By Beatific Gumbwanda
CHIREDZI – Econet Wireless has been exposed for operating base stations in Chiredzi
town without paying the required monthly fees to the local authority in which the local
authority lost thousands of dollars.
The matter came to light during the 68th ordinary full council meeting, when Ward 7 councillor
Brighton Mahiya raised the alarm after Econet Wireless approached the local authority seeking
permission to construct a new base station at Shineplus Residential Park.
“I want to ask if these mobile operators are paying for these base stations to the local authority,
both Econet and NetOne, as I once heard that they haven’t paid a dime since they began
operating,” said Mahiya.
Finance Director Lloyd Musasa, who was standing in for the Town Secretary Consider Kubiku,
confirmed the suspicion, revealing that each base station was supposed to attract a monthly fee of
US$350, but the operator had not been remitting payments.
He said the outstanding amounts would need to be backdated to when the operators first
commenced operations.
“I think there is a resolution on the amount which should be paid by these mobile operators and
they have not been paying anything to the local authority. This means we need to backdate their
payments from the time they started operating,” said Musasa.
Efforts to get a comment from Econet Wireless were unsuccessful, as the company’s public
relations office requested that questions be submitted in writing and had not responded by the
time of writing.
Contacted by TellZim News for clarification, Chiredzi Town Secretary Consider Kubiku referred
questions back to Musasa, saying he wasn’t in the meeting so the best person to comment was
the finance director.
“Unfortunately I was not in the meeting and I think the best person to answer those questions is
the finance director.”
Efforts to get the comment from Musasa were also futile as his cell went unanswered several times.
Econet exposed for dodging base station payments in Chiredzi
Mother, five children perish in traffic accident
By Staff Reporter
The Easter holidays have started on a devastating note after a mother and her five children
perished in a horrific head-on collision along the Harare-Masvingo Highway on Thursday
(March 2) morning.
Police confirmed that the fatal accident occurred at around 9:50 AM at the 246-kilometre peg
near Masvingo when a Toyota Corolla and a Mercedes-Benz truck collided.
Sources allege the victims were Lilian Maranda Mujuru (40), the mother who was driving the
vehicle, and her five children and the family was travelling from Harare to Zvishavane when
tragedy struck.
According to police reports, the woman reportedly lost control of the Toyota Corolla, causing it
to veer into the opposite lane where it was hit by the oncoming haulage truck. The truck was
heading in the opposite direction towards Harare.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that all six occupants of the
Toyota Corolla died instantly at the scene.
The victims have been identified by their next of kin as Lilian Maranda Mujuru (40), Nokutenda
Mujuru (15), Makanaka Mujuru (13), Ronald Junior Mujuru (11), Rufaro Shalom Mujuru (7),
and Kayden Mujuru (3).
Their bodies were taken to the Masvingo Provincial Teaching Hospital mortuary for post-
mortem examinations.
Police have extended their deepest condolences to the bereaved family and have urged all
motorists to exercise extreme caution on the country’s roads during the holiday period.
This accident marks a grim start to the Easter and Independence holidays, highlighting the
ongoing dangers on one of Zimbabwe’s busiest highways despite recent road safety campaigns.
Over 20k Chiredzi Rural households use bush toilets
By Beatific Gumbwanda
CHIREDZI – More than 20,000 households in Chiredzi Rural District are still using bush
toilets, a staggering sanitation crisis that has forced the local authority to announce fines
for non-compliance as only 3 072 households out of approximately 26 000 have toilets.
The shocking statistic, indicating a paltry 11 percent of the households have toilets,
emerged during a full council meeting held recently, where Chief Executive Officer Ailes
Baloyi said council would take a tough stance to address the situation.
“This year we will be fining every household that has no toilets as a way of encouraging
residents to construct ablution facilities. Only 3 072 households have ablution facilities
out of 26 000 that we have,” said Baloyi.
Speaking to TellZim News after the meeting, Baloyi said the measure was meant to
encourage compliance, adding that the message was simple, every household should
have a toilet.
“The message is simple, every household should have a toilet. We are going to work
with traditional leaders at all levels as well as councillors to make sure that people heed
our call and comply,” said Baloyi.
Baloyi said the challenge was in communal and resettlement areas saying all public
places like business centres and markets had ablutions and were in a process of putting
up more.
He said there were several types of toilets that could be used as a temporary measure,
including simple pit latrines covered with metal iron sheets or tents, as long as there is a
toilet to curb diseases.
Baloyi added that the council was basing its assessment on statistics from the
Zimbabwe Local Government Association (Zimlac).
He also said the council was planning to introduce solid waste management systems at
household level to address environmental challenges and further curb disease
outbreaks.
In a separate matter at the same meeting, the district vowed to strictly follow proper
promotion procedures, pledging to only upgrade employees who possess the requisite
qualifications for advertised posts.
The commitment was made at CRDC’s 11th full council meeting held at the council
boardroom, where Baloyi used his first quarter report to address both the promotions
policy and the council’s efforts to combat corruption.
On promotions, Baloyi disclosed that a skills audit and job evaluation exercise was
conducted in 2025 and was yet to be presented to the Human Resources and
Administration Committee. He said the findings would guide future promotions.
“I want to assure you that we will not promote someone who has no qualifications for
the post,” said Baloyi.
His remarks come against the backdrop of a bitter dispute at neighbouring Chiredzi
Town Council, where three consecutive full council meetings were rocked by near-
physical altercations among councillors over a move to promote an employee from
Grade 11 to Grade 13 without the requisite academic qualifications.
On corruption, Baloyi announced the establishment of an anti-corruption team to be
headed by the Internal Auditor, warning those implicated in corrupt activities that the era
of impunity was over.
“Those who have been reportedly involved in corruption activities, you should begin
winding up as we no longer entertain such here,” said Baloyi.
Age saves teen convicted of six counts of aggravated indecent assault
By Ndinatsei Mavodza
MASVINGO – Age saved a 13-year-old boy has from custodial sentence after being
convicted of six counts of aggravated indecent assault involving minor boys. He pleaded
guilty to all charges.
The teenager appeared before Masvingo Regional Magistrate Innocent Bepura on March 23,
2026 facing six counts of aggravated indecent assault involving boys under the age of
eighteen.
The court heard that the offenses occurred between July 2025 and September 2025 on school
grounds. According to court records, the acts amounted to anal sexual intercourse.
Magistrate Bepura sentenced him to six years in prison but suspended the sentence on
condition that he commits no crime of a sexual nature in the next five years. He further stated
that it was only because of the offender’s young age that the court had spared him from
immediate imprisonment.
The defence lawyer had asked for leniency, arguing that his client was still young and in
Form Two. He further noted that the teenager had attributed his conduct to his tender age,
stating that he was an “inexperienced juvenile who acted out of youthful exuberance.”
The court also heard that the boy had since received intensive counselling from a Child
Protection Officer. His father, who serves in the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional
Services, had been actively involved in the rehabilitation process.
It was also noted that outside the court, the teenager now faces discrimination from
classmates and the wider community, with some labelling him using derogatory terms.
In Zimbabwe, aggravated indecent assault is a serious offence under the Criminal Law
(Codification and Reform) Act. Across the country, a number of cases of adults in positions
of authority abusing children have been recorded, but cases involving a juvenile offender are
less common.
Child protection experts note that such cases require a different approach than adult cases, as
juvenile offenders themselves are often influenced by their environment and circumstances.
Under Zimbabwe’s Constitution in Section 81, it is noted that children under eighteen shall
not be detained except as a measure of last resort. As such, this principle prioritises
rehabilitation over punishment for juvenile offenders where possible.
The Children’s Act further provides that when deciding on appropriate outcomes for juvenile offenders
My Age Africa escalates youth SRHR, mental health awareness to Masvingo
By Simon Masore
MASVINGO – My Age Africa, A youth-led organization recently held a youth awareness Programme in
Masvingo aimed at addressing issues of sexual and reproductive health and Rights, mental health and the
empowerment of young women.
The event, brought together students, youth leaders, civil society organizations and local authorities to
discuss the challenges affecting adolescents and young people and to promote access to Sexual and
Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
Speaking during the engagement, My Age Africa executive director Onward Chironda said the
organization’s new strategy focuses on strengthening youth participation through policy advocacy and
dialogue with key stakeholders.
“Our new strategy focuses on young people. We are using policy advocacy and dialogues to ensure that
young people are heard and that the right communication strategies are in place,” said Chironda.
He emphasized that the organization prioritizes youth-centered approaches to ensure that young people
are empowered in their daily lives.
“Young people must be at the center of care. We want them to be empowered in their daily activities and
to achieve this we engage different stakeholders and service providers so that young people can access
knowledge, services and wellness programs,” he said.
Chironda added that the organization was also actively advocating for policy reforms that improve access
to health services for young people.
“We want to make sure that young people have services that help them. We are proud to say that we have
participated locally and nationally in the processes around the amendment of the Health Bill,” he said.
He went on to say the organization was also involved in disaster risk management programmes, working
with various government ministries.
“Last year we worked with several ministries to strengthen disaster risk management, including the
Ministry of Public Service, Labor and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the
Ministry responsible for disaster risk management,” he said.
Chironda also highlighted the organization’s efforts to strengthen its sustainability through internal
fundraising initiatives.
“We have also focused on strengthening the organization itself by generating our own resources. We
established 263 Media, which provides media services such as podcasts, live broadcasts and
documentaries,” he said.
“Last year we managed to generate about US$15 000 in revenue for the first time in 10 years. After some
organizations withdrew their funding contracts, this has helped us sustain the organization,” he added.
Chironda also raised concerns about gender equality and gender-based violence (GBV), saying more
work is needed to protect the girl child.
“Government commitments must remain centered on the girl child, especially in addressing gender-based
violence and ensuring young women have the support they need,” he said.
On sexual and reproductive health issues, Chironda said there was a need to increase awareness among
young people about HIV prevention and contraceptive options.
“Young people who go to seek condoms are very few compared to those who seek morning-after pills.
There is a need for more education so that young people can make informed choices,” he said.
He also addressed misconceptions around safe abortion laws, encouraging young women to seek accurate
information on reproductive health.
“We need to address misconceptions around safe abortion and ensure that women understand family
planning and birth control so that we can build a healthy generation,” Chironda said.
My Age Africa Capacity Building Agent Obedience Mazenge presented an overview of a mental health
project aimed at strengthening advocacy for mental health funding.
“Despite recognition of mental health within Zimbabwe’s National Health Strategy (2021–2025),
financing remains fragmented and is often subsumed under broader non-communicable disease
allocations,” Mazenge said.
He revealed alarming statistics highlighting the scale of the problem.
“About 0.2 percent of the health budget is allocated to non-communicable diseases, while 64 percent of
children experience violence and one in three girls experience sexual violence,” he said.
Mazenge said the organization’s goal was to push for improved funding for mental health services in
Masvingo.
“Our goal is to improve domestic funding for mental health and ensure increased mental health services in
Masvingo City by December 2026,” he said.
“We are also advocating for the creation of a dedicated mental health budget and formal communication
platforms that allow young people to access counselling and information,” he added.
He said the project would include policy brief development, youth community dialogues, engagement
meetings with civil society organizations, policy dialogues with policymakers and media engagement.
Masvingo City Ward 9 Councilor Bernard Muchokwa said the city council was, however, making efforts
to support youth development initiatives.
“As Masvingo City Council we have many sectors to focus on, including mental health for young people.
We also fund youth activities such as sports. For example, we support football teams with about US$3
000 affiliation fees, which shows that we care about young people,” he said.
Muchokwa, however, urged youths to actively participate in council meetings to voice their concerns.
“The challenge is that young people do not attend council meetings where they can share their concerns.
The last time we held a meeting at Mucheke Hall, only primary school pupils attended,” he said.
Meanwhile, My Age Africa also launched a free counselling hotline called SARU (0808617), which
offers support and information on sexual and reproductive health and mental health.
The organization also provides emotional support through its WhatsApp line 0782 450 853, where young
people can access counselling services and information.
Masvingo faces growing threat of fake and unsafe products
By Ndinatsei Mavodza
MASVINGO – Masvingo has been identified as one of the provinces most exposed to
counterfeit and unsafe products due to its strategic location along the North-South trade
corridor.
Masvingo lies along the North-South trade corridor, a major route connecting South Africa,
Zimbabwe, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The corridor is a key path for moving goods and boosting trade in the region, which also
makes the province an entry point for counterfeit and unsafe products.
Speaking during the World Consumer Rights Day commemorations held at Urban Lifestyles
Hotel on March 18, Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra
Chadzamira said the province’s proximity to South Africa, one of Zimbabwe’s key trading
partners, makes it particularly vulnerable to the penetration of fake and substandard goods.
“The selection of Masvingo as a venue for this important event is no accident or coincidence.
Masvingo’s strategic location on the North-South corridor and proximity to South Africa, one
of our key trading partners guarantees a wider reach to a diverse audience. This is especially
critical in light of the prevalent risk of counterfeit products in the region,” said Chadzamira.
Chadzamira warned that the growing presence of counterfeit products poses a serious threat
to both consumers and local industries.
He added that counterfeit goods not only compromise consumer safety but also undermine
economic growth by weakening local industries and innovation.
“Counterfeit goods weaken local industries, stifle innovation and compromise the integrity of
our manufacturing sector,” said Chadzamira.
The Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) chairperson Respina Zinyanduko also raised
concern over the situation in Masvingo, warning that the province remains vulnerable to
smuggling of unsafe products.
“Masvingo has not been spared from these business malpractices and is more prone to
smuggling of unsafe products from our neighbouring countries,” she said.
Zinyanduko added that the commission ws working with law enforcement agencies including
the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) to
curb the problem.
The World Consumer Rights Day commemorations ran under the theme “Safe products,
confident consumers,” with stakeholders calling for increased vigilance, stronger
enforcement and greater consumer awareness to combat the growing threat.
Over 2,900 Businesses Prosecuted for Consumer Rights Violations
By Andrew Zhou
MASVINGO – The Consumer Protection Commission has been cracking down on bad
business practices. Since 2025, 2,905 businesses were prosecuted for selling expired,
counterfeit, or substandard goods, and 634 more have already faced action in 2026.
The announcement was made by Consumer Protection Commission Chairperson
Respina Zinyanduko during World Consumer Rights Day commemorations at Urban
Lifestyles Hotel, Masvingo on March 18, 2026.
Zinyanduko revealed that the commission’s enforcement department had been working
tirelessly to clean-up the marketplace.
“We have been working tirelessly with our partners the law enforcement agents and the
Consumer Council of Zimbabwe to clean up all counterfeit products which are in the
market”. Said Zinyanduko.
According to the statistics released, 2,271 businesses were prosecuted in 2025, while
634 have already been brought to book in the first quarter of 2026. The 634
prosecutions already recorded in the first quarter of the year demonstrates the
commission’s increased pace on consumer protection.
“We have managed to prosecute a total of 2,271 businesses in the year 2025. These
businesses were selling dangerous, expired and counterfeit goods. This year a total of
634 have already been prosecuted for the same offences”. Noted Zinyanduko.
The Chairperson emphasised that the commission would not tolerate businesses that
compromise the health of citizens by offloading adverse products into Zimbabwe’s
market.
“The Commission remains resolute in its mandate to protect consumers from
unscrupulous business actors. We have scaled up our inspections across the country to
ensure that no one is above the law. These 2,905 prosecutions serve as a clear
message that selling expired, counterfeit, or substandard goods is a high-risk venture
that will result in the full wrath of the law being applied”. Said Zinyanduko.
The Consumer Protection Commission urged the public to remain vigilant and continue
reporting retailers who fail to adhere to safety and quality standards as the commission
continues its nationwide crackdown.
Masvingo Christian, Hellen McGhie dominate provincial robotics olympiad
By Andrew Zhou.
MASVINGO – In a exceptional display of technical prowess and youthful ingenuity, Masvingo
Christian College and Hellen McGhie Primary School emerged as the dominant forces at the
concluded World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Zimbabwe Provincial Competitions recently held
Great Zimbabwe University’s Innovation Hub.
The event, which drew the province’s brightest young minds, served as a powerful testament to
the rapid growth of robotics and innovation in the region.
Masvingo Christian College emerged as the champion in the senior category, outperforming
several formidable competitors to claim the top spot.
The school’s victory was characterized by exceptional skill, creativity, and technical excellence,
marking a major achievement in the province’s burgeoning tech space.
Reflecting on the success, Masvingo Christian College Head, Dr. Edson Muresherwa,
emphasized that their triumph was built on internal capacity rather than external help as the
school is also training others schools in the province.
“We did not outsource trainers; we actually trained other schools. We recently organized a
workshop in which we trained teachers from other schools. We have invested in it and the
investment is yielding dividends.” Said Muresherwa.
Looking ahead, the school aims to integrate the high-tech skills into their core curriculum to
ensure students remain competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.
“Our plan as a school is to continue exposing our students in this area as we prepare them for the
future, rather than preparing them for a world that no longer exists,” asserted Dr. Muresherwa.
The excellence extended into the younger divisions, where Hellen McGhie Primary School
proved to be an unstoppable force, sweeping both the Elementary and Junior categories.
Speaking to Hellen McGhie school head, Mr. Brian Gomba, confirmed their stellar performance,
noting that the school came first in both sections. He highlighted that the school’s success was
home grown, relying on internal staff to guide the pupils.
“The school relied on internal staff and it has become a routine for the young ones to involve
themselves in research and in manipulating things,” said Gomba.
Looking ahead, the victory has ignited a newfound determination within the primary school to
excel on a larger stage. Mr. Gomba pledged full support for the team as they prepare for the
national competition to held in Bulawayo.
“This will give them chances to acquire more skills, and the rest will appreciate and be
determined to achieve higher than the current teams,” said Gomba.
As both Masvingo Christian College and Hellen McGhie celebrate their provincial dominance,
their success sends a clear message that Masvingo is ready to lead the
ZRP Masvingo introduces drone surveillance, appeals for partnerships to acquire more
By Tadiwa Shunje
MASVINGO – The Zimbabwe Republic Police in Masvingo province recently introduced drone
surveillance as part of a broader push to modernise policing, with the commanding officer now
appealing to business people and well-wishers to help acquire additional drones to enhance crime
monitoring across the region.
Speaking during the Client Service Charter Re-invigoration, Officer Commanding Masvingo
Province, Commissioner Fredrick Mbengwa, said two drones were already in operation, one
deployed in the Masvingo Central Business District (CBD) and another covering Mucheke and
Rujeko, where crime monitoring has been intensified.
“We have embraced technology by deploying drones to ensure safety and enhance professional
capacity. Currently we have two drones, one operating in the CBD and one in Mucheke and
Rujeko,” said Mbengwa.
He said the introduction of drones gives the force an aerial view to better monitor the vast
province and improves public safety. Body-worn cameras for officers have also been introduced,
marking a significant step in modernising policing methods and strengthening accountability.
While the initial deployment has improved aerial surveillance, the commissioner said more
drones were needed to ensure full coverage across the province.
“We enjoin businesspeople and well-wishers to help us acquire more drones to cover the entire
area,” said Mbengwa.
In addition to drones, police encouraged communities to pool resources and contribute towards
the purchase and installation of street cameras, describing them as “bigger reporters than the
police themselves” for their ability to provide real-time surveillance and aid in evidence
collection.
“We also need every member to enjoin on buying street cameras; they are bigger reporters than
the police themselves,” said Mbengwa.
However, he emphasised that technology alone could not replace public vigilance and urged
residents to continue reporting suspicious activities, saying active community participation is key
to improving safety and security across the area.
He said the police were not prophets or traditional healers who predict and guess where crime
happens but said they relied on the public for information.
“We don’t use bones, we don’t consult faith healers, we rely on you, and you are our bones so
give us information. If you provide information and it’s not acted upon then our offices are opn,
follow the chain of command and report,” he said.
The call for partnerships comes as the ZRP continues to embrace technology in policing. On July
30, 2025, 27 police officers graduated with drone pilots certificates at ZRP Sports Club in
Harare, part of the Commissioner-General’s thrust to modernise the force through the Electronic
Traffic Management System and the use of technology in crime management.
People with disabilities call for safe, accessible products
By Ndinatsei Mavodza
MASVINGO – People with disabilities have once again called for better access to safe
products and public services, highlighting gaps in infrastructure, mobility devices and public
transport in Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the belated World Consumer Rights Day celebrations at Urban Lifestyles Hotel
in Masvingo on March 18, Disability Accountability and Consulting Trust (DACT) president
Purazeni Jakata, said many public facilities were still not accessible to persons with
disabilities.
“Our infrastructure as a nation needs to be accessible and inclusive because we want to use
these services as well.
“We also have limited access to mobility devices. The Disability policy was introduced in
2021 and the Disability Act last December, but many institutions have not implemented these
measures.” Said Jakata
Jakata also raised concerns about accessing toilets, transport services and other essential
facilities for people who use wheelchairs.
He called on government and businesses to adopt inclusive designs and promote the local
production of wheelchairs.
The Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) said it was stepping up efforts to ensure people
with disabilities were included in consumer protection programmes.
CPC chairperson Respina Zinyanduko said the commission was creating programmes tailored
to the needs of persons with disabilities and establishing easier ways to report unsafe
products.
“We are creating inclusive programmes tailored to their unique needs and establishing
accessible complaint mechanisms for reporting unsafe products,” she said.
“We are urging businesses to design products that promote an inclusive marketplace,
ensuring that every consumer feels safe and confident in their choices.”
Zinyanduko said CPC was also raising awareness among communities and working with
companies to promote ethical business practices.
She emphasized that consumer protection was not only a legal responsibility but also a moral
duty.
Minister of Industry and Commerce Mangaliso Ndlovu said government was committed to
ensuring that all consumers, including people with disabilities, have access to safe and
trustworthy products.
“Consumers today expect more than just affordable goods. They demand safety, quality,
authenticity and fair treatment.
“The government is strengthening national quality standards and inspections to make sure
products are safe for everyone.” Said Minister
The commemorations, held under the theme “Safe products, confident consumers,” brought
together traditional leaders, government officials, youths, persons with disabilities and
members of the private sector.
Speakers emphasized that inclusion is not only about access to products, but also about
ensuring that all services and infrastructure allow people with disabilities to participate fully
in society.
“Consumer protection is about confidence. When people trust that products are safe, they can
participate fully in the economy,” Zinyanduko said.
World Consumer Rights Day is usually marked globally on March 15, but