Zimbabwe’s efforts to modernise football officiating have taken a significant step forward, with training for Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology underway following financial backing from Sakunda Holdings.

The programme, led by FIFA experts, is equipping local match officials with the technical knowledge and practical skills required to operate the technology.

The initiative marks an important milestone for the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) as it seeks to improve refereeing standards, minimise clear and obvious errors and align domestic football with international best practices.

Sakunda Holdings’ financial commitment has been hailed as a major boost to the project, which is expected to strengthen confidence in officiating and promote fairness in the game.

Beyond the introduction of technology, the investment is also expected to benefit referees, players, clubs and supporters by enhancing the overall quality and credibility of Zimbabwean football.

With training now in progress, the next phase will focus on preparing match officials and ensuring the necessary infrastructure is in place before VAR can be introduced in domestic competitions.

If successfully implemented, the project could represent a major turning point for Zimbabwean football and position the country among those embracing modern officiating technology on the continent.

However, the project’s success will depend on the effective deployment of the technology, adequate infrastructure and the continued development of local officials.

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Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Edgar Moyo said the support would help meet the needs of vulnerable children while reinforcing their dignity, security and sense of belonging.

Moyo’s remarks were delivered by Deputy Minister Advocate Mercy Dinha during the handover ceremony.

He said the donation was a practical demonstration of how partnerships between Government and non-state actors could strengthen social protection programmes.

“These are practical items, but their significance goes beyond the items themselves,” he said.

“For a child, having appropriate clothing, adequate food, school stationery and personal care items contributes to their sense of dignity, security and belonging.”

The minister said children living in residential care facilities often required additional protection and support because of the circumstances that had led them to seek care.

He said Government’s responsibility extended beyond providing shelter to creating environments where children could access education, receive proper care and develop their potential.

“Our responsibility is therefore not merely to provide shelter. We must endeavour to create environments in which children are cared for, protected, educated and supported to develop their potential,” he said.

Moyo acknowledged that while Government had the primary responsibility for social protection, partnerships were essential in responding to the scale and complexity of the needs of vulnerable communities.

He commended Agape Family Care for responding to identified needs within Government residential care facilities.

The minister also urged organisations and individuals supporting vulnerable children to ensure that their interventions protected the beneficiaries’ privacy and dignity.

He warned against treating children receiving assistance in ways that could make them feel diminished or inferior because of their circumstances.

“The support should reinforce the message that they matter, that their wellbeing matters, and that society has a responsibility to support them,” he said.

Moyo called on stakeholders responsible for distributing the donated items to ensure that the process was conducted fairly and responsibly, with the best interests of the children taken into account.

He also encouraged continued engagement between the ministry and Agape Family Care to ensure that future assistance was aligned with the needs of residential care facilities.

The minister assured the organisation that the donated supplies would be directed to the intended beneficiaries and used for their designated purpose.

He said the handover should mark the beginning of a stronger partnership in supporting children and other vulnerable groups.

“Today’s handover is an important demonstration of what can be achieved when different sectors of society work together around a common objective,” Moyo said.

“Our common objective is simple: to ensure that children are protected, supported and afforded the opportunity to grow and develop in conditions that uphold their dignity.”

The donation comes amid calls for coordinated efforts between Government and other stakeholders to strengthen the protection and welfare of vulnerable children.

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According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the incident occurred on September 29 at around 1pm when the girl was approached by the man, who gave her a packet of biscuits and told her to share them with others at home.

The man then grabbed the child by the hand and dragged her behind a hedge at a nearby homestead before attempting to sexually assault her.

“The offender pushed the child to the ground and declared his intention to have sexual intercourse with her because he had given her biscuits,” the NPAZ said.

When the girl began crying, the man choked her in an attempt to silence her. His actions were interrupted when two alert passersby spotted him attacking the child.

“Upon realizing he had been seen, the offender released the victim’s throat and attempted to put his trousers back on,” the authority said.

When questioned, she disclosed what had happened, prompting villagers to escort her home to her mother.

The matter was subsequently reported to the police, leading to the man’s arrest and conviction.

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In a weather advisory issued in conjunction with the Department of Civil Protection on Monday, the MSD said the storms would begin in the southern and western parts of the country before spreading to the northern and eastern provinces by Thursday.

The department said thunderstorms were expected from Tuesday afternoon, October 27, in Matabeleland North and South, Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Midlands, Masvingo and the southern parts of Manicaland.

The weather system is expected to move northwards on Wednesday, October 28, affecting Harare Metropolitan Province, northern parts of Manicaland and all Mashonaland provinces through Thursday, October 29.

Some areas may experience localised heavy downpours, increasing the risk of flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, near rivers and in urban centres.

The MSD urged members of the public to exercise caution during the storms and seek shelter indoors when lightning occurs.

“When lightning flashes, go inside a house or building,” the advisory said.

Residents were warned against seeking shelter under trees or standing near tall poles and other exposed objects during thunderstorms.

The public was also advised to postpone journeys where possible and avoid sailing during stormy conditions.

The department warned that the anticipated rainfall could affect agricultural production, particularly crops at the grain-filling and maturity stages.

Continued wet conditions could compromise grain quality and create favourable conditions for fungal diseases, the advisory said.

Farmers were urged to provide livestock with adequate shelter, bedding and feed to protect them from adverse weather conditions.

The authorities also called on communities to guard against possible waterborne disease outbreaks by ensuring that drinking water is clean and safe.

Households were encouraged to repair damaged rooftops, secure loose objects and trim overhanging branches to minimise potential damage from strong winds.

The MSD urged the public to remain alert to weather updates through its official communication platforms and follow safety instructions issued by the Department of Civil Protection.

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The repeated court challenges to CAA3 have raised concerns over the same litigants flooding the courts with similar cases.

With CAA3 now at the implementation stage, judges and senators appointed under the new constitutional framework have already been sworn in, as the government maintains that the amendment has passed all constitutionally prescribed stages and its implementation is under way.

The position was set out in an opposing affidavit filed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi and Attorney-General Virginia Mabiza, who are opposing the war veterans’ application to bypass the High Court and directly challenge the constitutional changes in Constitutional Court.

Represented by lawyer Sylvester Hashiti, the respondents argued that the amendment had already passed through all the required legislative and constitutional processes, rendering the latest challenge legally untenable.

“The Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 has now passed all legally prescribed stages and requirements for its enactment. Accordingly, any subsequent challenge to its validity is legally untenable and ought to be dismissed.”

The six war veterans are contesting the presidential electoral system introduced under CAA3, which provides for the election of the President by Parliament rather than through a direct popular vote.

However, the respondents maintain that the applicants have not demonstrated why they should be allowed to approach the Constitutional Court directly instead of first taking their case to the High Court.

The Constitutional Court has reserved judgment in the application.

Addressing the court, Hashiti said the applicants had failed to comply with the procedural requirements for direct access and had not established exceptional circumstances warranting the bypassing of the High Court.

“So, today we are arguing an application for direct access, where the war veterans are seeking leave from the court to approach it, to challenge the amendments, in particular the issues to do with the direct election of the President,” Hashiti said.

“Procedurally, the applicants did not comply with the rules, did not comply with the requirements required in an appeal of this nature.

“Secondly, the applicants did not set out on what basis they were approaching the court.”

He also questioned the applicants’ legal standing, arguing that they had not provided sufficient evidence to establish their interest in bringing the challenge directly before the apex court.

“They did not prove their voters, they did not prove that they are presidential candidates, they did not prove any interest, even a public interest, on why they were approaching the court,” he said.

Hashiti further argued that the applicants had failed to demonstrate why their case warranted exceptional treatment by the Constitutional Court instead of following the ordinary judicial process.

“We also referred the court to the issue that on the substance of the application itself, there was no case set out as to why exceptionally the war veterans must come to the Constitutional Court and not the High Court,” he said.

“They should have gone to the High Court as a court of first instance, because that is the court which deals with matters as a first instance.”

The respondents also challenged the decision to cite Mnangagwa as a respondent, arguing that the President had no relevant legal interest in the dispute because the process leading to the amendment’s enactment had already been completed.

“The President has no interest, there is no justification for involving him in these things, because his function was already concluded and no one has challenged that the President was wrong in ascending to the throne.”

“So therefore the issues to do with the President are not necessary, they are simply for other reasons, but legally they are unnecessary.”

The respondents maintain that CAA3 has completed the constitutionally prescribed enactment process and that its implementation should proceed in accordance with the law, arguing that any further challenges must meet established legal and procedural requirements.

They insist that the applicants should follow the ordinary judicial process rather than seek exceptional direct access to the Constitutional Court, as the government presses ahead with implementing the constitutional changes.

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The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said the convictions and sentences were handed down during the week ending 25 October.

In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the offenders had been convicted of various criminal offences.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police releases the names of persons who were arrested, convicted and sentenced to imprisonment ranging from 10 years to life for various offences during the week ending 25th October 2026,” Nyathi said.

Amos Nduna (35) was sentenced to life imprisonment for a murder committed in Chipinge on 5 May 2025, while Felix Siyatunya (48) received the same sentence for a murder committed in Mutare in 2023.

Moses Pandehuni (22) was jailed for 27 years for a murder committed in Shurugwi on 17 May 2026.

Lucia Chibhangu (27) also received a 27-year prison term for escaping from lawful custody, a series of robbery cases and unlawful possession of dangerous drugs in Masvingo between 8 and 14 August.

Other murder convictions resulted in lengthy jail terms, with Brian Chanachimwe (34) sentenced to 25 years for a killing in Waterfalls on 13 January.

Thirty-two-year-old Tinotenda Zambara was jailed for 23 years for a murder committed in Chitungwiza in 2025, while Simbarashe Chikoto (35)received 20 years for a killing in Mutoko on 5 August 2022.

Jonah Nekati (40) was sentenced to 16 years in prison for a murder committed in Waterfalls on 13 January 2026.

In separate cases, Japhet Dzviti (76) and Tichaona Chiduku (42) were each handed 15-year prison sentences for rape offences committed in Sadza in 2023.

Hope Korongwe (37) received a 12-year sentence for unlawful possession of 150kg of dagga in Beitbridge on 10 October 2026.

The courts also imposed 10-year prison terms on several offenders convicted of offences involving electricity infrastructure.

Donald Chatora (26) and Clive Mupare (33) were each sentenced to 10 years for offences under the Electricity Act committed in Chikanga on 6 October 2026.

Tinashe Marapira (35) and Yobbie Muzumba (26) also received 10 years each for similar offences in Masvingo.

Meanwhile, Givemore Moyo (35) was jailed for 10 years for stealing eight rolls of locomotive copper cables in Bulawayo on 9 September 2026.

Darlington Takudzwa (30) received the same sentence for cutting seven metres of underground Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) cables in Mabvuku on 10 October 2026.

The theft and vandalism of electricity and railway infrastructure can disrupt essential services and increase repair costs, affecting communities and businesses.

Nyathi urged members of the public to obey the law and report suspected criminal activity to the police.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges members of the public to abide by the law and report suspected criminal activities to the nearest police station or contact the National Complaints Desk,” he said.

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The call was made during an online discussion hosted by the Masvingo Centre for Research and Advocacy (MACRAD) in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Constitutional Movement last week.

A report released by MACRAD said the discussion focused on the human rights implications of land displacements, the vulnerability of rural communities facing eviction and the need for transparent and inclusive land governance.

“Stakeholders who participated in the X Spaces discussion called for urgent action to address forced evictions, protect community land rights and safeguard the safety, livelihoods and dignity of affected communities,” the report said.

Masvingo is among the provinces where the displacement of villagers from land they have occupied and depended on for generations has been reported.

The discussion brought together human rights advocates, social justice activists and civil society representatives including Nyasha Machirori of the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, social justice activist Tendai Reuben Mbofana, Ephraim Mtombeni of the Masvingo Centre for Research and Development and Francis Mukora of the Community Alliance for Human Settlements.

Participants raised concerns about evictions linked to commercial agriculture, infrastructure and other development projects arguing that economic investment should respect constitutional protections and the rights of affected communities.

The report said land-related decisions must comply with the Constitution, applicable laws and international human rights obligations.

It also called for assessments of the social and economic consequences of proposed developments before their implementation to prevent affected families from losing their livelihoods or being left destitute.

Community consultation emerged as another key concern with stakeholders saying villagers should have a meaningful role in decisions affecting their land and future.

“Consultation must go beyond informing communities of decisions that have already been made. It should provide genuine opportunities for communities to influence outcomes and explore alternatives to displacement,” the report said.

The report further called for stronger accountability mechanisms where land allocations, evictions or development projects allegedly result in human rights violations.

It said communities facing displacement should have access to legal assistance, independent human rights monitoring and effective remedies when their rights are violated.

Public institutions, traditional leaders and other stakeholders were urged to ensure that land governance processes are lawful, transparent and consistent with constitutional protections.

The discussion also highlighted concerns about the safety of human rights defenders including community leaders, grassroots activists and civil society organisations working to protect land rights.

According to the report, such individuals should be able to document alleged abuses, organise communities and advocate for justice without intimidation, harassment or retaliation.

The report argued that development should be assessed not only by the scale of investment or the economic value of projects, but also by their effects on people’s lives, security and dignity.

“Communities should not be treated as obstacles to development. They must be recognised as rights holders and active participants in decisions concerning their land and future,” it said.

The stakeholders called on the Government, local authorities, traditional leaders, investors, human rights institutions and development partners to take practical measures to prevent unlawful evictions, protect livelihoods and ensure accountability.

They also urged civil society organisations to maintain engagement with affected communities and strengthen collaboration with relevant authorities to pursue constructive solutions to land disputes.

The report concluded that land was more than an economic asset describing it as a foundation of livelihood, identity, dignity and community survival.

“The future of development in Masvingo Province must be one in which investment and human rights protection advance together, and no community is denied dignity, justice or meaningful participation in decisions that determine its future,” the report said.

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Police said some of the remains had been at the mortuary for several years, raising concerns over delays in identification and burial.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi appealed to families with missing relatives to visit the hospital mortuary and assist with the identification process.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing to members of the public whose next of kin’s remains are being held at Kwekwe General Hospital Mortuary to come forward for identification, completion of the necessary documentation and collection for dignified burial,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

Those listed include Menfree Takawira whose remains have been at the mortuary for approximately two years and Munyaradzi M, from Gokwe South whose remains have been held there for about four years.

Also on the list is Benjamin Ncube, the husband of Sharon Chikwari from Chegutu whose remains have reportedly been at the mortuary for approximately two years.

Police are also seeking relatives of Baby Talent from Wishlee Farm whose remains have been held at the facility for about a year, and Blessing Nyama of Alarm 2 Mine, whose remains were taken to the mortuary on August 8, 2026.

Meanwhile, the police said nine unidentified bodies brought to the mortuary between April and September this year were still awaiting identification.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing to the public who have missing relatives or loved ones to visit Kwekwe General Hospital Mortuary and make enquiries regarding nine unidentified bodies currently being held at the hospital,” Commissioner Nyathi said.

Police urged anyone with information that could help identify the deceased to contact Kwekwe General Hospital Mortuary or report to their nearest police station.

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Milder Madyembeu was arrested in connection with the incident, which occurred at Siachitondo Village in Kauzhumba on Wednesday.

Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Madyembeu allegedly assaulted the boy, Nico Mujoni after he failed to understand concepts being taught to him.

“The suspect allegedly assaulted his eight-year-old nephew, Nico Mujoni with a Mopane stick after the victim had failed to master concepts which the suspect was teaching him during a homework study session. The child later succumbed to the injuries sustained,” Nyathi said.

The government has banned corporal punishment in schools, but cases of children suffering serious injuries during punishment at home have also been reported.

In a similar case earlier this year, a 28-year-old man from Zvishavane was sentenced to an effective seven years in prison over the death of his six-year-old niece.

Takudzwa Wellington Chimutso, of Village Kosvoro under Chief Masunda was convicted of culpable homicide by the High Court sitting in Gweru.

The court heard that Chimutso had been teaching his niece Praise Tsomeka to write her name on the evening of 19 January 2026.

When the child struggled to understand the lesson, he allegedly struck her repeatedly with mopane and muchekesani switches.

The assault continued the following day as he attempted to teach her vowels and writing again.

Frustrated by her failure to grasp the lesson Chimutso allegedly took a sjambok from behind a bed and beat her several times across her body.

A witness who attempted to intervene was reportedly warned not to interfere with Chimutso saying the matter concerned him and his niece.

The child remained in severe pain throughout the night as her condition deteriorated and she struggled to breathe.

On 21 January, Chimutso and the witness took her to a shrine before eventually rushing her to Zvishavane Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police recovered the sjambok and wooden switches believed to have been used in the assault.

Chimutso was sentenced to nine years in prison, but two years were suspended, leaving him to serve an effective seven years.

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