DOMBO Projects

*Caretaker takes over the employer’s rural home; over 200 schools in Bulawayo operating illegally*

A 52-year-old truck driver died after the vehicle he was driving plunged into a river and became submerged. Midlands provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, confirmed the incident, which occurred on 10 April 2026 at around 4 pm along the Masvingo–Mbalabala Road at the Ngezi River Bridge in Zvishavane. It is alleged that Silas Nyengetera, of Tarusenga Village under Chief Mazungunye in Bikita, was driving a heavy-duty Shacman truck towing two trailers when the accident occurred. _*— Pindula*_

A Marondera-based man has lost his rural home to a young man he had employed as a caretaker, allowing him to live on the property rent-free while ensuring its safety. Samuel Nyambudzi has dragged his former house help, Shelton Toro, before Chief Mutasa’s community court in a bid to reclaim his homestead. According to Nyambudzi, the relationship soured after Toro was dismissed from employment. Instead of vacating the property, Toro allegedly entrenched himself at the homestead, locking Nyambudzi out and behaving as though he were the rightful owner. _*— Manica Post*_

Intensified luggage searches on cross-border buses by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) at the Beitbridge Border Post have resulted in lengthy delays for travellers and cross-border traders. ZIMRA is currently enforcing a US$200 personal rebate limit, with some buses being held for more than eight hours during inspections. Traveller Talent Goronga said the searches were thorough and, at times, distressing for passengers who were not prepared for potential duty payments. _*— ZimLive*_

The decision by Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume to demolish a structure at Mabelreign shopping centre intended for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has come under scrutiny after it emerged that the Harare City Council approved the construction. The latest developments confirm that ward councillor Denford Ngadziore did not act unlawfully or independently, contrary to earlier reports. _*— Pindula*_

The government has outlawed the practice by mining employers of placing workers on consecutive one-month contracts. The move effectively guarantees mineworkers a minimum employment term of 12 months under the newly gazetted labour regulations. _*— Mining Zimbabwe*_

A Bindura-based lawyer, Elatone Bonongwe, has been sentenced to an effective 15 years’ imprisonment after being convicted of masterminding a violent robbery at the Mt Darwin home of Pfura Rural District Council engineer, Emson Chitsungo, in October 2023. High Court judge Justice Pisirayi Kwenda on Monday imposed a 20-year sentence following a full trial, with five years suspended on condition that Bonongwe does not commit a similar offence within the next five years. _*— ZimLive*_

South Africa’s Cabinet has approved sweeping changes to the country’s immigration system, introducing a points-based framework for visas and citizenship that prioritises skilled workers and economic contributors. The new white paper on citizenship, immigration and refugee protection consolidates decades of fragmented legislation into a single piece of law. For the first time, South Africa will assess both work visa applicants and citizenship seekers based on their potential contribution, rather than the length of time they have spent in the country. _*—Agencies*_

South Africa’s Deputy Home Affairs Minister Njabulo Nzuza has said that foreign nationals holding Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEPs) who wish to remain in the country can apply for permanent residency, as the permit was always intended as a temporary arrangement. Speaking on Newzroom Afrika on Monday morning, Nzuza added that ZEP holders should explore other legal pathways if they want to continue staying in South Africa. _*— Agencies*_

More than 3,500 snares have been removed from a single den site of wild dogs in the Hwange National Park as conservationists step up efforts to combat poaching, particularly of endangered species. The wire traps, often set for bushmeat, also pose a serious threat to the African wild dog — one of Africa’s most endangered predators. A new report by Painted Dog Conservation (PDC) highlights a sharp rise in poaching pressure over the past year. _*— Cite*_

A report by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education reveals that 202 schools in Bulawayo are unregistered, including 171 primary and 31 secondary schools. This raises concerns about compliance and education standards, as the province has a total of 252 registered primary and 99 registered secondary schools. The findings highlight issues with the rapid expansion of schools in urban areas, where demand for education exceeds regulatory processes. _*— Chronicle*_

*Mugabe son abandons bail application*

Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe and his cousin, Tobias Matonhodze, have abandoned their bail application at the Alexandra Magistrates Court in Johannesburg. The two are facing charges of attempted murder and immigration offences.

Their lawyers told the court that they now want to enter into a plea negotiation with the State. Under this process, the pair may agree to plead guilty in exchange for a negotiated sentence.

The plea negotiation is done under Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act. It is meant to help speed up cases and reduce the time and costs of a full trial.

For now, both men remain in custody. They are expected to return to court on March 17 for the plea negotiation process.

*Three drown after vehicle swept away by flooded river; Mugabe’s daughter lands empowerbank deputy chair role*

Three people tragically drowned on Tuesday when the Ford Ranger Wildtrak they were travelling in was swept away while trying to cross the flooded Nyanyange River at a bridge along Mashava–Downlands Road. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the incident, saying the driver managed to swim to safety, but three passengers sadly lost their lives. _*— Pindula*_

A Kwekwe-based self-styled prophet, Simabvu Shiri (37), was arrested on Thursday after he allegedly assaulted his pregnant wife, Trishia Samantha Maphosa (28). She later went into premature labour and gave birth to a baby who died just a few hours later. Shiri is the founder of Spring of Living Waters Church, which is headquartered in Kwekwe. _*— Masvingo Mirror*_

Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Tino Machakaire, has appointed a seven-member board for EmpowerBank, with Bona Chikore, daughter of the late former President Robert Mugabe, named as deputy chairperson. The appointments, which carry a four-year term, were announced in Statutory Instrument 132 of 2026 by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Solomon Mhlanga. _*— Herald*_

Harare Mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume, says he will work with the relevant authorities to impose a total ban on night vending in the Central Business District after some vendors were seen cooking sadza out in the open. A video circulating online shows a man at a busy junction cooking sadza and what looks like relish on two separate gas stoves, creating a serious risk to passing commuters. Commenting on the clip, Mafume warned that serving food in the city centre like this is a major public health hazard, adding that no economic challenge can ever justify such behaviour.*— Agencies*_

Armed robber Daniel Munyanyi, who allegedly shot and killed two police detectives in Zaka last Sunday, has been sentenced to 72 years in jail after being convicted on six counts of armed robbery. Masvingo regional magistrate Innocent Bepura suspended 10 years, meaning Munyanyi, 50, will serve an effective 62 years behind bars. _*— Herald*_

Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora says the government is committed to tackling deaths caused by snake bites and rabies, particularly in border areas and forested regions where the two health threats remain most severe. Responding to concerns raised by legislators in Parliament on Tuesday over rising cases of snake bites and rabies, Mombeshora said efforts to combat both conditions have been incorporated into the country’s national health strategy. _*— Herald*_

A fierce dispute has erupted among lawyers involved in a Constitutional Court challenge seeking to block the extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term, with legal practitioners now locked in a bitter fight over US$450 000 in fees. The case, filed by Matabeleland pressure group Ibhetshu LikaZulu and its leader Mbuso Fuzwayo, has been overshadowed by a financial wrangle between the instructing lawyer, Nqobani Sithole of Sithole Law Chambers, and advocate Method Ndlovu of Apex Legal Group of Advocates. Highly placed legal sources say the dispute escalated this week after Ndlovu abruptly withdrew his legal services, citing a breakdown in trust, reputational concerns and alleged non-payment of fees. _*— Agencies*_

Iran says it is fully prepared for a possible ground invasion by the United States as tensions continue to escalate in the conflict involving Washington, Tel Aviv and Tehran. Speaking to NBC News on Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Tehran is ready to confront American troops if the United States deploys forces on Iranian soil. His remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump refused earlier this week to rule out the possibility of sending American troops into Iran as the war intensifies. _*— Times*_

The High Court of Zimbabwe has dismissed an attempt by Jabulani Nkomo, son of the late Vice-President John Landa Nkomo, to claim ownership of three vehicles attached in ex*****on of a US$62 975 debt owed by Astra Building Centre (Private) Limited, ruling that the matter had already been decided in an earlier case. In a judgment delivered by Justice Naison Chivayo in Bulawayo, the court dismissed an interpleader application filed by Jabulani Nkomo Family Trust, which had claimed ownership of vehicles attached by the Sheriff of the High Court of Zimbabwe while enforcing a debt owed to Ken Estate Agents. _*— Nehanda Radio*_

London-listed Kavango Resources plc has announced that the seller of its proposed Nara Gold Project acquisition in Zimbabwe has defaulted on agreed completion terms, prompting the company to pursue legal remedies while continuing with its local gold expansion plans. In a notice released on 2 March 2026, Kavango said it had exercised an option on 27 June 2025 to acquire 100 percent of the Nara Gold Project, comprising 45 claims, after entering into a Call Option Agreement with Simon John Bowman dated 23 June 2023. _*— Nehanda Radio*_

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume admits the council has failed to tackle the city's ongoing water crisis and the environmental issues at Lake Chivero, viewing President Emmerson Mnangagwa's intervention as the only hope. This is part of a court case by Kuimba Shiri (Private) Ltd, which is suing Harare, ZINWA, the Environmental Management Agency, and the Parks Authority over contamination at Lake Chivero that has resulted in the deaths of numerous animals and fish. The case was heard was heard in the High court last week : Business Times