news and current affairs.
Midlands Court Clears 60 Cases in a Week
Midlands Court Clears 60 Cases in January Push. The Midlands High Court Circuit resolved 60 criminal cases in its first week of 2025, up from 50 cases in the same period last year. The special court aims to clear more than 500 pending cases from 2019. Twenty-four people faced murder convictions with prison terms from 18 years to life. Another 24 saw their charges reduced to culpable homicide. Twelve defendants walked free due to lack of evidence or mental health issues. One case ended after state witnesses died. Chief Justice Luke Malaba created these special courts after Prosecutor General Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo found the case backlog in early 2024. The first round of hearings in September 2024 cleared 140 cases, hitting a 90...
Dynamos Chairman Beats Fraud Charges in Epic Ruling
Dynamos Chairman Cleared in Share Dispute Case. Bernard Marriot Lusengo won his legal battle Thursday over ownership of Zimbabwe's Dynamos Football Club. The board chairman walked free from Harare Magistrates Court after facing charges of fraudulently acquiring 51 percent of club shares. Magistrate Yeukai Dzuda's ruling ended a three-year court case. Two complainants, David George and Ernest Kamba, passed away during the proceedings. The court cleared Marriot of claims he improperly gained majority control and gave shares to unqualified members. Dzuda stated the complainants did not qualify as former players under the club's 1963 constitution. The accusers failed to prove Marriot's constitutional changes were illegal. "The State did...
Government Cracks Down on Informal Trade
Zimbabwe Rolls Out New Rules for Retail Trade. Zimbabwe's government announced strict measures Thursday to control retail and wholesale trade. The plan aims to bring informal businesses into the tax system. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube revealed these changes after meeting with President Mnangagwa at State House in Harare. The rules target tax evasion and market problems. All street vendors must use point-of-sale machines to record sales. This helps tax collectors track business income. The government wants manufacturers to sell through regular shops, not directly to customers. "We need to level the playing field and bring everyone into the tax net," Ncube said. A new team will check if shops follow these rules. The Reserve Bank...
Rail Revival Sparks Fury as NRZ Restructures
NRZ Names Acting Chief as Zinyanduko Steps Down. The National Railways of Zimbabwe announced leadership changes Thursday, with General Manager Respina Zinyanduko leaving her post. The NRZ board appointed Ainah Dube-Kaguru as acting general manager. The board cited a need to reshape the company's direction. "This change aligns with shareholder expectations," the statement read. Zinyanduko's departure took effect on January 31, 2025. Dube-Kaguru will lead NRZ until officials name a permanent general manager. The railway service plans major upgrades across its operations. These improvements include new trains, track repairs, and better signals. The company aims to modernize its computer systems and electrical networks. NRZ seeks fresh...
Magaya's Yadah TV Crashes Amid Fake Prophet Scandal
Religious Network Yadah TV Announces Closure. Yadah TV, a religious broadcasting station led by Walter Magaya, ended operations on January 31, 2025. The network has operated on channel 281 for six years. This closure follows recent claims about Magaya's education. The University of South Africa stated they have no record of his graduation. Critics have called him a "fake prophet" and accused him of using his position for money. The station thanked viewers in its final message. It plans to air its last show at the end of January. The shutdown marks a major shift in Zimbabwe's religious media landscape. Magaya's channel reached many homes through its broadcasts of religious content and services. This news adds to discussions about...
Chinono Slams Magaya as Fake Prophet
Media Figure Questions Religious Leader's Credentials. Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chinono has challenged PHD Ministries founder Walter Magaya's recent graduation claims. The University of South Africa (UNISA) stated they have no record of Magaya's graduation. Chinono shared this information on social media, calling Magaya a "conman" and a "fake prophet." "The Zimbabwean religious conman and fake prophet, Walter Magaya, did not attend a UNISA graduation. It was all staged and bogus!" Chinono wrote. The journalist pointed to a photo of Magaya with President Mnangagwa, saying such associations harm Zimbabwe's international standing. He argued these links make the presidency appear less credible at home and abroad. The comments add...
Sonja Madzikanda Deletes Posts Amid Range Rover Ruckus
Social Media Activity Shifts After Recent Gift. Sonja Madzikanda, former spouse of businessman Wicknell Chivayo, has removed all content from her Instagram and TikTok accounts. The deletion occurred following Chivayo's presentation of a new Range Rover to media personality Lulu Muteke. This change in Madzikanda's social media presence has drawn attention from followers who noted the timing of her content removal. The event marks a notable development in the ongoing public interest surrounding these prominent Zimbabwe personalities.
Hodges Exposes ZTN Exec Pay Secrets
Former ZTN Media Executive Questions Company Practices. Andrew Farayi Hodges, a past ZTN executive, has raised concerns about the company's operations through social media posts. His statements focus on executive compensation and audit transparency at Zimpapers, ZTN's parent company. Hodges asked about executive salary costs and recent audit decisions. He sought answers about alleged external influences on media reports. His questions included calls for board accountability regarding potential financial irregularities. The former media figure pressed for clearer insight into the organization's management choices and emphasized the need for open discussion of company practices. Zimpapers responded with a public notice. The company...
Lulu Muteke Stuns With New 2025 Range Rover
Zimbabwean Businessman Presents Media Star With Luxury SUV. Business mogul Wicknell Chivayo has given media personality Lulu Muteke a new 2025 Range Rover Sport. The presentation took place at a local dealership amid balloons and celebrations. Friends and family joined Muteke as she received the keys to her new vehicle. Video footage shows Muteke stepping out of the luxury SUV with a bright smile. The event drew strong reactions across social media platforms, with many viewers sharing messages of support. "Congratulations, my Sister Lulu, on this Brand-New 2025 Range Rover Sport! Thank you, Wicknell, for making my sister the happiest," the video's caption read. The surprise gift has sparked discussions online, with many praising...
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