Tapiwa Chirume MASVINGO City Council has introduced hefty penalties for flouting regulations on drilling, upgrading, and using public wells to protect water infrastructure. Under the new laws published in the Government Gazette, the council imposed fines of up to US$2 000 for drilling a borehole or constructing a weir without council approval, while drilling outside…
Brighton Muronzereyi and Blessings Mashaya KEY stakeholders are praying that the minister of Finance, Mthuli Ncube, will cheer up hard-pressed workers, consumers and businesses when he presents his 2026 National Budget in Harare tomorrow. This comes as Treasury continues to face a financial crunch despite Ncube having recently promised to review a number of taxes…
THE country is grappling with worsening cases of malaria, with 427 people having tragically died from the disease since the beginning of the year. Last week alone, the Ministry of Health and Child Care recorded four deaths and 796 new malaria cases across the country. “Seven hundred and ninety six new malaria cases and four…
Takudzwa Dhambu THE government is stepping up to tackle rising online gender-based violence (GBV), including cyberbullying and image abuse. Speaking on behalf of Women Affairs minister Monica Mutsvangwa at the launch of the United Nations Women 16 Days of Activism against GBV, the chief director for gender and women affairs, Lilian Matsika, stated that emerging…
Yvonne Ncube in BULAWAYO A WOMAN from Tsholotsho District has appeared before the courts in Bulawayo facing allegations of sexually abusing two minor boys. The woman, from Sipepa, whose identity is being withheld to protect the minors, appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Lungile Ncube. She pleaded not guilty to the charge of engaging in sexual…
Staff writer in BULAWAYO THE Civil Protection Unit (CPU) is imploring Bulawayo residents to take an active role in disaster preparedness, stressing that community involvement is key to minimising risks and protecting lives. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting yesterday, CPU provincial chairperson and director for local government, Tswagai Fikile Marovatsanga called on communities to remain…
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has implored the country’s armed forces to remain disciplined, professional and loyal in the interest of the military and Zimbabwe. Mnangagwa said this at Charles Gumbo Barracks in Harare yesterday, as the new Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), General Emmanuel Matatu, formally assumed leadership of the armed forces from General…
THE Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) is investigating bottled-water manufacturers to ensure strict compliance with safety standards amid a surge of bogus companies. This comes as the country continues to witness a surge in bogus companies bottling and distributing water without proper certification. It also comes as the CPC says it has prosecuted close to 2…
CHINA’S Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding, has defended his country’s investment in the nation’s mining sector, categorically denying pervasive accusations of resource plunder and environmental negligence. Speaking at the Mining Media Awards in Harare, Zhou urged the media and public to judge the cooperation between China and Zimbabwe based on “facts, not fiction,” dismissing over…
Rutendo Ngara BLAKISTON Primary School’s head teacher and bursar appeared in court yesterday over allegations of swindling the school of US$29 000. Head teacher Memory Chaikosa, who is already on suspension, appeared before magistrate Ruth Moyo together with Ronald Mashonganyika, facing fraud charges. They were granted US$200 bail each. According to court documents, the procedure…
