Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

MUTARE – In a truly unprecedented and potentially groundbreaking ruling, Chief Mutasa has ordered a father-in-law to refund the lobola (bride price) paid for his daughter, along with a 10 per cent annual interest, after she left her husband and moved in with his nephew. This extraordinary decision, emerging from the traditional justice system, has […]

The post Lobola Refund With 10% Interest per Annum: Chief Mutasa’s Ruling Sets Shocking Precedent in Traditional Justice first appeared on My Zimbabwe News.

R&B superstar Chris Brown has been ordered to pay nearly $13 million in damages after a California jury ruled in favour of a former housekeeper who suffered severe and permanent injuries in a dog attack at the singer’s Los Angeles-area home.

The verdict stems from an incident at Brown’s Tarzana, California, residence, where former employee Maria Avila was attacked by a 200-pound Caucasian Shepherd guard dog named Hades while carrying out her duties. After hearing testimony from both sides, the jury concluded that Brown was liable for the injuries sustained during the attack and awarded Avila $12.9 million in damages.

According to court testimony, Avila suffered life-altering injuries, including permanent facial disfigurement, extensive scarring, partial vision loss and nerve damage. She argued that the attack dramatically affected both her quality of life and her ability to work.

The jury also awarded $885,000 to Avila’s sister, Patricia Avila, who worked at the property and witnessed the aftermath of the attack, citing emotional distress. Maria Avila’s husband, Oscar Olivo, received an additional $50,000, bringing the total damages awarded to the family to nearly $13.9 million.

During the trial, Brown testified that he had repeatedly warned both women about the dangers posed by the guard dogs on the property. He told the court that he had instructed them not to go outside unless accompanied by security personnel, describing the animals as “absolutely not” friendly.

Brown also disputed claims that Hades was his personal pet, maintaining that the dog was part of his security operation. He said the animal had been acquired following a series of alleged break-ins and what he described as repeated stalking incidents at the residence.

The case focused on whether adequate safety measures had been implemented to protect employees working at the property despite the presence of the large guard dog. Jurors ultimately found that sufficient precautions had not been taken and ruled in favour of the plaintiffs.

The judgment represents another significant legal setback for the Grammy-winning singer, who continues to face additional legal challenges.

Brown is also scheduled to stand trial in the United Kingdom in October over allegations that he assaulted music producer Abraham Diaw with a bottle inside a London nightclub in 2023. Brown and co-defendant Omololu Akinlolu previously appeared before a UK court, where they were granted bail, allowing the singer to continue his international stadium tour while awaiting trial.

The post Chris Brown Ordered to Pay Nearly $13 Million in Damages Over Housekeeper’s Dog Attack Lawsuit appeared first on The Zimbabwe Mail.

JOHANNESBURG – Chinese automotive giant Chery has officially taken control of Nissan’s former manufacturing plant in Rosslyn, South Africa, in a landmark investment that is expected to create nearly 3,000 jobs while reinforcing the country’s position as Africa’s leading automotive production hub.

The acquisition marks a significant milestone in Chery’s African growth strategy as Chinese vehicle manufacturers accelerate overseas expansion in response to slowing domestic demand, excess production capacity and intensifying competition in China’s automotive market.

The Rosslyn plant, whose handover was completed on Friday following an agreement announced earlier this year, will become Chery’s regional headquarters for vehicle manufacturing, exports, research and development (R&D), supply chain operations and technical training.

According to the company, the facility is central to its long-term ambition of exceeding 100,000 annual vehicle sales in South Africa while establishing a comprehensive automotive ecosystem to serve markets across the African continent.

“Our long-term goal is to transform the Rosslyn plant into a complete automotive centre with research and development, supply chain operations and training capabilities that will support Chery’s expanding footprint across Africa,” said Chery South Africa Vice President Charlie Zhang.

Major boost for South Africa’s automotive industry

The investment represents a major vote of confidence in South Africa’s manufacturing sector, which remains Africa’s largest automotive production base and export hub. The country hosts manufacturing operations for several global brands, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Toyota, Isuzu and Volkswagen, supported by an established supplier network and world-class export infrastructure.

By acquiring an existing production facility rather than constructing a greenfield plant, Chery gains immediate access to skilled labour, mature logistics networks and an experienced automotive supply chain, significantly reducing the time required to commence production.

The company has committed to retaining all 692 employees currently working at the Rosslyn facility while creating an estimated 3,000 additional direct and indirect jobs across manufacturing, logistics, component production and related support services.

Production scheduled for 2027

Before production begins, Chery plans to invest millions of dollars in modernising the factory’s production lines, machinery and utilities, although the company has yet to disclose the total capital investment.

Vehicle manufacturing is scheduled to commence in the second half of 2027, with an initial production target of approximately 15,000 vehicles during the final two quarters of the year.

The facility will initially manufacture several sport utility vehicle (SUV) models, including the Jetour T Series, the Jaecoo J5 and the Chery Tiggo 4.

Reflecting the industry’s transition towards cleaner mobility, the Jaecoo J5 will be produced in both internal combustion engine (ICE) and new energy vehicle (NEV) variants, supporting Chery’s broader strategy of expanding its electric and hybrid vehicle portfolio.

Localisation strategy

A key component of the investment is Chery’s localisation programme, aimed at strengthening South Africa’s automotive value chain.

The company intends to achieve approximately 40% local content during the initial production phase and has already begun assessing South African Tier 1 suppliers for integration into its manufacturing ecosystem.

At the same time, specialised suppliers from China will be introduced to support the production of advanced electric vehicle systems, intelligent driving technologies and other high-value automotive components.

Industry analysts say the localisation strategy has the potential to stimulate supplier development, attract further foreign direct investment and enhance South Africa’s competitiveness as a regional manufacturing and export platform.

China’s automotive expansion gathers pace

Chery’s investment reflects a broader global expansion by Chinese automotive manufacturers, who are increasingly targeting emerging markets as domestic growth moderates.

Leading Chinese brands including BYD, GAC, Great Wall Motor and SAIC have significantly expanded their international manufacturing footprint across Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia, seeking new markets for both conventional and electric vehicles.

For South Africa, Chery’s acquisition of the Rosslyn plant underscores the country’s strategic importance within the global automotive industry and is expected to strengthen its role as a gateway for vehicle production and exports to the wider African market.

As global competition reshapes automotive supply chains, the investment signals growing confidence in Africa’s manufacturing potential and highlights the continent’s increasing importance in the future of the global automotive industry.

The post China’s Chery Acquires Former Nissan Plant in South Africa, in African Manufacturing Expansion appeared first on The Zimbabwe Mail.

50 Cent is once again strengthening his footprint in television, with Starz moving forward on a new supernatural crime drama adaptation titled Bone Parish, based on Cullen Bunn’s acclaimed graphic novel.

The project marks another major collaboration between the rapper-turned-producer and the premium cable network, as he continues to expand his G-Unit Film & Television portfolio beyond the hugely successful Power universe.

Bone Parish is set in New Orleans and follows the Winters family, a criminal dynasty who build a powerful drug empire using a disturbing substance created from the ashes of the dead. The series blends crime, horror, and supernatural themes, offering a dark and unconventional narrative that Starz is reportedly betting big on.

The adaptation will be led by co-showrunners Diane Ademu-John and Declan de Barra, both of whom bring experience from high-profile fantasy productions including Dune: Prophecy and The Witcher: Blood Origin. The creative team also includes BOOM! Studios executives Stephen Christy and Mette Norkjaer, alongside 50 Cent serving as executive producer.

Speaking on the project, 50 Cent said he was drawn to the story’s genre-bending concept. “It takes crime, family, and power, and mixes it with something dark and supernatural in a way that feels fresh,” he noted, adding that the series explores the collision between the world of the living and the dead.

Industry reports indicate that Starz secured the adaptation following a competitive bidding war, underscoring growing demand for the property. According to TheWrap, the project aligns with Starz’s wider strategy of developing more original, fully owned content, as the network continues to build on its partnership with 50 Cent.

The new series adds to an increasingly busy slate for the producer, who is also preparing the release of Fightland, scheduled to premiere on July 31. Together, the projects highlight 50 Cent’s evolution from music icon to a major force in scripted television production.

The post 50 Cent Expands Starz Television Slate With Supernatural Crime Drama Bone Parish appeared first on The Zimbabwe Mail.

ZANU-PF’s Enduring Grip: Mnangagwa’s ‘Donkeys Grow Horns’ Declaration Amidst Political Tensions and Human Rights Concerns Harare – President Emmerson Mnangagwa, leader of Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU-PF party, recently reiterated a powerful and historically charged declaration, asserting that the party’s dominance would persist until “donkeys grow horns.” This potent metaphor, originally coined by the late Vice President […]

The post Tichatonga kusvika madhonga amera nyanga: President Mnangagwa reveals first appeared on My Zimbabwe News.