Gwaunza Becomes First Female Chief Justice

President Mnangagwa appoints Elizabeth Gwaunza to lead the judiciary following Luke Malaba's retirement.

Gwaunza Named First Female Chief Justice

President Mnangagwa appoints Elizabeth Gwaunza to lead the judiciary following Luke Malaba's retirement.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Elizabeth Gwaunza as the new Chief Justice of Zimbabwe. This appointment marks a historic milestone as Gwaunza becomes the first woman to lead the country's judiciary. She succeeds Luke Malaba, who is retiring from the position. The announcement was confirmed by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya. Gwaunza previously served as the Deputy Chief Justice. Her elevation to the top judicial post is expected to influence the future direction of constitutional governance in the country. The transition follows the formal retirement of Malaba, ending his tenure at the helm of the legal system. The appointment takes effect immediately, signaling a new chapter for the Zimbabwean bench.

Government Reduces Health Sector Licensing Fees

Treasury announces regulatory reforms to lower operating costs for healthcare providers.

The Zimbabwean government has launched a package of regulatory reforms aimed at reducing the cost of doing business. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development confirmed that authorities are scrapping specific license fees and cutting others by up to 50 percent. These measures target hospitals, laboratories, and pharmacists to stimulate economic growth. The reforms are part of a broader strategy to slash red tape across the manufacturing, health, and financial sectors. By lowering these financial barriers, the government intends to improve the operational environment for private and public healthcare providers. The Treasury statement emphasizes that these changes are designed to support broad-based economic activity and reduce the overall burden on service providers in the medical industry.

Sibanda Joins ZANU-PF Politburo Leadership

Former defense commander Philip Valerio Sibanda joins ZANU-PF leadership structure.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed former Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander, General (Rtd) Philip Valerio Sibanda, to the ZANU-PF Politburo. Party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa announced the appointment. Sibanda recently retired from his military role, and his transition into the ruling party's top decision-making body represents a significant shift in internal power dynamics. Analysts view this move as a consolidation of influence within the party hierarchy. The integration of a former military chief into the civilian political structure follows his long tenure as the head of the national defense forces. The appointment is effective immediately, though the party has not yet specified his exact portfolio within the Politburo.

Health Workers Repatriated After Hantavirus Contact

Three repatriated healthcare workers undergo observation following contact with a hantavirus case.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care continues to monitor three Zimbabwean healthcare workers under a 45-day observation period. The individuals recently returned from Ascension Island, where they were identified as contacts of a confirmed hantavirus case. Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora confirmed that the workers were repatriated via a private charter flight due to limited isolation capacity on the island. All three individuals tested negative for the virus upon arrival at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and remain asymptomatic. Port Health Services conducted initial screenings before the workers entered the mandatory quarantine. The government maintains that these measures are precautionary and that no cases of the virus have been detected within Zimbabwe's borders.

Gold Holdings Reach 4.48 Tonnes

President Mnangagwa inspects central bank vaults to verify national gold holdings.

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe holds 4.48 tonnes of gold. These reserves underpin the ZiG currency, which was introduced in 2024 as part of a move toward a mono-currency system. The government claims that the gold backing is essential for maintaining monetary sovereignty and stabilizing the economy. While the administration highlights the increase in reserves, the announcement comes as citizens face ongoing economic conditions and high costs of living. The Reserve Bank continues to utilize these precious metal holdings to support the value of the local currency in the market.

Trevor Ncube Criticizes Ramaphosa Farm Visit

Open letter sparks debate over South African leader's meeting with Mnangagwa.

Trevor Ncube has published an open letter criticizing South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for his recent visit to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s farm. The visit has triggered significant political debate across Southern Africa. Critics have expressed concern over the optics of the meeting, particularly regarding the presence of controversial business figures in the presidential entourage. The event has drawn scrutiny from various political observers who question the implications of the diplomatic engagement. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions and public interest in the relationship between the leadership of Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Court Halts Johanne Masowe Exhumation

High Court rules authorization for removing remains from Rusape shrine was unlawful.

The High Court has issued an order stopping the planned exhumation of the remains of Johanne Masowe, the founder of a prominent apostolic sect. Justice Regis Dembure ruled that the process used to authorize the removal of the body from a shrine in Rusape was unlawful. The court decision effectively blocks the March 10 authorization that had granted permission for the exhumation of Peter Jack, known as Johanne Masowe. This ruling highlights the intersection of traditional religious authority and the formal judicial system in Zimbabwe. The case has been a point of contention for the sect, and the court's intervention prevents the immediate disturbance of the burial site.

Former Minister Mzembi Acquitted of Corruption

High Court clears Walter Mzembi of abuse of office charges after trial.

Former Tourism and Hospitality Minister Walter Mzembi has been acquitted of criminal abuse of office charges. The High Court ruling concludes a long-running corruption case involving allegations of US$2 million in prejudice to the government. Judge Benjamin Chikowero found that the state failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. Mzembi had been accused of showing favoritism by donating public-viewing television sets to various churches. Following his acquittal, Mzembi stated that his 11-month period in custody highlights issues regarding the treatment of detainees awaiting trial. The judgment serves as a notable legal outcome for a high-profile political figure who had previously spent time in self-imposed exile.

Police Deny Fake Coltart Assault Statement

ZRP warns public against circulating fabricated documents regarding the Douglas Coltart case.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has rejected a viral statement regarding the alleged assault of Douglas Coltart. Authorities confirmed that the document, dated May 11, 2026, is a fabrication and was not issued by the police. The ZRP urged the public to ignore the false information circulating on social media platforms. This incident is part of an ongoing effort by the police to maintain institutional credibility and combat the spread of misinformation. The police warned that sharing such fabricated statements masquerading as official communication is prohibited and advised citizens to rely only on verified channels for updates on investigations.

Zimpapers Restricts Staff From Accepting Gifts

Media group orders employees to return cash and gifts from businessman Wicknell Chivayo.

The Zimbabwe Newspapers Group (Zimpapers) has issued a directive to its employees regarding gifts offered by businessman Wicknell Chivayo. The media organization ordered staff at Capitalk FM to reject vehicles and cash gifts provided during a recent visit to the studios. The company is enforcing this policy to maintain ethical standards and corporate governance. Zimpapers ordered employees to return any items already accepted or face potential disciplinary action. Zimpapers aims to ensure that its staff remains independent and adheres to the organization's internal code of conduct.

The Jeere 2026-05-15  ·  stories

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