Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Columbus Mabika

Herald Reporter

THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission has warned people to be cautious when engaging with organisations claiming to be anti-corruption agencies and report any suspicious activities.

The development comes as two members of the Southern African Regional Anti-Corruption Organisation (SARACO), Edmond Nzombe and Loveworthy Nyamungunda, were recently arrested in the country on charges of bribery.

Nzombe allegedly solicited bribes from a woman who had reported a corruption case, claiming he would coordinate efforts with ZACC officials, while Nyamungunda impersonated a ZACC official and demanded the release of his vehicle that had been clamped by Mutare City                                                                 Council.

In a statement yesterday, ZACC commissioner Kindness Paradza said while ZACC welcomed support for its activities, those organisations and individuals misrepresenting their intentions undermine genuine anti-corruption efforts.

“The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission would like to set the record straight on the proliferation of organisations masquerading as anti-corruption agencies.

“While the commission acknowledges that combating corruption is a collective responsibility requiring collaboration among stakeholders, however, this demands that all stakeholders, including civic organisations, operate within the law,” reads part of the statement.

“Recently, two members of the Southern African Regional Anti-Corruption Organisation, Edmond Nzombe and Loveworthy Nyamungunda, were arrested on charges of bribery and impersonation respectively.

“Organisations misrepresenting their intentions undermine genuine anti-corruption efforts.”

Civic organisations were encouraged to register under the Private Voluntary Organisations Act and refrain from attempting to usurp the mandate of ZACC.

Commissioner Paradza said ZACC was committed to its constitutional mandate as defined in Section 255 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which is to combat corruption in both the public and private sectors, promote transparency, and uphold the rule of law.

“The Constitution of Zimbabwe and the Anti-Corruption Commission Act empowers the Commission to investigate and expose corruption, ensuring accountability in the public and private sectors,” he said.

Besides SARACO, Commissioner Paradza said there are 15 other organisations posing as anti-corruption agencies in the country, which ZACC distances itself from.

They are Act Now Against Corruption, Coalition Against Corruption Trust, Crime and Corruption Watchdog Trust, the Government and Anti-Corruption Trust, the Global Infrastructure Anti-Corruption Centres Trust, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Citizens Taskforce (ZACCT), Youth Against Corruption and Economic Sabotage Trust, Zimbabwe Corruption Hawks Trust, Zimbabwe National Advocates for Anti-Corruption Organisation Trust (ZNACO), Zimbabwe Women Against Corruption Trust, National Anti-Corruption Organisation (NACO), National Anti-Corruption Association of Zimbabwe (NACAZ), Zimbabwe National Anti-Corruption (ZNAC), Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Unit and Zimbabwe National Anti-Corruption.

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Farirai Machivenyika

Senior Reporter

FOREIGN Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira yesterday met Brazil’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Vilmar Rogeiro Coutinho, and the two discussed Harare’s application to join BRICS and cooperation in agriculture among other issues.

BRICS is an organisation made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa aimed at promoting cooperation among developing countries.

It is presently chaired by Brazil.

In an interview, Prof Murwira said they had fruitful discussions.

“We have had an excellent meeting this morning with His Excellency, the Ambassador, talking about our bilateral relationship. We also touched on multilateral issues,” he said.

“On our bilateral relationship, Zimbabwe and Brazil have excellent relations. You would know that the Minister of Agriculture was in Brazil. Brazil is very good in agriculture, agro-technology and all related things.

“And Brazil, to us, has an extremely strong and excellent attitude of cooperation, especially South-South cooperation. Brazil is a very strong country in that and it aligns very well with Zimbabwe’s vision, as expressed by President Mnangagwa, of making sure that we make a better world.”

Prof Murwira added that they also discussed Zimbabwe’s application for BRICS membership.

“We also discussed Zimbabwe’s formal application to be associated with BRICS in the categories that are deemed fit within BRICS. We are associated with BRICS because Brazil is the current chair of BRICS,” he said.

“We have had a lot of exchanges, positive and a good guidance from Brazil as chair of BRICS on steps that we have to take, which we are already taking. So it has been a very excellent meeting and we look forward to more contacts.

“Brazil is keen to work with Africa, Brazil is keen to work with Zimbabwe and our job is to make sure that happens”.

In his remarks, Ambassador Coutinho said he was honoured to exchange ideas with Prof Murwira.

“As he mentioned, yes, bilateral relations between the two countries are at an excellent level and I feel that we can still improve them even further by collaborating deeper in a number of areas, particularly in the area of agriculture, where we believe we can bring a substantial and positive support for Zimbabwe.

“Zimbabwe has just joined the Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, which for us was a very welcome movement and I am certain that the two countries will be in a position to work closely together to make the alliance a success.

“We will also try to deepen our cooperation in many other areas, including multilateral areas, as you have heard the Minister, the interest of Zimbabwe of joining the BRICS, that we are now working on this, hopefully to come to a successful conclusion on this matter very soon,” he said.

BRICS is a group of countries enjoying rapid economic growth that is emerging as a dominant economic player of the 21st century.

The term BRICS has since been adopted as the name of a formal international organisation dedicated to increasing economic and geopolitical integration and cooperation among member  States.

Zimbabwe’s formal application to join the BRICS is in line with the doctrinal reference point of; “A friend to all and enemy to none,” which guides the country’s efforts to shape its foreign policy through a combination of non-alignment, active diplomacy, multilateral engagement and a strong emphasis on mutually beneficial relations.

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Arron Nyamayaro

A BOARDING school head chef locked a student in a toilet and bashed her so much that she broke her hand in the savage attack in Mt Darwin.

Lesley Bizwell, the head cook of Ruya Adventist High School, assaulted Meloshance Kashingaidze, a student at the school, after accusing her of gossiping.

Lesley Bizwell

Lesley was arrested, three days after the incident, and is expected to appear in court today.

School authorities tried in vain to keep the incident under wraps.

However, with the staff at Mt Darwin Hospital demanding a police report, before they could attend to the student’s injuries, the school authorities could not keep the incident a secret anymore.

Meloshance suffered a fracture on her left hand and has some bruises all over her body.

She was beaten in a toilet and the beating only stopped after she pleaded with her attacker to release her since her hand had been broken in the attack.

She was rushed to Mt Darwin Hospital by the school deputy head, Mrs Zingoni, without a police report.

However, this did not go down well with other staff members and students.

Some of the students even threatened to demonstrate.

The hospital nurse refused to attend Meloshance without a police report leading to the chef’s arrest.

Meloshance told H-Metro that she doesn’t understand the accusations she was facing and which led to her being bashed.

“As we speak, I am yet to know her reason for ruthlessly attacking me, it’s an issue she is refusing to disclose,” said Meloshance.

“She locked the toilet door after asking me to enter and I thought she wanted me to clean the toilet only to be treated like a snake.

“Hanzi ndichakurova kusvikira wanyarara upfidze kuita makuhwa.

“Shamhu nhatu dzakakora dzakaperera pandiri uye safety shoe and dry hands.

“I cried for help, begging for forgiveness in vain until she broke my hand.

“She showed remorse when the nurse refused to attend to me without a police report.

“Her efforts to silence the health personnel failed, leading to her arrest,” said Meloshance.

Lesley made headlines for bashing students at Junction Adventist School before she was transferred to Ruya.

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Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter

THE Zimbabwe Disability Expo 2025 kicks off tomorrow at Chinotimba Stadium in Victoria Falls, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa set to officiate at the opening ceremony on Friday.

The three-day event promises to be a landmark occasion in advancing disability inclusion, celebrating talent, and reinforcing the Second Republic’s commitment to ensuring that no one and no place is left behind.

By yesterday, the venue was already a hive of activity as service providers erected tents, arranged exhibition materials and finalised logistics.

Meanwhile, the organising committee held its final preparatory meeting to ensure a seamless event.
This year’s expo is being held under the theme: “Accelerating Disability Inclusion Now: A Collective Responsibility”, underscoring the importance of nationwide collaboration in integrating persons with disabilities into all aspects of life.

In an interview with Zimpapers, Mr Sandars Munsaka, Chairperson of the National Disability Expo, expressed confidence in the event’s readiness.

“This year’s National Disability Expo will be held in Matabeleland North Province, Victoria Falls, at Chinotimba Stadium. We are well prepared to host this event. The theme highlights that the Second Republic has illuminated the path for all Zimbabweans to understand that persons with disabilities must not be excluded. They must be included in all spheres of life,” he said.

Mr Munsaka confirmed that the expo will run from Wednesday to Friday, with the stadium made fully accessible to persons with disabilities from across the country.

“Yes, preparations are nearly complete. Persons with disabilities will be showcasing their talents. We are inviting all companies, disability organisations, Government departments, and the private sector to come and demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity,” he said.

He also highlighted the Second Republic’s significant progress in championing the rights of persons with disabilities, including the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

“President Mnangagwa signed the National Disability Policy and appointed persons with disabilities to key positions, such as a Commissioner in the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) with a visual impairment, a High Court Judge with a disability, and a Special Advisor in the Office of the President and Cabinet. These appointments show that the

Second Republic values and prioritises persons with disabilities,” said Mr Munsaka.

Mr Macnon Chirinzepi, Director in the Office of the Special Advisor on National Disability Issues, assured the nation that preparations were complete and encouraged a strong turnout.

“All is set for this year’s expo, and we urge Zimbabweans from all walks of life to attend in large numbers to champion and raise awareness for persons with disabilities,” he said.

He said that the event will feature a dynamic programme, including exhibitions, talent showcases, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.

The highlight of the expo will be the official opening by President Mnangagwa on Friday, reaffirming the Government’s dedication to inclusivity.

The expo is expected to attract thousands of attendees, including Government officials, disability rights advocates, private sector representatives and international partners.

It serves as a platform to celebrate achievements, address challenges and foster partnerships towards a more inclusive Zimbabwe.

From the preparations observed by this news crew, Victoria Falls is poised to host a historic event — one that not only celebrates ability over disability, but also reinforces the Second Republic’s unwavering commitment to inclusion.

@nyeve14

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ON the day Harare regional magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa has deferred the bail ruling to today for a Harare man whose pit bulls fatally attacked another man in Bluffhill last month, there was another disturbing incident of a dog attack in the capital yesterday.

A schoolboy was attacked by two Boerbulls and a Rottweiler.

The dogs bit him on the throat, back and stomach and were dragging him when passengers, who were in a kombi, disembarked from the commuter omnibus and helped him.

The attack happened on the day Mike Mapinga, who is being represented by Mr Tanaka Kangira, appeared in court where he is facing charges of culpable homicide.

Magistrate Gofa advised the court that the ruling was not yet ready, hence the parties could return to court today.

The State is alleging that Mapinga, the owner of three pitbulls and a Rottweiler, acted negligently when he left his unmuzzled dogs unsupervised at his rented property.

The dogs scaled over the low wall and attacked Samuel Machara, who was walking along a nearby street.

Machara died due to the injuries he sustained.

Yesterday, Ward 41 councillor Kudai Kadzombe revealed that a schoolboy was attacked by some dogs.

“Another dog attack has happened in our ward this time we thank God that there was no fatality.

“This has made me come to you as your councillor to really have this difficult but important discussion as both attacks have been caused by not stray dogs but dogs from residences with owners.

“Today’s attack was caused by two Boerbulls and a rottweiler that got out of the gate as the owner was going to work and they did not make sure that they put them back before leaving.

“The young boy was saved by people who were in a kombi as they saw him being dragged by the dogs, they bit him on his throat, back and stomach and is currently receiving treatment.

“We need to be responsible pet owners, neighbours and community members.

‘‘I have arranged with the Council development control team and SPCA that next week we will roll out an operation to take all the dogs that will be seen in the streets in our community.”

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