local-news-blog

Yeukai Karengezeka

Court Correspondent

The bail ruling for five suspects accused of possessing 306 kilogrammes of dagga and 49 cartons of BronCleer cough syrup has been postponed to Friday.

The delay was announced on Monday by Mbare magistrate, Ms Sharon Mashavira, as the ruling was not ready.

The suspects Paradzai Kamurengemu (43), Givemore Tsavayo (38), Nhosikona Moyo (35), Tafadzwa Mapika (20), and Faith Matekede (37), are facing charges of dealing in dangerous drugs and possessing unregistered medicines.

The State, represented by District Public Prosecutor Ms Francisca Mukumbiri, opposed bail, arguing the five were facing serious charges and can abscond trial.

According to the State, on August 23 at around 1 am, detectives received a tip-off that the suspects were transporting illegal drugs in a truck, registration number AGA 7940.

Acting on this intelligence, the detectives initiated surveillance and intercepted the truck at the Kuwadzana Extension turn-off in Harare.

After identifying themselves and explaining their mission, the police searched the vehicle and discovered 20 sacks, each containing at least 10 kilogrammes of dagga, amounting to a total of 306.305 kilogrammes.

Four of the accused were arrested on the spot. During subsequent questioning, they implicated Faith Matekede as an accomplice.

Detectives arranged a meeting with Matekede along Robson Manyika Avenue in central Harare.

At the meeting, Matekede allegedly received two sacks of dagga and was immediately arrested.

In addition to the dagga, the five were reportedly found in possession of 49 cartons of BronCleer cough syrup, each containing 50x 100 ml bottles.

BronCleer is classified as a restricted medicine in Zimbabwe due to its codeine content, which makes it a popular substance for recreational abuse.

The five were subsequently taken to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Drugs Office in Harare, where further investigations were conducted.

Both the dagga and the BronCleer were confiscated as evidence.

Nduduzo Tshuma in Beijing, China

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa this morning held high-level meetings with two major Chinese corporations in Beijing as Zimbabwe moves to accelerate infrastructure modernisation and digital transformation under its economic diplomacy agenda.

The President first met with top executives from China Railway International Group (CRIG), a subsidiary of China Railway Engineering Corporation (CREC), to advance discussions on the long-awaited rehabilitation of the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ).

In his second engagement, President Mnangagwa met with senior officials from global telecommunications giant Huawei. The discussions focused on Zimbabwe’s digital future, including expanding investment in ICT talent, strengthening infrastructure, and introducing advanced technologies into the country.

Huawei Technologies Zimbabwe managing director Mr Yang Shengwan reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Zimbabwe, saying the firm had been present in the country for 26 years and was determined to continue playing a central role in its digitalisation agenda.
Later in the day, President Mnangagwa is expected to visit the Zimbabwen Embassy.

George Maponga in Masvingo

EIGHT people perished on the spot while 4 others were injured in a road crash after a Mutare-bound Dragon bus side-swiped a timber-laden lorry near Mutendi Complex along the Masvingo-Mutare highway Saturday early morning.

Among the deceased was the driver of the bus that was on its way from Beitbridge with 20 passengers.

The bus driver attempted to overtake a lorry carrying timber at the 246km peg and encroached into the lorry’s lane upon noticing there was an oncoming vehicle at around 2am on Saturday.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi in a statement said this resulted in the timber that was in the lorry piercing the bus after the side-swipe.

The injured were taken to Masvingo General Hospital while the deceased were taken to a morgue at the same health facility. Commissioner Nyathi said investigations into the crash were ongoing.

He urged motorists to exercise extreme caution when overtaking.

Nduduzo Tshuma in Beijing, China

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa arrived here today at midday local time ahead of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War on Wednesday.

He was received at the Beijing Capital International Airport by the Chinese Head of the National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Mr Chen Ruifeng, and Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to China, Abigail Shoniwa, among other officials.

He was accompanied by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira, Finance Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya, and Deputy Chief Secretary, Presidential Communications, Mr George Charamba, among other senior Government officials.

On Wednesday, the President will join fellow invited Heads of State and Government from 26 countries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, at Tiananmen Square for a massive military parade, among other activities hosted by China for the commemorations.

While here, President Mnangagwa will also hold bilateral talks with President Xi on deepening co-operation across various sectors.

He will also meet a number of companies with business interests in Zimbabwe.

Don Makanyanga

Online Writer

A 32-year-old commuter omnibus driver, Freedom Ruzvidzo, has been slapped with a two-year jail sentence while his license was cancelled by the Harare Magistrates Court for reckless driving.

As part of the sentence, Ruzvidzo was permanently prohibited from driving.

Ruzvidzo was sentenced following his arrest for driving against oncoming traffic at the intersection of Sam Nujoma and Upper East Road in Harare.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe confirmed the sentence in a statement.

“The Harare Magistrates Court has sentenced Ruzvidzo Freedom (32) of Hatcliffe, Harare, to two years’ effective imprisonment for reckless driving after he was caught driving against oncoming traffic at the busy Second Street (Sam Nujoma) and Upper East Road intersection,” reads the statement.

Ruzvidzo, a driver of a Toyota Hiace, ignored traffic rules by entering a one-way lane and obstructing other motorists during peak hour.

Despite causing no injuries or fatalities, the court ruled that Ruzvidzo’s actions posed a great risk to the public.

“The offender was driving a Toyota Hiace when he ignored traffic rules, entered a one-way lane, and obstructed other motorists during rush hour.

“Although no injuries were recorded, the court ruled that his actions placed the public at great risk. His driver’s licence was cancelled and he has been permanently prohibited from driving vehicle classes 2, 4, and 5,” said the NPAZ.

The NPAZ warned drivers against reckless driving.

“Reckless driving will not be tolerated. Driving against traffic endangers lives and can cause deadly accidents. Offenders will face harsh penalties, including imprisonment and lifetime driving bans. Public safety comes first. Every reckless driver is a potential killer on our roads,” said the NPAZ.

Wallace Ruzvidzo

Herald Reporter

Zimbabweans are demonstrating that they are a strong and united nation that is primed for a prosperous future, President Mnangagwa has said.

In his address at the 386th ordinary session of the Zanu PF Politburo held at the ruling party’s headquarters today, the President commended the nation for its unity.

The Zanu PF First Secretary said the prevailing peace and tranquillity in the country is a catalyst for national development.

“Allow me to commend the leadership of our revolutionary mass party, Zanu PF, our membership, as well as the whole nation, for the successful celebration of the Heroes and Defence Forces Days.

“In our gatherings across the length and breadth of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe, we demonstrated that we are a strong, united nation that is confident of a brighter and prosperous future.

“It is very apparent that individually and collectively, across communities, we all appreciate the prevailing unity, peace, and security within our country, which are essential ingredients for national development.

“This is commendable. Well done, my fellow countrymen and women. Ngatirambei takabatana, tichivaka nyika yedu,” he said.

Rumbidzayi Zinyuke

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere today toured Zimpapers’ premises in Harare, as part of his ongoing familiarisation visits to local media houses.

During the visit, Dr Muswere inspected the Group’s newly modernised newsroom, which is set to bring together reporters from across all Zimpapers publications under one roof.

The state-of-the-art facility is expected to enhance collaboration, efficiency, and the integration of digital-first news production.

The minister also toured Zimpapers Television Network (ZTN) studios, as well as other key departments within the organisation, where he interacted with staff and management.

Dr Muswere’s visit is part of Government’s broader engagement with media stakeholders to strengthen relations and support ongoing efforts to modernise the country’s media landscape.

 Mukudzei Chingwere in Surat, Gujarat State, India

Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has touched down in Surat this morning, marking the commencement of his working visit to India. 

Speaking to journalists on arrival the Vice President explained the dual purpose of his visit, highlighting his participation in both the – Chalo Zimbabwe which means Let’s Go to Zimbabwe – indaba and the upcoming Africa Conclave on India-Africa Partnership.

One key area of focus for Zimbabwe, as highlighted by the Vice President, is the diamond industry.  Additionally, VP Chiwenga outlined Zimbabwe’s ambitions to increase tourism inflows from India.  He spoke about the upcoming 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, which Zimbabwe will co-host with Namibia and South Africa. 

Vice President Chiwenga expressed hope for increased cooperation in sports tourism and collaboration in cricket. “I am here to strengthen our diplomatic and economic ties with India, engage with key business leaders and explore opportunities that can benefit Zimbabwe’s economy,” said VP Chiwenga.

“Here in Gujarat and Surat to be precise they are renowned for their expertise in diamond value addition and processing and this is precisely what Zimbabwe aims to tap into. “We are also targeting to boost our tourism sector and this conference is a vital step in showcasing our country’s potential as a premier destination.

“This visit presents a unique opportunity to enhance our engagement in sports tourism. As we prepare to co-host the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, we recognise that India has a strong cricketing tradition. 

“Our goal is to foster a wide range of collaborations in this sector, including the development of cricket in Zimbabwe by leveraging India’s expertise. 

“My visit here is a multi-pronged agenda aimed at strengthening our ties through agriculture,  mining,  tourism,  health,  sports and many others,” said VP Chiwenga. 

His visit is part of a grand strategy by the two countries to leverage their bilateral relations into mutually beneficial economic cooperation for its peoples. It also comes at a time when President Mnangagwa is championing rapid economic growth towards an empowered upper-middle income economy.

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Nqobile Bhebhe,Zimpapers Business Hub

The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has announced the formation of the Bulawayo Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (BMSMEs) Apex Board, a representative body set to strengthen engagement between informal sector players and authorities.

“Bulawayo Province has constituted a Bulawayo Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (BMSMEs) Apex Board, whose mandate is to represent informal sector players in their engagement with authorities, including the City of Bulawayo,” the local authority posted on its X account.

The membership of the Apex Board is drawn from a wide cross-section of informal sector organisations operating in the city, signifying a consolidated approach to addressing issues affecting entrepreneurs in the sector.

The Board was officially presented to its membership on Wednesday at the Large City Hall, in a ceremony witnessed by officials from the City of Bulawayo and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender, Small and Medium Enterprises Development.

During the event, the Ministry reaffirmed Government’s position on the importance of regulation and compliance within the informal economy.

“The Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender, Small and Medium Enterprises Development restated Government’s position that the informal sector should be regulated and that players should operate within the confines of the law,” read part of the statement.

Council also underscored the need for operators to formalise their businesses to enhance service delivery and the development of decent working spaces.

“On the other hand, the City of Bulawayo encouraged players in the informal sector to register and meet Council obligations to enable the local authority to improve their working spaces,” the local authority added.

The launch of the BMSMEs Apex Board comes at a time when the informal sector continues to play a critical role in Zimbabwe’s economy. In Bulawayo, thousands of families depend on informal trading for their livelihoods, with the sector widely recognised as one of the biggest employers outside the formal job market.

Nationally, studies indicate that the informal economy contributes significantly to household incomes and has become a major driver of job creation at a time when formal sector opportunities remain limited.

The establishment of the Apex Board is expected to streamline communication between informal traders and authorities, while ensuring that the sector contributes more meaningfully to the city’s economic growth and job creation agenda.

ZTN Correspondent

All is set for the Jehovah’s Witnesses special conventions which will run from the 22nd to the 24th of August and from the 5th to the 7th of September at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.

A business meeting and official launch of the event was held this morning at the venue.

A Spokesperson for the Witnesses, Mr Kuda Chikuvadze gave a background of the event, saying about 4,000 delegates from 14 countries are expected to attend the two special conventions.

The organising coordinator of the events, Mr Austin Makowa, outlined the impact the conventions will have on Zimbabwe’s economy.
“These conferences will not only benefit Zimbabwe spiritually and culturally, but will also have an impact on the fiscus,” said Makowa.
He said the conventions will boost the hospitality and transport sectors and related industries.

Mr Makowa said bids were made in 2023 by different countries to host the conventions, which will run under the theme “Pure Worship”, and in Africa, Zimbabwe won the hosting rights.

Mr Makowa said delegates have started arriving in Zimbabwe and visiting tourist attractions.

Stakeholders who attended the official launch of the conventions included Acting Harare Mayor, Councillor Stanley Manyenga, police Reverend, Chief Superintendent Lloyd Bepura, representing Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba, Malawi embassy representative Dr Hudson Mankhwala, transport sector representative, Mrs Chinhamo, and Kuimba shiri bird park owner, Gary Stafford.