedly caught fire near Bishop Gaul Avenue in Belvedere on Monday evening, with no fatalities reported. ZBC News reported the incident on Tuesday morning and published a photograph showing a commuter omnibus engulfed in flames. However, the report has raised questions because it came hours after the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) had dismissed reports of a similar kombi fire in the same general area. In a statement issued on Monday night, police said reports circulating on social media about a commuter omnibus catching fire while travelling to Warren Park were false. The ZRP specifically said no road traffic accident had occurred along Samora Machel Avenue near the Bishop Gaul Avenue traffic lights. “Reference is made to the false information circulating on social media platforms regarding an alleged road traffic accident involving a combi which reportedly caught fire while on its way to Warren Park,” the police said. The force added: “The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) reports that no road traffic accident occurred along Samora Machel Avenue near Bishop Gaul Avenue traffic lights.” Police urged members of the public not to circulate information that had not been verified. “The public is encouraged to rely on official ZRP communication for accurate and verified information,” the statement said. The apparent discrepancy centres on whether the incident reported by ZBC News is the same event that police were responding to. The police statement refers specifically to an alleged road traffic accident involving a kombi on Samora Machel Avenue near the Bishop Gaul Avenue traffic lights, while the ZBC report describes a commuter omnibus fire after Bishop Gaul Avenue in Belvedere. It is therefore not yet clear whether the two reports concern the same vehicle and incident, or whether they refer to separate events. The distinction is important because the ZRP statement does not necessarily address every possible vehicle fire in the wider area. It specifically denied that a road traffic accident involving a kombi had occurred at the location described in the statement. ZBC News, meanwhile, reported that the vehicle caught fire while travelling from Harare CBD to Warren Park D and that there were no fatalities. Southerton Business Times could not independently establish from the information available whether the vehicle featured in the ZBC report was the same kombi referred to in the police statement. The incident highlights the difficulties created when information about emergencies circulates on social media before authorities have established the facts. For commuters and members of the public, conflicting reports can create unnecessary alarm, particularly when they concern road accidents, fires or possible loss of life. Further clarification from either the police or ZBC News would help establish whether the two reports relate to the same incident. Until then, motorists and commuters are advised to rely on verified information from authorities and established news organisations when assessing reports of emergencies. Southerton Business Times will update this story if further verified information becomes available. kombi fire Harare

Mpundu Valerie Disclaimer: This is a true story from a carer. Names and identifying details have been withheld to respect the privacy and dignity of the patient and her family. This is personal experience and not medical advice People think a carer looks after the patient. I learnt that sometimes the family needs your shoulder more than the patient does. I learnt this looking after a 73-year-old lady dying of pancreatic cancer, a lady who loved me so much her own family felt threatened by our bond. The most common symptom is jaundice. She was literally yellow throughout her body. She could no longer be mobile and spent her last month in bed. Eating was also a problem. She could only consume a tablespoon of oats porridge for breakfast, for lunch, just two teaspoons of jelly were enough and for dinner, maybe half of a soft-boiled egg. Due to the cancer, she could not consume more than that. She persisted in using the commode for relieving herself, but it was no longer possible. She faced the risk of falling down due to lack of energy in the body, but eventually the cancer progressed, and we were now using diapers. The first two weeks she was so verbal, but the final two weeks were so crucial. The lady was now non-verbal and so unresponsive. The only thing she could ingest was water. My colleague and I had to push for water till her final day. What I experienced as a carer, I had to balance looking after the patient and the family members. The family needed all the help they could through comfort. Mostly, when a family member has a chronic disease like cancer, the family could need more of the shoulder of the carer than the patient. Fortunately, it was a family of believers, so I, being a believer as well, made the burden lighter. I bonded with the patient and the family as well. We made sure she was happy, immaculate, and comfortable till her last day. She was in pain. She restricted herself from going outside because she was yellow throughout, in her eyes and every part of her body. She refused to take walks, worried about what her neighbours would say about her. In those final days, she would lose consciousness and regain it twice or thrice a day for about a week. People ask me if the blackouts didn't scare me. I was never scared. I knew she was going, so I was patient and happy to be by her side, giving her all the assistance she needed. Nobody has to die alone. I was never scared, not one bit. I just waited for her to come back if she was, life would go on. Finally, she got to rest, and she died on my watch. I had to shroud her, and the people from the mortuary had to pick her body up. As a carer, I noticed the family might need more of your support as a carer than the patient. We mourned with the family. They appreciated me and my colleague. We cleaned the place up, did all the laundry, and said our goodbyes. What I learnt about pancreatic cancer: 1. The patient isolates him or herself because of their appearance. 2. The patient has difficulties eating - their tummy feels full or bloated even when they have not consumed anything. 3. The whole body turns yellow. 4. They might become easily offended due to their circumstances, so one has to be very patient and understand them, because they will know what they are going through. 5. They lose their strength. 6. The patient's bowel movements are affected as well. 7. They might experience losing consciousness, the heart stopping, and then the body reboots itself, and they come back several times before they finally rest. So this was my experience. Nobody looked after me as a carer. I had to be the pillar of strength for both the patient and the family. One thing I want to emphasise is: Caring is a calling. If one is not called, the job can never be manageable. We continue to hope that one day there is a cure for this chronic disease. If you have a story to share kindly reach us on 0774778179 pancreatic cancer caregiving

By: Daniel Tarisayi (Licensed Psychologist) Conflict is a normal part of life. Whether at home, work, church, or in the community, people will sometimes disagree because they have different opinions, needs, expectations, or goals. However, conflict itself is not the problem. The real challenge lies in how people respond to conflict and manage their emotions. Research and everyday experience show that broken relationships, violence, and resentment often result not from conflict itself, but from poor anger management and unhealthy ways of dealing with disagreements. Anger is a natural human emotion. Like love, it is one of the strongest emotions people experience. When managed well, anger can alert us to problems that need attention. When unmanaged, it can damage relationships, health, and decision-making. The Bible offers valuable wisdom on handling anger. James 1:19-20 encourages believers to be "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry" because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Understanding Conflict and Anger Conflict can be described as a disagreement that arises because people have different needs, expectations, values, goals, or perceptions. Anger, on the other hand, is a strong emotional reaction that may arise from frustration, hurt, threats, injustice, or disappointment. Many people view conflict negatively, but conflict is not always harmful. Healthy conflict can lead to better communication, deeper understanding, and stronger relationships. Problems arise when people allow emotions to take control and respond aggressively rather than constructively. (to be continued..) conflict resolution and anger management

By Naturopathic Doctor P. Nduva Disclaimer: Readers are strongly advised to consult a qualified and registered healthcare professional about any health concerns before making changes to their diet, lifestyle or treatment. Lifestyle changes can reduce certain cancer risks but cannot guarantee that breast cancer will be prevented. Breast cancer does not have a single cause. Some risk factors, including age, family history and inherited genetic changes, cannot be changed. However, research shows that certain lifestyle choices may help lower the risk of developing breast cancer. Prevention should therefore not be understood as a guarantee, but as an opportunity to improve overall health and reduce avoidable risk. Worry, Depression & Stress There is an intimate relationship between the mind and the body. When one is affected, the other sympathizes. Therefore, there is a need to ensure the mind is kept free from chronic worry, depression, and stress. Negative emotions and chronic stress can weaken the immune system, including reducing white blood cell activity, which is a major defense against disease. Researchers at the Rochester Medical Center in New York have found that people who struggle to deal with severe emotional conflicts, who have uncontrolled anxiety, who have experienced traumatic losses, or who have strong feelings of loneliness, inadequacy, and hopelessness, may have a harder time resisting disease. It may not be that negative attitudes cause cancer directly, but they can reduce a person's resilience in fighting it. Maintain a strong sense of purpose and create resilience and positive energy in your mind. Deep Breathing and Exercise Cancer is less prevalent in physically active people, so regular exercise is important. - Do deep breathing exercises daily and take regular walks outdoors. Aim for 20 slow, deep breaths, holding for a few seconds and exhaling fully. This, combined with outdoor walking, helps improve lung function and general well-being. - Get adequate fresh air and sunlight. If possible, sleep in a well-ventilated room that receives sunlight during the day. Sunlight and ventilation help reduce dampness and improve hygiene in the home. Diet & Nutrition Researchers estimate that a significant percentage of cancers are linked to dietary factors. - Chew your food thoroughly. Proper chewing aids digestion and helps you feel satisfied with less food. - Avoid processed meats such as luncheon meat, hot dogs, smoked or cured meats. Also limit excessive consumption of high-fat dairy products. The World Health Organization (WHO) classified processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen on October 26, 2015. The International Journal of Cancer pooled data from multiple studies and found that women with high processed meat consumption had a 9% higher relative risk of breast cancer, particularly among postmenopausal women. Fats & Rancid Oils - Keep weight down. Obesity is a well-established risk factor linked to breast cancer. Accumulated fatty tissue affects female hormones. The more fatty tissue present, the more estrogen is produced, which can stimulate cell division in the breast and reproductive system. - A high-fat diet is associated with an increased occurrence of breast cancer compared to a low-fat diet. - Avoid repeatedly heating fats to very high temperatures, as this can produce harmful compounds. Limit fried foods. Instead, add measured amounts of healthy oil to food after cooking. Options include cold-pressed flaxseed oil, sunflower oil or pumpkin seed oil, used in moderation. Protein Our actual daily protein requirement is around 20-30 grams for many adults, but many people consume far more than needed due to the increase in fast food outlets. - Well-chewed roundnuts (Bambara nuts), almonds, sesame, and dehulled sunflower seeds are good plant-based protein sources. - Brewer's yeast can also be a supplementary source. Focus on proteins from seeds and nuts as part of a balanced diet. "Prevention is cheaper than a cure. You cannot control everything that happens around you, but you can control what you eat, what you think, and how you breathe. Clean your mind, clean your plate, and let your body do the healing." breast cancer prevention

Disclaimer: This is a true personal testimony shared for awareness. For any health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional Mpundu valerie My uncle John never believed in modern medicine. Having grown up with a father who was a herbalist, he thought he had it all figured out. Never in his life had he set foot in a hospital. According to sources close to him, he was born at home and never had his records taken at the hospital. Any form of sickness, he claimed he could cure. Well, that was just flu and headaches. He was well known in the village as a healer. Uncle John was the kind who would laugh and scorn the man in white. He believed they were wasting their time and, in the end, they would all come back to consult him. He believed he had unmatched healing power. Inasmuch as he was crude in his own understanding of modern medicine, he never deprived us of an education. It was in school when I started questioning his practice but couldn't confront him. I was an orphan and feared he would chase me away. A slight sickness, Uncle John would douse you with herbs. You would think he was trying to make spice out of you. One day he was in a very happy mood. I seized the opportunity. "Uncle, we lost a teacher to cancer at school." He beat the cancer thought outta me. He laughed so hard he had to use a concoction to ease the pain his ribs had suffered. "That is a myth, nothing like that exists," he burst out. It was at that moment I knew we were never to discuss that again, or I would be left homeless. He took me to his consultation room, which had charts of all ailments. He asked me to look carefully and read thoroughly. "When you find cancer in there, let me know. I will come and open up for you," he said as he locked me in and walked off. It was around 19:00 when my aunt came and unlocked the door. She barely said a word except, "Never bring that up again." Then one day, our self-proclaimed healer had a small blister on his right leg. He scratched it, and it started developing into a sore that seemed to increase in size each day. He kept to himself and accused innocent witches, thinking they didn't want him to farm as he always outdid everyone. What my uncle had was Acral Lentiginous Melanoma (ALM) - a rare and aggressive skin cancer that grows on the soles, palms and under nails. It is the most common melanoma in dark-skinned people. We all thought it was a blood blister. It started as a small, dark spot on the sole of his right foot. Then it began to enlarge its territory viciously. The borders became irregular and notched, not round like a normal blister. The colour was variegated patches of dark brown mixed with jet black. It grew beyond 6mm, to almost 12mm across, flat but with some raised areas. It would not heal. It itched, then burned, then bled when he scratched it. In medical terms, it had all the ABCDE warning signs - Asymmetric shape, irregular Border, uneven Colour, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving every week. But to us in the village and to my uncle, who called cancer a myth, it was just a stubborn sore bewitched by jealous neighbours. I remember aunty getting a lecture of a lifetime after she suggested he visit a hospital. That day, all her belongings were thrown out. That evening we witnessed how ignorance can destroy. If I were her, I would have left to never return. She had to crawl from the gate, begging and shouting my uncle's mutupo, singing him clan praises with a plate of food in her hands. She rolled on the ground, making a mockery of herself. If this was marriage, I didn't want it!! One day my aunt asked me to accompany her to the field. Our route was diverted we were at the hospital. I was made to stay in the other room. My aunty must have promised the doctor an arm and a leg. The amount of medicine she came out clutching was enough to open her own pharmacy. She dug the lot in a shallow pit just by the sugarcane plant. She would finely crush it into powder and mix it with his food. Too little, too late. She tried her best, but Uncle John succumbed to his ignorance, adamancy, and ego. If he had listened to the voice of reason, he could have been saved. For any health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional at your nearest hospital. If you have a story to share, kindly reach out at 263774778179 cancer awareness Zimbabwe

Sanelisiwe Magagula, 32, will be buried at her rural home in Lupane on Monday. By Southerton Business Times Reporter, Bulawayo The late Sanelisiwe Magagula, an aide to businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s wife, Lucy Muteke, will be buried at her rural home in Lupane, Matabeleland North Province, on Monday following her death in last week’s helicopter crash. Magagula, 32, was among six people killed when the helicopter they were travelling in crashed in the Marondera area on Wednesday. Family spokesperson Lamlani Ncube confirmed that Magagula’s body is expected to arrive in Bulawayo on Sunday before a church service of remembrance is held at the family home in Entumbane. The body will subsequently be transported to Lupane, where burial is scheduled for Monday. Magagula was travelling with Chivayo, Muteke and the two pilots, Captain Calvin Soda and Captain Courage Mutavirwa, when the helicopter crashed. The accident claimed the lives of all six people on board. The crash has triggered an outpouring of grief across Zimbabwe, with attention focused on the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Chivayo and Muteke, who were prominent figures in the country's business and social circles. Pilots Buried The funerals of the two pilots were also scheduled for Sunday. Captain Soda was buried in Marondera on Sunday afternoon, while Captain Mutavirwa was due to be buried in Chiredzi later the same day. The separate burials follow the recovery and identification of the remains of those who died in the crash. The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe is investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, while authorities are expected to establish what caused the helicopter to crash. Chivayo, Muteke Funeral Arrangements Meanwhile, Chivayo and Muteke are scheduled to be buried at Glen Forest Cemetery in Harare on Thursday. Their deaths have attracted widespread attention in Zimbabwe and beyond, with tributes coming from political, business, religious and social circles. Chivayo was a prominent businessman who was frequently associated with major infrastructure and energy projects and maintained a high-profile presence on social media. Muteke, his wife, was also known publicly through the couple’s business and social activities. Magagula, however, was remembered by her family and those close to the couple as an aide who worked with Muteke. Her burial in Lupane will give relatives and members of the community an opportunity to pay their final respects before the family lays her to rest at her rural home. The deaths of Magagula, Chivayo, Muteke, Soda and Mutavirwa, together with the sixth person who was on board, have left several families mourning as investigations into the fatal helicopter crash continue. Sanelisiwe Magagula burial

By Southerton Business Times Reporter, Masvingo A senior Zanu PF youth official in Masvingo has claimed that the party has names of suspected drug dealers operating in the city, as well as Government officials allegedly receiving bribes to protect them. Masvingo provincial youth secretary for security Tafara Zhou made the allegations during a joint provincial council meeting attended by senior Government and party officials. The meeting was chaired by Zanu PF Masvingo provincial chairperson Rabson Mavhenyengwa and attended by Provincial Medical Director Dr Amadeus Shamu and Provincial Secretary Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa. Zhou said the youth wing was prepared to assist authorities in tackling drug and substance abuse but expressed concern over where suspected dealers could safely be reported. “As youth we know and have the names of drug peddlers in the city. We also have names of senior Government officers who are paid fees to protect these peddlers,” Zhou said. “We are ready to assist in the fight against drugs but our dilemma is that the offices where we need to report the criminals are the same offices manned by people receiving drug money.” The allegations have not been independently verified, and Zhou did not publicly identify the officials or alleged drug dealers during the meeting. Government Promises Action Zhou's claims came after Dr Pazvakavambwa raised concern over the growing problem of drug and substance abuse in Masvingo. When contacted about the alleged list, Pazvakavambwa said the matter would be taken up by the province's Joint Operations Command (JOC). “We alerted all security departments, and the matter will be addressed in our next JOC meeting. We are not taking this lightly because this can derail our efforts in the fight against drug and substance abuse,” Pazvakavambwa said. The JOC brings together security agencies and other relevant Government departments to coordinate operations. Zimbabwe Republic Police records indicate that the police participate in Joint Operations Command meetings as part of broader security coordination. Masvingo Drug Crackdown The allegations come as authorities continue efforts to combat drug and substance abuse in Masvingo and across Zimbabwe. Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Ezra Chadzamira said in May that 162 people had been arrested and drugs worth more than US$7 million recovered in the province since January 2026. Authorities have also stepped up enforcement against illicit medicines in Masvingo. In September, the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe, working with the Zimbabwe Republic Police Criminal Investigations Department, reported more than 10 arrests during an operation targeting illegal pharmaceutical sales in the city's central business district. Nationally, the Government has reported thousands of arrests in its ongoing anti-drug campaign. Official figures presented to Cabinet showed that 3,192 people were arrested between December 9, 2025 and March 15, 2026, with 2,113 taken to court and 493 convicted. The Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge corridor has also been identified as a major route used by drug traffickers, with police reporting several arrests and seizures along the highway. Police Urge Public to Report Drugs Masvingo police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa urged members of the public with information about drug trafficking and related criminal activity to report it to the police. He provided the following contacts for tip-offs: 0775 996 945 or 039 226 6778. Zhou's allegations now place renewed attention on whether suspected drug dealers are being adequately investigated and whether any public officials are facilitating the illegal trade. However, no Government official has been publicly named or charged in connection with the allegations made at the meeting. The province's JOC is expected to consider the matter, according to Pazvakavambwa. Masvingo drug dealers

Former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made unsubstantiated claims linking Wicknell Chivayo to President William Ruto. By Southerton Business Times Reporter, Harare Former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made explosive but unsubstantiated allegations linking the late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo to President William Ruto and an alleged plan to influence Kenya’s 2027 General Election. Gachagua made the claims while addressing clergy in Boston, United States, on Sunday, October 4, alleging that Chivayo had been used to move and hold large sums of money on Ruto’s behalf. The former deputy president provided no documentary evidence to support the allegations, which have not been independently verified. “There was a business partner of his, a crook from Zimbabwe called Chivayo. This man, because I was his deputy, so I know, they were doing business together,” Gachagua said. He alleged that Chivayo had been used to move foreign currency and keep money for Ruto. “He is a man he has been using for money laundering. He gets money in dollars; that man comes with a plane, lands on a private airstrip and takes the money to keep for him,” Gachagua claimed. Gachagua Claims Chivayo Held KSh1.5 Trillion Gachagua further alleged that Chivayo was holding more than KSh1.5 trillion belonging to Ruto when he died. “The man has his money, over 1.5 trillion. The man is dead, his wife is dead, he doesn’t know where to begin,” he said. The claim, equivalent to more than US$11 billion based on figures reported by Kenyan and Zimbabwean media, has not been independently substantiated. Citizen Digital also reported that Gachagua did not provide evidence for the allegation. Gachagua also linked Chivayo to an alleged scheme involving election technology ahead of Kenya’s 2027 elections. He claimed Chivayo was expected to act as a local intermediary for a South Korean company whose technology would allegedly be used in Kenya's elections. According to Gachagua, tender specifications had been tailored to favour the unnamed company. “So this guy was a local agent for those fellows. So, this is the man he was to use to steal the vote. The guy is dead,” he alleged. Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is responsible for conducting the country’s elections and has publicly documented its procurement and deployment of election technology. Its official records show previous election technology contracts have involved competitive procurement processes, but those records do not independently establish the allegations made by Gachagua about Chivayo. Chivayo Died in Zimbabwe Helicopter Crash Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke and three others died when their helicopter crashed in the Marondera Rural area of Mashonaland East on Wednesday, September 30. Police said six people were aboard the aircraft, while international reports confirmed there were no survivors. The helicopter caught fire after the crash, complicating recovery and identification efforts. Chivayo was closely associated with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and was also known to have had a relationship with Ruto, who publicly mourned him after the crash. The cause of the Marondera helicopter crash remains under investigation. Gachagua’s allegations now add an unexpected Kenyan political dimension to the death of one of Zimbabwe’s most high-profile businessmen. Neither the allegations concerning Ruto’s alleged money nor those linking Chivayo to an alleged election scheme should be treated as established facts unless supported by independent evidence. Rigathi Gachagua Wicknell Chivayo

Paul Tungwarara says he will continue using helicopters despite warnings following Wicknell Chivayo's death. By Southerton Business Times Reporter, Harare Presidential Investment Advisor Paul Tungwarara says he will continue travelling by helicopter despite warnings and prophecies urging him to reconsider the mode of transport following the death of businessman Wicknell Chivayo in a helicopter crash. Tungwarara made the remarks after sharing a video of himself travelling by helicopter to Mberengwa, saying he would not allow fear of death to determine how he lives. The comments come days after Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke and four others died when a helicopter crashed in Marondera, Mashonaland East Province, on September 30. President Emmerson Mnangagwa subsequently confirmed Chivayo's death, while authorities said there were no survivors. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Tungwarara Says He Will Keep Flying In a post accompanying the video, Tungwarara said he had received warnings and prophecies advising him to stop using helicopters because of Chivayo's death. He, however, said he would not stop flying because of fear. “We are flying to Mberengwa,” Tungwarara said, adding that he would not stop using helicopters “out of fear of the unknown”. He argued that death is inevitable and said people should not allow fear of death to prevent them from living their lives. Tungwarara also linked his decision to his relationship with Chivayo, saying he would continue flying helicopters in honour of his late friend. His remarks were reported after he posted footage from inside the aircraft on X. In the video, Tungwarara directly addressed those urging him to stop using helicopters. He questioned why Chivayo's death should lead him to abandon a mode of transport he already uses. Tungwarara also compared the situation to continuing to travel to areas affected by other dangers, arguing that people cannot completely eliminate risk from their lives. His message was unequivocal: “We are not going to stop” flying helicopters. Chivayo Helicopter Crash Chivayo, 43, and Muteke were among six people killed when their helicopter crashed in rural Marondera on September 30. Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana confirmed at the time that the aircraft had a prominent businessman, other passengers and two pilots on board, with no survivors reported. The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe has said preliminary findings showed that fuel spilled following the impact and a fire subsequently broke out. Investigators had not yet established what caused the helicopter to crash. The tragedy has generated intense public discussion in Zimbabwe, particularly because Chivayo was a high-profile businessman known for his close relationship with senior political figures and his prominent social-media presence. Tungwarara Faces Social Media Backlash Tungwarara's decision to continue using helicopters has attracted criticism on social media, with some users questioning whether the recent crash should prompt greater caution among frequent helicopter users. However, his comments were framed around personal choice rather than an assessment of aviation safety. Tungwarara has maintained that he will not allow warnings or fear surrounding the crash to dictate his movements. His latest remarks have therefore added another layer to the public debate following the death of Chivayo, as Zimbabwe continues to await further findings into the fatal Marondera helicopter crash. Paul Tungwarara says he will continue flying helicopters despite warnings following Wicknell Chivayo's death in the Marondera helicopter crash. Paul Tungwarara helicopter

Mpundu Valerie What then shall we say? Is this a case of the City of Harare "inovhura pahombe ichida kuvhara padiki? After reports of negligence in Southerton, where an open pit left unattended for over two years had become a den for aspiring murderers, thieves and muggers, the City of Harare appears to have pulled one over our faces. The council hurriedly covered the pit that had been open for over two years, pending investigation. What then shall we say? Had it not been reported, would they have taken action? Had Hon Makahamadze not filed his case against the City of Harare, would they have moved? As seen in the picture, pending investigations, they cleverly opened acres of land just to cover that pit. Is this what they call obstruction or trying to conceal? The current state of the site in Southerton after the City of Harare hastily covered the pit that had been open for over 2 years. The council allegedly dug up acres of land to cover it, pending investigations in the Hon Makahamadze vs City of Harare case. One Southerton resident who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimization said: "That pit has been here for more than two years. We reported many times. Vanambavha vaitovanda imomo, they would rob people and run inside. Now that it has been reported, the council just came overnight and covered it. Why now?" Another resident added, "They destroyed evidence. How can investigators come and see what we were complaining about if it's already covered? They opened another big place just to cover this one, so now we have two problems. That's not fixing, that's concealing." The pit had become a serious security threat. For two years, complaints fell on deaf ears. It only took our report and the court case to force council into action, and they acted by concealing. By covering the pit before investigators could assess the extent of negligence, has the City of Harare not destroyed crucial evidence? This is a developing story our ears and eyes are on the ground and its match on. City of Harare Southerton pit

Police have arrested two men in connection with a series of armed robberies in Lower Gweru in which cash, a Toyota Fortuner, mobile phones and other valuables worth approximately US$60,000 were allegedly stolen. Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests on Saturday, identifying the suspects as Shepherd Gundani and Edson Sithole. The alleged robberies occurred on September 23, 2026, at Insukamini Farm in Lower Gweru. Nyathi said the two suspects, together with accomplices who remain at large, allegedly raided three homesteads while armed with pistols, machetes and knives. “The ZRP confirms the arrest of Shephered Gundani and Edson Sithole in connection with a series of armed robbery cases which occurred on 23/09/26 at Insukamini Farm, Lower Gweru,” Nyathi said. He said the suspects allegedly threatened and assaulted victims before stealing cash, several mobile phones, a Toyota Fortuner and other valuables. The stolen vehicle was later recovered in Chivi on September 25, after it was allegedly abandoned. According to Nyathi, police found a machete and other items concealed beneath the driver's seat when the vehicle was recovered. Following the arrests, police searched the suspects' respective residences and recovered machetes, knives, torches and other items believed to have evidential value. Linked to Other Robberies Police investigations have also allegedly linked the suspects to other armed robbery cases reported in Lalapanzi, Mvuma and Masvingo. Nyathi said investigations were continuing, with police pursuing the accomplices who remain at large. The arrests come as police continue investigations into armed robbery cases involving firearms and other weapons across the Midlands and Masvingo provinces. The allegations against Gundani and Sithole have not been tested in court. They remain presumed innocent unless convicted by a competent court. Police have urged members of the public with information that could assist investigations to report to the nearest police station. Lower Gweru armed robbery

Harare lawyer and self-styled prophet Joshua John Chirambwe has been found guilty of professional misconduct by the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) following a complaint by Advocate Fadzayi Mahere over messages he posted on a lawyers’ WhatsApp group. Chirambwe, who posted under the name “Young Money”, was found to have breached the LSZ Sexual Harassment Policy, 2024, over remarks directed at Mahere in the “Advocates of Zimbabwe” WhatsApp group on January 15, 2024. In a letter dated October 2, 2026, LSZ Executive Secretary Edward Mapara said the Council had considered Mahere’s complaint and Chirambwe’s responses at its meeting on August 27. The Council concluded that Chirambwe’s conduct was inappropriate. “Council noted that you were inappropriate in your advances and on the WhatsApp platform,” Mapara wrote. “Council resolved that you be found guilty of unprofessional conduct and that you be asked to mitigate.” Sexual Harassment Policy According to the LSZ, Chirambwe’s conduct breached Part 6.2.1 of the Law Society of Zimbabwe Sexual Harassment Policy, 2024. The provision covers unwanted or unwelcome sexual attention of an offensive nature where the person giving the attention knows, or reasonably should know, that it is unwelcome and where the conduct may be understood as intended to offend, humiliate, disrespect or degrade the recipient. The complaint was formally communicated to Chirambwe on January 31, 2025. At the time, the Law Society said Mahere had complained about what she described as a series of unprofessional and inappropriate messages concerning her, alleging that the conduct amounted to sexual harassment. The complaint also raised a possible breach of By-Law 3(23) of the Legal Practitioners (Code of Conduct) By-Laws, 2018, under Statutory Instrument 37 of 2018. The provision requires legal practitioners to treat their professional colleagues with courtesy, respect and fairness. Chirambwe was given an opportunity to respond to the complaint, with his response to be made available to Mahere for further comment. Awaiting Sentence The guilty finding comes nearly 20 months after the complaint was formally communicated to Chirambwe. However, the matter has not yet reached the sentencing stage. The latest LSZ letter gives Chirambwe 14 days from the date of the letter to submit mitigation before the Council determines the appropriate sanction. Mapara warned that if Chirambwe fails to submit his mitigation within the stipulated period, the Council will proceed to consider sentence without further reference to him. The LSZ has therefore established professional misconduct but has yet to announce the penalty that Chirambwe will face. The case highlights the professional standards governing interactions between legal practitioners, including conduct on private communication platforms used by members of the profession. Zimbabwe lawyer professional misconduct