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By Southerton Business Times | Harare The City of Harare has apologised after a viral video showing an off-duty municipal police officer slapping a woman inside a council banking hall in Mbare triggered public outrage, with the local authority confirming that disciplinary action will be taken against the officer. The incident is the second public apology issued by the City of Harare within 24 hours, following criticism over a City Parking marshal who allegedly clamped a mother's vehicle while she was rushing her sick child to hospital. In a statement issued on 24 July 2026, the local authority acknowledged the incident but said the widely circulated video did not capture the events that led to the confrontation. "The City of Harare is aware of a video circulating on social media in which an off-duty municipal police officer is seen slapping a woman in the banking hall in Mbare," the council said. According to the City of Harare, the off-duty officer allegedly jumped the queue inside the banking hall, prompting the woman to confront him. "We will take action against the municipal police officer. The facts are that the off-duty officer went to the banking hall and jumped the queue, a development which infuriated the woman," the statement read. The council said the woman later submitted a written statement describing the incident. According to the local authority, she alleged that she confronted the officer, leading to pushing and shoving between the pair. "According to the woman's own account, which she gave in writing, she confronted the officer, pushing and shoving him. We have gathered that the woman also bit the officer on the finger, and he had to be treated at the clinic." The City of Harare said the confrontation escalated before the officer slapped the woman, adding that the viral clip circulating online showed only part of the incident. "This resulted in an altercation, and the officer slapped the woman. The video being circulated did not show the earlier stages of the confrontation, as they were edited out." Police subsequently arrested both the municipal police officer and the woman on allegations of public violence before later releasing them as investigations continue. The council said it would pursue internal disciplinary proceedings against the officer regardless of the ongoing police investigation. "They were both arrested by police for public violence and were both released. However, on the part of the City of Harare, we want to assure residents that we will take disciplinary action against the municipal police officer." The incident comes as the City of Harare faces growing scrutiny over the conduct of its frontline staff following a separate controversy involving a City Parking marshal. That incident involved allegations that a parking marshal clamped a vehicle while a mother was attempting to rush her seriously ill five-year-old child to hospital, prompting Mayor Jacob Mafume and city officials to promise an investigation. The back-to-back controversies have fuelled calls from residents and civic groups for improved customer service, accountability and professional conduct among municipal employees. Police investigations into the Mbare incident are continuing, while the City of Harare says further details will be released once both the criminal investigation and internal disciplinary process have been concluded. City of Harare municipal police officer

By Southerton Business Times | Harare The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has urged motorists to avoid travelling at night following a surge in fatal road traffic accidents across the country, warning that poor visibility and stray livestock are contributing significantly to highway deaths. In a statement issued on 24 July 2026, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the force was increasingly concerned by the growing number of fatal crashes occurring after dark and called on Zimbabweans to plan journeys during daylight hours. "The Zimbabwe Republic Police has noted with concern the increase of fatal road traffic accidents occurring during the night throughout the country, especially on the highways," Nyathi said. Commissioner Nyathi said reduced visibility at night makes it difficult for motorists to react to hazards, particularly animals wandering onto major roads. "In this regard, the Zimbabwe Republic Police cautions Zimbabweans on night driving due to observation and visibility challenges. This is even made worse by animals such as cattle, donkeys, and others, which are criss-crossing the roads and posing serious danger to motorists," he said. The police urged families, public transport operators, schools, football teams, churches and other institutions to organise trips during the day to minimise the risk of serious accidents. "The Zimbabwe Republic Police totally discourages Zimbabweans from travelling or driving at night. Instead, families, football teams, individual drivers, and institutions should plan journeys to curtail road carnage," Nyathi added. The ZRP also expressed concern over livestock owners whose animals stray onto highways or are driven along busy roads, saying the practice continues to contribute to preventable crashes. "Some farmers are also contributing to the accidents by driving cattle through the roads or leaving cattle to graze on road verges leading to road traffic accidents," Nyathi said. He announced that police would intensify engagement with traditional leaders, farmers and local communities to improve livestock management and reduce the risk posed by animals on highways. The warning follows Thursday night's fatal crash involving officials from Highlanders Football Club along the Harare–Bulawayo Road near Mbembesi. Police confirmed that Sifiso Siziba (55), Kenneth Mhlope (70), Mbalenhle Sibanda (27) and Nkani Khoza (66) died in the accident, which occurred at approximately 7:30 pm at the 380-kilometre peg while the delegation was returning from Kariba. The tragedy has renewed calls for motorists to avoid unnecessary night travel, particularly on highways where collisions involving livestock and poor visibility remain common. The Zimbabwe Republic Police also reminded members of the public to refrain from interfering with road accident scenes, warning that removing evidence, obstructing investigations or disrupting emergency responders may amount to criminal offences. Authorities said cooperation from motorists, passengers, livestock owners and local communities remains essential in reducing road fatalities as police continue nationwide road safety awareness campaigns. ZRP night driving warning

By Southerton Business Times | Harare A Harare mother has accused the City of Harare's parking enforcement team of clamping her vehicle while she was trying to rush her sick child to hospital, an incident that has sparked widespread public debate over the conduct of municipal parking attendants and the city's parking enforcement policies. Florence Maridzo Chikwenengwe alleges the incident occurred on 24 July 2026 after she parked her vehicle in central Harare and attempted to pay the US$1 parking fee using EcoCash because she did not have cash. According to Chikwenengwe, her child required urgent medical attention and needed medication administered through a nebuliser. She claims she informed the parking attendant of the emergency but was unable to make the electronic payment before her vehicle was clamped. Journalist Hopewell Chin'ono, who published her account on X after speaking with her by telephone, said Chikwenengwe parked her vehicle at about 3:50 pm. "The parking fee was US$1, but like most Zimbabweans, she did not have cash and asked to pay using EcoCash," Chin'ono wrote. According to the account shared on social media, the parking attendant allegedly refused to accept the electronic payment. "She explained to the parking attendant that she had a child in the car who urgently needed medication to be administered through a nebuliser. According to her, the parking attendant replied, 'That's none of my business,' and walked away." Chikwenengwe said she was forced to pay US$35 to have the wheel clamp removed before driving her child to Parktown Hospital. She further alleged that upon arrival, her child's condition had deteriorated and emergency treatment costing US$600 was required. According to Chin'ono, an anonymous Good Samaritan paid the full hospital bill after learning of the family's predicament. The allegations prompted a response from the City of Harare. Chin'ono said municipal officials later visited Chikwenengwe and offered to reimburse the US$35 clamp removal fee. Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume and City of Harare spokesperson Stan Gama also acknowledged the incident in a public statement, indicating that the matter would be investigated. However, Chin'ono argued that the controversy points to broader concerns about the city's parking enforcement system. "Addressing this individual case by offering to pay the US$35 clamp fee without dealing with the broader culture of untrained and unprofessional Harare City Council parking attendants is simply not anywhere near enough," he said. Residents have long complained about inconsistent parking enforcement, particularly in Harare's central business district, where motorists have raised concerns over payment systems, clamping procedures and customer service. As of 25 July 2026, the City of Harare had not publicly announced the outcome of any internal investigation into the incident or whether disciplinary action would be taken against the parking attendant involved. The case has reignited calls for the local authority to review its parking enforcement procedures, improve digital payment options and ensure staff are trained to respond appropriately to genuine medical emergencies. Harare mother car clamped

By Southerton Business Times | Bikita A prominent Masvingo businessman has been remanded in custody after appearing before the Bikita Magistrates' Court on allegations of purchasing and slaughtering a stolen ox, in a case that has highlighted Zimbabwe's continued fight against stock theft. Jeremiah Moyana (48), who owns butcheries in Masvingo's central business district and Hillside Extension, was arrested on Sunday in Gutu and appeared before Magistrate Diana Masiiwa facing a charge of stock theft. He was jointly charged with Hasani Maramwidze (34), who allegedly assisted in slaughtering the animal. However, Maramwidze was acquitted after the court found insufficient evidence linking him to the offence. The alleged seller, Tapiwa Chateuka (21) of Murape Village under Chief Marozva in Gutu, was convicted and sentenced to the mandatory nine-year prison term prescribed under Zimbabwe's stock theft laws. According to the National Prosecuting Authority, Chateuka stole the ox belonging to fellow villager Mary Nhamo last Friday before driving it to Gutu, where he allegedly sold it to Moyana. Prosecutors allege that Moyana subsequently arranged for the animal to be slaughtered before the meat could be transported to Masvingo for sale. Police investigations were triggered after the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Gutu received information that a stolen beast had been slaughtered and that the carcass was about to be transported to Masvingo. Acting on the tip-off, officers intercepted the suspects and recovered a carcass weighing 160.3 kilogrammes, together with 28.5 kilogrammes of offal believed to be from the stolen animal. The stolen ox was valued at US$500. Moyana was remanded in custody and is expected to return to court as investigations continue. Stock theft remains one of Zimbabwe's most serious rural crimes, with police regularly urging farmers, livestock traders and butcheries to verify proof of ownership before purchasing cattle. Under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23], stock theft carries stiff mandatory custodial sentences aimed at protecting the country's livestock industry. The Zimbabwe Republic Police has repeatedly warned that anyone found buying, transporting or dealing in suspected stolen livestock risks criminal prosecution, regardless of whether they were involved in the actual theft. Authorities have also encouraged members of the public to report suspicious livestock transactions to the police as part of ongoing efforts to curb cattle rustling, which continues to cause significant losses to communal and commercial farmers across the country. Masvingo businessman stock theft

By Southerton Business Times | Harare The Roman Catholic Church in Zimbabwe has issued a public warning after exposing a man accused of falsely presenting himself as a Catholic priest and Franciscan deacon in several parishes, urging worshippers to verify the credentials of anyone claiming to minister in the Church. Harare Archbishop Robert Ndlovu identified the man as Francis Gano, saying he had been misleading congregants by preaching and carrying out religious activities while falsely claiming to be an ordained minister. The warning, contained in an official pastoral statement issued by the Archdiocese of Harare, comes amid growing concerns over religious impersonation and fraudulent ministry in Zimbabwe. "I wish to inform you of a serious situation regarding Mr Francis Gano, who has been falsely presenting himself as a Catholic priest or Franciscan deacon within various parishes and communities," Archbishop Ndlovu said. According to the Archbishop, Gano had been "preaching and acting as if he were an ordained minister of the Catholic Church," despite having no ecclesiastical authority to do so. Archbishop Ndlovu stressed that Gano has never been ordained as either a priest or deacon in the Roman Catholic Church. "To clarify, Mr Gano is not, and has never been, a Catholic priest or deacon. He lacks any ordination or formation from recognised Catholic institutions and, therefore, has no authority to preach, celebrate sacraments, or perform any ministry," he said. The Archbishop also noted that Gano is married, underscoring that he does not meet the Latin Rite Catholic Church's discipline governing priestly ordination. While married permanent deacons exist in the Catholic Church, they must undergo formal formation and receive valid ordination from a bishop before exercising ministry. Priests in the Latin Rite are ordinarily celibate. The Church emphasised that Gano has received no such ordination or mandate. The Archdiocese has directed all priests, parish councils, religious congregations and lay leaders not to permit Gano to participate in any liturgical or pastoral activities. Archbishop Ndlovu instructed Catholics not to recognise him as a priest, deacon or authorised Church minister and urged parish leaders to verify the credentials of anyone claiming to represent the Catholic Church before allowing them to minister. Canon law requires Catholic clergy to receive valid ordination and faculties from the competent ecclesiastical authority before administering sacraments or exercising public ministry, making unauthorised ministry a serious matter for the Church. The Archbishop appealed to Catholics across Zimbabwe to remain alert against religious deception. "Together, we can protect our community from deception and uphold the integrity of our Church," he said. Church officials encouraged parishioners to report any individual falsely claiming to represent the Catholic Church to parish priests or diocesan authorities. The incident has renewed calls for worshippers to verify the identity and credentials of religious leaders, particularly as cases of clergy impersonation and religious fraud continue to surface across Zimbabwe. Catholic Church Zimbabwe fake priest

EMA teams are leading clean-up operations after a truck transporting Liquid Aluminium Sulphate overturned near Mazowe, spilling an estimated 5,000 litres of the chemical. By Southerton Business Times | MAZOWE The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has confirmed a hazardous chemical spill following a road traffic accident involving a truck transporting Liquid Aluminium Sulphate along the Harare–Bindura Highway, with authorities urging the public to stay away from the affected area. The accident occurred at around 5:30 am on 23 July 2026 near the 42km peg in Mazowe District, resulting in the spillage of an estimated 5,000 litres of the industrial chemical. In a public notice issued on 24 July, EMA said emergency response teams were immediately deployed to contain the spill and minimise its environmental impact. "Emergency response operations are currently underway, being led by EMA to contain and recover the spilled material," the agency said. According to EMA, approximately 2,000 litres of the chemical have been recovered from the accident scene, while the remaining 3,000 litres was absorbed into the roadside soil. "Approximately 2,000 litres of the spilled chemical were subsequently recovered, while the remainder was absorbed into the roadside soil," EMA said. The agency said environmental remediation work will continue, including the excavation and safe disposal or treatment of contaminated soil to reduce the risk of pollution. EMA has advised motorists, nearby residents and farmers to exercise extreme caution while clean-up operations continue. The agency warned members of the public not to enter the barricaded area or come into contact with contaminated soil or any residual liquid. Parents have also been urged to keep children away from the site, while livestock owners have been advised not to allow animals to graze near the affected area. Motorists travelling along the Harare–Bindura Highway have been encouraged to follow instructions from emergency personnel managing traffic around the accident scene. Liquid Aluminium Sulphate is commonly used in municipal water treatment, wastewater purification, paper manufacturing and other industrial processes. It acts as a coagulant, helping remove suspended particles from water. Although it is not classified as highly flammable, direct exposure can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory system, while large spills may alter soil and water chemistry if not properly contained. Environmental experts generally recommend immediate containment and remediation to prevent contamination of nearby watercourses and ecosystems. EMA said it will continue monitoring the clean-up operation until the site has been rehabilitated and restored as far as possible to its original condition. Harare Bindura chemical spill

Authorities are investigating an unregistered private school in Mutare following allegations of sexual abuse involving learners. By Southerton Business Times | MUTARE Police have launched a manhunt for a private school principal in Mutare who is accused of sexually abusing 14 female learners at an unregistered secondary school operating in the city's low-density suburb of Murambi. The suspect, Amos Nyashanu, is the principal and owner of New Wonderland Academy, which investigators say had been operating without registration from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. The allegations have intensified concerns over learner safety in Manicaland Province, following separate cases of alleged sexual abuse involving school authorities at St David's Bonda Girls' High School in Mutasa District and Claremont High School in Nyanga District. In those cases, the alleged suspects are also reportedly evading arrest. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has dispatched an investigation team to examine the allegations and assess the school's legal status and operating conditions. According to an inspection report compiled by ministry officials and law enforcement officers, education authorities were unaware that the school existed until police sought information during investigations into the alleged abuse. "Following a visit by Assistant Inspector Mabvungautsi seeking information on New Wonderland Academy, whose principal was said to have sexually abused learners at the school, the district, which was previously unaware of the school's existence, visited the institution together with CID officers and members of the Victim Friendly Unit," part of the report states. The inspection established that New Wonderland Academy had an enrolment of 70 learners, comprising 37 girls and 33 boys. Officials found that the institution employed four permanent teachers, only two of whom were professionally qualified, as well as three part-time female teachers. Investigators also confirmed that the school was not registered with the Ministry and had been illegally offering the Heritage-Based Curriculum from Form One to Form Six. The inspection further revealed concerns over the school's infrastructure, including overcrowded classrooms, inadequate sanitation facilities and substandard learning conditions. Following the inspection, officials recommended a full investigation into the school's administration, learner welfare, governance and compliance with education regulations. Police investigations into the sexual abuse allegations are continuing, while authorities are working to locate Nyashanu. The Ministry has not yet indicated what measures will be taken regarding the future of the school or the welfare of affected learners. Southerton Business Times has withheld additional details that could identify or further traumatise the alleged child victims. The allegations remain before investigators, and the suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Mutare school principal sexual abuse

Hong Wang and Yu Deng have become the first Chinese mathematicians to receive the prestigious Fields Medal. By Southerton Business Times | INTERNATIONAL Two Chinese mathematicians have made history by becoming the first Chinese recipients of the Fields Medal, widely regarded as the world's most prestigious award in mathematics and often described as the mathematics equivalent of the Nobel Prize. Hong Wang and Yu Deng were among four winners announced at the International Congress of Mathematicians in the United States on Thursday. They shared the honour with John Pardon of the United States and Jacob Tsimerman of Canada. Each laureate received a prize of C$15,000 (about US$10,500). The announcement was widely celebrated across China, where the achievement quickly became a trending topic on social media, with millions of users praising the breakthrough for Chinese mathematics. Hong Wang, 35, who teaches in the United States and France, became only the third woman in history to receive the Fields Medal. She was recognised, alongside collaborator Josh Zahl, for groundbreaking work on the Kakeya Conjecture, a mathematical problem first posed by Japanese mathematician Soichi Kakeya in 1917. The conjecture explores the smallest possible space required to rotate an object, such as a needle or pencil, through 360 degrees. Wang and Zahl extended the problem into three-dimensional space, producing a major breakthrough that has implications for harmonic analysis, geometry and signal processing. Speaking to AFP, Wang said: "If this conjecture fascinates people so much, it is because this kind of phenomenon shows up naturally in problems from very different fields." Yu Deng, 37, a professor at the University of Chicago, received the award for solving key aspects of Hilbert's Sixth Problem, one of the famous mathematical challenges proposed by German mathematician David Hilbert in 1900. His research established new mathematical links between the microscopic behaviour of particles and the macroscopic behaviour of gases, advancing understanding in statistical physics and kinetic theory. "It is a really great honour to have my name listed after all those great mathematicians I've always been admiring," Deng said after receiving the award. The achievement has been hailed as a milestone for China's mathematical community. Shing-Tung Yau, the first ethnic Chinese mathematician to win a Fields Medal, described the recognition as the fulfilment of a long-held ambition. "For the Chinese mathematics community, this is a dream we have been hoping to realise for decades," Yau said. The Fields Medal is awarded every four years to mathematicians under the age of 40 whose work has made outstanding contributions to the field. The 2026 awards come at a time when advances in artificial intelligence are transforming scientific research, highlighting the continuing importance of fundamental mathematical discoveries in driving innovation across science and technology. Chinese mathematicians Fields Medal

Cabinet ministers Edgar Moyo and Frederick Shava repaid unauthorised borrowings from welfare funds after contempt proceedings were instituted. By Southerton Business Times | HARARE Two Cabinet ministers have avoided possible imprisonment after repaying more than ZiG208,699 they had borrowed from government welfare and training funds without Treasury approval, nearly two years after the High Court ordered them to reimburse the money. Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo and Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Frederick Shava repaid the funds in June 2026 after contempt of court proceedings were initiated against them. According to the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), the ministers' compliance led the High Court to remove the contempt application from the court roll, effectively sparing them from possible 90-day jail terms. The case stems from an application filed on 24 September 2024 by former St Mary's legislator Marvelous Kumalo, who was represented by ZLHR lawyers Sherrif Takaendesa and Tonderai Bhatasara. Kumalo challenged the ministers' decision to borrow money between 2019 and 2023 from statutory welfare and skills development funds without obtaining prior approval from the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, as required under the Public Finance Management (Treasury Instructions), 2019. The borrowings were highlighted in the Auditor-General's 2023 Report, which raised concerns about compliance with public finance laws and accountability. Kumalo argued that the unauthorised loans violated Section 298(1)(a) of the Constitution, which requires transparency, accountability and sound financial management in the use of public funds. The funds affected included: Sustainable Livelihoods Fund Child Welfare Fund Older Persons Fund Industrial Training and Trade Testing Fund Skilled Manpower Trade Testing and Certification Fund These funds were established to support vulnerable children, older persons, livelihoods and skills development programmes. On 18 October 2024, Justice Gladys Mhuri ordered the ministers to repay a combined ZiG206,370,840 (converted from Zimbabwe dollars under the new currency framework) within 90 days and to obtain Treasury condonation for the unauthorised borrowing within 60 days. After failing to comply with the court order for 19 months, Kumalo returned to court on 26 May 2026, seeking to have both ministers declared in contempt of court and sentenced to 90 days' imprisonment. According to ZLHR, the ministers subsequently reimbursed the funds in June. Minister Moyo repaid ZiG207,848, while Minister Shava reimbursed ZiG851.96. Both also sought Treasury approval after the fact. On 15 July 2026, Justice Custom Kachambwa struck the contempt application off the roll after noting that the ministers had complied with the earlier court order. The ruling means the ministers avoided possible imprisonment, although the case has renewed debate over financial accountability and compliance with Zimbabwe's public finance laws. Zimbabwe ministers welfare funds

By Southerton Business Times | HARARE Zimbabwean rapper Stunner and businesswoman Olinda Chapel have once again ignited speculation that they have remarried after the musician shared a cryptic social media post showing the pair outside what appeared to be court buildings. The Instagram post, shared in July 2026, quickly went viral, with fans interpreting it as a sign that the former couple had officially tied the knot again. However, neither Stunner nor Olinda has publicly confirmed that they have legally remarried. Posting a photograph of himself and Olinda standing outside what appeared to be a courthouse, Stunner accompanied the image with a caption that left followers guessing. "Unozodei kana waisa chidhidho kuma court kuti ndiye wangu? Murudo murudo." Translated into English, the caption reads: "What more do you want when you put it in writing at the court that this one is mine? Deeply in love." The wording immediately prompted speculation that the pair had formalised their relationship through a civil marriage or another legal process. Despite the widespread assumptions, the couple has not disclosed the purpose of their visit to the court or confirmed any wedding ceremony. Within hours, the post attracted thousands of reactions, with many followers offering congratulations while others joked about the couple's well-publicised relationship journey. Among the comments were: "Keep her safe, protect her, love her to eternity." Another fan wrote: "Love is lovely!" Others simply posted: "Congratulations." "They were meant to be." One follower humorously remarked: "How many times do you guys get married? Asking for my neighbour." The latest development comes almost a year after Stunner and Olinda rekindled romance rumours during Zimfest 2025 in the United Kingdom. Videos shared on social media showed the pair dancing together and appearing comfortable in each other's company, prompting renewed speculation that they had reunited after years apart. The couple's relationship has remained one of Zimbabwe's most closely followed celebrity romances since their highly publicised separation in 2017. Since then, both have been linked to other relationships before reconnecting in recent months. While the latest court photo has convinced many fans that wedding bells have rung once again, there has been no official confirmation from either Stunner or Olinda. Until the couple publicly clarifies the nature of their court visit, the speculation surrounding their relationship is likely to continue. Stunner and Olinda remarried

The City of Harare has apologised and launched an investigation after a woman's vehicle was clamped during her child's reported medical emergency. By Southerton Business Times | HARARE The City of Harare has apologised after a woman's vehicle was clamped while she was rushing her sick five-year-old son to hospital in the capital's central business district (CBD), prompting public outrage and an internal investigation into the conduct of parking enforcement officers. The incident, which went viral on social media on Thursday, has reignited debate over how municipal authorities should respond to motorists facing genuine medical emergencies. In a statement, City of Harare Head of Corporate Communications Stanley Gama confirmed that Mayor Jacob Mafume and senior council officials had personally engaged the affected mother and ordered the clamp to be removed. "The City of Harare has issued a statement on the unfortunate incident in which a woman was clamped in the CBD while trying to rush to hospital with her sick baby. Both Mayor Jacob Mafume and myself have spoken to the woman and apologised for what happened," Gama said. The local authority said the mother was able to continue to hospital after senior officials intervened. "When the issue came to the attention of senior officials, they promptly ordered the clamp to be removed and she proceeded to take the baby to hospital." Council expressed regret over the incident and said emergency situations should always be prioritised over parking enforcement. "We sincerely apologise for the trauma caused to the mother, her family and all residents of Harare. The City of Harare has engaged our company, City Parking, and the woman with a view of gathering full facts." It added: "The City of Harare wishes to clarify that in all emergency situations, we assist the motorist first before clamping or issuing tickets. We are investigating the case and appropriate measures will be taken." Mayor Mafume also confirmed that he had spoken directly with the mother, who told him that her son was receiving treatment. According to social media platform Crime Watch Zimbabwe, the woman had stopped her vehicle in the CBD after her five-year-old son suffered a medical emergency and required emergency oxygen. She alleged that despite explaining the situation to parking marshals, her vehicle was clamped and she was asked to pay parking fees and a penalty before it could be released. Responding on social media, Mafume wrote: "The issue was dealt with immediately it came to our attention. The young king should be okay and we wish him a speedy recovery. Those that need retraining will be sent." When users argued that retraining alone was insufficient, the mayor responded that disciplinary action permitted by law would also be considered. The incident triggered hundreds of reactions online, with many Zimbabweans sharing similar experiences involving parking enforcement officers and calling for greater compassion when dealing with medical emergencies. The City of Harare said investigations involving City Parking and the affected motorist are continuing, with findings expected to guide any disciplinary action against those responsible. Harare City Council car clamping

Highlanders FC is awaiting an official police report following a fatal road accident involving senior club executives. By Southerton Business Times Reporter | BULAWAYO Zimbabwean football has been rocked by reports that three senior Highlanders FC executives died in a road traffic accident on the Bulawayo-Harare Road while returning from the club's Castle Lager Premier Soccer League fixture against Kariba. The deceased have been identified as Executive Chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, Vice Chairman Fiso Siziba, and Treasurer Nkani Khoza. According to preliminary information, the vehicle carrying the three club officials was involved in a multiple-vehicle collision near Lochard. Early reports indicate the crash involved several vehicles and a cow. A woman who had reportedly been offered a lift also died in the accident. The circumstances surrounding the crash have not yet been officially confirmed by police. Speaking after the reports emerged, Highlanders Board Chairman Luke Mnkandla said the club was awaiting a full briefing from the Zimbabwe Republic Police before issuing a comprehensive statement. "We are still waiting for the official police report before we can comment fully on the incident," Mnkandla said. He added that the club would issue a formal statement once all the facts had been established. If confirmed by the relevant authorities, the deaths represent one of the most tragic moments in Highlanders FC's history. Mhlophe, Siziba and Khoza formed part of the club's executive leadership and were responsible for overseeing the administration and strategic direction of one of Zimbabwe's most successful football clubs. Their reported deaths would leave a significant leadership vacuum at Highlanders, popularly known as Bosso, at a time when the club has been working to strengthen its financial and sporting position. Supporters, former players and members of Zimbabwe's football fraternity have begun expressing condolences on social media as news of the accident spread. The tragedy has also prompted calls from sections of the football community for the Premier Soccer League (PSL) to consider postponing Highlanders' next fixture against Chicken Inn to allow the club, players and supporters time to mourn. However, no official announcement has been made by the PSL regarding any changes to the league programme. Police are expected to release further details once investigations into the cause of the crash have been completed. This is a developing story. Southerton Business Times will update this article as official information becomes available from the Zimbabwe Republic Police and Highlanders FC. Highlanders FC road accident