AGP Executive Report

High Court Bail Showdown: Zimbabwe’s High Court is set to rule Thursday on MDC 7 bail appeals, with seven opposition figures still in custody since late April over alleged links to planned demonstrations against CAB3—lawyers argue weak charges and a breach of presumption of innocence. CAB3 Media Clampdown: Journalists were barred from live coverage inside the Constitutional Court during the CAB3 challenge hearing, after the court rejected a request for on-site live broadcasting. Tobacco Security Push: ZRP launched a crime-awareness blitz at tobacco auction floors in Mvurwi, warning farmers about armed robbery, murder and stock theft as cash moves during the marketing season. Health Fraud Warning: Authorities flagged the “Organicare” case after an unlicensed Ruwa pharmaceutical factory was raided—capsules were reportedly filled with unknown substances and even crushed nut shells, targeting infertility and STI sufferers. Economy Watch: RBZ’s ZiG1.2bn targeted credit facility is drawing criticism after banks used under 5%, leaving much of the money unused while businesses still plead for loans. Regional Food Agenda: SADC agriculture and food security ministers meet in Victoria Falls May 29 to push regional food systems resilience and the blue economy.

China-Africa Media Push: Information Minister Zhemu Soda led a Zimbabwe media delegation in China, pitching stronger storytelling and urging Zimbabwe to learn from China’s poverty eradication and modernisation as it drives Vision 2030. Ivory Court Fight: In Hwange, five men accused of poaching and trafficking raw ivory were remanded in custody after the State opposed bail. Road Rehab Stalls: Treasury limits are slowing the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway rehabilitation, with lawmakers warning the bad road is hurting tourism and travel. Mercury Crackdown in Mining: Planet Gold Zimbabwe says it will remove 4.85 tonnes of mercury from artisanal gold sites across eight hotspots while pushing formalisation and mercury-free processing. CAB3 Under Legal Pressure: Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court blocked a private outlet from live-streaming a CAB3-related challenge ahead of the hearing. Drug War Numbers: Government says ZiG80 million in drugs were seized, with thousands arraigned and hundreds convicted. Food Aid Gap: WFP says it needs US$36.5m for six months as hunger worsens. Culture Day Tomorrow: Mnangagwa is set to preside over Bulawayo’s National Culture Month celebrations.

Police Under-Strength: Zimbabwe’s armed robbery crisis is worsening as ZRP says it can’t “arrest its way out” of the epidemic with only 28% of its required force—28% of the 50,000-officer establishment, leaving a 36,000 gap. Smart Surveillance: Harare and Bulawayo drivers are now facing AI traffic cameras on upgraded lights, but the rollout raises questions about infrastructure, contracts, and privacy. Courtroom Fallout: A rogue “cop” who falsely declared himself Police Commissioner-General was acquitted on a special verdict of mental illness and ordered back to Chikurubi Psychiatric Hospital. Central Bank Theft: RBZ employee Pets Napwaro was sentenced to 3 years for stealing $1,500 and losing it on an online Aviator bet. Teachers Squeezed: A new report says nearly 80% of teachers are trapped in loan servicing as salaries plunge. Agriculture Push: Mary Ellen Farm is wrapping winter wheat with a target of 10 tonnes/ha using precision farming. Economy Signals: RBZ reports 8% growth, rising reserves, and a stronger ZiG. CAB3 Politics: Religious and civic voices keep clashing over Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 as consultations near their end.

CAB3 Clash: Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 is under fresh legal pressure as the Law Society of Zimbabwe warns key clauses extending presidential and parliamentary terms to seven years are unconstitutional unless a referendum is held—calling out a “notwithstanding” workaround. Church Split: Indigenous churches and some church bodies are backing CAB3, while Catholic bishops reject it outright, deepening a widening divide over who should shape constitutional change. Parliament Crunch: Parliament says it has received 300,000+ submissions as the 90-day consultation window closed, but it still hasn’t said how many support or oppose the bill. Economy & Trade: China says its new zero-tariff policy for imports from African countries will boost Zimbabwe’s exports. Social Protection: NSSA moves toward covering over 3 million informal workers under a new social security scheme. Sports & Culture: Zimbabwe’s National Sports Stadium gets a high-profile refurbishment inspection, while three short films launch as the 2025 Year of Film continues.

CAB3 Court Showdown: Zimbabwe’s High Court is set to rule Thursday on a bail appeal by seven MDC activists held since late April over alleged links to planned demonstrations against Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, with the State opposing release and the defence arguing weak charges and a breach of the presumption of innocence. Judiciary Milestone: President Emmerson Mnangagwa has sworn in Elizabeth Gwaunza as Zimbabwe’s first female Chief Justice, with Paddington Garwe as Deputy Chief Justice, as Luke Malaba’s controversial exit still hangs over debates on judicial independence. Politics & Protocol: Mnangagwa defended an unannounced trip to Belarus, using “a king can always travel” language that critics say raises fresh questions about executive authority and constitutional procedure. Sports & Investment: Sakunda-funded refurbishments are accelerating at the National Sports Stadium as ministers and ZIFA leadership toured works ahead of Zimbabwe’s long-awaited return to international football. Debt Relief Push: The AfDB approved a US$4m grant to support Zimbabwe’s arrears clearance dialogue and reforms, aimed at unlocking external financing. Local Economy: The 2026 cotton marketing season opened May 18 with set minimum seed prices and hundreds of buying points nationwide.

Constitutional showdown: The 90-day public consultation on CAB3 has officially closed, with Parliament set to compile a report after receiving over 300,000 submissions—while the Law Society of Zimbabwe warns key term-extension clauses could be unconstitutional without a referendum. Land and governance: Government says a nationwide land audit is coming to identify idle farms, multiple ownership and irregular allocations. Food security: Zimbabwe reportedly saved about US$70m in the first quarter as maize imports fell, easing pressure on foreign currency. Finance for SMEs: Afreximbank injected US$15m into Ecobank Zimbabwe to boost SME export-linked lending. Humanitarian and regional ties: Tagwirei’s Bridging Gaps Foundation donated US$500k in Mozambique for disaster relief, and SADC public accounts committees meet in Namibia to strengthen oversight. Politics at local level: Zanu PF says it is confident ahead of June 20 Tsholotsho by-elections after Saturday primaries. Culture and diplomacy: China urged Zimbabwe to tell its own story through film, linking cinema to tourism and investment.

Constitutional showdown: Zimbabwe’s 90-day public consultation for the Constitution Amendment Bill (No. 3/CAB3) has officially closed after more than 300,000 submissions, setting up Parliament’s next step: compiling a national report as the bill heads toward debate. Church and civil pressure: Indigenous church leaders backed CAB3, but other church voices and church leaders are pushing back hard, warning term-extension moves could weaken constitutional democracy. Unpaid care work spotlight: Parliament is also being urged to act on unpaid care and domestic work, with women’s groups demanding budgeting and laws that recognise and reduce the burden. Mining and jobs: Government says lithium export quotas are already creating jobs and pushing value addition, after earlier moves to suspend exports of unprocessed minerals. Media under strain: Zimbabwe’s media crisis is deepening, with reports of journalists’ pay and working conditions collapsing—while a separate controversy at Capitalk FM reignites debate on ethics and influence. Public safety: Bulawayo is reeling after a case involving the brutal death of a six-year-old, as police investigate.

Currency & Gold Backing: RBZ says Zimbabwe’s gold reserves have jumped 198.7% in two years to 4.48 tonnes, with ZiG now backed by about US$1.4bn—an effort to calm currency swings and rebuild trust. Constitutional Amendment CAB3: Parliament has received over 300,000 public submissions as the 90-day consultation window closes tomorrow, with first reading expected early June—while churches and bishops intensify pressure, including support from indigenous churches and a stronger Catholic objection. Development Finance Push: Zimbabwe has begun formal talks to join the BRICS New Development Bank, seeking long-term funding as it remains shut out of some traditional lenders. Economy & Jobs Signals: Poultry output’s gross value has surged past US$1.2bn, and Delta’s Chibuku sales hit a record 4.62 million hectolitres. Road Safety Alarm: ZRP reports 2,081 pedestrians killed or injured in hit-and-run cases from January to March. Agriculture Watch: Tobacco stalk removal deadlines have lapsed, with authorities urging compliance ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Constitutional Showdown: Zimbabwe’s Catholic bishops have called proposed CAB3 constitutional changes “deeply concerning,” warning Parliament against amending without a referendum, as Churches Rally for CAB3: the Zimbabwe Indigenous Interdenominational Council of Churches (ZIICC) throws its weight behind CAB3 and urges MPs to pass it in the national interest. Media Under Fire: Wicknell Chivayo’s “thank you economy” keeps sparking backlash—critics point to a luxury vehicle parked over a pothole—and a fresh dispute erupts over claims and counterclaims involving media ethics. Economy & Currency: The RBZ says the latest currency carnage is driven by firms manipulating the Zimbabwe dollar, not a US$ shortage, as inflation stays extremely high. BRICS New Development Bank: Zimbabwe has begun formal talks to join the BRICS New Development Bank, with Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube saying it could unlock long-term development funding. Mining & Energy: Bikita Minerals resumes lithium concentrate exports under a new export framework, while UDCORP pushes green construction with bio-digester sewer tech. Sports & Culture: Pakistan’s Fatima Sana sets a new fastest WT20I fifty record vs Zimbabwe; Zimbabweans also set a new Chibuku drinking record.

Fuel Pressure: Tanzania is among Africa’s top 10 for May 2026 fuel prices, with Zimbabwe also flagged high on the list—another reminder that transport and food costs stay under strain. Tech Push: Government defended Starlink’s rollout as competition, while Nzvimbe villagers got a solar mini-grid powering schools, a clinic, businesses and homes. Local Industry: Avantis Technologies launched Zimbabwe’s first locally manufactured laptop and is eyeing listings on VFEX and Tel Aviv. Judiciary Milestone: Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza was appointed Zimbabwe’s first female Chief Justice, with Justice Paddington Garwe named Deputy Chief Justice. Health Worker Tension: A deputy minister’s “only God” comment to nurses sparked fresh backlash after recent strike demands. Politics & Accountability: Parliament flagged poor Constituency Development Fund acquittal compliance—118 MPs still haven’t accounted for funds. Sports: Pakistan completed a T20I whitewash over Zimbabwe, winning by 133 runs in Karachi.

Nurses’ Pay Row: Zimbabwe’s deputy health minister told striking nurses that “only God” could reward them adequately, reigniting anger over low pay and worsening conditions after a recent three-day strike. Girls in Tech: Thousands of girls and young women packed NUST for International Girls in ICT Day, with AI sessions and mentorship aimed at boosting STEM participation. Finance Push: Government urged pension funds to stop acting like passive asset holders and instead back productive investments under NDS2 and Vision 2030. Regional Diplomacy: VP Kembo Mohadi is set to attend the burial of Botswana’s late former president Festus Mogae, representing President Mnangagwa. Connectivity Battle: Starlink’s rise is being matched by steady fibre growth, with fibre subscriptions doubling over recent years. Politics at Home: Nelson Chamisa faces backlash over criticism of efforts to unite against CAB3. Sports: Pakistan completed a women’s T20I series whitewash over Zimbabwe, while Zimbabwe’s men’s team were also swept in the T20I series in Karachi. Migration Data: Zimbabwe launched a national migration data strategy (2025–2030) to improve planning and governance.

Constitutional showdown: Attorney General Virginia Mabhiza says calls for a referendum on the Constitutional Amendment (No. 3) Bill are “unconstitutional,” arguing the law only requires referendums for specific chapters and sections—setting up a tense parliamentary vote. Judiciary transition: Chief Justice Luke Malaba bows out after 45 years, but the bigger political storm is his controversial tenure extension; Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza is sworn in as Zimbabwe’s first female Chief Justice, with Paddington Garwe as Deputy. Cost-of-living and finance: Treasury signals measured interest-rate cuts and Cabinet-approved reforms cap cash withdrawal fees at 2% for USD and ZiG, while mobile money transfer charges are reduced. Economy and jobs: A report warns of a “firing” economy, with 65,000 jobs shed in 90 days, even as officials push industrial-growth plans. Mining and agriculture: Tobacco hits new highs under smallholder contracts with Chinese firms, while Shurugwi’s “looted billions” debate flares over who benefits from mining. Sports and society: Highlanders’ supporters rally behind Benjani Mwaruwari after a key win; meanwhile, a medical-aid reform debate sparks fears of a “death spiral” for public hospitals.

Banking Relief: Zimbabwe has capped bank cash withdrawal charges at 2% for both USD and ZiG, a Cabinet-approved reform already in force since March 31—aimed at cutting costs for everyday users. Judiciary Milestone: President Mnangagwa appointed Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza as Zimbabwe’s first female Chief Justice, effective May 15, with Paddington Garwe named Deputy Chief Justice. Mining & Exports: Ariana Resources says RC drilling at Dokwe extends gold mineralisation at least 150m beyond its resource boundary, while Bikita Minerals resumed lithium concentrate exports after securing an export licence. Health & Safety: Hantavirus monitoring is under way in Harare after three Zimbabweans were quarantined following potential exposure linked to a cruise ship outbreak. Remittances Push: Kuva launched InnBucks Direct to speed diaspora remittances into Zimbabwe wallets. Sports: Pakistan took a 2-0 lead over Zimbabwe in the women’s T20I series after winning the second match in Karachi. Politics & Rights: Catholic bishops submitted a full rejection of CAB3 to parliament, arguing it weakens democratic safeguards.

Constitutional Showdown: Attorney General Virginia Mabhiza has dismissed calls for a national referendum on CAB3, arguing referenda are only for specific constitutional areas and Parliament’s two-thirds route should stand. Mining Push: Zimbabwe’s mineral sales hit about US$983.85m in Q1, with lithium and PGMs leading after the export ban on unbeneficiated minerals. Health Relief: Cabinet has approved sweeping fee cuts in the health sector, including 20–30% reductions for hospital and lab medical provider fees. Sports & Culture: Zimfest 2026 is set to move to Delapré Abbey, Northamptonshire on 25 July, while Zimbabwe Cricket says it has trained 550 community coaches and officials to spread the game beyond cities. Police Crackdown: ZRP has launched a manhunt for Hezy Motors director Hazel Mafu over alleged US$155k vehicle import fraud. Labour Voice: ZDAMWU is pushing a worker-centred “just transition” for mining’s green shift.

Health Fees Cut: Government says it has approved sweeping reductions in health-sector licensing and operational charges, including 20%–30% cuts in provider fees for hospitals and labs, aiming to lower compliance costs and boost access. Court Showdown: The long-running Assemblies of God property fight between AoG-BTG and AoG-SM is back in the High Court over Marondera church land. Mining & Safety: Police are hunting a Hezy Motors director over alleged vehicle import fraud totalling US$155k+ while, in gold, fresh deaths in Chegutu and other areas underline how recurring shaft collapses keep outpacing enforcement. Gold Leakages Push: Fidelity Gold Refinery moves to formalise small-scale miners to plug smuggling and improve traceability. Water Infrastructure: Gwayi-Shangani booster pump works near completion, with Pump Station Three expected to finish this year. Regional Politics: South Africa’s Ramaphosa faces renewed backlash over a Zimbabwe farm visit, as Mapisa-Nqakula claims she was “deployed” and denies a “jolly ride.” Sports: Herentals Queens thrash Mpopoma 5-0 as Lynette Zembe scores four.

Succession & Power: Mnangagwa’s latest move—appointing retired General Philip Valerio Sibanda to ZANU-PF’s Politburo—has reignited succession talk, with analysts pointing to how security figures keep influence after retirement. Constitutional Tension: The wider backdrop is the growing regional alarm over Mnangagwa’s term-extension plan and the push to change how presidents are chosen. Governance & Integrity: Zimbabwe Republic Police dismissed a fake Douglas Coltart-related press statement circulating online, warning the public against forged “official” updates. Economy & Business: RioZim is back in the spotlight as a minority shareholder seeks corporate rescue over alleged liquidity stress tied to a reported US$76.5m debt. Health & Agriculture: South Africa’s FMD vaccine rollout is accelerating, with more doses arriving as the region battles livestock disease. Energy & Industry: ZESA says private players are adding generation capacity to cut load shedding, while Zimbabwe also pushes new vehicle assembly and regulatory “ease of doing business” reforms. Sports: Pakistan’s Shan Masood admits his team must self-reflect after a Test defeat in Mirpur; Pakistan Women also crushed Zimbabwe in the first T20I.