Iran’s Ballistic Missile Targets U.S. Nuclear Base in Turkey – Intercepted by NATO
Iran has fired a second ballistic missile in under a week toward Turkey’s Incirlik Air Base, home to American troops and roughly 50 U.S. nuclear warheads. NATO defenses, including a U.S. Navy warship using an SM-3 interceptor, neutralized the threat over the eastern Mediterranean.
The missile crossed Iraqi and Syrian airspace before entering Turkish territory. Debris fell harmlessly in empty fields in Gaziantep province, with no casualties or damage reported. Turkish officials stress that Incirlik remains fully under Turkish control and has not been used for strikes against Iran.
This latest incident escalates an already volatile conflict sparked by U.S.-Israeli operations against Iranian facilities since late February. Ankara has issued firm warnings: any attempt to use Turkish soil or airspace against Iran will meet strong resistance. Turkey has reiterated its sovereignty over the base and signaled readiness to defend its interests across the region.
NATO has not invoked Article 5 or Article 4 so far, but repeated breaches of alliance territory raise serious questions about the risk of wider entanglement. Iran denies deliberate targeting of Turkey, while the pattern points to growing pressure on U.S. assets in the area.
The alliance’s missile defenses held firm this time. The next one might not miss.
Israel-US Strike Frees Iran’s Former Hardliner Ahmadinejad from Regime House Arrest
A joint Israel-US airstrike near Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s Tehran home, initially reported as an assassination attempt, instead served as an unintended “jailbreak” for the former Iranian president.
The regime had already seized his phones and surrounded him with roughly 50 bodyguards amid growing distrust—Ahmadinejad had long criticized corruption and the ruling inner circle. The March strike killed several guards and created chaos, allowing him to vanish. His whereabouts remain unknown to Iranian authorities, according to associates cited in The Atlantic.
Far from a loyalist, the one-time firebrand (president 2005-2013) had become a regime irritant. This accidental escape could complicate Tehran’s grip as the war continues, with some speculating he retains enough populist appeal to stir trouble or even position for a comeback.
Early confusion led to death reports, but sources close to him confirm survival—and a lucky break from surveillance that no missile was meant to provide.
Breaking News : Israeli and Western Assessments Say Iran’s Missile Launcher Fleet Largely Unchanged Despite Days of Airstrikes
Israeli and Western military assessments indicate that the number of Iranian missile launchers has remained largely unchanged despite nearly a week of intense airstrikes targeting Iran’s missile infrastructure. Analysts say the limited impact is mainly due to the difficulty of locating and destroying small, highly mobile launch platforms without full aerial control of the battlespace.
According to defense officials cited in recent reporting, Iran relies heavily on transporter erector launchers that can quickly move, hide, and fire missiles before relocating. These mobile systems are often concealed in tunnels, mountainous terrain, or remote areas, making them extremely difficult to detect and destroy through airpower alone.
Military analysts note that even sustained air campaigns struggle to eliminate such assets because they can be dispersed across large areas and deployed on short notice. Without persistent surveillance and full control of the airspace, identifying and striking these launchers becomes a complex task.
The assessments suggest that while airstrikes may damage infrastructure and reduce operational capacity, completely neutralizing mobile missile launch systems remains one of the most challenging objectives in modern warfare.
Source: Anadolu Agency reporting citing Israeli and Western military assessments
🚨 Zimbabwean Business Tycoon Pays Over R33 Million for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Old Student Car — Money Set to Fund Scholarships for Future Leaders 🎓🚗
A remarkable moment unfolded in Harare after a vintage car once owned by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa during his student years was sold for a staggering US$1.8 million (more than R33 million) at a fundraising event.
The historic vehicle, which the President reportedly used while studying law at the University of Zambia in the 1970s, was auctioned during a high-profile dinner aimed at raising money for the ED-UNZA Scholarship Fund.
Zimbabwean businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei placed the winning bid, paying the massive amount to secure the car. The funds raised will go toward helping underprivileged students pursue higher education at universities in Zimbabwe and Zambia.
The scholarship initiative supports talented students who struggle to afford tuition, giving them a chance to access university education and build better futures.
During the event, President Mnangagwa — who graduated from the University of Zambia in 1975 — expressed appreciation for the gesture and emphasized the importance of investing in education. The auction reportedly helped raise over US$2.5 million (about R46 million) in total through memorabilia linked to the President’s life and career.
Supporters of the initiative say the donations could help grow the scholarship fund to around US$3 million (approximately R55 million), potentially changing the lives of many young students across the region.
📌 The event also brought together former classmates, business leaders and prominent figures who gathered to support education and celebrate the President’s journey from student life to national leadership.
💬 What do you think? Was paying more than R33 million for a historic car a powerful way to support education, or is it simply too much for a single item?
Graham: Weeks of Airstrikes Still Needed to Crush Iran’s Nuclear Threat—No Boots on the Ground
South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham hailed the ongoing U.S. military campaign against Iran as a decisive blow to the mullahs’ terror empire, insisting American ground troops aren’t needed but warning the fight is far from over.
Speaking to reporters on March 12, Graham said there is no requirement for U.S. boots on the ground in Iran, but “there are weeks more of this coming, then we’ll make an assessment.”
He laid out the clear objective: “I don’t see this conflict ending today. I think the mission is to make sure they cannot regenerate, that they’re going to be beyond capable of building missiles to hit us, and they’ll never go back to the nuclear business.”
After 11 days of what Graham has called one of the most effective large-scale military operations he’s witnessed, the strikes have already crippled key Iranian capabilities and left the regime reeling. With the ayatollah reportedly dead and his son’s grip on power weakened, Graham’s comments underscore a strategy of sustained air power to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program, missile arsenal, and support for terrorist proxies once and for all.
This no-nonsense approach prioritizes American air superiority and avoids another quagmire of endless ground occupation, delivering real security gains while keeping U.S. forces out of harm’s way on Iranian soil.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Signals Imminent Navy Escorts Through Strait of Hormuz
In a clear statement amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that the U.S. Navy stands ready to ensure safe passage for vessels through the vital Strait of Hormuz.
Bessent told Sky News: “It is my belief that as soon as it is militarily possible, the US Navy — and perhaps with an international coalition — will be escorting vessels through.”.
He emphasized extensive prior preparation, noting the administration has conducted scenario analysis for months leading into the war. Bessent described Iran’s military position as severely weakened: “We have complete control of the skies and are degrading their… they have no air force. The Navy is sunk — literally and figuratively — and the munitions factories, their rebuilding capabilities for the missiles… they’re completely degraded.”
He added: “So as soon as it is possible for safe passage — to ensure safe passage — we will do it.”
The remarks underscore a firm U.S. commitment to protect global energy flows through the critical chokepoint, where roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil transits, while avoiding immediate escalation until conditions allow secure operations.
No escorts are underway yet, according to defense officials, but the plan reflects months of contingency work by the Trump administration.
Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu Sends Direct Message To Iranians As War Tensions Rise — Says Iran’s Leadership Is Hiding, Warns Revolutionary Guard Will Be Targeted, And Reveals President Donald Trump Told Him US–Israel Alliance Is Now “Stronger Than Ever”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delivered a powerful and controversial message as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise.
Speaking about the escalating confrontation with Iran, Netanyahu claimed that Israel has already eliminated key figures connected to the Iranian regime and warned that the country’s leadership is now under intense pressure.
According to Netanyahu, Iran’s leadership has been secretly expanding missile programs and attempting to strengthen its military capabilities underground. He said Israel acted to stop what he described as a dangerous plan that could have allowed Iran to develop nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missiles.
Netanyahu also sent a direct message to the people of Iran, saying the future of their country may ultimately be in their own hands.
He suggested that the current moment could open a path toward freedom for ordinary Iranians if they choose to challenge the leadership led by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
During his remarks, Netanyahu also revealed that he had spoken with the President of the United States, Donald Trump. According to him, Trump told him that the relationship between the United States and Israel is now stronger than at any time between an American president and an Israeli prime minister.
Netanyahu also warned that Israel is prepared to target the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and the Basij militia if attacks against Israel continue.
At the same time, he issued a strong warning to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, saying the group would face a “very heavy price” if it continues its aggression against Israel.
Despite the strong statements, Netanyahu admitted that it is still uncertain whether Iran’s current government will fall, saying that the ultimate outcome will depend on the actions of the Iranian people themselves.
He concluded by declaring that the situation in the region has fundamentally changed.
“This is not the same Iran, this is not the same Middle East, and this is not the same Israel,” he said.
North Korea Blasts Japan’s Missile Buildup as Regional Threat
Pyongyang has sharply condemned Japan’s deployment of upgraded Type-12 long-range missiles to Kyushu, warning that the move endangers Northeast Asia and risks constant escalation.
State media KCNA reported the accusation on March 12, 2026, framing Tokyo’s actions as a provocative step toward offensive strike capabilities that could directly target North Korea.
The missiles, now arriving at Camp Kengun with a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers, form part of Japan’s push to strengthen deterrence against threats from North Korea and China. Deployment is set to complete by month’s end.
North Korea’s rhetoric echoes its pattern of fiery warnings amid repeated missile tests, including hypersonic launches into the Sea of Japan earlier this year. Japan maintains the systems are defensive, aimed at countering growing regional dangers while boosting defense spending toward 2% of GDP.
The exchange underscores rising tensions in an already volatile region.
Breaking News : Iran Reportedly Attempts Missile Strike on NATO Base in Türkiye Believed to Store Dozens of U.S. Nuclear Bombs
Reports indicate that Iran attempted to carry out a missile strike targeting a NATO military installation in Türkiye that is believed to host between 20 and 50 U.S. B61 nuclear gravity bombs. The development has raised serious concerns about a potential escalation involving one of NATO’s most sensitive strategic sites. According to available information, the alleged target was the Incirlik Air Base in southern Türkiye. The base is a key NATO facility and has long been reported to store American nuclear weapons under NATO’s nuclear sharing arrangement.
The weapons are believed to be B61 tactical nuclear bombs maintained by the United States but stationed in allied countries as part of NATO’s deterrence posture.
The report states that Iran launched ballistic missiles in the direction of the region where the base is located. However, the strike reportedly did not reach the facility itself. Air defense systems in the area were reportedly activated, and the missiles either failed to hit the intended location or were intercepted before reaching the base.
Incirlik Air Base has been a central hub for NATO and U.S. military operations in the Middle East for decades. Its strategic importance stems from its proximity to multiple regional hotspots and its role in hosting both conventional and nuclear assets. The presence of U.S. nuclear weapons at the base has long made it one of the most strategically sensitive military installations in the region.
If confirmed, an attempted strike on a NATO base believed to house nuclear weapons would mark a highly dangerous escalation with serious implications for regional and global security. Any direct threat to a NATO facility could potentially trigger broader alliance responses depending on the circumstances and level of damage or casualties.
At this stage, there has been no official confirmation from NATO, the United States, or Turkish authorities regarding damage to the base or the exact outcome of the reported missile launch. Details about the missiles used, the launch location, and whether they were intercepted remain limited.
The situation continues to be closely monitored as more information emerges regarding the reported attempt and the response from NATO and regional actors.
XI JINPING TO TINUBU: PAY $11.4M IN 30 DAYS OR NIGERIA GOES DARK!
China has issued a shocking ultimatum to Nigeria — settle an $11.4 million debt within 30 days or lose access to its communications satellite services.
The warning comes from China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), the company managing Nigeria’s NigComSat-1R satellite. The unpaid bill has been accumulating since 2019 that’s 7 years of zero payments.
If suspended, telecommunications, broadcasting, and key national services across Nigeria could face serious disruption
The letter was copied directly to President Tinubu meaning Beijing has taken this straight to the top.
Space technology is expensive. Miss a payment and things can go dark fast.
Africa must ask who owns our skies, and at what cost?
🇿🇲 EDITORIAL | Zambia Cannot Suspend Democracy Over a Burial Dispute
Zambia is approaching a constitutional moment. Come August 13, 2026, citizens are expected to go to the polls and elect their leaders. That process must proceed. No burial dispute, however painful, should be allowed to suspend the democratic calendar of a nation of more than twenty million people.
Emerging calls suggesting that elections should be halted until the late former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu is buried must therefore be rejected clearly and firmly. As a publication, we state this without hesitation. Zambia cannot suspend elections because of a burial matter. The Constitution does not allow it. Common sense does not support it either.
Yes, we sympathises with the Lungu family. Grief deserves dignity and respect. Losing a loved one, particularly a national leader, carries enormous emotional weight. Yet a nation cannot be governed on emotion alone. Leadership requires decisions that recognise a larger national interest.
The reality is simple. Zambia cannot remain indefinitely trapped in a political and emotional stalemate over the burial of one individual, no matter how important that individual was in national life.
https://youtu.be/8qbSsLtp7UM?si=XOR_mrXJla4–I_6
Citizens have watched the burial issue unfold for months. The story is often presented in a simplified form: that government has failed to resolve the matter. That narrative is repeated frequently in political speeches and social media commentary. However, the full picture is rarely presented.
Behind the public arguments lies a complicated web of family decisions, political calculations and legal processes. These complexities are often left out of public messaging because they do not serve political narratives.
A number of actors have emerged around this matter, including groups such as “Christians for Lungu,” which have consistently amplified the claim that the current administration has failed in its duty to resolve the burial question. As the election season approaches, such messaging will inevitably intensify. It is a political strategy designed to portray the government as incapable of resolving even the burial of a former president.
Politics thrives on symbolism.
The burial dispute has therefore become more than a family matter. It has become a campaign instrument.
But Zambia must not allow electoral democracy to become collateral damage in that political messaging.
The Patriotic Front itself has publicly suggested that the burial of former President Lungu would only be facilitated once government changes. That statement alone raises an obvious question: if burial is linked to a change of government, how can elections simultaneously be suspended because the burial has not taken place?
The logic collapses under its own weight.
Those who believe they can resolve the burial dispute through political victory should welcome elections, not resist them. Elections provide the legitimate mechanism through which political questions are settled in a democracy.
What Zambia cannot accept is the suggestion that national democratic processes should be frozen until a political dispute surrounding a burial is resolved.
The country has already experienced the strain of prolonged national mourning. When the mourning period expired and progress remained elusive, President Hakainde Hichilema made the decision to cancel the extended mourning programme. That decision attracted criticism in some quarters, but it reflected a basic reality of governance.
A nation cannot exist in a perpetual state of mourning.
States must continue functioning. Institutions must continue operating. The constitutional timetable must continue moving.
The 2026 elections therefore must proceed. Zambians will decide who governs them. If voters believe the current administration has mishandled national matters, they have every right to vote accordingly. That is the essence of democracy.
But democracy itself cannot be suspended because of unresolved grief. Zambia is bigger than any single political dispute. It is bigger than any single family. It is bigger than any single individual, living or deceased.
The country must honour its former president with dignity. It must support the grieving family with compassion. But it must also protect the constitutional order that holds the republic together.
Come August, Zambians must go to the polls. This is not cruelty. It is democracy.
The People’s Brief is a reader-built publication. Follow us for verified reporting, share our stories, and contribute your analysis or commentary by writing to us at editor.peoplesbrief@gmail.com.
YOU MISSED IT ON MUNIR, YOU NEED TO TAKE BACK SO THAT HE CAN BE REFORMED
============== Prison is not a hotel where you go for a vacation and expect wanders to treat you like a tourist.
Munir Zulu has come out dangerously bitter, he needs to go back. Those Prison officers he is accusing of terrible things must not hesitate to report him to the police. He is such an indiscipline young chaps who thinks Zambia belongs to his ancestors.
https://youtu.be/8qbSsLtp7UM?si=XOR_mrXJla4–I_6
I may not have served a sentence but I have been to prison and interacted with many ex-prisoners, the nonsense he was talking about is unacceptable and it shouldn’t be left unchecked.
I will talk about it at 20:00hrs.
TAYALI THE PUBLIC LAWYER OF THE PUBLIC COURT OF OPINIONS!
🇿🇲 BRIEFING | Opposition Leaders Reject Calls to Suspend Elections Over Lungu Burial
Opposition leaders have pushed back against proposals suggesting Zambia should postpone the 2026 general elections until late former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu is buried, arguing that the country’s constitutional calendar cannot be altered through political appeals.
The debate follows remarks by Chikondi Foundation President Bishop John Mambo, who questioned whether Zambia should proceed with national elections while the body of a former head of state remains in a foreign mortuary. Bishop Mambo reportedly appealed to President Hakainde Hichilema, political leaders and other stakeholders to prioritise the burial of the late president before the country heads to the polls.
Lungu, who died in June last year, has not yet been buried, and his body remains in South Africa, where the family initially indicated it wished to conduct the burial. The matter later became the subject of legal proceedings after the Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha petitioned against the family’s decision.
Reacting to the suggestion that elections could be halted, New Congress Party (NCP) President Pastor Peter Chanda criticised the proposal and instead blamed the government and the Attorney General for the prolonged burial dispute.
Speaking in an interview with KBN TV News, Pastor Chanda argued that the burial process might already have been completed if the government had not challenged the family’s decision in court.
At the same time, Chanda maintained that suspending elections would not be legally possible under Zambia’s constitutional framework.
“Zambia is a constitutional democracy and there are no shortcuts when it comes to amending the Constitution,” he said, stressing that the electoral timetable cannot simply be paused through political statements.
Other opposition figures have echoed similar concerns.
National Democratic Congress (NDC) President Saboi Imboela also rejected the proposal to delay elections, saying the country requires an election process that will allow citizens to choose leadership capable of resolving national matters, including the burial of the late president.
Meanwhile, Revamp for Development Change (RDC) President Robert Chansa has also dismissed suggestions to halt the electoral process, warning against actions that would undermine constitutional order.
The discussion highlights the continuing political sensitivity surrounding the delayed burial of former President Lungu, an issue that has periodically resurfaced in national debate.
However, Zambia’s constitutional calendar provides clear guidance on the electoral cycle. The country is expected to hold its next general elections on 13 August 2026, following the dissolution of Parliament later this year.
As political tensions rise ahead of the election season, leaders across the political spectrum continue to differ on how the Lungu burial dispute should be resolved, even as most agree that the country’s constitutional processes must remain intact.
The People’s Brief is a reader-built publication. Follow us for verified reporting, share our stories, and contribute your analysis or commentary by writing to us at editor.peoplesbrief@gmail.com.
Don’t accept old men, after abusing you, they will leave you, go back to wives – Hichilema
President Hakainde Hichilema has advised young women in Zambia to avoid relationships with sugar daddies, warning that such arrangements often end up harming their future.
Speaking during National Youth Day celebrations in Solwezi yesterday, the President urged girls to focus on education, skills development and building stable families.
“Girls, don’t accept old men when they make proposals to you. They will destroy you,” President Hichilema said.
He warned that older men often abandon young women after taking advantage of them.
“After they abuse you, they will leave you and go back to their wives,” he said.
The President encouraged young people to build relationships with partners in their age group and work together to create stable families and businesses.
“Look for a young promising man, build a life together, do business together and raise your children properly,” he said.
Hichilema also urged young men to respect women and reject gender-based violence.
“Do not beat your wife and do not rape someone’s daughter. Go and propose properly and marry with respect,” he said.
The President used the Youth Day event under the theme, “Arise and Soar” to call on young people to avoid drugs, alcohol abuse and violence, saying the country needs their energy for development.
He further encouraged youths to use social media responsibly and take advantage of digital opportunities, including a government-supported youth jobs and networking platform recently launched to connect young people to economic opportunities.
POLITICAL ALERT: STOP DREAMING ABOUT GARRY NKOMBO! To all opposition parties in Zambia banking on Mazabuka Central MP Gary Nkombo in post to be your “savior” in unseating President Hakainde Hichilema (HH) in 2026—WAKE UP!
You are wasting your time and resources trying to create a wedge between Nkombo and the President. Here are the facts: 1️⃣ No Loggerheads: Nkombo is not at loggerheads with HH. Reports indicate he is a loyal UPND member who has recently affirmed his commitment to the President.
2️⃣ No Convention Challenge: Even if the UPND held a convention tomorrow, Garry Nkombo has categorically stated he has no intention of challenging HH, whom he regards as his leader and brother.
3️⃣ Playing the Long Game: Nkombo is far too politically astute to mess up his chances now. He knows that challenging HH now—when the President is strongly endorsed by party structures—is a futile effort.
4️⃣ UPND Unity: Despite speculative rumors following his ministerial role change, Nkombo remains a, solid, and unshaken member of the UPND.
Opposition, stop looking for “wolves in sheep’s clothing” in the UPND camp. Focus on your own policies and stop spreading malicious misinformation. Nkombo is NOT your candidate for 2026!
South African DJ Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo, known as Black Coffee, celebrated his 50th birthday on 11 March.
Meanwhile, his girlfriend Victoria Gonzalez shared a heartfelt tribute online. The 29-year-old model posted a short message on Instagram.
She also shared several photos of the couple together.
“Happy birthday to my love and my best friend ♥️. Ps: My favorite part of life is watching you sleep♥️,” she wrote.
Black Coffee responded warmly to the message.
“My love ♥️,thank you so much,for everything ♥️,” replied Black Coffee.
Victoria Gonzalez Shares Sweet Message Victoria Gonzalez used social media to celebrate the milestone birthday. She posted photos showing moments from their relationship. The model kept her message simple and affectionate. However, the tribute quickly drew attention from fans online.
Many followers congratulated Black Coffee on turning 50. Others praised the couple’s affectionate message exchange.
Black Coffee’s Divorce Battle with Enhle Mbali Black Coffee is currently divorced from actress Enhle Mbali. The former couple share two sons together. Their divorce followed a lengthy six-year legal battle. They announced their separation in 2019.
However, the divorce was only finalised in October 2025. The court confirmed their 2011 customary marriage as valid. As a result, Enhle became entitled to 50% of marital assets. The ruling also invalidated their 2017 civil marriage.
Later, the Supreme Court of Appeal granted Black Coffee leave to appeal. The appeal followed a 2025 high court ruling. The earlier ruling awarded Enhle spousal maintenance.
At the time, Black Coffee was ordered to pay maintenance. He had to pay R15 000 for spousal maintenance. He also had to pay R50 000 for child support.
Woman Who Falsely Accuses 10 Men Of Rape Finally Jailed A 31-year-old mother who falsely accused 10 men she met on dating apps of rape has finally been jailed after admitting that she fabricated the allegations, leading to arrests, police investigations, and years of distress for the men involved.
Stacey Sharples, from Farnworth in Bolton in the United Kingdom, pleaded guilty to 10 counts of perverting the course of justice at Bolton Crown Court. According to the Daily Mail, she was sentenced to four and a half years in prison after investigators concluded that the allegations she made over several years were untrue.
Police said the claims led to multiple arrests, lengthy investigations and significant costs to the public purse.
Authorities estimate that the false allegations cost approximately £120,000 (about US$153,000 – approximately R2,870,000) in police and legal resources.
Police Say Decision To Charge Her Was Not Taken Lightly Police officers said they initially treated every allegation seriously and followed standard procedures for investigating rape claims.
Detective Sergeant Steven Gilliland from Greater Manchester Police said investigators carefully examined the evidence before concluding that the allegations were false.
He said:
“No officer goes into a rape investigation with an intent to pursue the individual making that report, and we do not want genuine rape victims and survivors to think that is what will happen if they were to come forward.”
Gilliland added that investigators gave Sharples several opportunities to clarify inconsistencies in her claims.
“We took the allegations made by Stacey Sharples seriously, explored all lines of enquiry and swiftly made arrests or interviewed all the men she accused.”
He continued:
“Ultimately, as the evidence continued to demonstrate that the reports were untrue, coupled with the desire for justice from some of the men who had been falsely accused, it was right that we followed the evidence.”
Men Speak Out About The Impact Of The Allegations Several of the men falsely accused spoke in court about the long-term impact the accusations had on their lives.
Reece Lockett said the allegation against him completely changed his life.
“My life was turned upside down the day I was falsely accused of rape. My mum and dad disowned me. My partner of five years left me. I lost my part-time job.”
He added:
“People messaged me on Facebook accusing me of something I didn’t do, and that made me feel isolated and ashamed, even though I knew the truth.”
Connor Austen said the accusation affected nearly every part of his life.
“I lost my home, my partner and had to defend myself for something I never did. I lost my job and couldn’t get another one.”
Kaylum Davies, another man accused by Sharples in 2013, said the case continued to affect him long after the investigation ended.
“Some of my friends fell out with me over this accusation. I still think about this to this day.”
Investigations Led To Arrests And Custody
According to the Daily Mail, several of the men were arrested and questioned by police following the allegations.
Some spent hours in police custody while others were placed on bail or released under investigation for months.
One of the men, Andrew Jackson, said the investigation meant he was unable to see his daughter.
“Due to the allegations made in this investigation, I wasn’t allowed to see my daughter throughout the course of this.”
Another man described how the arrest changed the course of his life.
“Immediately prior to my arrest, I would say my life was the best it had ever been. I had been with my partner for ten years. I had a good job and a nice house.”
He added:
“Soon after, due to circumstances out of my control, I became homeless.”
Greater Manchester Police said the investigation into Sharples only began after inconsistencies in the reports became clear and evidence did not support the allegations.
Authorities stressed that the case should not discourage genuine victims from reporting crimes.
Gilliland said:
“To anyone out there who has been a victim of rape or any sexual offence, I plead that the actions of Miss Sharples do not stop you from seeking support.”
Zimbabwe Government Declares “No Refund” Signs Illegal as New Consumer Policy Takes Effect
The Government has declared the display of “No Refund” notices by retailers illegal, warning that businesses continuing the practice could face prosecution.
The move follows Cabinet’s approval of the Consumer Protection Policy (2026–2030), which seeks to strengthen consumer rights and curb unfair trading practices in Zimbabwe’s retail sector.
The policy was introduced by Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Professor Mthuli Ncube during Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting.
Authorities say it comes amid growing concerns over restrictive practices by small retail outlets — commonly known as “runners” — and some electronics stores.
Crackdown on Restrictive Retail Practices In recent years, several retailers selling clothing, kitchenware and electronic goods have displayed “No Refund” signs or imposed short guarantee periods on products.
These policies have often prevented customers from returning defective or unsuitable goods.
According to The Chronicle, Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said such disclaimers have no legal standing and amount to an attempt by businesses to avoid national consumer protection laws.
“Some people do not know that it is illegal to put a disclaimer that there is no refund.
“It is illegal, and if there are people who are doing that, an informed consumer is advised to notify the authorities, it could be police, it could be ourselves as the ministry, so that we can prosecute such businesses,” Minister Ndlovu said.
Mobile phone shops have also drawn criticism for offering extremely limited guarantees — sometimes lasting just three days — which the Government says unfairly disadvantages buyers.
Limited Exception for Health Products According to the minister, the only exception to the rule applies to the health and pharmaceutical sector due to safety and hygiene concerns.
“It’s only in the health sector that it is acceptable, because you can’t take a drug and then you want to return it,” he added.
“It cannot be consumed by other people.”
New Policy Aims to Strengthen Consumer Rights Officials say the newly adopted Consumer Protection Policy will regulate the supply of goods and services, protect consumer rights and encourage fair competition in the marketplace.
It also aims to promote the production of quality goods and services while improving Zimbabwe’s competitiveness both domestically and internationally.
“The Consumer Protection Policy closes the existing legislative and institutional gaps, strengthens co-ordination among agencies and promotes fair, transparent and accountable practices across all sectors of the economy,” reads part of the statement that was read by Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Zhemu Soda.
The framework will also review laws governing digital transactions and strengthen the Consignment-Based Conformity Assessment system to improve product standards.
Authorities say stronger enforcement and consumer awareness will be key to ensuring retailers comply with the new policy.
Aisha Gaddafi, the daughter of the slain Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, warns Iran 🇮🇷
“Negotiations with wolves do not lead to the salvation of the herd – they merely set the date for the next hunt,” she stated.
According to her, the West assured her father that if he gave up on nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, the world would open its doors to him. “He believed it, made concessions… And NATO’s bombs turned Libya into ruins”.
She urged Iranians not to make concessions to the enemy, as they do not lead to peace, but only to destruction.
Aisha’ss husband and her son were killed in 2011 during the war that killed her farm Colonel Gaddafi
SA Reality TV Couple Mel and Peet Viljoen Arrested for Shoplifting $5 300 Worth of Groceries South African reality television couple Melany “Mel” Viljoen and her husband Petrus “Peet” Viljoen have been arrested in the United States after authorities accused them of stealing groceries worth US$5 300 (about R88 000) from a Florida supermarket.
The couple, who appeared on The Real Housewives of Pretoria, were taken into custody by police in Boca Raton, Florida, on 10 March 2026. According to reports from News24 and several United States outlets, the pair now face aggravated grand retail theft charges following what investigators describe as a months-long shoplifting scheme.
Authorities allege the incidents occurred at a Publix supermarket, where the couple are said to have carried out dozens of transactions using tactics designed to avoid paying for expensive items.
Police Describe Six-Month Theft Scheme Investigators claim the alleged scheme ran for several months, from August 2025 to March 2026.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and Boca Raton police reportedly began examining the case after identifying unusual transactions linked to the couple.
Police believe the pair used a technique known as “ticket switching”.
“Investigators reported that the couple had conducted 52 transactions in which they had allegedly used ‘ticket-switching’ tactics. This involves scanning cheaper barcodes for more expensive items during transactions.”
Authorities allege that 392 items were taken without being properly scanned.
“Police said they carried out a six-month retail theft scheme from August 2025 through March 2026, targeting a Publix supermarket.”
The reported loss to the store has been estimated at US$5 302 (about R88 000).
Surveillance Footage Allegedly Shows Both Involved Investigators say security footage played a key role in the case.
Police allege the couple sometimes worked together while shopping.
“An affidavit stated that the couple worked together, with Peet distracting employees while Mel stole the items by failing to scan them.”
Reports state that the couple were eventually stopped during a routine traffic stop while driving a black Range Rover, which police believe may have been used during visits to the store.
Mel Viljoen Claims She Acted Alone During questioning by investigators, Mel Viljoen reportedly offered an explanation for the alleged actions.
According to reports quoted by News24, she told detectives she had acted alone.
“During an interview, Mel told detectives she had acted alone and stolen the items because she was in ‘survival mode’ and unable to work in the US due to not having a visa.”
However, investigators reportedly disputed this explanation.
“The investigators said the footage showed them both participating in the theft scheme.”
Reports state that both Mel and Peet Viljoen were each granted US$10 000 bail (about R165 000) following their arrest. The case is still under investigation.
Couple Previously Relocated To The United States The arrest comes after the couple relocated to the United States in 2025 following controversy in South Africa.
During media interviews at the time, Peet Viljoen made remarks about race that drew strong criticism.
Viljoen openly acknowledged his views when speaking to the Afrikaans publication Rapport.
“There is no doubt in my mind that I am a racist and hate South African black people,” Peet Viljoen said.
He also claimed that white people in South Africa were under threat.
“Genocide is a reality in South Africa and all of you white people are going to be massacred,” he said.
Those comments triggered backlash in South Africa and circulated widely on social media.
Reports later indicated that the couple had moved to the United States in 2025, where they were living before their 10 March 2026 arrest in Boca Raton, Florida.
Trump Says Iran Should Not Attend World Cup Over Safety Concerns
U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that Iran’s national football team should not attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing potential risks to the players’ safety.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that while the team would be welcome in the U.S., their presence at the tournament which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico could put them in danger.
The comments come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran following recent military conflicts in the Middle East. Iran had previously signaled it might withdraw from the competition, with its sports minister noting that conditions were not safe for the team to travel to the U.S.
Iran had successfully qualified for the expanded 48-team tournament and is drawn into a group with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. Their matches are scheduled to be played in U.S. cities including Los Angeles and Seattle.
If Iran officially withdraws, it would mark an unprecedented political withdrawal from the modern World Cup and could force FIFA to find a replacement team.
Americans Alarmed as “Doomsday Plane” Appears Over California
Residents in California reported sightings of a U.S. Air Force Boeing E-6B Mercury, often referred to as the “Doomsday Plane,” performing repeated touch-and-go maneuvers at Fresno Yosemite International Airport.
Officials later said the flights were part of routine training due to the airport’s suitable runway and navigation systems. However, the timing amid escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has fueled public concern.
Analysts say the aircraft, designed to maintain nuclear command and communications during a major conflict, often attracts attention whenever it appears during periods of heightened geopolitical tension.
The arrest in South Africa of the youngest son of Zimbabwe’s former President, Robert Mugabe, has brought renewed attention to the former first family and their controversies over the years.
Bellarmine Mugabe, who appeared in court on Wednesday for a bail hearing, is accused of attempted murder, among other charges, after a 23-year-old man was shot and injured at a property in an upmarket suburb of Johannesburg.
He has not commented on the charges but in an unexpected move, he abandoned his request for bail and agreed to plea negotiations with South African prosecutors. He is charged alongside his bodyguard.
Their lawyer Sinenhlanhla Mnguni said it was “premature to say… whether we will plead guilty to anything at this stage”. The matter returns to court next Tuesday.
His father led Zimbabwe for 37 years before being forced out of power at the age of 93 in 2017. He died two years later.
The long-serving president and his second wife Grace had three children together
Bona Mugabe – now 37
Robert Mugabe Jr – now 33
Bellarmine Mugabe – now 28.
Grace also had a son from an earlier marriage:
Russell Goreraza – now in his early 40s.
Managing editor of Zimbabwean privately owned NewsHawks website, Dumisani Muleya, told the BBC that the Mugabe family had “lived a life of privilege” and that the children “grew up in that environment where they were protected from the broader realities of the Zimbabwean political and socio-economic situation”.
The family had amassed a vast personal fortune, including $10m (£7.5m) in cash, four houses, 10 cars, a farm and an orchard among other assets.
These details emerged three months after Robert Mugabe’s death in a legal letter submitted to the high court in Zimbabwe by his daughter Bona. At the time, a lawyer for the family, Terrence Hussein, told the BBC that none of the properties were under the former leader’s name.
In 2013, Grace denied that her husband was accumulating wealth while in office, saying her husband did not earn as much as people thought as he was a civil servant.
“The allowance I get is just a pittance. I’m a business-minded person [and] I support my husband [by] running our private businesses,” she said.
Here is a run-down of what has happened to the family members:
Bellarmine Mugabe
Like his siblings, he grew up in the public eye and was subjected to scrutiny from a young age.
But as a teenager it was Bellarmine’s approach to studying that appeared to have been a concern for his parents.
In a wide-ranging interview in 2013 on South African television, they described his playfulness and lack of focus on academics.
Grace said she wanted him to “change his ways” and “concentrate on his studies”.
“He should be more serious than he is at the moment,” his father added.
Bellarmine sheepishly admitted to spending more time on video games than his schoolwork.
Bellarmine and his older brother Robert Jr have made headlines over the years for their flashy lifestyles in the face of rising poverty in Zimbabwe.
In 2017, a few weeks before the coup in which his father was ousted, he posted a picture of a $60,000 watch he was wearing on Instagram.
A few months earlier, the brothers were reportedly kicked out of a luxury apartment block in the affluent Johannesburg suburb of Sandton after complaints about the noise they were making.
There have been also several brushes with the law more recently.
In 2024 he was arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer in the Zimbabwean border town of Beitbridge.
He was given bail but a warrant for his arrest was then issued after he failed to appear in court, Zimbabwe’s state-run Herald newspaper reported at the time.
A year later in June, he was again arrested for assaulting a security guard at a mining site in Mazowe, an hour’s drive north of the capital, Harare.
He was bailed and the case has not yet concluded.
The current case in South Africa against Bellarmine has faced several delays since his arrest in mid-February and his bail application hearing has already been postponed twice.
Robert Mugabe Jr Also no stranger to run-ins with the police, Robert Jr was arrested in 2023 over allegations he damaged property at a party in Harare.
He faced three counts of malicious damage to property and two charges of assault on a police officer, his lawyer said at the time. He was accused of smashing car windscreens and spitting on a police officer.
He maintained his innocence and was later freed after agreeing to an out-of-court settlement with the complainant, who was a friend of his.
In 2025, after pleading guilty, Robert Jr was convicted and fined in Zimbabwe for possession of cannabis.
He had been arrested as he drove the wrong way down a one-way street, according to court documents. Police searched a black sling bag he was wearing at the time and allegedly found two small sachets of cannabis.
Officers said they had recovered 2g (0.07 oz) of cannabis, with a street value of $30, but his lawyer said the amount was 0.02g.
Grace Mugabe The former first lady, now 60, gained a reputation, and criticism, over the years for her alleged appetite for shopping and extravagance, earning her the moniker “Gucci Grace”.
She denied the disparaging accusations and in the 2013 interview said detractors believed she was a “soft target”.
“I’m not really what they say I am and I’m actually surprised by some of the things they say. I work so hard and I don’t have time to pamper myself. I make my own clothes and tie my own scarf,” she said.
In the latter part of her husband’s presidency she began positioning herself as a potential successor.
She headed the women’s league of Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF party and was instrumental in the sidelining of several rival candidates.
Her plans fell apart when Mugabe was deposed after he sacked then Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa in November 2017.
Her business empire subsequently fell apart – and her multimillion-dollar dairy firm, Gushungo Dairy Estates, closed in 2022 reportedly mired in huge debts.
Some argued that it only stayed afloat because of official patronage, which fell away after Mugabe’s ousting.
However, she continues to live in the vast Blue Roof mansion in Harare, which was bought by Zanu-PF for Robert Mugabe while he was still in power.
The party transferred ownership of the property to the family after he died.
Saving Grace: The cost of diplomatic immunity Grace is unable to travel to South Africa, where she faces a warrant of arrest relating to a case that happened not long before the Mugabes left power
She was accused in 2017 of assaulting a young woman, Gabriella Engels, with an electric extension cord in a hotel room in Johannesburg.
Grace said at the time that she had acted in self-defence after she was attacked in the room where Bellarmine and Robert Jr lived. According to Engels, she and her friend were visiting the brothers.
An investigation was launched but Grace was given diplomatic immunity, allowing her to leave South Africa without answering questions. That immunity was annulled in July 2018, eight months after the coup, and the arrest warrant issued.
This incident echoed one in 2009, when the then first lady was accused of assaulting a British newspaper photographer in Hong Kong, where her daughter Bona was studying.
Richard Jones said that Grace had punched him while wearing a diamond-studded ring. She was not charged as she was given diplomatic immunity by the Chinese government.
Grace later said she was pushed too far and said she was “protecting my daughter”.
“I had to [punch him] but I really don’t know what happened, I had all this energy,” she said in the 2013 interview.
Bona Mugabe While the rest of the family’s exploits have made headlines over the years, Bona largely stayed out of the spotlight – until a bitter divorce thrust her into the public eye.
Mugabe’s eldest child and only daughter filed for divorce from former pilot Simbarashe Chikore in 2023, sparking a highly publicised legal battle between the two.
Chikore wanted a share of what he said was $80m worth of residential properties, including a mansion in Dubai and 21 farms – something that flies in the face of her father’s policy of “one household, one farm”.
He also detailed a list of other assets she allegedly owned, saying this was just a “drop in the ocean”.
Bona did not respond to her estranged husband’s allegations but a former spokesperson for her father denied the couple owned 21 farms.
They eventually opted to settle their divorce privately following public scrutiny and outrage over the revelations.
Bona and Chikore had married at a lavish wedding in 2014 that was attended by several African heads of state – and was broadcast live on state television – and have three children.
Russell Goreraza In 2015, Grace’s oldest son Russell Goreraza was convicted of manslaughter and fined $800 (£595).
This came after he knocked down and killed an unidentified man in his car in Harare earlier that year. Goreraza was speeding at the time of the accident.
Sentencing for culpable homicide varies depending on the magistrate and their interpretation of the circumstances, but two-year prison terms have been handed down in similar cases.
The magistrate presiding over this case said he had decided against jail because of Goreraza’s remorse and the fact that he was a first-time offender.
Where are the Mugabes now? The family has largely retreated from public life since 2017.
The ousted president was bitter about the way he was treated by his Zanu-PF party and campaigned for the opposition in the 2018 elections.
But since his death, his wife, daughter Bona and Robert Jr have appeared to reconcile with the party, attending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s most recent inauguration in 2023.
The Mugabes, except for Bellarmine, are believed to be living in Zimbabwe.
The BBC contacted a family spokesperson for comment, but they declined to confirm the family’s whereabouts. – BBC
Iran has formally requested urgent humanitarian assistance from Russia after weeks of heavy airstrikes severely damaged hospitals and emergency facilities across the country.
According to Maria Zakharova, the Iranian healthcare system is under extreme pressure with hospitals overwhelmed by casualties, particularly among women and children.
President Vladimir Putin has ordered immediate aid delivery, with Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia already dispatching more than 13 tons of medical supplies to Azerbaijan for onward transfer into Iran.
Moscow also called on the United States and Israel to halt military operations and return to diplomatic negotiations.
Germany Overtakes China to Become World’s 4th Largest Arms Exporter
A new report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute shows Germany has surpassed China to become the world’s fourth-largest arms exporter for the 2021–2025 period.
The United States remains the dominant supplier with 42% of global arms exports, followed by France at 9.8%, while Russia has fallen to third place after its exports dropped by 64% compared with the previous five-year period.
Germany now holds 5.7% of the global market, driven largely by weapons deliveries to Ukraine and rising European demand for air-defense systems and Leopard 2 tanks, while China slipped to fifth place with 5.6%, with Pakistan remaining its largest arms customer.
Iran Still Producing 100 Missiles Per Month Despite Strikes, Analysts Warn War May Drag On
Despite ongoing attacks, Iran is reportedly still producing around 100 missiles per month, raising concerns that the conflict in the Middle East could become a prolonged war.
Analysts say that even with continued strikes by the United States, Iran’s ability to replenish its missile arsenal could allow Tehran to sustain military pressure over time.
As a result, experts warn that the confrontation between both sides may stretch on for months rather than weeks if the current pace of escalation continues.
ANC Calls for Mass “People’s March” in Johannesburg as Supporters Prepare to Protest Against Alleged U.S. Interference in South Africa
The Secretary-General of the African National Congress, Fikile Mbalula, has called on South Africans to take part in a large demonstration known as the People’s March, which organizers say will defend the country’s sovereignty and democratic gains while also protesting against what they describe as foreign interference from the United States in South Africa’s affairs.
The march is scheduled for 21 March 2026 at 08:00 in Johannesburg. Participants are expected to gather at Mary Fitzgerald Square, march across the Nelson Mandela Bridge, and head toward the Constitutional Court of South Africa.
According to the ANC leadership, the march aims to bring together citizens who want to protect South Africa’s sovereignty, defend democratic institutions and reaffirm the values of the liberation struggle rooted in the Freedom Charter.
Organizers say the protest also comes amid rising tensions between South Africa and the United States, particularly after recent diplomatic disagreements and public statements that some South African leaders believe represent outside pressure on the country’s political and economic policies.
Supporters of the march are encouraging citizens to mobilize under the hashtags DefendOurSovereignty and MarchForSouthAfrica, saying the event will demonstrate unity and a commitment to protecting the country’s independence and constitutional democracy.
Breaking News : U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker Crashes in Western Iraq During Operation Epic Fury – Rescue Efforts Underway, Crew Status Unknown
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed the loss of a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft in western Iraq. The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. military campaign against Iran.
Two aircraft were involved in the mid-air event one KC-135 went down, while the second aircraft (also a KC-135) was damaged but landed safely. Officials emphasized that the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire.
The crashed tanker had six service members on board. Rescue and recovery efforts are actively underway, but the status of the crew remains unknown at this time.
This is a rapidly developing situation. CENTCOM stated: “More information will be made available as the situation develops. We ask for continued patience to gather additional details and provide clarity for the families of service members.”
Sources: Official U.S. Central Command press release
When personal greed overrides collective national sacrifice.
The current discourse surrounding the Constitutional Amendment (No. 3) Bill has focused heavily on the provision to extend the presidential term.
If you value my social justice advocacy and writing, please consider a financial contribution to keep it going. Contact me on WhatsApp: +263 715 667 700 or Email: mbofana.tendairuben73@gmail.com
While that is a significant concern, we have failed to adequately address an even more dangerous regression contained within this proposed legislation.
This is the removal of the direct election of the president by the people.
This move represents a systematic dismantling of the principle of “one man, one vote,” a right that thousands of Zimbabweans paid for with their lives.
We are witnessing an attempt to reverse the very foundation of our independence and return to a system where the masses are sidelined in the selection of their national leader.
To understand the gravity of this betrayal, we must look at the history of the struggle for the franchise in this country. The Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) by Rhodesian Prime Minister Ian Smith on November 11, 1965, was not merely a diplomatic spat with the United Kingdom.
It was a direct and violent response to the demand for majority rule.
At the time, the British government had adopted a policy known as “no independence before majority rule” (NIBMR).
Britain had already granted independence to several of its colonies, including India in 1947, Ghana in 1957, and Nigeria in 1960.
The shift toward decolonization was an acknowledgment that the era of minority rule was over.
However, the Smith regime saw this global movement as a direct threat to white minority privileges.
They chose to sever ties with the colonial master and face United Nations economic sanctions rather than grant the indigenous population the right to vote.
The UDI was a calculated measure to deny the people of Zimbabwe their fundamental right to participate in the governance of their own land. This refusal to grant “one man, one vote” was the primary catalyst that transformed a once peaceful nationalist movement into an armed liberation struggle.
For years, nationalists had petitioned and protested through non-violent means, only to be met with state-sponsored brutality and legislative walls.
When it became clear that the ballot was being permanently withheld, the decision was made to take up arms.
This resulted in a protracted and grueling war that lasted 15 years.
It was a period defined by immense sacrifice.
Thousands of young boys and girls abandoned their education to join the struggle in the bush.
They left behind their families and any hope of a normal life, knowing full well that they might never return.
They did not do this for a specific political party or a particular individual.
They did it for the principle of self-determination.
They fought so that every Zimbabwean, regardless of race or status, would have an equal say in who leads the country. The cost of this struggle was felt in every corner of the nation.
In urban centers, activists faced constant surveillance, harassment, and economic sabotage.
My own father provides a clear example of the personal toll this took on those who stood up for justice.
Even though he was a qualified teacher, he was blacklisted by the colonial regime because of his political activities.
For the first seven years of my life, from 1973 to 1980, he was largely unemployed.
The regime sought to break his spirit by stripping away his ability to fend for his family.
He was only reinstated to his profession at independence in 1980.
This was the reality for many who mobilized the masses on the ground.
They risked their careers and their freedom to ensure that future generations would not have to live under a system that ignored their voices. In the rural areas, the suffering was even more acute.
Villagers were caught in the crossfire of a brutal war.
Many lost their lives after being accused, sometimes on the flimsiest of evidence, of providing intelligence, shelter, or food to the freedom fighters.
The colonial regime implemented the “Keep” system, forcing people into restricted areas known as Protected Villages.
These were essentially detention camps designed to isolate the rural population from the liberation forces.
People were beaten, their livestock was seized, and their homes were destroyed.
These villagers endured this state of terror because they believed in the cause of a free Zimbabwe.
They believed that by supporting the struggle, they were securing a future where they would finally be treated as full citizens with the right to vote. The question we must ask now is whether all those thousands of Zimbabweans died for nothing.
If we allow the direct election of the president to be removed, we are effectively telling those boys and girls who spent years in the bush that their sacrifice was in vain.
We are telling the parents who lost their careers and their ability to support their children that their struggle was pointless.
We are telling the villagers who were tortured and killed in the “Keep” system that the right they died for is negotiable.
There is no moral or legal justification for taking away the right to “one man, one vote.”
It is an inalienable right that was bought with blood.
It is not a gift from the government that can be retracted at will. Who believes they have the authority to reverse the gains of the liberation struggle?
The current attempt to shift the election of the president away from a direct public vote is a slap in the face to every person who contributed to the birth of this nation.
It suggests that a small group of people in power believes they know better than the millions of citizens who make up this country.
This is the same elitist and exclusionary logic that Ian Smith used to justify the UDI.
The only difference is the identity of the people implementing the policy.
The result remains the same.
The disenfranchisement of the majority. We cannot allow this to happen.
To remain silent while our fundamental rights are stripped away is to betray the legacy of those who came before us.
I personally refuse to accept a future where the president is not directly accountable to the people through a universal ballot.
If I were to allow this regression, what could I possibly say to my father when I visit his grave in Redcliff?
Could I look at the resting place of a man who suffered 15 years of professional and personal hardship for the sake of a free Zimbabwe and tell him that we decided to give it all back?
Could I tell him that we decided his sacrifice was no longer relevant?
I could never do that.
The debt we owe to the fallen and the marginalized is too great to ignore. The principle of “one man, one vote” is the only guarantee of accountability in a democracy.
When leaders are chosen by a small group or through indirect methods, they become beholden to that group rather than the general population.
This leads to corruption, the abuse of power, and the neglect of the needs of the ordinary citizen.
The liberation struggle was fought to end exactly that kind of governance.
The proposed Constitutional Amendment (No. 3) Bill is a move toward autocracy and away from the democratic ideals that defined our path to independence.
We must stand firm in our demand for the retention of direct presidential elections.
Anything less is a reversal of history and a desecration of the memory of those who fought for a Zimbabwe where every voice matters.
Tendai Ruben Mbofana is a social justice advocate and writer. To directly receive his articles please join his WhatsApp Channel on: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaqprWCIyPtRnKpkHe08
Breaking News : 19 U.S. Service Members Evacuated from Saudi Arabia to Germany After Being Wounded in Iranian Attacks
The U.S. military conducted a medical evacuation flight on Thursday, transporting approximately 19 injured service members from Saudi Arabia to a U.S. base in Germany near a major military hospital.
The aircraft departed from Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, made a stop in Oman, and continued to Germany. Among those evacuated were two service members injured when an Iranian one-way attack drone detonated next to their vehicle.
This latest evacuation is part of ongoing operations to provide advanced medical care to U.S. troops wounded amid the escalating conflict with Iran.
US FACES MOUNTING LOGISTICAL CRISIS AS ALLIES REJECT TRUMP’S PLEAS FOR HELP IN IRAN WAR.
As the war against Iran enters its twelfth day, the US military is struggling with severe shortages of air defense missiles in the region, according to an informed military source exposing all it’s bases and interests vulnerable to Iranian missiles and suicide drones that keeps coming in volleys without mercy.
Through a source within the US Army with direct knowledge of American military operations, an assessment was conducted regarding US logistical efforts to transfer weapons from strategic locations around the world to the West Asia region.
The source revealed that US forces are racing to transport weapons from other global strategic theaters to the region amid rapidly dwindling resources, a direct consequence of Iran’s powerful retaliatory strikes under Operation True Promise 4.
The emergency redeployment comes as all Iranian drone and missile strikes in recent days have successfully struck their targets, both in the occupied territories and at US military bases across the region, exposing critical gaps in American air defense capabilities.
These setbacks have prompted US President Donald Trump to urgently appeal to European and Southeast Asian allies for assistance, only to be met with widespread refusal, the source noted.
According to the assessment, regional stockpiles of US air defense missiles have been severely depleted, leaving existing systems unable to intercept ongoing retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran and members of the regional axis of resistance.
In response to the mounting crisis, Trump has launched an intensive diplomatic pressure campaign, placing telephone calls to leaders of several European and Southeast Asian nations. During these conversations, an angry US president expressed deep frustration over their reluctance to join the war effort.
He demanded that allies dispatch their warships and deploy US-made radar systems to assist in intercepting Iranian and Resistance Axis missiles. South Korea, Taiwan and other allies have been told to handle over the THAARD systems which are just seating to redeploy them to the middle East.
The response from allied capitals, however, has been overwhelmingly negative.
According to the military source, only one leader, facing intense domestic pressure from their population and political parties, agreed to consider the request. Three other countries flatly rejected Trump’s appeal.
The diplomatic rebuff exposes growing international reluctance to become entangled in the widening war, which was imposed on Iran on February 28 following the assassination of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and several senior military commanders.
Military analysts suggest the refusals reflect broader concerns among US allies about being drawn into a protracted war with unpredictable consequences for global energy supplies and regional stability.
The logistical strain on American forces continues to intensify as the war shows no signs of de-escalation. Iranian armed forces have so far launched 37 waves of missile and drone strikes against the Israeli regime and US bases in the region warning that they are not in a hurry to rush the war they can drag on for the next 6 months all is well.
Breaking News : White House Aware Gulf States Are Dangerously Running Low on Missile Interceptors as Resupply Delays Loom
The White House is aware that several Gulf countries are facing a dangerous shortage of missile interceptors as ongoing missile and drone attacks continue to strain regional air defense systems.
According to reporting by CBS News, officials monitoring the situation say that interceptor stockpiles used to defend against incoming ballistic missiles and drones are being depleted at an alarming pace across parts of the Gulf region.
The sustained rate of attacks has significantly increased the demand for interceptor missiles, which are essential for systems designed to protect critical infrastructure and population centers.
Sources familiar with the matter told CBS News that the United States and its regional partners are increasingly concerned about the pace at which these defensive munitions are being consumed. Interceptors used in advanced air defense networks are costly and require time to manufacture and deliver, making rapid replenishment difficult during periods of intense military activity.
Officials also warned that new supplies of interceptor missiles will not arrive as quickly as needed, raising concerns that air defense operators may have to prioritize which incoming threats to intercept if large waves of missiles or drones are launched simultaneously.
The situation underscores a broader challenge in modern air warfare, where sustained missile and drone campaigns can rapidly drain interceptor inventories even among well-equipped air defense forces.
European Parliament Urges Hungary to Stop Blocking Ukraine’s EU Path
The European Parliament has called for the rapid opening of negotiation clusters for Ukraine and Moldova, urging Hungary to stop blocking the European Union’s enlargement process.
The appeal came in a report on the EU enlargement strategy adopted in Strasbourg on March 11, which passed with 385 votes in favor, 147 against, and 98 abstentions..
The report stresses that delays in opening negotiations are not just bureaucratic problems — they are strategic security risks for Europe.
Members of Parliament warned that holding up the process weakens Europe’s geopolitical position at a time when the continent is facing Russia’s war against Ukraine and broader instability.
⚠️ And this is where the frustration is growing.
Across Europe, governments have taken painful steps to reduce reliance on Russian energy, impose sanctions, and support Ukraine’s defense.
Yet Hungary continues to slow or block key decisions, from financial aid packages to EU accession discussions.
For many in Brussels and across Europe, the question is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore:
Is Hungary defending its national interests — or protecting Moscow’s leverage inside the European Union?
Because while the rest of Europe is trying to contain Russia’s aggression, Hungary often seems to be holding the door open.
Iranian Dissident Urges Uprising: “This Is the Moment We Have All Been Waiting For”
As Operation Epic Fury hammers the Iranian regime’s nuclear sites, missile arsenals, and terror networks, a brave Iranian voice is calling on his countrymen to seize the hour and topple the oppressive mullahs.
In a powerful 33-second video circulating on X, an anonymous Iranian man—face blurred for safety and wearing a white cap emblazoned with “MIGA” (Make Iran Great Again)—delivers a direct message of defiance and hope.
“Trump delivered on his promise,” he declares. “He sparked a fire that can’t be put out. Now it’s our turn.”
He continues: “This is the moment we have all been waiting for years. An opportunity that won’t come around again. The people know the time has come to cross the finish line. We go until we reclaim Iran from this filthy regime. We are only one step away from the destination. United we will fight together to defeat this evil regime.”
The clip, posted amid U.S. strikes that have already crippled much of Iran’s military capacity, echoes President Trump’s long-standing pledge to end the regime’s nuclear threat and support the Iranian people’s freedom.
With the regime weakened and its leadership reeling, this grassroots call signals the fire Trump ignited may soon consume the oppressors from within.
Canadian PM Mark Carney Dodges Tough Questions on Hidden Iranian Missile Strike Near Our Troops
Ottawa – Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney faced sharp criticism Thursday after sidestepping questions about why his government waited 11 days to acknowledge an Iranian missile attack on a Kuwait base hosting Canadian forces.
The strike hit Ali Al-Salem Air Base on March 1, early in the escalating U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran. Satellite imagery showed damage in the area where Canadian personnel operate under advisory missions. No Canadians were harmed, but the delay in disclosure has drawn fire from opposition voices and concerned citizens who argue transparency is owed to the public when troops face direct risk.
Pressed by a reporter on the secrecy, Carney refused to explain the holdup. “I’m not the only spokesperson for the government,” he said, before quickly adding that all Canadian Forces members are “safe and sound.”
Conservatives and independent outlets blasted the response as evasive, accusing the Liberal government of withholding information that could shape public views on Canada’s role amid rising Middle East tensions.
Critics point to Carney’s shifting stance on the war – initial support for strikes against Iran’s nuclear ambitions, later tempered with calls for de-escalation – as part of a pattern of avoiding straight answers.
Iran’s Regime Hits New Low: Loyalists Recite Poetry to an Empty Chair for Missing Ayatollah
In the latest sign of desperation within Iran’s crumbling theocracy, regime supporters have taken to reciting passionate poems to an empty chair meant to represent the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The viral video, shared widely on March 12, 2026, captures loyalists addressing the vacant seat with fervent verses, as if the absent leader could still hear their praise. This bizarre ritual follows months of rumors and confirmed reports of Khamenei’s death in late February 2026 during joint U.S.-Israeli strikes, which also left his son and would-be successor Mojtaba Khamenei sidelined or incapacitated amid the ongoing succession crisis.
The post by Throwback Iran on X summed it up bluntly: “The chair ayatollah. Just as we were getting used to cardboard ayatollah, regime supporters have unveiled something new. They are literally reciting poems to Khamenei’s chair lol.”
In the clip, one devotee declares lines such as “O Leader of the faithful, your light guides us still” and “In your absence we remain steadfast against the enemies of Islam,” pouring out devotion to the empty space. Another voice intones poetic praise about eternal loyalty and divine protection, treating the chair as a stand-in for the vanished figurehead.
Critics point out the theological absurdity: such idol-like veneration of a mortal leader—or even his furniture—clashes with core Islamic principles of monotheism. As one reply noted, “He’s literally the hidden imam now. Their idol-worshipping is next level—which anyone who even has basic theological understandings, knows it negates one’s Islamic/monotheistic beliefs.”
This stunt comes after earlier propaganda flops, including ceremonies pledging allegiance to a photograph of Mojtaba Khamenei, who has barely appeared in public since the strikes. The regime’s frantic efforts to project continuity only highlight its fragility: a leadership vacuum, internal purges, street protests, and growing mockery from Iranians and observers alike.
The empty chair speaks louder than any speech the ayatollahs could give. The Islamic Republic’s grip slips further with every absurd display.
IRAN WAR – BIG UPDATE – from financial expert Robert Kiyosaki.
“If you work for Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Nvidia, Oracle, IBM or Palantir in the Middle East — Iran just put a target on your back.
This is not a headline from a conspiracy website, for anyone thinking it’s not true. This is from Iran’s IRGC.
Their central military command. Published on Telegram by Tasnim News Agency — the official mouthpiece of the Revolutionary Guard.
Here’s what happened…
Israel struck a bank branch in Tehran. Iran called it an “illegitimate and unusual act in war.”
And then Iran changed the rules of this entire conflict.
The IRGC announced: “The enemy has left our hands open to targeting economic centers and banks belonging to the United States and Israel in the region.”
Then Tasnim published a list. Three slides on Telegram. Approximately 30 targets. Named. Located. Described.
– Google’s Dubai office and Qatar cloud center.
– Amazon’s offices in Tel Aviv and Haifa — plus more AWS data centers.
– Microsoft, Nvidia, Oracle, IBM, Palantir — offices across Israel and Gulf states. Iran called them “enemy technology infrastructure.”
Then added: “As the scope of the regional war expands to infrastructure war, the scope of Iran’s legitimate targets expands.”
Let me explain why this is a completely different kind of threat.
When missiles hit military bases, soldiers expect that. That’s the known risk of war.
But when you’re an engineer at a Google office in Dubai, sitting at your desk writing code, you didn’t sign up for war.
That randomness is the entire point.
War doesn’t win by killing soldiers. It wins by making ordinary people feel like nowhere is safe.
It wins when companies evacuate staff.
When talent refuses to relocate. When billions in AI infrastructure investment starts looking for the exit.
Iran understands this perfectly.
And the financial damage has already started.
AWS data centers in the UAE and Bahrain were already struck in earlier Iranian attacks, taking banking, payments and enterprise services offline.
Here’s the detail that should terrify every CFO in the region: standard insurance policies do not cover losses from war or military action.
Every dollar of damage, uninsured. Think about what’s actually at stake.
– Microsoft committed $15 billion to UAE infrastructure by 2029.
– Oracle, Nvidia and Cisco are all part of OpenAI’s Stargate AI campus in the UAE — a 10-square-mile, 5-gigawatt facility.
– Saudi Arabia’s Humain is pouring billions more into regional AI buildouts.
This is where the next decade of AI gets built.
Iran just declared it a war zone.
Iran also warned civilians to “not be within one kilometer of banks” across the region.
This statement is designed to empty offices. To make every person working near a bank or a tech campus question whether they should show up tomorrow.
That uncertainty is the weapon.
I’ve been watching this war for 12 days. It started with missiles and fighter jets. Now it’s targeting the cloud infrastructure that runs the global economy. The battlefield keeps expanding.
Leaked IRGC Audio Exposes Regime Forces Hiding in Schools and Mosques Amid Drone Threat
A leaked recording of an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander briefing personnel reveals deep concern over Israeli Heron TP surveillance drones operating over Tehran. The audio, which surfaced amid ongoing U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian military targets, shows the regime’s forces scrambling to evade detection by turning off mobile phones and dispersing from checkpoints.
The commander warns that the expensive Heron TP drone, capable of loitering for up to 16 hours, is collecting signals intelligence (SIGINT) from areas with high mobile phone activity.
He states: “It hovers over schools and headquarters where many mobile phones are turned on, collects signals to later target them.”
He instructs personnel to act immediately upon hearing the drone: “Once you hear its sound, you must turn the phones fully off and not just on flight mode — especially those who are in large numbers in mosques and schools.”
Further advice includes abandoning positions: “Turn off the phones and do not send the signal in checkpoints. And you heard the sound, turn the phones off and flee the location. Leave the barriers and vehicles in place, and move to nearby streets.”
The commander acknowledges low morale: “Don’t be afraid in the checkpoints today throughout the city, the personnel are afraid and they looked above.”
He reassures them the threat is limited to overhead surveillance, not ground forces, and urges control of fear: “Control your fear and be aware of what’s happening. Don’t be afraid, it’s nothing.”
The recording highlights the regime’s use of civilian sites like schools and mosques as hideouts or gathering points, while admitting prior strikes have left checkpoint forces shaken and their target lists depleted. This leak comes as Iran claims successes in downing Heron drones, yet internal admissions paint a picture of vulnerability and desperation in the face of persistent aerial threats.
Iranian Hackers Strike Back: Major Cyberattack Cripples U.S. Medical Giant Stryker
Pro-Iranian hacktivists from the group Handala have claimed responsibility for a devastating cyberattack on Stryker, a leading American medical device manufacturer. The assault reportedly wiped out over 200,000 systems and stole 50 terabytes of data, disrupting operations across 79 countries.
Handala cited retaliation for U.S. military action under Operation Epic Fury, including a strike that hit a school in Minab, Iran. This marks the first significant pro-Iranian cyber hit on U.S. infrastructure since President Trump’s decisive campaign began dismantling the regime’s threats.
Stryker reports the incident is contained to its internal Microsoft environment with no ransomware or malware confirmed, but outages continue to hamper business functions. The breach exposes real vulnerabilities in critical supply chains as America stands firm against Iranian aggression.
Iranian State TV Admits: At Least 10 IRGC/Basij Checkpoints Destroyed in Drone Strikes
Iran’s regime-controlled state television has confirmed a significant blow to its internal security forces: at least 10 IRGC and Basij checkpoints have been destroyed, with additional targets hit across the country. This rare admission highlights mounting pressure on the Islamic Republic’s repressive apparatus amid ongoing Israeli drone operations.
Footage shared online and discussed in reports shows precise strikes on street-level positions long used by regime enforcers to harass, stop, and intimidate civilians. These checkpoints, often manned by Basij militia, have served as tools of control rather than public safety.
In a video breakdown from Tousi TV, the presenter notes the developments bluntly:
“Checkpoints are getting wiped out, and the state TV in Iran themselves confirmed that at least 10 have been destroyed. And more happening…”
The clip includes ground-level views of armed personnel patrolling and stopping vehicles arbitrarily, followed by explosion footage from the strikes. One embedded street reaction captures the sentiment:
“Here was a checkpoint, it was full, they hit everyone, everybody is dead.”
Another voice exclaims:
“Beautiful! Beautiful.”
As the regime faces internal erosion, defections, and disrupted command structures, these targeted hits on its street-level enforcers signal a clear weakening of the mullahs’ grip on power. The pressure is building, and the regime’s own media has been forced to acknowledge it.
