The Government has ordered an immediate stop to all development activities at the protected Monavale Wetland following a wave of protests by residents opposing land clearing in the ecologically sensitive area. The directive came after officials visited the site on Tuesday in response to public outcry over grading works reportedly linked to the allocation of residential stands for Members of Parliament. Permanent Secretary for Presidential Affairs and Devolution, Tafadzwa Muguti, confirmed that the works had not received official approval. “This particular instance was not cleared by Parliament, it was not cleared by Government. This is not how we do things,” Muguti said. “We will be allocating stands to Members of Parliament, but not like this… the instruction which is there still stands: that this area is a no-go area.” The intervention follows demonstrations by residents and environmental activists under the #SaveMonavaleVlei campaign on Sunday. Organisers described the halt as a “major breakthrough” in the fight to protect the wetland, which had recently been disturbed by graders and surveyors. “We are encouraged by the response, but we remain vigilant,” one campaigner said. “This ecosystem is too important to lose.” Located in Harare, Monavale Wetland is one of Zimbabwe’s seven wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention. Environmental experts say the wetland plays a crucial role in water storage, flood control, and biodiversity conservation within the Manyame catchment basin, which supplies water to Harare and surrounding areas. Wetlands specialist Dr. Nyasha Gwenzi warned that development in such areas can have long-term consequences. “Once a wetland is degraded, it loses its ability to regulate water and support biodiversity. Restoration is costly and sometimes impossible,” she said. Residents have also challenged earlier approvals linked to development at the site, including a controversial project that reportedly received an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate. That approval is now under appeal, with environmental groups arguing that the project threatens the ecological integrity of the wetland. The government has since directed agencies, including the Environmental Management Agency and the City of Harare, to investigate the recent activities and determine how the grading works were authorised. Urban planning expert Engineer Tinashe Zhou said stronger enforcement is needed to protect wetlands from encroachment. “Regulations exist, but enforcement remains inconsistent. Without accountability, these incidents will continue,” he said. Monavale Wetland has long been at the centre of disputes between conservationists and developers, with repeated attempts to convert parts of the area into residential stands. Residents say they will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure the government directive is fully enforced. Monavale Wetland development halted

A series of explosive claims alleging dressing room fights, hospitalisations, and internal breakdowns at Real Madrid have gone viral on social media, but there is no credible evidence supporting the allegations. The widely shared posts claim multiple incidents, including physical altercations between players, a dressing room revolt against the coach, and disciplinary issues involving key squad members. However, checks with reputable sports media and available reports show that many of the claims are unverified, exaggerated, or false. One of the most serious allegations is that Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni were involved in repeated fights, with Valverde allegedly hospitalised and suffering memory loss. There is no confirmation of such incidents from any major football news outlets or official club communication. Football analyst Tawanda Chari said such an event would be impossible to conceal. “A physical altercation leading to hospitalisation at a club like Real Madrid would immediately be global news. The silence from credible sources strongly suggests the claims are false,” he said. The viral thread also alleges that several players refused to speak to coach Carlo Ancelotti and that an emergency squad meeting was held to address internal conflict. Again, no verified reports support claims of a player boycott or breakdown in relations with the coaching staff. While internal disagreements are common in elite football environments, experts say the scale described online is not reflected in credible reporting. The posts further claim that Kylian Mbappé faced widespread backlash from fans for taking a trip to Italy during a difficult period for the team. Although high-profile players often face scrutiny over their conduct, there is no reliable evidence of “millions of fans” demanding Mbappé’s departure linked to the alleged incidents. Additional claims include an alleged physical confrontation involving Antonio Rüdiger and a teammate, as well as accusations of poor training effort and tactical issues. None of these claims has been substantiated by recognised sports journalism platforms or official club sources. Media analyst Admire Chibuwe said the story shows how quickly misinformation can spread in sports. “These posts combine real players with dramatic, unverified claims to create a sense of inside information. It’s a common tactic used to generate engagement,” he said. He added that fans should rely on credible outlets rather than anonymous social media threads. Experts note that while top clubs like Real Madrid can experience internal tensions, disagreements, and performance-related criticism, these are often exaggerated online. “There is a big difference between normal dressing room dynamics and the kind of crisis being described here,” said sports journalist Nyasha Dube. At the time of publication, there has been no official statement from Real Madrid confirming any of the alleged incidents, and no major international media outlet has verified the claims. Real Madrid chaos claims

Fresh viral claims accusing Apple of secretly installing “malware” on older iPhones to force users to upgrade have reignited debate online, but available court records and past investigations tell a more nuanced story. A widely shared social media video features a woman claiming to be a former Apple software engineer. In the clip, she alleges that every time Apple released a new iPhone, older devices were intentionally slowed down through malicious software updates. “I used to be a software engineer at Apple, and with every new phone that was released, malware was installed on the older phones to make you have to update,” she claims in the video. The allegations quickly spread across platforms including X, TikTok and Facebook, with many users linking the claims to Apple’s infamous 2017 “Batterygate” scandal. In 2017, Apple admitted that certain iOS software updates reduced the performance of older iPhones with aging batteries. The company said the feature was designed to prevent unexpected shutdowns caused by degraded lithium-ion batteries, particularly in older models such as the iPhone 6 and iPhone 7 series. However, critics accused Apple of failing to clearly inform users that software updates were throttling CPU performance. The backlash triggered lawsuits and investigations in several countries. Apple later apologised for poor communication and agreed to multiple legal settlements, including a US class-action settlement worth up to US$500 million. According to reports from technology publication MacRumors, some qualifying users eventually received compensation payouts exceeding US$90. Despite the renewed controversy, there is currently no verified evidence that Apple installed malware on older iPhones. Cybersecurity analyst Tendai Muchengeti said the viral claims exaggerate what courts actually found. “The issue was undisclosed performance throttling linked to battery management, not malware,” he explained. “Malware is malicious software intended to damage systems or steal information. That was never established in the Apple cases.” Legal findings against Apple focused mainly on transparency and consumer rights rather than intentional sabotage. Technology expert Sarah Chikowore said many users confused battery-related throttling with deliberate device destruction. “When batteries degrade, phones can become unstable. Apple chose to slow performance to avoid shutdowns, but the company failed to communicate this properly,” she said. The viral posts also reference recent criticism surrounding Apple’s heavily marketed Apple Intelligence features, including enhanced Siri capabilities that some consumers claim have not fully materialised. Social media users have circulated claims of a new settlement involving refunds of up to US$95 for recent iPhone buyers. However, no final court-approved settlement matching the widely shared payout claims had been officially confirmed at the time of publication. The resurfacing of the Batterygate controversy highlights how old scandals are often repackaged online with misleading claims. Digital media researcher Admire Chibuwe warned that viral content frequently mixes real events with false or exaggerated narratives. “People remember the original scandal, so adding dramatic language like ‘malware’ makes the story spread faster, even when the facts do not support it,” he said. While Apple’s handling of older iPhones remains controversial, experts say claims that the company secretly installed malware to force upgrades remain unproven. Apple Batterygate

A US$1.2 million community milling centre and gold tributary scheme funded by Sabi Gold Mine is transforming livelihoods in Zvishavane by creating jobs for youths and women while contributing to national gold production. The artisanal mining initiative is being hailed as a major empowerment programme aligned with Zimbabwe’s drive for inclusive economic growth, rural industrialisation, and formalisation of small-scale mining. Beneficiaries say the project has created sustainable employment opportunities and reduced social problems such as drug and substance abuse among unemployed youths. “The tribute arrangement has come at the right time because many youths are now employed, reducing drug and substance abuse,” one miner said. Another beneficiary said the project had significantly improved living conditions for families. “Since I began working last year, I have been able to provide for my children. My life has transformed,” the worker said. According to the Chairperson of the Sabi Gold Mine Artisanal Miners Milling Centre Association, Harris Mpofu, the scheme is supporting thousands of people from surrounding communities. “Each tribute employs approximately 60 small-scale miners,” Mpofu said. He added that the project is steadily increasing gold output. “We are producing about two kilogrammes of gold per month and aim to double output.” Gold produced through the milling centre is delivered to Fidelity Printers and Refineries, contributing to Zimbabwe’s official gold deliveries and export earnings. Mining analyst Takunda Mugaga said formalising artisanal mining is critical to improving accountability and economic benefits. “When small-scale miners operate within structured systems, the country benefits through increased official deliveries, safer operations and better livelihoods,” he said. Zimbabwe has increasingly promoted structured artisanal mining as part of efforts to harness the sector for employment creation and rural development. The mining sector remains one of the country’s key foreign currency earners, with gold playing a central role in national export revenues. Economic expert Persistence Gwanyanya said community-based mining projects can stimulate local economies. “These initiatives create income streams in rural areas while integrating informal miners into the formal economy,” he said. Residents say the milling centre has brought renewed economic activity to the area, with women and young people now participating more actively in mining-related work. Local leaders believe the project could become a model for community-centred mining development across Zimbabwe. As the country seeks to increase gold production and formalise artisanal mining operations, projects such as the Sabi Gold Mine tributary scheme are increasingly being viewed as important tools for economic empowerment and social stability. Sabi Gold Mine project

Workers at an industrial site in New Ardbennie, Harare, have raised serious concerns over workplace safety after an explosion reportedly injured two employees during the offloading of scrap metal last month. The incident is alleged to have occurred at a metal-processing company that manufactures mining equipment and melts scrap metal in a foundry. According to accounts from workers, a truck delivering scrap metal contained suspected explosive devices, which detonated while the material was being offloaded. “We noticed unusual objects in the scrap and alerted management immediately,” one worker said. “But we were told to continue working.” Moments later, one of the suspected explosives detonated. Two workers were injured in the blast. One sustained serious chest injuries and was admitted to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, while another suffered minor head injuries and was discharged after receiving treatment. Workers allege that no immediate report was made to authorities following the explosion. They further claim that the employee who sustained serious injuries was later sent home without adequate support or compensation. Attempts by employees to engage management over safety concerns have reportedly not yielded results. “We have tried to arrange meetings, but nothing meaningful has happened,” said another worker. “We are worried about our safety.” Workers said they escalated the matter to the National Employment Council for the Iron and Steel Industry, citing poor working conditions and safety risks. The council is said to have acknowledged the complaint and indicated it would investigate, but workers claim no follow-up action has been taken so far. Occupational safety experts say the presence of explosives in scrap metal is a known risk in the recycling and foundry industry, particularly where materials may originate from unknown or unverified sources. Industrial safety consultant Engineer Tawanda Moyo said strict screening protocols are essential. “Scrap metal should always be inspected thoroughly before handling or processing. The presence of unexploded ordnance or hazardous materials can be fatal,” he said. He added that incidents involving suspected explosives should be immediately reported to authorities, including the Zimbabwe Republic Police. Under Zimbabwean labour and safety regulations, employers are required to provide a safe working environment and to report serious workplace accidents. Labour law expert Tariro Dube said failure to report such incidents could expose companies to legal consequences. “Employers have a duty of care to their workers. Any serious injury or hazardous incident must be documented and investigated,” she said. Workers are now calling for an independent investigation into the incident, improved safety standards, and support for injured employees. Authorities had not issued an official statement on the matter at the time of publication. Harare explosion scrap metal

Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has approached the High Court of Zimbabwe seeking an urgent order compelling his estranged wife to withdraw legal proceedings filed in South Africa, where several of his company assets and bank accounts have reportedly been frozen. According to court documents, Chivayo argues that the South African anti-dissipation order has crippled his businesses and affected his ability to meet financial obligations, including child maintenance payments. Court papers state that Chivayo and his former wife were married under customary law before their union allegedly ended in 2024 following the payment and acceptance of gupuro, a traditional divorce token. The documents indicate that the parties previously resolved issues relating to the maintenance of their minor children through a consent order under case number HCHF/892/26. However, in a separate matter filed under HCHF/62/26, the respondent is reportedly seeking relief based on claims that a marriage or civil partnership existed between the parties. The claims allegedly include: dissolution of marriage, declaration and dissolution of a civil partnership, spousal maintenance, and division of assets. According to the application, the respondent used the pending Zimbabwean case to seek anti-dissipation relief in South African courts against bank accounts and assets linked to companies controlled by Chivayo. The application states that the High Court of South Africa granted an ex parte anti-dissipation order, leading to the freezing of company bank accounts and the grounding of a private jet allegedly owned by Chivayo-linked entities. Although the order reportedly lapsed temporarily, court papers say it was reinstated on April 23, 2026. Chivayo argues that the reinstated order has severely disrupted business operations. “The effect of the resuscitation of the anti-dissipation order is to cripple Applicant’s entities in that they are unable to function in the ordinary course,” the application states. The filing claims the freeze has made it difficult for the companies to pay salaries, rent and taxes. It further argues that Chivayo is now struggling to comply with court-ordered maintenance obligations, placing him at risk of contempt of court proceedings. The application also claims the situation is prejudicing the couple’s children, whose welfare is tied to the maintenance arrangements. Chivayo is now seeking dismissal of the pending matrimonial matter under case number HCHF/1764/26, arguing that it is “frivolous and vexatious.” He contends that resolving the case urgently is the only way to remove the anti-dissipation measures currently affecting his businesses and assets. Legal analyst Advocate Thabani Mpofu said cross-border matrimonial disputes involving asset freezes are often highly complex. “Once foreign courts become involved, especially in financial preservation matters, the legal and commercial consequences can be significant,” he said. The latest developments add to mounting scrutiny surrounding Chivayo, who has faced public attention over business dealings and political associations in both Zimbabwe and South Africa. The High Court is expected to determine whether the matter qualifies for an urgent hearing. Wicknell Chivayo court case

The Government has given property owners in Zimbabwe 24 months to validate old title deeds under the new Title Deeds Validation and Digitisation Programme aimed at curbing property fraud and ownership disputes. The initiative forms part of broader reforms designed to modernise the country’s land and property registration system through digitisation. The programme is being implemented under Statutory Instrument 76 of 2025, which introduces measures to verify and digitise existing title deeds. Authorities say the transition is intended to eliminate duplicate ownership documents, reduce fraudulent transactions, and improve confidence in Zimbabwe’s property market. A senior official familiar with the programme said digitisation will make property records more secure and easier to verify. “The goal is to create a transparent, reliable, and tamper-resistant property registration system,” the official said. Under the reforms, Zimbabwe is moving toward a digital-first land registration system where property records will be electronically stored and validated. Land administration expert Dr. Samuel Chikodzi said the move aligns Zimbabwe with global trends in property management. “Digital systems reduce opportunities for fraud, missing records and double allocation of properties,” he explained. The government has urged all holders of old title deeds to begin the validation process before the 24-month deadline expires. Officials warned that failure to validate documents within the prescribed period could create complications in future property transactions, inheritance claims, and ownership verification. Property lawyer Tariro Mlambo said homeowners should act early to avoid delays. “People should gather their ownership documents and engage the relevant offices as soon as possible because these processes can become congested closer to the deadline,” she said. Zimbabwe has experienced numerous cases involving fake title deeds, land scams, and multiple sales of the same property, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas. Authorities believe the digitisation programme will strengthen land tenure security while helping financial institutions and investors verify ownership records more efficiently. The government says the reforms are aimed at improving transparency in the administration of land and property rights while protecting legitimate homeowners. Economic analyst Persistence Gwanyanya said secure property rights are essential for economic growth. “A credible property registration system improves investor confidence and protects citizens from losing property through fraud,” he said. The validation programme is expected to run nationwide as Zimbabwe accelerates efforts to modernise public records and strengthen governance in the land sector. Zimbabwe title deeds validation

Tensions have escalated at Gilston Farm after large sections of the property were destroyed by fire in what war veterans and collaborators occupying the land suspect was a deliberate arson attack linked to ongoing land disputes. The blaze caused panic among residents in Manyame District, with livestock fleeing burning grazing areas as flames swept through bushes and pastures. Occupants of the farm allege that land barons are using groups of youths to forcibly remove beneficiaries who have legally occupied the land for years. “Livestock have been displaced on the farm as the land barons set Gilston Farm on fire,” some of the affected veterans said. “We are really troubled by this continued harassment by the invaders and the land barons.” The latest incident follows recent reports that machete-wielding youths allegedly invaded the property, chanting slogans and pegging land in what residents described as an attempted takeover. The farm is home to 39 beneficiaries, many of whom are war veterans and collaborators from Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. According to local war veterans, several of the occupants have disabilities sustained during the Second Chimurenga. “They are initiating a brutal and barbaric attack on defenceless war veterans and families who have been official occupiers of the land since 2002,” one veteran said. “Many of the veterans living here have visible disabilities acquired during the liberation struggle.” Previous allegations linked the land dispute to individuals associated with the ruling ZANU PF. A syndicate allegedly involving Manyame Rural District Ward 10 councillor Eddius Sibanda and ZANU-PF district coordinating committee chairman Chotodya was previously accused of intimidating residents at Longlands and Gilston farms in nearby Seke District. The accused parties have not publicly responded to the allegations. Residents believe the land is being targeted because of its proximity to the expanding Harare metropolitan area, where demand for land continues to rise. Land governance analyst Dr. Bekezela Gumbo said peri-urban farms have increasingly become hotspots for disputes involving politically connected land seekers. “Land close to urban centres often attracts competing interests because of its high commercial value,” Gumbo said. The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association has previously stated that Gilston Farm was allocated to injured ex-combatants partly because of its accessibility to medical facilities in Harare. “It remains perplexing and distressing that war veterans with official land permits are subjected to such ruthless treatment 46 years after independence,” residents said. Community members and war veterans are now calling for urgent intervention from law enforcement and government authorities to stop the violence and protect lawful beneficiaries. A local resident who witnessed the latest invasion said, “The youths arrived carrying machetes and immediately started pegging land even though families already live there.” Police had not yet issued an official statement on the fire or the allegations of arson by the time of publication. Gilston Farm fire

A commuter omnibus driver from Harare has been jailed after a passenger who was clinging to the rear bumper of a moving kombi fell onto the road and later died from his injuries. According to The Herald, 33-year-old Nyasha Muteweye was convicted of culpable homicide by the Mbare Magistrates’ Court following the fatal incident that occurred in the early hours of February 5, 2026. The court heard that Muteweye was driving a Toyota Hiace along Simon Mazorodze Road towards Waterfalls shortly after midnight when he allegedly allowed a passenger to hang onto the rear bumper of the moving vehicle. As the kombi approached Chinzou Roundabout, Muteweye reportedly failed to negotiate a curve while speeding, causing the vehicle to swerve. The passenger lost grip and fell onto the road, sustaining severe injuries. Witnesses at the scene said the victim landed heavily after the kombi veered unexpectedly. “People shouted for the driver to stop after the passenger fell,” said one eyewitness. The injured passenger was rushed to Sally Mugabe Central Hospital for treatment but died five days later. Prosecutors argued that Muteweye acted negligently by allowing unsafe passenger conduct and failing to properly control the vehicle. “The court found that Muteweye acted negligently by allowing unsafe passenger behaviour, failing to maintain proper control of the vehicle and speeding under the circumstances,” court findings stated. Muteweye was sentenced to two years in prison. The court also cancelled his driver’s licence and barred him from driving Class 2 vehicles for two years. Road safety expert Leonard Chikomba said the judgment sends a strong message to public transport operators. “Drivers have a duty of care toward passengers, even those behaving recklessly,” he said. The case has reignited concern over the dangerous practice commonly known as “kombi surfing”, where passengers or touts cling to moving commuter omnibuses using bumpers, mirrors, or doors. The behaviour has become increasingly common in some urban areas, especially during peak hours when kombis are overloaded. Motorists say they often keep their distance behind such vehicles out of fear that someone could suddenly fall into traffic. “The risk becomes even greater when drivers speed or take corners sharply,” said Harare motorist Tinashe Moyo. Authorities say similar fatal cases have previously been recorded across Zimbabwe. In December last year, a kombi driver in Bindura was arrested after a tout allegedly fell from the rear bumper of a moving kombi. Fedelis Dhewu, spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police in Mashonaland Central, warned against the practice. “We are warning touts to desist from hanging at the back of vehicles in motion and drivers should be extra careful because we do not want to lose precious life unnecessarily,” he said. Police and transport authorities continue urging kombi operators, crews, and passengers to prioritise road safety amid rising concerns over reckless commuter transport practices. Harare kombi accident

A 25-year-old man from Bulawayo has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of raping his 22-year-old cousin in a parked vehicle. The accused, who cannot be named to protect the survivor’s identity, was found guilty by regional magistrate Shingai Mutiro, who described rape as a grave offence warranting a custodial sentence. In handing down the sentence, Magistrate Mutiro noted that the crime involved aggravating circumstances, including the use of force, and resulted in physical injuries to the victim. “The offence is serious and calls for a deterrent sentence,” the magistrate said, adding that sexual relations between close relatives are prohibited under Zimbabwean law. The court heard that the victim sustained bruises to her hand and back during the attack. Prosecutor Owen Mugari told the court that the incident occurred around 11 pm on March 12 in the Thorngrove suburb. The accused allegedly jumped over the perimeter wall at the complainant’s home and knocked on her bedroom window, claiming he needed assistance with a vehicle fault. “The accused identified himself and asked the complainant to assist him with attending to his motor vehicle,” Mugari said. Believing the request to be genuine, the complainant unlocked the gate and accompanied him. The court heard that the accused drove with the complainant into town, briefly stopping at a nightclub before returning toward Thorngrove. Upon reaching Humbly Road, he allegedly locked the vehicle doors, moved to the back seat, and began making advances. He reportedly told the complainant he had long been attracted to her before forcibly restraining her. A struggle ensued, during which the complainant was overpowered. The accused then raped her once without protection. The matter was reported to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, leading to the suspect’s arrest. The complainant was taken for a medical examination, and the report was presented in court as evidence. Gender-based violence activists say the case highlights the risks posed by perpetrators known to victims. “This underscores the importance of awareness and caution, even with familiar individuals,” said women’s rights advocate Fungai Ndlovu. Authorities continue to urge survivors of sexual violence to report cases and seek medical and psychological support. Bulawayo rape case

Zimbabwe is among six southern African countries set to join South Africa in a joint bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations, according to Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie. The proposed regional bid will include Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Mozambique, in what could become a landmark multi-nation hosting arrangement for the continent’s biggest football tournament. McKenzie said discussions will culminate in a key meeting in Harare later this month, where participating countries are expected to formalise their involvement. “We are making a bid for the 2028 Afcon. We are doing it with Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Mozambique,” McKenzie said. The meeting is expected to coincide with the COSAFA presidential elections scheduled for May 17, providing an opportunity for regional football leaders to align on the proposal. A key requirement for the joint bid will be stadium readiness, with McKenzie warning that only countries with suitable infrastructure will be considered. “We want to see their stadiums because we don’t want people telling us they are still going to build. At that meeting the final decision will be taken,” he said. Zimbabwe currently faces challenges in this area, as it does not have a FIFA-approved stadium for international matches. However, ongoing renovations at the National Sports Stadium could see the facility meet required standards in upcoming inspections. Sports infrastructure expert Farai Jere said hosting AFCON could accelerate development. “A successful bid would push governments to fast-track stadium upgrades and improve sports facilities across the region,” he noted. McKenzie made it clear that South Africa is prepared to proceed independently if the regional partnership does not meet requirements. “We will go ahead with or without other countries if necessary,” he said, underscoring the competitive nature of AFCON hosting bids. South Africa last hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 and remains one of the continent’s most experienced hosts. Football analysts say a joint bid could promote regional cooperation and economic benefits through tourism, infrastructure development, and job creation. Sports economist Brighton Chiwara said, “A multi-country AFCON would spread the benefits across borders while showcasing Southern Africa as a unified sporting destination.” With the bidding process expected to intensify in the coming months, the Harare meeting will be critical in determining whether the regional bloc can present a viable joint proposal. If successful, the bid could mark the first time Southern African nations co-host AFCON on such a scale, potentially reshaping how major tournaments are organised on the continent. AFCON 2028 bid

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had no prior knowledge that Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo would be present at a meeting in Zimbabwe, according to presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya. The clarification follows public scrutiny after Ramaphosa’s recent visit to Zimbabwe, where he met President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Magwenya said the South African leader attended the meeting strictly at President Mnangagwa’s invitation and was not aware of other attendees. “President Ramaphosa had no prior knowledge of who would be present during the visit, nor is he familiar with the said individual,” Magwenya said. “The president flew to Zimbabwe for a meeting with his counterpart and nothing else.” The presence of Chivayo at the gathering has drawn attention due to ongoing investigations involving his business dealings in South Africa. South Africa’s Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), which monitors suspicious financial activity, has flagged transactions involving a company linked to Chivayo and a South African printing firm. The transactions are reportedly tied to more than R800 million allegedly moved through South African banks in connection with a tender awarded by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) confirmed in January 2026 that investigations related to Chivayo remain ongoing. A senior investigator, speaking on condition of anonymity, said cross-border financial flows are under close scrutiny. “These cases involve complex financial networks, and cooperation between agencies is essential,” the official said. Magwenya stressed that the presidency supports ongoing investigations and has encouraged law enforcement agencies to proceed without interference. “The president will further encourage our law enforcement agencies to continue pursuing matters under investigation and to do so with no fear or hesitation,” he said. Political analyst Sanusha Naidu said the presidency’s response reflects a need to separate diplomatic engagements from legal processes. “Heads of state often attend meetings based on official invitations without controlling guest lists. The key issue is whether institutions are allowed to function independently,” she said. Ramaphosa’s visit to Zimbabwe was part of ongoing bilateral engagement between the two neighbouring countries, which maintain close political and economic ties. However, the controversy highlights the risks of association in high-level diplomatic meetings, particularly when individuals under investigation are present. As investigations continue, authorities in South Africa are expected to intensify scrutiny of financial transactions linked to the case, while the presidency maintains that Ramaphosa’s visit was strictly official and limited to state business. Ramaphosa Zimbabwe visit