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Players battling muddy conditions in a PSL match The opening weekend of the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League produced results that may not accurately reflect the strengths of competing teams after several matches were played on waterlogged pitches. Heavy rains left some stadiums flooded, forcing players to adapt to difficult conditions that resembled “water polo tactics” rather than conventional football. Manica Diamonds FC fought hard for 90 minutes to hold Simba Bhora FC to a goalless draw at Gibbo Stadium. However, the visitors conceded a decisive goal two minutes into stoppage time, giving Simba Bhora a 1–0 victory. Manica Diamonds head coach Tafadzwa Mashiri said the team struggled to implement their game plan due to the poor pitch conditions. “The pitch was waterlogged and the conditions were difficult. We had to adjust throughout the match,” Mashiri said. He added that his team failed to deal with a late cross in the 92nd minute, which ultimately cost them a point. In another match played under challenging conditions, Dynamos FC defeated TelOne FC 2–1 at Ascot Stadium. The fixture, a rescheduled Matchday One clash, was played on a rain-soaked pitch that made movement and ball control difficult. Meanwhile, the match between Hardrock FC and Scottland FC ended in a 0–0 draw at Chahwanda Stadium, with reports indicating that the pitch conditions also affected gameplay. The conditions highlight ongoing infrastructure challenges facing domestic football in Zimbabwe. Calls for the league to align its calendar with international football seasons remain difficult to implement without stadiums equipped with proper drainage systems. The government has sought to address the issue through incentives aimed at boosting sports infrastructure development. During the 2026 national budget presentation, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube announced tax incentives for companies investing in stadium construction or upgrades. Under the proposal, companies that build or upgrade public sports facilities can claim 150 percent of their investment as a tax deduction over two years. “If a company spends US$1 million fixing a stadium, it can deduct US$1.5 million from its taxable income over two years,” Ncube said. The incentives also allow specialised stadium equipment, including turf, seating, lighting, and scoreboards, to be imported duty-free. Companies funding rural sports academies or youth programmes registered with the Sports and Recreation Commission will also qualify for a tax credit of up to US$10,000. Mashiri said Manica Diamonds are now regrouping ahead of their next fixture against FC Platinum at Mandava Stadium on Saturday. Both teams will be seeking their first points of the season after FC Platinum lost 2–1 to Ngezi Platinum Stars FC in their opening match. “We take it as a stumble and not a fall,” Mashiri said. “Our focus is now on the next match, and we hope the pitch conditions will be much better.” waterlogged pitch conditions Zimbabwe Premiership matches

Trymore Muparinga   HARARE —   Preacher Trymore Muparinga  has lodged a police report accusing fellow preacher Dickson Nhumwa  of cyberbullying  after Nhumwa posted a video alleging Muparinga misused church offerings to seduce women and buy alcohol, Muparinga’s lawyers said. Muparinga denies the allegations and says the video is part of an attempt by Nhumwa to claim a share of the funds he received from businessman Wicknell Chivayo. He has retained legal counsel and asked police to investigate the social‑media post. In the social‑media video, Nhumwa recounted his time ministering with Muparinga since 2007 and accused him of spending altar offerings on alcohol and personal pleasures. Nhumwa also urged the Christian community to intervene, saying Muparinga’s behaviour needed attention. Muparinga rejected the claims, saying: “I have never misused money for personal pleasures or to buy alcohol, as claimed.”  He described Nhumwa as a former ministry colleague who believes he is entitled to Muparinga’s earnings and called the video an act of bitterness. Muparinga said he had faced public abuse before and that he was taking the matter to the police. Legal steps and possible outcomes Police complaint filed: Muparinga has formally reported the matter and engaged a lawyer to assist with the investigation. Potential offences: Authorities will consider whether the video amounts to cyberbullying, defamation or another criminal offence under Zimbabwean law. Evidence and investigation: Police will likely seek the original video, witness statements, and any corroborating material. If the matter proceeds, prosecutors will decide whether to charge Nhumwa. Civil remedies: Separately, Muparinga could pursue civil action for defamation if he chooses, though that would be a distinct legal route. The dispute follows earlier scrutiny after a photo circulated showing Muparinga holding a brown bottle of alcohol. That image has been cited by critics, while supporters say it does not prove wrongdoing. Religious leaders and congregations may be watching closely, as public allegations between clergy can affect trust and church cohesion. Observers say social media disputes among public figures often escalate quickly and can have lasting reputational and legal consequences for both parties. Trymore Muparinga police report Dickson Nhumwa cyberbullying

Late in February, Zimbabwe withdrew from a proposed $367 million United States health funding agreement after objecting to provisions requiring broad American access to sensitive national health data. The five-year programme was framed as support for efforts against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and epidemic preparedness. But the terms demanded extensive sharing of epidemiological surveillance data and pathogen samples without binding guarantees that Zimbabwe would receive equitable access to medical technologies developed from them. Harare described the proposal as an “unequal exchange”, warning that the country risked supplying the “raw materials for scientific discovery” while the resulting benefits remained concentrated in the United States and global pharmaceutical companies. Critics increasingly describe this pattern as biomedical extractivism , a form of scientific exploitation that mirrors the logic of colonial resource extraction. Zimbabwe is not alone in raising concerns. In Lusaka, officials and civil society organisations have questioned a proposed United States–Zambia health partnership valued at more than $1 billion over five years. The draft agreement reportedly requires Zambia to contribute roughly $340 million in domestic co-financing while granting Washington far-reaching access to national health data and pathogen-sharing arrangements. One controversial clause would allow the agreement to be terminated if Zambia fails to conclude a separate bilateral minerals compact with Washington covering resources such as copper and cobalt. Meanwhile, in Kenya, the High Court suspended a similar $2.5 billion health agreement last December after a legal challenge argued that it could expose sensitive health data without sufficient safeguards under the country’s Data Protection Act. Taken together, these disputes point to a broader pattern unfolding across the continent. They come as Washington expands a network of bilateral health agreements under its “ America First Global Health Strategy ”. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation , the United States has signed more than 20 memoranda of understanding with African governments, with implementation timelines ranging from 2026 to 2030 and commitments totaling approximately $20 billion. Although presented as partnerships, a significant share of the funding is expected to come from African governments themselves, increasing fiscal pressure while deepening structural dependence. At least 17 African countries have already concluded similar agreements, many with fragile health budgets and limited negotiating leverage. These programmes finance important work against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, Ebola, and malaria while strengthening surveillance systems, laboratory capacity, and outbreak preparedness. But they also shift bargaining power sharply towards Washington. In Nigeria, for example, some funding provisions reportedly require Abuja to commit to prioritising the protection of Christian populations from violence, demonstrating how political conditions can be embedded within public health cooperation. At the centre of the controversy lies what the United States expects in return: health data and pathogen samples. In the age of biotechnology and pandemic preparedness, such information fuels the global bioeconomy, driving vaccine development, pharmaceutical patents, and artificial-intelligence-assisted drug discovery. Biological data has become as strategically valuable as oil, minerals, or rare earths. Without safeguards, African public health systems risk becoming upstream suppliers of biological information while downstream benefits intellectual property, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and commercial profits remain concentrated in wealthier countries. These anxieties are not abstract. They are shaped by a long and troubling history in which medicine in Africa has often intersected with imperial power. During the colonial era, European administrations used medical campaigns not only for disease control but also as instruments of surveillance and coercive governance. One of the most notorious examples occurred during sleeping sickness control programmes in French Equatorial Africa between 1921 and 1956, when entire villages were assembled for compulsory medical examinations and injected with experimental treatments such as atoxyl, a drug later linked to blindness and death. Modern controversies have only deepened scepticism. In 1996, during a meningitis outbreak in Kano in northern Nigeria, the pharmaceutical company Pfizer tested an experimental antibiotic called Trovan on children at a field hospital. Nigerian investigators later concluded the trial lacked proper regulatory approval, and a government inquiry described it as an illegal study of an unregistered drug. Pfizer ultimately reached a $75 million settlement with Kano State in 2009 while continuing to deny wrongdoing. Today, the stakes are even higher. Public health systems generate laboratory results, genomic sequencing, epidemiological records, and biological samples during outbreaks. The global biotechnology industry is valued at more than $1.5 trillion and is projected to reach nearly $4 trillion by 2030. In other words, biological data is among the most valuable scientific resources of the 21st century. Ethicists have long argued that international medical research must ensure fair benefit-sharing. In a widely cited 2004 study, bioethicist Ezekiel Emanuel and colleagues argued that ethical research in developing countries requires collaborative partnerships with local institutions and equitable distribution of resulting benefits. Yet that principle is often absent from current bilateral health arrangements. The lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic remain fresh. Scientists around the world relied on rapid sharing of viral samples and genomic data to track the virus's spread and develop vaccines. But when vaccines became available, many African countries found themselves at the back of the queue while wealthier states stockpiled supplies. The World Health Organization attempted to address these inequalities through the 2025 Pandemic Agreement, which proposes linking pathogen sharing with fairer access to resulting technologies. Bilateral deals risk undermining those multilateral efforts. By negotiating directly with individual countries, powerful states can secure privileged access to pathogen data without being bound by broader frameworks designed to ensure equitable benefit-sharing. The issue is not whether health data should be shared. Global cooperation is essential for pandemic preparedness. The real question is whether countries providing that data receive fair and transparent access to the vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments developed from it. African governments, therefore, face a delicate balancing act: protecting life-saving health programmes while defending data sovereignty and reciprocal partnerships. One solution may lie in collective negotiation through institutions such as the African Union and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention rather than fragmented bilateral agreements. Formally voluntary negotiations between a global superpower and financially constrained health systems rarely occur on equal terms. Washington has already begun winding down health funding in Zimbabwe, following the collapse of the talks, a reminder of the pressures facing countries that resist such arrangements. History offers a cautionary lesson. In the nineteenth century, colonial powers advanced through divide-and-rule tactics, isolating African societies one by one. Avoiding a new era of scientific extraction will require unity. If African countries share their data and pathogen samples, they must receive equal and transparent access to the knowledge, technologies, and medicines that result. African bodies should never be treated as raw material for someone else’s scientific progress. US Africa health agreements

Buhera Police have launched a manhunt for a gang of six armed robbers who are reportedly posing as police officers while targeting villagers in parts of Buhera and Hwedza. The suspects are believed to be travelling in a white Nissan Navara and approaching victims under the pretext of investigating illegal fuel sales before producing firearms and demanding cash. Acting Zimbabwe Republic Police Manicaland provincial spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wisdom Chinyoka, confirmed that investigations are underway and appealed to the public for information that could lead to the suspects’ arrest. In the first reported incident, 33-year-old Blessing Gutu of Mutiweshiri Business Centre was robbed of US$190 after the gang allegedly arrived at his premises around 1pm. The suspects reportedly accused him of illegal fuel trading before spotting a wallet and taking the cash. They then fled towards the Dorowa area. About 30 minutes later, a similar incident occurred involving Blessing Nyamurova (33) of Farm 335, Zviyambe. Nyamurova reportedly handed over US$200 after being confronted by the same gang, who allegedly claimed to be officers from Zimbabwe Republic Police. The suspects then drove off in the same white Nissan Navara heading towards the Chivhu–Nyazura Road. Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said no arrests had been made so far and the stolen money had not been recovered. “No arrests have been made so far and the stolen money has not been recovered,” he said. Police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a police officer . Authorities stressed that legitimate police officers are required to properly identify themselves when conducting official duties. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious encounters to the nearest police station as investigations continue. Buhera robbers posing as police Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is reportedly exploring plans to build a new state-of-the-art stadium in Victoria Falls as part of preparations for a regional bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations . Zimbabwe is expected to jointly bid for the tournament with South Africa and Botswana. Reports indicate that ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi visited Victoria Falls on Tuesday, where he met city officials and inspected potential sites for the proposed stadium. The ZIFA delegation also included general secretary Norman Gwangwadza and Southern Region vice-president Tafadzwa Mutowa . During the visit, the officials toured possible locations in Mkhosana and areas near the Gorges as they assessed land suitable for the development of a modern sports facility. According to a statement shared by the City of Victoria Falls , the proposed stadium could strengthen the city’s position as a hub for sports tourism. “Zimbabwe is among the southern African nations preparing a regional bid for the 2028 Afcon. Victoria Falls is strategically located to host world-class sporting activities, hence the need for appropriate facilities,” the council said in a social media post. Officials say the project could also help attract football clubs for competitions, training camps, and off-season preparations. Victoria Falls currently hosts the Division One-level Chinotimba Stadium . However, ZIFA is reportedly considering the construction of a modern stadium complex featuring main match facilities as well as B and C arenas to meet international standards. Zimbabwe currently does not have a stadium certified by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host international matches. As a result, the national team and local clubs competing in continental tournaments have been forced to stage home fixtures in neighbouring countries. Football authorities believe a new facility in Victoria Falls could strengthen Zimbabwe’s infrastructure as the CAF executive committee prepares to decide on the 2028 AFCON hosts. ZIFA has also indicated that the project could be implemented through public-private partnerships aligned with government infrastructure priorities. Victoria Falls stadium project AFCON 2028 bid

Informal transport operators moving goods with wheelbarrows in Bulawayo CBD Informal transport operators in Bulawayo have begun using wheelbarrows and small hand-pulled trolleys to move goods following a municipal ban on pushcarts within the city’s central business district (CBD). The ban was introduced under Statutory Instrument 220 of 2023 , which prohibits pushcarts from operating in the CBD area bordered by Naison Kutshwekhaya Ndlovu Avenue, Lobengula Street, Joseph Msika Avenue, and Robert Mugabe Way. Authorities say the measure was introduced to improve order and traffic flow within the busy commercial district. Since the regulation came into effect, municipal police officers from the Bulawayo City Council have been patrolling the CBD and impounding pushcarts found operating within the restricted zone. The enforcement has forced many informal transport operators to seek alternative ways to continue working. Some have turned to wheelbarrows and smaller hand-pulled trolleys, which they say allow them to transport goods while avoiding the risk of confiscation. One operator, who identified himself as Mthokozisi Ndlovu, said he began using a wheelbarrow after municipal police seized his pushcart. “They took my pushcart, and I could not afford the fines to get it back,” Ndlovu said. “I have a family to feed, so I started using a wheelbarrow because it is smaller and easier to move around without attracting too much attention from municipal police.” Another informal transport operator, Thabiso Moyo, said many workers in the sector had been forced to quickly adapt to the new regulations in order to maintain their livelihoods. However, he noted that wheelbarrows and small trolleys are less efficient than pushcarts and often make it harder to deliver goods quickly. Under the new by-laws , anyone found operating pushcarts within the restricted CBD area risks having their equipment impounded and may also face fines. Authorities have also warned that unlawfully removing wheel clamps or taking vehicles out of secure municipal compounds could lead to additional penalties, including fines or imprisonment. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between efforts by city authorities to regulate urban spaces and the need for informal sector workers to sustain their livelihoods. Bulawayo pushcart ban

HARARE —   A 59‑year‑old housemaid, Sarah Matemarunda, was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment by the Harare Magistrates’ Court for stealing cash and foreign currency totalling more than US$80,000 from her employer. Two months of the sentence were suspended, leaving an effective custodial term of 34 months. Prosecutors told the court the theft occurred while the employer was away at his farm in Darwendale. Key events reported to the court include: On 10 August 2025 the employer left home, leaving Matemarunda and the gardener, Milton Mudimu, on duty. The following day Matemarunda phoned to say the gardener had not reported for work. When the employer returned on 12 August, he found bedroom doors open and a digital metal safe forcibly removed from the wall. The safe contained large sums in multiple currencies, including US$80,400, ZAR4,000, 300 Yuan, 200 Dirhams, 100 Rupees and 30 Pounds. Police later found the safe inside a parked car at the property and identified fingerprints on it. Investigations led to the arrest of Mudimu as he attempted to flee to South Africa. During questioning Mudimu implicated Matemarunda as the alleged mastermind, saying she had provided information about the cash and coordinated with two male accomplices who remain at large. Officers recovered cash hidden in Matemarunda’s room, including US$1,239, ZAR1,360, 100 Yuan, 5 Dirhams, 50 Rupees and GBP10. The National Prosecuting Authority emphasised that the law will catch up with those who betray the trust of employers. Magistrates’ Court proceedings resulted in a custodial sentence with a partial suspension. The NPA used the case to remind the public that theft and betrayal of trust attract criminal sanctions. No further court dates were reported at the time of sentencing. Harare housemaid theft US$80 400 2026

Themba Mliswa Former Norton MP Temba Mliswa has publicly criticised retired Air Vice-Marshal Henry Muchena over his opposition to the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill (No.3). Muchena recently wrote to the Parliament of Zimbabwe, urging lawmakers to subject the proposed amendments to a national referendum. The proposed changes include measures that could extend the tenure of Emmerson Mnangagwa and introduce reforms affecting Zimbabwe’s political, electoral, and governance systems. In his letter to Parliament, Muchena argued that the principles of the liberation struggle placed ultimate authority in the hands of citizens. He said any constitutional changes affecting presidential term limits or governance structures should therefore be approved through direct public participation. Muchena maintained that a referendum would ensure that Zimbabweans have the final say on amendments to the country’s supreme law. Mliswa, a former provincial chairperson of ZANU‑PF in Mashonaland West and a vocal supporter of Mnangagwa, rejected Muchena’s position. In a detailed social media post, Mliswa accused Muchena and other retired military figures of attempting to portray themselves as representatives of war veterans and former security service members. “The politicking begins when people cannot face up to their own gallantry and posture behind vague titles of ‘Retired Zimbabwean Generals’, dragging innocent souls in their mistimed leap for relevance,” Mliswa wrote. He also alleged that some former military leaders had previously failed to advocate for the welfare of ordinary war veterans during their time in positions of influence. Mliswa further argued that the retired officers now criticising the proposed amendments have limited influence within the current military and political establishment. According to Mliswa, some of the public interventions by retired officials may be politically motivated attempts to regain relevance in national debates. He concluded his remarks with a Shona message urging leaders to prioritise supporting their comrades before claiming to represent broader causes. The exchange highlights the growing political debate surrounding the Constitutional Amendment Bill (No.3), which has drawn strong opinions from political leaders, former security officials, and civil society groups. As discussions continue, stakeholders across Zimbabwe’s political spectrum are increasingly weighing in on the legitimacy and process of the proposed constitutional reforms. Henry Muchena letter to Parliament Henry Muchena

More Power To VAR, Less Time-Wasting: IFAB Announces New Rules For 2026 FIFA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) have approved several changes to the Laws of the Game that will take effect before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The decisions were adopted during IFAB’s annual meeting held in Hensol, Wales. The tournament will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026. One of the key amendments affects disciplinary action following advantageous situations. Under the updated rule, players will no longer automatically receive a yellow card if a goal is scored after the referee allows play to continue following a foul. Football lawmakers say the change is intended to ensure punishments are proportionate and avoid unnecessary bookings when the attacking team ultimately benefits from the advantage. Referees will introduce a five-second countdown for restarting play during throw-ins and goal kicks. If the ball is not put back into play within that time, possession will be awarded to the opposing team. The measure is designed to discourage time-wasting and keep matches moving at a faster pace. The updated rules also tighten procedures related to substitutions and injuries. Players being substituted must leave the field within 10 seconds. Failure to do so may delay the entry of their replacement. Additionally, players who stop play due to injury will be required to remain off the pitch for at least one minute after the match resumes. Officials say the rule aims to prevent players from using injury stoppages to disrupt the flow of the game. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) will also receive expanded authority. VAR officials will now be able to review clear errors involving second yellow cards and wrongly awarded corner kick decisions that previously fell outside standard VAR intervention. The revised rules, which come into force on July 1, also include provisions allowing players to wear certain non-dangerous items provided they are properly covered. Referees may also be permitted to wear body cameras during matches as part of efforts to improve transparency and decision-making. Football authorities say the latest changes are intended to make the sport faster, fairer, and more consistent across competitions worldwide. FIFA new football rules 2026 World Cup

Council workers clearing a blocked sewer The Chitungwiza Municipality has warned residents against dumping rubbish into sewer manholes, saying the practice is causing serious blockages and sewage backups in homes. In a statement, the council said residents had been throwing grass, debris, and other solid waste into the sewer system, disrupting wastewater flow and damaging infrastructure. Officials said the warning follows the discovery of large quantities of waste dumped into a sewer manhole at 31 Rukukwe in Zengeza 1, a suburb of Chitungwiza. Images shared by the municipality showed piles of grass and other debris inside the manhole, which caused sewer blockages affecting several houses upstream. According to the municipality, sewer systems are designed to carry wastewater only and not solid waste. “Our sewer system is designed to carry wastewater only not grass, rags, sand, animal skins, dead animals, diapers or any other solid waste,” the council said in the statement. Officials warned that forcing such materials into manholes or flushing them into sewer lines can cause blockages, sewage overflows, and costly repairs that affect the entire community. Municipal authorities said the practice also exposes residents to serious health risks linked to raw sewage. The council also expressed concern over incidents where infant bodies have been discovered in the sewer system. “We are profoundly disturbed by the discovery of infant bodies in the sewer system, a tragic and painful reminder of how critical it is to safeguard both our infrastructure and our humanity,” the municipality said. Authorities did not provide further details about the incidents but described them as deeply troubling. The municipality urged residents not to open or tamper with sewer manholes or dump waste into sewer lines . Instead, residents were encouraged to use the council's proper refuse collection and disposal methods. Officials also appealed to members of the public to report any sewer blockages, overflows, or acts of vandalism to municipal authorities so that they can be addressed quickly. The council said protecting sewer infrastructure is essential to maintaining public health and reliable service delivery across the town. Chitungwiza sewer blockage

Map of Uganda Kampala, Uganda- In a bold move to bolster South-South cooperation and regional trade, the Ugandan government has announced visa-free entry  for nationals of 40 countries. Effective immediately, travelers from these nations can stay in the "Pearl of Africa" for up to three months for tourism or business without the prior hurdle of a visa application. While the move significantly eases travel for African and Commonwealth nations, it conspicuously excludes the United States, the United Kingdom, and European Union member states, a move widely viewed by analysts as a reciprocal response to tightening Western immigration policies. The policy prioritizes regional neighbors and key partners across the Caribbean and Southeast Asia. Region Featured Nations East & Southern Africa Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, Seychelles, Mozambique, Lesotho, Madagascar, Comoros, Eswatini. West & North Africa Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Eritrea. Asia & Middle East United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong SAR. Commonwealth & Others Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Jamaica, Bahamas, Barbados, Fiji, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Vanuatu. The timing of Kampala's decision follows a period of strained diplomatic relations with Washington . On January 21, 2026, the United States implemented strict new measures for Ugandan citizens, including: The $15,000 Bond: A mandatory, refundable bond for B1/B2 (business/tourist) visas. Reduced Validity: Visa terms slashed to just three months with limited multiple-entry options. Uganda’s new policy appears to re-center its diplomatic focus toward "Global South" allies. This is further evidenced by a revised list of countries eligible for diplomatic travel documents, which now includes Russia, Iran, India, Cuba, and Turkey, aimed at fostering "high-level cooperation." For Zimbabwean and Southern African businesses, this move lowers the barriers to entry for the burgeoning East African market. Trade & Tourism: Simplified entry is expected to boost intra-African trade under the AfCFTA  framework. People-to-People Ties: The Ugandan government noted on its X page that the decision reflects a commitment to "regional cooperation and people-to-people ties." Diplomatic Signaling: By granting visa-free status to the UAE and Singapore while excluding the US/EU, Uganda is signaling a strategic shift in its preferred investment partners. Uganda visa-free entry 40 countries

Chief Makoni A villager in Makoni has landed in trouble after allegedly posing as a traditional authority and presiding over a sensitive murder case involving an avenging spirit. Tapfumaneyi Mwendazviuya of Mwendazviuya Village appeared before Chief Makoni after he allegedly handled a case that fell strictly under the jurisdiction of the chief’s court. According to proceedings, Tapfumaneyi is not a headman but assists his father, Headman Mwendazviuya, in running the village. Despite this, he reportedly presided over a murder-related dispute and facilitated compensation between two families. The case involved a man who allegedly killed his live-in girlfriend after catching her with another man. Tapfumaneyi reportedly ordered the offender’s family to pay 10 cattle to the victim’s relatives as compensation and demanded an additional beast as a “court fee”. However, matters involving murder and avenging spirits known locally as Ngozi are traditionally handled only at the chief’s court because of their cultural and spiritual significance. The issue came to light when Robert Samuel, an aide to Chief Makoni, overheard villagers discussing the case while travelling on a bus. “I was shocked to hear that Headman Mwendazviuya’s son had presided over a murder case. He demanded a beast for cleansing and facilitated compensation, but such cases are strictly for the chief’s court,” Samuel told the court. Samuel also warned that the process followed would not prevent the consequences traditionally associated with Ngozi. “I told the families that the beasts they paid cannot stop ngozi from tormenting them. Even the headman admitted the process was wrong,” he said. Tapfumaneyi initially challenged Samuel’s authority to bring the complaint before the chief’s court, arguing that Samuel lived outside his jurisdiction. However, he later apologised for handling the matter. “I am very sorry for what I did, as it was out of ignorance. The family paid three goats as court fee, not a beast as alleged,” Tapfumaneyi told the court. He also argued that the fine imposed on him was excessive. In his ruling, Chief Makoni said Tapfumaneyi had overstepped his authority and mishandled a delicate matter. “Tapfumaneyi is not even the headman but is just assisting his father to run the village. He does not respect my authority,” the chief said. He added that the compensation process was flawed because the avenging spirit had not manifested or indicated how restitution should be made. “The avenging spirit should direct how it wants to be compensated, and in this case nothing of that sort happened,” Chief Makoni said. The chief fined Tapfumaneyi one beast and two goats and said he would recommend that Headman Mwendazviuya appoint a different person to assist in village leadership matters. He also warned that both families involved could still face the consequences of an avenging spirit if the matter is not properly addressed. Makoni ngozi case