Crime and Courts

High Court Rules Against Simbisa in Music Rights Battle

Published

3 days ago

September 29, 2025

Editor

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The High Court has ruled that Simbisa Brands Zimbabwe — operators of Chicken Inn, Pizza Inn and several other fast-food outlets — breached copyright law by playing music without a valid licence from the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA). However, the company was spared from paying nearly US$87,000 in damages after the court found the amount claimed was unjustified.

Justice Jacob Mafusire handed down the decision on September 10, 2025, in a case that highlighted rivalry between two collecting societies, ZIMURA and the Zimbabwe Council of Copyright Owners (Zimcoco), while clarifying the reach of Zimbabwe’s Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act.

“The first defendant infringed the copyright in the musical works played at its outlets,” Justice Mafusire said, adding that ZIMURA held exclusive rights to license that material.

ZIMURA had taken Simbisa to court seeking royalties for the period between November 2023 and October 2024, arguing that the company had used songs from its members — including top local acts like Alick Macheso, Jah Prayzah, Nutty O, Winky D, and the late Oliver Mtukudzi — without paying. Through its global agreement with CISAC, ZIMURA also claimed foreign artists were affected.

The association demanded US$86,719, the equivalent of Simbisa’s annual licence fees, and sought a court order declaring that Zimcoco had no authority to license its members’ works.

In defence, Simbisa said it had already paid royalties to Zimcoco, which was registered in 2019, and believed this was sufficient based on guidance it had received from the Copyright Office under the Ministry of Justice. Zimcoco, meanwhile, argued that it was legally entitled to license music users such as Simbisa.

Justice Mafusire dismissed Zimcoco’s position, stating that registration as a collecting society does not automatically grant it authority over works it does not control.

“The matter is not about being registered as a collecting society. It is about who actually owns the rights to the music,” he wrote. “The second defendant cannot authorise anyone to play music that is protected by another’s copyright.”

The judge, however, rejected ZIMURA’s damages claim, ruling that the calculation was flawed. He noted that the organisation had equated the damages to its annual licence fees without proving actual loss suffered by musicians.

“The plaintiff’s computation of its claim is ill-conceived,” Justice Mafusire said. “Songs by different artists cannot all carry the same value, and the amount claimed bears no relation to the alleged prejudice.”

Ultimately, the court held that Simbisa had infringed copyright but was not liable for the US$87,000 sought by ZIMURA. Instead, Zimcoco was ordered to pay ZIMURA’s legal costs, while Simbisa and ZIMURA were directed to cover their own expenses.

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Crime and Courts

Grade Seven Pupil Mauled to Death by Dogs in Norton

Published

9 hours ago

October 1, 2025

Rumbidzai Rudanda

Heartbreaking news has emerged from Norton, where a Grade Seven pupil, who was preparing to sit for her upcoming exams, was tragically mauled to death by dogs.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the community and raised urgent concerns about dog attacks in residential areas.

Police National Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the distressing event, emphasizing that investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Over the years, several similar cases have been reported, highlighting recurring issues with stray or uncontrolled dogs in various communities.

In 2021, a young child in Harare suffered severe injuries after being attacked by a pack of dogs, prompting authorities to call for stricter enforcement of animal control laws.

There have been reports of residents living in fear due to aggressive stray dogs roaming neighborhoods.

The Norton incident has reignited calls from community leaders and animal welfare organizations for more robust measures to manage and control dog populations, including vaccination, licensing, and proper containment by owners.

As Zimbabweans mourn the loss of the young girl, the broader conversation about public safety and responsible pet ownership has taken center stage, with hopes that such tragedies can be prevented in the future.

Authorities have appealed to the public to report any dangerous animals and urged dog owners to ensure their pets are securely restrained to avoid further heartbreak.

The investigation into the Norton attack continues, with the community seeking answers and justice for the young victim.

Crime and Courts

ZRP Arrests Dog Owner After Fatal Mauling of Schoolgirl

Published

9 hours ago

October 1, 2025

Varaidzo Matope

A 13-year-old girl from Nyabira was mauled to death by three vicious dogs in a chilling incident that has left the community in shock and mourning.

The tragic attack occurred on 29 September 2025 at St Mannocks Farm, when the victim, Caroline Chari, was walking home from school with four of her friends. According to police, the children were ambushed by three aggressive dogs, forcing them to scatter in different directions. Unfortunately, the dogs caught up with Caroline and fatally attacked her.

Police have confirmed the arrest of the dogs’ owner, Gift Jambaya (50). Investigations revealed that the animals were last vaccinated in 2024, and the owner failed to comply with the Department of Veterinary Services’ 2025 rabies vaccination programme.

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, described the incident as “disturbing and unacceptable,” adding that negligence by dog owners continues to pose a serious threat to public safety.

“It is sad to note that vicious dogs were last vaccinated in 2024, and the owner ignored the 2025 rabies vaccination outreach programme. The Zimbabwe Republic Police is disturbed by the trend of vicious dogs being allowed to roam without a leash or proper control. It is the responsibility of dog owners to protect the public,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

In response, the ZRP has intensified joint operations with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), local authorities, and the Ministry of Health and Child Care to impound stray dogs and penalize irresponsible owners.

The police further urged the public to report individuals who allow dangerous dogs to roam freely in residential areas. Reports can be made through the ZRP Complaints Desk at 0242 703 631 or via WhatsApp on 0712 800 197.

The tragic death of Caroline Chari has sparked renewed calls for stricter enforcement of animal control laws, with community members demanding justice and stronger measures to prevent similar incidents.

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Crime and Courts

Mutare Court Denies Bail to Teens in Viral Gang-R@pe Case

Published

12 hours ago

October 1, 2025

Editor

Two 16-year-old male students from Masasi High School in Marange, Manicaland Province, faced charges of gang-r@ping a 17-year-old fellow student when they appeared in Mutare Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

The incident, which has caused significant public anger, was reportedly recorded in a video that spread widely on social media, prompting strong criticism.

The prosecution successfully argued against granting bail, citing the gravity of the crime and the intense public reaction. The court postponed the case to October 14 for further hearings.