Isaac Makomichi, an ally of Zimbabwe’s Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, reportedly escaped a kidnapping attempt by suspected state security agents in Masvingo.
What happened:
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Makomichi got a suspicious call from people claiming to be police, asking where he was so they could retrieve a phone supposedly left in his car.
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Feeling uneasy, he insisted they meet at the central police station.
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At the station, three men in an unmarked truck (with no license plates) were seen nearby but refused to go inside.
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One man forced open Makomichi’s car door and searched it, but found nothing.
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The men then tried to persuade him to go to a secluded spot for a “more thorough search.” He refused.
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When Makomichi demanded proper ID and police procedure, the men called over someone in a police uniform and then suddenly left.
Why it matters:
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The incident has raised fears of political targeting amid internal rivalries.
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Unconfirmed reports suggest operatives linked to businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei and the “2030 agenda” may be tracking or intimidating Chiwenga supporters.
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Makomichi and his lawyers plan to file a formal police report, citing concerns over misuse of security forces and threats to political freedoms in Zimbabwe.
Key events for today
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Zimbabwe @46 Independence Gala – Ongoing in Maphisa.
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Trump in Phoenix, Arizona (April 17, 2026) – Spoke at a Turning Point USA rally, kicking off the 2026 midterm campaign. He urged supporters to win control of Congress in the November 3, 2026 election, calling it a turning point for his policies.
Top trending news
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Zimbabwe’s Independence Day: Businessman Wicknell Chivayo pledged US$3.6 million – US$10,000 to each of the 360 MPs and Senators – for local projects like boreholes and sanitation. Funds will go through the Speaker of Parliament with the President’s approval. The gesture has sparked debate over the source of the money and its timing amid talk of constitutional changes.
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Crocodile at a lodge:Â @ladydebidebz1 shared video of a large crocodile entering the lobby of A’zambezi River Lodge in Victoria Falls, climbing onto the front desk. Staff safely removed it. No one was hurt.
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DNA tests at NUST: 40% show the tested child is not biologically related to the father.
Africa
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South Africa–US relations: Roelf Meyer, the former National Party negotiator who helped end apartheid, has been appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa as South Africa’s ambassador to the US. His goal is to repair ties after recent tensions. He famously worked closely with Ramaphosa (then ANC negotiator) during the early 1990s transition. He later served as a minister under both F.W. de Klerk and Nelson Mandela.
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Ratanang Malema – Being groomed to take over as EFF president.
