Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Source: Police move to safeguard returnees – herald

Peter Matika

Bulawayo Bureau

POLICE have intensified security operations across the country and at major ports of entry following an increase in the number of Zimbabweans returning from South Africa, with authorities moving to safeguard returnees, while preventing criminals from exploiting the increase in cross-border movement.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said officers had been deployed to monitor the situation and were working closely with other Government agencies to maintain peace and security.

“As the Zimbabwe Republic Police, we are prepared to maintain peace and monitor the situation. As an organisation, we are here to ensure that all citizens returning home and those who have been here are safe,” he said.

Comm Nyathi said while the priority was to facilitate the safe return of Zimbabweans, police remained alert to organised criminal syndicates that often take advantage of increased human traffic across borders.

“While our priority is to ensure the safety of our returning citizens, we remain vigilant against any criminal activities that may threaten public safety. Police will continue monitoring border areas and major transport routes as part of ongoing efforts to curb the smuggling of firearms, dangerous weapons and other illicit goods into the country,” he said.

Zimbabwe has recorded an increase in the number of citizens returning from South Africa since last month following renewed violence against migrants in parts of the neighbouring country, which has forced many foreign nationals to flee for safety.

The Government has maintained that returning Zimbabweans will continue to receive assistance through coordinated reception and reintegration programmes being implemented by relevant ministries to facilitate their safe return to their communities.

President Mnangagwa has repeatedly assured citizens that Government will continue to prioritise their welfare and has pledged that Zimbabweans affected by the unrest will receive support upon their return.

The latest wave of xenophobic violence has revived memories of previous attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, where thousands of Zimbabweans have, over the past two decades, been displaced, lost businesses and employment, or abandoned their possessions while fleeing violence.

Zimbabwe and South Africa share one of Southern Africa’s busiest migration corridors, with thousands of people crossing through Beitbridge Border Post daily for employment, trade, education and family commitments.

During periods of increased cross-border movement, security agencies traditionally strengthen border surveillance and immigration checks to prevent criminal networks from exploiting the movement of legitimate travellers to smuggle firearms, stolen vehicles, drugs and other contraband.

Comm Nyathi said police would continue maintaining vigilance while ensuring that law-abiding travellers were treated with dignity and respect.

“It is against this background that the ZRP will continue maintaining heightened vigilance while ensuring that law-abiding citizens are treated with dignity and respect,” he said.

Comm Nyathi appealed to members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities, saying maintaining peace and security remained a shared national responsibility.

“Our message is simple. Zimbabwe remains peaceful and the Zimbabwe Republic Police is fully prepared to safeguard everyone in the country. We encourage members of the public to continue supporting police efforts by reporting criminal activities while welcoming fellow Zimbabweans returning home,” said Comm Nyathi.

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Source: Enhance competency and uphold public confidence, judicial officers told – herald

Zvamaida Murwira

 Senior Reporter

JUDICIAL officers should cherish competence as a constitutional value by continuously sharpening their skills, professional knowledge and personal qualities, while keeping abreast of developments in domestic and international law to enhance the administration of justice, Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza said at the weekend.

She told the Magistrates National Conference, held in Bulawayo, that magistrates were the face of justice for many citizens and therefore carried the onerous responsibility of upholding public confidence.

“Competence, as a constitutional value, is not a matter of choice for a judicial officer. Section 165 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe requires members of the Judiciary to take reasonable steps to maintain and enhance their professional knowledge, skills and personal qualities, and to keep abreast of developments in both domestic and international law.

“This obligation applies equally to judges and magistrates. Indeed, it is in the magistrates’ courts that the overwhelming majority of Zimbabweans encounter the justice system for the first time,” said Chief Justice Gwaunza.

“For many citizens, the magistrate is the face of justice. The impression formed during that first encounter often becomes the public’s lasting impression of the Judiciary itself.

“Every magistrate therefore carries not only the responsibility of deciding cases according to the law, but also that of strengthening public confidence in the administration of justice through the manner in which judicial authority is exercised. Competence is therefore a daily professional obligation rather than a mere aspiration.”

She said the conference was important as it brought together magistrates from across the country and provided a rare opportunity to reflect, learn from one another and strengthen their shared commitment to the administration of justice.

“It reinforces the common standards, professional relationships and institutional identity upon which a vibrant and effective magistracy depends,” she said.

Chief Justice Gwaunza said that while the environment in which magistrates work had changed, the responsibilities of the office had remained constant.

“Every magistrate still takes an oath, in terms of Section 9 of the Magistrates Court Act, to serve faithfully, impartially and diligently. Those obligations remain as relevant today as they were when the office was first established. What has changed is the context in which that oath must be honoured,” she said.

“Today’s magistrate works in an environment shaped by electronic case management, performance management and heightened public expectations of efficiency, accountability and transparency. Competence, in the sense intended by this conference, is the modern expression of that enduring judicial promise.”

She said competence was inseparable from discipline, integrity and personal responsibility.

“While instances of misconduct within the magistracy may not be many, even isolated cases of corruption, absenteeism, laziness, neglect of duty or persistent failure to meet deadlines have the capacity to erode public confidence in the courts,” she said.

“There is no room in the Judiciary for any form of misconduct. A magistrate who fails to attend work diligently, delays judgments without lawful or reasonable cause, neglects court duties, solicits or accepts improper benefits, or conducts himself or herself in a manner inconsistent with the dignity of judicial office undermines the oath of office and the authority of the court.”

She said magistrates were obliged by Judicial Service regulations to uphold the standards of independence, impartiality and diligence expected of judicial officers.

“These values must be reflected in punctuality, preparedness, courtesy, ethical conduct, proper management of court records, timely delivery of judgments and the avoidance of any conduct that may create a perception of impropriety.

“Well-being and institutional support must therefore never be misunderstood as tolerance for indiscipline. They are intended to strengthen magistrates so that they may serve faithfully, impartially and diligently, while remaining fully accountable to the ethical standards of the office,” she said.

Chief Justice Gwaunza said there was a need for clarity when a judicial officer wrote a judgment.

“Allow me to say a word about judgment writing, a competency that features prominently in this conference. A judgment is the public expression of a magistrate’s reasoning. It enables both the parties and the public to understand how the court reached its decision.

“Clarity of thought, a careful statement of the relevant facts and the correct application of the law to those facts remain the hallmarks of a sound judgment,” she said.

“I therefore commend the sessions devoted to judgment writing and sentencing. They go to the very heart of the quality of justice experienced by those who come before our courts.”

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Source: Govt to continue reviewing taxes, levies: Ziyambi – herald

Conrad Mupesa

Mashonaland West Bureau

GOVERNMENT will continue reviewing taxes and levies to ensure they reflect economic realities, improve the ease of doing business and support Zimbabwe’s drive towards attaining an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.

This was revealed by Zanu PF secretary for Legal Affairs, Cde Ziyambi Ziyambi, who is also the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, while addressing the party’s Mashonaland West Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting in Chinhoyi on Saturday.

The meeting discussed preparations for the party’s 23rd National People’s Conference, which will be hosted by Mashonaland West Province in October.

Delegates were also briefed on President Mnangagwa’s assent to Constitution Amendment Act No. 3 and measures being put in place to activate Civil Protection Units across districts to support Zimbabweans returning from South Africa.

Addressing party members, Cde Ziyambi said the Second Republic remained committed to creating a conducive environment for both citizens and businesses by rationalising taxes and levies.

“We are in the process of reviewing levies and taxes. We do not want to overburden our citizens and businesses with excessive taxes and levies,” he said.

“The exercise is comprehensive and includes local authorities so that we streamline operations and create a more predictable business environment.”

The review builds on recent fiscal measures introduced by Government to ease the cost of doing business, while maintaining revenue for national development.

In the 2026 National Budget, Treasury reduced the Intermediated Money Transfer Tax (IMTT) on ZiG-denominated transactions from 2 per cent to 1,5 percent to encourage the use of the local currency and lower transaction costs, while making the tax deductible for corporate income tax purposes.

The Government also adjusted Value Added Tax (VAT) from 15 per cent to 15,5 percent as part of broader tax reforms.

Cde Ziyambi said the review was also aimed at eliminating disparities in charges imposed by different local authorities, which had become a deterrent to investment.

“We have a local authority that was charging a levy of about US$4 000, while another council was charging between US$20 and US$40 for the same service. That was discouraging investors. The rationalisation exercise seeks to ensure uniformity in the way business is conducted across the country,” he said.

Cde Ziyambi also hailed President Mnangagwa’s efforts to improve national connectivity through the reintroduction of direct Air Zimbabwe flights between Harare and London, saying the development would enhance trade, investment and travel convenience.

“The President has made travelling to and from London easier through the introduction of direct flights, reducing travel time significantly. This improves connectivity and enhances the ease of doing business,” he said.

The direct Harare-London service is expected to significantly reduce travel time for passengers who previously relied on connecting flights through regional and international hubs.

On party affairs, Cde Ziyambi said Zanu PF was embracing modern digital technology within its cell structures to improve transparency, accountability, communication and monitoring of programmes at the grassroots level.

Meanwhile, Zanu PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson Cde Mary Mliswa-Chikoka welcomed the signing into law of Constitution Amendment Act No. 3, describing it as a significant milestone for governance and national development.

She urged party structures to support Zimbabweans returning home from South Africa.

“The party has been directed to ensure that our people coming back home are received, supported and integrated with dignity. No one should be left behind,” she said.

Cde Mliswa-Chikoka said Civil Protection Committees would work with Government departments and other stakeholders to coordinate shelter, food and other essential services for the returnees.

The meeting was also attended by Zanu PF Politburo members, Cdes Christopher Mutsvangwa and  Webster Shamhu, Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Marian Chombo and other senior party officials from the province.

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Source: Joint unit to probe graft in councils – herald

Herald Reporter

THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works have established a joint special task force to investigate suspected corruption in local authorities across the country.

This move comes amid increasing complaints from residents over issues including questionable land allocations, procurement irregularities and abuse of office by some local authority officials.

Speaking during the African Anti-Corruption Day commemorations in Victoria Falls on Saturday, ZACC chairperson Mr Michael Reza said the task force was established in response to concerns raised by communities.

“We are aware of the issues that have been raised by the residents of this beautiful city of Victoria Falls. I would like to advise that, as ZACC, working together with the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, we have set up a joint special task force to investigate cases of suspected corruption in local authorities.”

Mr Reza said ZACC had identified areas rich in natural resources as particularly susceptible to corruption due to the high value of economic activities taking place there.

“Matabeleland North is important to Zimbabwe’s economic growth and the realisation of Vision 2030.

“The province is home to Zimbabwe’s natural resources, including wildlife, forests and mineral resources that power the economy,” he said.

“The presence of these strategic resources exposes the region to corruption vulnerabilities such as criminal abuse of duty, fraud and bribery as individuals seek to exploit these abundant resources.”

“I wish to inform you that our investigations are impartial. However, some investigations might take a long time to conclude. We understand that this can be frustrating to residents, but it remains important for us to be thorough and purposeful.”

Mr Reza commended citizens for exposing corruption through whistleblowing, describing whistleblowers and witnesses as critical partners in the fight against graft.

“We appreciate the residents’ desire to weed out corruption within local authorities through whistleblowing. Whistleblowers and witnesses are the backbone of our anti-corruption efforts. ZACC, alongside other stakeholders in the anti-corruption value chain, continues to advocate for a robust law to protect these brave individuals.”

Highlighting progress made in promoting integrity within public institutions, he said ZACC had overseen the signing of more than 30 000 individual integrity pledges and over 100 corporate integrity pledges since 2022. More than 320 integrity committees have also been established and trained.

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LONDON — Jannik Sinner is starting to make a habit of responding to adversity in Paris with titles at Wimbledon.

The top-ranked Sinner beat Alexander Zverev 6-7 (7), 7-6 (2), 6-3, 6-4 Sunday for his second consecutive title at the All England Club after his German opponent appeared bothered by a knee issue following a slip to the grass on a key point in the third set.

Sinner’s fifth Grand Slam title came in his first tournament since a second-round meltdown at the French Open, when he wilted in a Paris heat wave.

When Sinner ripped a forehand winner up the line on his fist match point, the Italian dropped to the grass on his back in celebration.

A year ago, Sinner beat Carlos Alcaraz in the final at the All England Club after wasting three match points against his rival in the Roland Garros final.

It was Sinner’s 10th straight victory over Zverev, who was coming off his first Grand Slam title at the French Open.

Linda Noskova beat Karolina Muchova in an all-Czech women’s final on Saturday for her first Grand Slam title.

Prince William joined his wife Kate and two of their children for the final in a star-studded Royal Box that also included actors Dustin Hoffman, Nicole Kidman and Ben Stiller.

Zverev slips

The top two seeds appeared perfectly matched until Zverev earned his first break point of the match at 3-3 in the third set — 2 hours and 42 minutes in. Sinner produced a drop shot and Zverev slipped and appeared to hyper-extend his right knee as he attempted to change directions behind the baseline.

Zverev grasped his knee in apparent discomfort and Sinner went around the net and helped his opponent up off the grass. Zverev quickly resumed playing but he appeared slightly hampered and slung his racket across the baseline in frustration when he missed a forehand and handed Sinner the first break of the match and a 5-3 lead in the third. Sinner then served it out.

Zverev had also lost 14 straight sets to Sinner and when he claimed the opening set of the final with a forehand winner up the line to conclude a tight tiebreaker, he let out a loud roar toward his box as he bent over in celebration.

Zverev continually cranked out serves at up to 139 mph (224 kph), while Sinner produced a series of well-placed aces at a slightly lower speed.

But Sinner began to read Zverev’s serve better in the second-set tiebreaker and Zverev started to miss forehands.

Paris meltdown

Amid stifling heat and humidity in Paris in late May, Sinner had his 30-match winning streak ended after coming within one game of a straight-set victory over Juan Manuel Cerundolo, who was ranked No. 56.

Conditions were cooler in southwest London for the final, with clear skies and a temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 Celsius) but it was also breezy — which led to a series of shanked shots from both players.

Sinner went in for medical exams in Milan after the Paris defeat and didn’t play an official match again until he arrived at Wimbledon, where he twice had to come back from a set down in a five-set marathon against Miomir Kecmanovic in the first round.

Sinner then didn’t drop a set the rest of the way until the final, having dominated against Novak Djokovic in the semifinals.

Despite the defeat in the final, Zverev will leapfrog Alcaraz into the No. 2 spot in the rankings on Monday.

Alcaraz missed both the French Open and Wimbledon this year due to a right wrist injury.

Source: AP

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