An 11-year-old girl in Nkangala, Mpumalanga, was allegedly sexually assaulted by a sangoma, who is the grandmother of her classmate, as punishment for a school fight. The sangoma reportedly used muti on the victim, causing a rash and discomfort. The incident was reported to the school and traditional leader Inkosi Hlanganani Nkosi, who plans to address the matter in a traditional council hearing. The victim's mother is considering involving the police if the council's decision is unsatisfactory.

An ANC councillor in Mpumalanga, Timothy Lukhele, has been accused of assaulting Mashia Sithole, a charity worker from Empumelelweni Community Development, during a community meeting aimed at seeking assistance for a feeding programme. Lukhele denies the charges, attributing them to political enemies. Sithole has filed an assault case with the Vosman police, who are currently investigating.

Zimbabwean women are challenging the government's ban on the importation, possession, and use of sex toys, arguing that it infringes on their rights to choose, associate, and enjoy safe sexual pleasure. Sitabile Dewa, from the Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence, has filed a court order to declare the ban unconstitutional. The government, however, remains firm on its stance, suggesting alternatives like cucumbers and candles. The ban, enforced under the Zimbabwean Customs and Excise Act, has led to legal actions against individuals like Shirley Chapunza and Ayanda Muponda for importing and selling sex toys. The case is yet to be addressed by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi.

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) and the Young Journalists Association (YOJA) have condemned Zimbabwe's ruling party, ZANU-PF, for denying independent media houses access to cover their congress in Harare. MISA's Golden Maunganidze and YOJA's Richard Zimunya criticized the move as an attack on media freedom and called for fair treatment of journalists. The article highlights concerns about media segregation and the need for political parties to engage with media organizations to ensure free coverage of events, especially ahead of upcoming elections.

Supporters of Zimbabwe's main opposition party, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), allege that Zanu-PF youths are intimidating them and preventing voter registration in Mbare, a Zanu-PF stronghold. Accusations include confiscation of personal information and voter registration slips. Ellen Shiriyedenga of CCC condemns these actions, attributing them to the Zanu-PF-aligned Forever Association of Zimbabwe (FAZ). Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa and Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi claim unawareness of these issues.

Cyclone Freddy has caused significant damage to the Hippo Valley sugarcane plantation in Zimbabwe, leading to anticipated sugar shortages and price hikes. Farmers like Daniel Kadema and Simon Mutori report devastating impacts on their crops, exacerbating existing tensions between small-scale farmers and sugar refinery companies like Gold Star over raw sugar prices. Economist Malvin Chidembo predicts astronomical price increases, while Tongaat's Dr. Dahlia Garwe assures that current and projected sugar stocks are adequate.

Zimbabwean doctors are coercing patients to buy medication directly from them or pay exorbitant fees for prescriptions, with some patients reporting charges between R360 and R900. This practice has been condemned by Dr. Kudzanayi Muzenda of the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association as unethical and not permitted in public hospitals. The Ministry of Health and Child Care, represented by Donald Mujiri, has pledged to investigate the issue, although they have not yet received formal complaints. Patients are advised to seek treatment at public hospitals where prescriptions are not charged.

The article explores the challenges faced by the LGBTQI community in Zimbabwe, where same-sex sexual activity is criminalized. It highlights personal stories of fear and discrimination, and the community's call for legal protections and a safer environment. Organizations like the Human Dignity Trust and the Gays and Lesbians Association of Zimbabwe are working towards creating a more accepting society.

As water sources in Hwange National Park dry up, wild animals like lions, elephants, and hyenas are invading the Zimbabwean town of Hwange in search of water and food, causing fear among residents. Human-wildlife conflicts have increased due to drying water sources and coal mining activities. The Hwange Colliery Company Limited has warned its workers and residents about wildlife encounters. The government has allocated a Human-Wildlife Conflict Fund to compensate affected families and fund preventive measures. The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority attributes the conflicts to the growing human population competing with wildlife for resources.

Residents of Hwange, a mining town in western Zimbabwe, are demanding medical checks due to health concerns from coal dust. Non-employees of coal mines are petitioning the parliament for health assessments, as local hospitals lack necessary facilities. Many residents travel to Zambia for medical care. Hwange Central MP Daniel Molokele and residents highlight the health risks, with most polluting mines being Chinese-owned. Zhong Jian Investment currently offers medical checks only to employees, acknowledging the broader impact but not yet addressing it.