6 December 2025
Today’s morning update brings a mix of shocking crime news from South Africa, critical political developments within ZANU-PF, and updates on the local soccer scene in Zimbabwe. The headline story involves the chilling assassination of a high-profile witness in South Africa, while back home, President Mnangagwa has effectively closed the door on the 2030 slogan.
Key Stories Covered:
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Assassination in South Africa: Madlanga Commission witness shot dead at home.
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ZANU-PF Succession: Mnangagwa bids farewell; no “2030” extension plan.
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FIFA World Cup: The 2026 draw has been concluded for the 48 participating teams.
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Soccer Star of the Year: Washington Navaya named Zimbabwe Soccer Star of the Year.
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Magaya Legal Troubles: Prophet Magaya’s bodyguard arrested for bribery.
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Labor Dispute: Access Forex employees petition over unpaid salaries.
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Madzibaba Ishmael: Sentencing delayed pending HIV testing.
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Taxi Violence: Escalating taxi wars in South Africa.
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Media Controversy: ZACC journalism awards criticized.
Brief Summaries
Madlanga Commission Witness Assassinated
In a chilling development in South Africa, Marius Van der Merwe, a key witness for the Majlanga Commission, was assassinated at his home roughly five hours ago. Van der Merwe was shot dead by unknown assailants upon entering his residence, right in front of his wife and two children. He had previously testified regarding the “Mukwanazi” case and was scheduled to testify further regarding illegal mining.
Mnangagwa Bids Farewell
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially closed the ZANU-PF calendar with a final speech that signaled the end of the “2030” term extension ambitions. Bidding farewell with the phrase “Pasi ne zvigananda,” Mnangagwa indicated that many current leaders will not make it through to the next year politically. Notably, advisor Tungwarara failed to be co-opted into the Central Committee, leaving the succession plan unclear as factions between Chiwenga and Tagwirei continue to shift.
Zimbabwe Soccer Awards and FIFA Draw
Washington Navaya of TelOne FC has been crowned the 2025 Zimbabwe Soccer Star of the Year, with Kelvin Moyo as the runner-up. Tonderai Ndiraya was named Coach of the Year for his success with Simba Bhora. On the international stage, the draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026, hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the USA, has been finalized, featuring 48 teams for the first time.
Crime and Courts
Tapiwa Felix Chikono, a bodyguard for Prophet Magaya, has been arrested after being caught sending a $200 bribe to the mother of a victim to discourage police cooperation. In another high-profile case, the sentencing of Madzibaba Ishmael was postponed; the court has ordered him to undergo an HIV test, which will influence the severity of his sentencing regarding the minors involved.
Business and Labor Issues
Employees of Access Forex have written a petition alleging unfair labor practices, stating they have not had valid contracts since 2022 and have been stripped of fixed salaries, now relying solely on commissions. Meanwhile, AfricZim Bank is making headlines for constructing one of the largest buildings in Harare to boost regional trade.
South African Taxi Violence
The security situation in South Africa continues to deteriorate with escalating taxi violence. Recent statistics indicate that between 50 and 60 taxi bosses and operators have been killed in ongoing wars over routes in recent months.
Announcements and Projects
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Concert: Rebecca Malope and Sipho Makhabane will be performing tonight at the “Grateful Experience” show in Zimbabwe.
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Cancer Hospital Project: Gambakwe Media is spearheading a project to build a 30-bed specialist cancer hospital in Zimbabwe, aimed at providing high-end care for locals and the diaspora to prevent the need to travel to India for treatment.
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Muve Product: Viewers are encouraged to try the Muve stomach health product for digestive well-being.
Call to Action:
Please subscribe to the channel for daily updates. If you are interested in the Cancer Hospital project or have information regarding the news stories, please reach out.
