The Voice Online News, Harare (2026)

15/01/2026

DYNAMOS DOING THEIR BUSINESS QUIETLY!

Dynamos are now finalizing their squad with both new and old players having signed contracts.

Most players who joined or renewed contracts last year signed two-year deals, providing stability and strategic planning for the club’s medium-term vision.

Dynamos have received strong financial backing from several sponsors, led by principal sponsor Sakunda — which has already gifted de facto owner Bernard Marriot Lusengo a brand-new 2025 Toyota Fortuner as part of the expanded sponsorship package.

On Monday, the newly constituted Dynamos executive convened to draft detailed operational and financial budgets for the upcoming season — a critical step in aligning resources with ambition.

Genesis Mangombe is actively supporting recruitment efforts, as the club prepares to offload several current players to make room for over ten new signings.

Notable names confirmed or strongly linked to Dynamos include Mandla Mlilo, Witness Shave, Kelvin Shangiwa, Collin Mujuru, Stanley Billiat, Michael Tapera, Marvelous Chigumira, Kuda Muyaba, Moses Demera, and Perfect Chikwende.

DeMbare DotComs reports that Sakunda and Dynamos are finalizing the final terms of their partnership — including potential equity involvement — ahead of a high-profile announcement ceremony in Harare.

The club intends to officially unveil Genesis Mangombe and his full technical team while parading the new signings in a unified, fan-facing launch.

With just six weeks until the season kicks off, several Dynamos players have already begun individual fitness regimens — signaling urgency, professionalism, and readiness.

15/01/2026

Boy swept away by flooded river while holding cow tail

TRAGEDY struck Tsanzaguru area after three children attempted to cross a flooded river by holding on to a cow’s tail, resulting in one of them being swept away, it has been established.

The tragedy, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon prompted the Macheke Sub-Catchment to close the Rusape Dam gates to reduce flood levels and allow search efforts.
The dam is currently 90 percent full.

In a statement released today, the sub-catchment manager, Mr Jonathan Mazani said: “We closed our flood gates yesterday before midday after an unfortunate incident downstream within Rockingstone Farm, along the Rusape River downstream of the dam.

Three children tried to cross the flooded river while holding on to a cow. One was swept away, another was marooned in the middle of the river, and the third managed to cross and raised the alarm.

The word reached us in time, and the stranded boy reached safety after the water level had lowered. The gates will remain closed as the search continues. We apologise for the unfortunate tragedy and the inconvenience caused.”

15/01/2026

Government cracks down on schools chasing away pupils

PRIMARY and Secondary Education Minister, Honourable Torerai Moyo, has warned school heads against sending children home over non-payment of fees, stressing that such conduct is illegal and undermines the smooth opening of schools.

Speaking to headmasters from Manicaland Province yesterday afternoon, Minister Moyo emphasised that headmasters, School Development Committees, and Responsible Authorities have no right to deny learners their constitutional right to education.

He urged schools to pursue outstanding fees through debt collectors rather than punishing children.

“Ordinary Level results are coming out very soon, and I am aware that some headmasters may be tempted to withhold results from defaulting learners. That practice is illegal. No learner should be denied his or her right to education because of non-payment of fees. As we speak, there is a school headmaster in Kadoma who has been charged for chasing away learners over fees arrears. Such actions are against the standing position and policy of Government,” said Minister Moyo.

Earlier in the day, the minister officially handed over Information and Communication Technology (ICT) devices to St Michael’s Mambo Primary School in Buhera.

The donation, sourced from UNICEF, included eight laptops, seven projectors, and twenty tablets.

Minister Moyo said the Government remains committed to bridging the rural–urban technology divide.

“The Government’s efforts under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s guidance are bridging the digital and infrastructure gap in rural areas. Initiatives aimed at expanding access to technology and improving infrastructure are transforming the educational landscape, empowering rural communities with essential tools for a brighter future,” he said.

Minister Moyo also toured selected schools in Buhera District on the opening day of the term to assess conditions and ensure a smooth start to the academic year. -- ManicaPost

15/01/2026

Motorists Struggle With Traffic Chaos In Masvingo As Mucheke Bridge Remains Incomplete

The Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Masvingo Province, Addmore Pazvakavambwa, has acknowledged the frustration of motorists and residents over the delayed opening of a second bridge across the Mucheke River.

Traffic congestion has reached high levels, requiring police to control traffic for up to 12 hours a day.

Masvingo’s central business district (CBD) is separated from its southern and western suburbs by the Mucheke River, and currently, there is only one bridge across it.

The bridge is also the main route for traffic from the northern parts of the country and Harare heading to Beitbridge and South Africa.

Construction of a 50-metre-long second bridge began in August 2022. However, three years later, it is still not completed, even though government officials toured the site last year and said it would be commissioned before November.

Thousands of vehicles use the bridge daily, and without effective police control, the road would be almost impassable. Said Pazvakavambwa:

“As Government, we understand the frustration of motorists and residents over the delayed opening of the bridge to traffic.

“Works were delayed because of the rains and we want to assure the public that we are hard on the heels of Masimba Construction over the project.

“No specific date for the opening of the bridge to traffic has been given. We are coming from the festive season, and some people aren’t in the office yet. The bridge should be open to traffic at the earliest.”

Masvingo Urban MP Martin Mureri (CCC) said Masimba is taking people for granted by failing to inform stakeholders about the delay. He said:

“Someone is sleeping on the job, and to rub salt into an injury, there is no communication to stakeholders.

“I have been trying to get hold of the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Felix Mhona, for an explanation without success.

“If I don’t reach him, I will visit his office for an explanation when we open Parliament.”

In recent weeks, heavy congestion has forced local kombi operators to drop off passengers near the bridge.

The situation has been made worse by the low-lying Chimusana Bridge near Chitima Fruit and Veggie Market, which is now impassable and previously catered for transport to and from Mucheke.

A new bridge is also being constructed at that location, but work has stalled since November. - MasvingoMirror

15/01/2026

This is Morgan Tsvangirai getting sworn in by Robert Mugabe on 11 February 2009.

On this day, Tsvangirai became Prime Minister of Zimbabwe under a power-sharing arrangement with ZANU PF. This remains the only time in Zimbabwe’s history when the country did not have an opposition party in Parliament.

At the time, the Parliament of Zimbabwe consisted of three parties:
▪️ZANU PF
▪️MDC-T led by Tsvangirai
▪️MDC-M led by Arthur Mutambara.

These three parties agreed to form a Government of National Unity under a deal commonly referred to as the Global Political Agreement. It was brokered by SADC through the South African president, Thabo Mbeki, following the June 2008 electoral violence, in which hundreds of MDC supporters lost their lives.

At the center of the crisis was was the presidential runoff election in which Tsvangirai had pulled out protesting the killing of his supporters. Despite Tsvangirai's withdrawal from the race, Mugabe went ahead with the election and was declared the winner. The international community rejected the result. Even SADC refused to endorse it and began pushing for a negotiated settlement. In the end, after sustained regional and international pressure, Mugabe agreed to negotiate with the MDC.

After weeks of negotiations, the deal was finally signed on 15 September 2008.

The Constitution of Zimbabwe had to be amended to make this possible. This became the 19th constitutional amendment since independence.

Under this arrangement, executive power was shared between the President and the Prime Minister but as you will soon see, defacto power was in Mugabe's hands.

💥let's look at Mugabe's powers.
He was the:👇

▪️Head of State & ZDF Chief
▪️Chairman of Cabinet
▪️Chairman of Security Council
▪️He Received ambassadors
▪️Granted pardons and amnesties
▪️Had power to declare war
▪️Power to appoint commissions
▪️Power to declare martial law
▪️Power to dissolve parliament (in consultation with the Prime Minister.

🔹Just like Mugabe, Tsvangirai also had executive authority. He was the👇

▪️Head of government business in Parly
▪️Deputy Chairperson of Cabinet
▪️Chairman of Council of Ministers
▪️Member of Security Council
▪️Supervisor of all ministers

There was a total of 31 government ministries, all under the supervision of Tsvangirai.

▪️ZANU PF controlled 15 ministries
▪️MDC-T controlled 13 ministries
▪️MDC-M controlled 3 ministries

ZANU PF refused to give up control of the security ministries. It retained the ministries of Defence and State Security, while the Ministry of Home Affairs was co-shared between ZANU PF and MDC-T.

In addition to the security ministries, ZANU PF also controlled the ministries of Justice, Local Government and Information.

Notably, the MDC-T controlled the key ministries of Finance, Economic Planning, Public Service and Constitutional Affairs.

However, ZANU PF’s continued control of the security sector, justice system, local government and information ministry meant it retained control over the real levers of power. With the security apparatus, the legal system, and the state broadcaster, ZBC, firmly under its control, ZANU PF remained dominant. Add that on-top of Mugabe's powers, then you immediately realize why the MDC failed to have any meaningful reforms passed.

TAFFY THEMAN

By Taffy Theman

14/01/2026

Mwonzora reclaims MDC Headquarters

The opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) says it has regained control of its party headquarters months after the building was seized during a bitter internal leadership dispute.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the MDC announced what it described as the "peaceful and rightful repossession" of MRT House, hailing the development as a significant milestone for the party.

The headquarters was taken over in November last year by the party's then secretary for defence, Shakespeare Mukoyi, at the height of internal tensions. At the time, Mukoyi accused MDC president Senator Douglas Togaraseyi Mwonzora of embezzling party funds — allegations Mwonzora has consistently denied.

Announcing the repossession, MDC spokesperson Aaron Makahamadze commended party members and supporters for exercising restraint during what he termed an "unprocedural and hostile occupation" of the premises.

"Your calm strength in the face of provocation is a shining example of democratic maturity and commitment to peaceful struggle," Makahamadze said.

The party's National Council has reaffirmed Mwonzora as the MDC's "legitimate and democratically elected" leader, the statement said, underscoring his role in steering the party through what it described as a phase of political renewal.

Makahamadze also praised the MDC youth wing for maintaining peace and resisting incitement during the standoff, saying their conduct had helped protect the party's democratic credentials.

The dispute over MRT House is the latest episode in a prolonged period of fragmentation within the opposition, marked by repeated splits, court battles and competing claims over party leadership and assets following the death of long-time MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai in 2018.

Addressing Zimbabweans and the international community, the MDC said it remained committed to constitutionalism and democratic reform.

"The democratic struggle in Zimbabwe remains alive and resolute," Makahamadze said, adding that the party would continue to oppose "oppression, injustice and authoritarianism".

There was no immediate comment from Mukoyi or his supporters regarding the repossession of the headquarters.

13/01/2026

This is Rotina Mavhunga.

In 2007, she did the unthinkable.
She convinced Zimbabwean government ministers that she could miraculously produce purified diesel from rocks in Chinhoyi. The issue was discussed in Mugabe’s Cabinet, and a high-powered government delegation was sent to this woman’s shrine on a fact-finding mission. The ministers included Kembo Mohadi, Sydney Sekeramai, and Didymus Mutasa.

And oh, did I mention that she is reportedly a grade 3 drop out?

Upon arrival, and after undergoing several traditional rituals, the ministers were taken through a "power-demonstration session". She held a pipe from which diesel was oozing. The pipe appeared to be coming out of a rock. The ministers were left in awe. They could already see Zimbabwe becoming the next Dubai 😅.

Like a true hustler, she made demands as payment for her services, promising to solve Zimbabwe's fuel crisis. The ministers obliged. How could they say no to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to turn Zimbabwe into a superpower? 😅

There were even reports that one of her demands was for Mugabe himself to visit her shrine and walk barefoot 🙌

She was reportedly given a farm, Z$5 billion, cattle, three buffaloes, and a car as payment for her services. However, she failed to deliver.

Turns out, the whole thing was fake. The diesel was coming from a tank connected to pipes that ran through the crevices of the rock formation, making it look like diesel was coming out of the rocks.

She was arrested and charged with fraud, later getting sentenced to 27 months in prison.

TAFFY THEMAN

By Taffy Theman

13/01/2026

The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) has confirmed the incident that occurred today, at the Harare Magistrates Court. Full statement below.

INCIDENT AT HARARE MAGISTRATES COURT

The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) confirms an incident that occurred today, 13 January 2026, at the Harare Magistrates Court involving an inmate in our custody.

The inmate in question, Itai Madhongo , who is currently serving a 38-year custodial sentence for unlawful entry, r**e and armed robbery, was at the court for a separate r**e charge. While in a court cell, the inmate assaulted a ZPCS officer who had entered the cell to es**rt the inmate to court, inflicting injuries to the face and neck with a sharp object. The officer was rushed to hospital for treatment and is in a stable condition. A full internal investigation is underway to examine the circumstances of this incident. In a bid to facilitate his escape, the inmate undressed the officer and put on his uniform, aiming to deceive security personnel and escape.

Thanks to the swift and coordinated response of our dedicated ZPCS SWAT team, canine section, other correctional officers on duty at the court, the inmate was quickly apprehended after he was found hiding under sewer drain pipes at the Harare Magistrates Court.

The ZPCS condemns all acts of violence, attempted escapes and any attempt to undermine our security operations. We remain resolute in our mandate to uphold public safety. Such acts not only threaten the safety of individuals but also undermine the integrity and professionalism of our institution. We wish to reassure the nation that ZPCS is committed to maintaining a secure and disciplined environment within our facilities and during all operational activities.

The ZPCS will continue to enforce discipline and uphold the rule of law, ensuring that justice prevails. We extend our gratitude to all officers involved in the swift response and successful apprehension. We remain committed to safeguarding the integrity of our operations and to the safety of all Zimbabweans.

13/01/2026

The inmate who attempted to escape custody at the Harare Magistrates Court earlier today has been apprehended. Itai Madhongo was discovered hiding within the court premises shortly after the initial security breach.

The attempted escape occurred when Madhongo allegedly assaulted a Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) officer who was guarding him. Reports indicate the inmate stabbed the officer before stripping him of his uniform. Madhongo then donned the stolen uniform in an effort to disguise himself and flee the facility.

The incident brought operations at the court to a temporary standstill as police officers secured the area and launched an immediate search. Despite initial concerns that the fugitive had fled into the city, authorities located him hiding within the court grounds.

Casualties and Background The injured ZPCS officer has been transported to Parirenyatwa Hospital for treatment. His current condition has not been disclosed.

Madhongo is currently serving a lengthy sentence at Chikurubi Maximum Prison following convictions for armed robbery and r**e.

Key Updates:

Status: Suspect recaptured (found on premises).

Victim: ZPCS officer hospitalised at Parirenyatwa.

Disruption: Court operations were temporarily halted during the search.

13/01/2026

Massive manhunt is underway following a security breach at the Harare Magistrates Court, commonly known as Rotten Row, where an inmate escaped custody after allegedly assaulting a prison officer.

The suspect has been identified as Itai Madhongo, 33. Authorities report that Madhongo is currently serving a 45-year prison sentence for multiple convictions involving r**e and robbery.

The escape occurred earlier today, leading to an immediate lockdown of the court complex. Preliminary reports indicate that Madhongo attacked a prison officer, stabbing him during the altercation. The inmate then reportedly handcuffed the injured officer and appropriated his uniform to facilitate his escape from the premises.

The Harare Magistrates Court has been closed to the public while police and prison officials conduct an investigation at the scene. Law enforcement agencies have mobilised a search operation to locate the fugitive.

Members of the public are advised to exercise caution, given the nature of Madhongo’s previous convictions and the violent circumstances of his escape.

Key Facts:

Suspect: Itai Madhongo, 33

Charges: Convicted of r**e and robbery (serving 45 years)

Location: Harare Magistrates Court (Rotten Row)

Status: Fugitive; manhunt in progress

13/01/2026

Mnangagwa, Biti, Chamisa and Sekeramai during the GNU days.

When this photo was taken,
▪️ED Mnangagwa was the minister of defense.
▪️Tendai Biti was the minister of finance.
▪️Nelson Chamisa was the ICT minister
▪️ Sydney Sekeramai was the state security minister

This was during the ZANU–MDC inclusive government period (2009-2013). It is the only time in Zimbabwe’s history when the country had no opposition party in Parliament.

Of course, the current opposition in Parliament largely twerks for Sengezo Tshabangu. He has successfully turned it into an opposition for ED. There are a few MPs who remain genuinely opposition, but their voices make no real difference when it comes to opposing government policy. Broadly speaking, Chinhu Chakaenda naChabangu.

TAFFY THEMAN

By Taffy Theman

13/01/2026

When a cop wants to issue you a ticket or fine for NO RETEST, please ask them to show you the section you are being charged for. Also show them SI 6 of 2026 and ask them if it didn't repeal (scrap) SI 159 of 2022 which the retest was based on. Quoted in this ticket is C/S 18 of RMT and it does not mention retest. Don’t rush to admit guys, you have a right to ask the cop to show you the law they are operating under.

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