Mnangagwa Holds Belarus Talks Amid Diplomatic Secrecy

President Mnangagwa met with President Lukashenko in Minsk on May 15, confirming his travel despite earlier denials from ZANU-PF officials.

Mnangagwa Meets Lukashenko In Belarus

President Mnangagwa held talks with President Lukashenko in Minsk on May 15.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa traveled to Belarus for direct talks with President Aleksandr Lukashenko on May 15. Belarusian officials confirmed the meeting, which occurred despite initial denials from ZANU-PF regarding the president's whereabouts. This diplomatic engagement follows Mnangagwa's departure from Zimbabwe earlier this week. The discrepancy between state-level denials and international confirmation highlights ongoing tensions regarding transparency in executive foreign travel and political priorities. Observers note that the secrecy surrounding the trip has fueled public speculation about the nature of the bilateral discussions. The president remains abroad as the administration manages the fallout from the conflicting reports. This visit marks a significant development in the country's foreign relations strategy, though the specific agenda of the talks remains undisclosed by the government. The confirmation from Minsk forces a re-evaluation of the official narrative provided by local authorities regarding the president's schedule and international commitments.

Gwaunza Sworn In As Chief Justice

Elizabeth Gwaunza succeeds Luke Malaba in historic judicial appointment.

Elizabeth Gwaunza has officially assumed the position of Chief Justice, marking a historic milestone for the Zimbabwean judiciary 46 years after independence. Her appointment by President Emmerson Mnangagwa follows the retirement of Luke Malaba, who stepped down upon reaching the constitutional age limit. Gwaunza, one of the first two black female law graduates in the country, was sworn in on Friday. The transition represents a significant shift in the leadership structure of the High Court. Legal observers note that her elevation to the top post is a landmark event for gender representation in the nation's highest legal office. The appointment was confirmed through official state channels, solidifying her role as the primary authority overseeing the bench.

WHO Declares Ebola Emergency In DR Congo

International health body issues alert following regional virus outbreak.

The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a public health emergency of international concern. The declaration follows reports of approximately 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths across the eastern Ituri province and neighboring Uganda. While the WHO clarified that the situation does not meet the criteria for a pandemic emergency, the regional spread necessitates heightened vigilance. The agency is coordinating with local authorities to manage the transmission risks. This emergency status requires member states to enhance surveillance and border screening protocols to prevent the virus from crossing into neighboring territories. Zimbabwe's health authorities are currently reviewing their preparedness plans in response to the regional alert. The WHO continues to provide technical support to the affected nations to contain the spread of the disease. This declaration serves as a critical warning for regional health security, emphasizing the need for rapid response and international cooperation to mitigate the impact of the outbreak.

Schools Authorized To Use Debt Collectors

Educational institutions gain legal power to recover unpaid fees.

Schools across Zimbabwe now have the legal authority to engage debt collectors to recover outstanding tuition fees. This policy shift allows institutions to pursue parents who have fallen behind on payments. The move comes as many families struggle with the rising cost of living and economic instability. Supporters of the measure argue that schools require consistent revenue to maintain operations and pay staff, while critics warn that the use of aggressive collection tactics will exacerbate financial distress for vulnerable parents. The authorization marks a significant change in how educational institutions manage their accounts receivable, shifting the burden of enforcement to third-party agencies.

Government Restricts Local Council Travel

Ministry of Local Government bans non-essential workshops and trips.

The Ministry of Local Government has issued a directive prohibiting local authorities from funding non-essential workshops, conferences, and foreign travel. This intervention aims to curb wasteful public expenditure and improve fiscal discipline at the council level. The government mandate requires local officials to prioritize essential service delivery over administrative travel. This move reflects a broader effort by the state to tighten control over public funds and reduce the financial burden on local government budgets. By cutting these discretionary costs, the ministry intends to redirect resources toward infrastructure and community services. Local councils are now expected to align their spending with these new austerity measures to ensure compliance with national fiscal policy. The directive applies to all municipal and rural district councils across the country. Officials failing to adhere to these guidelines face potential disciplinary action from the ministry. This policy shift represents a significant tightening of fiscal oversight for local government entities.

Police Uncover Illegal Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plant

Authorities arrest suspect after raid on backyard medicine factory.

Police have dismantled an illegal pharmaceutical manufacturing operation in Zimre Park, Ruwa. During the raid, officers recovered a significant quantity of counterfeit medicines that were being packaged for public sale. One suspect remains in custody following the discovery of the backyard facility. The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe has commended the police and members of the public for their vigilance in identifying the operation. This bust highlights the ongoing risks posed by the informal production of unregistered and potentially harmful drugs. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the distribution network of these counterfeit products, emphasizing the need for strict regulatory oversight to protect consumer safety in the pharmaceutical sector. The police are currently tracing the supply chain to identify other individuals involved in the illicit trade. This operation serves as a warning to those engaging in the unauthorized production of medical supplies. The authorities remain committed to ensuring that all pharmaceutical products meet national safety standards.

Chivayo Announces Purchase Of Luxury Jet

Businessman claims acquisition of US$34 million Gulfstream G550.

Businessman Wicknell Chivayo has announced the purchase of a Gulfstream G550 private jet, valued at US$34 million. Chivayo shared the news on social media, stating that the luxury aircraft is expected to arrive in Zimbabwe soon. The announcement has triggered public outrage. Critics have pointed to the display of extreme wealth by a figure linked to government tenders as a symbol of systemic inequality. Despite the backlash, Chivayo has maintained a defiant stance, taunting those who criticize his spending habits. The acquisition has sparked a national debate regarding the ethics of wealth accumulation in the current economic climate. Many citizens have expressed frustration over the disparity between such displays of opulence and the daily struggles faced by the general population. The government has not commented on the purchase, despite the businessman's known ties to state contracts. This event continues to dominate social media discourse as the public demands greater transparency regarding tender processes and the sources of private wealth.

Fire Destroys Stalls At Glenview Market

Hundreds of traders lose inventory in recurring market blaze.

A massive fire has destroyed 483 stalls at the Glenview Area 8 Furniture Market in Harare. The blaze, which occurred early Saturday morning, resulted in the loss of goods and equipment worth millions of dollars. Over 2,000 traders have been left without their primary source of income following the destruction. This incident marks another recurring fire at the site, raising questions about the adequacy of fire safety infrastructure and urban planning in major economic hubs. Authorities are currently assessing the damage, while affected traders face the immediate challenge of rebuilding their livelihoods. The city council has promised an investigation into the cause of the fire, though traders remain skeptical given the history of similar incidents at the market. The loss of inventory represents a significant economic blow to the informal sector. Emergency services struggled to contain the blaze due to the density of the stalls and limited access to water. The community is now calling for urgent improvements to safety standards to prevent future disasters.

Employee Arrested For Murder Of Foreign Employer

Police detain 24-year-old man following fatal robbery in Bulawayo.

Police have arrested a 24-year-old man in connection with the murder of his employer, a 67-year-old foreign national. The incident occurred at the victim's home in the Khumalo suburb of Bulawayo on May 9. Authorities describe the event as a botched night robbery that resulted in the businessman being strangled to death. Police hold the suspect in custody as investigations continue. Law enforcement officials are processing the evidence to prepare for court proceedings, while the local community remains shocked by the violent nature of the crime. The suspect allegedly targeted the victim during the night, leading to a fatal confrontation. Police have recovered items stolen during the robbery, which will be used as evidence in the upcoming trial. This case highlights the ongoing security concerns in residential areas. The victim's family is currently working with authorities to repatriate the remains. The investigation remains active as police look for potential accomplices who may have assisted in the planning of the robbery.

Magwizi Elected To COSAFA Executive Committee

ZIFA president secures regional role during Harare football congress.

Zimbabwe Football Association president Nqobile Magwizi has been elected to the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations Executive Committee. The election took place during the regional body’s congress held in Harare on Sunday. The event saw the attendance of major football leaders, including regional representatives and CAF officials. Observers view Magwizi's appointment as a positive development for Zimbabwe's standing in regional sports administration. The congress provided a platform for discussing the future of football development in Southern Africa, with Zimbabwe playing a central role as the host nation. Magwizi will now participate in regional decision-making processes that influence the growth and governance of football across the continent. This role is expected to enhance Zimbabwe's influence within the regional sporting community. The ZIFA president expressed his commitment to improving football standards during his tenure on the committee. The congress concluded with a series of resolutions aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and infrastructure development for the sport. This election marks a significant milestone for the local football leadership.

The Jeere 2026-05-18  ·  stories

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