news and current affairs.
Fake Harare cop busted taking bribes outside Town House
Some guy got pinched for pretending to be a city cop and shaking down shops. Authorities in Harare nabbed a 34-year-old man, Romeo Madododo, for fraud and impersonation after he allegedly demanded bribes from local businesses. Real municipal officers caught him in the act outside Town House during an illegal transaction. He is held at Harare Central Police Station awaiting trial, and police encourage other potential victims to come forward. This fake cop issue is apparently part of a bigger problem. Gangs are also posing as municipal police to rob people. Their method involves accusing drivers of parking violations, forcing them into vehicles, and stealing cash and valuables. The city says it has identified suspects operating near...
Agent pockets US$9,182 after cars from Japan never arrive
An import agent faces fraud charges for a phantom vehicle scheme. Kundayi Abraham allegedly defrauded a Harare man of over nine thousand dollars. He promised to import two specific cars from Japan for the complainant, Genius Tinotenda Mukosera, after receiving payment in full. Abraham provided assurances about vehicle delivery within a set period. He later avoided the client and offered excuses when questioned about the cars. Mukosera reported the incident to the police after all communication failed. Authorities state the victim suffered total financial prejudice with no recovery of funds. Abraham appeared before a Harare magistrate, with the case remanded for further proceedings.
Scammer poses as an ambassador and asks for cash
Some scammer is pretending to be a diplomat to fleece people out of cash. Zimbabwe's Foreign Affairs ministry warned about a fraudster impersonating David Hamadziripi, the former ambassador to South Africa. The imposter uses a South African WhatsApp number, falsely claims distress, and solicits urgent financial assistance from victims, including high-profile individuals. Ministry spokesperson Philisiwe Chidawanyika confirmed the ambassador is actually stationed in the United States and is safe. She clarified that he no longer uses phone numbers with the South African country code. The public was advised to exercise extreme caution with digital requests for money from supposed officials. Verification through official channels is...
NetOne opens shops in Mat North to chase inclusion cred
NetOne is pushing into underserved areas with company-run shops, claiming community empowerment over profits. The state-owned mobile operator established its own retail outlets in multiple Matabeleland North districts, including Tsholotsho and Binga. Regional manager Gugulethu Mpofu stated the goal is to bring OneWallet services and financial inclusion closer to remote customers. The company-run shops provide some local employment, while a separate network of channel partners handles airtime and SIM card distribution. Executives framed the decentralization as a core strategy for widening their customer base and simplifying digital finance access. Public relations head Richard Mahomva insisted the institution is not solely...
Lupane board eyes new HQ despite working from temp offices
This small local board is dreaming big with plans funded by ratepayer cash. The Lupane Local Board operates from temporary offices but unveiled an ambitious development agenda headlined by constructing its permanent headquarters. Chief executive officer Chalton Moyo stated the project, with an estimated total cost, has an initial allocation to advance construction from the slab level. The board serves thousands of residents along a major highway. Moyo emphasized that public awareness of these plans is crucial for gaining community support and timely rate payments. Key infrastructure projects include fully paving the Lupane bus terminus and establishing an adjacent truck stop. The board will also continue servicing hundreds of...
Zimbabwean dies in Ukraine as recruiters hunt the desperate
Shadowy recruiters are apparently tricking desperate locals into becoming cannon fodder abroad. A Zimbabwean man named Mandla Ncube was killed fighting in Ukraine after joining Russian forces. His wife suggested he sought a better life, reflecting a tragic motivation shared by many. Recruitment networks operating through South Africa reportedly promise lucrative monthly salaries to potential fighters. Political figure Linda Masarira labeled this development deeply alarming. She argued Zimbabweans should not be exploited as pawns in foreign geopolitical conflicts. Masarira stated that poverty and unemployment weaponize economic despair, creating a pipeline for vulnerable youth. She urged government action, such as travel advisories and...
Matabeleland South eyes bumper harvest after good rains
Matabeleland South is getting hyped for a potentially massive harvest after solid rainfall. The provincial agriculture director, Shupikai Sibanda, reported cereal crops are in great shape, with farmers currently weeding and applying fertilizer. Traditional grains are already tasseling, while later plantings are still vegetative. The overall outlook points toward a bumper yield, with planting for crops like sugar beans ongoing. Officials encouraged focusing on drought-resistant crops suited to the region, like sorghum and sunflower. Farmers are also urged to scout for fall armyworm outbreaks and aggressively control weeds. Estate owner Dean Leroux echoed the positive assessment, citing good power and water access across hundreds of...
Bulawayo council opens skills training for school leavers
The city council finally rolled out a jobs program for young people with no clear prospects. Bulawayo launched a skills training scheme targeting school-leavers, offering practical courses in construction, hospitality, and technology. The initiative aims to provide hands-on experience for employment or starting businesses, part of the council's push for youth development and equal opportunity. The city's top administrator, Christopher Dube, stated courses are open to applicants aged fourteen to twenty-four. Reading and writing ability are required, but Ordinary Level qualifications are not mandatory. The program includes short group attachments alongside longer courses with practical assessments. Council hopes these market-relevant...
Kwekwe set for High Court as caseload piles up
A new High Court is being built because two provinces are completely swamped with cases. Chief Justice Luke Malaba revealed plans to establish a High Court seat in Kwekwe, citing excessively high caseloads in the Midlands and Masvingo provinces. The move aims to relieve pressure on the Bulawayo High Court and address a rising number of serious criminal offenses in the region. Construction on the Kwekwe complex, featuring four courtrooms and multiple offices, is advancing. Work currently focuses on interior finishings, with commissioning expected soon. Malaba confirmed this would become the sixth High Court seat, directly tackling workload challenges. He acknowledged that some High Court operations currently share magistrates' court...
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