Senate expansion, Chivhu crash, Zimra tax blitz

Businessman Kuda Tagwirei sworn into Senate as Upper House expands to 90 seats.

Tagwirei takes Senate seat after Mnangagwa appointment

Businessman Kuda Tagwirei and nine others appointed by President Mnangagwa take Senate seats.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa swore in business mogul Kuda Tagwirei and nine other political figures as Senators on August 31, 2026, under controversial constitutional changes that expanded the Upper House from 80 to 90 members. Critics argue the move consolidates executive control over the legislature. Zanu PF officials defend it as routine political appointments.

DNA tests begin for Chivhu crash victims

Families mourn as 14 children among 27 killed in highway inferno.

DNA tests are underway to identify five victims of the Chivhu crash. Families are heartbroken by the tragedy. The tests aim to bring closure. DNA analysis is ongoing. Families seek closure through the identification process. The government has declared a state of disaster.

Zimbabwe crime tally jumps 38% in Q1

428,634 offences recorded in first quarter of 2026, up from 310,876.

Zimbabwe recorded 428,634 criminal offences in Q1 2026, a 38% increase from 310,876 in Q1 2025. The data spans various crime categories, including theft, assault, and fraud. The surge follows a trend of rising crime. Authorities have been under pressure to improve policing and public safety. The Zimbabwe Republic Police has not yet commented on specific measures. The increase strains law enforcement resources.

Zimra targets rental income in tax blitz

Government warns landlords as revenue authority cracks down on rental earnings.

Zimra is intensifying its nationwide tax crackdown by targeting rental income, warning landlords to declare earnings. Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana confirmed that rental income is taxable and urged compliance. Landlords in upmarket areas like Borrowdale Brooke face scrutiny. Some argue the crackdown is aggressive during economic hardship. The revenue authority is deploying more resources to enforce compliance and close the tax gap. The rental income crackdown reveals the government's urgent need to boost revenue as fiscal pressures mount.

Police charge ex-intern with US$1.1m bank fraud

Former CABS ICT intern appears in court over alleged hacking and fraudulent transfers.

Police charged former CABS intern Sabelo Malunga with hacking the bank's computer systems and facilitating fraudulent transactions amounting to more than US$1.1 million. The accused, a Midlands State University final-year Computer Science student, appeared in court on August 30, 2026, and was remanded. The case highlights cybersecurity vulnerabilities in Zimbabwe's banking sector. The student allegedly exploited internal access to move funds, raising questions about security protocols. The trial will test the bank's security measures. It may prompt stricter IT controls across financial institutions.

Karo Platinum finalizes 25-year mining agreement

Special Mining Lease signed for platinum project on the Great Dyke.

Karo Platinum secured a 25-year Special Mining Lease Agreement with the Zimbabwe government for its platinum project on the Great Dyke. First-phase operations will start in the second half of 2027, employing 1,000 people and producing 226 ounces of platinum annually. The lease follows years of exploration and investment. The project is expected to boost Zimbabwe's platinum group metals output. The agreement provides long-term security for the company's investment. The project will contribute to the mining sector's growth but faces challenges from global price volatility and infrastructure constraints.

Court grants RIDA boss US$500 bail over ferry disaster

Court releases acting RIDA head on US$500 bail in Kariba ferry disaster.

A court granted Ignitious Chiome, acting head of the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency in Kariba, US$500 bail on August 30, 2026, over the Lake Kariba boat disaster. He appeared in court facing charges related to the ferry tragedy that claimed multiple lives. The ferry disaster occurred earlier this year. The agency is responsible for infrastructure oversight. The bail amount is relatively low, reflecting the nature of the charges. The case will examine regulatory failures. It may lead to stricter safety measures for lake transport.

Hichilema takes oath for second term as Zambia president

President Hakainde Hichilema takes oath amid disputed election and opponent's detention.

Hakainde Hichilema took the oath for a second five-year term as Zambia's president at Heroes Stadium in Lusaka on August 31, 2026. His main opponent was detained on treason charges following a disputed election. The election was marred by allegations of irregularities. Hichilema's first term focused on economic recovery and debt restructuring. The detention of the opposition leader has drawn international concern. The political standoff raises questions about democratic norms in Zambia.

Biti criticizes World Bank delisting of Zimbabwe

Tendai Biti blasts decision to remove Zimbabwe from fragile states list.

Opposition politician Tendai Biti criticized the World Bank's decision to remove Zimbabwe from its fragile states list, arguing it masks underlying economic problems. The delisting took effect July 1, 2026. Biti claims the government used the delisting to claim reform success. Others support the delisting as recognition of progress. The economy remains fragile with high inflation and debt. The debate exposes deep divisions over Zimbabwe's economic trajectory.

Police warn lovers against recording intimate moments

Sextortion cases rise; police urge people to stop sharing nude images.

Zimbabwe police warned lovers against recording intimate moments or exchanging nude images, citing a rise in sextortion cases. The warning comes as online blackmail targets individuals, with perpetrators using intimate content to extort money. Sextortion has become a growing cybercrime. Victims often face pressure to pay or risk exposure. Police are urging caution and advising people to avoid sharing sensitive material. The warning highlights the need for stronger cybercrime laws and public awareness campaigns.

The Jeere 2026-09-02  ·  stories

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