Kariba death toll rises to 97

Two more bodies recovered from Lake Kariba on Thursday as search operation continues.

Kariba boat disaster death toll rises to 97

Two more bodies recovered on Thursday; death toll now 97.

Two more bodies recovered from Lake Kariba on Thursday, the tenth day of the search, raised the death toll to 97. Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the recovery as operations continue across the lake. Government has blamed ferry captain Sign Patsikadova for the disaster, stating he disregarded meteorological advice not to sail. Local rights groups maintain the government’s sole focus on the captain avoids broader questions about vessel maintenance and safety protocols. Authorities have not announced new preventive measures.

Hichilema wins second term in Zambia

Hichilema wins outright, securing second term without runoff.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema won a second term in the 2026 presidential election, avoiding a runoff and securing another five-year mandate. The victory marks his second presidential win after he defeated then-President Edgar Lungu in 2021. Zambian electoral commission confirmed the result on Wednesday. Hichilema now faces pressure to deliver on economic reforms and address rising debt and unemployment.

Tagwirei among 10 new senators

Tagwirei sworn in as senator under CAA3.

Businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei has been sworn in as one of 10 new senators appointed by President Mnangagwa under Constitutional Amendment Act 3 (CAA3). Parliament Speaker Jacob Mudenda announced the appointments on Tuesday. Tagwirei, a Zanu PF Central Committee member and presidential advisor, now enters the upper house. The move cements his transition from private sector ally to formal legislative player. Opposition critics view the picks as rewards for loyalty, not merit.

SADC not concerned with Mnangagwa third term

SADC sees no issue with Mnangagwa's third term, says South Africa.

South African presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya stated that the regional body SADC sees no issue with President Mnangagwa’s third term, asserting all legal processes were followed in passing CAA3. The comment came on the sidelines of the recently concluded SADC summit. Magwenya said SADC believes all legal processes were followed in passing the controversial Constitutional Amendment Act 3 (CAA3), which gave Mnangagwa a third term. SADC’s stance weakens domestic legal challenges against the extension. The region’s tacit endorsement undermines efforts to contest Mnangagwa’s hold on power.

Zimbabwe confident on IMF targets

Central bank says Zimbabwe has met all quantitative IMF targets.

Zimbabwe is confident it will meet the economic goals set under the IMF Staff Monitored Program, according to deputy central bank governor Innocent Matshe. He stated that all quantitative targets have been met and significant progress has been made on structural benchmarks. Matshe said the central bank has met all quantitative targets and made significant progress on structural benchmarks. The IMF review will test the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline. Past programs have stalled due to missed targets.

Health workers stealing drugs for resale

Deputy minister confirms health workers steal and resell drugs.

Health deputy minister Sleiman Kwidini told Parliament that the government is losing millions of dollars through theft of medication and supplies by public health employees. He confirmed some workers steal drugs meant for patients and resell them. Kwidini, responding to questions in the National Assembly on Wednesday, admitted that some health workers were stealing drugs meant for patients and reselling them. The admission comes amid chronic drug shortages at public hospitals. The ministry has not announced new anti-theft measures.

Child abuse surge prompts police action

Police launch awareness campaigns after surge in child sexual abuse cases.

Police are intensifying targeted awareness campaigns nationwide following a sharp increase in reported child sexual abuse cases. The force aims to curb a surge that has alarmed communities and rights groups. Activists have long demanded stronger enforcement and better support for survivors. Police have not yet released specific case numbers. The surge in abuse cases underscores gaps in protection systems and the need for coordinated action.

Government probes 550 sinking schools

Government investigates 550 primary schools after low Grade 7 pass rates.

The government has launched an investigation into 550 primary schools that recorded poor Grade 7 pass rates. The probe aims to identify systemic failures behind the low performance. Teacher unions cite low pay, lack of resources, and overcrowded classrooms as root causes. The investigation could lead to policy changes, but past reviews have produced few results. The scale of the failure points to a deepening crisis in Zimbabwe’s primary education system.

Unpaid ZUPCO drivers refuse to surrender buses

ZUPCO drivers refuse to surrender buses due to 24-month salary arrears.

Drivers at Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) are refusing to surrender buses, demanding more than 24 months of unpaid salaries. The standoff was reported by the Masvingo Mirror on 17 August. Management has not announced a payment plan. The continued bus seizure disrupts public transport services in several towns. The unpaid salary crisis threatens the viability of the state-owned transport company and leaves thousands of commuters stranded.

The Jeere 2026-08-21  ·  stories

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