Zimbabwe’s embattled national airline, Air Zimbabwe, is facing renewed scrutiny from Parliament over alleged corruption, missing aircraft records, and failure to comply with tax obligations, issues lawmakers warn could expose the airline to asset seizure and further financial distress. The concerns are contained in a report by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on the airline’s 2020 audited accounts, presented before the National Assembly by Wilson Maposa. According to the report, Air Zimbabwe has been operating several aircraft that are not recorded in its financial statements, raising serious questions about ownership, accountability, and asset control. “The Committee also noted the use of several aircraft by the airline which were not recognised as assets in its financial statements,” Maposa told Parliament. “The ownership status of some of these aircraft remains unclear.” One of the most contentious assets is an Airbus A320 aircraft, registration Z-WPM, which has been grounded in South Africa since 2014. Lawmakers warned that the aircraft’s prolonged storage poses legal and financial risks. “The A320 Z-WPM ownership ambiguity creates potential liability exposure under the Chicago Convention,” Maposa said. The PAC further cautioned that continued grounding at OR Tambo International Airport could result in seizure under local aviation regulations if parking, maintenance, or compliance issues remain unresolved. Air Zimbabwe officials, however, told Parliament they had engaged South African Airways Technical to clarify the aircraft’s status, adding that no parking fees are currently owed. They said only future maintenance costs would arise if the aircraft were returned to service. Beyond fleet concerns, lawmakers raised alarm over the airline’s failure to meet basic financial reporting standards. The PAC report noted that Air Zimbabwe did not carry out tax computations for both income tax and deferred tax obligations during the 2019 financial year. “The audit noted that Air Zimbabwe did not do any tax computation for both income tax and deferred tax. Quarterly returns were not being done,” Maposa said. The committee has since recommended that the airline submit all outstanding financial statements to the Auditor-General by August 31, 2026, while also calling for stricter accountability measures for senior management through performance contracts. Adding to the criticism, Edwin Mushoriwa described the airline’s situation as dire, citing weak oversight, minimal staffing, and a lack of transparency. “There are allegations that Air Zimbabwe is using aircraft not reflected in official records, some possibly sourced from government or the Air Force, although these claims remain unverified,” Mushoriwa said. He further claimed that the airline is operating with extremely limited human resources. “Currently, only three individuals are employed at Air Zimbabwe, and they are not actively contributing to the necessary improvements,” he said. Once a dominant player in regional aviation, Air Zimbabwe has struggled with debt, fleet shortages, and operational challenges over the past decade. Its diminished presence at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, where foreign airlines now dominate, has underscored its decline. Mushoriwa expressed cautious optimism over the airline’s placement under the Mutapa Investment Fund, saying it could pave the way for restructuring and recovery. However, he stressed that urgent reforms are needed to restore accountability, rebuild fleet capacity, and ensure transparency in asset management. Analysts say without immediate intervention, the airline risks further reputational damage and potential loss of strategic assets abroad, complicating any future revival efforts. Air Zimbabwe corruption allegations

A 33-year-old security guard employed by Shurugwi Town Council has been sentenced to 36 months in prison after masquerading as a police officer and extorting money and goods from local businesses. Wilson Mateveke was convicted on his own plea by Shurugwi magistrate Sithembinkosi Gowero last Friday on two counts of impersonating a police officer and theft. The court heard that Mateveke committed the offences alongside Clearance Chimangariso (44) and Mukudzei Mahachi (33), both residents of Makusha suburb in Shurugwi. According to the State, the trio carried out the scam at Musasa Business Centre, where they posed as detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), a specialised arm of the Zimbabwe Republic Police. “They approached a tuck-shop owner and demanded a bribe, misrepresenting themselves as CID officers conducting investigations,” prosecutor Kwanele Njini told the court. The suspects allegedly intimidated the shop owner into handing over US$20 before proceeding to another business, where they were given two six-packs of beer under similar pretences. However, their scheme quickly unravelled when a vigilant member of the public recognised the trio and alerted other shop owners that the suspects were not legitimate law enforcement officers. Eyewitnesses said the warning spread rapidly across the business centre, prompting residents to take action. “We realised something was not right because they were demanding money without any proper identification,” said a local shopkeeper who witnessed the incident. “People started talking, and that’s when we confronted them.” A villager then effected a citizen’s arrest, leading to the trio being handed over to police officers for formal processing. Legal experts say cases of impersonating law enforcement officers are treated seriously in Zimbabwe due to the potential for abuse and erosion of public trust. “Impersonating a police officer undermines the integrity of law enforcement institutions and exposes citizens to exploitation,” said a Harare-based legal analyst. “Courts typically impose deterrent sentences to send a strong message.” Mateveke was subsequently convicted and sentenced to 36 months behind bars, while proceedings against his co-accused, Chimangariso and Mahachi, are still pending before the courts. The case highlights growing concerns among small business owners in rural and peri-urban areas over fraud and impersonation scams, particularly those involving individuals posing as officials to extort money. Authorities have urged members of the public to always verify the identity of law enforcement officers and report suspicious activity to the nearest police station. Shurugwi fake police officer

A 24-year-old woman from Glenview has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after biting off part of her neighbour’s ear during a violent altercation linked to an alleged extramarital affair. Bridget Jengwa, of Churu Farm, appeared before the Mbare Magistrates’ Court, where she was convicted of assault. She will serve an effective nine months behind bars after three months of the sentence were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour. The court heard that the incident occurred on 20 April 2026, when Jengwa confronted her 21-year-old neighbour at her residence, accusing her of engaging in a relationship with her husband. According to prosecutors, tensions escalated rapidly despite attempts by the victim’s mother to defuse the situation. Jengwa allegedly became violent, striking the victim with open hands before dragging her during the confrontation. “She bit off a portion of the complainant’s right ear during the assault,” the State told the court, describing the attack as brutal and unprovoked. In a shocking turn, Jengwa reportedly dropped the severed piece of the ear on the ground before fleeing the scene with her child, leaving the victim bleeding heavily and in need of urgent medical attention. Medical evidence presented in court confirmed that the victim suffered permanent disfigurement as a result of the attack, a factor that weighed heavily in sentencing. Legal experts say such cases fall under serious assault, particularly where grievous bodily harm and permanent injury are involved. “Where an assault leads to lasting physical damage, courts are inclined to impose custodial sentences to reflect the severity of the offence,” said a Harare-based legal analyst. “This also serves as a deterrent against violent personal disputes.” In a statement issued on 29 April, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) strongly condemned the incident, warning against the escalation of domestic and interpersonal conflicts into violence. “Violence is never an acceptable way to resolve disputes. Such actions cause serious harm and carry severe legal consequences,” the authority said. The NPAZ urged communities to prioritise peaceful conflict resolution and report all forms of violence to law enforcement authorities. The case has sparked concern among residents and community leaders in Glenview, where disputes linked to relationships and domestic tensions have occasionally escalated into violence. Social commentators note that economic stress and overcrowded living conditions in high-density suburbs can sometimes intensify personal conflicts, though they stress that violence should never be justified. Authorities continue to encourage mediation, counselling, and community-based dispute resolution mechanisms as alternatives to confrontation. The ruling underscores Zimbabwe’s tough stance on violent crime, particularly cases involving serious bodily harm, as the justice system seeks to curb rising incidents of assault in urban communities. Glenview assault case

Zimbabwe’s mobile telecommunications sector recorded steady growth in the fourth quarter of 2025, driven by rising data consumption, increased voice traffic, and continued infrastructure investment, according to the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ). Active mobile subscriptions rose by 2.11% to 16.78 million, up from 16.43 million in the previous quarter, pushing mobile penetration to 107.04%. Analysts say the figure reflects widespread access to SIM cards rather than unique users, a common trend in developing telecom markets. Market leader Econet Wireless Zimbabwe strengthened its dominance, growing its subscriber base by 2.56% to over 12.37 million users. NetOne recorded modest growth of 0.95%, while Telecel Zimbabwe continued its decline, shedding 0.58% of its subscribers. Voice traffic registered one of the strongest gains, rising 9.04% to 5.07 billion minutes. Econet drove much of this growth with an 11.09% increase, while NetOne and Telecel experienced declines. POTRAZ attributed the surge to competitive voice bundles stimulating both on-net and inter-network calls. “The robust increase in total mobile traffic is primarily driven by significant growth in on-net and interconnect traffic,” the regulator said. Inbound roaming traffic also rose during the quarter, reflecting increased activity by foreign visitors during the festive season. However, SMS usage continued its long-term decline, dropping 3.49% to 2.77 billion messages, largely due to reduced on-net messaging. Industry experts link this to the growing dominance of internet-based messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. Mobile internet usage recorded the most significant growth, with total data traffic surging 11.27% to 160.33 petabytes. The increase underscores a structural shift toward data-driven consumption, with high-bandwidth platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Netflix driving demand. Econet maintained the largest share of data traffic, although NetOne posted the fastest growth at 18.5%, reflecting gains in network expansion. Telecel, by contrast, recorded a sharp decline of over 20% in data usage, highlighting ongoing operational challenges. Financially, mobile network operators reported a 6.33% increase in revenue to ZWG 7.74 billion. However, operating costs rose faster, climbing 11.52%, pushing the sector’s cost-to-income ratio close to 60%. “This suggests growing pressure on profitability despite rising demand,” said a Harare-based telecommunications analyst. “Operators are investing heavily, but returns are being squeezed by inflation, currency volatility and infrastructure costs.” Capital expenditure more than doubled to ZWG 1.08 billion during the quarter, signalling aggressive investment in network upgrades. A total of 47 new 5G base stations were deployed, bringing the national total to 366. Econet continued to lead infrastructure rollout, particularly in urban centres, while NetOne expanded coverage in underserved and rural areas. Telecel’s limited progress reflects financial and operational constraints, analysts say. Nationwide, approximately 18.9% of Zimbabwe’s population now has access to 5G services, mainly in urban areas, while rural 3G coverage reached 73.7%, highlighting ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide. Employment in the mobile telecommunications sector stood at 2,257 workers during the quarter. In the fixed telephony segment, subscriptions rose marginally by 0.92% to 304,383 lines, while fixed VoIP services increased by 3.15%, indicating a gradual shift toward internet-based communication. Overall, the latest POTRAZ figures point to a telecommunications sector increasingly driven by mobile data usage, with operators investing in next-generation technologies to meet evolving consumer demand and digital transformation trends in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe telecom sector growth

Families in Shurugwi are racing against time to identify the remains of their loved ones as 147 graves at the old Peak Mine Cemetery face exhumation to pave the way for expanding gold mining operations in the mineral-rich Boterekwa Hills. The exercise, funded by Chinese-run Chengxi Mine and implemented by Zi-Heritage and Environmental Consultancy, has triggered emotional distress and renewed debate around heritage preservation, environmental impact, and community consultation in Zimbabwe’s mining sector. Zi-Heritage chief executive officer Takudzwa Pasipanodya confirmed that all legal and traditional procedures have been followed, including consultations with local leadership under Chief Nhema. “We are exhuming all graves and relocating them to Tongogara Rural District Council Cemetery for those without alternative burial sites. For families with rural homes, we will facilitate the entire reburial process,” said Pasipanodya. The Peak Mine Cemetery is believed to hold remains of migrant mine workers dating back to the 1940s, many from Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia who came to work in colonial-era mining operations linked to companies such as Zimasco. However, concerns are mounting over identification challenges and limited awareness of the process among affected families. Seventy-one-year-old Mustafo Bero, whose parents migrated from Malawi in 1940, said the process is deeply unsettling. “My father died in 1956 and was buried here. Now we are being told to identify graves that have no markings. I can only remember one location,” he said. Another resident, Richard Zigora of Poshai Village, criticised the communication strategy, saying notices published in The Herald failed to reach rural communities. “This is a sensitive issue, but many families are unaware. They should have used local communication channels like traditional leaders and ward councillors,” Zigora said. Environmental experts warn that the situation highlights broader tensions between economic development and community rights. An official from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “Grave exhumations linked to mining projects must balance legal compliance with cultural sensitivity. Community engagement is critical to avoid long-term social conflict.” The Boterekwa Hills, once known for their scenic landscapes, have increasingly been transformed by large-scale mining, raising concerns among environmentalists about land degradation and loss of heritage sites. Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) has previously stressed that mining projects must adhere to environmental and social impact assessments, ensuring affected communities are adequately consulted and compensated. As exhumations prepare to begin, families continue to gather at district offices seeking clarity, with many fearing their ancestral ties could be permanently disrupted. Shurugwi grave exhumations

Police in South Africa have arrested a 69-year-old medical doctor in KwaZulu-Natal over allegations that he sexually assaulted four female patients under his care at a hospital in Madadeni. The senior practitioner was taken into custody on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, by detectives from the KwaZulu-Natal Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, working in collaboration with officers from the Madadeni police station. Provincial police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda confirmed the arrest, stating that the alleged incidents occurred between August 2025 and April 2026. “The 69-year-old doctor allegedly sexually assaulted four of his female patients at a hospital in Madadeni,” said Netshiunda. According to police, the suspect is accused of inappropriately touching victims on their breasts and private parts, and in some instances, allegedly coercing them into performing sexual acts. Authorities said the case came to light after a whistle-blower anonymously alerted police to the alleged abuse. “The detectives operationalised the tip-offs, and after the victims opened cases, investigations unfolded, leading to the arrest of the suspect,” Netshiunda said. Police have indicated that more charges could be added if additional victims come forward. The suspect is expected to appear before the Madadeni Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 30 April 2026, where he will face charges related to sexual assault. The case has sparked concern over patient safety and professional conduct within healthcare settings. Medical ethics experts say the allegations, if proven, represent a serious breach of trust between healthcare providers and patients. A Durban-based healthcare analyst noted that such cases highlight the importance of stronger reporting mechanisms and safeguards within hospitals. “Patients are often vulnerable in clinical settings. There must be clear systems that allow them to report abuse safely and without fear,” the expert said. Police have urged anyone who may have been affected to report incidents, assuring the public that cases will be handled with sensitivity and confidentiality. Investigations are ongoing. KZN doctor arrested

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, has promoted nine officers from the Zimbabwe National Army from the rank of Major to Lieutenant Colonel in a move described as part of routine military progression. The promotions were formalised on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, with images released by ZBC News showing the officers marking their elevation to the senior field officer rank. Among those promoted is Sean Mnangagwa, a serving member of the elite Presidential Guard and son of the President. He has been part of the President’s close protection unit, a role that involves high-level security responsibilities. Military sources say Sean Mnangagwa has been in service for over a decade, reportedly joining the ZNA around 2010. By 2022, he had risen to the rank of Major after completing a junior staff course, an essential milestone in an officer’s professional development. He is also understood to have undergone advanced military training in China, which he completed in early 2024. Authorities indicate that the latest promotions are part of standard internal advancement procedures within the ZDF, which periodically elevate officers based on experience, training, and operational readiness. Defence analysts note that progression to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel typically takes between 15 and 20 years of service, placing the latest promotions within expected timelines. A Harare-based security expert said the advancement reflects structured career progression within the military. “Promotion to Lieutenant Colonel is a significant step, but it is generally consistent with years of service and completion of required training courses,” the analyst said. With their elevation, the nine officers now join the “field officer” tier of the army hierarchy, a critical level in military command structures. Lieutenant Colonels are often responsible for leading battalions or serving in senior operational and administrative roles. The rank also positions officers for future advancement to Colonel and eventually Brigadier General, where strategic influence becomes more pronounced. The inclusion of the President’s son in the list of promoted officers is likely to attract public attention, particularly in the context of broader discussions around transparency and meritocracy in state institutions. However, military insiders maintain that structured training, service duration, and professional courses remain key criteria for advancement within the ZNA. The promotions come at a time when Zimbabwe continues to invest in strengthening its defence capabilities and professionalising its armed forces through training and institutional development. Observers say such promotions, while routine, play an important role in maintaining morale, rewarding service, and ensuring continuity in military leadership. Mnangagwa promotions

Newly appointed Warriors interim head coach Kaitano Tembo says he is under no illusion about the expectations that come with leading Zimbabwe’s senior men’s national team, pledging to bring focus, discipline and continuity to the role. Tembo steps into the position following the departure of former head coach Marian Marinica, whose exit was confirmed on Monday, 27 April by the Zimbabwe Football Association. Speaking to ZIFA media, Tembo acknowledged the magnitude of the task ahead. “It is a great honour and responsibility. I want to thank ZIFA for the trust they have shown in me,” he said. “Having worked within the national team set-up, I understand the expectations and the pride that come with leading the Warriors. I am fully committed to serving the country and building on the work that has already been done.” Tembo’s appointment comes at a crucial time as Zimbabwe prepares for upcoming international assignments, including the Unity Cup in London. Having served as assistant coach under both Marinica and former head coach Michael Nees, Tembo believes continuity will be vital in maintaining team stability. “Continuity is very important. I have worked closely with Coach Marian Marinica and previously with Michael Nees, alongside Takesure Chiragwi,” he said. “That understanding of the players, the systems and the culture within the team gives us a solid foundation to move forward without disruption.” Tembo will be assisted by Takesure Chiragwi, as the technical team looks to maintain consistency in approach and performance. The interim coach also highlighted the importance of blending talent from different leagues into a cohesive unit. “We have a good mix of talent. There is quality in the local league, strong players based in South Africa, and others playing in the UK and beyond,” Tembo said. “Our task is to bring them together, build unity and create a team that plays with purpose and pride.” With preparations for the Unity Cup gathering pace, Tembo’s immediate challenge will be to translate that unity into results on the pitch. Analysts say his familiarity with the squad could prove an advantage, particularly in a short-term tournament setting where quick adaptation is critical. For Tembo, the interim role presents both a test and an opportunity to stake a claim for the job permanently. Football observers note that performances in upcoming fixtures could play a significant role in shaping the Warriors' future direction under the Zimbabwe Football Association. Kaitano Tembo Warriors coach

By Pery Nhara A disturbing pattern is beginning to emerge across Zimbabwe, one that strikes at the very heart of institutions long regarded as moral anchors. Increasingly, men of the cloth are finding themselves entangled in serious criminal allegations, raising uncomfortable questions about accountability, power, and trust within religious spaces. The latest case involving Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) pastor Chirashanye Magora is a stark and troubling example. A warrant of arrest has been issued after he failed to appear in court, where he faces grave allegations of sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl over a period of months. His disappearance, following release on bail, has only deepened public concern and anger. But this is no longer an isolated incident, it is part of a broader, deeply unsettling trend. Church leaders occupy positions of immense influence. They are counsellors, spiritual guides, and, in many communities, the final arbiters of moral conduct. When individuals in such roles are accused of serious abuses, particularly involving vulnerable congregants, the damage extends far beyond the immediate victims. It erodes trust in the institution itself. For many families, the church is a place of refuge. When that sanctuary is compromised, the psychological and social consequences ripple across entire communities. Victims may struggle to come forward, fearing disbelief or stigma, especially when the accused holds significant authority. At the core of many of these cases is an imbalance of power. Religious leaders often operate within structures that lack strong oversight mechanisms. Their authority is rarely questioned internally, and in some cases, congregants are conditioned to equate spiritual leadership with unquestionable righteousness. This creates fertile ground for abuse. When allegations surface, institutions sometimes respond defensively, prioritising reputation over justice. Delayed action, silence, or attempts to manage matters internally can allow perpetrators to evade accountability for extended periods. Perhaps most troubling is the culture of silence that often surrounds such cases. Victims, particularly minors, may be coerced, threatened, or spiritually manipulated into staying quiet. Communities, too, may hesitate to confront wrongdoing, out of loyalty to the church or fear of scandal. In the Magora case, it took a desperate escape by the young complainant for the alleged abuse to come to light. That alone speaks volumes about the barriers victims face. If churches are to retain their moral authority, they must confront this issue head-on. That means more than sermons about righteousness, it requires structural change. Clear accountability systems within church hierarchies Mandatory reporting of abuse allegations to law enforcement Independent investigations, rather than internal handling Safeguarding policies to protect children and vulnerable members Faith institutions cannot demand trust while failing to protect those who place their faith in them. Zimbabwe is at a crossroads. The increasing visibility of such cases could either signal moral decline or the beginning of long-overdue accountability. The difference will lie in how institutions respond. Will they close ranks and protect their own? Or will they choose transparency, justice, and the difficult work of reform? For the sake of the vulnerable and the integrity of faith itself, the answer matters. Zimbabwe church scandals

A general hand employed by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has been arrested after allegedly stealing US$1,500 from his workplace and gambling away the entire amount on the online betting game Aviator, widely known in Zimbabwe as “chindege.” The incident, which occurred on 25 April 2026, has once again put the spotlight on the rising risks associated with online gambling platforms in the country. According to court papers seen by The Herald, the theft took place at the central bank’s offices along Samora Machel Avenue in Harare. The complainant, asset manager Benard Kenneth Chitenje, had reportedly secured his office before briefly stepping out to purchase car parts along Kaguvi Street. However, authorities say a slightly open window created an opportunity that was allegedly exploited by the accused. Prosecutors told the court that the suspect, identified as 48-year-old Pets Napwaro, allegedly devised a plan to steal the money during his colleague’s absence. He is accused of using a chair to climb through the window and gain entry into the locked office before taking US$1,500 from a drawer and leaving undetected. Upon returning, Chitenje discovered the cash missing and immediately filed a report at Zimbabwe Republic Police Harare Central. Police investigations led to Napwaro’s arrest, and authorities say he later confessed to the offence. Napwaro appeared before a Harare magistrate, where he pleaded guilty to unlawful entry and theft charges. State prosecutor Takudzwa Mutyavaviri told the court that the accused admitted to stealing the money and subsequently gambling it away. According to the prosecution, the accused used an online platform identified as MWORS to play Aviator, losing the entire sum. The case has reignited concerns over the growing popularity of online betting games such as Aviator, which have gained traction across Zimbabwe, particularly among low- and middle-income earners. Gaming and financial experts warn that such platforms, which promise quick returns, can quickly lead to addiction and significant financial losses. A Harare-based financial analyst, speaking anonymously, said the trend is increasingly affecting workplaces. “We are seeing more cases where individuals resort to desperate measures after incurring losses through betting. The accessibility of these platforms makes the situation worse,” the analyst said. Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges may be pursued, but the case highlights growing concerns about employee misconduct linked to gambling habits. As online betting continues to expand in Zimbabwe, experts are calling for stronger public awareness campaigns on responsible gambling, as well as tighter controls to protect vulnerable users. RBZ employee arrested

The Embassy of Zimbabwe in South Africa has dismissed viral claims that it is offering “free deportation” services to Zimbabwean nationals, describing the reports as false, misleading, and not sanctioned by any official authority. In a strongly worded statement issued on 28 April 2026, the Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe in South Africa said it had noted with concern the circulation of social media messages suggesting that citizens could access free transport and deportation assistance. Addressing the issue directly, the embassy categorically denied the existence of any such programme. “The Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe in South Africa wishes to categorically refute the information circulating on social media alleging that the Embassy is offering ‘free deportation’ services and transportation for Zimbabwean citizens.” Officials stressed that the claims did not originate from any recognised government platform and have no official backing from the Government of Zimbabwe. “The Embassy would like to state, in the strongest terms, that this information is false, misleading, and not issued by any official authority.” The embassy further clarified that no deportation assistance programme—free or otherwise—has been introduced or authorised. “The Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe has not initiated or authorised any such programme.” Authorities are now urging Zimbabwean nationals living in South Africa to remain vigilant and avoid acting on unverified information. The embassy warned that the spread of misinformation could create confusion, particularly among citizens seeking legitimate consular services such as documentation, travel assistance, and legal support. “Members of the public are urged to disregard this misinformation and to rely only on official communication channels of the Embassy for verified information.” Officials also called on the public to play an active role in curbing the spread of falsehoods online. “The Embassy further encourages anyone who encounters such false notices to refrain from sharing them and to report them to the relevant authorities.” To prevent further confusion, the embassy reiterated that all accurate updates and services are communicated through its verified platforms and official offices in Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. Zimbabweans were encouraged to contact these offices directly for assistance and to confirm any information before taking action. “For accurate and up-to-date information, please contact the Embassy directly through its official platforms.” The incident highlights growing concerns over misinformation targeting migrant communities, particularly during periods of heightened tension or uncertainty. Media and digital policy experts say false claims about immigration processes, deportation, or government assistance can spread rapidly on platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook, often exploiting fear and uncertainty among foreign nationals. Analysts warn that such misinformation can lead to panic decisions, financial exploitation, or unnecessary movement of people. Zimbabwe embassy South Africa

PRETORIA – The Embassy of Zimbabwe in South Africa has issued a safety advisory to Zimbabwean nationals living in South Africa following reports of protests targeting foreign nationals, urging citizens to remain vigilant and limit movement. The warning, released on 28 April 2026 via the embassy’s official X account, comes amid growing concern over demonstrations reported in major cities, particularly Johannesburg and Cape Town. According to the embassy, its consulates in both cities have received multiple reports of unrest involving demonstrations directed at foreign nationals. “The Consulate of Zimbabwe in Johannesburg and Cape Town have received reports of disturbing demonstrations that are targeting foreign nationals. These incidents pose a serious risk to the safety and well-being of Zimbabwean nationals residing in South Africa,” the advisory read. While no specific incidents were detailed, the statement highlights a deteriorating security environment for migrants in parts of the country. Zimbabwean citizens have been urged to take precautionary measures, including: Avoiding areas where protests are taking place Staying indoors and limiting unnecessary travel Remaining alert at all times Keeping identification and essential documents readily available The embassy emphasised the importance of personal safety during the ongoing unrest. “Remain vigilant and avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place,” the advisory stated. The embassy encouraged nationals to report any incidents to the South African Police Service (SAPS), as well as Zimbabwean diplomatic offices. Citizens were also advised to stay in contact with consular services in Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Cape Town for assistance if needed. In its closing remarks, the embassy reaffirmed government support for Zimbabweans living abroad. “The Government of Zimbabwe is committed to ensuring the safety, dignity and well-being of its nationals,” the statement said. South Africa has in recent years experienced periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence, often targeting foreign nationals, including Zimbabweans, Mozambicans, and other African migrants. The latest advisory comes amid renewed regional concern following recent incidents and diplomatic engagement between affected countries. Observers say the situation underscores the vulnerability of migrant communities and the need for continued dialogue, law enforcement intervention, and community engagement to prevent escalation. Zimbabwe embassy warning South Africa