Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Source: Magwegwe West housing project to resume after Bulawayo wins arbitration –Newsday Zimbabwe

BULAWAYO, Aug. 5 (NewsDay Live) – The long-delayed Magwegwe West housing project will resume next month after the City of Bulawayo won an arbitration case that had stalled servicing of the residential development.

The project, which has been delayed by macroeconomic challenges and a legal dispute, is expected to benefit hundreds of home seekers who have waited years for the development to proceed.

The city said it received the arbitration award on July 23, clearing the way for servicing works to restart.

The update was announced after Bulawayo Mayor Senator David Coltart and Acting Town Clerk Sikhangele Zhou met representatives of the Magwegwe West residents’ committee on Monday.

According to the local authority, the residential stands are part of its pre-sell housing projects that were disrupted by economic instability before becoming the subject of arbitration.

“The resolution of the arbitration case allows for the resumption of the servicing works in the area,” the city said.

Bulawayo said contractors will return to the site on Sept. 1, with servicing works scheduled for completion by July 31, 2027.

The local authority urged beneficiaries to continue paying a required US$794 top-up fee to fund water and sewer infrastructure.

It said 172 beneficiaries had fully paid the top-up, 94 had made partial payments and 124 had yet to make any payments.

The city encouraged those with outstanding balances to settle their accounts to help speed up completion of the project.

Beneficiaries who have fully paid are now eligible to receive agreements of sale and begin processing building plans.

Once water and sewer infrastructure has been installed, roads upgraded to gravel standard and storm-water drainage completed, serviced stands will be handed over to beneficiaries to begin building their homes, subject to completion of the remaining administrative requirements.

The post Magwegwe West housing project to resume after Bulawayo wins arbitration appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: No joy for Mpofu, Chimombe as Supreme Court slams door on further appeals –Newsday Zimbabwe

HARARE, Aug.5 (NewsDay Live) – Convicted businessmen Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe have suffered another setback in their bid to overturn their convictions and lengthy prison sentences, after the Supreme Court dismissed their applications for leave to appeal on several grounds.

Justice George Chiweshe, sitting on the Supreme Court bench, ruled that the duo’s grounds for challenging the findings of the High Court on questions of fact or mixed questions of law and fact lacked merit.

The two businessmen had separately approached the Supreme Court seeking leave to appeal against both their convictions and sentences, in terms of section 44(2) of the High Court Act, as read with Rule 27 of the Supreme Court Rules, 2025.

However, the Supreme Court distinguished grounds based on facts and those raising purely legal questions.

“In both applications, the grounds attacking the findings of the court a quo on questions of fact or of mixed law and fact have no merit,” the judgment states.

The court, however, noted that both Mpofu and Chimombe had raised some grounds involving pure questions of law, for which leave to appeal was not required.

“By operation of law, no leave is required to appeal on the basis of such grounds of appeal,” the court ruled.

Mpofu and Chimombe were convicted after a full trial of fraud as defined under section 136 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

The High Court found both men guilty of abusing the Presidential Goat Scheme.

Mpofu was sentenced to 22 years in prison, with three years suspended for five years on condition that he did not commit another offence involving dishonesty during that period.

A further four years were suspended on condition that he paid US$2 060 250.60 restitution to the fiscus through the Registrar of the High Court by February 28, 2026.

This left Mpofu with an effective 15-year prison term.

Chimombe, meanwhile, was sentenced to 17 years’ imprisonment, with three years suspended for five years on condition that he did not commit another offence involving dishonesty.

A further two years were suspended on condition that he paid US$964 064.64 restitution to the fiscus by February 28, 2026.

His effective prison term was, therefore, reduced to 12 years.

The post No joy for Mpofu, Chimombe as Supreme Court slams door on further appeals appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: 11 SA crash victims to be identified today – herald

Thupeyo Muleya

Beitbridge Bureau

THE identification of 11 Zimbabweans who died in last week’s tragic bus accident in South Africa’s Free State Province will be conducted today, paving the way for the repatriation of their remains by the Government.

President Mnangagwa has since declared the tragedy a state of disaster, invoking emergency measures to facilitate the return of the deceased, support survivors and coordinate assistance with South African authorities.

The declaration, made in terms of the Civil Protection Act, unlocks Government resources to assist affected families and expedite the repatriation process.

The victims died when a Munhenzva Transport Services coach travelling from Cape Town to Harare veered off the road and overturned near Trompsburg in the Free State Province on July 31.

Zimbabwe’s Consul-General to South Africa, Mr Eria Phiri, said post-mortems had been completed and arrangements were now underway for a joint memorial service to be held by the Free State premier’s 0ffice and the Zimbabwean Embassy before the bodies are transported home.

“We expect to have the bodies in Zimbabwe by Saturday morning, and we are going to have a memorial service after the physical identification of our departed nationals in the Free State on Thursday,” he said.

“We have identified one male adult, five female adults, three female minors and two male minors among the deceased.

“The Government of Zimbabwe is facilitating the repatriations. We are grateful for the support from our host government.”

Thirteen people are still in hospital; five are at Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital and eight at Universitas Academic Hospital.

The names of the deceased will be released after the identification has been completed and their next of kin formally notified.

The deceased were travelling independently from Cape Town to Zimbabwe.

According to South African authorities, the bus was carrying 78 passengers when it overturned along the N1 Highway, about 24km north of Trompsburg, while travelling towards Edenburg.

At least 66 passengers survived the crash, although many sustained injuries of varying severity.

Free State Department of Health spokesperson Mr Mondli Mvambi said survivors with minor injuries were taken to Albert Nzula Hospital in Trompsburg for treatment.

The post 11 SA crash victims to be identified today  appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: Harare-London flights back on schedule – herald

Freeman Razemba

Senior Reporter

AIR Zimbabwe has restored normal operations on its recently relaunched Harare-London route following last week’s disruption that resulted in the cancellation and rescheduling of a flight.

The national carrier confirmed yesterday that all flights are now operating according to schedule after Flight UM724, which was due to depart Harare for London on Friday night, was cancelled for operational reasons and rescheduled to the following day.

The flight eventually departed Harare on August 1 at around 9pm and arrived in London on August 2 at about 6am. The return service left London later that morning and arrived in Harare the same day.

In a statement, Air Zimbabwe advised its “passengers and stakeholders that normal flight scheduling has been restored”.

“All Air Zimbabwe flights are operating as scheduled. Tonight’s (yesterday) departure to London will operate on schedule.

“Passengers travelling on Flight UM724 should proceed with their travel plans as planned and present themselves for check-in three hours before departure,” said the company.

Air Zimbabwe said it remained committed to building a safe, reliable, and efficient Harare-London service that meets the expectations of passengers and serves the country’s broader economic and strategic interests.

A one-way ticket to London starts from US$720 (or £689), while return fares range from US$1 412 (or £1 056).

The post Harare-London flights back on schedule appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: Police intensify patrols ahead of holidays – herald

Freeman Razemba

Senior Reporter

Police deployments, patrols, roadblocks, stop-and-search operations, and surveillance activities will be intensified to uphold law and order during the Heroes Day and Defence Forces holidays.

Drivers have also been warned against reckless driving, while cattle owners who negligently allow animals onto the roads will be held accountable as they endanger motorists and pedestrians.

In a statement, Police Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba directed all officers commanding provinces to implement comprehensive security measures at national, provincial, and district commemorations, as well as at other public gatherings.

“As the nation commemorates the 2026 Heroes’ Day and Defence Forces holidays, the Zimbabwe Republic Police reaffirms its unwavering commitment to ensuring that all commemorative activities across the country are conducted in a peaceful, safe, and secure environment. I have directed all officers commanding police provinces to implement comprehensive security measures at national, provincial, and district commemorations, as well as at other public gatherings.

“Police deployments, patrols, roadblocks, stop-and-search operations, and surveillance activities will be intensified to uphold law and order and to guarantee the safety and security of all citizens and visitors.”

Comm Mutamba said the holiday period coincided with the conclusion of the country’s second school term and urged parents and guardians to prioritise the safety and welfare of children.

“Proper transport arrangements must be made by both parents and school authorities to minimise the risk of road traffic accidents and safeguard the lives of young learners. Motorists, passengers, and pedestrians are urged to exercise utmost caution and to strictly observe all road traffic rules and regulations during this important holiday period.

“Drivers must ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on any journey, and are strongly discouraged from travelling at night unless necessary. Reduced visibility, driver fatigue, and stray animals significantly increase the risk of fatal road traffic accidents during night time travel. In this regard, the Zimbabwe Republic Police implores all motorists to heed safety messages issued by the Police and to place the preservation of life above convenience,” Comm Gen Mutamba said.

He urged the public to report reckless driving they observe to the nearest road block or police station, and provide the police with registration numbers of the vehicles and location of the incident.

He said the ongoing nationwide operation targeting unregistered vehicles or those fitted with illegal beacon lights, blue lights and other prohibited fittings will be intensified, and offenders will be arrested and prosecuted.

“Avoid inconveniences and observe the law. Livestock owners are reminded of their legal obligation to keep cattle and other domestic animals away from public roads.”

“Stray cattle continue to contribute to serious and fatal road traffic accidents. Owners who negligently allow animals onto the roads will be held accountable in terms of the law, as they endanger motorists and pedestrians alike.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reminds members of the public that all movement of cattle must strictly comply with the provisions of the law. Every movement of cattle must be supported by valid police stock clearance permits, veterinary clearance, and all relevant documentation. Furthermore, the movement of cattle during the night is strictly prohibited,” he said.

Comm Gen Mutamba urged the public to remain vigilant against all forms of crime, including murder, robbery, unlawful entry, theft, stock theft, and gender-based violence.

“Citizens are encouraged to secure their homes before travelling, avoid carrying large sums of cash, and make use of secure banking facilities wherever possible. Furthermore, members of the public are advised to refrain from disclosing travel plans or valuables to strangers, as such actions may expose them to criminal activity.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police remains resolute in its fight against crime, as well as drug and substance abuse. Operations targeting drug manufacturers, suppliers, traffickers, and peddlers will be enhanced. Members of the public are encouraged to report all drug-related activities at their nearest Police Station so that the law may take its course,” he said.

He said in addition, motorists are strongly warned against drinking and driving. The Police are now equipped with breathalyser machines, and all those suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol will be subjected to testing.

Comm Gen Mutamba urged the public to report criminal activities to the nearest Police Officer, Police Station or through the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or via WhatsApp on 0712 800 197.

The post Police intensify patrols ahead of holidays  appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.