The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has directed schools across Zimbabwe to immediately readmit pregnant learners and victims of child marriage as part of efforts to reduce school dropouts and promote inclusive education. Speaking during a Question-and-Answer session in the National Assembly, Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Angeline Gata said schools are now required to implement a zero-exclusion policy to ensure no child is denied access to education because of pregnancy or marriage. The directive is contained in Circular Number 18 of 2024, which compels schools to create safe, accessible and supportive learning environments for all learners, including teenage mothers and married pupils. “The Ministry’s policy is clear that schools must remain open, accessible, and friendly environments for all children, including those who become pregnant or marry while enrolled,” Gata told Parliament. The Government says the policy is aimed at protecting vulnerable girls whose education is often interrupted by early pregnancies and illegal child marriages, which remain a major challenge in some communities across Zimbabwe. According to UNICEF, teenage pregnancies and child marriages continue to contribute significantly to school dropout rates among girls in sub-Saharan Africa. Rights groups have long argued that excluding pregnant learners worsens poverty, inequality and social marginalisation. Education experts welcomed the move, saying it aligns Zimbabwe with regional and international commitments on children’s rights and access to education. Harare-based education policy analyst Rejoice Ngwenya said allowing pregnant learners to return to school could help break cycles of poverty and dependency. “When girls are denied education because of pregnancy, society loses future professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders. Reintegrating them into schools is both a social and economic necessity,” she said in comments to local media. Under the new policy framework, schools have also been instructed to introduce flexible learning conditions for nursing teenage mothers. Deputy Minister Gata said schools should accommodate young mothers by allowing arrangements that enable them to breastfeed and care for their babies while continuing with their studies. Government officials believe the initiative will reduce the number of girls abandoning school due to childcare responsibilities and social stigma. To support implementation, school Guidance and Counselling Committees have been tasked with conducting regular counselling sessions for affected learners and other pupils. Authorities say the counselling programme is intended to protect pregnant learners and teenage mothers from discrimination, bullying and harmful stereotypes within schools. Child rights activists have previously raised concerns that many pregnant girls in Zimbabwe quietly leave school due to fear of humiliation, community pressure, and restrictive school practices. The Government says the latest measures form part of broader efforts to safeguard every child’s constitutional right to education while promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities in Zimbabwe’s education system. Zimbabwe schools

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has condemned violent attacks reportedly targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, warning that the incidents threaten constitutional values and social cohesion. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commission said it was “deeply alarmed” by reports and circulating videos showing attacks allegedly linked to anti-immigrant tensions, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal. The rights body urged communities to remain calm and warned against vigilantism, hate speech and mob justice. “The Commission reaffirms that members of the public may raise grievances and protest, but such actions must remain peaceful and lawful,” the SAHRC said. “Violence, intimidation, hate speech, looting, and property destruction are unacceptable and constitute serious human-rights violations and criminal conduct.” The Commission called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Minister of Police to intervene swiftly to contain the violence in KwaZulu-Natal and prevent similar incidents from spreading to other provinces. The statement comes amid renewed debate in South Africa over illegal migration, unemployment and crime, issues that have increasingly fueled tensions between local communities and foreign nationals. According to the SAHRC, criminal acts allegedly committed by some non-nationals should not be used to justify attacks on entire communities. “Anyone with knowledge of a criminal act, whether committed by a South African or a non-national, should report it to the South African Police Service for investigation,” the Commission said. “Taking the law into one’s own hands may lead to attacks on people, exacerbate disharmony, and defeat the ends of justice.” Videos circulating on social media this week appeared to show groups of people attacking shops and individuals believed to be foreign nationals. Community activists in KwaZulu-Natal have also raised concerns over growing tensions in several townships. Political analyst Dr Ongama Mtimka told local broadcasters that economic hardship and unemployment were contributing to social frustration, but warned that violence against migrants could worsen instability. “South Africa’s socio-economic challenges cannot be resolved through xenophobic violence. Sustainable solutions require effective governance, economic reform and proper law enforcement,” he said in commentary carried by regional media outlets. Human-rights organisations including Amnesty International have previously warned that xenophobic violence in South Africa damages the country’s international image and undermines constitutional protections for all residents. The SAHRC also called on community leaders, civil society organisations and residents to promote dialogue, tolerance and peaceful conflict resolution. It acknowledged ongoing public concerns over porous borders, illegal migration, hijacked buildings, human trafficking and gender-based violence, but stressed that such issues must be addressed through lawful channels and government institutions. “Non-nationals, like South Africans, have a duty to abide by the laws and regulations of the country,” the Commission said. “Anyone alleged to have committed a crime, irrespective of nationality, should be subject to the rule of law, with arrest and trial in a court of law.” The Commission added that South Africa’s democracy depends on protecting the rights and dignity of everyone living in the country, regardless of nationality. SAHRC South Africa News, SAHRC, Xenophobia, KwaZulu-Natal, Foreign Nationals, SAPS, Human Rights, African News, Immigration, Breaking News

MUTARE — A wave of fear has gripped the high-density suburb of Dangamvura in Mutare as a hooded, machete-wielding assailant continues to terrorize residents, explicitly targeting unaccompanied women during the night. The serial attacker's calculated ambushes have sparked widespread panic amid a disturbing rise in reports of physical and sexual assaults in the area. The urgency of the threat was highlighted on Tuesday night when a woman was ambushed near the Dangamvura Clinic. The attacker, wielding a machete, hacked at the victim, leaving her with a deep, severe cut to her middle finger before robbing her of her mobile phone. She narrowly escaped further harm when a passing vehicle turned a corner, illuminating the crime scene. Startled by the sudden headlights, the suspect fled into the darkness, allowing the injured woman to seek emergency assistance. Local law enforcement has intensified efforts to track down the suspect, believed to be an adult male operating solo. When reached for comment, acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka deferred specific operational inquiries to national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, who was traveling on official state duties in Mvurwi. In response to the escalating crisis, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) conducted an emergency crime awareness campaign throughout Dangamvura last week. Authorities have issued a strict advisory to the public: Avoid Night Travel: Residents are strongly discouraged from walking alone after dusk. Utilize Well-Lit Paths: Pedestrians should avoid dark alleys, open fields, and secluded pathways near public clinics and shopping centers. Community Policing: Neighborhoods are urged to form coordinated walking groups and report any suspicious, hooded individuals loitering in residential sectors. Dangamvura machete attacker Mutare Mutare, Dangamvura, ZRP, Machete Gangs, Manicaland Crime, Public Safety, Violence Against Women, Zimbabwe News.

Former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa has publicly accused controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo of abusing his alleged proximity to President Emmerson Mnangagwa following the arrest of Chivayo’s ex-wife, Sonja Madzikanda, and her mother, Tabitha Madzikanda. The high-profile arrests have sparked intense debate on social media, with critics questioning whether Zimbabwe’s law enforcement agencies are being drawn into personal disputes involving politically connected individuals. In a strongly worded statement posted on X, Mliswa accused Chivayo, whom he referred to as “Moyo,” of undermining the dignity of the Presidency through what he called “blatant disregard for decorum.” “We remain resolute in our commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of the Office of the President from those who seek to diminish its stature,” Mliswa wrote. “Moyo, in particular, is ill-suited to accuse others of undermining the President, given that his own conduct has culpably contributed to this erosion.” Mliswa further alleged that some individuals close to power were misusing state institutions, particularly the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), to settle personal scores. “The baseless charges you have levelled against Sonja and her mother reflect a reprehensible misuse of authority by the police led by Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba,” Mliswa said. “The ZRP should refrain from being employed as a personal weapon.” The outspoken politician warned that perceptions of selective justice were damaging public confidence in the government and creating the impression that powerful individuals enjoy protection while ordinary citizens suffer. The controversy erupted after police confirmed the arrest of Sonja and Tabitha Madzikanda over allegations linked to fraud, cybercrime and the handling of a trust account reportedly established for Chivayo’s children. According to court reports, Tabitha Madzikanda, a senior executive at FBC Bank, is accused of attempting to alter signatories on a US$1.4 million trust account allegedly connected to Chivayo’s children. Sonja Madzikanda reportedly spent two nights in police custody before appearing at the Harare Magistrates' Court alongside her mother on Wednesday. Their lawyer, Rungano Mahuni, said the pair were facing charges that include unauthorised distribution of content and allegations linked to undermining the authority of the President. Outside court, Sonja briefly addressed journalists and supporters, saying: “It’s okay, I am okay.” Legal analysts contacted by local media warned that the growing public fallout between Chivayo and his former wife risks eroding trust in Zimbabwe’s justice system if the matter is perceived as politically influenced. Online reactions across Zimbabwean social media platforms also reflected concern over the apparent intersection of politics, business and policing. The arrests come amid an ongoing and highly publicised divorce and custody battle between Chivayo and Sonja Madzikanda, which has already spilled into South African courts over asset disputes and maintenance claims. Temba Mliswa Zimbabwe News, Temba Mliswa, Wicknell Chivayo, Sonja Madzikanda, Harare Courts, Zimbabwe Politics, ZRP, Emmerson Mnangagwa, FBC Bank, Breaking News

HARARE — Sonja Louise Madzikanda, the ex-wife of flamboyant businessman Wicknell Chivayo, and her mother, Tabitha Madzikanda, appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court yesterday facing allegations of violating the country’s data protection and cyber laws. The mother-daughter duo appeared before Harare Magistrate Ms. Nyaradzo Manokore, marking the latest chapter in a series of highly publicized legal and personal disputes following the breakdown of Sonja’s high-profile marriage to the tenderpreneur. Representing the accused, prominent defense lawyer Mr. Rungano Mahuni stated that both clients are vehemently denying the charges being leveled against them by the state. During the initial appearance, Mr. Mahuni submitted an application for bail, arguing that the state lacked compelling reasons to keep his clients in custody pending trial. The defense emphasized that both women are law-abiding citizens who pose no flight risk and are fully prepared to clear their names in court. After listening to arguments from both the state and the defense, Magistrate Manokore deferred the matter to today, May 21, 2026, for the formal bail ruling. The magistrate noted that the brief postponement was necessary to allow the court time to thoroughly examine the submissions and deliver an informed decision. While the specific details of the alleged cyber contravention were not fully read out in the initial open court session, the case comes under the Cyber and Data Protection Act, which heavily penalizes data breaches, online harassment, transmission of intimate images without consent, and the distribution of data that threatens individual privacy. The Southerton Business Times will continue to track the court proceedings as the bail determination is delivered. Sonja Madzikanda cyber court case Sonja Madzikanda, Wicknell Chivayo, Harare Magistrates Court, Cyber Law, Zimbabwe Data Protection, Nyaradzo Manokore, Rungano Mahuni, Court News.

Former Warriors Defender Onismor Bhasera MUTARE – Former Zimbabwe national football team defender Onismor Bhasera reportedly lost US$12,000 hidden inside tennis shoes and a cash box after suspected thieves allegedly gained access to his home in Mutare over the weekend. The South Africa-based footballer was reportedly out of the country at the time of the incident, while his wife and daughter had travelled to South Africa to visit him. Two suspects connected to the case have since been arrested after they were allegedly discovered inside the house sleeping in Bhasera’s bedroom together with two women. Sources close to the investigations said US$10,000 had allegedly been concealed inside a pair of tennis shoes stored in a wardrobe, while another US$2,000 was reportedly kept inside a cash box hidden behind a television set. The suspected theft was only discovered after a relative assigned to monitor the property during the family’s absence visited the house. According to reports, Bhasera’s wife, Siphathisiwe, left Mutare on May 14 to travel to South Africa, where the former Warriors player is currently based. A relative identified as Panashe Murahwa had reportedly been tasked with conducting routine checks at the residence while the family was away. When Murahwa arrived at the property on May 16, he allegedly found two men identified as Nyasha Chikadzakuwanani and Prosper Chiruka inside the house. The suspects were reportedly sleeping in the couple’s bedroom and were accompanied by two women at the time. After contacting Bhasera’s wife, Murahwa was allegedly instructed to remove the occupants from the property and recover the house keys. He was also reportedly asked to verify whether the money hidden inside the house was still there. However, both the cash allegedly hidden in the tennis shoes and the money stored inside the cash box were found missing. The case was subsequently reported to police, leading to the arrest of the two suspects. Investigations reportedly established that one of the suspects may have gained access to the house keys through Bhasera’s daughter, although police are still investigating the exact circumstances surrounding how the keys were obtained. The stolen cash had not yet been recovered by the time of publication. Acting Manicaland police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka referred all media inquiries to national police spokesperson Paul Nyathi, who could not immediately be reached for comment. The case has once again highlighted growing concerns over residential security and insider-linked theft cases targeting high-profile individuals in Zimbabwe. Onismor Bhasera Zimbabwe News, Onismor Bhasera, Warriors, Football News, Crime News, Mutare, ZRP, Zimbabwe Football, Breaking News, South Africa

Zimbabwean-born Mayor of Medway Douglas Hamandishe LONDON – Zimbabwean-born Douglas Kudakwashe Hamandishe has been elected Mayor of Medway, marking a significant milestone for the Zimbabwean diaspora community in the United Kingdom. Hamandishe, a British politician, mental health nurse, digital transformation consultant and author, was officially elected mayor on 13 May 2026. He represents the Gillingham North ward as a Labour and Co-operative Party councillor. His appointment makes him the ceremonial First Citizen of Medway, where he will chair Full Council meetings and represent the unitary authority at official civic engagements throughout the 2026/27 municipal year. Born in Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, during the Second Chimurenga liberation war, Hamandishe moved to the United Kingdom as a child refugee after his father relocated to Britain in 1977. He grew up in Thornton Heath, south London, alongside his three sisters after the family settled in the UK. In several public reflections, Hamandishe has spoken openly about the family’s difficult early years in Britain, including relying on charity shops and donated clothing while adapting to life as refugees. During his mayoral acceptance speech, he described his journey from refugee child to mayor as evidence of resilience, opportunity, and community support. Hamandishe studied computer-aided engineering at London South Bank University before later retraining as a mental health nurse, qualifying in 2003. He has worked in the UK’s National Health Service for more than two decades while also building a career in healthcare technology and digital transformation. Through his company, BrandMii, Hamandishe has led digital transformation and healthcare IT projects involving the NHS and private sector software firms. His work has focused on integrating technology into healthcare systems, particularly around digital medical records and patient-centred care. Beyond politics and healthcare, Hamandishe is also an author and motivational speaker. In 2025, he published The AI Leverage: Building Purpose, Resilience and Success, a book examining artificial intelligence, personal growth and navigating technological disruption. He previously authored The 140 Rule, a goal-setting and personal development guide. Since 2019, he has hosted The Mic Drop Club podcast, featuring conversations with guests from sports, business, leadership, and mental health sectors. Hamandishe entered local government in 2023 after being elected to Medway Council as a Labour and Co-operative Party councillor for Gillingham North. He later served as Deputy Mayor between 2024 and 2025 before securing election as Mayor in May this year. Political analysts say his rise reflects the growing influence of immigrant and diaspora communities within British local government structures. As mayor, Hamandishe has selected several local charities for support, including the Wisdom Hospice, Chatham Royal Marine Cadets, The Legend on the Bench, and the Sunlight Development Trust. He also chairs the Gillingham Green PACT community forum, which works with Kent Police and local authorities on neighbourhood concerns. Hamandishe has two daughters, Armaris and O’nai, who serve as his consorts during civic functions, while his fiancée Victoria Slater acts as Mayoress. Douglas Hamandishe Zimbabwe News, UK Politics, Douglas Hamandishe, Medway Council, Zimbabwean Diaspora, Labour Party, Kent England, African Leaders Abroad, Mental Health, Digital Transformation

HARARE – Zimbabwean businessman Agrippa Masiyakurima has publicly claimed responsibility for leaking photographs and videos involving controversial tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo, material now at the centre of a growing political and legal storm linked to Chivayo’s ex-wife Sonja Madzikanda and former mother-in-law Tabitha Madzikanda. The leaked images and videos allegedly show Chivayo meeting Cyril Ramaphosa before the South African president’s recent visit to Zimbabwe, potentially contradicting earlier claims from the South African presidency that Ramaphosa did not previously know Chivayo. In a strongly worded public statement circulating on social media, Masiyakurima accused Chivayo of attempting to weaponise state institutions and police connections against members of the Madzikanda family amid an escalating fallout involving custody disputes, fraud allegations and politically sensitive leaked material. “About the photos and videos you’re accusing them about, you have a tendency of sending pictures and videos to different people. I found these in my late brother’s phone and his laptop. I’m the one who leaked them,” Masiyakurima said. The businessman also defended Stephen Mutamba, insisting the Zimbabwe Republic Police would not allow itself to be manipulated for personal vendettas or political interests. “Zimbabwe Republic Police under the leadership of CGP Mutamba is not a feja feja organisation which you can pay your way around trying to manipulate people,” Masiyakurima said. The latest claims add another dramatic twist to a controversy that has already attracted regional attention following the arrest of Sonja Madzikanda and her mother, Tabitha, earlier this week. According to lawyer Rungano Mahuni, police indicated that the pair could face allegations linked to the “unauthorised distribution of content” and “undermining the authority of the president.” However, formal charges had not yet been fully clarified. Police sources also alleged that Tabitha Madzikanda, an executive at FBC Bank, was under investigation over claims involving a children’s trust account connected to Chivayo. The controversy intensified after images purportedly showing Chivayo and Ramaphosa together in an earlier private meeting surfaced online. The South African presidency had previously maintained that Ramaphosa met Chivayo for the first time during his recent visit to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s farm in Kwekwe. Political analysts say the saga risks creating diplomatic embarrassment for Pretoria if evidence emerges contradicting official statements issued by Ramaphosa’s office. The dispute has also reignited debate around the influence of politically connected businessmen in Southern African politics, with social media users questioning the relationship between political elites, state contracts and wealthy entrepreneurs. Neither Chivayo nor the South African presidency had issued fresh public comments on Masiyakurima’s latest claims by the time of publication. Follow the link below to view Agrippa's post on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DoHWzGY6S/ Wicknell Chivayo leaked videos Zimbabwe News, Wicknell Chivayo, Cyril Ramaphosa, Sonja Madzikanda, Agrippa Masiyakurima, South Africa Politics, Zimbabwe Politics, Breaking News, ZRP, Emmerson Mnangagwa

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the arrest of a 29-year-old Gokwe man in connection with robbery and unlawful entry cases linked to violent attacks and theft incidents that occurred in late 2025 and early 2026. According to a police press statement issued on 19 May 2026, Bruce Dzungu of Zharare Village near Kamhororo Shops under Chief Nemangwe in Gokwe was arrested following investigations into two separate criminal incidents in the Midlands Province. Police said Dzungu allegedly worked together with Handson Mapurisa (32), who is currently serving a prison sentence at Gokwe Prison, as well as two suspects identified only as Thulani Ndebele and Aaron, who remain at large. The first incident reportedly occurred on 30 November 2025 at Dzingai Village under Chief Nemangwe in Gokwe. Police allege that the suspects forcibly opened a complainant’s door before attacking the victim with logs and sjamboks, leaving him unconscious. The gang allegedly ransacked the house and stole two Samsung cellphones, solar panels, and several other valuables before fleeing the scene. The violent robbery case in Gokwe forms part of growing concerns over rural armed robberies and unlawful entry crimes affecting communities across Zimbabwe. In a second case that occurred on 22 February 2026 in Mapfungautsi Location, Gokwe, the suspects allegedly took advantage of the homeowner’s absence. According to investigators, the accused searched around the property and discovered house keys hidden beneath a doormat. They allegedly used the keys to gain entry into the house before stealing ZAR10,000, US$3,265, and additional valuables. Police investigations later led to the arrest of Handson Mapurisa, who was found in possession of a Samsung A04 cellphone believed to have been stolen during one of the robberies. Mapurisa reportedly implicated Bruce Dzungu during questioning, resulting in Dzungu’s arrest. The ZRP has since launched a manhunt for the two remaining suspects, Thulani Ndebele and Aaron, whose full identity details remain unknown. Police are urging members of the public with information that may assist in locating the suspects to report to their nearest police station. Detective Inspector Muteweri R, the Provincial Community Relations Liaison Officer for the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), said investigations are continuing. The latest arrests come as Zimbabwe police intensify efforts to combat violent robbery syndicates operating in both urban and rural communities. Gokwe robbery case Zimbabwe Crime, ZRP, Gokwe, Robbery, CID, Midlands Province, Theft, Crime News, Police Investigation, Breaking News

HARARE — In Chitungwiza, 16-year-old Tatenda (not her real name) slowly recovered after surviving a harrowing, life-threatening ordeal that nearly cost her life. Too afraid to seek help and with nowhere safe to turn, she resorted to an unsafe abortion carried out in secrecy, an experience that left her in severe pain and fighting for survival. In her own words, she was lucky to survive. “I saw my life flash before my eyes, as they say. But I had to keep it a secret because I was at the mercy of my uncle, who took me in when my parents died. Any ‘mischief,’ I might have found myself homeless because who would take me in again? My boyfriend was long gone.” Community health workers and sexual reproductive health advocates in Zimbabwe say her situation is by no means isolated. For “Precious,” the nightmare began at age 13. She did not even realise she was pregnant until older girls noticed her changing body while bathing. Terrified and uninformed about safe abortion options in Zimbabwe, she followed dangerous advice on how to terminate a pregnancy by ingesting ballpoint pen ink and a local plant believed to induce abortion. According to her, it worked, but not without a painful ordeal. “It was really painful, but I could not tell my parents,” she recalls. “They did not know why I was so sick... but even now, that pain haunts me.” Zimbabwe’s Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1977 remains one of the most restrictive abortion laws in Africa. Abortion in Zimbabwe is only legal if the mother’s life is in danger, there is risk of severe fetal impairment, or the pregnancy resulted from rape or incest. However, even women who legally qualify face major administrative hurdles. The law requires written authorisation from a hospital superintendent, certification from two independent medical practitioners and, in rape cases, authorisation from a magistrate. Recent attempts to reform Zimbabwe's abortion laws through Clause 11 of the Medical Services Amendment Bill were removed following political and social pressure. The clause proposed allowing terminations on request up to 20 weeks, permitting minors to access abortion services without parental consent, removing spouse notification requirements, and allowing approval by a single medical practitioner. The gap between law and reality continues to cost lives. Globally, six in 10 unintended pregnancies end in abortion. In Zimbabwe, an estimated 65,300 induced abortions occur annually, translating to 17 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age. According to the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS 2023-2024), Zimbabwe’s maternal mortality rate stands at 212 per 100,000 deliveries. Health experts estimate that nearly 25 percent of maternal deaths are linked to unsafe abortion complications, including hemorrhage and infection. Peggy Dube, a nurse and midwifery consultant with over 40 years’ experience, says many girls and women arrive at hospitals when it is already too late. “They come to the hospital too late,” Dube explains. “Usually when they are already in hemorrhagic shock or suffering from severe infections related to the unsafe means of termination used.” Dube stressed the importance of Post-Abortal Care (PAC), which remains a critical reproductive health service in Zimbabwe. “Even if a fetus is expelled, the products of conception, that is the placenta and membranes, often remain. Without professional evacuation of the uterus, fatal bleeding can occur.” Mildred Mushunje, Country Director for Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights Africa Trust (SAT), highlighted what she called a contradiction within Zimbabwe’s healthcare system. “This implies that the health system does not want to offer you medical services but is prepared to offer you Post Abortion Care after a clandestine abortion,” Mushunje said. Medical practitioners argue that treating complications from unsafe abortions is far more expensive than providing safe, regulated abortion services. “It is less costly on human lives to offer safe abortions than to treat the effects of unsafe ones,” said one midwife who requested anonymity. “Some women lose their lives and others lose their wombs. All of this is avoidable.” Itai Rusike, Director of the Community Working Group on Health (CWGH), said restrictive abortion laws do not stop abortions from happening. “Although Zimbabwe has achieved many public health successes in areas once deemed controversial, too many Zimbabwean women are still dying from unsafe abortion,” Rusike said. For many women and girls in Zimbabwe, the cost of silence, stigma and restrictive abortion laws is measured not just in statistics, but in trauma, blood and lost futures. Behind every unsafe abortion case lies a story of missed opportunities, inadequate sexual reproductive health education, and limited access to family planning services. Until the gap between Zimbabwe’s abortion laws and lived realities is addressed, more young girls will continue risking their lives in secrecy, and more preventable deaths will continue to occur. unsafe abortions in Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Health, Unsafe Abortion, Reproductive Rights, Maternal Health, Women’s Health, Public Health, Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe Politics, Sexual Reproductive Health, Healthcare Zimbabwe

Two men convicted of a brutal murder committed along the Harare–Mutare railway line have been sentenced to life imprisonment by the High Court in Mutare, in a case that the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) says highlights the growing importance of public cooperation in fighting violent crime. According to a ZRP press statement issued on 23 January 2026, Sanele Simbarashe Makono (23) and Sterio Joao Mahachi (55) were convicted for the September 2024 murder of a man opposite Yeovil Location in Mutare. Police said the pair repeatedly stabbed the victim with knives before stealing his cellphone and other valuables. The breakthrough in the case came on 14 September 2024 when detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Mutare, working with mobile network service providers, tracked the victim’s stolen cellphone, leading to Makono’s arrest. During investigations, Makono implicated Mahachi and another suspect, identified as Timothy Charles, who remains at large. Further investigations reportedly linked the suspects to two additional murder cases. Mahachi was eventually arrested on 13 May 2025 after detectives received information that he was already serving a five-year prison sentence for a separate robbery conviction. The two men appeared before Isaac Muzenda at the Mutare High Court on 20 January 2026, where Chief Prosecutor Malvin Musarurwa represented the State. Police confirmed the pair will still face trial in connection with the two other murder cases. In a separate murder case, Thabani Gambiza (19), from Huchu Village under Chief Mataruse in Mberengwa, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for murder. The court heard that on 19 August 2025, Gambiza and an accomplice, Fungai Kuboya, who is still on the run, assaulted a man during a beer-drinking dispute around 1 am. The victim later died from the injuries sustained during the attack. Gambiza was convicted at the Gweru High Court Circuit before Munamato Mutevedzi, with prosecutor Michael Mhenhe representing the State. Meanwhile, four men convicted of nine counts of armed robbery were each sentenced to 82 years imprisonment, with part of the sentence suspended, leaving them to serve an effective 44 years behind bars. The convicted men are Charles Munyaradzi Dhokotera (42), Donald Travolta Matunhu (28), Mayor Sibanda (34), and Bothwell Kamwendo (40). A fifth accused person, Colonel Madzima (24), was acquitted. The robbery occurred in April 2025 at Nyamuzara Business Centre in Murewa, where the gang, armed with rifles, a pistol and baton sticks, stormed a cocktail bar, assaulted patrons and robbed them before raiding a nearby residence. Police credited vigilant community members for helping track the suspects’ getaway vehicle, a Toyota Aqua. Recovered weapons included revolvers, shotguns, dummy pistols, handcuffs, button sticks, and a sjambok hidden near Shavanhowe Bridge in Murewa. The ZRP praised members of the public for assisting police in combating violent crime and urged citizens to continue reporting criminal activity in their communities. Zimbabwe murder case Zimbabwe Crime, ZRP, Mutare, Murder, Armed Robbery, High Court, CID, Murewa, Crime News, Court News

Polish driver sentenced after hiding 198 pounds of cocaine in truck carrying Skims clothes. A Polish truck driver has been sentenced to 13 years and six months in prison after authorities discovered more than US$8.4 million worth of cocaine concealed inside a shipment of clothing linked to Kim Kardashian’s Skims brand. Jakub Jan Konkel, 40, was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court following an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA). Authorities said Konkel used a specially modified heavy goods vehicle to transport approximately 198 pounds of cocaine hidden within a legitimate shipment of Skims underwear and clothing travelling from the Netherlands to the United Kingdom. The incident dates back to September last year when Konkel arrived at the Port of Harwich aboard a ferry from the Hook of Holland. Border Force officers stopped the truck for inspection and conducted an X-ray scan, which revealed suspicious hidden compartments inside the rear trailer doors. Investigators later discovered 90 wrapped packages of cocaine concealed inside the specially constructed hide. According to authorities, the shipment itself was legitimate, and neither the exporter nor the importer connected to the Skims clothing consignment was implicated in the smuggling operation. The NCA said Konkel had stopped during the journey to collect the drugs before hiding them inside the modified trailer. Border officers inspecting cargo trucks at the Port of Harwich Konkel initially denied knowledge of the Class A drugs but later pleaded guilty to drug smuggling charges. He reportedly admitted to agreeing to transport the cocaine in exchange for a payment of 4,500 euros. NCA operations manager Paul Orchard said organised criminal networks frequently exploit commercial transport systems and legitimate cargo shipments to move narcotics across international borders. “Organised crime groups use corrupt drivers like Konkel to move Class A drugs, often hidden on entirely legitimate loads such as this,” Orchard said. “The detection and investigation have removed a significant amount of cocaine whose profits are lost to the crime group behind the smuggling attempt, and with Konkel they’ve lost an important enabler,” he added. The case highlights growing concerns among European law enforcement agencies over increasingly sophisticated drug trafficking operations using commercial freight routes. Authorities say traffickers often exploit legitimate supply chains, international logistics systems and unsuspecting retail consignments to avoid detection. The United Kingdom has intensified border surveillance and cargo screening operations at major ports amid rising cocaine trafficking across Europe. Investigators believe international organised crime syndicates continue to rely heavily on truck drivers, shipping agents and hidden vehicle compartments to move large quantities of narcotics between countries. Kim Kardashian Skims cocaine Kim Kardashian, Skims, Drug Trafficking, Cocaine Bust, UK Crime News, Border Force, National Crime Agency, International Crime, Netherlands News, Smuggling