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Prophet Magaya to renovate Mucheke Stadium in exchange for commercial land

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Prophet Magaya to renovate Mucheke Stadium in exchange for commercial land

By Virginia Njovo

The Prophetic Healing and Deliverance leader, Prophet Walter Magaya seemed not deterred by the disqualification and subsequent embarrassment he suffered as it emerged that he did not have five Ordinary Level (O’ Levels) that were required by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) for one to contest for the presidency, which was ultimately won by Nqobile Magwizi on January 25 this year.
Magaya has continued pursuing renovating and constructing a number of stadiums across the country, with Mucheke Stadium mostly likely to be his next stop after Chahwanda in Kwekwe. He is targeting at least 10 stadiums.
The big question, however, is ‘what is Prophet Magaya getting out of all these deals?’ The man of God makes it appear like he is doing this for charity but the truth is he is getting commercial land in return.
Magaya was recently in Masvingo before he led a delegation of Masvingo city fathers and management to Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe where he showed them the on-going construction, which he said would replicate at Mucheke Stadium if they reached an agreement.
Masvingo Deputy Mayor, Councillor Daniel Mberikunashe confirmed to TellZim News that they are likely to give Magaya a piece of commercial land if they agreed on the deal.
Mberikunashe said Magaya had since communicated his intention to get land in exchange for the renovation of Mucheke Stadium.
“He said he want land but we are yet to decide because we want to first assess his capacity and this is one of the reason we went to his Chahwanda Stadium he is constructing in Kwekwe. We will only enter into an agreement with him once we are satisfied that he has capacity,” Mberikunashe told TellZim News.
Speaking to TellZim News during the tour of Chahwanda Stadium by Masvingo councillors and management, Magaya said he will commence work by May 01, 2025 latest once they finalize the agreement.
“Yes I was disqualified by ZIFA, but that will not stop me from building stadiums. I want to construct 10 stadiums across the country. I am ready to start construction work at Mucheke stadium as early as the 1st of May if we reach an agreement with the council,” said Magaya.
“It is my wish to see Zimbabwe hosting Africa Cup of Nations by 2032 or even the World Cup, hence, the need to build world class stadiums across the country,” he added.
Magaya said Chahwanda stadium, which commenced construction in December 2024, will be complete and ready for use by end of March this year.
Magaya is also engaging Kadoma City Council so that he can have a similar arrangement as the one he is striking with Masvingo City Council.
Kadoma Mayor, Councillor Nijel Ruzariro who was also part of the touring delegation said they can’t wait to partner with Magaya to construct a modern stadium.
“As Kadoma City we are ready to support Prophet Magaya. Rimuka Stadium will benefit the people of Kadoma in many ways; firstly it will be a major uplift for the City and it will be the first of its kind in Mashonaland West,” said Ruzariro.

From left Prophet Walter Magaya,Kadoma City Council Mayor Nijel Ruzariro at Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe

4 die as Masowe sect members hide from rains under bridge

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4 die as Masowe sect members hide from rains under bridge

By Tatenda Sibanda

Four young children were swept away by raging waters while they were sleeping, as members of the Masowe sect in Gokwe sought shelter under a bridge as torrential rains pounded the area, defying logic and reason.
The incident happened in Gokwe at Tare Bridge around 3:30 am on February 15 and all the deceased persons were four years of age and below.
Midlands Province police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed that the three bodies of the infants were retrieved along the riverbank, while the fourth body belonging to a nine-months-old baby was found in another stream where it had been swept away.
“The victims have been identified as Beauty Mavhiringani (nine months); a boy, Devine Muvhiringani (4) all from Kamba Village, Pamela Natare, a one-year-nine-month-old girl from Tsive Village and Effort Shava, a three-year-old boy from Mudzimiri Village,” said Mahoko.
The incident occurred around 3:30am when a congregation of about 20 people from the Masowe Apostolic Church sect were praying near Tare Bridge along the Gokwe-Siabuwa road.
When it started raining, the congregants sought shelter under the bridge.
They then fell asleep while the rains were pouring upstream. A wave of floods came and swept them away.
They woke up in the floods and all their belongings including the minor children were swept away and three were found downstream while the fourth one was found in another river.
In a separate incident that happened on the same day, Inspector Mahoko confirmed the drowning of two minors who died while picking Nyii (bird plum) wild fruits at an abandoned home in a disused fishpond.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a case of sudden death by drowning where two children drowned in a disused pond in Mberengwa. We urged members of the public to educate their children on the dangers of playing near water bodies especially during the rainy season,” he said.
Circumstances are that the two minors, a nine-year-old girl and a four-year-old boy were picking Nyii when some of the fruits fell into the water and in their attempt to retrieve them, they dived into the pond and failed to make it out alive.

Brothers kill fellow villager over cattle

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Brothers kill fellow villager over cattle

By Richard Mukwenya

Two brothers from Nyamande village under Chief Geza in Mwenezi fatally assaulted a fellow villager on February 11, 2025 following an altercation over a cow that had been injured by the earlier.
Goodman and Checkmore Makanani, who are brothers, attacked Oliver Nyamande (32) with stones while he tried to flee from the scene after they had a fight regarding a previous cattle dispute.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dehwa confirmed the incident to TellZim News and urged members of the public to resolve disputes in peaceful ways.
“I confirm an incident where Oliver Nyamande (32) died in an altercation following a dispute involving after a fight of cattle compensation dispute.
“I urge members of the public to solve disputes peacefully and desist from the use of violence. Dialogue is the only way forward after a misunderstanding,” said Dhewa.
Circumstances are that on February 11 at around 1800 hours Oliver was drinking beer at Machakanye Business Centre in Mwenezi when he heard that his 17-year-old male cousinr was being assaulted by Goodman Makanani (21).
Oliver was told that Goodman was claiming that his elder brother Checkmore Makanani (26) had compensated the Nyamande family with a cow after they had physically injured one of their cattle’s leg, which he did not agree with. Goodman is said to have kept beating the 17-year-old juvenile demanding that he was supposed to return their cow.
Christopher Chauke (34) and Goodboy Nyamande (30) then accompanied Oliver to the scene holding a machete and upon arrival the three started slapping Goodman on his head.
Checkmore, who was at the scene started throwing stones at the 17-year-old, which made Goodboy and Oliver flee, with Checkmore and Goodman in hot pursuit, throwing stones.
Oliver was then hit by a stone and he fell down, dropping his machete as he had already started bleeding from the head shoulders.
Checkmore and Goodman caught up him, picked up his machete and allegedly hit him on the right leg and continued to stone him, aiming for his head and cheeks before fleeing.
The 17-years-old and Goodboy Nyamande came back and carried Oliver home, who then died on the way.
The matter was reported to the police and Checkmore was arrested but Goodman fled and was yet to be apprehended.
The deceased’s body was taken to Neshuro District Hospital for post mortem.

MSD warns thunderstorm, heavy rains expected across Zimbabwe

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MSD warns thunderstorm, heavy rains expected across Zimbabwe

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

The Meteorological Service Department (MSD) has issued a warning on February 17 for severe thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rainfall across various regions of Zimbabwe.
The rains and thunderstorm are expected from noon of February 19 till early hours of February 20.
In a statement released by MSD, a thick cloud is slowly approaching the western borders of the country from Botswana and is expected to be coupled by moisture from the north-west and from the south-east.
This is anticipated to cause heavy rainfall (exceeding 70 mm) as well as strong winds in provinces such as Matabeleland South, Bulawayo Metropolitan, Midlands and southern parts of Matabeleland North.
MSD issued the statement in conjunction with the Department of Civil Protection, urging civilians to keep safe during storms.
“Avoid the use of machinery or open vehicles like tractors and the use of taps and showers. Do not go into flooded areas and follow regular updates on official MSD platforms,” the statement reads.
They encouraged civilians from the affected provinces to exercise caution as the thunderstorms are expected to be violent, causing floods.
“There are chances of flash floods in flood prone areas, and in river basins. Roads may also be slippery and visibility reduced.
“Increase braking distance. Reduce speed on the road. Do not go into flooded areas or attempt to cross flooded rivers. Do not stand under a tree or park your car near one. Take precautionary measures as advised by the Civil Protection Unit,” read part of the statement.

EMA takes World Wetlands Day commemorations to Bikita

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EMA takes World Wetlands Day commemorations to Bikita

By Tatiana Mhararira

The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) on February 14, 2025 organized a media tour in Mukweture (ward 31) and Chapedo wetlands (ward 5) in Bikita in commemoration of the World Wetlands Day which was on February 2, 2025.
The wetlands conservation initiative was spearheaded by Christian Care which partnered with local communities providing resources and expertise.
Speaking during the tour, EMA Masvingo Provincial Manager, Milton Muusha urged communities to conserve wetlands as they play a crucial role in their everyday lives.
“As we commemorate the World Wetlands Day 2025 I encourage all our communities and various stakeholders to participate through taking part in awareness as well as wetlands restoration projects in various communities.
“Members of the media fraternity who are here today are encouraged to join the government in spreading the message on the need to restore and conserve wetlands as they play a vital role in our communities,” said Muusha.
In an interview with TellZim News, Christian Care Project Officer Regismistong Taruberekera said Christian Care facilitated the project at Mukweture and Chapedo wetland to reduce the number of people moving to other areas due to poverty.
“As Christian Care we worked with the communities moving with the notion Building Sustainable Livelihoods and Climate Resilience to mitigate displacement since many people were leaving the area in search of greener pastures because the wetlands were not conserved so that water would last for a long period of time.
“We worked with Act for Peace and The Charitable Foundation from Australia in a bid to protect the wetlands making sure that water is available closer to where people stay, people derive livelihoods from the project and coming up with community based protection groups that assist people in different social problems,” said Taruberekera.
Mazvimba headman Miracle Chaambuka said the vegetation in the Mukweture wetland was no longer visible but with the conservation measure done there is now existence of vegetation throughout the year.
“Before the wetland was conserved trees and grass used to dry up but with the wetland conservation measure vegetation is always green, livestock and people get water always. Different fruits are being found in the wetland.
“The wetland has become a source of water for the dam which stores the water in large quantities,” said Chaambuka.
The wetland project encompasses of wetland protection, catchment management, water harvesting, commercial garden, beekeeping and orchard.
Mukweture Wetland secretary Svodai Svaruka said they got lessons on conserving wetlands and resources needed.
“Growing up I never knew that wetlands were important and we can make a living out of them but we got enlightened on the need and ways of protecting the Mukweture wetland.
“We got fence enough to cover five hectares. We worked together as a community with nine villages coming together to conserve this wetland.
“We started beekeeping projects and after three months bees started flocking into the beehives. The project is flourishing well and more projects such as fish farming in fish ponds, gardens and tree planting are yet to come.
“The wetland projects has assisted us to be self-sufficient and reduced dependency on my husband since I’m getting some money from these projects.Hardwork is actually paying off to all community members,” said Svaruka.
The World Wetlands Day is a day commemorated to mark the signing of the Treaty on the Conservation of Wetlands, which was signed on the 2nd of February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. The Treaty became popularly known as the Ramsar Convention and its aim is to raise public awareness on conservation, proper utilisation and management of wetlands and their resources.
This year (2025)’s theme was, “Protecting wetlands for our common future,” Wetlands play a pivotal role to Masvingo as a province, and there is need to sustainably manage them to achieve intergenerational equity.

Masvingo Province records decline in human rights violations

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Masvingo Province records decline in human rights violations

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

Masvingo Province has witnessed a notable decline in human right violations with reported cases dropping from 23 in December 2024 to 11 in January 2025 marking a significant improvement in the province’s human rights record.
This was revealed in the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP)’s monthly report which TellZim News has in possession of, for the month of January.
The recorded violations included unfair distribution of food aid as well as the disregard of the right to equality and non-discrimination.
In one case, a young female student was denied the right to access education as councillor Tapiwa Ngorima of Mwenezi North, ward 6 removed the victim’s name from a CAMFED scholarship’s beneficiary list because her mother did not attend ZANU PF meetings.
Manicaland recorded the highest number of violations, 24, in January 2025. In one incident, ZANU PF leaders looted fertilizer, distributing one bag per three people to non-party members, while party members received one bag each. Harare province recorded 10 documented.
In Mashonaland West 12 human rights violations were documented while 14 were reported in Mashonaland East. In Midlands Province, 13 human rights violations were documented in January alone. In Mashonaland Central, 13 human rights violations were documented, against 5 in the previous month.
The monthly report indicated that more than 100 cases of human rights violations were recorded countrywide.
“In the month of January, the ZPP documented 119 human rights violations. The violations included threats of violence, assault, unfair distribution of aid and instances of degrading treatment.
“26 violations of unfair food aid distribution, affecting 1135 people, 628 women and 507 men. Traditional leaders and ruling party officials have been at the fore front of this discriminatory practice.
“Violations against fundamental freedoms were also recorded, among them breaches of the rights to freedom of assembly and association, freedom of expression and restricted access to social services. There were unjustified arrests of victims by the police force as well as restricted access to information,” part of the report reads.
The report also indicated that the ruling party Zanu PF and the Zimbabwe Republic Police topped the list of violators, also revealing that perpetrators were predominantly affiliated with the ruling party, as they made up 46percent of the total, while Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) members accounted for 16percent.
“Other violators included local authorities (10.4%), CCC members (7.6%), artisanal miners (3.6%), traditional leaders (2.8%), war veterans (2%) and government security agents (2%). Notably, 9.6% of the perpetrators were not linked to any specific group or organization,” part of the statement reads.

RCZ takes Education 5.0 to another level; introduces interactive boards to its schools

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RCZ takes Education 5.0 to another level; introduces interactive boards to its schools

By Tatiana Mhararira

The Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ) has taken the Education 5.0 curriculum to another level as it equipped all its schools in some electronic interactive boards in order to keep the learners and teachers abreast with the ever changing technology.
The church, through its Moderator Rev Dr Ezekiel Baloyi, handed over 68 interactive boards to its nine boarding schools on February 19, 2025 at the Reformed Church University (RCU).
An interactive white board is a display that reacts to input from a user or from other digital devices. They can be used to digitize tasks and operations, share messages, presentations and present information as well as engaging in collaborative brainstorming among many other functions.
The beneficiary schools of these smart boards were Pamushana, Jichidza, Makumbe, Nyashanu, Zimuto, Chibi, Henry Murray, Gutu and Alheit Chingombe High Schools.
Rev Dr Ezekiel Baloyi said their goal is to strengthen digitalization as we work towards attaining smart schools.
“I acknowledge the tremendous efforts that has been put into advancing digital learning within our schools. As we move forward, it is essential to remember that smart schools is our ultimate goal. The integration of technology in education is not just a trend but a necessity for preparing our students for the future and these smart boards are a testament to that,” said Rev Dr Baloyi.
“However our journey should not end here; we must continue to strengthen our digitalization efforts by acquiring more hardware such as laptops, tablets, CCTV systems and many other technological tools. This will ensure that our students have access to the resources they need to thrive in the digital age,” he added.
RCZ Education Secretary Dr Witmos Julius Mutumburanzou hailed the idea of buying technological gadgets as a consortium of schools as it ensures that no school is left behind and it gives an advantage for the schools to bargain.
“The decision to form a consortium was a strategic move that allowed us to achieve significant advantages such as cost efficiency because purchasing in bulk allows us to bargain. Also buying as a consortium we shared the costs for logistics such as shipping and customs clearance,” said Dr Mutumburanzou.
“Tailor-made specifications was another advantage as there was ability to customize the boards to meet our exact needs. Initially we were offered boards with Windows 10, Android 10,8GB RAM and 66GB hard drives. However through direct negotiation we secured upgraded specifications Windows 11 Pro, Android 13.0, 16GB RAM and 256 GB hard drives,” Dr Mutumburanzou added.
In an interview with TellZim News, Jichidza High school head Thomson Charambira said these boards will go a long way in improving the teaching in schools.
“I am excited about this new approach to learning in our schools. I hope with these interactive boards we are going to have improved pass rates across all our schools,” said Charambira.

Some of the interactive boards that were commissioned

Social welfare food aid recipients asked to pay for transport

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Social welfare food aid recipients asked to pay for transport

By Staff Reporter

Social welfare food beneficiaries were urged to assist the government by chipping in for transport costs since the government is now facing challenges in getting transportation.
Speaking to TellZim News, Provincial Social Development Officer Stanislaus Sanyangowe said beneficiaries were expected to pay whenever the government is out of money to pay transporters from depots to districts.
“Whenever the government is out of money it’s the recipients’ duty to organise transport for themselves and assist the government in transporting the maize grain to their respective districts.
“Beneficiaries negotiate with the transport of their choice. Negotiations for transport costs should be guided by the circular. After transport arrangements they should advise District Social Welfare Officers who would collect the grain from the Grain Marketing Board and they will be an escort from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to make sure the aid reaches the destination.
Sanyangowe said from the circular received, the government reviewed the charges for transportation of the food aid to the beneficiaries.
“The ministry received reviewed rates charges to be charged by transporters when transporting social welfare food aid to the recipients and the highest amount to be charged should not exceed US$3.
“The following charges has been approved for transporters who operate with transporting grain to the beneficiaries where there are tarred roads US0, 25c per tonne per kilometre, dust roads US$0,27c per tonne per kilometre. Provincial bag distribution rates are 10-60 kilometers its US$1 per bag, 61-100kilometres US$1, 50 per bag, 101kilometres to 150kilometres its US$2 per bag, 151 kilometers to 200km its US$2, 50 per bag and more than 201 kilometers its US$3 per bag,” Sanyangowe said.
Addressing party supporters in November 2024 Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Ezra Chadzamira said the phase two of food distribution will only require a little amount from beneficiaries to reach the beneficiaries.
“The phase two food distribution has faced a challenge that the transporters now want to be paid in United States Dollars which the government is failing to pay. So the beneficiaries should pay little amount which does not exceed US$3 for the furthest distance,” said Chadzamira.
In an interview with TellZim News, Masvingo Rural District Council (RDC) ward 13 councillor Sarah Phineas Munemo said in Chikarudzo people were ready to pay for transport costs except a few individuals who did not want to comply.
“As people are drawing close to harvesting there is a lot of hunger in my area and people are ready to pay that little amount so as to get maize grain.
“A few individuals such as drunkards are not ready to pay and they think they are being unfairly treated by paying around US$2 per bag yet if they are buying a bucket of maize meal they pay US$12. So the transport costs are worthy it rather than suffering from hunger,” said Munemo.

FC Wangu Mazodze holds betting den MWOS FC in friendly clash

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FC Wangu Mazodze holds betting den MWOS FC in friendly clash

…as preseason training intensifies

By Tatiana Mhararira

FC Wangu Mazodze popularly known as Kingdom Boys in football circles managed to hold the home of betting, Moors World of Sport Football Club (MWOS) in a friendly clash on February 11, 2025 at Kyle College.
The Kingdom Boys drew 1-1 in the friendly which is part of its preseason training against the Norton based side nicknamed The Punters, which plays in Northern Region Soccer League (NRSL) Division 1.
Speaking to TellZim News, FC Wangu Mazodze Spokesperson Blessing Kwesha said friendly matches were meant to groom and expose players to stiff competition as well getting new skills as they play against Premier Soccer League (PSL) and Division one players from other regions.
“These preseason matches particularly against MWOS FC allowed players to test skills against stronger opponents as well as allowing the technical team especially Coach George Magariro to identify areas that need improvement and develop game tactics before the season commences.
“This has helped us to adjust our game plan, game philosophy and formations,” said Kwesha.
Kwesha said the match against The Punters was highly competitive and applauded supporters for standing by the team always.
“The game was highly competitive and entertaining. Both teams created scoring opportunities and we displayed our skills and tactics while we didn’t get the desired result we got the overall picture of what we need to improve in our team and we identified player weaknesses.
“We are grateful to our supporters for their unwavering support because for the past two seasons we have been disappointing them but with the new management and sponsors are all working towards the PSL ticket and we promise to deliver that.
In an interview with TellZim News, Kingdom Boys dedicated supporter Priscila Uche Chikute said the preseason matches allowed players to display better football and the Kingdom Boys should maintain the type of play.
“So far so good, we are in support of the play the boys are displaying during these preseason matches and if they continue like that we will get the best results.
“The players are performing much better with these PSL and Division 1 players from other regions and the worst result we have received so far is a draw. They need to pull their socks to allow the team to get PSL promotion next season,” said Chikute.
Both FC Wangu Mazodze and MWOS FC ended last season on second position in their respective regions with 66 and 82 points respectively.
The game against The Punters is a follow up of preseason training match day one where the Kingdom Boys won 1-nil against Bikita Minerals well known as the Lithium Boys.
Bikita Minerals narrowly escaped relegation in the PSL the previous season as they finished the season on position 15 out 18 with 32 points.

Munyai killed for bringing US$30 as lobola

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Munyai killed for bringing US$30 as lobola

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

MASVINGO – Lobola negotiations took a violent turn in Mwenezi recently when the bride’s father teamed up with three other relatives to fatally assault the intermediary (Munyai/Sadombo) for bringing US$30 as initial lobola for her daughter.

Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident to TellZim News, where he gave details on the death of Alex Sibanda, who was fatally assaulted by the father of the bride in question, Farisai Zhou of Madzvaruse Village, Chief Mazhetese and his accomplices who are still at large.

Further details were that Zhou’s daughter, Onai (18) had eloped with a Mberengwa man only identified as Power on February 10, 2025, after which Sibanda was sent by Power as the intermediary (Munyai) with US$30 as initial bride price the following morning.

“The suspect and his accomplices Simbarashe Zhou, Inzwirashe Majaya, and Isaac Majaya took turns to repeatedly assault the victim with a catapult and logs all over the body after a dispute regarding the amount of money the victim had brought.

“We urge members of the public to solve their issues amicably to avoid loss of life,” Dhewa said.

Sources privy to the incident told TellZim News that upon arrival at Farisai’s homestead, Sibanda advised the former and his accomplices that he had been sent by their in-law only identified as Power with US$30 as initial bride price for Onai.

This enraged Farisai and his accomplices, who began to assault Sibanda, saying they had been insulted by the amount he had brought, before Audrey Mushayi (53) who was passing by refrained them, but Sibanda was already unconscious.

After being refrained, they dragged Sibanda outside of their homestead and he managed to only walk for 500 metres after which he fell on the foot path.

Around 1400 hours the following day, two women who were passing by saw him lying on the ground and he managed to narrate what had happened the previous day.

They then notified a fellow villager, Edias Shumba who went on to check on Sibanda only to find him dead before reporting to the police.

The body of the deceased was later taken to Neshuro District Hospital for post-mortem while Farisai was taken into police custody.

Sibanda is said to have had traveled from Gwanda where he lived to Mberengwa, where he was then sent to Mwenezi for the negotiations.

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