🇿🇼ZimbabweSouthern Africa
Zanu PF politician vacates farm to avoid jail
via NewsDay Zimbabwe5 min read
Thomas Chidzomba, the losing Zanu PF Chinhoyi constituency candidate in the 2023 harmonised elections, narrowly avoided arrest for contempt of court by vacating a disputed farm. Chidzomba was accused of unlawfully occupying a portion of Dundrennam Farm in Lions’ Den, Mashonaland West province, owned by Brink Bosman, in 2024. His occupation was based on a purported power of attorney from Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission commissioner and former Makonde legislator Kindness Paradza. A court ordered Chidzomba to vacate the property, ruling his occupation unlawful. He appealed to the High Court, which upheld the lower court's decision last month, granting him 10 days to remove his property. After the deadline, Chidzomba initially only partially complied, leading Bosman to return to court, citing that a perimeter fence and gum poles remained, hindering his use of the property. Chidzomba's lawyer, Fortune Murisi, stated that his client had fully complied after some delays. To prevent arrest, Chidzomba reportedly rushed to the site and instructed villagers to remove the remaining gum poles and fencing material, clearing the property. Bosman expressed relief that the matter was resolved and he could now fully utilise his property.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.
The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair has commenced, emphasizing global business engagement. This event takes place amidst various national developments, including a significant political scandal, a tragic lion attack in Hurungwe, and the positive impact of March rains on crop conditions. Economically, tobacco exports have surged by 62% due to strong global demand, and the Premier anticipates resuming lithium exports soon. Other news includes political tensions leading to violence and evictions in grassland plots, the stability of VFEX, and a new ZIDA platform designed to convert investor interest into concrete deals. Socially, Bulawayo is nearing HIV epidemic control, and a man is working to improve Zimbabwe's failing pass rates. The article also touches on the need for independence to be felt, not just celebrated, and a tragic incident in Gwanda serving as a lesson for commuters.
Must ReadZimbabwe is exploring a realistic roadmap for its lithium economy. This initiative comes amidst various national developments, including a significant increase in tobacco exports by 62% due to strong global demand. The country is also addressing political tensions at grasslands plots, which have led to violent attacks and forced evictions. In other news, the UK is set to launch a £500,000 anti-GBV program in Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, the VFEX shows stability, and there are discussions around a job evaluation system. The nation is also focusing on public health, with Bulawayo nearing HIV epidemic control. These efforts collectively highlight Zimbabwe's ongoing economic and social initiatives.
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Zimbabwe's government halted the export of lithium concentrates and other raw minerals in February, impacting consignments already in transit. This decision is part of a broader economic landscape that includes a 62% surge in tobacco exports due to strong global demand. Meanwhile, political tensions are evident with discussions around a potential referendum and reports of violent attacks and forced evictions related to grasslands plots. The country is also addressing social issues, with the UK launching a £500,000 anti-GBV programme. Economically, ART operations have been affected by power outages and raw material shortages, leading to a 6% decline in export division volumes and a 26% decline in paper division volumes in the third quarter to June 2022. Despite these challenges, the VFEX shows stability, though it may mask underlying value.