AGP Executive Report

Budiriro Sewer Tragedy: Police identified three victims who drowned in an open sewer pond in Harare’s Budiriro and confirmed the arrest of four City of Harare officials over alleged negligence tied to incomplete excavation works. Crime Crackdown on Luxury Cars: Authorities launched an operation targeting high-end vehicles in Harare to check smuggling, customs fraud and forged registration documents, with dozens reportedly stopped on major routes. Court Cases: A solar company director appeared in court over alleged US$24,000 battery fraud, while a domestic worker and her boyfriend face theft allegations after US$128,000 was allegedly stolen from her employer. River Rehabilitation Framework: Government gazetted regulations to operationalise a state disaster response for damaged river ecosystems, allowing contractors to restore sites and recover gold under permits. Water Relief: China handed over 300 boreholes in drought-hit communities, saying the project now serves over 75,000 people and supports farming. Football Admin Boost: ZIFA took delivery of two new 66-seater team coaches to improve travel logistics for national teams and development programmes. Digital Push: Government set a target of 100% digital literacy by 2028, with plans to train 200,000 people soon. Gold Expansion Plans: Mutapa Gold Resources says it will double output by 2029 after securing US$75m for the Shamva Hill project.

Beitbridge Development: The Beitbridge Municipality has officially kicked off servicing for a new central business district (CBD) extension, with contractor Tiger Eye set to build roads, water, sewer and stormwater systems over six to nine months—paving the way for commercial development in early 2027. Child Care Funding: Bulawayo City Council approved up to US$500 for boarding tuck food and personal care items for vulnerable children at the First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa Children’s Home in Chiredzi, but councillors warn repeated central-government demands are straining already weak council services. Cancer Treatment Procurement Row: A youth group is demanding answers over the procurement of radiotherapy and cancer machines reportedly funded by ring-fenced sugar tax money, after officials allegedly refused information requests. Local Land Scam Warning: Hurungwe Rural District Council has warned residents against illegal land sales and stand pegging in communal and resettlement areas, saying buyers risk losing money and facing demolitions. Digital Push: Zimbabwe is seeking deeper cooperation with South Korea on AI, digital transformation and skills, handing over a new AI strategy as it targets universal digital literacy by 2030. Public Health Alert: Zimbabwe’s hypertension problem is worsening, with experts urging more routine blood pressure screening as many people remain unaware they have the condition. RBZ Policy Praise: First Mutual Life has commended the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s tight monetary stance for supporting stability and predictability for business. Court Forfeitures: The High Court ordered forfeiture of eight vehicles linked to fugitives, strengthening the state’s push to reclaim assets tied to crime. Equatorial Guinea Visit: Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo is in Harare for a two-day state visit, with talks expected to cover trade, energy and cooperation under ACFTA. South Africa Migration Tensions: Zimbabweans are watching closely as South Africa moves to tighten immigration controls amid anti-migrant protests, with UNHCR warning against disorder and xenophobia.

Cricket Calendar: The ICC has provisionally set the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup for October 4 to November 21, with matches across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia; Zimbabwe is expected to host 8–10 games at Harare Sports Club, Queens (Bulawayo) and the Victoria Falls venue. Bangladesh Tour of Zimbabwe: Bangladesh named squads for a three-match T20I series vs Australia and a one-off Test in Harare starting 28 June, recalling Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana for T20Is and calling up Towhid Hridoy for the Test. Conservation & Education: ZimParks and IFAW donated over 100 bicycles and 2,000 textbooks to Hwange schools under the Riding for Conservation and Textbook Initiatives, aimed at improving attendance for children facing dangerous wildlife corridors. Corruption Crackdown: Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube says government will punish senior civil servants who sign off deals with “extortionist” pricing, after reports of ministries being milked dry. Public Safety: Police say five suspects were arrested in Marange for stealing about 480 litres of diesel worth US$960 from ZCDC excavators. Migration Update: Zimbabwe is repatriating citizens after xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with registration teams deployed and buses arranged via Beitbridge.

Budiriro City Council Scrutiny: Residents and the Harare Residents Trust are renewing calls for accountability after Budiriro sewer-trench deaths, with allegations of a “pattern of negligence” and repeated fatalities linked to uncovered pits and poor safety controls. Constitutional Amendment CAB3: Parliament is pushing ahead with voting on the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill (No. 3), with Government urging MPs to vote peacefully and warning against intimidation as security is said to be on high alert. Education Diplomacy: An African Union commissioner is in Zimbabwe to assess and potentially scale the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model, positioning it as a continent-wide education and innovation pathway. Returning Zimbabweans: Government is considering relief measures for citizens coming back from neighbouring countries, including a review of taxes and tariffs that migrants say make reintegration harder. Food Security: Zimbabwe expects a strategic grain reserve of roughly 551,000 to 965,000 tonnes after a strong season, with GMB stocks reported at 156,603 tonnes. Business Watch: PPC Zimbabwe says cement sales rose 18% and it paid a record US$36m dividend, while tobacco marketing is flagged as “mixed fortunes” as prices fall despite earlier strong sales.

Tragedy in Gweru: Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed seven schoolchildren died after a minibus fire in Chirandu Business Centre, Senga, Gweru, with investigations pointing to a possible jerry can of petrol on board; identities are still being verified and parents are urged to wait for official details. Parliament & CAB3: CCC MP Agency Gumbo delivered a fierce National Assembly attack on Constitutional Amendment Bill (No. 3), arguing it risks stripping Zimbabwe’s democratic framework, while Edwin Mushoriwa also warned MPs have become “criminals around the president” in the push to extend political power. Beitbridge push: Vice President Kembo Mohadi, speaking through a minister, urged Beitbridge to become an investment and production destination rather than a border transit town, as the town’s business expo awards spotlight local enterprise. Trade shift: ZimTrade says value-added exports are rising fast, with January–April 2026 export earnings up 48% to US$3.57bn and the trade deficit narrowing to US$295m. Mining & local content debate: New data shows a surge in imports of specialised underground mining machinery, raising fresh questions about whether Zimbabwe’s mining boom is benefiting local industry. Women & procurement: PRAZ symposium delegates called for quota systems and targeted procurement to boost women-owned businesses’ access to public tenders. Sports: Zim’s Premier Soccer League Matchday 17 saw Simba Bhora beat Ngezi Platinum 1-0, while MWOS rallied to win 3-1 over Manica Diamonds.

Monavale Wetland Stand-off: Zimbabwe’s Local government minister Daniel Garwe has ordered MPs to vacate Monavale Wetland in Harare after activists protested against housing plans on protected Ramsar land, with equipment reportedly removed. Xenophobia Response: Zimbabwe says it has evacuated 139 citizens back home from South Africa after xenophobic attacks, with returnees processed at a reception centre at Beitbridge. Beitbridge HIV Outreach: IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” programme is working with mobile communities around Beitbridge to improve HIV testing, sexual health and child protection. Women’s Football: Zambia beat Zimbabwe 3-0 in the Women’s Four Nations final, with Prisca Chilufya scoring twice as the Copper Queens prepare for WAFCON. Air Zimbabwe London Return: Air Zimbabwe plans to resume London flights from 1 July via a wet-lease ACMI deal with Spain’s Plus Ultra to operate Harare–London Gatwick. Conservation Update: Black rhinos are being reintroduced into Zimbabwe’s Matusadona National Park, three decades after poaching wiped out most of the population. Sports Diplomacy: Zimbabwe and Zambia are pushing closer ties, with a services business mission in Lusaka urging local firms to win contracts in Zambia.

Budiriro Tragedy: Harare Residents Trust accuses Harare City Council of negligence after three residents died after falling into an unsecured sewer pit during repairs, with HRT calling it a “systemic” safety failure and demanding a full investigation. Xenophobia and Migration: South Africa’s public universities employ more than 7,000 foreign academics, with Zimbabweans (27%) and Nigerians (14%) among the biggest groups, as anti-immigrant tensions and periodic attacks continue to target migrants. Air Zimbabwe London Return: Air Zimbabwe plans to resume Harare–London Gatwick flights for the first time in over 14 years via a 13-month wet-lease deal with Spanish carrier Plus Ultra, using A330-200 aircraft under ACMI arrangements. Elections Fees Row: The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission says it will review complaints after sharply raised nomination and accreditation fees sparked fears they could price out candidates ahead of future polls. Food and Climate Resilience: Women smallholder farmers attended training on food sovereignty, gender justice and climate resilience, aimed at strengthening rural women’s role in agroecology and seed/land control. Lithium Industry Leadership: Mutapa Energy Resources CEO Innocent Rukweza has been appointed chair of the Lithium Association of Zimbabwe as the country pushes for more beneficiation and value addition.

Budiriro sewer tragedy: Harare City Council is facing fresh anger after three bodies were recovered from an open, unmarked sewer pond in Budiriro 3, with residents accusing negligence and calling for the city to take responsibility. Health upgrade via sugar tax: Treasury says it will keep funding cancer equipment through the sugar tax cancer fund, with a new high-energy linear accelerator headed for Parirenyatwa and another already delivered for Mpilo. Urban transport push: Government-backed plans will bring at least 200 public service buses soon, with 500 more under manufacture, aiming to cut illegal touting and pirate taxes in cities like Harare. Firearms licensing overhaul: ZRP says it is working on a regional biometric fingerprinting system for firearm owners, to build a database and improve cross-border tracking. Crime and courts: Five men jailed for about 11 years each after a US$745 000 robbery at Quest Financial Services; separately, a businessman won a US$500 000 defamation case over false claims linking him to coke theft and smuggling. CAB3 referendum debate: Civic groups insist Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 must go to a national referendum, warning the process and public participation are flawed. South Africa migration fallout: Zimbabweans continue returning home after xenophobia-linked attacks, while Ramaphosa’s anti-vigilante message is backed by Zimbabwean groups urging rule-of-law enforcement.

Lithium Value Push: Zimbabwe’s move to ban exports of unprocessed lithium concentrate is aimed at keeping more value in-country, as processed chemicals fetch far higher prices than raw spodumene. Higher Education Oversight: Minister Frederick Shava orders mandatory pre-departure clearance for Zimbabweans studying abroad and pushes Treasury to address tertiary funding gaps. Harare Safety Shock: Three people died after falling into an unguarded Budiriro 3 sewer pit during council repairs, with residents calling for accountability and compensation. Mining Sector Focus: Government pledges a big boost for mining and urges stronger state support for the Zimbabwe School of Mines. Cancer Care Upgrade: Mpilo Central Hospital’s cancer treatment upgrade is nearing completion, with more investment promised. Currency Liquidity Tool: RBZ introduces new ZiG-denominated term deposit facility bills to absorb excess liquidity and stabilise the exchange rate. Regional Migration Tensions: South Africa’s Ramaphosa vows tougher action on illegal migration while rejecting xenophobia, as anti-migrant protests continue and Malawi begins voluntary repatriations. Tobacco Market Reality: Tobacco volumes rose in the 2026 marketing season, but prices fell sharply, cutting farmers’ earnings.

Xenophobia Fallout: Seventy-four Zimbabweans repatriated from Mossel Bay arrived at Beitbridge after attacks on foreign nationals, with counselling, food and transport support arranged through the Zimbabwean embassy and border agencies. Regional Migration Crackdown: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged public anger over illegal migration but warned against vigilante action, promising tighter enforcement and workplace inspections that could heighten anxiety for Zimbabweans in the country. Local Content Push: Government plans a Local Content Act to restrict imports of about US$4.5bn worth of goods Zimbabwe can produce, with a steering committee led by Prof Gift Mugano. Industrial Momentum: Manufacturing capacity utilisation rose to 57% in Q1, and officials highlighted investment and expansion at National Foods and ZimGold. Economic Zones: Mashonaland Central set for three Special Economic Zones covering energy, agro-processing/tobacco value chains, and mineral beneficiation. Environment Drive: Zimbabwe marked World Environment Day with a push for a plastic-free future and stronger action against pollution. Sports & Culture: Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026 crowned Roseanna Hall; in football, Hardrock top the Zim PSL after a 3-0 win over Simba Bhora.

CAB3 Parliament Tensions: Zimbabwe’s Constitution Amendment Bill (No. 3) debate is heating up, with opposition MPs alleging intimidation, procedural bias and exclusion from speaking lists, while Zanu-PF says it is pushing for stability and continuity. Zanu-PF Security Tightened: Reports say security around ruling party legislators has been strengthened as the vote nears, amid claims of coordinated mobilisation and fears over succession and term extension. Court Papers Allegations: Critics allege Zanu-PF leadership is withholding Constitutional Court documents from MPs facing legal challenges, leaving some lawmakers unaware of proceedings. Bulawayo Prison Overcrowding: Khami and other Bulawayo facilities are holding 5,456 inmates against a capacity of 4,554—902 over the approved limit—raising pressure on services. Food Safety Crackdown: Bulawayo inspected 1,715 premises, issued 66 intimations and 66 tickets, and destroyed about 1,500kg of rotten elephant meat. ZRP Alcohol Smuggling Bust: Police in Harare arrested a suspect and seized 2,760 bottles of illicit alcohol, with investigations ongoing. UN Security Council Win: Zimbabwe’s election to the UN Security Council continues to draw international attention, with officials framing it as a diplomatic milestone. Malawi Repatriation Begins: Malawi has started voluntary evacuation of nationals from South Africa; the first 150 are travelling home via road through Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026: Roseanna Hall was crowned in Harare, with the finale drawing major attention after a stage invasion by Temba Mliswa.

UN Security Council Win: Zimbabwe clinched a non-permanent UNSC seat for 2027–2028 with 182 of 190 votes, with President Mnangagwa calling it a diplomatic milestone and proof of Zimbabwe’s rising standing. Parliament Oversight Reset: Parliament is shifting to results-based oversight, rolling out performance contracts and independent evaluations under an Integrated Results-Based Management framework. Constitutional Amendment Bill (No. 3): Lawmakers are expected to vote on the Bill this week after debate, with ZANU PF and opposition MPs trading procedural and political arguments. Health & Cancer Care: Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube says Mpilo and Parirenyatwa will keep upgrading cancer diagnosis and treatment, funded by the sugar content tax, with more machines promised. Environment: A major nationwide river restoration programme begins after a state of disaster declaration over riverine ecosystems, including a 90-day suspension of activities in heavily degraded areas. Sports (Women’s Football): The Mighty Warriors reached the Four Nations final after beating Lesotho 3–1, setting up a final against Zambia. Regional Mobility: Republic of Congo announced visa-free access for all African citizens from 1 January 2027, including Zimbabweans. Road Tragedy: Two Zimbabweans died and one is missing after a bakkie carrying five nationals was swept off a flooded bridge in Eastern Cape.

UN Diplomacy: Zimbabwe clinched a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, winning 182 votes and set to serve 2027-2028, with Harare pledging to push peace and Africa’s interests. Harare Housing Crackdown: Harare City Council is set for a demolition blitz targeting over 5,000 homes, backed by 37 High Court orders, after a survey of 22,255 sites. Water Access in Bulawayo: Presidential adviser Dr Paul Tungwarara commissioned the Presidential Borehole Scheme in Cowdray Park, part of a wider push for solar boreholes and clean water. Road Safety Enforcement: ZRP arrested 447 people for unregistered or plateless motorcycles and 83 for riding without helmets under a nationwide registration-and-helmet operation. Sports—Women’s Football: The Copper Queens reached the Four Nations final in Ndola after beating Kenya on penalties, with Zimbabwe set to face them in the final. Sports—PSL: Dynamos demanded an independent probe into violence that led to the abandonment of their match against Hardrock before a disciplinary hearing. Crime & Borders: Police in Limpopo arrested a Zimbabwean driver with illicit tobacco worth R1.5m, seizing a truck and charging him over customs and immigration violations. Health in Prisons: NAC expanded HIV prevention and health outreach at Khami Maximum Prison, boosting peer education and primary healthcare access for inmates.

UN Security Council: Zimbabwe clinched a non-permanent UNSC seat for 2027–2028 with 182 votes, drawing praise and fresh diplomatic attention, including a UK pledge to work closely during the term. Constitutional politics (CAB3): Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa says the CAB3 parliamentary process is “compromised” and illegitimate, as debate continues to spark accusations of intimidation and sidelining. Public safety & crime: Police say they seized nearly two tonnes of dagga at Beitbridge and arrested a truck driver linked to a suspected trafficking ring. Health access: New cancer treatment machines (LINACs) are set to boost radiotherapy capacity at Mpilo and Parirenyatwa, aiming to cut delays and costly travel. Conservation: Black rhinos have been reintroduced to Matusadona National Park after 30 years, with 17 animals flown in using modern tracking and anti-poaching tech. Local governance: Harare’s demolition blitz threatens thousands of homes and businesses, with allegations that land barons and politically connected figures are behind illegal land invasions. Regional integration: SADC justice ministers adopted key legal instruments in Victoria Falls to improve trade, health, tourism and pooled pharmaceutical procurement.

Constitutional Politics (CAB3): Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa says Parliament’s CAB3 process is compromised, warning “an illegitimate process cannot produce legitimacy,” as debate continues over provisions that could extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure. Local Governance: Victoria Falls City Council erupts after the recall of three CCC councillors, with one arrested on the spot and others disputing the recall’s legitimacy. Regional Integration (SADC): SADC adopted key legal instruments in Victoria Falls, including a Tourism Univisa to ease travel, pooled procurement for medicines, and renewed moves to revive the SADC Tribunal. Education & Skills: Treasury releases 50% of Zimbabwe School of Mines’ annual funding, ring-fenced to address delays and shortages. Health & Accountability: Zimbabwe’s sugar tax is credited with bringing advanced cancer radiotherapy machines, but an editorial calls for transparency on suppliers, procurement and costs. HIV Response: NAC reports Bulawayo remains on track in HIV targets, while Umguza’s community-led awareness drive boosts condom uptake and reduces stigma. Livestock & Trade: South Africa launches a voluntary FMD vaccination scheme, raising stakes for Zimbabwe’s border disease control and veterinary cooperation. Mining Youth: Young Miners Foundation @16 summit is set for Masvingo, spotlighting skills, value addition and support for young miners.

UN Diplomacy: Zimbabwe’s resounding election to a non-permanent UN Security Council seat for 2027–28 has drawn global praise, with President Mnangagwa calling it a national win and saying “it’s not on my shoulders, it’s on the country’s.” Constitutional Politics: Parliament debates Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, with opposition MPs warning that changing the presidential election system won’t stop violence and urging reforms instead. Fuel Costs: Government hikes the Strategic Reserve Levy on diesel and petrol, effective 2 June, pushing diesel to US$0.12/litre and petrol to US$0.523/litre. Food Security & Industry: Indigenous millers back grain import levies, arguing they protect land reform gains and local farmers, while opponents push back through court action. Women’s Livelihoods: Police crackdown on rural women using e-tricycles threatens incomes amid steep registration and licensing demands. Crime: Four Harare men get 12 years each for a 2022 armed robbery in Eastlea that netted cash, phones and title deeds. Culture & Education: Chinese embassy open day in Harare spotlights children’s art and music, while Zimbabwe pushes a sovereign digital education plan at an Accra summit. Sports: Scott Vincent and Tyrrell Hatton share the LIV Golf Andalucia lead after round one; Zimbabwe’s Davis Cup squad includes Emakhandeni Tennis Courts products.