Crime and Courts
High Court Rules Against Simbisa in Music Rights Battle
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.
ALSO READ : Harare Lawyer Loses Appeal in Botched Land Deal With Chinese Investor
A Ruwa man will rue the day after he defied the cultural day (Chisi) and went on to illegally pan gold at a mine shaft after he was sentenced to five years imprisonment for unlawful possession of 0.096 grammes of the metal.
According to court records Tafadzwa Matsika (45) was sentenced to five years in prison for the illegal possession of gold.
NPA said Matsika was arrested on the 20 August 2025 at Greencroft mining compound mine after officials received information that someone was illegally panning for gold on cultural day of rest known as (Chisi).
“Mine officials tracked his spoor from a mining shaft to a nearby compound where they confronted the offender.
“Matsika produced a sachet of toasted gold weighing 0.096 grammes from his pocket but could not produce a mining license or permit.”
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) will this weekend begin deploying breathalysers and speed cameras on major highways as part of a nationwide campaign to curb drunk driving and speeding, two leading causes of road fatalities.
Transport Minister Felix Mhona said the new technology will allow officers to deal “directly and scientifically” with reckless drivers. “This is about restoring discipline on our roads,” Mhona said. “These measures will reduce accidents and enhance public safety.”
The rollout marks Zimbabwe’s first large-scale use of modern road enforcement tools. It coincides with the introduction of a new fleet of Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) vehicles, which will strengthen inspections and ensure vehicles are certified fit for the road.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged motorists to exercise caution, drive responsibly, and avoid unnecessary risks. “Road safety is a collective responsibility. Vehicles must be serviced and certified fit to be on the road,” he said.
The initiative comes as authorities brace for increased travel and festive season traffic, a period historically associated with high accident rates.
Four armed robbers outfoxed security personnel manning Kwekwe Meru service station before they blew up a safe and fled with over USD 9 000.
National Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident saying investigations are underway.
He said the robbery occurred on 17 November 2025 at Meru service station Kwekwe. “Four armed men approached a Fawcett officer who was on duty and forced him to lie on the ground.
“They tied his hands and legs before dragging him into the building.
“A second Fawcett officer ran into the building and was also caught while attempting to notify the Fawcett Reaction Team,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He said the suspects tied his hands and legs. and dragged him into the same room where the other Fawcett officer was being held.
“The suspects then forced their way into the second room, where three officers were asleep and tied the officers as well.
“They blasted a wall-mounted safe and seized USD 9 700.”
FUZ Leaders Attend FIFPRO General Assembly in Lisbo
Minister Rwodzi Charts Path as Sector Takes Lead in GDP Growth
Apostolic Church Founder Paul Mwazha Dies at 107
Operation restore order
Masasi High School Abuse Scandal Sparks Public Outcry
Kuwadzana Man Jailed for Reckless Driving and Driving Without a Licence
-
Current Affairs1 week agoOperation restore order
-
Crime and Courts2 months agoMasasi High School Abuse Scandal Sparks Public Outcry
-
Crime and Courts2 months agoKuwadzana Man Jailed for Reckless Driving and Driving Without a Licence
-
Current Affairs3 months agoMunhumutapa Day: Zimbabwe’s Newest Public Holiday Set for Annual Observance
-
Current Affairs4 months agoBreaking: ZIMSEC June 2025 Exam Results Now Available Online
-
Current Affairs1 month agoBREAKING NEWS: ZANU PF Director General Ezekiel Zabanyana Fired
-
Current Affairs3 months agoGovernment Bans Tinted Car Windows in Nationwide Crime Crackdown
-
Current Affairs2 months agoExposed: Harare GynecologistChirume Accused of Negligence, Extortion, and Abuse