Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Zvikomborero Parafini

TWO Chinese nationals have appeared in court for allegedly defrauding their business partner of over US$400 000.

The two Mu Jirui and Li Miao appeared before Harare magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa charged with fraud and forgery.

They were released on US$500 bail each and were ordered to continue residing at their known addresses, to surrender their travel documents and to report once a fortnight at CID Commercial Crimes Division.

The complainant is Wang Li, who is a Chinese national employed as a director and shareholder of Katsu Agro Chemical Private Limited.

The company deals in pesticides. Jirui is also a director and shareholder at the company, while Miao is a director.

The court heard that in April, the three agreed to invest in Miao’s company, Kenova Crop Science Private Limited, which specialises in pesticides and was performing well.

On April 14, Wang Li paid US$420 000 for 44 percent of the company’s shares. Jirui paid US$210 000 for 22 percent of the shares and Miao paid US$330 000 for 34 percent of the shares.

The funds were handed over to Miao and Li received proof of payment. To date, Li has not received her shares.

It’s alleged that in August this year, Miao applied to the High Court under reference number HCH 485/25, demanding money and a car from Li, claiming the items were Katsu Agro Chemical (Pvt) Ltd property.

Upon reviewing the application, Li discovered a fraudulent document labelled “Investment Refund Agreement,” which misrepresented that Miao had refunded the funds.

Additionally, Miao filed a police report against Li under CID VTS DR 16/08/25, attaching a similar document claiming to be signed by Li and Jirui confirming receipt of US$420 000. However, Li never received any money from them.

As a result of the duo’s actions, Li suffered a prejudice of US$420 000 and nothing was recovered.

Rufaro Chonzi appeared for the State.

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Belindah Chikandiwa

RAINBOW Tourism Group (RTG) has completed a US$5,2 million refurbishment of its flagship Rainbow Towers Hotel and the Harare International Convention Centre (HICC).

The refurbishment is part of RTG’s US$26 million capital investment programme over the past five years, aimed at enhancing quality, efficiency and international appeal across all its properties.

In a statement after a media tour today, RTG’s chief executive Mr Tendai Madziwanyika said: “The refashioning of the Rainbow Towers Hotel & Conference Centre has breathed new life into the hotel. It offers timeless comfort with a modern twist.

“We have seen the positive impact of this investment as occupancy has grown considerably. We are optimistic about the future performance of this hotel, positioning Zimbabwe as a premier destination for regional and international meetings and conferences.”

Three floors of the hotel have been redesigned to create six premium suites, each tailored for high-profile delegations and executive guests.

“The suites are designed to provide the ultimate in luxury and comfort, with every detail carefully considered to meet the needs of our discerning guests.”

The Harare International Convention Centre (HICC), Africa’s largest colosseum-style venue with a 4,500-seat capacity, has undergone comprehensive modernisation.

The upgrade introduced ergonomic seating with integrated charging ports, state-of-the-art acoustic systems, and advanced digital conferencing technology to meet the expectations of today’s hybrid event environment.

“HICC is now better equipped to host world-class events, with cutting-edge technology and facilities that meet the highest international standards.”

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Takudzwa Mangrozah and Anotida Chonzi

WOMEN’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa has called for greater recognition of rural women’s role in shaping resilient futures as Zimbabwe marks the 2025 International Day of Rural Women.

Speaking at the national launch of the commemorations, held under the theme “Rural Women Rising: Shaping Resilient Futures with Beijing+30,” Minister Mutsvangwa said the day highlights the vital contribution of women in rural areas to food security, climate resilience, and national development.

“Rural women are at the heart of Zimbabwe’s food systems, natural resource management, and local economies,” she said.

“They play vital roles as farmers, traders, caregivers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.”

The International Day of Rural Women is celebrated globally every year on October 15. Minister Mutsvangwa said women make up 61 percent of the farming population and contribute 70 percent of agricultural labour.

Despite this, many still face challenges such as limited access to land, credit, technology, and markets.

To address these issues, Minister Mutsvangwa mentioned several government initiatives aimed at uplifting women, which include the Women’s Development Fund (WDF), which provides affordable credit to women entrepreneurs, the Zimbabwe Community Development Fund (ZCDF) for food security and community projects, and the Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank (ZWMB), which promotes financial inclusion and literacy.

She also mentioned partnerships with development organisations to equip women with skills in food processing, poultry, textiles, and other sectors.

Next year, the ministry will roll out a programme to improve digital skills for women in both urban and rural areas.

“Access to markets remains a challenge, my ministry provides opportunities through exhibitions, shows, and fairs, such as the one we have today.”

Minister Mutsvangwa said this year’s celebration will see the launch of the Mudzimayi Wanhasi Empowerment Hub in Seke, an ICT hub for women and girls.

The project, developed in partnership with the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe, is located at Murape Primary School and aims to boost women’s participation in the digital economy.

“This hub will serve as a platform for digital empowerment, skills development, and enterprise growth for rural women,” she said.

The initiative supports the Government’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and Vision 2030, which promote inclusive economic participation through technology.

She said the national launch will be held at Murape Primary School in Mashonaland East Province on October 23. The event will include exhibitions, entertainment, financial and health services, and the recognition of outstanding rural women in leadership and entrepreneurship.

“I encourage women to be productive and add value to the resources we have in rural areas,” said Mutsvangwa.

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Kuda Bwititi

Zimpapers Politics Hub

BIKITA Minerals, a subsidiary of the Chinese Company, Sinomine Group, has invested US$22 million to boost energy supply for its operations and for communities living in Bikita district and surrounding areas.

The company is also ramping up its corporate social responsibility programmes after committing US$1 million for a modern health centre.

In a statement, Bikita Minerals spokesperson Mr Collen Nikisi said: “We have invested US$22 million to improve energy supply.

“From this amount, US$20 million was for the construction of a 132 KVA 112-kilometre powerline from Mashava to Bikita Minerals.

“In addition, US$2 million was allocated for the rural electrification programme for Bikita, Gutu and Zaka.”

According to Mr Nikisi, the electrification project is expected to be completed by December.

The company is working on water and sanitation projects and has so far drilled 38 boreholes in Masvingo to reduce water challenges in the province.

Also, Bikita Minerals has funded the construction of two primary school classroom blocks and staff quarters. To date, two houses have been donated to Zvido and Sanangwe schools, while the company also donated building materials to Makwirivindi Primary school.

Mr Nikisi said they have also provided support to the health sector by funding the construction of the US$1 million state-of-the-art health centre.

Further, the company is investing in children in Bikita District by providing nutritious drinks for primary school learners.

Bikita Minerals started the nutritious drinks project in 2022 when they realised that there were high school dropouts in the district. Maheu drinks and other foodstuffs are being distributed at 12 schools with over 5 000 pupils benefiting.

A representative of Domboshava Primary School in Bikita district said the nutritional programme has had a positive impact on the pupils’ attendance.

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Lovemore Dube

HIGHLANDERS are smiling all the way to the bank after businessman Wicknell Chivayo dropped another fat US$250 000 into the club’s coffers.

The latest cash injection is the second tranche from the flamboyant businessman’s US$1 million pledge to the Bulawayo giants.

In a statement released on Wednesday evening, Bosso confirmed that the money had been received through curator Jabulani Nkomo and deposited into a trust account.

“Highlanders Football Club would like to announce the receipt of the second tranche of US$250 000 from Sir Wicknell Chivayo. This is part of the donation of US$1 million which Sir Wicknell promised as support to the club through the 2025 season,” said the club.

The money has already been put to good use, covering players’ welfare, winning bonuses, travel expenses and match allowances.

Bosso also revealed that part of the funds will be used to upgrade the Clubhouse pitches and build a perimeter wall to give their home base a facelift.

Club chairman Kenneth Mhlophe said the timely donation has lifted the mood in the camp.

“The club believes this will improve the mood in the team and encourage better performances within the team,” said Mhlophe.

The windfall comes as Highlanders prepare for a high-stakes Chibuku Super Cup semifinal clash against their biggest rivals Dynamos this weekend.

With the league campaign faltering and relegation fears still lurking, Bosso are desperate to end the season on a high and bring silverware home as they march towards their 100th anniversary next year.

The money is flowing, the spirits are high and Emagumeni is buzzing again — Wicknell’s bag has brought the thunder back to Bosso!

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