The African horned cucumber, also known as kiwano, is a nutrient-dense, low-calorie fruit exceptionally high in water. Boasting over 80% water content, this horned fruit provides excellent hydration and essential dietary fiber. Packed with potent antioxidant vitamins A and C, Kiwano is often regarded as a green anti-retroviral (ARV). Its essential minerals, such as zinc and iron, promote robust immune function, improved skin health, heart health, and bone health. Key Health Benefits of Kiwano Highly Hydrating: Its high water content makes it an excellent choice for natural hydration. Rich in Nutrients & Antioxidants: It is packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin A, zinc, and magnesium. The seeds contain antioxidants like tocopherol (Vitamin E), which support skin, heart, and immune system health. Boosts Immunity: High Vitamin C content strengthens the immune system. Supports Skin & Eye Health: Being rich in Vitamin A, it maintains healthy vision and protects the skin from environmental damage. Supports Heart Health & Metabolism: It contains heart-healthy nutrients like magnesium and potassium. Zinc aids in metabolism, wound repair, and protein production. Aids Digestion: The fiber content promotes digestive health and helps prevent constipation. Supports Healthy Weight Management: With its low-calorie and high-water content, it is an ideal snack for weight management. Improves Brain Function: High Vitamin E levels enhance cognitive function, helping to inhibit neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Cures Iron Deficiency: Regular consumption of kiwano helps restore haemoglobin levels in anemia patients. How to Enjoy This Superfood! Raw: Slice the fruit in half and scoop out the refreshing pulp. Salads/Smoothies: Add to vegetable salads, fruit salads, or nutritious smoothies. Juice: Blend the pulp to create a refreshing, hydrating drink. Nutritional Value Summary Vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E. Minerals: Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Phosphorus. Antioxidants: Tocopherols and strong organic compounds. Disclaimer This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here. Dr. Precious Sibiya is a mother, sister, daughter, friend, and so much more. She is a certified Wellness Practitioner, stroke survivor, and advocate for natural healing and lifestyle. Contact her for more wellness insights: Email: precioussibiya2014@gmail.com Phone: +263775369467. African horned cucumber health benefits

The Government has raised concern over the growing decline in the teaching of indigenous Zimbabwean languages in some private schools, warning that the trend could threaten the country’s cultural identity and heritage. Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo says several private and trust schools are increasingly prioritising foreign languages such as French and Chinese while neglecting local languages, including Shona, Ndebele, Kalanga, Tonga, and Shangani. Speaking to The Sunday Mail, Minister Moyo said the Government would enforce the Heritage-Based Curriculum (HBC) across all schools ahead of mandatory Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) examinations set for 2027. Minister Moyo said the Heritage-Based Curriculum was designed to preserve Zimbabwe’s identity, culture, and history while supporting the country’s Vision 2030 development agenda. “Our indigenous languages, which include Shona, Ndebele, Kalanga, Shangani and Tonga, are not taught in many ATS institutions. They are now learning French, Chinese and no longer learning our local languages,” said Moyo. The minister also expressed concern that some schools were no longer teaching Zimbabwean history. “Many schools no longer teach the history of Zimbabwe where we came from and where we are going.” According to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the Heritage-Based Curriculum seeks to strengthen local knowledge systems, culture, heritage, and national values while equipping learners with practical skills. Education analysts say the debate reflects wider concerns across Africa about balancing global competitiveness with the preservation of indigenous identity. Harare-based education consultant Dr Miriam Chikukwa said local languages play a critical role in preserving cultural heritage and social cohesion. “Language is directly linked to identity, history, and cultural continuity. If indigenous languages disappear from schools, future generations risk losing part of Zimbabwe’s heritage,” she said. The government says all schools, including private and trust schools, will be required to register learners for ZIMSEC examinations starting in 2027. Minister Moyo said Cabinet had already approved the directive. “We have given a directive to all schools in Zimbabwe that starting in 2027 it becomes mandatory for them to introduce the Heritage-Based Curriculum examinations administered by ZIMSEC.” He said the decision was based on provisions in the Education Act. “This directive arises from the Education Act, Chapter 25, Section 63, which states that there shall be one curriculum in Zimbabwe.” The ministry says workshops and consultations are already underway in schools across the country following an engagement meeting held at the University of Zimbabwe in February 2026. Minister Moyo clarified that the Government had not banned international examination systems such as Cambridge or the International Baccalaureate. However, he said schools offering foreign curricula would first be required to register learners for ZIMSEC examinations under the Heritage-Based Curriculum. “We have not banned international examinations like Cambridge or Baccalaureate.” “However, if schools want to offer two curricula HBC and Cambridge they must first register for ZIMSEC and then later on register for Cambridge.” The Association of Trust Schools (ATS) says member institutions have acknowledged the Government directive. ATS chairperson Abe Gatsi said schools would work towards compliance. “We have noted all that has been stated by the Government and will be working to ensure that we implement.” Government says the Heritage-Based Curriculum will remain Zimbabwe’s primary education framework, while international curricula will continue as optional additions. Zimbabwe indigenous languages schools

HARARE — The Government has issued a stern warning to school administrators across the country against rejecting Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) payments or exceeding approved fee structures ahead of the second term opening this Tuesday. Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo emphasized that schools are legally obligated to accept the ZiG as full payment without demanding foreign currency conversions. In an interview with the Sunday Mail, Minister Moyo reaffirmed that the ZiG remains legal tender and that Government policy on school fees is non-negotiable. No Restrictions: All schools must accept ZiG as full payment at official scheduled fee levels. Currency Demands: No school is permitted to refuse the ZiG or demand that parents convert their funds into any other currency. Active Monitoring: Authorities are tracking compliance through financial audit teams and a dedicated WhatsApp reporting platform for parents. Minister Moyo declared a "zero tolerance" policy for administrators who defy these directives. Immediate Discipline: Any school or administrator found charging fees above approved amounts, charging exclusively in foreign currency, or turning away learners will face immediate disciplinary action. Legal & Professional Penalties: Offending school heads may be charged under the Education Act, and repeat offenders risk the deregistration of their institutions. Prior Dismissals: The Minister revealed that several school heads have already been dismissed for similar violations within the last six months, with criminal prosecutions still active. Government assessments across all 10 provinces indicate that schools are adequately prepared for the resumption of classes. Learners are expected to return to their classrooms this Tuesday following the conclusion of the first term break. How has your experience been with local schools regarding the acceptance of ZiG for this upcoming term? Zimbabwe school fees ZiG payment

By Talent Chimutambgi, Southerton Business Times Staff Writer HARARE: Fifteen schools in Mt Pleasant Constituency are set to benefit from an ongoing Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) camera installation programme aimed at curbing a surge in robberies targeting schools and residential areas in the constituency. The programme, spearheaded by Zanu PF Member of Parliament Cde George Mashavave, officially commenced over the weekend, with Hallingbury Primary School becoming the first beneficiary after receiving a consignment of CCTV cameras and related equipment. The intervention comes at a time when robbers are reportedly wreaking havoc in Mabelreign and other low-density suburbs in Harare, with schools increasingly becoming targets of criminal activities. Speaking during the handover ceremony, Cde Mashavave said the installation of surveillance cameras was a necessary step towards safeguarding learning institutions and protecting school property. “Robbers have been wreaking havoc in the constituency, particularly targeting schools. These cameras are a deterrent measure which can cause criminals to think twice before engaging in unlawful activities,” he said. The legislator said all 15 schools in Mt Pleasant Constituency had been incorporated into the project and would gradually receive the installations as part of a broader security enhancement initiative. The development follows a tragic incident that recently shook the community after a 28-year-old security guard at Hallingbury Primary School was allegedly murdered by robbers who are still at large. Residents described the incident as a dark cloud that befell the school and the wider community, amid growing concerns over escalating criminal activities in the area. Cde Mashavave condemned the brutal attack, describing it as shocking and intolerable. “The attack on the young security guard is deeply disturbing. Such acts of violence have no place in our society and law enforcement agents must bring the perpetrators to book,” he said. He added that CCTV systems would also strengthen investigations by enabling law enforcement authorities to easily identify suspects and gather evidence. Apart from the security equipment, Hallingbury Primary School also received stationery from the legislator ahead of the forthcoming school's opening. Meanwhile, Cde Mashavave revealed that another programme aimed at creating websites for all schools within the constituency was underway as part of efforts to modernise educational institutions and embrace digital transformation. He said the initiative was in line with the digitalisation drive being championed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and reflected the country’s broader vision of achieving an empowered and prosperous upper middle-income economy by 2030. “There is need for our schools to move with current global digital trends. Technology is now central to education, communication and development, and our schools should not be left behind,” said Cde Mashavave. Residents and school authorities have since welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and progressive in addressing both security and technological gaps within schools. Cde Mashavave is among legislators whose presence in their constituencies continues to be felt through various community development initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of residents and modernising public institutions. Mt Pleasant schools CCTV installation

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) says 79 suspects were arrested during a large-scale operation targeting illegal mining activities and violent crimes in the Mazowe mining areas on May 10, 2026. The crackdown focused on criminal offences, including murder, robbery, rape, stock theft, environmental destruction, and damage to public infrastructure in areas such as Storeys, Jumbo Mine, and surrounding communities in Mashonaland Central Province. According to a statement posted on the official Zimbabwe Republic Police X account, police teams conducted coordinated raids across illegal mining settlements and recovered heavy mining equipment allegedly being used in unlawful gold extraction operations. In a statement shared after the operation, the ZRP said: “The ZRP has conducted a massive operation against criminal acts such as murder, robbery, rape, stock theft, among others in Mazowe mining areas.” Police confirmed the recovery of: 30 excavators 10 generators Seven hammer mills Six windlers Three submersible pumps 20 water tanks Authorities say some of the recovered equipment is believed to have been used in illegal alluvial gold mining activities that have caused extensive environmental damage in the area. The operation also targeted the destruction of roads, railway lines, and water infrastructure allegedly linked to illegal mining syndicates. “The operation also targeted land degradation, soil erosion, destruction of railway infrastructure, road and water systems,” the police said. According to the ZRP, four suspects were specifically arrested for allegedly damaging railway infrastructure. Mazowe remains one of Zimbabwe’s major gold-rich regions, but illegal mining activities have increasingly raised concerns over violence, environmental degradation, and unsafe mining practices. Environmental experts say uncontrolled alluvial mining has contributed to river siltation, destruction of farmland, and water pollution in parts of Mashonaland Central. Harare-based environmental management consultant Engineer Tinashe Moyo said stronger enforcement was needed to protect local ecosystems and public infrastructure. “Illegal mining is causing severe environmental degradation in many parts of Zimbabwe. Rivers are being polluted, roads are damaged and agricultural land is being destroyed. Sustained enforcement operations are necessary,” he said. Residents in Mazowe have also complained about rising criminal activity around illegal mining settlements. A local shop owner in Jumbo Mine, who declined to be named for security reasons, said violent crimes had increased in recent months. “People are living in fear because of robberies and fights linked to illegal mining gangs. Police presence has improved during this operation,” the resident said. Police confirmed that both Zimbabwean citizens and foreign nationals were among those arrested in Storeys, Mazowe. Authorities allege the suspects were involved in illegal alluvial mining operations that negatively affected agriculture facilities and local water systems. “Some foreign nationals and Zimbabweans were arrested in Storeys area, Mazowe for alluvial mining which affected the water system and agriculture facilities,” the ZRP said. The identities and nationalities of the foreign suspects had not yet been released by the time of publication. The police operation also targeted illegal alcohol trading points commonly known as shebeens, which authorities say often become centres for criminal activity in mining communities. Police confiscated several kilograms of meat, alcohol, illicit brews, and groceries during the raids. “The ZRP dismantled shebeens and confiscated several kgs of meat, alcohol, illicit brews and groceries,” the statement read. The Mazowe operation comes as the government intensifies nationwide crackdowns on illegal mining syndicates and organised crime in Zimbabwe’s mining sector. Mazowe illegal mining crackdown

Motorists in Harare will soon face automated traffic fines after the government confirmed that 20 artificial intelligence-powered “Robocop” traffic cameras will begin testing in June 2026 under Zimbabwe’s new Smart Traffic Management System. The high-tech traffic enforcement project, being spearheaded by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), is designed to detect speeding, red-light violations, illegal turns, and dangerous driving using AI-powered surveillance technology. Authorities say installation works are now at an advanced stage, with fibre internet connectivity completed at 95 percent of the targeted intersections across the capital. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Raphael Faranisi, confirmed that smart poles have already been installed at all 20 selected sites. “The Smart Traffic Management System is progressing well, and we are satisfied with the developments achieved so far,” Ambassador Faranisi told The Sunday Mail. According to Government officials, some of the intersections already fitted with the new AI traffic cameras include: Jason Moyo Avenue and Simon Muzenda Street Samora Machel Avenue and Glenara Avenue Leopold Takawira Street and Herbert Chitepo Avenue Robert Mugabe Road and Abdel Gamal Nasser Road The cameras will use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to capture vehicle registration details and automatically generate digital evidence for traffic offences. The system will relay information to a command and control centre at CID Headquarters in Harare. The government says the AI-powered traffic camera system aims to reduce road accidents and improve compliance with traffic laws in Zimbabwe. The technology will automatically detect: Speeding violations Red-light offences Illegal parking Driving against the traffic flow Mobile phone use while driving ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera recently said the system forms part of Zimbabwe’s wider digital transformation strategy. “We have developed a system where traffic offences are automatically detected through cameras, including running red lights and dangerous parking,” Mavetera said. Transport analysts say automated enforcement could significantly reduce corruption linked to manual traffic policing. Harare-based road safety consultant Engineer Tendai Muchengeti said smart traffic monitoring systems used in countries such as Rwanda and South Africa have improved road discipline. “AI traffic enforcement reduces human interference and increases accountability. However, public education will be critical before penalties are fully enforced,” he said. Some Harare motorists welcomed the move, saying reckless driving has become a major problem in the capital. “Drivers no longer respect traffic lights, especially during rush hour. If these cameras work properly, they may restore order on our roads,” said commuter omnibus driver Shepherd Chikuni in the CBD on Sunday. However, other drivers expressed concerns over possible technical glitches and transparency in the issuing of digital fines. Government says motorists will be able to receive, verify, and pay fines electronically through an integrated digital ticketing platform linked to the Central Vehicle Registry, ZINARA, and CBZ payment systems. The Harare rollout marks the first phase of the national smart policing programme before expansion to Bulawayo and other cities. Harare AI traffic cameras

KWEKWE — In a ruling that has sent shockwaves through the Midlands Province, a 31-year-old barber from Mbizo has been sentenced to an effective 75 years in prison for the rape and sexual assault of five children. Rangarirai Mutangi, who held positions of trust as a volunteer for the National AIDS Council and a youth modeling trainer, was convicted by the Kwekwe Magistrates’ Court on Thursday. The charges included eight counts of rape and aggravated indecent assault committed against victims aged between 9 and 11. The court heard a harrowing account of how Mutangi utilized his standing in the community and a cache of weapons to silence his victims between December 2024 and April 2026. Abuse of Authority: Mutangi used his roles as a volunteer and modeling trainer to gain access to children. Deception: In one instance, he lured an 11-year-old boy into his room under the pretext of playing mobile phone games. Violence and Threats: Police recovered a firearm from Mutangi's premises. Victims testified that he threatened to shoot them if they revealed the abuse. The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) detailed a series of repeated assaults: A 9-year-old girl was assaulted twice in early 2026 after being threatened with a weapon. A 10-year-old boy suffered repeated abuse from December 2024 until April 2026. Another 10-year-old boy was indecently assaulted during modeling training in August 2025. Two 11-year-old boys were also targeted; one was repeatedly sodomized after being forcibly taken from his bed at night. The reign of terror ended in April 2026 when rumors began circulating in the Mbizo suburb. Concerned parents and guardians questioned the children, leading to formal reports at ZRP Mbizo. Mutangi was arrested shortly thereafter, and key evidence, including the firearm used for intimidation, was recovered from his home. Mutangi was sentenced to 15 years for each of the eight counts. While the court ordered some terms to run concurrently, the final effective sentence of 75 years ensures that the serial predator will spend the remainder of his life behind bars. Given Mutangi's role as a volunteer for a national organization, what steps should such institutions take to better vet individuals working with vulnerable children? Kwekwe barber jailed 75 years rape

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the conviction and sentencing of four men to seven years in prison each after they kidnapped and assaulted a police officer during Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 public hearing duties in Gokwe. The convicted men are Isheunesu Benjamin Marima (30), Collin Masawi (44), Wonder Gamba (43), and Edwin Chinongwa (32). According to a ZRP statement issued on 8 May 2026, the incident occurred on 31 March 2026 at around 10 am in Nembidziya, Gokwe. Police said the complainant, who is a serving ZRP officer deployed for security duties during Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 public hearings, was approached by Marima, who allegedly introduced himself as security personnel. The suspect reportedly requested to speak with the officer outside the public hearing venue under the pretext of discussing issues related to the proceedings. However, once outside, police say the complainant was forcibly bundled into a vehicle where the other accused persons were waiting. The suspects allegedly drove the complainant to the Maselukwe area in Gokwe North, where they parked in a secluded location before assaulting him. Police say the accused took turns attacking the officer before later driving him back to Mutora Business Centre and abandoning him. The suspects allegedly fled the scene at high speed. Investigations by the Criminal Investigation Department later led to the arrest of the four accused persons. Authorities also recovered two vehicles allegedly used during the kidnapping: A Toyota Hilux registration number AGE 0792 A Ford Ranger registration number AGE 5681 The accused appeared before Gokwe Regional Magistrate Stanford Mambanje. State prosecutor Maluern Nzombe represented the prosecution. The four men were convicted and sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment each. Meanwhile, the ZRP says investigations are continuing as authorities search for two remaining suspects identified as: Erickson Mafuratidze Mujudha Police appealed to members of the public with information to report to the nearest police station or contact the National Complaints Desk. In its statement, the ZRP warned against kidnapping, assault, and politically linked violence. “The law will take its course without fear or favour, and perpetrators of such serious offences will be decisively dealt with,” police said. Authorities also urged Zimbabweans to resolve disputes peacefully and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to maintain peace, security, and public order. Gokwe kidnapping case

Zimbabwe’s government says it will introduce new legal measures targeting illegal mining and environmental destruction along rivers and water bodies as authorities intensify efforts to protect water supplies, dams, and agricultural production. The planned intervention includes three new statutory instruments aimed at strengthening enforcement against illegal alluvial mining, which officials say has caused widespread environmental degradation across the country. Speaking during a coordination meeting with Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Anxious Masuka said the new legal measures would reinforce existing mining restrictions already introduced under Statutory Instrument 188 of November 2024. “There is an interministerial Statutory Instrument 188 of November 2024 banning alluvial mining. We will now have three SIs to complement that. SI 188 is still in force. No alluvial mining is allowed,” Masuka said. Zimbabwe has in recent years experienced increasing environmental pressure from illegal gold mining operations along rivers and streams, particularly in mineral-rich provinces. Authorities say uncontrolled alluvial mining has damaged rivers, wetlands, irrigation infrastructure, and dams critical for both agriculture and domestic water supplies. Masuka said the government plans to deploy security agencies to enforce the mining ban through continuous surveillance of affected areas. “The security sector will be directed to conduct a 24-hour surveillance system so that there is no alluvial mining,” he said. The minister added that Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to declare heavily degraded rivers a state of disaster within days. Such a declaration would allow authorities to introduce emergency environmental rehabilitation measures. The government also plans to invoke a “polluter pays” framework that will compel individuals or companies responsible for environmental destruction to finance rehabilitation projects. “We are invoking the polluter pays statutory instrument, which means that because rivers were degraded, they must be rehabilitated by those who caused damage,” Masuka said. Authorities have reportedly set a three-month target to rehabilitate affected rivers and dams, including Mazowe Dam. Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that unchecked illegal mining poses long-term threats to water quality, food security, and biodiversity. According to the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), illegal mining activities contribute heavily to siltation, river pollution, and the destruction of aquatic ecosystems in several parts of the country. Meanwhile, Vangelis Haritatos said the government is also prioritising the completion of the land reform process and the integration of land administration systems. “We need to do a stock take of the land reform so that we can declare land reform is done,” Haritatos said. The announcements come as farmers across Zimbabwe harvest summer crops and prepare for winter wheat production. Christopher Magomo said some areas in Mashonaland Central were recording maize yields of up to six tonnes per hectare, while soya bean yields averaged four tonnes. Authorities say protecting rivers and dams is critical to sustaining irrigation schemes and maintaining agricultural productivity amid climate and environmental pressures. illegal mining Zimbabwe

HARARE — The High Court has dismissed an urgent application by Ouro Tanque Private Limited that sought to gain immediate control of contested gold mining claims in Bindura while a Supreme Court appeal by Freda Rebecca Gold Mine is pending. The ruling, delivered on Thursday by Justice Siyabonga Paul Musithu, halts Ouro Tanque’s attempt to enforce a prior order that would have seen Freda Rebecca evicted from the disputed site. The legal battle stems from allegations made by Ouro Tanque that it was unlawfully dispossessed of five mining claims in February. The company accused Freda Rebecca of: Forced Removal: Allegedly using security personnel and members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police to block access. Encroachment: Fencing off the contested areas and deploying guards at the sites. In March, the High Court initially granted Ouro Tanque a spoliation order, a legal remedy designed to restore possession to a party unlawfully removed from property. This order instructed Freda Rebecca to remove the fencing and vacate the area. Freda Rebecca promptly appealed the spoliation order to the Supreme Court, arguing that the High Court’s original judgment was flawed because it failed to identify the exact boundaries, coordinates, or official beacons of the disputed claims. Justice Musithu agreed that the geographical location of the alleged dispossession remained a critical, unresolved factor. "The question of where exactly the alleged acts of spoliation occurred loomed large in the present matter," Justice Musithu noted. The judge pointed out that both companies appear to hold valid mining rights in the area, but in different locations. He suggested that oral evidence and official verification by mining authorities might be necessary to define the disputed boundaries. The court ultimately found that the "balance of convenience" did not favor Ouro Tanque. Justice Musithu ruled that Freda Rebecca’s Supreme Court appeal carried "prospects of success which cannot be ignored". As a result, Ouro Tanque’s application for leave to execute the judgment pending the appeal was dismissed, with both parties ordered to bear their own legal costs. Ouro Tanque vs Freda Rebecca gold mine dispute

Delta Corporation has denied allegations that a contaminated bottle of Coca-Cola containing suspected maggots originated from its production line, as a high-profile food safety case continues before the Harare Magistrates’ Court. The beverage manufacturer is facing scrutiny after a government laboratory reportedly confirmed that foreign particles discovered inside a Coca-Cola bottle were maggots. The matter is being heard under the provisions of Zimbabwe’s Public Health Act. The case, which has reignited debate around food safety standards and counterfeit beverages in Zimbabwe, was heard on Thursday before Magistrate Lisa Mutendereki. According to court papers, Harare resident Shepherd Mukonomera bought a 300ml Coca-Cola from a street vendor at 62 Mbuya Nehanda Street on 19 October 2023. The State alleges that after consuming most of the drink, Mukonomera noticed unusual foreign objects floating inside the bottle. “The complainant purchased a 300ml Coca-Cola soft drink… whilst drinking the soft drink after reaching about a quarter, he then saw some unknown foreign objects,” the State outline reportedly reads. Mukonomera immediately spat out the drink before the remaining contents were submitted for forensic examination. During proceedings, the complainant reportedly described the particles as worms. The prosecution told the court that the soft drink underwent laboratory testing. One visual inspection reportedly concluded that the foreign objects resembled maggots, while another scientific examination allegedly identified starch substances. However, Delta Beverages strongly challenged the findings and argued that the tests were inconclusive. In its defence outline, the company stated: “There is nothing on record to prove that the alleged contaminated product was produced at the 2nd Accused’s plant.” Delta argued that contamination could have occurred after the product left the factory due to storage conditions, tampering, or counterfeit beverage operations. The company said Zimbabwe’s growing counterfeit beverage market presents major risks to manufacturers and consumers alike. According to court submissions, Delta insisted its bottling systems are automated and sealed, making contamination during production “physically impossible.” “Collection, preparation and bottling of all Coca-Cola beverages occurs in a highly regulated, automated and sealed environment where it is physically impossible for foreign substances to enter the production line,” the company reportedly argued. Delta also questioned the chain of custody and handling procedures after the beverage entered the secondary market. The accused parties in the matter are vendor Violet Musandukwa and Delta Beverages, represented in court by lawyer Chenai Chawafambira. Musandukwa reportedly told investigators she was shocked after being confronted by the customer. “Upon checking the drink, I saw that there were white organisms at the bottom of the Coca-Cola bottle,” she said. Delta has requested that the court inspect its production facilities as part of its defence. The company maintains there is no conclusive proof linking the contaminated bottle directly to its manufacturing plant. The matter has been postponed to 18 May 2026 for continuation of trial proceedings. The case has sparked wider public discussion around counterfeit drinks, food safety regulations in Zimbabwe, and quality control standards in the beverage industry. Delta Beverages Zimbabwe

Two Harare cellphone dealers have appeared in court facing allegations of running an illegal US$500,000 Hawala-style foreign currency operation linked to cellphone imports from Dubai without approval from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ). The accused, Blessing Chinhanga and Taurai Chivanga, appeared separately before Harare regional magistrate Jesse Kufa on charges linked to alleged exchange control violations and money laundering. Both men were granted bail of US$500 each. According to court submissions reported by The Herald, prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi told the court that detectives from the CID Asset Forfeiture Unit were conducting “Operation Iron Net” on 7 May 2026 when they allegedly received intelligence linking the two businessmen to unlawful foreign currency dealings. Investigators claim the pair facilitated offshore payments for clients importing mobile phones and accessories from Dubai using informal money transfer systems outside Zimbabwe’s regulated banking channels. A Hawala system is an informal money transfer method that operates outside traditional banking systems. Instead of funds physically moving between countries through banks, a customer gives money to a broker in one country, while another broker in a different country pays the recipient an equivalent amount. The system is commonly used globally for quick international transactions. However, Zimbabwean law requires foreign currency transactions and cross-border payments to be processed through authorised financial institutions regulated by the RBZ. Authorities allege the accused bypassed these official channels. Court papers allege that detectives first arrested Chinhanga at a shop in Zimpost Mall after investigations suggested he was facilitating illegal foreign currency payments. Police reportedly recovered US$4,000 in cash during the operation. The State alleges Chinhanga collected funds from clients intending to import mobile phones and accessories from Dubai before arranging offshore settlements through unauthorised channels. Authorities estimate the transactions linked to Chinhanga amount to approximately US$270,000. In a related case, detectives allegedly arrested Chivanga at Century Mall over accusations of conducting similar transactions. The court heard that police allegedly recovered US$31,950 in cash as well as multiple mobile phones during the raid. Prosecutors allege Chivanga also accepted payments from clients importing cellphones and accessories before arranging offshore payments outside approved banking systems. The State claims the transactions linked to Chivanga total around US$250,000. Authorities further allege that cash and goods valued at approximately US$53,000 were recovered during the investigation. The two accused are being represented by lawyer Owen Safuri. At the time of publication, neither suspect had entered a plea. The matters were remanded for routine court proceedings as investigations continue into the alleged illegal foreign currency and cellphone import operation. The case comes amid intensified scrutiny by Zimbabwean authorities over informal foreign currency trading networks, money laundering allegations, and unauthorised cross-border payment systems operating outside the country’s regulated banking framework. Harare cellphone dealers