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Former Bikita RDC’s CEO ghost haunts Finance Officer

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Former Bikita RDC’s CEO ghost haunts Finance Officer

By TellZim Reporter
Bikita Rural District Council (RDC) Executive Officer for Finance, Never Mavhuna, has
been suspended from duty following the implementation of a government directive barring
public officials facing criminal charges from reporting for work while their cases are before
the courts.
The suspension comes after Bikita Residents and Ratepayers Association (BIRRA) petitioned
council to act against Mavhuna, who is currently facing criminal charges and is out on bail.
In a letter in possession of this publication dated June 9, 2026 addressed to BIRRA, the
council said it had implemented a ministerial directive issued on February 22, 2022, which
requires local authorities to prevent employees with pending criminal cases from reporting
for duty.
“In response to your communication stamped 29 May 2026 referenced as above, I am
informing you that on 27 May 2026, the Council through the Accounting Officer instituted
the Ministerial Directive dated 22 February 2022: Directive on Reporting for Work While on
Bail, to the Executive Officer Finance for Bikita Rural District Council.
“As an arm of Central Government, Local Authorities are mandated to operate in line with
directives and circulars from the parent Ministry,” reads part of the letter.
The directive was introduced amid growing concerns over the arrest of senior council
officials on charges related to criminal abuse of office and other offences.
“The surge in arrest of senior Council employees on charges relating to criminal abuse of
office, among others, has sent mixed reactions to the public that they are employed to serve.
My office has always maintained the unwavering stance that in the public interest and as a
good corporate governance practice, any official who has a matter pending before the courts
may not be allowed to continue with their day-to-day operations in Council until they have
been acquitted by the same courts,” reads part of the directive.
The directive further orders all local authorities to ensure that employees whose criminal
cases are still before the courts are barred from reporting for duty until the matters are
concluded.
BIRRA had earlier petitioned the council, arguing that Mavhuna should be suspended
pending the finalisation of his case before the Bikita Magistrates’ Court.
“BIRRA formally petitions the following immediate actions: That the Bikita RDC Council, at
its next sitting or by urgent special resolution, formally resolves to suspend the Executive
Officer Finance from duty — with pay — pending the finalisation of criminal proceedings
before the Bikita Magistrates’ Court.

“That an acting Finance Officer be designated immediately to ensure uninterrupted service
delivery to ratepayers during the suspension period,” reads part of the petition.
According to officials, Mavhuna was remanded out of custody to June 23, 2026.
Mavhuna was arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) over
allegations that he and the late Bikita RDC Chief Executive Officer, Peter Chibi, registered a
private company, Bikita Hanyanya Investments (Private) Limited, without obtaining the
required ministerial approval.
The pair allegedly held equal shareholding in the company and went on to award it several
lucrative council contracts, including security services, bus levy collection, and vehicle
clamping and veranda fee collection.
Chibi committed suicide on March 11 2024 allegedly over corruption related issues.

Meet the ‘Karate Kid’ of Masvingo

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Meet the ‘Karate Kid’ of Masvingo

By Brighton Chiseva
MASVINGO – At an age when most children are still learning to tie their shoelaces,
sevenyearold Anopaishe Munashe Nyandoro has already discovered his calling, not in the usual
ball games that occupy his peers, but in the disciplined, unforgiving world of karate. And he is
already making a name for himself.
While his elder brother Atipaishe Nyandoro shines on the tennis court, a path he could easily
have followed, Anopaishe chose to be different. He picked fighting, and in just three years, he
has become one of the most promising young martial artists in Masvingo.
Anopaishe who is in Stage 1B at Junior Primary School started karate when he was only 3 and
was crowned Karataker of the year 2025 at his school. His mother, Tichamupei Comfort
Chivore, told TellZim News that he was always hyperactive, and when he expressed interest in
karate, she was relieved because she knew the sport would channel his energy into discipline.
“He used to follow his brother for tennis, but later he said he wanted to do karate. I suspect he
made that decision after watching Karate Kid, the movie with Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan,” she
said.
She explained that before karate, Anopaishe had a tendency to figsht and would beat up other
children at school.
“I would be called to the school even when he was very little. He would beat up others but now,
that has completely changed. He is a much more disciplined young boy,” she said.
However, she admitted that as a mother, she still worries that he may injure others especially if
he gets provoked. She said she was also worried that he may get injured in training or during
tournaments.
“Given his age, I sometimes fear he may fail to control himself if provoked. Karate is a physical
sport, and there are risks. There was a time he limped for a long time after injuring his leg, and

another time he was kicked on the cheek. But I understand the risks, and I give him all the
support he needs.” She said.
Anopaishe trains under Sensei Cedric Chuchu at Greatwalks Karate Club, based at Masvingo
Sports Club. The club takes children from as young as three or four years old, with parents
paying US$25 per month for training.
Sensei Chuchu, who began training Anopaishe when he was just three years old, described him
as a powerful young boy with immense energy.
“I started training him when he was three, and I have seen a lot of improvement. He is now
focused, and the martial arts training is helping him.
He had a lot of energy, and you know, those with energy usually bully others, but he is now very
disciplined. He was naughty, but we tuned him. Now he is mature that even if you speak with
him, you feel like you are speaking to an adult,” said Chuchu.
He said karate has improved Anopaishe’s body endurance, coordination, flexibility, and even
memory retention, benefits that have helped him both at school and at home.
Anopaishe has already tasted success. He won a silver medal at a national tournament and later
added a bronze medal to his collection in two Best of the Best tournaments held in Kwekwe. In
another tournament held in Harare, he did not win an award, but the determined youngster was
not discouraged.
For a boy who could have simply followed his brother’s footsteps into tennis, Anopaishe has
carved his own path – one of discipline, bruises, medals, and a growing reputation. With the
support of his mother and the guidance of Sensei Chuchu, this sevenyearold may well become a
force to reckon with in Zimbabwean karate.
Greatwalks Karate Club enrolls kids from three years in the junior category and 18 an above in
the adult category and members pay US$25 per month.

Bikita Minerals accused of delaying fatal incident in subcontractor blame game

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Bikita Minerals accused of delaying fatal incident in subcontractor blame game

By Brighton ChisevaBIKITA – Two people died in separate incidents at Bikita Minerals over the weekend, prompting renewed scrutiny of safety practices and incident reporting procedures at Zimbabwe’s largest lithium mining operation.The deaths, which occurred less than 24 hours apart, involved a dump truck operator employed by a mining contractor and a security guard working for a contracted security company.In a statement issued on June 8, 2026, Bikita Minerals said the first incident occurred on June 6 at around 7:45pm, involving Mr Thomas Kaliveni (40), a dump truck operator employed by WGB Kinsey & Company.“Bikita Minerals regrets to confirm two separate incidents involving employees of independent contracting companies working at our operations. Incident one is a fatal accident involving a dump truck operator. On 6 June 2026, at approximately 19:45 hours, a fatal accident occurred involving Mr Thomas Kaliveni (40), a dump truck operator employed by WGB Kinsey & Company, one of our independent contractors. Mr Kaliveni sustained injuries in an incident at a waste dump site and subsequently succumbed to those injuries,” reads part of the statement.While Bikita Minerals expressed condolences and emphasized that both deceased individuals were employees of independent contractors, allegations have emerged regarding the mine’s handling of the fatal accident involving the dump truck driver.The mining company said Kaliveni sustained fatal injuries during an incident at a waste dump site and later succumbed to those injuries.However, information obtained from sources familiar with the incident suggests that Kaliveni died at the scene after the dump truck he was operating overturned while offloading waste material.Sources said Kaliveni was driving dump truck S10 and had proceeded to the designated waste dump area to dispose of waste material. While reversing toward the tipping point, the truck reportedly became unstable and overturned sideways down the dump slope.The driver was allegedly thrown from the vehicle and subsequently struck by rocks and waste material dislodged during the rollover.Workers nearby reportedly rushed to rescue him by removing debris that had trapped him. Despite these efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.According to an internal incident account seen by this publication, operations at the waste dump area were immediately suspended and the scene secured while management, emergency personnel and authorities were notified.The fatal accident has also generated controversy following allegations from sources who claim mine management attempted to influence how the circumstances surrounding the death were recorded.Sources alleged that senior Chinese management personnel from Bikita Minerals were among the first officials to arrive at the accident scene.They allegedly sought to have police remove Kaliveni’s body from the scene and portray the death as having occurred while he was being transported to hospital rather than at the accident site.The same sources further alleged that mine officials did not immediately notify officials from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development as required under standard accident reporting procedures, instead waiting until the following morning before filing a report.These allegations could not be independently verified at the time of publication, and Bikita Minerals had not publicly responded to the claims.Contacted for comment on the matter, Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dehwa said he was yet to receive the report of the incident.He however said it was against the law to fail to report such an incident within 24 hours.Contacted for comment of on the incident and to ascertain the time it was reported to the ministry of mines, Masvingo Provincial Mines Director Marsha Muzira reffered questions to director for communication and advocacy in the ministry of mines and mining development Wilfred Munetsi.Contacted by TellZim News, Munetsi asked the reporter to send questions in writing and said he would respond the following day after getting information and clearance.In a separate and unrelated incident, a security guard employed by Rebnek Security was found dead while on duty during the early hours of Sunday, June 7.According to information provided by sources and contained in an incident report, the guard had reportedly been observed performing his duties normally during routine supervisory inspections earlier in the night.His supervisor is said to have conducted two inspections during the shift and found no signs of illness or distress.However, during a third inspection round at approximately 4:00am, the supervisor reportedly discovered the guard lying unresponsive at his post.Authorities were subsequently notified and a police report was filed.The cause of death had not yet been established at the time of publication, although preliminary reports suggest it may have been a suspected sudden death.The company stated that investigations into the dump truck accident were ongoing and that further details would not be released while investigative processes continued.”Out of respect for the families and the ongoing investigative processes, no further details will be released at this stage,” the company said.Bikita Minerals also expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of both deceased workers.”The safety, health and wellbeing of everyone working at our operations remain a core priority,” the statement added.The latest fatalities have once again drawn attention to safety concerns at the lithium mining operation.Bikita Minerals has experienced a number of serious workplace incidents in recent years.In August 2025, a dump truck operator was reportedly killed after being struck by another dump truck while at work.During the same month, three schoolchildren related to mine employees were reportedly injured after being struck by blasting debris.In October 2023, a plant operator died after becoming trapped in machinery he was operating. Reports at the time indicated that his body remained trapped for several hours before recovery equipment could be sourced.Other incidents reported at the mine have included serious workplace injuries resulting in permanent disability.continue.

MP Makumire objects to Chiredzi Town Council’s agro-residential stands scheme

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MP Makumire objects to Chiredzi Town Council’s agro-residential stands scheme

By Beatific GumbwandaChiredzi Central Member of Parliament Ropafadzo Makumire has lodged a sweeping formal objection to Chiredzi Town Council’s proposed Agro-Residential Stand allocation scheme, describing it as procedurally flawed, legally dubious and a threat to the town’s long-term spatial and economic development.CTC advertised 60 Agro-residential plots on a first come first served basis, which many adjudged as a cover up as the stands had already been allocated to most senior Zanu PF members in the Province.In a strongly-worded five-page letter dated 20 May 2026 and addressed to the Acting Town Secretary, Consider Kubiku, Makumire raised ten grounds of objection against the scheme.Makumire described the proposed scheme as inconsistent with the Chiredzi Town Council Housing Policy (2020), the Zimbabwe National Human Settlements Policy (2020), and established principles of sound urban and regional planning, transparency, accountability, social inclusion, prudent public asset management and sustainable development.Makumire’s objection is the council’s abandonment of its own Housing Policy, which requires waiting lists, applicant assessment, structured adjudication mechanisms and oversight procedures when allocating stands.“The first come, first served allocation procedure fundamentally departs from the Council’s own Housing Policy which requires transparent allocation systems, waiting lists, applicant assessment and structured adjudication mechanisms,” wrote Makumire.Makumire further criticised the proposal for failing to indicate the use of the Housing Waiting List, selection interviews, allocation criteria, appeal procedures or oversight mechanisms, accusing the council of bypassing residents who had patiently complied with established procedures and remained on the waiting list for extended periods.Makumire reserved particularly sharp language for the council’s spatial planning rationale, questioning why prime land near the town centre was being converted into large agricultural plots.”The subject land lies within close proximity to the Chiredzi CBD and within one of the town’s strategic growth corridors,” he wrote, “Allocating plots ranging from 0.5 to 2 hectares within approximately five kilometres of the CBD was “inconsistent with efficient urban land utilisation and sustainable settlement planning principles.”Makumire argued that the land could instead accommodate medium-density housing, mixed-use developments, industrial estates, commercial precincts, institutional facilities and integrated urban neighbourhoods, warning that the low-density allocation compromises future planning options and economic opportunities.Makumire also raised alarm over the financial implications of the scheme for both the council and the broader public, warning of a pattern seen elsewhere in Zimbabwe where agro-residential plot beneficiaries eventually convert and subdivide land for profit.”Experience elsewhere demonstrates that beneficiaries of agro-residential allocations often acquire title, apply for change of use, subdivide land and realise substantial profits from the sale of urban stands,” he cautioned.“This would result in land value appreciation created by public planning decisions accruing to private individuals rather than Council and the broader community, effectively enriching a small number of beneficiaries at the expense of Chiredzi’s future development,” he added.Asked abot the objections by TellZim News, Kubiku, indicated that the local authority had received rejections, but could not ascertain the origin as he was out of office.“Yes we did its a hard copy, heard its in office will avail detail when i get back, I am currently away,” said Kubiku .

FLOAAI directors walk free as fraud charges collapse

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FLOAAI directors walk free as fraud charges collapse

By Tadiwa Shunje

MASVINGO – Directors of Full Life Open Arms Africa Investment (FLOAAI) Housing Trust, Pastor Godfrey Nelson Madanyaya and Dr Andrew Chigudu, walked free on June 5, 2026, after Masvingo Regional Magistrate Innocent Bepura dismissed fraud charges against them, ruling that the State had failed to establish a prima facie (meaning a case that is sufficient on its face to proceed to trial) case.

The pair had been accused of fraud in connection with the Buffalo Range Town Expansion project in Chiredzi. Prosecutors alleged that approximately 1,700 residential stands were used as collateral to secure a US$1.2 million loan from NMB Bank and that funds earmarked for feasibility studies were diverted for personal use.

After considering evidence from six witnesses, including officials from Chiredzi Town Council and Chiredzi Rural District Council, Magistrate Bepura ruled that the State had failed to prove the essential elements of fraud. The court noted that the witnesses’ testimony instead showed the existence of contractual agreements between the parties and beneficiaries involved in the housing project.

“The State failed to make out a prima facie case against the accused persons. The facts placed before this court disclose a contractual dispute, which is a matter for determination by a civil court. The essential elements of fraud have not been established, and the accused are therefore discharged at the close of the State case,” said Bepura.

The criminal case had its origins in a project that began more than a decade ago. Sometime in 2015, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Fisheries offered Chiredzi Town Council 750 hectares of the remainder of Buffalo Range to develop residential stands for the local community. 

Since the area was under the jurisdiction of Chiredzi Rural District Council, a joint committee was formed by the two local authorities to oversee the project.

The two councils engaged FLOAAI to carry out a feasibility study and handle town planning tasks, including subdivision of the land and identification of possible routes for road opening and excavation up to hard surface. FLOAAI was mandated to develop phase one of 350 hectares and hand it over to the two councils.

However, the project soon ran into trouble. FLOAAI Director, Pastor Godfrey Nelson Madanyaya, was accused of seizing the project and selling stands to desperate home seekers in Chiredzi while allegedly name-dropping President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Minister July Moyo as the owners of the project. 

Madanyaya’s list of buyers reportedly grew to more than 1,000 people, including Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) affiliates, who were paying through the Salary Services Bureau (SSB) but were never given offer letters.

In July 2022, the land developer applied for a loan from NMB Bank amounting to US$1.2 million. The State alleged that the developer misrepresented that the loan was guaranteed by the two councils, with 1,700 stands set aside as surety. According to the prosecution, the councils believed the loan was for development of the project and set aside 1,700 stands as collateral, but the developers allegedly converted the loan to personal use and sold the stands without the councils’ knowledge.

Investigations by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission established that when the stands were sold, the proposed stands on the project were not serviced as per the agreement, and there was no subdivision permit or compliance certificate from the two local boards.

The controversy also drew the attention of the community. The Chiredzi Residents and Ratepayers Association (CHIRRA) sought a court order barring Madanyaya from selling unserviced residential stands. In July 2024, the Masvingo High Court, per Justice Zisengwe, granted an order stopping the sale of stands until after servicing and the issuance of a compliance certificate by the two councils. Despite the order, FLOAAI reportedly continued to deduct money from civil servants registered with them.

In another twist, Chiredzi Rural District Council later moved to terminate its contract with FLOAAI, citing irregularities and breach of contract, and resolved to part ways with both the developer and the Town Council on the 750-hectare joint venture housing project.

The criminal case had previously drawn the attention of Special Presidential Adviser Dr Joram Gumbo. In 2025, Pastor Madanyaya successfully sought Dr Gumbo’s intervention in support of the Buffalo Range Town Expansion project.

In a letter dated August 22, 2025, Dr Gumbo urged Chiredzi Town Council to facilitate the project, arguing that it aligned with the government’s Vision 2030 objective of improving access to affordable housing.

“I received communication directed from His Excellency, The President, Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, concerning an appeal by Pastor G.N. Madanyaya. Recognizing that this initiative aligns directly with the national objectives under Vision 2030 to enhance access to affordable housing, it is critical that such projects receive adequate support to succeed,” reads part of the letter.

Dr Gumbo, however, later amended the correspondence after learning that the matter was before the courts and that the project was the subject of legal proceedings.

“The government does not interfere with matters currently before the courts. I have now been informed that this matter is before the court; therefore, the court’s decision should guide the determination of the matter,” he wrote.

With the dismissal of the criminal charges, the legal saga takes a different turn. The court having ruled that the matter is essentially a contractual dispute, it now falls to a civil court, if any of the aggrieved parties choose to pursue that route, to determine the rights and obligations of the parties under the development agreement. Meanwhile, Madanyaya and Chigudu walk free from the criminal court, their names cleared of fraud.

Two die in separate incidents at Bikita Minerals 

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Two die in separate incidents at Bikita Minerals 

By Brighton Chiseva

BIKITA – Two people died in separate incidents at Bikita Minerals over the weekend, prompting renewed scrutiny of safety practices and incident reporting procedures at Zimbabwe’s largest lithium mining operation.

The deaths, which occurred less than 24 hours apart, involved a dump truck operator employed by a mining contractor and a security guard working for a contracted security company.

In a statement issued on June 8, 2026, Bikita Minerals said the first incident occurred on June 6 at around 7:45pm, involving Mr Thomas Kaliveni (40), a dump truck operator employed by WGB Kinsey & Company.

“Bikita Minerals regrets to confirm two separate incidents involving employees of independent contracting companies working at our operations. Incident one is a fatal accident involving a dump truck operator. On 6 June 2026, at approximately 19:45 hours, a fatal accident occurred involving Mr Thomas Kaliveni (40), a dump truck operator employed by WGB Kinsey & Company, one of our independent contractors. Mr Kaliveni sustained injuries in an incident at a waste dump site and subsequently succumbed to those injuries,” reads part of the statement.

While Bikita Minerals expressed condolences and emphasized that both deceased individuals were employees of independent contractors, allegations have emerged regarding the mine’s handling of the fatal accident involving the dump truck driver.

The mining company said Kaliveni sustained fatal injuries during an incident at a waste dump site and later succumbed to those injuries.

However, information obtained from sources familiar with the incident suggests that Kaliveni died at the scene after the dump truck he was operating overturned while offloading waste material.

Sources said Kaliveni was driving dump truck S10 and had proceeded to the designated waste dump area to dispose of waste material. While reversing toward the tipping point, the truck reportedly became unstable and overturned sideways down the dump slope.

The driver was allegedly thrown from the vehicle and subsequently struck by rocks and waste material dislodged during the rollover.

Workers nearby reportedly rushed to rescue him by removing debris that had trapped him. Despite these efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.

According to an internal incident account seen by this publication, operations at the waste dump area were immediately suspended and the scene secured while management, emergency personnel and authorities were notified.

The fatal accident has also generated controversy following allegations from sources who claim mine management attempted to influence how the circumstances surrounding the death were recorded.

Sources alleged that senior Chinese management personnel from Bikita Minerals were among the first officials to arrive at the accident scene.

They allegedly sought to have police remove Kaliveni’s body from the scene and portray the death as having occurred while he was being transported to hospital rather than at the accident site.

The same sources further alleged that mine officials did not immediately notify officials from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development as required under standard accident reporting procedures, instead waiting until the following morning before filing a report.

These allegations could not be independently verified at the time of publication, and Bikita Minerals had not publicly responded to the claims.

Contacted for comment on the matter, Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dehwa said he was yet to receive the report of the incident.

He however said it was against the law to fail to report such an incident within 24 hours.

Contacted for comment on the incident and to ascertain the time it was reported to the Ministry of Mines, Masvingo Provincial Mines Director Marsha Muzira referred questions to director for communication and advocacy in the ministry of mines and mining development Wilfred Munetsi.

Contacted by TellZim News, Munetsi asked the reporter to send questions in writing and said he would respond the following day after getting information and clearance.

In a separate and unrelated incident, a security guard employed by Rebnek Security was found dead while on duty during the early hours of Sunday, June 7.

According to information provided by sources and contained in an incident report, the guard had reportedly been observed performing his duties normally during routine supervisory inspections earlier in the night.

His supervisor is said to have conducted two inspections during the shift and found no signs of illness or distress.

However, during a third inspection round at approximately 4:00am, the supervisor reportedly discovered the guard lying unresponsive at his post.

Authorities were subsequently notified and a police report was filed.

The cause of death had not yet been established at the time of publication, although preliminary reports suggest it may have been a suspected sudden death.

The company stated that investigations into the dump truck accident were ongoing and that further details would not be released while investigative processes continued.

“Out of respect for the families and the ongoing investigative processes, no further details will be released at this stage,” the company said.

Bikita Minerals also expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of both deceased workers.

“The safety, health and wellbeing of everyone working at our operations remain a core priority,” the statement added.

The latest fatalities have once again drawn attention to safety concerns at the lithium mining operation.

Bikita Minerals has experienced a number of serious workplace incidents in recent years.

In August 2025, a dump truck operator was reportedly killed after being struck by another dump truck while at work.

During the same month, three schoolchildren related to mine employees were reportedly injured after being struck by blasting debris.

In October 2023, a plant operator died after becoming trapped in machinery he was operating. Reports at the time indicated that his body remained trapped for several hours before recovery equipment could be sourced.

Other incidents reported at the mine have included serious workplace injuries resulting in permanent disability.

Khami Prison Inmates Lead a Bold Fight Against HIV/AIDS

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Khami Prison Inmates Lead a Bold Fight Against HIV/AIDS

By Tapfuma Machakaire

In a striking twist inside one of Zimbabwe’s correctional facilities, inmates at Khami Prison near Bulawayo are delivering powerful blows in the global battle to end HIV and AIDS by 2030.What started quietly in 2020 as a small mentorship program has exploded into a full-scale health movement. Today, nearly 800 inmates out of over 5000 at Khami are on life-saving antiretroviral treatment, and more are stepping forward to get tested every month.Addressing journalist during a media tour of the facility recently Ncobeni Mutale, National AIDS Council District Coordinator for Luveve, narrated the humble beginnings from a Brotha2Brotha model with just five mentors targeting young men aged 10 to 24.”The turning point came in 2023 after a NAC Board visit. The program was rebranded as the Key Populations Programme, shattering age and gender limits. Mentor numbers at Khami Maximum doubled to ten, now called Peer Educators. Their mission expanded to covering TB, non-communicable diseases, gender-based violence and drug and subtance abuse,” said Mutale.Armed with gadgets from NAC, the Peer Educators are running primary health checks for NCDs right inside the complex, where they screen inmates for temperature, high bloodpressure and bloodsugarl evels. “Education can change the Nation” said Moses Moyo who knows the program from both sides, first as a peer beneficiary in 2022, then graduated to a Peer Educator in 2024. “Each of us mentors 50 inmates for a full year,” Moyo explained. “The response is overwhelming. Inmates who once avoided clinics are now volunteering for HIV tests. “Twice a month, they gather for lessons straight from HIV manuals and the conversations go further. “We talk TB prevention, drug abuse and gender-based violence. We are committed to help hit that 2030 goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat .”Moyo doubles as headmaster of the prison’s indoor school. NAC also provided soccer balls for use in edutainment activities. After every match, players huddle not just to dissect goals, but to tackle health issues head-on. “We discuss HIV, we discuss life,” Moyo says. For Blessing Chiriri, mentorship was a wake-up call. “When I came to prison in 2020, I was ignorant about health,” he admits. “Now I know about STIs. When I leave here, I will not go back to abusing alcohol. I will also be careful with my sex life.” Khami Prisons and Correctional Service runs four prisons, Khami Maximum, Khami Medium, Khami Remand, and Mlondolozi. Officer in Charge Khami Maximum, Chief Superintendent Panonetsa Chemugarira told Journalists that health care for inmates remains a priority for the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service.” Every inmate gets a health exam on admission, though HIV testing is not compulsory. Rehabilitation officers follow up even after release to ensure adherence to treatment for those on ART.

“What is happening at Khami on the HIV programme surprised Journalists on the tour. “I never thought such kind of a programme would be possible for offenders. I am shocked to learn that there are people so intelligent in prisons who can run such a programme in such an organized manner” said Silas Nkala one of the Journalists who toured the facility.”

Nkala said it was important for journalists to be allowed to visit such programmes so that they can “tell the world the success stories behind these high scary walls.”

Seven decades, countless milestones, Hippo Valley’s roots run deep

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Seven decades, countless milestones, Hippo Valley’s roots run deep

By Beatific GumbwandaIn 1956, a citrus plantation took root in the red soils of the Lowveld. Few could have imagined what it would one day become. Seventy years later, Hippo Valley Estates stands as proof of vision, resilience, and a lasting partnership between industry, community, and the land transformed from a small farming venture into the country’s sugarcane capital and a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s agroindustrial sector.The estate’s journey is the story of the Lowveld itself. From a modest citrus operation, Hippo Valley gradually turned to sugarcane and never looked back. Today, together with Triangle, it produces all the sugar consumed in Zimbabwe – a feat that began with 30,000 tonnes of sugar and has since grown to more than 200,000 tonnes each year.Hippo Valley Estates did not just grow cane; it grew a town. Chiredzi, the busy administrative and commercial centre of southern Masvingo Province, owes much of its existence to the estate. Thousands of workers and their families settled in and around the town over the decades, creating demand for housing, schools, health services, and shops. The effect can be seen everywhere, from the small businesses that supply the estate’s operations to the retail traders who depend on the spending power of its workforce.Outgrower farmers have also been key to the estate’s growth. As Chief Executive Officer Tendai Masawi said during the celebrations, smallholder and commercial farmers deliver between 45 and 50 percent of the sugar Hippo Valley produces.“Without their support, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” Masawi said.Beyond the cane fields, Hippo Valley’s reach extends into the social life of the Lowveld. Over the decades, the estate has invested in modern medical facilities, schools, and sports infrastructure for its workers and nearby communities. Chiredzi General Hospital, which serves a large part of the province including Hippo Valley employees and their families, has benefited from the estate’s corporate social responsibility programmes. The Chiredzi Police District Headquarters and several health institutions across Masvingo Province have also received support.Within the estate itself, Hippo Valley has built worldclass amenities, including one of Zimbabwe’s finest golf courses, as well as leisure facilities like Nhongo Lodge and the Hippo Valley Country Club, which have helped make the Lowveld a tourism destination.To mark the milestone, Hippo Valley Estates, a subsidiary of Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe, held a sports gala at Chishamiso Stadium, where employees and stakeholders competed in various sporting activities. The celebrations ended with a fourhour live performance by Sungura musician Alick Macheso, bringing thousands together for a night of music and thanks.Speaking at the event, Masawi paid tribute to the workers who have been the driving force behind the estate’s growth.“I was informed that on the 15th of March 1956, Hippo Valley Estates was born, and it began as a citrus plantation, which later converted to sugarcane, and from there, we never looked back,” he said.“We want to give thanks to our employees and their families, as well as the facilities that were established by Hippo Valley. We have clinics, schools, sporting facilities and houses. And not forgetting the farmers who always deliver 45 to 50 percent of the sugar we produce,” Masawi added.Hippo Valley Estates Chairman Advocate Canaan F. Dube struck a reflective note, honouring the generations whose dedication built the institution.“Seventy years ago, a vision was planted in the Lowveld soil. Today, we celebrate the harvest of that vision and honour the generations whose dedication has shaped Hippo Valley Estates into the institution it is today,” Dube said.He noted that the estate’s growth had been powered by new ideas, resilience, and strong partnerships, and that community remained at the heart of everything.“Our journey is deeply intertwined with the communities around us. Their partnership has enabled growth, livelihoods and opportunity across the Lowveld, for which we remain grateful,” Dube said.As Hippo Valley enters its eighth decade, the estate faces both old and new challenges – including changing weather, pressure on water in the Lowveld’s irrigation network, and the shifting dynamics of Zimbabwe’s sugar industry. Yet its 70year record offers reason for confidence: a company that started with citrus and built a city around sugar is unlikely to be easily shaken.For the thousands of families, farmers, and businesses whose lives are tied to Hippo Valley’s operations, the anniversary is not just a company milestone. It is a shared celebration of a community that grew, quite literally, from the soil up.

All set for Old Mutual High Schools Quiz Provincial Competitions

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All set for Old Mutual High Schools Quiz Provincial Competitions

By Staff ReporterHARARE – The stage is set for the Old Mutual National High Schools Quiz provincial competitions, with the remaining seven provinces set to battle it out for a place at the national finals following the successful completion of the first round in Manicaland, Masvingo, and Matabeleland South on May 29, 2026.The upcoming provincial finals are scheduled as follows: On June 5, Mashonaland Central will compete at Bradley High School, Matabeleland North at Gebhuza High School in Hwange, and Mashonaland East at Waddilove High School in Marondera. On June 12, Bulawayo will host its finals at Montrose High School, the Midlands at Anderson High School in Gweru, and Mashonaland West at Chikangwe High School in Karoi. Harare will bring the provincial round to a close on June 19 at Prince Edward School.In the provinces where competitions have already been held, the following schools have secured their places in the national finals. In Manicaland Province, Nyanga High Marist Brothers, Vhengere High School, and St Faith’s High School emerged victorious. Masvingo Province will be represented by St Anthony’s High School, Pamushana High School, and Zimuto High School. In Matabeleland South Province, the qualifying schools are St Mary’s High School in Beitbridge, Mtshabezi High School, and Fountain College.Last year, more than 326 schools entered the competition at zonal level before progressing through provincial knockouts. From that highly competitive field, ten schools ultimately secured spots on the national stage. At the 2025 finals, Fletcher High School secured fourth place and walked away with US$1,000, while Pamushana High School claimed third place and received US$3,000. St Anthony’s High School earned second place together with US$5,000 in prize money, while Marist Brothers Nyanga once again demonstrated their dominance by clinching first place and taking home US$7,000, securing their fourth consecutive national title. In addition to cash prizes, learners from the topperforming schools also received laptops, smartphones, iPads, trophies, and medals.Old Mutual Zimbabwe’s Marketing, Public Affairs and Sustainability Executive, Lillian Mbayiwa, said the quiz continues to grow because it speaks to the potential within Zimbabwean learners.“The Old Mutual National High Schools Quiz continues to grow because it speaks to the potential that exists within Zimbabwean learners. Beyond competition, this initiative is about empowering young people with knowledge, confidence, and exposure that can positively shape their futures. As Old Mutual, we remain committed to investing in education because we believe it is one of the most powerful tools for national development,” said Mbayiwa.This year, participating learners can look forward to a holistic development experience that extends beyond the quiz competition itself. In addition to financial literacy sessions, learners will benefit from career guidance workshops, discussions on drug and substance abuse awareness, and mentorship opportunities from Old Mutual leadership.By incorporating these enrichment programmes into the quiz platform, Old Mutual seeks to nurture wellrounded young leaders who are academically strong, financially literate, socially responsible, and better prepared to navigate the challenges of the modern world. Schools wishing to participate are encouraged to engage their provincial coordinators for registration and further competition details.

2 Masvingo MPs, 64 others dragged to ConCourt over term extension bid

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2 Masvingo MPs, 64 others dragged to ConCourt over term extension bid

By Staff ReporterA legal storm hit Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court on June 1, 2026, as ordinary citizens, most of them losing opposition parliamentary candidates from the 2023 elections, moved to block what they call an attempt by Members of Parliament to extend their own time in office, potentially giving themselves an extra two years in power by suspending elections.At the centre of the dispute is the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, which would stretch Parliament’s term from five years to seven years and scrap direct presidential elections, replacing them with an electoral college made up of MPs who would choose the president. The Bill has already gone through public consultations and is currently awaiting its second reading in Parliament.Sources close to the legal proceedings indicate that about 66 individuals have separately dragged 66 MPs to the Constitutional Court over the proposed amendment. Among them are two MPs from Masvingo province, Davis Marapira of Zaka Central and Clemence Chiduwa of Zaka South.TellZim News has seen several of the applications. Among the applicants and their respondent MPs are Lovemore Kuwakumire, Buto Nkomo, and Micheal Musundire, who have taken on Leslie Mhangwa (Chinhoyi), Dingimuzi Phuti (Bulilima), and Felix Mhona (Chikomba East) respectively. Revai Makaure is challenging Clemence Chiduwa (Zaka South), while Murandu Beauty has sued Meeky Jaravaza (Zvishavane-Ngezi). Peter Imbayarwo has filed against Davis Marapira (Zaka Central), and Kevin Daniel Paradza is up against July Moyo (Redcliff). Other cases include Tambara Casper versus Chido Sanyatwe (Nyanga North), Juliet Nyarai Manyame versus Brown Ndlovu (Vungu), Simon Mugoni versus Edmore Samambwa (Zhombe), Morgan Moyana versus Angelina Gata (Mutema-Musikavanhu), Peter Chauruka versus Shakemore Wellington Timburwa (Chegutu West), and Alluwis Zhou versus Fred Moyo (Zvishavane-Runde).Each application is accompanied by a standard notice that the respondents 10 days to respond failure which the case will proceed as an unopposed application.“Take notice that the Applicant intends to apply to the Constitutional Court at Harare for an order in terms of the Draft Order annexed to this notice and that the accompanying affidavit/s and documents will be used in support of the application. If you intend to oppose this application you will have to file a Notice of Opposition, in Form CCZ 2 together with one or more opposing affidavits, with the Registrar of the Constitutional Court at Harare within 10 (ten) days after the date on which this notice was served upon you. You will also have to serve a copy of the Notice of Opposition and affidavit/s on the Applicant at the address for service specified below. If you do not file an opposing affidavit within the period specified above, this application will be set down for hearing in the Constitutional Court at Harare without further notice to you and will be dealt with as an unopposed application.” Read the applicationsEach application is brought under Section 85 of the Constitution and Rule 26(2) of the Constitutional Court Rules 2025. A legal expert following the cases noted: “Section 85 lets any person approach the court when a right in the Bill of Rights is threatened. These voters are saying the right to vote is under threat.”The core claim is blunt. The applicants argue the amendment would fundamentally change how Zimbabweans choose their president and how long their MPs serve. Recently, Chiredzi Central MP Ropafadzo Makumire said his term will end in 2028. He said if the proposed amendment passes, he will return to his electorate to seek their guidance.“My term ends in 2028. If the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 passes, I will go back to the people who elected me. If they tell me to step down, I will step down. I can only proceed if they ask me to continue,” said Makumire.

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