AGP Executive Report

Police Understaffed, Crime Soars: ZRP says armed robberies hit 1,282 in the past year, up 4% versus earlier years, while Parliament heard the force is operating at just 28% capacity with only 14,000 officers against a 50,000 target. Smart Cities, Privacy Questions: Harare and Bulawayo are rolling out AI traffic cameras on refurbished lights, but the push raises concerns over infrastructure, contracts and surveillance. Courtroom Twist: A rogue “cop” who falsely claimed top police leadership was acquitted on a mental illness special verdict. Politics & CAB3 Heat: Mnangagwa defended chaotic CAB3 consultations, while new church-linked chants for the bill spark fresh backlash. Sports & Regional Focus: Australia tours Zimbabwe for three ODIs in September, and the AFCON 2027 draw placed Zimbabwe in Group E with DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Sierra Leone. Economy & Agriculture: RBZ reports 8% growth and stronger ZiG, while Mary Ellen Farm targets 10 tonnes/ha winter wheat using precision farming.

Constitutional Showdown: Parliament’s CAB3 debate is heating up as the 90-day public consultation closes with 300,000 submissions, but lawmakers still haven’t said how many back or oppose the bill—while the Law Society of Zimbabwe warns key term-extension clauses are unconstitutional without a referendum. Judiciary Milestone: President Mnangagwa swore in Zimbabwe’s first female Chief Justice, Elizabeth Gwaunza, and her deputy, Paddington Garwe, marking a historic shift at the top of the courts. Justice Under Pressure: A High Court ruling is expected Thursday on bail for seven MDC activists held over alleged protest-related charges tied to CAB3. Sports & National Pride: Zimbabwe rugby celebrated a triple ANSA glory for the Sables, while ZIFA boss Nqobile Magwizi was elected to Cosafa leadership. Economy Signals: China’s ambassador backed Zimbabwe’s zero-tariff push as a boost for exports, and a new NSSA informal-sector pension rollout targets millions of workers.

CAB3 Court Showdown: Zimbabwe’s High Court is set to rule Thursday on bail for seven MDC activists held since late April over alleged links to planned protests against Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, with the State opposing release and lawyers arguing weak charges and a breach of the presumption of innocence. Judiciary Milestone: President Mnangagwa swore in new Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza and Deputy Chief Justice Paddington Garwe, marking the first female Chief Justice in Zimbabwe. CAB3 Church Split: As the 90-day CAB3 consultation period closed with reportedly 300,000+ submissions, Catholic bishops rejected the bill while indigenous churches backed it, exposing a widening divide. Sports & Infrastructure: Ministers and football chiefs toured the National Sports Stadium as Sakunda-funded refurbishments gather pace for Zimbabwe’s return to international fixtures. Water Politics: Marondera CCC mayor Chengetai Murova praised Mnangagwa’s borehole scheme for helping him fulfil 2023 election promises. Private Security Crackdown: Government warned it will regulate Zimbabwe’s fast-growing private security sector amid unregistered operators and cash-in-transit robberies.

Film Diplomacy Push: A senior China Film Group executive urged Zimbabwe to stop being defined by Western stereotypes and instead “tell its own story” through film—linking cinema with tourism and people-to-people learning. Corporate Fallout: CAPS Holdings’ collapse is being framed as one of Zimbabwe’s biggest corporate scandals, with shareholders, workers and pensioners left exposed. Constitutional Clash: The Law Society of Zimbabwe warns CAB3 term-extension clauses are unconstitutional without a referendum, after the 90-day public consultation period ends and Parliament moves to compile its report. Judicial Milestone: Zimbabwe marks the appointment of Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza as the first female Chief Justice, with officials calling it a major step toward judicial equity. Economy & Jobs: Government says lithium export quotas are already supporting over 5,000 jobs while pushing value addition. Health & Security: MCAZ praises police and public vigilance after an illegal medicines operation was uncovered. Sport: Zimbabwe’s men’s 4x400m relay team won African gold in Accra, capping a strong championships run.

Constitutional Reform Deadline: Zimbabwe’s 90-day public consultation for the Constitution Amendment (No. 3) Bill (CAB3) has officially closed, with Parliament set to compile a report after receiving more than 300,000 submissions—while the debate is already splitting churches and citizens over whether it strengthens governance or quietly extends executive power. Diaspora & Culture: President Mnangagwa is expected to officiate Bulawayo’s National Culture Month main celebrations on May 21, and Zimbabwe Achievers Awards UK in Birmingham praised the “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” push and diaspora engagement. Mining & Jobs: Government says lithium value-add quotas are already creating over 5,000 jobs, as export rules reshape mineral earnings. Road Safety Shock: ZRP reports 2,081 pedestrian hit-and-run victims in the first quarter of 2026, urging safer crossing and stricter driver responsibility. Sports & Regional Football: COSAFA’s 2026-2029 leadership was elected in Harare—Botswana’s Tariq Babitseng took the top job unopposed, with Zimbabwe’s Nqobile Magwizi and Namibia’s Robert Shimooshili among the executive.

Constitutional Showdown: Parliament has received over 300,000 submissions on the CAB3 constitutional amendment as the 90-day public consultation window closes tomorrow, with first reading expected early next month—making this one of the most fiercely debated reform drives in years. Currency & Gold Push: The RBZ says it has tamed currency volatility, while President Mnangagwa’s inspection of RBZ vaults highlights Zimbabwe’s gold surge—reserves reportedly up 198.7% to 4.48 tonnes in two years, backing the ZiG drive. Mining Under Pressure: Zimbabwe’s state diamond miner targets 5 million carats in 2026, but warns synthetic diamonds and market shocks are slashing returns. Food Security & Environment: Government plans a State of Disaster on damaged rivers over illegal mining and degradation, while an El Niño contingency plan gears up for possible drought impacts. Economy & Jobs Signals: Poultry output value has crossed US$1.2bn, and the week also brought fresh talk of BRICS bank membership talks as Zimbabwe seeks development finance.

Constitutional Heat: Zimbabwe’s Catholic bishops have renewed their strongest pushback against ZANU-PF’s CAB3 push, warning the amendment plans are “deeply concerning” and threatening democracy—while Indigenous Churches Back CAB3: the Zimbabwe Indigenous Interdenominational Council of Churches (ZIICC) says Parliament should pass CAB3, calling the process lawful and “democracy itself.” Media vs Chivayo: a fresh backlash targets attempts to muzzle journalists after the Phathisani Sibanda “Chivayo car” controversy, with critics saying the media ethics response is trying to sanitise a scandal. Public Safety: Zimbabwe Republic Police say they arrested a man in Ruwa over an alleged unlicensed medicine-making operation, raising fears unsafe products could have entered the market. Economy Pressure: the RBZ blames firms’ currency manipulation for the latest currency slide and inflation surge, not dollar shortages. Urban Green Push: UDCORP says it’s using bio-digester tech in new housing to cut old sewer-pond risks. Sports Buzz: Pakistan’s Fatima Sana smashed the fastest WT20I fifty (15 balls) in a series win over Zimbabwe; locally, Zifa hosts the COSAFA elective congress in Harare.

Fuel Pressure: Tanzania is among Africa’s worst-hit for pump prices, ranking 9th on GlobalPetrolPrices at $1.587/litre in May 2026, with Zimbabwe also listed at $2.080/litre—another reminder that transport and food costs are tightening household budgets. Justice & Accountability: In the deadly N1 crash involving Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, IPID says it can only confirm what happened after deeper analysis, as it probes two separate incidents near Bela-Bela and checks witness and technical reports. Tech Push: Zimbabwe launched its first locally manufactured laptop, the Avantis Parote 1030i, as government backs local assembly to boost digital transformation and jobs. Connectivity Debate: Government defended Starlink’s entry into telecoms, arguing competition and infrastructure expansion—not just more operators—are key to wider access. Women’s Leadership: Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza’s appointment as Zimbabwe’s first female Chief Justice is being widely celebrated, alongside Justice Paddington Garwe as Deputy Chief Justice. Sports Spotlight: Pakistan’s Fatima Sana smashed the fastest women’s T20I fifty—15 balls—against Zimbabwe in Karachi as the series ended 3-0.

Cricket Shock: Pakistan’s Fatima Sana blitzed Zimbabwe with a 15-ball world-record 50, finishing unbeaten on 62 off 19 as the hosts won by 133 runs to complete a 3-0 T20 series whitewash in Karachi. Nurses’ Pay Row: Zimbabwe’s deputy health minister told striking nurses that “only God” could pay them adequately, reigniting anger over low wages and worsening conditions. CAB3 Pushback: Opposition pressure is building ahead of the May 18 deadline, with human rights lawyer Doug Coltart submitting formal objections to Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 and urging citizens to do the same. Migration & Xenophobia: Zimbabwe warned citizens facing xenophobic attacks in South Africa to return home for jobs, while influencer Ndoyisile Sibindi denied claims he was arrested over immigration status. Tech for Girls: Thousands of girls gathered at NUST for Girls in ICT Day 2026, with AI training aimed at boosting STEM participation. Unity Cup Build-Up: Zimbabwe’s Warriors are gearing up for the Unity Cup, with squad talk dominating sports headlines.

Urban Resilience Push: Environment Minister Evelyn Ndlovu is set to launch Bulawayo’s US$19.4m U-RISE project, aiming to boost resilience in Harare and Bulawayo through nature-based solutions and better urban planning. Judiciary Shake-up: Chief Justice Luke Malaba bows out after a 45-year career, as President Mnangagwa appoints Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza—Zimbabwe’s first female Chief Justice—deputised by Paddington Garwe. Constitutional Showdown: Attorney General Virginia Mabhiza insists CAB3 Amendment No.3 needs no referendum, calling calls for one “unconstitutional,” ahead of Parliament’s vote. Economy Under Pressure: ZimStat data shows a “firing” economy—65,000 jobs cut in 90 days—while unemployment sits at 20.7% and youth joblessness remains high. Crime Watch: Police arrest Joseph Phiri over a Bulawayo armed robbery spree, with more suspects still at large. Agriculture & Food: Tobacco hits new highs under smallholder contracts, while El Niño risk rises (82% chance) threatening drought and food security. Sports Momentum: Highlanders’ supporters rally after a key win; Zimbabwe Baseball5 jumps 31 places to world No.28.

Diaspora money gets faster: Kuva just launched InnBucks Direct, letting UK-based Zimbabweans send instant transfers straight into InnBucks wallets in Zimbabwe via a network of 350+ cash pickup points. Gold drilling pushes boundaries: Ariana Resources says RC drilling at Dokwe North found gold mineralisation at least 150m beyond the current resource boundary, with a resource update and DFS lined up for 2026/2027. Innovation moves from prizes to businesses: Government has started releasing funds through Zimdef to commercialise winners of the 2025 Presidential Innovation Fair, shifting focus from rewarding ideas to funding startups. Judiciary makes history: President Mnangagwa appointed Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza as Zimbabwe’s first female Chief Justice, with Paddington Garwe named Deputy Chief Justice. Health watch: Zimbabwe is monitoring three quarantined people after potential hantavirus exposure linked to a cruise ship outbreak. Sports pressure: ZIFA suspended three referees for substandard officiating, while Pakistan beat Zimbabwe again in the women’s T20I series to take a 2-0 lead.

Immigration Crisis in SA: Ghana has approved the immediate evacuation of 300 citizens from South Africa as xenophobic tensions and protests intensify, with Foreign Minister Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa confirming the move after talks with Pretoria. Home Affairs Backlog Row: In Zimbabwe’s Senate, Matabeleland North Senator Sengezo Tshabangu pressed the government over delays in passports, birth certificates and national IDs—while the Home Affairs minister denied any backlog, citing e-passports and the Zimbabwe Population Registry System. Crime and Justice: Police have launched a manhunt for Hezy Motors director Hazel Silibaziso Mafu over alleged US$155k vehicle import fraud, and a Shamva man, Isaah Ruwaze, was jailed 15 years for knife-point rape. Sports Spotlight: Tobi Amusan won her third African 100m hurdles title in Ghana, with Zimbabwe’s Ashley Miller taking silver; meanwhile, Springboks ramp up for the Barbarians in Gqeberha with a 40-man camp squad. Health & Rights: FIFA faces a fresh warning over extreme heat risks at the 2026 World Cup, as experts urge tougher cooling rules. Culture: Zimfest 2026 shifts to Delapré Abbey in Northamptonshire, with Jah Prayzah announced as headline act.

Lithium Push Despite Export Ban: Zimbabwe’s lithium exports jumped to 240,826 tonnes worth US$178.64m in Q1 2026, up from 224,610 tonnes worth US$84.19m last year—even with a February ban on raw concentrate exports—while officials say the shift to processed products is meant to lift revenues beyond US$1bn. China Value-Add Drive: In Beijing, China-backed talks urged deeper Zimbabwe-China partnerships to extract and process critical minerals for industrial growth, framing beneficiation as the real prize. High Court Church Property Clash: The long-running AoG-BTG vs AoG-SM dispute over Marondera church land is back in the High Court tomorrow, with appellants arguing the lower court went too far on ownership. Road Safety Shock: A family in Zimbabwe is mourning after a chain crash near Bela-Bela in South Africa killed a mother and child linked to Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s security vehicle. Rail Deal Doubts: Questions are growing over the NRZ-China rail upgrade after claims the US$257m injection may be stuck before “financial closure” turns into real work. Sports & Crime Mix: Hezy Motors’ director is wanted over alleged US$155k vehicle import fraud, while women’s football saw Lynette Zembe hit four as Herentals Queens thrashed Mpopoma 5-0.

Springbok buzz with Zimbabwe links: Rassie Erasmus named a 40-man Cape Town alignment camp for 19–21 May, with 10 uncapped players including Sharks flyhalf/fullback Zekhethelo Siyaya—his first Springbok camp. Zimbabwe politics and succession heat: A fresh wave of commentary is circling around Mnangagwa’s succession planning, with Valerio Sibanda’s rise to the Zanu-PF Politburo still framed as part of a wider “term extension” panic across the region. Media ethics under pressure: Zimpapers ordered Capitalk FM staff to return most of Wicknell Chivayo’s cash gifts and told a presenter to reject a vehicle offer or resign. Court and crime: Police dismissed a fake ZRP statement about Douglas Coltart’s alleged assailants. A Chipinge man was sentenced to 15 years for rape and forced unlawful marriage involving minors. Health and agriculture spillover: South Africa announced more FMD vaccine doses arriving, while Zimbabwe exporters warn Iran-war freight costs are squeezing horticulture shipments to Europe. Sports: Pakistan’s Shan Masood said the whole team must take responsibility after a crushing Test loss in Mirpur; Pakistan Women also beat Zimbabwe Women in the first T20I.

Police Crackdown on Fake Coltart Update: Zimbabwe Republic Police says a May 11 statement circulating about alleged assailants linked to Douglas Coltart is fake and not issued by ZRP, warning the public against sharing forged “official” documents. Local Government Warning: Minister Daniel Garwe orders mayors and council officials to stop abusing Cabinet Authority for foreign travel, saying sanctioned trips are for national business—not shopping, tourism or photo ops. ZiG and Gold Debate: With ZiG now framed as “gold-backed,” a new report highlights the confusion for ordinary users over whether banknotes can be redeemed for physical gold, even as officials push confidence through reserves claims. Mining Policy Shift: Zimbabwe will review lithium export quotas next year once producers build beneficiation capacity, with quotas meant to match processing plans. Business and Services: Bulawayo entrepreneur Golden Easy Delivery says it will launch an on-demand platform for food, groceries and medication in June, aiming to roll out nationwide. Sports: Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 153 runs in the first women’s T20I after Ayesha Zafar’s record 102*; Zimbabwe’s Unity Cup squad is also named for the London semi-final vs Nigeria.

Health Shock & Trust: Zimbabwe’s hantavirus scare is back in the spotlight after three health workers were quarantined following repatriation from Ascension Island, but the government’s “NO HANTAVIRUS CASE IN ZIMBABWE” message has left many asking whether the public got the full picture. Donor Exit Pressure: A wider Africa warning is growing as USAID’s exit exposes how fragile donor-funded health systems are when local governments can’t fully finance and own programmes. Mining Safety After Tragedy: In Matobo, a mine collapse that killed two women has sparked fresh calls for stronger artisanal mining safety, formal training, and better protection for small-scale miners. Power Stability Test: Zimbabwe is enjoying 138 days without widespread load-shedding, yet officials’ promise to end it by December 2026 is meeting skepticism about whether stability can last. Politics & Rights: Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 faces new pushback, including UN experts warning that dissolving the Gender Commission could weaken protections for women and girls. Security Crackdown: Police have launched a manhunt for three suspected drug lords linked to fortified syndicate bases in Harare suburbs. Economy Watch: ZSEH expects subdued trading after Econet’s exit, while RBZ gold reserve updates keep the currency debate simmering.