Current Affairs
Chinese Nationals Jailed in Zimbabwe and South Africa Amid Crackdown on Organized Crime
Authorities in southern Africa have delivered two tough rulings against organized crime involving Chinese nationals — one in Zimbabwe for wildlife trafficking and another in South Africa for human trafficking.
On 11 September 2025, a Harare court sentenced Cong Yanzhong, a 57-year-old Chinese citizen, to 18 years in prison for illegally trading in rhino horn and ivory.
According to Zimbabwe’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Cong was arrested in July after police trailed him following a tip-off. When stopped on 16 July, he was carrying bags containing three shrink-wrapped rhino horns. He could not produce the required permits.
A search of his Harare residence uncovered an additional 36kg of raw ivory valued at just over US$6,000 (R110,000). The seized rhino horn weighed 7.7kg and was worth about US$240,000 (R4.4 million).
The magistrate imposed one of the country’s harshest recent sentences for wildlife crimes. The NPA welcomed the ruling, emphasizing Zimbabwe’s commitment to safeguarding its threatened rhino and elephant populations.
“Zimbabwe has zero tolerance for wildlife crime. This judgment demonstrates our resolve to protect our natural heritage,” the authority said.
Officials noted that poaching networks continue to exploit cross-border loopholes to supply illicit Asian markets where ivory and rhino horn remain highly sought after.
Just a day earlier, on 10 September 2025, a Johannesburg court sentenced seven Chinese nationals to 20 years each after convicting them on charges of human trafficking and kidnapping.
The group — Kevin Tsao, Chen Hui, Qin Li, Jiaqing Zhou, Ma Biao, Dai Junying, and Zhang Zhilian — had been found guilty earlier in the year on 158 counts, including exploitation, aiding illegal immigration, and breaching labour laws.
The case stemmed from a 2019 raid on a factory named Beautiful City, where investigators found 91 Malawians — 37 of them children — living and working in dire conditions. Victims reported being forced into 11-hour shifts every day of the week, deprived of rest, and prevented from leaving the premises.
One survivor testified: “We were not even allowed to go out and buy food. The meals we were given were dirty and not suitable for human consumption.”
Authorities discovered the victims had been smuggled into South Africa in shipping containers. The factory produced inner linings for blankets using recycled fabrics.
Prosecution spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the verdict reflected the seriousness of the crime: “Human trafficking has become a scourge in our country. Our porous borders make us a target.”
South Africa’s labour department, which joined the raid, stressed that the case highlights the importance of closer inter-agency collaboration to prevent similar abuses.
The consecutive rulings underscore a wider regional push against transnational criminal syndicates involved in both environmental and human exploitation. Zimbabwean prosecutors said Cong’s case should act as a deterrent to wildlife traffickers, while South African authorities pledged to ramp up efforts against human trafficking networks.
Current Affairs
Hon Gata pushes ‘Bill 3’ agenda: “This Law Will Transform Chipinge”
Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education and Member of Parliament for Mutema-Musikavanhu, Honourable Angeline Gata, has launched an aggressive constituency-wide mobilisation campaign drumming up support for the controversial Bill Number 3, describing it as a non-negotiable vehicle for Vision 2030.
Addressing hundreds of villagers at a feedback meeting, Hon. Gata left no room for ambiguity, declaring that the proposed amendments are designed to “remove impediments” to the country’s quest to attain an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
“We are here to educate and mobilise. This Bill is about unlocking resources and ensuring that no community, especially here in Mutema-Musikavanhu the biggest constituency in Chipinge Districtis left behind,” Hon. Gata.

The legislator, who won the seat in August 2023, emphasized that the new amendments would streamline governance structures and accelerate rural development, directly benefiting constituents who have long grappled with underdevelopment
Hon. Gata drew parallels between the Bill and tangible grassroots projects already transforming the area, including the recent commissioning of Tongogara FM and the planned development of 8,000 hectares of irrigation land.
“We have started with irrigation development because we are in Natural Region Five. We experience high temperatures. Bill Number 3 will ensure that such life-changing developments are protected and expanded,” she said.
She implored residents to look beyond politics and focus on the collective good.
“This is not about individuals. This is about our grandchildren.
When we say Vision 2030, we mean a Zimbabwe where every child in Mutema-Musikavanhu has access to development, education, and a bright future. That is what Bill Number 3 guarantees,” she added to thunderous applause.
empowerment .

Residents said, “Our MP is always giving us feedback from Parliament. She has proven why ZANU PF is a government of the people. We move together.”
As the Second Republic barrels towards Vision 2030, Hon Gata has vowed that Mutema-Musikavanhu will not just be a spectator but a “pacesetter” in the legislative process.
Current Affairs
Millions to Push Amendment Number 3: Madzibaba Enock
In a powerful show of solidarity with the Second Republic’s legislative agenda, prominent apostolic sect leader Madzibaba Enock has thrown his weight behind the proposed Constitutional Amendment Number 3, calling on millions of his followers across the country to rally behind the Bill as a catalyst for economic empowerment.
Addressing a gathering of faith leaders and congregants at his Budiriro shrine over the weekend, the leader of the Johanne Masowe Nyenyedzi Nomwe sect declared that the amendment is a divine instrument meant to rejuvenate the economy and propel the nation towards the attainment of Vision 2030 and the goals of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS-2).
He urged the nation to disregard narratives portraying the amendment as a tool for partisan benefit, insisting that it is a vehicle for national prosperity.
“We Must Bury Our Differences”
Madzibaba Enock, whose real name is Hebert Senda, commanded a massive audience as he delivered what he termed a “message of unity and development.” He rallied the apostolic community, estimated to be millions strong, to become active participants in the national development agenda.
“The time for division is over. We must bury our political differences and become a united force,” Madzibaba Enock said. “Amendment Number 3 is not an agenda set to benefit ZANU PF but Zimbabwe as a whole. It is a gateway for us to stabilise our governance structures so that development can flow uninterrupted to every corner of this nation.”
He emphasised that the alignment of governance frameworks under NDS-2 is crucial for long-term planning. According to government policy, NDS-2, which runs from 2026 to 2030, is anchored on fiscal discipline, macroeconomic stability, and robust value addition in sectors such as manufacturing and mining to achieve an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
The revered cleric framed the constitutional process not merely as a political exercise but as a practical tool for economic transformation that would directly benefit ordinary Zimbabweans.
“This amendment is an empowerment tool set to rejuvenate and propel the economy in line with Vision 2030,” he stated. “We cannot talk about building the country if we are constantly looking over our shoulders at the next election. We need the space to work, build industries, and pray for our leaders without the toxicity of perpetual politicking.”
His sentiments align with government assertions that longer planning horizons are necessary to see development programmes through to completion, allowing the fruits of NDS-2 to be fully realised.
The prophet, known for his close association with grassroots communities, stressed that national progress hinges on collective commitment, calling on citizens to look beyond partisan lines.
“Let us not be deceived by those who thrive on confusion,” Madzibaba Enock warned. “When we are united, God answers our prayers. When we are divided, we remain poor. We need to support this initiative so that our children can inherit a prosperous Zimbabwe.”
Rejecting False Narratives
Responding to criticism from some civil society organisations and legal experts who argue that the amendments consolidate executive power and undermine democracy, Madzibaba Enock dismissed these concerns as foreign to the values of the majority.
“Those crying foul are the same voices that do not want to see Africa rising,” he claimed. “We, the people of Zimbabwe living in townships and villages, know what we need. We need development, we need roads, we need clinics, and we need a government that is given the time to deliver. This Bill answers to us, not to critics in boardrooms.”
Despite the political heat surrounding the Bill, Madzibaba Enock concluded his address with a call for peace and tranquillity during the national discourse, urging his followers to remain law-abiding.
“We will support this with our prayers and our voices, but always in peace,” he said. “The church is a sanctuary for healing and transformation, and we are opening our doors to support the nation on this journey.”
Profile
Madzibaba Enock (born Hebert Senda) is a prominent Zimbabwean prophet and healer based in Budiriro, Harare, who leads the Johanne Masowe Nyenyedzi Nomwe Apostolic sect. While his early public profile was marked by a land dispute with the City of Harare over his shrine, his recent activities have reflected a significant shift toward active collaboration with government social programmes.
He has emerged as a key ally in the fight against drug and substance abuse, launching a campaign for a dedicated rehabilitation centre in Budiriro. This initiative was inspired by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s national crusade against drugs.
Madzibaba Enock has been engaging with government departments to bring the project to fruition, leveraging the church as a vehicle for rehabilitation and community engagement among the youth. His efforts position him as a religious leader committed to the social pillars of Vision 2030, complementing the economic and infrastructure goals outlined in NDS-1 and NDS-2.
Current Affairs
Minister Gata Meets Chipinge School Heads, Pledges Action on Education Challenges
In a historic first for the district, the Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Honorable Angeline Gata , met with school heads and key stakeholders from across Chipinge, vowing to tackle their grievances head-on while championing the Government’s empowerment agenda.
The high-level consultative interface, held at Chibuwe Technical High School, marked the first time Hon. Gata has convened such a direct forum with the district’s educational leaders. The meeting served as a platform for school heads to voice their challenges and concerns directly to the Deputy Minister.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Gata assured the attendees that their issues would not fall on deaf ears. She committed to escalating the matters raised to the relevant Government departments for urgent attention.
“I have heard your concerns and I want to assure you that I will raise them with the relevant ministries and departments. Your challenges are noted and, as Government, we are committed to finding lasting solutions,” said Hon. Gata.

Hon. Gata then pivoted the discussion towards national development, urging school heads to become active participants in the various empowerment projects being rolled out under the leadership of Emmerson Mnangagwa.
She emphasized the critical role of educators in driving the country towards its Vision 2030 goals and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
“As educators, you are the pillars of your communities. I urge you to fully participate in the empowerment projects spearheaded by President Mnangagwa. It is through these initiatives that we will collectively build our communities and achieve Vision 2030 and NDS2,” she said.
The interface also provided a platform for school heads to brainstorm and identify viable projects that could uplift both their institutions and the surrounding communities. Hon. Gata noted that this collaborative spirit is essential for grassroots development.
In a significant announcement aimed at boosting morale, Hon. Gata revealed that the Government is actively crafting incentives for teachers.
She called for steadfastness from school heads, assuring them that their welfare remains a top priority.
“Remain steadfast and focused on your duty of shaping young minds. Government is working on crafting incentives to improve your welfare through these very empowerment projects, enhancing your livelihoods beyond the classroom,” she said.
In a gesture steeped in the cultural traditions of the Ndau people, Hon. Gata concluded the meeting by presenting each school head with a blanket as a token of appreciation for their dedication.
“This blanket, given in our Ndau tradition, is a small token of our profound appreciation for the work you do,” Hon. Gata said as she handed out the gifts.
The school heads expressed gratitude for the platform and the Deputy Minister’s receptive ear, describing the interface as a positive step towards a more collaborative future for education in Chipinge District.
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