news and current affairs.
Teen Killed Over Cigarette - Suspect Arrested
Police Report: Teen Dies in Fatal Cigarette Dispute. A cigarette request turned deadly when an 18-year-old man was stabbed in Namibia last week. The victim, Robert Seun Bam, asked for a cigarette from the suspect's friend before the incident occurred. Medical staff at Khorixas State Hospital pronounced Bam dead upon arrival. Namibian police have taken the suspect into custody and secured the alleged murder weapon. Law enforcement officials continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the stabbing death.
Poacher Nabbed With Raw Ivory in Bulawayo
Police arrested a suspected ivory trafficker in Bulawayo after finding him with an elephant tusk. Officers detained Blessed Matibenga, 29, at Amakhosi Service Station on the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls road. The arrest occurred on January 31, 2025, following a tip from the public. Police discovered the raw, unmarked tusk hidden inside a white sack. Matibenga had been searching for buyers when authorities intercepted him. Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest. The case adds to ongoing efforts to combat wildlife trafficking in the region.
CBZ Slashes 347 Jobs in Restructure
CBZ Holdings Limited, Zimbabwe's largest financial services group, has laid off 347 employees in its latest restructuring move. The job cuts follow the dismissal of 13 senior managers in late 2024. Advances in computer systems have allowed banks to operate efficiently with fewer staff members. Group CEO Lawrence Nyazema said the bank started restructuring in October 2024 to match its strategy with current business needs. The changes aim to improve operations and secure the company's future. "By adapting to the changing environment, we aim to position the organization for continued growth and success in a competitive market," Nyazema said in a statement. The restructuring concluded on January 31, 2025. The latest round of cuts...
Zimbabwe Urged to Boost Resilience to Climate Shocks
The World Bank warned in a new report that climate change could slash Zimbabwe's GDP by 12 percent each year. The report, released Friday in Harare, urges Zimbabwe to strengthen its defenses against climate impacts, with special attention to the agricultural sector. Agriculture forms a crucial part of Zimbabwe's economy, making up 11-14 percent of GDP. It employs 70 percent of the population and supplies 60 percent of industrial raw materials. Zimbabwe faces growing risks from its dependence on rain-fed farming and maize production. The 2023/2024 farming season brought severe drought conditions linked to El Nino. Maize yields fell 60 percent below the five-year average. Poor rainfall and high temperatures have created widespread food...
Police Crack Down on Motorbike Theft in Mzimba
Police Arrest Four in Mzimba Motorbike Theft Ring. Police in Mzimba have arrested four suspects linked to motorbike thefts and illegal weapons possession. Officers apprehended Mike Hara, 19, in Mzuzu City on January 30, 2025, following a surveillance operation. A search of his Masasa Township home revealed an unlicensed pistol, leading to charges under the Firearms Act. Hara resides in Kapokolo Village, Mzimba. Three additional suspects face charges related to stolen motorbikes. Police detained George Banda, 20, with a Savaja motorbike from Kunawani Village. Limbani Watson, 26, had possession of a Honda motorbike from Nsenga Village in Thyolo. Officers found Thokozani Phiri, 38, with a SanLG motorbike from Kafwamsala Village. "We...
Lino Security Partners TTAM to Grow Table Tennis
Lino Security Service Forms Partnership with Northern Table Tennis Body. A new partnership between Lino Security Service and the Northern Region Table Tennis Association aims to strengthen the sport across Malawi's northern region. At TTAM's recent election meeting in Mzuzu, Lino Security CEO Maxwell Mnjemu highlighted the need for clear planning and results. He asked TTAM to present its strategic roadmap to guide the partnership's support efforts. "We seek tangible impact beyond funding, especially in rural communities where resources remain scarce," Mnjemu said. "This collaboration must deliver measurable national results." The CEO emphasized strict oversight of sponsorship funds through organized programs to advance table tennis...
Civil Society Exposes Malawi Dirty Secrets
Political Expert Sees Hope, Hurdles in Malawi Reform Push. Political analyst Rick Dzida praised recent moves toward better government in Malawi but warned the nation needs action beyond words. President Lazarus Chakwera admitted to failures after protests swept the country last July. Some groups welcomed his statement, yet others demanded clear plans for change. Poverty grips seven out of ten Malawians despite tax breaks for civil servants. Deep problems persist in fighting corruption and providing basic services. The government has opened talks with civic groups like the Public Affairs Committee. This marks a step forward, Dzida notes, though past broken promises cast a shadow over new pledges. Dzida argues that real progress...
M23 Chaos - SADC Leaders Fear Wider War
SADC Sends Military Chiefs to Congo After Rebel Attacks. Southern African leaders ordered defense ministers to Congo Friday to help wounded troops and bring fallen soldiers home. The order came at an emergency meeting in Zimbabwe's capital, Harare. The summit focused on M23 rebels who seized Goma, eastern Congo's largest city. Leaders blamed Rwanda for backing the rebels, but Rwanda denied involvement. Several peacekeepers from Congo, Malawi, South Africa, and Tanzania died in recent fighting near Sake town. The leaders sent condolences and wished injured troops a quick recovery. The group condemned M23 attacks on SADC forces, saying these broke a July 2024 peace deal. They warned the violence threatens both Congo and the southern...
Is Kabambe's Presidential Dream a Big Blunder?
Malawi's Election Race Takes Shape as Three Leaders Vie for Presidency. Three men—Dalitso Kabambe, Lazarus Chakwera, and Peter Mutharika—are leading the race for Malawi's presidency ahead of the September 2025 elections. Kabambe heads UTM after taking over from Saulos Chilima, who died in office. Critics say he lacks the political base needed for victory. His party claims few seats in parliament and relies heavily on social media presence. President Chakwera enters as the incumbent with state resources at his command. He holds strong support in Malawi's Central Region. The Southern Region vote appears split between Mutharika, Kabambe, and Kondwani Nankhumwa. Political analysts point to tribal and regional voting as key factors. The...
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