Munyaradzi Zizhou, a political novice, won the Zanu PF primary in Chivi South, Zimbabwe, to represent the party in the upcoming December by-election, succeeding the sacked MP Killer Zivhu. Zizhou triumphed over eight other candidates, including former legislator Mafios Utete. The primary was declared free and fair by party provincial commissar Jevas Masosota, who called for unity among the candidates. Meanwhile, there are increasing calls for the expelled Zivhu to run as an independent due to his philanthropic contributions to the community.

Villagers from Boroma in Murinye communal area, Masvingo, Zimbabwe, have accused their chief of forced labour and denying them food aid. They have sought intervention from Chief Fortune Charumbira, president of the Zimbabwe Chiefs’ Council. The villagers claim they are forced to mould bricks and cut grass for the chief's new homestead and to pay for food aid. They also question the legitimacy of their chief, with a dispute between Chief Murinye and Chief Mugabe over jurisdiction of the area. The region is underdeveloped and relies on government and NGO food handouts.

Residents of Masvingo have filed an urgent interdict at the High Court to stop Zanu PF aligned mining syndicates from conducting gold mining activities near the city's main water reservoir. The mining is said to pose a serious threat to the reservoir, potentially leading to the contamination of the city's treated water and causing structural damage to nearby homes. The Masvingo united Residents and Ratepayers Alliance (MURRA) is represented by Mutendi, Mudisi and Shumba legal practitioners, and the case includes eight respondents, none of whom had opposed the application at the time of reporting.

David Marapira, ZANU PF MP for Masvingo North and minister, has claimed to be the de facto Vice President of Zimbabwe following Kembo Mohadi's resignation. Marapira, who previously worked under Mohadi, announced this to farmers at Mara ranch, promising them agricultural equipment. Despite his claims, some farmers expressed skepticism, citing unfulfilled promises and ongoing challenges such as lack of local schools and healthcare facilities.

A 26-year-old woman from Zimuto communal area, Ruramai Mbombi, forced her one-year-old baby to drink poison before consuming it herself following a quarrel over finances with her husband, Max Musariri. Both mother and child died within an hour of admission at Masvingo Provincial Hospital. Police spokesperson Charity Mazula confirmed the incident and encouraged families to resolve disputes amicably.

Great Zimbabwe University appointed a South African professor as Pro Vice Chancellor instead of acting PVC Professor Munyaradzi Manyanga, who is under investigation for allegedly stealing 100 chickens from a subordinate. Manyanga's demotion also followed the realization that he lacked the necessary qualifications for the post. The case is pending further police investigation.

The Bikita Rural District Council has announced a $45 million road rehabilitation project to resurface 365 km of road network in the district. The project is in response to the deteriorating road conditions exacerbated by recent heavy rains. The council's chief executive, Peter Chibhi, acknowledged the poor state of roads and the lack of adequate road equipment. The project will be executed in three phases, with the first phase costing over $23 million. Bikita, located in Masvingo province, is a significant district connecting Beitbridge to Mutare and is known for Bikita Minerals and diamond exploration.

A police officer at Mwenezi Police Station, Thomas Mudekunye, faces a US$30,000 lawsuit for engaging in an affair and sending nude pictures to a local businessman's wife, Fiona Mukachana. The businessman, Zivengwa Marichini, filed the lawsuit at Chivi Civil Court, claiming the affair caused significant distress, leading to thoughts of violence and suicide, and the potential collapse of his marriage. The case, presided over by Magistrate Rutendo Jakati, is adjourned to June 23 for a ruling.

Sam Moyo, a 36-year-old man from Posani village, Mwenezi, Zimbabwe, faced stock theft charges for allegedly stealing 10 donkeys and exchanging them for millet. Appearing before Magistrate Honesty Musiiwa, Moyo was remanded in custody awaiting trial. Prosecutor Lighting Katsidzira described how Moyo, with two at-large accomplices, would steal donkeys and sell them in surrounding villages. Police arrested Moyo in Matava Village, recovering 10 donkeys valued at $50,000, which were positively identified by their owner, Zacharia Ngwenya.

Residents of Masvingo, represented by the Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Alliance, have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the city council to address illegal gold mining activities by suspected Zanu PF-aligned individuals beneath the city's main water reservoirs. The illegal mining, involving dangerous chemicals, threatens to contaminate the water supply and risk the health of over 200,000 residents. The council's efforts to stop the mining have been ineffective due to the miners' political backing. The residents are prepared to take legal action and demonstrate if the issue is not resolved.

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) faced criticism after arresting and then releasing Masvingo Province Minister Ezra Chadzamira without charge. Chadzamira, also the Zanu PF Masvingo Provincial chairperson, was accused of fraudulently allocating sugarcane plots to relatives and party cronies. Despite his arrest and a warned and cautioned statement, prosecutors decided to proceed by way of summons. This incident adds to ZACC's reputation for failing to prosecute high-profile cases, including other Zanu PF officials accused of corruption. Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga had previously intervened in land allocation issues, citing corruption.

A 20-year-old man, Tatenda Sibanda, from Mucheke, Zimbabwe, was sentenced to 8 months in prison for breaking into You and Me bar and stealing a public address system and other items. His accomplices, Gladmore Mhou and Tanyaradza Chirima, are still at large. The stolen property was valued at $43,925, with $35,899 recovered following police investigations.

Three siblings aged 15, 12, and 10 from Zaka were arrested after killing a soldier, Aron Bhasopayi, who had attacked their mother at their homestead. The soldier, who was from the Zimbabwe National Army, had accused the children's father of burning down his parents' hut. The children defended their mother by attacking Bhasopayi with logs and an axe, leading to his death. The minors turned themselves in to the police, and the incident is under investigation.

A 40-year-old woman from Chivi has been arrested for assaulting her 12-year-old niece by shoving a hot boiled egg into her mouth as punishment for eating lunch without permission. The woman, along with her 30-year-old neighbor who assisted in the act, appeared before Chivi magistrate Rutendo Jakati and were remanded in custody. The incident, which occurred last October, resulted in severe bruises on the minor's tongue. Prosecutor Mildred Maenzanise presented the case in court.

A former town engineer with the Gutu Rural District Council, Ndapai Shenjere, has been arrested for allegedly defrauding a home seeker of US$6,500 by selling a non-existent residential stand. Shenjere, who resigned in June amid reports of his fraudulent activities, was denied bail and is considered a flight risk. The case, which involves multiple victims, is ongoing, with Shenjere remanded in custody until November 2 for trial continuation.

The trial of MDC Alliance national youth organiser Godfrey Kurauone and human rights activist Ephraim Mutombeni, charged with undermining President Emmerson Mnangagwa's authority, was postponed due to the state's inability to locate their docket. The duo, out on bail, will return to court on 26 October. They were arrested in June for allegedly calling Mnangagwa and his sons criminals and urging the public to unite against the government.

A group of Masvingo residents, frustrated by the local council's inaction on the city's poor sewage system, protested by emptying a bucket of raw sewage in the council office. The Masvingo Residents Forum accused the council of corruption and demanded transparency and accountability, particularly regarding the incomplete sewer line upgrade project. Two protesters were arrested during the demonstration.

Authorities in Masvingo city deployed anti-riot police to guard council premises during a stakeholders meeting amid ongoing disputes over a 600% rate hike. Despite residents' objections and mobilization, the council remained firm on the rate increase, citing approval from the Ministry of Local Government. The Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Alliance criticized the council for bad governance and ignoring stakeholder input. The meeting ended in a deadlock, with the council planning to explain the budget in local wards. The rate hike has exacerbated economic hardships for residents already struggling due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

A 50-year-old woman from Gutu, Zadzisai Kuodza, faces murder charges for killing her 46-year-old boyfriend, Simbarashe Matombo, after being caught with another lover. The case, scheduled for the High Court in Masvingo, was struck off the roll as Kuodza, out on bail, could not be located. A warrant for her arrest has been issued. Court records indicate Kuodza used a blunt object to fatally strike Matombo during a confrontation. Matombo's body was found near Kuodza's house, with a medical report confirming death due to head injuries and a cervical spine fracture.

Expelled Zanu PF Chivi South legislator Killer Zivhu has requested readmission into the ruling party, seeking to enroll at the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology. Zivhu, who was expelled for misconduct and later threatened to expose corruption within the party, has apologized to the party leadership and expressed his continued loyalty. The school has yet to respond to his plea.

A self-styled traditional healer, known as Tsikamutanda, is causing turmoil in Zaka by sexually abusing underage girls and demanding livestock and property from villagers. Despite police intervention, villagers claim the Tsikamutanda continues his activities, allegedly with the support of some traditional leaders. The community is calling for his arrest and the return of their possessions.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Masvingo province assured the government of their non-partisan operations during a meeting with the Masvingo Provincial District Coordinator, Jefta Sakupwanya. The NGOs, represented by the National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO), emphasized their role as watchdogs demanding accountability while appreciating the government's willingness to engage. Sakupwanya reassured that the government does not intend to shut down NGO operations and urged them to align their activities with the government's Vision 2030 and maintain regular communication with local traditional leadership.

An alert cattle buyer in Mwenezi district, Telous Gumbo, helped police apprehend two cattle rustlers, Abel Marimire and Martin Mugadza, who had stolen four cattle from Emilia Moyo's kraal. The rustlers were sentenced to nine years in jail after being found guilty by Mwenezi Magistrate Honesty Musiiwa. The incident unfolded when Gumbo, after purchasing the cattle, demanded stock cards which the rustlers failed to provide, leading to their arrest the next day.

Great Zimbabwe University acting Pro Vice Chancellor Munyaradzi Manyanga has been summoned by police for allegedly stealing 150 chickens from janitor Fortune Nguvo. Both Manyanga and Dr Shamanda, who allegedly bought the stolen chickens, have given statements to the police. Investigations are ongoing, with police collecting evidence from the crime scene. Nguvo expressed hope for justice as the case progresses.

Over 1,000 residents from Masvingo, under the Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Alliance, have petitioned parliament to direct devolution funds towards addressing the city's persistent water shortages. They criticize the Masvingo City Council for not consulting them on fund usage and express concerns about the impact of water shortages on public health, particularly at the Masvingo provincial hospital. The petition calls for parliamentary oversight to ensure the constitutional right to water is upheld.

The Gutu depot of the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) is struggling to operate due to a lack of standby vehicles, relying on well-wishers for transport to perform essential repairs and maintenance. This has led to prolonged power outages in the district, affecting water supply as well. The Gutu Rural District Council intervened by providing transport after the Gutu United Residents and Ratepayers Association (GURRA) threatened demonstrations. Depot manager Thomas Mafara deferred questions to the Group Stakeholders Relations manager, who had not responded at the time of reporting.

Phenias Makore, a dethroned chief in Gutu, Masvingo province, faces threats and intimidation from war veterans and Zanu PF supporters for aiding MDC Alliance members. Despite being stripped of his chieftainship by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Makore continues to support the opposition, providing shelter and transport to activists. The region remains politically volatile, with the ruling party maintaining a strong grip and opposition members frequently targeted.

The Masvingo City Council has announced that it cannot maintain normal service delivery due to severe fuel shortages, which have grounded most of its fleet. Acting Town Clerk Edward Mukaratirwa stated that essential services like refuse collection and sewer maintenance would be delayed. Zimbabwe is experiencing an acute fuel shortage as the government struggles to pay for imports in foreign currency, leading to significant public health risks in areas like Mucheke, where refuse has not been collected for over a month.

Negotiations between Bikita rural district council and ratepayers resulted in a 30 percent rate reduction due to the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. BRDC CEO Peter Chibhi stated that the settlement necessitated scaling down operations to focus on essential services like refuse collection and road rehabilitation. Despite the reduction, revenue inflows remain low, affecting budget utilization. Bikita district's financials primarily rely on Bikita Minerals and Save Valley Conservancy, with additional contributions from shop licenses and leases from small enterprises.

A mining syndicate led by Masvingo provincial minister Ezra Chadzamira has reportedly ousted President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s brothers from a gold-rich mining claim in Masvingo North. The site was sealed off by police, and nearly 100 artisanal miners were arrested for violating Covid-19 restrictions. Chadzamira is accused of monopolizing the mining operations and forcing local miners to share profits with his syndicate. Despite Chadzamira's denial of involvement, sources claim his personal drivers and trucks are frequently seen at the site. The situation has led to complaints of unfair treatment from local miners and allegations of Chadzamira's involvement in illicit mining activities.

Disgruntled Zanu PF District Coordinating Committee candidates in Masvingo claim the recent internal party elections were rigged, alleging the creation of non-existent structures and vote discrepancies. They warn that endorsing the results without addressing grievances could divide the party and hinder its goal of securing five million votes in the 2023 national elections. Jorum Gumbo, overseeing the elections, defended the process but acknowledged the need to investigate specific complaints.

Parents and guardians of pupils at Gokomere High and Primary schools in Masvingo have petitioned the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) to audit the schools' finances, alleging mismanagement and corruption. They claim that the standards at these Catholic-run institutions have deteriorated significantly, suspecting misappropriation of funds by school authorities. The petition, also sent to various government offices, accuses the priest-in-charge of violating financial statutes and implicates local Education Ministry officials in corruption and dereliction of duty.

Diaspora Insurance donated foodstuffs worth ZWL$55k to Capota School Of The Blind in Masvingo, benefiting visually impaired students during their final exams. The donation, which included live chickens, sugar, rice, and cooking oil, was crucial for the school's operation, especially during economic hardships induced by the Covid-19 pandemic. The school, managed by the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe, relies heavily on donations. The contribution also allowed the school to redirect funds to staff salaries, ensuring better support for the institution's operations.

Douglas Mwonzora's MDC-T party in Masvingo has excluded city mayor Collins Maboke from the provincial executive, citing disloyalty and questionable leadership qualities. Despite previously being spared from recalls by Mwonzora, Maboke's ties with the ruling Zanu PF and his participation in MDC Alliance activities have raised concerns. The new interim provincial chair is John Nyika, with Selina Maridza being the only current city councillor included in the executive. The interim executive will manage the province's affairs until the party's congress next year.

Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (COTRAD) is addressing the lack of access to information in rural Masvingo by establishing an information center in Chirambamuriwo village. The center aims to provide villagers with government and independent newspapers, parliamentary Hansard, and local council minutes to enhance community participation in development and governance. COTRAD emphasizes the importance of information in rural development and supports the government's role in ensuring reliable information access, aligning with Zimbabwe's constitutional right to information.

Masvingo city council has announced a water rationing schedule, providing residents with water twice a week due to outdated pumping equipment and high summer demand. Acting Town Clerk Edward Mukaratirwa highlighted the city's limited capacity to meet the 45 megalitres per day demand, leading to the zoning of the city into three supply zones. Political disputes between the government and the MDC Alliance have stalled a US$75 million water augmentation project with China. The ongoing water crisis, exacerbated by frequent pipe bursts and the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, raises concerns about potential health risks as residents crowd community boreholes.

Masvingo City Council management has strongly refuted Auditor General Mildred Chiri's report alleging the misappropriation of Covid-19 funds. Town clerk Edward Mukaratirwa accused the AG of lying and omitting key information, asserting that the equipment in question was shown to the auditors and was intended for Covid-19 awareness programs. The AG's report had noted the absence of the procured items at the Rujeko isolation centre and the city council storeroom.

Villagers in Masvingo rural under Chief Murinye area are optimistic about a US$14 million hydro power project set to begin in the first quarter of next year. The project, led by Great Zimbabwe Hydro, aims to contribute 5 megawatts of electricity to the national grid and is expected to employ around 300 people, primarily locals. Chief Murinye believes the project will significantly improve the local economy and alleviate power shortages in the province. Zimbabwe currently faces electricity shortages, relying heavily on imports.

An MDC Alliance councillor, Gilbert Mutubuki, and seven other party members are facing public violence charges in Chiredzi for allegedly invading and attempting to evict three A2 sugarcane farmers. The accused, who deny the charges, claim the allegations are politically motivated by Zanu PF supporters. The court has remanded them out of custody until December 8.

The Gutu Rural District Council has utilized a $30 million tranche of devolution funds from the government to construct eight clinics, aiming to enhance the district's healthcare sector. Chief Executive Alexander Mutembwe confirmed the completion of main blocks at the clinics and ongoing construction of staff houses. The funds will also cover fencing, drilling, and solar-powered boreholes at five health centers. The initiative addresses the healthcare needs of Gutu, one of the most populous districts in Masvingo province, and aligns with the 2013 Constitution's devolution principles.

A mentally challenged man from Matova Village in Masvingo, Zimbabwe, murdered his nine-year-old nephew, Trevor Chitiga, and boiled his head. The suspect, Clever Chitiga, was arrested after fleeing the scene. The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the incident and are investigating the motive. The boy's torso was found wrapped in a mosquito net and dumped in a trench.

A primary school teacher from Mt Darwin, John Chitanda, received a two-year jail sentence for stealing laptops and cell phones worth $30,401 from students at Great Zimbabwe University. Chitanda, who is also a student at the university, used his school ID to access the campus and stole the items during an exam. He was later arrested at a police checkpoint with the stolen property. Despite the sentence, he was ordered to perform 420 hours of community service at Chitungwiza Hospital instead of serving jail time.

A Zimbabwe National Army sergeant, Nicolus Chinoza, assaulted four police officers in Chivi district, Masvingo, after they attempted to close his bottle store for violating Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. Chinoza, who claimed he could operate at any time due to his military status, became violent and used chairs to attack the officers. He was eventually arrested and appeared in court facing assault and resisting arrest charges.

A 29-year-old female police officer, Constable Yvonne Kufakunesu, appeared in court for allegedly scalding her husband, Pastor Tachiwei Mutero, with hot water following an argument over suspected infidelity. The incident occurred at their home in Mashava, witnessed by a church member. Mutero sustained burns and was hospitalized. The trial is set to continue on 12 February.

Masvingo Town is experiencing a shortage of Covid-19 vaccines due to an overwhelming public response to the inoculation program. Long queues are forming at vaccination centers, including Masvingo General Hospital and local clinics, as residents seek first and second doses. The shortage is affecting students and newly recruited government teachers, who are required to be vaccinated to attend lectures or comply with government directives. The Masvingo Covid-19 Provincial Taskforce attributes the shortages to high demand and population density in urban areas, with vaccines being distributed in batches as they arrive in the country.

In Zaka, a man named Owen Munengwa was stoned to death by 22-year-old twins, Innocent and Enock Chari, after he refused to let them sip his beer. The incident escalated from a confrontation at Baramanza Business Centre to a fatal attack at the twins' homestead. Munengwa was pronounced dead at Morgenster Mission Hospital. The Chari twins were arrested, and the police urged the public to avoid unnecessary altercations.

A Zimbabwe Republic Police officer, Constable Brian Dube, was arrested for transporting 50kg of marijuana from Chipinge to Chiredzi. The arrest followed a police roadblock search and subsequent pursuit after a suspicious smell was detected. Dube, who initially identified himself as a police officer from ZRP Beitbridge, was later found to be stationed at ZRP Gutu. He surrendered to the Criminal Investigations Department Chiredzi with his lawyer.

The Zimbabwean government, under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is intensifying its crackdown on NGOs, with provincial development coordinators summoning NGOs to meetings and demanding compliance with government directives. This move, seen as an effort to control and monitor NGO activities, has been condemned by human rights groups as disturbing and criminal.

A Harare man, Richard Chirombo, has been sentenced to 245 hours of community service for impersonating a member of the Zimbabwe National Army at a police roadblock. Initially sentenced to 12 months in jail, the term was reduced with part of it commuted to community service. Chirombo, who was wearing an army uniform and carrying a fake ZNA identity card, was arrested after police at the roadblock discovered the deception.

Masvingo city council is facing a significant debt crisis, with residents and ratepayers owing over ZWL$380 million. The council has engaged debt collectors and law firms to recover the debt, which has severely impacted its ability to deliver services and maintain infrastructure. The council also owes $51 million to various suppliers, including the Local Authorities Pension Fund and ZETDC, due to low revenue collection in the first quarter of the year.

Masvingo received its first batch of 22,000 doses of the Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine, with vaccinations for frontline health workers set to begin next week. The vaccine, part of a 200,000-dose donation from China, will be distributed to all seven district health centers by Sunday. Provincial officials, including the Provincial Medical Director and the Provincial Development Coordinator, oversaw the vaccine's arrival. The reception of the vaccine has been mixed, with some health workers expressing concerns about potential side effects. The government maintains that the vaccine is safe, with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga among the first to be vaccinated.

A junior police officer, Constable Patrick Phiri, was arrested for breaking lockdown restrictions after attempting to file an assault report following a beer binge at Moyo Night Club in Ngundu, Chivi. Phiri, who was assaulted by another patron, Promise Manzanga, was charged with violating Covid-19 lockdown measures, which include a curfew and prohibition of public gatherings. He appeared in court before magistrate Kudzai Dhemba, pleaded not guilty, and was remanded out of custody for trial continuation.

Gutu Rural District Council has proposed a $395.5 million budget for 2021, focusing on healthcare, water, and sanitation improvements. The budget, crafted after consultations with residents and stakeholders, aims to address the council's 2020-2025 strategic plan. Key allocations include $148 million for constructing clinics and $37.5 million for a new water drilling rig. The budget relies on $146.5 million in revenue from residents and $249 million in grants, with significant contributions from devolution funds and ZINARA. Despite economic challenges, the council has set fair charges and urges residents to pay rates and the government to disburse grants promptly. Residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the council's decision to spend $5.6 million on motorbikes for councillors.

Masvingo City Council's proposal for a 750 percent rate hike in the 2021 budget has sparked significant opposition from residents, led by the Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Alliance (MURRA). The budget, which includes substantial allocations for water supply upgrades and sewer line completion, has been criticized as not being pro-poor. MURRA has condemned threats against its members for rejecting the budget, emphasizing the need for citizen participation in local governance.