Eleven Chiredzi residents who participated in the July 31 anti-corruption protests have been further remanded to November 11, 2020. The postponement was agreed upon after police failed to record statements from witnesses. The accused, represented by human rights lawyer Advocate Martin Mureri, were arrested on July 31 and are on $5,000 bail each, with the requirement to report to the nearest police station twice a week until the matter is finalized.

Marko Shoko, a resident of Chiredzi, Zimbabwe, is scheduled to present a report on the increase in child prostitution to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs on May 9. The report attributes the rise in child prostitution to several factors, including the displacement of families due to the Tugwi-Mukosi Dam project, the fast-track land reform program, and the withdrawal of NGOs. The report highlights the dire living conditions at Chingwizi Transit Camp, family breakdowns, and lack of government support as contributing factors. Children, some as young as 11, are engaging in prostitution, leading to a spike in pregnancies, violence, drug abuse, and the risk of HIV/AIDS. The petition aims to urge Parliament to take action to protect children's rights and combat the HIV/AIDS crisis in the district.

The article reports on the aftermath of Cyclone Idai in Masvingo province, Zimbabwe, particularly focusing on the Bikita district. Four people were confirmed dead, and 220 were left homeless due to the storm, which caused extensive damage to houses, infrastructure, and communication lines. District development co-ordinator Bernard Hadzirambwi provided the statistics and highlighted ongoing challenges in assessing the full impact due to inaccessibility and communication issues. Aid has begun to arrive from various sources, including the Red Cross and Bikita Minerals, but more assistance is needed. The Bikita Development Forum is actively working to gather resources to aid the victims, emphasizing the need for broader support beyond the most publicized areas.

Errymaple Junior School in Zvishavane, Zimbabwe, is suing former employees for leaving without notice, requiring them to pay between US$1,200 and US$1,600. The CEO, Ashell Ruswa, stated the actions are legal, with affected workers informed at the labour court. Teachers were allegedly prevented from retrieving personal belongings until they signed debt acknowledgments, with some having their parents as guarantors. A lawyer noted that under the Labour Act, either party breaching an employment contract by not providing three months' notice must pay three months' salary.

ZCTU President Peter Mutasa calls for continuous national dialogue involving political parties, civic organizations, and citizens to address Zimbabwe's political stalemate. He criticizes the government for losing legitimacy and describes the country as a failed state. Mutasa emphasizes the importance of adhering to the Constitution and suggests that the ruling class is unlikely to voluntarily reform. He notes the weakening of citizen movements due to state attacks and advocates for mobilization outside the state sphere to build an active citizenry.

Patients at Chiredzi General Hospital were alarmed to discover a two-metre long crocodile in the male ward corridor, which was later removed by the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority. The incident, along with a stray lion in the Triangle area, has raised concerns among residents and employees of Tongaat Hulett, who have been advised to limit outdoor activities. The presence of these animals is attributed to heavy rains and their escape from nearby conservancies.

Senior Assistant Commissioner Edmore Veterai, a former police chief commanding Matabeleland North and Zanu PF Masvingo provincial member, died at the age of 61 after collapsing in Chiredzi. His death was confirmed by Zanu PF provincial spokesperson Ronald Ndava. Veterai was known for his allegiance to Zanu PF and for arresting human rights activists during his tenure. He became a sugarcane farmer and was declared chairperson of the Zimbabwe Sugarcane Development Association. Veterai faced sanctions and his nomination for a commissioner post at the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission was contested due to allegations of corruption.

ZIFA officials Tinashe Gomba and Energy Zava are under investigation for human trafficking and fraud after bringing five Ghanaian footballers to Zimbabwe under false pretenses and swindling them. The players, who struggled during the lockdown, have mostly returned to Ghana with the help of the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe. ZIFA has banned the officials for five years and ordered a refund of US$5,000 to the players. The scam was exposed by NewsDay Sport in April.

Major dams in Masvingo province, Zimbabwe, including Lake Mutirikwi and Tugwi-Mukosi Dam, are below 40% capacity due to a prolonged dry spell. Over half of the province's major dams are now below 50% capacity, with Bangala and Tokwane dams nearing complete dryness. The government and NGOs are distributing food handouts to mitigate food shortages, with 760,692 households expected to benefit. The drought also poses a threat to the national herd and wildlife, with concerns raised by the Gonarezhou Conservation Partnership about the impact on larger animals like elephants, following the death of around 100 elephants in Hwange National Park and Mana Pools due to starvation caused by the drought.

John Manganye, the MDC Alliance's losing candidate for Chiredzi West constituency, has made a significant donation to the Chiredzi Town Council-run polyclinic. The donation includes an ambulance, 30 wheelchairs, water tanks, medical equipment, and beds, and is also assisting in the refurbishment of the clinic. The donation was handed over in the presence of Masvingo Provincial Affairs minister Ezra Chadzamira, who praised Manganye and called on the corporate world to support under-resourced communities. A controversy arose when the assistant town engineer initially refused to disclose the donor's identity, which was criticized by a government official and the council chairperson, who emphasized the non-political nature of the donation and the importance of social responsibility.

Thabitha Khumalo, an MDC Alliance legislator, accused Zanu PF politicians of misusing Cyclone Idai donations by distributing them to party loyalists instead of the actual victims. This accusation came to light during a visit by the Parliamentary Committee of Standing Rules and Order (CSRO) to Chiredzi North to assess cyclone damage. The committee found discrepancies in the reported number of affected households and observed that many people were wearing Zanu PF regalia. The CSRO chairperson, Tsitsi Muzenda, acknowledged being misled about the extent of the damage. Roy Bhila, a Zanu PF MP, reacted defensively when contacted for comment, criticizing the media for negative reporting on the government.

Lands Minister Perrance Shiri has intervened to stop new A2 sugarcane farmers from occupying houses owned by Tongaat Hulett, a major agricultural company in Zimbabwe. The farmers, led by Zanu PF legislator Robison Mavhenyengwa, had claimed five-year leases and evicted company employees, causing them to sleep outside or seek temporary shelter. The evictions led to conflicts and property damage. Shiri's letter instructed the farmers to vacate the houses immediately and await a resolution. The land invasions have been disrupting Tongaat Hulett's operations, which is contrary to President Emmerson Mnangagwa's pro-business policies. The company is a significant employer in the region with 17,000 workers. Attempts to reach both Mavhenyengwa and Tongaat Hulett's corporate affairs secretary, Adelaide Chikunguru, for comments were unsuccessful.

Zanu PF members in Chiredzi have stopped wearing party regalia in public due to fear of community backlash. This was disclosed during an inter-district meeting where provincial spokesperson Ronald Ndava inquired about their absence of regalia. Chairperson Natala Chauke stated that wearing it could lead to being ostracized, including being ejected from public transport. War veterans chairperson Killer Makuni and provincial chairperson Ezra Chadzamira criticized the members for their timidity. The issue highlights possible factional disputes within Zanu PF, which had won all four constituencies in Chiredzi in the July 31, 2018 election.

Zanu PF hosted a party to celebrate the release of Eddie Munjanja, who served 14 years for the murder of MDC activist Atinos Mapingure during the 2002 election campaign. The event, which took place in Munjanja village under Chief Nhema in Zaka Central, has been criticized by the MDC and human rights groups for glorifying a convicted murderer and potentially inciting further political violence. The MDC has expressed concerns about the impact on the victims and the message it sends, while Zanu PF has yet to confirm whether the event was officially sanctioned.

Unicef has withdrawn from a water infrastructure project in Chiredzi due to mismanagement by the local council. This has caused a conflict between the residents and the council. The United Chiredzi Residents Ratepayers’ Association (UCHIRRA) and Chiredzi Residents’ Ratepayers Association are demanding accountability for the $646,000 donated by Unicef before approving a new budget proposal. The council's town secretary, Charles Muchatukwa, has been asked to explain the failure to utilize the funds effectively, which has led to Unicef's withdrawal. The local authority is now facing difficulties as they are poorly funded without Unicef's support.

In Zimbabwe, patients at Chiredzi General Hospital have reported receiving expired antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), essential for HIV treatment. The drugs, with an expiry date of February 28, 2017, were still being distributed, raising concerns about the potential for drug resistance and regression in patients' health. The issue highlights the broader struggles within the Zimbabwean healthcare system, including allegations of bribery for extended drug supplies and a recent strike by doctors demanding better pay and conditions. The Masvingo Provincial Medical Director, Dr. Amadeus Shamu, has promised an investigation into the matter, while the Minister of Health and Child Welfare, David Parirenyatwa, was unavailable for comment.

In Zimbabwe, patients at Chiredzi General Hospital have reported receiving expired antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), essential for HIV treatment. The drugs, with an expiry date of February 28, 2017, were still being distributed, raising concerns about the potential for drug resistance and regression in patients' health. The issue highlights the broader struggles within the Zimbabwean healthcare system, including allegations of bribery for extended drug supplies and a recent strike by doctors demanding better pay and conditions. The Masvingo Provincial Medical Director, Dr. Amadeus Shamu, has promised an investigation into the matter, while the Minister of Health and Child Welfare, David Parirenyatwa, was unavailable for comment.

The article by Garikai Mafirakureva discusses the intertwining of political events and cultural beliefs in Zimbabwe, focusing on the 2001 Bikita West by-election violence. The election, which followed the death of MDC's Amos Mutongi, was marked by intense violence as Zanu PF sought to reclaim the seat. The violence led MDC supporters to seek refuge in the sacred forests around Hanyanya Mountain, an area traditionally revered and associated with stink bugs, a local delicacy. The article narrates how Zanu PF leaders, who invaded the sacred forest in search of MDC supporters, met untimely deaths shortly after the election, leading to speculation about the wrath of the spirits due to the desecration of the sacred site. The piece intertwines political narrative with local folklore, raising questions about coincidence and the cultural significance of the events.

The town of Chiredzi in Zimbabwe is recognizing its history by naming streets after prostitutes who were active in the 1960s and 1970s. These women serviced men working in the sugar plantations of the Lowveld, who had left their wives in rural areas. A notable figure is Molly, a sex worker who was murdered in 1966, and now has a street named after her. The local council, including figures like Francis Moyo and Jim Mahiya, supports this decision, acknowledging the role these women played in the town's history. Blessing Mazinyani, a local councillor, and Josephat Tizirai of the residents' association also back the move, while religious leader Amos Chari Mapfumo cites Christian forgiveness. However, Madzibaba Ishamel of a local church condemns the act, suggesting it glorifies promiscuity and evil spirits.

Jevas Masosota, a former Central Intelligence Organisation operative, has announced his intention to contest for the Chiredzi East constituency in the upcoming 2018 elections. He is expected to face Zanu PF central committee member Abraham Sithole in the primaries. The decision follows a Zanu PF district co-ordinating committee meeting where it was agreed to recommend the dismissal of all sitting legislators in Chiredzi accused of involvement with the G40 faction. Other potential candidates include Ronald Ndava in Chiredzi North, Farai Musikavanhu in Chiredzi West, and Alois Baloyi in Chiredzi South, all vying for seats against incumbents or other challengers.

The article draws parallels between the hunting methods of the San people, an ancient tribe in southern Africa, and the current protest strategies in Zimbabwe. The author, Garikai Mafirakureva, criticizes the sporadic and uncoordinated nature of the protests against the government, comparing them to the San's patient and persistent hunting techniques. He reflects on the successful revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia, which were persistent and resulted in the overthrow of long-standing rulers. The article suggests that Zimbabwean protests lack continuity and are easily quashed by the government, as seen in the recent bans on demonstrations in Harare. The author urges protest organizers to plan more effective, continuous demonstrations or to re-strategize, rather than risking people's lives with ineffective actions.

The article by Garikai Mafirakureva critiques the political maneuvers of Zimbabwe's ruling party, Zanu PF, and the opposition, particularly the MDC and the newly formed Zim PF led by Joice Mujuru. The author suggests that Zanu PF is using deceptive strategies to maintain power by creating a facade of factionalism and opposition, which is actually a ploy to distract and weaken genuine opposition efforts. The article discusses past events where the opposition MDC-T participated in elections without necessary reforms and how they are now considering a coalition with Zim PF, which the author views with suspicion. The writer also touches on the personal and political histories of key figures like Mujuru, Mugabe, and Tsvangirai, and their impact on the current political landscape. The author warns that the opposition may be falling into a trap set by Zanu PF, which could lead to a repeat of past political disappointments.