Fidelity Gold Refinery is ramping up efforts to formalise Zimbabwe’s artisanal and small-scale mining sector as authorities seek to curb rampant gold smuggling and improve transparency within the country’s gold industry. The move comes amid growing concern over massive gold leakages that continue to undermine Zimbabwe’s economy and deprive the country of critical foreign currency earnings. Artisanal and small-scale miners remain one of the biggest contributors to Zimbabwe’s gold production. However, the largely informal sector has also been linked to widespread smuggling networks and illicit gold trading activities that authorities estimate cost the country nearly US$2 billion annually. Speaking during a visit by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Public Accounts, Fidelity Gold Refinery general manager Peter Magaramombe said formalisation would help strengthen accountability and improve monitoring across the entire gold value chain. “The work is expected to strengthen compliance and improve transparency within the gold value chain. We need to formalise the artisanal and small-scale miners so that every day we know exactly where we are, where the gold is coming from and where it is going,” said Magaramombe. He said the programme would begin soon and would ensure that all gold delivered to Fidelity can be traced to legitimate and properly monitored mining activities. “The process of formalisation is expected to begin soon and will assist in improving monitoring systems and management of mineral resources,” he added. Zimbabwe’s gold industry has experienced significant growth over the past five years, with Fidelity reporting that national gold output reached 46.7 tonnes in 2025, surpassing the refinery’s original target of 40 tonnes. Production figures have steadily increased from 26.7 tonnes in 2020 to 29 tonnes in 2021 and 35.8 tonnes in 2022, reflecting growing activity in both large-scale and small-scale mining operations. Magaramombe expressed confidence that the country would achieve its ambitious 2026 production target of 50 tonnes. “I can assure you, honourable members, we will achieve this target of 50 tonnes for this year,” he said. The formalisation initiative forms part of broader government efforts to tighten oversight of Zimbabwe’s mining sector, improve accountability, and reduce illegal gold exports that continue to fuel black-market syndicates. Authorities believe bringing more artisanal miners into the formal economy will not only improve gold deliveries through official channels but also increase tax revenues, strengthen foreign currency reserves, and create a more sustainable mining sector. Economists and mining analysts have long argued that formalising small-scale mining operations could significantly reduce smuggling by giving miners better access to legal markets, financing, and technical support while improving environmental and labour standards within the sector. Fidelity Gold Refinery #Zimbabwe #GoldMining #FidelityGoldRefinery #ArtisanalMining #GoldSmuggling #MiningNews #ZimbabweNews #Economy

Baba Johanne Masowe In a judgment delivered by Justice Regis Dembure, the court found that the March 10 decision approving the exhumation of Peter Jack Masedza, widely known as Baba Johanne Masowe, from a shrine in Gandanzara, Rusape, violated provisions of the Administrative Justice Act. “It is declared that the decision… giving authority to third and fourth respondents to exhume the remains… is in violation of section 3(1) of the Administrative Justice Act and is accordingly set aside,” Justice Dembure ruled. The long-running dispute involves the Gospel of God Church International and Masowe’s sons, Magaga and Reuben Masedza, who have sought for years to rebury their father away from the church shrine where he was interred in 1973. According to the ruling, the Registrar who authorised the exhumation acted on the mistaken belief that earlier court judgments had already approved the removal of the remains. “There was no such order, the courts had merely confirmed the third and fourth respondents’ procedural right to seek exhumation before the Minister, subject to due process being followed,” Dembure said. The court further ruled that mandatory procedures outlined in the Cemeteries Act had not been followed. Justice Dembure noted that the law requires notices of intended exhumation to be published in the Government Gazette and newspapers for three consecutive months. “The provisions of s38(5) of the Cemeteries Act are peremptory. The law is clear that anything done contrary to peremptory statutory provisions is a nullity,” the judge ruled. The court also criticised a public notice issued by one of Masowe’s sons inviting objections within 30 days, saying the process failed to comply with statutory requirements. “That is not the process undertaken in terms of s38(5) of the Cemeteries Act,” Dembure said. The exhumation had been scheduled for April 2 before the church launched an urgent application to stop the process. The legal battle over the influential religious leader’s burial site has spanned more than two decades. In 2003, one of Masowe’s sons unsuccessfully sought access to the shrine to visit his father’s grave, while renewed litigation emerged in 2023 after the family formally pursued exhumation and reburial plans. Justice Dembure ruled that the matter must now return to the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage for a lawful determination after all parties have been heard. The court also ordered Masowe’s sons to pay legal costs. Johanne Masowe exhumation

Former Walter Mzembi has been acquitted of criminal abuse of office charges after the High Court ruled that prosecutors failed to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. The judgment marks a significant legal victory for the former Tourism Minister, who had faced allegations linked to the distribution of public-viewing television sets to churches during his tenure in government. Delivering the ruling, High Court judge Benjamin Chikowero said the State had only managed to establish that Mzembi was a public officer but failed to prove the remaining legal elements necessary for conviction. “The State has failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. The accused is found not guilty and acquitted,” Chikowero ruled. Mzembi had been accused of unlawfully donating four government-owned television sets to churches, including United Family International Church, Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries, and Zion Christian Church. Prosecutors alleged the donations prejudiced the government and amounted to criminal abuse of duty as a public officer under Section 174(1) of Zimbabwe’s Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. However, the court found critical weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and witness testimony. Judge Chikowero said State witnesses Zvinechimwe Churu and Thokozile Chitepo were credible but ultimately unable to directly implicate Mzembi. The judge noted that neither witness could confirm whether Mzembi personally authorised the alleged donations. “In short, the two were not relevant witnesses to assist in the State’s case. The State’s failure not to call other witnesses was fatal to its case,” Chikowero said. A major issue in the case involved former Tourism permanent secretary Margaret Sangarwe, who authored a memorandum proposing the allocation of 40 television sets to rural communities and churches. The judge said the State’s failure to call Sangarwe as a witness severely weakened the prosecution. “Sangarwe would have been a material witness to explain if the accused is the one who authorised donation. The State chose not to call her at its own peril,” the judge ruled. The court also heard evidence from former Tourism permanent secretary Florence Nhekairo, who conducted an asset verification exercise. Nhekairo confirmed that the television sets remained listed as government property within the ministry's inventory records. Finance director Richford Lovemore Nyamakura also testified that the permanent secretary would have been central in clarifying who authorised the allocation of the equipment. Judge Chikowero further criticised investigating officer Eric Chacha, describing the investigations as inadequately conducted. The court additionally found that testimony from Admire Mango did not directly implicate Mzembi in wrongdoing. In his defence, Mzembi argued that the television distribution programme formed part of a broader government tourism recovery strategy introduced after Zimbabwe’s 2008 political and economic crisis. He told the court the initiative emerged during preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, when public fan parks were established across Zimbabwe to attract tourism activity linked to the tournament hosted in neighbouring South Africa. According to Mzembi, the equipment was later repurposed to support religious tourism initiatives with approval from senior government officials during the Government of National Unity period. He maintained that the programme contributed to improved tourism arrivals and increased revenues before he left office in 2017. The acquittal now closes another high-profile corruption-related case involving a former Cabinet minister, while also raising renewed questions around the quality of investigations and prosecutions in politically sensitive matters. Walter Mzembi acquitted

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) says it has cleared more than US$4 million owed to farmers for 2025 wheat deliveries and pledged to improve payment timelines going forward. The announcement comes as the government intensifies efforts to boost wheat production and strengthen national food security ahead of the 2026 winter cropping season. GMB chief executive Edson Badarai said Treasury had released funding to settle all outstanding United States dollar obligations linked to last year’s wheat intake. “The GMB is delighted to announce that it has received US$4.31 million to clear wheat deliveries United States dollar obligations, and US$0.944 million clearing current deliveries of summer cereals that were delivered from this April 2026; totalling US$5.254 million,” Badarai said. According to the GMB, the funding package includes US$4.31 million allocated toward outstanding wheat payments and nearly US$1 million for current summer cereal deliveries made since April 2026. Badarai described the disbursement as a major relief for farmers who had waited months for payment. “This vital funding by the Treasury brings much-needed relief to farmers. The support underscores the Government’s steadfast commitment to agriculture,” he said. The delayed payments had raised concern among producers, particularly commercial wheat farmers who rely on timely settlement to finance inputs, fuel, labour, and irrigation costs for the next planting season. Despite welcoming the payment clearance, farmers’ representatives warned that long payment delays remain a major threat to production confidence. Graeme Murdoch, chairperson of the Food Crop Contractors Association (FCCA), said it was difficult for farmers to plan effectively when payments took several months to process. “It is good news that all outstanding wheat payments have been made, but farmers cannot confidently plant wheat if they have to wait eight months to be paid,” Murdoch said. Agricultural analysts say cash flow remains one of the biggest challenges affecting Zimbabwe’s grain sector, especially for winter wheat production, which depends heavily on irrigation and imported inputs. In an effort to restore confidence, the GMB says it now expects to pay farmers within 30 days of grain delivery. “Going forward, GMB anticipates paying farmers within 30 days of delivery,” Badarai said. The board also urged farmers participating in government-supported schemes to deliver grain through official channels. Badarai encouraged producers benefiting from the Presidential Input Programme, the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA), and ARDA-managed irrigation projects to deliver produce to GMB depots and ward-based buying points. Authorities say the strategy is critical to ensuring national grain self-sufficiency. Zimbabwe has set an ambitious winter wheat target of 125,000 hectares for the 2026 season, with projected output expected to reach 662,500 tonnes. The country consumes approximately 360,000 tonnes of wheat annually, meaning successful production could generate a substantial surplus. The government has also introduced a pre-planting producer incentive of US$524.56 per tonne for winter wheat farmers. Funding for the season will come through multiple channels, including: The climate-proofed Presidential Inputs Scheme (Pfumvudza/Intwasa) Self-financed commercial farmers The National Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Scheme (NEAPS) Financing support from CBZ Holdings and AFC ARDA-supported irrigation schemes Private contractors Agricultural economists say improving payment efficiency will be crucial if Zimbabwe hopes to maintain recent gains in wheat production and reduce reliance on imports. GMB wheat payments

The Government of Zimbabwe has announced sweeping reforms targeting the country’s healthcare sector, abolishing some licence fees and reducing others in a move authorities say is aimed at lowering operational costs and improving access to medical services. The reforms were unveiled in a statement issued on May 12 by Mthuli Ncube, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion. According to the Treasury, the changes form part of a broader economic reform package approved by Cabinet targeting the health, manufacturing, financial services and real estate sectors. Authorities say the reforms are designed to reduce the financial burden on hospitals, laboratories, pharmacies, manufacturers and healthcare professionals while encouraging investment into the country’s healthcare system. Among the most significant measures announced is the abolition of Health Professions Authority (HPA) licence fees for pharmaceutical and manufacturing wholesalers. Government also confirmed that pharmacy licence fees charged by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) would be scrapped entirely. Licensing fees for hospitals, laboratories and other medical service providers will also be reduced by between 20% and 30%. In the official statement, Ncube said the reforms are intended to improve healthcare access and stimulate investment. “These interventions will lower the cost of establishing and operating healthcare facilities, thereby encouraging investment in both public and private healthcare provision,” the Finance Ministry said. The reforms affect multiple healthcare regulatory bodies and professional councils. Key measures announced include: A 25% reduction in MCAZ pharmaceutical manufacturing licence fees Reduced medicine registration fees Lower practising certificate fees under the Medical and Dental Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe (MDPCZ) Abolition of MDPCZ student fees A cap of US$100 on private hospital approval letter fees A 25% reduction in medical laboratory and clinical scientist registration fees A 20% reduction in Nurses Council registration and practising fees Up to 50% reductions in Pharmacists Council registration and practising fees Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana also shared details of the reforms on X, highlighting the fee cuts affecting healthcare providers and professionals. Treasury says the measures are expected to improve the affordability and availability of medicines and healthcare services over time. Officials also believe the reforms could support the training and entry of new healthcare professionals into the sector. “The reforms are also expected to improve the availability and affordability of essential medicines and services, while supporting the training and entry of health professionals,” the ministry said. Healthcare analysts say the move could provide some relief for private healthcare operators who have faced rising compliance costs, licensing expenses and foreign currency pressures in recent years. Harare-based health economist Dr Tendai Muchengeti said reducing regulatory costs may encourage expansion within the private healthcare sector. “Lower compliance costs can improve sustainability for healthcare providers, especially smaller clinics and pharmacies struggling with operational expenses,” he said. The healthcare measures form part of a broader government strategy aimed at improving the ease of doing business under Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 programme. In the manufacturing sector, authorities announced reductions in import licence fees administered by the Ministry of Industry. Financial sector reforms include lower banking supervision fees, reduced mobile money transaction charges and the introduction of zero-cost bank accounts for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Meanwhile, in the real estate sector, government also announced reductions in contractor registration fees and the removal of some building permit requirements. Treasury says the overall objective is to stimulate investment, productivity, and economic growth. “Government seeks to unlock productivity, stimulate investment and drive sustainable economic growth,” the ministry stated. Zimbabwe health sector reforms

A vehicle was struck by a locomotive at the Chiremba Road level crossing early Friday morning in what has become the second accident at the same railway crossing within a week. According to the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), the collision occurred at approximately 5:25 AM. Authorities said no injuries were reported, although the vehicle sustained damage, including a shattered windscreen. The NRZ described the recurring accidents at the crossing as deeply concerning, warning that some motorists continue ignoring road safety rules requiring drivers to give way to approaching trains. “Drivers must give way to approaching trains,” the NRZ said in a statement issued after the incident. Rail officials said the repeated crashes highlight growing negligence among road users at level crossings, particularly during early morning hours when visibility may be reduced. The latest incident comes barely a week after another vehicle was hit by a train at the same crossing, intensifying calls for stricter adherence to railway safety regulations. The Chiremba Road crossing has now become a focus of public concern as residents and motorists question whether enough warning systems and enforcement measures are in place to prevent collisions. Road safety experts say railway crossing accidents are often caused by motorists attempting to beat approaching trains or failing to stop, look and listen before crossing tracks. Harare-based transport analyst Tawanda Murenje said repeated collisions at the same location should trigger urgent safety reviews. “When accidents occur repeatedly at one crossing within a short period, authorities must assess whether visibility, signage, barriers or driver behaviour are contributing factors,” he said. Commuters who regularly use the route say low visibility before sunrise, combined with driver impatience during rush-hour traffic buildup, may contribute to dangerous decisions at the crossing. One nearby resident said many motorists underestimate the speed and stopping distance of trains. “Some drivers think they can cross before the train arrives, but trains move faster than people realise, especially early in the morning,” the resident said. The NRZ has repeatedly warned motorists that locomotives require significantly longer stopping distances compared to ordinary vehicles, making it difficult for train operators to avoid collisions once a vehicle enters the tracks. Transport safety advocates are now calling for increased public awareness campaigns around railway crossing safety, particularly in urban areas where vehicle congestion and commuter pressure are high. Some residents have also suggested the installation of additional warning lights, boom gates or traffic enforcement measures at high-risk crossings across Harare. Zimbabwe has recorded several train-related accidents over the years, with authorities frequently attributing many incidents to human error and failure to observe railway regulations. As investigations into Friday’s collision continue, the NRZ says motorists must remain vigilant and fully comply with traffic rules at all level crossings to prevent avoidable accidents. Chiremba Road train accident

HARARE — The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested four suspected drug dealers at a truck stop along Simon Mazorodze Road in Harare following a high-stakes raid that yielded 40 kilogrammes of mbanje (dagga). The operation, conducted on Monday, is part of a broader nationwide offensive against drug trafficking and substance abuse. Detectives from the CID Drugs and Narcotics unit acted on gathered intelligence to intercept the suspects at the busy transit point. National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the recovery of the 40kg contraband and identified the apprehended individuals as: Christina Mazango Chelusi Saidi Priscilla Matros Joseph Mangwende The crackdown extended to the Bulawayo–Harare Road, where police intercepted another group at Sharona Park. Howard Chiweshe, Tanaka Tasara, Valerie Manyura, and Regard Gumbo were taken into custody after allegedly being found with mbanje and bottles of Boncleer cough syrup. In a related incident at the Hwedza turn-off, police intercepted a bus and arrested Garikai Guruvaza. He was allegedly found in possession of Astra Pain cough syrup, which authorities believe was being transported illegally. Meanwhile, in Bulawayo, detectives arrested Reason Mpande for the unlawful possession and cultivation of mbanje. Following a search at his workplace that uncovered loose dagga, Mpande led officers to his residence, where a mbanje field was discovered. All suspects are expected to appear in court as investigations into the various supply chains continue. ZRP drug arrests Harare Simon Mazorodze

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) says it never issued a widely circulated statement regarding alleged suspects linked to the assault of lawyer and politician Douglas Coltart. In a statement issued on Monday, May 11, police warned the public against relying on fake press releases being circulated online under the ZRP name. Authorities said investigations were now underway to identify individuals responsible for creating and distributing the false statements. “The police are fully aware of these activities and investigations are currently underway to identify the people responsible for creating and distributing the fake statements,” the ZRP said. The police urged Zimbabweans to verify information through official ZRP communication channels and cautioned that legal action would be taken against individuals spreading false information. “The public is urged to rely only on official communication channels for accurate information,” police said. “The law will take its course against anyone found responsible for publishing or circulating false information, regardless of where those individuals are located.” The statement comes amid growing debate online following the circulation of an alleged police press release connected to the assault case involving Coltart. The disputed statement, widely shared on social media, claimed police were searching for individuals identified as Luckmore Gapa and Nicholas Hamadziripi. It also referenced a group calling itself the “Presidential Mafia” and claimed authorities had added social media personality Majaira Jairosi to a wanted list. The fake statement further alleged police had arrested individuals identified as Takunda Mhuka, Emmanuel Sitima and Godfrey Karembera. However, the ZRP has now formally dismissed the document as fraudulent. Majaira Jairosi had earlier shared the statement on X before police publicly distanced themselves from it. Despite denying the circulating statement, police have not yet issued an official update regarding the investigation into Coltart’s assault. The incident, which was captured on video and widely circulated online, sparked public outrage and political debate. Reports circulating on social media alleged that individuals linked to ZANU PF were involved in the confrontation, although authorities have not officially confirmed identities or charges. Political analysts say the spread of fake statements under the names of state institutions reflects growing concerns around misinformation and political disinformation on social media platforms. Harare-based media researcher Tendai Chikova said false statements can easily inflame political tensions. “When fake police statements begin circulating during politically sensitive incidents, it creates confusion, undermines public trust and complicates legitimate investigations,” he said. The incident highlights the increasing challenge faced by authorities and media organisations in verifying information shared online, particularly during politically charged events. Cybersecurity and media experts say fake government statements have become more sophisticated, often mimicking official formatting and branding to appear authentic. The ZRP says investigations into the origins of the fake statement are continuing. Douglas Coltart assault

NYANGA — Two separate domestic violence cases in Nyanga have resulted in convictions, highlighting the ongoing legal challenges surrounding household disputes and the enforcement of protection orders in the district. A 28-year-old woman, Nunurai Makaza, avoided prison time after being convicted of assaulting and biting her co-wife during a dispute over household property. Makaza, a resident of Taibu Village under Chief Katerere, pleaded guilty to charges of physical abuse under the Domestic Violence Act. The court, presided over by Magistrate Notebulgar Muchineripi, heard that the conflict began on April 27, 2026, when Loveness Nyakabwi requested the return of a carpet currently in Makaza's use. During the ensuing altercation, Makaza slapped Nyakabwi twice before biting her on the forehead, inflicting a deep wound that required medical attention. The Sentence: Makaza was sentenced to eight months in prison, which was wholly suspended. Condition: She is required to perform 210 hours of community service at Avilla Mission Hospital. In a separate matter before the same court, 51-year-old Getrude Kutsanza was convicted for repeatedly violating a protection order issued to protect her former husband, Ben Sithole. Kutsanza, of Tadoka Village under Chief Hata, pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to comply with the court-mandated order. The prosecution revealed that Kutsanza entered Sithole's bedroom on two separate occasions to verbally abuse him and level accusations of infidelity. These actions directly breached a court order that barred her from insulting, threatening, or harassing him. The Sentence: Magistrate Muchineripi handed down a four-month prison sentence. Condition: The sentence was wholly suspended for five years on the condition that she does not commit a similar offense. Nyanga domestic violence convictions

Tensions erupted in Nairobi on Tuesday after Kenyan police arrested activists, intellectuals, and international delegates during a protest against the ongoing France–Africa Summit, an event critics say represents a renewed attempt by France to strengthen its influence across Africa. The summit, officially branded the “Africa Forward Summit,” was hosted by William Ruto and attended by Emmanuel Macron. The anti-imperialist demonstrations marked the climax of a two-day counter-summit organised by progressive movements under the banner of the Pan-Africanism Summit Against Imperialism. Participants included activists, trade unionists, students, scholars, and political organisers from Kenya and several other countries. According to preliminary reports from organisers, at least 13 people were arrested during the May 12 protest, including delegates from Greece, South Korea, Britain, and France, alongside eight Kenyan activists. Witnesses said riot police blocked demonstrators from marching toward the Dedan Kimathi Statue and fired tear gas at crowds during the procession. The statue honours Dedan Kimathi, one of the leading figures in Kenya’s anti-colonial Mau Mau uprising against British rule during the 1950s. Organisers of the counter-summit accused France and Western powers of pursuing continued political and economic domination in Africa through military agreements, debt systems, and resource extraction. Delegates at the gathering criticised what they described as imperialist repositioning in East Africa under the guise of diplomatic and economic partnerships. Several speakers reportedly raised concerns about foreign military presence, multinational corporate control of African resources, and increasing debt dependency across the continent. The demonstrations reflected growing anti-imperialist sentiment among sections of African youth and progressive political organisations. The arrests on Tuesday followed an earlier incident involving members of the Communist Party of Kenya. The party said five members of its student wing, the Revolutionary Student Commission, were detained on Monday while protesting against the summit in Nairobi. According to party officials, the students were held overnight at Central Police Station and had not been released by Tuesday evening. In a strongly worded statement, the Communist Party of Kenya accused the Kenyan government of suppressing democratic rights to protect foreign interests. The organisation described the arrests as part of a broader pattern of political repression against progressive movements and anti-imperialist activism. “Their only crime is standing with the oppressed. Their only crime is rejecting imperialist domination. Their only crime is declaring that Africa is not for sale,” the party said. The party further accused the Ruto administration of acting as a “neocolonial and comprador administration” aligned with imperialist powers. The organisation called for: The immediate release of all detained protesters and delegates An end to police harassment and repression of activists Respect for democratic rights and political assembly The cancellation of what it described as imperialist agreements affecting Kenya and Africa Political analysts say the protests highlight growing ideological divisions across Africa regarding foreign influence, sovereignty, and economic control. While governments increasingly pursue international partnerships for development and investment, critics argue that some agreements reproduce patterns of dependency associated with colonial-era power structures. The demonstrations in Nairobi have now drawn international attention to the broader debate over Pan-Africanism, sovereignty, and the future direction of African political and economic alliances. Nairobi anti-imperialist protest

Joe Ferrari Sibanyoni Prominent South African taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni, widely known as “Ferrari,” has been arrested alongside two other suspects in connection with an extortion investigation in Mpumalanga. According to police, Sibanyoni was taken into custody during an early morning operation conducted by heavily armed officers on Tuesday. The arrests were confirmed by Mavela Masondo, spokesperson for the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga. “Members of Mpumalanga SAPS Organised Crime arrested three suspects this morning in relation to the case of extortion,” Colonel Masondo told local media. Police said the extortion case was opened in Kwaggafontein in 2025. Authorities confirmed that the suspects are aged between 46 and 60 years old, although police have not officially released their identities. Masondo said one additional suspect linked to the investigation remains at large. “The case relates to extortion. However, we cannot rule out other cases the suspects are facing, but as for now, we are talking about extortion,” he said. The suspects are expected to appear before the Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. Police have not yet disclosed further details regarding the allegations or the nature of the alleged extortion scheme. Sibanyoni is regarded as a powerful figure within South Africa’s taxi industry and has frequently been associated with controversy surrounding taxi violence and organised criminal networks. Although the current charges remain limited to extortion, Sibanyoni’s name has previously surfaced in investigations involving alleged underworld connections. He has reportedly been linked to businessman Vusimuzi Matlala, also known as “Cat” Matlala. Sibanyoni was also mentioned during proceedings linked to the Madlanga Commission, which examined allegations involving corruption, criminal syndicates, and violence connected to the taxi sector. Reports in South African media have previously linked Sibanyoni to the so-called “Big Five” cartel, a group allegedly associated with taxi industry violence, murders, and corruption in Gauteng. Taxi violence remains a major security concern in parts of South Africa, where disputes over routes and control of transport operations have historically resulted in deadly clashes. Crime analyst Sipho Dlamini said organised crime investigations involving influential taxi operators often expose broader criminal networks. “The taxi industry in South Africa has long faced allegations involving extortion, intimidation and organised violence linked to route control and financial interests,” he said. Sibanyoni was also previously connected to a 2022 attempted murder investigation after a white BMW was allegedly linked to suspects accused of plotting to kill him. Matlala is currently facing charges related to that case. Authorities have not indicated whether the current extortion investigation is connected to previous criminal probes involving the suspects. Police say investigations are ongoing. Joe Ferrari Sibanyoni arrested

The Zimbabwe Newspapers Group (Zimpapers) has reportedly ordered employees to reject expensive gifts from businessman Wicknell Chivayo following his recent visit to Capitalk FM, where cash and vehicle offers were made to staff members. The move comes after Chivayo allegedly distributed US$30,000 in cash to employees in the radio division and offered presenter Phathisani Sibanda a new 2025 Toyota GD6 vehicle upgrade. According to company insiders, Zimpapers management invoked an internal gifts policy introduced in 2024, which prohibits employees from accepting gifts valued above US$100 without company approval. Under the policy, staff members are reportedly required to declare any gifts received in the course of their work. Sources say each of the 30 employees who allegedly received part of the cash handout will only be permitted to keep US$100, with the remaining US$27,000 expected to be returned. William Chikoto, the company’s chief executive officer, confirmed the decision. “This is in compliance with the gift policy. They are not allowed to accept anything with a value of more than US$100,” Chikoto reportedly said. The controversy has also placed Sibanda under pressure after reports emerged that he had been instructed to decline the vehicle offer or resign from the company. Chivayo allegedly offered to replace Sibanda’s Toyota Aqua with a 2025 Toyota GD6 during the visit. The latest development follows a similar incident in 2024 when Chivayo gifted Sibanda the Toyota Aqua after appearing on the radio. At the time, Sibanda was reportedly working as an independent contractor rather than a full-time employee, limiting the company’s ability to intervene. He later became a permanent Zimpapers employee in January 2026. A senior company executive who spoke anonymously said the gifts policy was introduced to protect editorial credibility and prevent perceptions of improper influence within the newsroom. According to insiders, the policy aims to maintain professional standards and avoid situations that could compromise public trust in journalists and broadcasters. Media analysts say newsroom ethics policies are increasingly important in maintaining editorial independence, particularly in politically and commercially sensitive environments. Harare-based media commentator Tendai Moyo said expensive gifts can create perceptions of influence even where no direct favour is expected. “In journalism, public trust is everything. Once audiences believe reporters or presenters are receiving extravagant gifts from politically connected individuals or businesspeople, questions about independence inevitably arise,” he said. Sources within the company say discussions are underway regarding whether the remaining US$27,000 could instead be formally redirected as a corporate donation to Zimpapers. According to insiders, the funds could potentially be used to purchase vehicles or equipment for broader staff use rather than benefiting individuals directly. Neither Chivayo nor Sibanda had publicly commented on the matter at the time of publication. The incident has triggered wider debate online over media ethics, corporate governance, and the growing culture of high-profile public gifting involving politically connected businessmen in Zimbabwe. Wicknell Chivayo gifts