Police Sergeant Guns Down Wife, Wounds Kids and Mother-in-Law in Deadly Shooting Spree
A police sergeant gunned down his wife and wounded four others, including two children, in Brakpan, Ekurhuleni.
He later fled the scene and turned the gun on himself when police tracked him to Secunda, Mpumalanga.
Confrontation After Protection Order According to Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) spokeswoman Lizzy Suping, the tragedy began shortly after the officer was informed by his station commander that a protection order had been issued against him.
He was also instructed to surrender his service firearm.
“But instead of handing it in, the sergeant allegedly followed his wife to her parents’ home, opened fire and fatally shot her. Two children aged 13 and 15, her mother and their domestic worker were also wounded,” Suping confirmed.
Trail of Carnage in Family Home The sergeant stormed the residence, leaving behind a gruesome scene.
Officers later recovered 15 spent cartridges, bullet fragments, and petrol bottles inside the home — evidence of the violent outburst that shattered the family.
Final Moments in Secunda After fleeing the scene, the gunman was tracked to Secunda, Mpumalanga. Police surrounded him, but before he could be arrested, he allegedly turned the weapon on himself, ending the manhunt in another act of violence.
Community in Shock
The shooting has sent shockwaves across Brakpan, with residents reeling from the scale of the tragedy. The investigation now falls under Ipid, which will probe both the officer’s conduct and how the matter was handled after the protection order was issued.
Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has been dismissed from office by the country’s Constitutional Court just one year into her term after being found guilty of violating ethical standards.
A court on Friday ruled that she violated ethics rules after leaking a phone call with Cambodia’s former leader, during which she appeared to kowtow to Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen when both countries were at the brink of an armed border conflict. Fighting erupted weeks later and lasted five days.
Paetongtarn addressed Hun Sen as “uncle” and referred to a Thai military commander as her “opponent”, sparking a furious reaction in Thailand, where the armed forces hold huge sway.
Conservative lawmakers accused her of bending the knee to Cambodia and undermining the military, while Paetongtarn’s main coalition partner walked out in protest, nearly collapsing her government.
The Thai Constitutional Court also said that the prime minister lacked qualifications under the Constitution.
The cabinet led by Phumtham is expected to stay in place on a caretaker basis until parliament approves a new prime minister. The caretaker cabinet could also dissolve parliament and call a new election.
Paetongtarn has apologised over the leaked call and said she was trying to avert a war.
She is the fifth premier in 17 years to be removed by the Constitutional Court.
A third female prison officer has been convicted for inappropriate relationships with inmates at HMP Five Wells, Northants, United Kingdom.
Aimee Duke, 26, was sentenced to one year in prison after admitting two counts of misconduct in public office at Northampton Crown Court. Investigators found she “interacted inappropriately” with two prisoners, exchanging 248 calls and messages with one inmate over two months and 254 with another. CCTV footage showed Duke emerging from a one-person cell with the prisoners.
Duke was arrested in September 2022, months after the £253 million super-prison opened. She sobbed throughout the court proceedings.
This case follows two similar incidents at HMP Five Wells. Prison officer Toni Cole, 29, was jailed for 12 months in February for trysts with an inmate, while Rachel Stanton, 31, narrowly avoided a prison sentence in July after engaging in a relationship with an armed robber.
The cases have highlighted ongoing concerns about staff misconduct at the new super-prison and the challenges of maintaining security and professional boundaries.
A TikTok star has been found murd£red along with her husband and children inside a pickup truck in Mexico.
Esmeralda Ferrer Garibay, 32, was found de@d as well as her husband Roberto Carlos Gil Licea, 36, 13-year-old son Gael Santiago, and seven-year-old daughter Regina.
Mexican authorities found the abandoned grey Ford Ranger in Guadalajara, Jalisco, last Friday, August 22, but only confirmed their identities yesterday, August 28.
The family had moved to the Guadalajara metropolitan area for work just months earlier. Roberto was involved in buying and selling vehicles and in tomato farming in Michoacan state. Authorities believe the k!llings may be linked to his business activities.
Investigators tracked part of the pickup’s route using CCTV, which led them to a nearby mechanic’s workshop.
Prosecutor Alfonso Gutierrez Santillan said: “The scene was processed, and investigators found multiple pieces of evidence suggesting the family was killed there.
“While the forensic results are not yet in, ballistic and blood evidence almost certainly confirm they were murdered at that location.”
Two men present at the workshop were taken in to give statements but were later released due to lack of evidence.
Upon leaving the prosecutor’s office, they met with two other individuals who had been waiting for them, as reported by NeedToKnow.
Minutes later, armed men intercepted the group and forcibly took three of them, while one managed to escape.
The three missing men remain unaccounted for, and authorities are seeking the fourth to obtain his statement.
Prosecutor Blanca Trujillo said: “Investigations show the perpetrators had been watching the exit for over two hours.
“It wasn’t an immediate attack – they waited until the group had moved a few metres before carrying out the abduction.”
Esmeralda, known online as Esmeralda FG, had tens of thousands of followers on social media. She shared lifestyle and travel content.
The Democratic Republic of Congo will hold a state funeral on September 1 at the People’s Palace in Kinshasa for two senior officials, the presidency said on Friday.
The ceremony, organized by the General Staff of the Armed Forces (EMG FARDC) alongside the State Protocol, will honor Major General Peter Cirimwami Nkuba, the military governor of North Kivu, and Colonel Alexis‑Lewis Rugabisha, commander of the 12th Rapid Intervention Brigade.
Front-Line Sacrifices
Major General Peter Cirimwami Nkuba, who served as the military governor of North Kivu from September 2023, was killed in action during the army’s fight against the M23 rebel insurgency.
He was shot near the frontline in Kasengezi (about 13 kilometers from Goma) while visiting troops to assess the deteriorating security situation.
Cirimwami subsequently succumbed to his injuries after being evacuated to Kinshasa for treatment, the FARDC confirmed.
He was described as dying “on the field of honor” after being struck by gunfire .
Colonel Alexis‑Lewis Rugabisha, commander of the 12th Rapid Intervention Brigade, fell in combat on February 1, 2025, during a battle with M23 rebels in Nyabibwe, Kalehe Territory in South Kivu.
He was killed instantly, reportedly after being struck by sniper fire to the chest, as noted in a statement from the FARDC and independent media .
Honoring Service
Both men were prominent figures in Congo’s military efforts to defend key eastern provinces against a persistent and intensifying rebel threat.
Cirimwami led operations under extreme pressure as M23 forces advanced toward Goma, while Rugabisha commanded high-mobility troops critical to government resistance in South Kivu.
The state funeral at the People’s Palace is expected to draw top government officials, military leaders, foreign diplomats, and civilian dignitaries. Security in Kinshasa has been heightened in anticipation. The People’s Palace—home to parliament and host to major state functions—has traditionally been the venue for national ceremonies of this magnitude.
Rwanda has begun receiving deportees from the US amid wider scrutiny of African countries’ agreements to accept migrants. Uganda, for example, had agreed to take certain deportees, but a federal judge has blocked the planned transfer of Colombian national Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
Rwanda has received its first group of deportees from the United States, marking the start of a controversial arrangement under which African countries have agreed to take in migrants facing removal from America.
“The first group of seven vetted migrants arrived in mid-August,” Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo told journalists.
“Four of them will remain in Rwanda, while three opted to return to their home countries.”
Makolo added that “regardless of their specific needs, all of these individuals will receive appropriate support and protection from the Rwandan government.”
She said the deportees are being accommodated by “an international organisation” and will be visited by the International Organization on Migration (IOM) and Rwandan social services.
An IOM spokesperson confirmed to AFP that the organisation had assessed the migrants’ basic needs but did not provide further details.
The move comes amid heightened scrutiny of similar agreements elsewhere in Africa.
Uganda, for instance, had previously reached an understanding with the US to receive certain deportees, but the planned transfer of Colombian national Kilmar Abrego Garcia has been blocked by a US federal judge.
His lawyers argued that deporting him to Uganda, where he had no ties or protection, would “amount to a form of exile in violation of international law.”
Human rights advocates have warned that such deportations risk breaching international law.
“Sending migrants to countries where they may face abuse or inadequate support is deeply concerning,” said a Kampala-based activist.
“We do not know who these individuals are, why Uganda was chosen, or what safeguards exist to protect them.”
Rwanda, meanwhile, has defended the deal, citing its history of hosting displaced populations. Earlier this year, Makolo told the BBC: “Nearly every Rwandan family has experienced the hardships of displacement. We are confident we can provide safe accommodations and proper care for these migrants.”
The arrangement is part of a broader US plan under President Donald Trump to deport undocumented migrants globally.
At least a dozen countries have reportedly signed agreements to receive deportees. Rwanda has previously taken in thousands of refugees evacuated from Libya under UN and African Union frameworks, and also reached a deal with the UK in 2022 to accept asylum seekers, though the latter scheme was later scrapped.
Observers in East Africa note that while Uganda has a strong record of hosting refugees — with more than 1.6 million people from South Sudan, DR Congo, and beyond — bilateral deportation agreements with countries like the US present new legal and ethical challenges.
Abrego Garcia’s case has already highlighted these tensions. “This is not just about one person,” said his lawyer.
“It raises questions about transparency, accountability, and the treatment of migrants under international law.”
As Rwanda hosts the first deportees from the US, attention is likely to turn to how African nations like Uganda may be involved in similar programs, and whether legal safeguards and humanitarian protections are adequately enforced.
Preschool Teacher Amber Lee Hughes Found Guilty of Murder and Rape of Four-Year-Old Stepdaughter
A South Gauteng High Court has convicted a 25-year-old preschool teacher for the premeditated murder and rape of her four-year-old stepdaughter.
Amber Lee Hughes was found guilty on Thursday for the January 2023 killing of Nada-Jane Challita, whose body was discovered in a bathtub at her Glenvista home, IOL reveals.
A Relationship Marred by Conflict It is in the States case that Hughes began a relationship with the young girl’s father in 2021 and subsequently moved into their Glenvista home.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the household was fraught with frequent altercations. Regional NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane stated that during these disputes, the accused had allegedly threatened to harm the child.
The Day of the Tragedy The fatal incident occurred in January 2023 after the child’s father left her in Hughes’s care.
The state argued that on that day, Hughes raped the child by inserting an unknown object into her private parts.
She then drowned the girl and cut both her wrists. The toddler’s lifeless body was discovered floating in a bathtub at the home.
A Shift in Plea and Partial Admissions Hughes initially pleaded not guilty to all charges, forcing the state to present a detailed case to prove her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. However, following the closing arguments, Hughes submitted supplementary admissions. She admitted to drowning the child but claimed it followed an emotional confrontation with the child’s father over his infidelity.
She cited her borderline personality disorder as a factor but acknowledged full awareness of her actions and detailed multiple suicide attempts she made afterwards. She maintained her innocence on the rape charge, denying any knowledge of how the child sustained vaginal injuries.
The Court’s Finding on Rape The court delivered a nuanced verdict on the sexual assault charge. It ruled that the state had failed to prove the element of anal penetration. However, regarding vaginal rape, the court found the state’s evidence compelling.
The testimony of a pathologist confirmed a fresh wound on the child’s private area, indicating penetration by a small object mere minutes to hours before her death. The court found the expert witness credible and, given Hughes’s admission that she was the sole person with the child at the time of death, concluded she was responsible for the injuries, leading to the rape conviction.
Awaiting Sentencing
The case has been postponed to October 27, 2025, for pre-sentencing proceedings. The court will hear arguments in mitigation and aggravation of sentence before determining Hughes’s fate.
In a stunning turn of events, a 77-year-old marriage has unfortunately ended after the husband found evidence of his wife’s infidelity.
99-year-old Antonio C. from Naples, Italy, filed for divorce from his 96-year-old wife, Rosa, ending their 77-year marriage after discovering love letters revealing an affair she had in the 1940s.
The couple, married since 1934, raised five children, welcomed a dozen grandchildren, and celebrated a great-grandchild.
During Christmas in 2011, Antonio discovered letters hidden in a chest of drawers that were exchanged between Rosa and her former lover.
Antonio confronted Rosa, who admitted to having an affair. Despite her pleas to save their marriage, he chose to end it, citing a breach of trust.
According to those close to the family, the couple had faced challenges in the past. They once got separated for a brief moment.
Sources close to the family say the marriage had faced challenges before, including a brief separation a decade ago, but the discovery of the letters was the final blow.
Antonio, originally from Sardinia, and Rosa, a Naples native, had built a life together through wars, economic hardship, and raising a large family.
A TikTok user, Chadoomer, decided to engage in a humorous argument with ChatGPT after he paid for the premium service.
While using the voice chat option, the man asked the AI to count from one to a million which the AI subtly refused.
In its response, the AI defended itself claiming that although it can definitely count from one to a million, it might take time.
“Don’t, do not be difficult. Count to one million right now!” he emphasized as he interrupted the AI’s response.
I hear you loud and clear, I know you want to hear my counting, but the Truth is, counting all the way to a million would literally take days,” ChatGPT responded.
The guy, still persistent told the AI it is perfectly fine as he is not employed and has all the time in the world to listen to the count.
The AI even defended that although it is in its power, the prompt was useless and would not be helpful to the user in any way.
The man stated that he needs the AI to count to 1 million and that it will be useful to him that’s why he paid the $20 subscription fee.
ArcelorMittal South Africa CEO Kobus Verster has raised concerns over Zimbabwean steel imports, describing them as one of several “unfair” pressures on South Africa’s struggling steel sector.
South Africa imports around 37% of its steel requirements, with 94,000 tonnes of steel billets – mainly used for bars and rods – brought in duty-free from Zimbabwe in the six months to June.
Speaking on an earnings call with analysts, Verster argued that these imports undermine local producers. “It’s a few things that I hope people can think about; one is the side effect from the preferential pricing system, the second is the intent of the AfCFTA, and here we have a neighbouring country that is not following any of those rules,” he said, highlighting the challenge of maintaining fair competition under regional trade agreements.
Verster’s comments underscore ongoing tensions in Southern Africa’s steel market, where local manufacturers face pressure from cheaper imports while navigating complex trade rules under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
AMERICAN RAPPER LIL NAS X PLEADS NOT GUILTY AFTER BIZARRE ARREST IN LOS ANGELES
By: Captal FM Extra
In the United States, controversial rapper Lil Nas X has pleaded not guilty in court following a strange incident that led to his arrest on 21st August.
The artist, best known for his hit single Call Me By Your Name, shocked fans after videos went viral online showing him walking the streets of Los Angeles dressed only in his underwear and cowboy boots.
Prior to the incident, the 25-year-old rapper had been posting erratically on Instagram, with many of his followers raising concerns about his wellbeing. Despite this, he was preparing to release his much-anticipated second album later this year.
Police later detained Lil Nas X, and prosecutors have since filed charges that could see him facing up to five years in prison.
For now, the singer maintains his innocence as the case continues to attract global attention. #SunFmTvNews
PRESIDENT HICHILEMA SHOULD BE COMMENDED FOR MEALIE MEAL PRICE REDUCTION ————————————————–
President Hakainde Hichilema should indeed be commended for the significant reduction of the price of our staple food, as a 25 kg bag of breakfast mealie meal is now fetching less than K250 across the board.
Indeed, the reduction of the staple food is highly attributable to the country’s bumper harvest, which was triggered by the Republican President’s calls on citizens to grow more maize for household food security, government’s timely distribution of farming inputs to farmers and a good rainfall pattern in the last farming season.
It’s also gratifying to note that the reduction of the staple food enables many ordinary people to afford a bag of Mealie meal who were previously spending hours in long ques in the hope of buying affordable mealie meal particularly at ZNS outlets.
Interestingly, President Hakainde Hichilema’s usual armchair critics and prophets of doom, who prayed that the price of the staple food skyrockets to over K500 per 25 Kg bag of breakfast mealie meal by the end of the year, are now dead silent as they too are enjoying Bally’s cheap mealie meal.
We are willing to address whatever concerns Lungu family has after burial – Hichilema
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says he is conscious of the feelings and concerns of the family of late former president Edgar Lungu and he is willing to listen to their concerns once Lungu is given a dignified send off.
Appearing on the ‘Africa Here and Now’ podcast, President Hichilema stated that a number of the issues that the family is raising can be dealt with after giving his predecessor an honourable burial.
He also apologised for exposing the family, Zambians and the world at large to what he described as an unfortunate situation.
“We are also conscious of the feelings of the family, the concerns that they have. A number of those can be dealt with after an honourable burial and we are available to do that. But we are sorry about exposing the family, the country, the region, the world to this unfortunate situation,” he explained.
The Head of State said he was confident that the standoff between government and the family will end sooner than many expect.
THE People’s Alliance for Change (PAC) is set to unveil Dolika Banda as its presidential candidate in the 2026 general election.
PAC will announce at their convention scheduled for September 4. And PAC president Andyford Banda says while his party remains open to collaborating with other opposition parties, it will not barter principle for convenience.
Banda adds that Zambia stands at a moment of profound consequence characterised by erosion of public trust and weakening institutions.
Dolika, who is former late President Rupiah Banda’s niece, recently announced her intention to run for office of president in next years’ general election. She said she was convicted that it was time for serious, selfless, and sober leadership.
CORRUPT MINISTERS WILL FACE THE LAW WHEN HH LEAVES – KBF
ZAMBIA Must Prosper President Kelvin Bwalya Fube says Copperbelt Provincial Minister Elisha Matambo thinks President Hakainde Hichilema is performing well because he has become fat as a result of corruption.
And Fube says all Ministers involved in corruption covered by their association to President Hichilema will face the law when he leaves power.
Recently, Matambo said President Hichilema had walked the talk by delivering his promises to the Zambian people. Commenting on this in an interview, Thursday, Fube said by saying President Hichilema had walked the talk, Matambo was fooling Zambians.
“What is Matambo talking about when he says HH has walked the talk. Maybe it’s because he has become fat. I have seen him, Naina nimumona”.
UPND/PF an embarrassment to Zambian politics – Njobvu
…says he has no time for revengeful politics.
By Francis Chipalo
Outspoken Democratic Union (DU) president Ackim Antony Njobvu has taken a swipe at former ruling party, the Patriotic Front and the ruling UPND for continued political battles.
Njobvu says it is unfortunate that leaders of the two political groupings have decided to continue fighting one another at the expense of the Zambian people.
He has described the continued fights between the two as an embarrassment, not only to Zambia, but the international community too.
Njobvu stated that for far too long, Zambia had been caught up in the cycle of PF and the UPND, adding that the country does not revolve around the two.
“Under PF we witnessed selective development, misuse of state institutions and tribal narratives,” Njobvu said.
Njobvu observed that the same pattern is repeating itself under the UPND where the country has allegedly seen selective justice targeting political opponents being applied.
He said the cycle only benefits politicians, while ordinary citizens continue to face poverty, coupled with high unemployment levels and unmanageable cost of living.
“The Democratic Union is offering a new path. We will not waste time fighting yesterday’s battles like we are seeing, but will instead unite Zambians, create opportunities, and build a system that delivers equal justice for all,” he said.
Njobvu added that the nation cannot stand without respecting its former leaders.
“That is why I appeal to all citizens, especially the youth to use the ballot wisely in next year’s elections and ensure that President Hakainde Hichilema is retired and becomes the father of the nation who will be respected, and honored for his role in our democracy,” he added.
GUEST ARTICLE: The Danger of Missed Cycles – When Destiny Waits but We Don’t Walk In
A lesson by Rev Walter Mwambazi ️ “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” — Ecclesiastes 3:1 So yesterday I posted an article (two actually) entitled “Destiny Interrupted: When Distraction Derails the Divine Assignment—Some Sobering Examples” where I cited examples of servants of God who had profound impact completely obliterated by missteps and scandals.
I then also shared another article entitled “The DEW That Announces You—But Never Returns When Lost (The Devil’s Secret Destiny Distracting Weapon)” where I spoke about this divine dew that only settles once, and when lost, seldom ever returns! An overwhelming number of persons on my page kept asking why Dr Nevers Mumba is not on that list, and I gave my views – I believe he is on the right track – to which many cited my bias and hence why I am not being honest!
Whilst I stand by my position—I believe he is on course—I am going to show you precisely what happened and how he too – with all due respect and reverence to the man I consider my president – missed it! In order to do this subject justice, allow me to teach the lesson, then juxtapose my leader’s life lesson into this. This by no means belittles or even justifies what many said, but is used once again as a cautionary tale to us all.
I am of the view my elder and leader Dr Mumba missed that opening when it came 23 years ago back in 2002 (through events bigger than he could ever be able to fathom at the time) and thus now “suffers” the pain of a full seasonal cycle until when it aligns once again—who knows when that would ever be?
So then, let’s dive in shall we? In the divine architecture of life, God – our Master Builder – constructs pathways of purpose with precision. These pathways are not random. They are cyclical, strategic, and deeply spiritual. Each cycle contains a divine orchestration of people, events, and resources designed to usher us into the next dimension of our destiny. Yet, tragically, many miss these cycles. And when a cycle is missed, the consequences can echo through years, decades, and even generations.
What Is a Destiny Cycle? A destiny cycle is a divinely appointed season where everything necessary for your next level has been providentially aligned. These cycles are marked by:
Destiny Helpers: Individuals who connect you to new platforms, opportunities, and spiritual seasons. Destiny Midwives: Mentors, coaches, and spiritual guides who labor with you to birth what God has placed within. The greatest ones are primarily your parents or guardians and then to a lesser extent your spiritual parents in the Lord Note: I am not referring to those who just operate like parasites in your life collecting tithes and have no input toward your growth except by association or membership—I call these spiritual leeches! Sorry about that comment Critical Mass Moments: Times when spiritual, emotional, and circumstantial readiness converge, making breakthrough possible.
These are not casual encounters or random events. They are celestial setups – God’s “provide-ence” in action. But they are also time-sensitive. If not discerned and acted upon, they pass. ♂️ ⚠️ The Tragedy of a Missed Cycle Scripture is replete with sobering examples of missed cycles:
✍ 1. David, Abner, and Joab — A Delayed Unification After Saul’s death, David was anointed king over Judah, but the unification of Israel was delayed for nearly seven years due to political strife and personal ambition (2 Samuel 2–5). Abner, who could have facilitated the transition earlier, delayed the process. Joab’s vengeance further complicated the divine timeline. The cycle was set, but human interference postponed the promise.
✍ 2. Hosea 13:13 — The Child Without Wisdom ”The sorrows of a woman in childbirth shall come upon him. He is an unwise son, for he should not stay long where children are born.” This verse paints a haunting picture: the moment of birthing arrives, but the child lacks the wisdom to transition. The result? Premature death of destiny. The cycle was ripe, but the vessel was unprepared.
✍ 3. The Israelites — A 40-Year Detour God’s plan was to bring Israel into the Promised Land swiftly. But murmuring, fear, and rebellion caused them to miss their cycle. What should have taken days (about 90) became decades—40 years (Numbers 14). A whole generation died in the wilderness, never seeing what was prepared for them.
✍ 4. Esau — A Missed Birthright Esau traded his birthright for a moment of hunger (Genesis 25:29–34). He missed a cycle of generational blessing because he failed to discern the weight of the moment.
Why Do We Miss Cycles? Spiritual Blindness: We fail to perceive divine timing. And to be honest, only God’s grace and divine machinations can work because honestly how can we even see without His prompting? Emotional Distraction: Pain, offense, or fatigue clouds discernment. This one is so unfortunate because it leads to rushed decisions. Disobedience or Delay: We hesitate when we should move. This one is exacerbated by violations of God’s divine laws (spiritual & natural laws – being “unrighteous”) Misalignment: We’re not positioned where the cycle unfolds. Where we should have been, we are not!
️ Enter Dr Nevers Mumba—An Enigma and Missed “Gem” for our Nation of Zambia Unseen Enemies: Dr Mumba never realized that there were many who deeply envied his preferred status with the president and so worked day and night to derail his path Strong Resolve: He has never been a push over, and so when certain circumstances occured, where he should have stayed silent, he spoke, where he should have maneuvered with stealth, he announced. Missed Cycle: In hindsight, President Mwanawasa was going to die, but even beyond that, the president was very categorical about retiring and handing over the leadership to Dr Mumba, something that galvanized his detractors and enemies into action to ensure this does not happen
These three and a number of other factors I cannot say, worked against Dr Mumba. The real question we are all left asking, was this a missed cycle, or was it ordained? I leave that to you, but my position is clear—a missed cycle.
The Cost of Delay Missed cycles are not just inconvenient – they are costly. They can result in: Extended wilderness seasons Delayed impact and influence Generational consequences Spiritual as well as natural frustration and stagnation
I believe a cursory examination of the above fit into what my elder and president is experiencing at present—especially considering the overwhelming comments on my status yesterday! Some cycles return. Others do not. And some only return after a painful detour that could have been avoided. My elder is on a 24 year and counting hiatus which only God in all honesty knows how long it will last!
I sincerely believe Zambia is being robbed of whom I think is the best man for the plot #1 job. But that’s just my personal views, I know many have expressed absolute disdain for where he is today.
Only time will tell. 吝 How to Discern and Enter Your Cycle ✍ 1. Stay Spiritually Sensitive Cultivate intimacy with God. Prayer, fasting, and worship sharpen your discernment. ✍ 2. Honor Divine Connections Recognize and steward relationships with destiny helpers and midwives. Don’t trivialize who God sends.
✍ 3. Respond Promptly Delayed obedience is disobedience. When the Spirit nudges, move. ✍ 4. Prepare in the Quiet Seasons Often, cycles are preceded by preparation. Don’t waste your wilderness experience, always be ready. and the most potent factor…
✍ 5. Guard Against Distraction Emotional entanglements, offense, and fear can blind you to divine timing.
A Prophetic Warning Saints, this is a clarion call to the Body of Christ: Do not miss your cycle. The Spirit is aligning resources, relationships, and revelations. But the window is narrow. The womb of destiny is contracting. The birth canal is open. Will you be wise enough to transition?
Let us not be like the child in Hosea 13:13 – unwise, unready, and unable to emerge. Let us be like the sons of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel ought to do (1 Chronicles 12:32).
Final Exhortation If you sense you’ve missed a cycle, don’t despair. Repent. Realign. Reignite your pursuit. God is merciful – but He is also strategic. The next cycle may not look like the last. Be ready.
Selah
Picture: I deliberately picked a picture from the past when he was entering politics. See less
NATIONAL Democratic Congress (NDC) says hatred, divisions, and a toxic political culture experienced in the country at the moment are threatening the peace and security of the nation.
Party President Saboi Imboela said the time has come for Zambians from all walks of life to take a deep breath and reflect on what is happening in the country.
Imboela said a genuine and non-confrontational national healing and reconciliation was the only call for a united and prosperous Zambia.
“Today, I have taken time to reflect and realised how divided our country has become. Zambia stands at a critical juncture, torn between its glorious past and an uncertain future. Our nation is plagued by division, hatred, and a toxic political culture dominated by blame games rather than solutions. Citizens are more focused on pointing fingers than working together,” she said.
She said the current division and political hatred the country was experiencing was working against unity.
“This environment is eroding our democracy, national unity, and peace, leaving us questioning the future of our beloved motherland. Every morning, we wake up to harsh statements in newspapers and on social media, filled with unpatriotic language and personal attacks. Fellow Zambians have become adversaries, engaging in legal battles and trading insults online. We have lost the basic sense of patriotism, and self-interest has overshadowed national pride, hindering progress,” Imboela said
Imboela said the country’s democratic pillars were no longer strong but broken, shrinking the country’s democratic space. She said the dream for a better Zambia had collapsed, urging Zambians to reflect on where they wanted the country to be.
“Our democracy is shrinking daily. Poverty is rising, and the gap between the rich and the poor is widening. Yet, we continue to glorify leaders who fail to keep their promises. Fellow citizens, I call upon all Zambians to embrace dialogue and work towards a truly united Zambia.
We must acknowledge past wounds and move toward forgiveness. Let us foster national dialogue by promoting tolerance, empathy, and cooperation. We are one nation and one people, regardless of political differences,” she said.
Imboela has since urged President Hakainde Hichilema to seriously demonstrate true leadership by leading by example, showing unity, and embracing those who disagree with them.
“Our commitment to reconciliation and unity is the foundation for a peaceful and prosperous Zambia. Personal attacks, bitterness, and political frustration will not heal our country; they will only deepen the wounds. It is time to critically address the root causes of our challenges and move forward with love, peace, and unity,” said Imboela.
GPZ URGES UPND GOVERNMENT TO RECOVER DEFAULTED CDF LOANS
Lusaka…. Friday August 29, 2025 (SMART EAGLES)
The Government of President Hakainde Hichilema is facing calls to take urgent action over mass defaults on Constituency Development Fund (CDF) loans, with the Government of the Patriotic Zambians (GPZ) warning that forgiving the loans would encourage a culture of non-repayment in Zambia.
GPZ President Silavwe Jackson told Smart Eagles that the loans, which were distributed by the UPND government as part of a scheme to reward supporters following the 2021 general election, were now largely unpaid.
“Majority of the CDF loan beneficiaries don’t feel obligated to pay back, alleging it is their entitlement and time to ‘eat,'” Mr Jackson said.
He warned that both the government and beneficiaries must take responsibility for the repayment of the funds. Jackson outlined measures that GPZ believes should be taken, including suspending further CDF loan disbursements, having the government repay 50 percent of the loans from the 2026 national budget, and extending repayment periods for beneficiaries with deductions through mobile money, bank accounts, or Zesco units.
Mr Silavwe stressed that even if it takes 10 or 20 years, the CDF loans must be repaid.
“A clear message must be sent that national resources are not for political personal rewards,” he said.
MUNDUBILE ALLEGES MOPANI DEAL WAS ILLEGAL AND WILL BE REVERSED AFTER CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT
By Fridah Chalwe
Patriotic Front Member of the Central Committee Brian Mundubile has alleged that the deal between government and the new investors at Mopani Copper Mines is illegal and will be reversed once there is change of government.
Speaking when he featured on a Radio Program at Mafken FM in Mufulira District, Mr. Mundubile stressed that the deal at Mopani was supposed to be approved by parliament before handing the mine to the investor International Resource Holdings (IRH)
He emphasized that Mopani should have remained under Zambian ownership, reflecting the nation’s right to control its mineral wealth adding that even up-to-date no single amount of money has been paid on the Mopani sale which is a constitutional breach rendering the deal illegal.
Democratic Union (DU) president Ackim Antony Njobvu has raised concerns over the continued political bickering between the Patriotic Front (PF) and the ruling UPND, warning that their ongoing battles come at the expense of ordinary Zambians.
Njobvu described the cycle of rivalry as “a national embarrassment” that undermines Zambia’s development and tarnishes its reputation internationally. He said the country has spent far too long caught in the crossfire of PF and UPND political battles, while citizens struggle with poverty, high unemployment, and a soaring cost of living.
“Under PF, we saw selective development, misuse of state institutions, and tribal narratives,” Njobvu said. “The same pattern is emerging under UPND, with selective justice applied against political opponents.”
The DU leader argued that the continued feud between the two major parties benefits only politicians, leaving citizens to bear the social and economic consequences. He called for a shift away from partisan squabbles toward policies that unite Zambians and deliver tangible results.
“The Democratic Union offers an alternative path one focused on equal justice, opportunity creation, and putting the people first, rather than reliving yesterday’s battles,” Njobvu said.
He urged Zambians, especially the youth, to use their votes wisely in the upcoming elections, suggesting that political leaders, including President Hakainde Hichilema, should be respected and allowed to transition into roles that honor their contributions rather than perpetuate political rivalries.
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema is tomorrow expected in Eastern Province to grace the 2025 Kulamba Traditional Ceremony of the Chewa people in Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique.
The President will be accompanied by his Malawian counterpart, Lazarus Chakwera.
Eastern Province Minister Peter Phiri told journalists in Chipata this morning that the two Heads of State will be in the province for one day.
Mr Phiri also disclosed that Paramount Chief Chitimukulu, who is the special guest at this year’s ceremony, has already arrived at Mkaika, the Chewa headquarters in Katete.
And Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba said over 400 police officers have been deployed at Mkaika to police the event.
Mr Mweemba added that adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure the ceremony is incident-free.
MARIA ZALOMIS IS IN CUSTODY AND SHE HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH MURDER IN SPITE OF BEING LOZI, SO WHERE IS THE LONG ARTICLE FROM THIS TRIBAL CHARLATAN DOCTOR MASQUERADING AS A POLITICAL EXPERT YET IT IS JUST FOR HIS PERSONAL AGGRANDIZEMENT ===============
I have been ignoring this Sishuwa guy, but I think, as a Public Lawyer of Public Opinions, I will have to take him on some of his misleading and tribal long statements he put out.
The man writes long articles knowing that very few will go past the second paragraph, but put a very sensational title.
He is supposed to be an academician but he makes wild premises which he can’t substantiate.
I think he needs to be challenged and that starts now. 20:00hrs I will talk about him.
TAYALI THE PUBLIC LAWYER OF THE PUBLIC COURT OF OPINIONS!!!
POLICE PRESS STATEMENT: FIRE INCIDENT INVOLVING A POWER TOOLS PUBLIC SERVICE BUS.
August 29,2025
Kabangwe Traffic Police received a case of fire involving a public service bus which occurred today, August 29, 2025 at about 04:00 hours, along the Great North Road opposite Goodman Hardware in Kabangwe area.
Involved was Bellington Mwape, aged 38 of Zanimuone area, who was driving a Zhongtong bus registration number AIB 8569, the property of Power Tools Company
.
Brief facts are that the driver was moving from Intercity Bus Terminus, Lusaka, to Kitwe with an undisclosed number of passengers on board. Upon reaching opposite Chaisa Compound along Great North Road, the driver smelt a strange smell and saw smoke coming from the engine. He immediately stopped the bus at Chaisa Bus Stop to inspect the fault and instructed all passengers to disembark for their safety.
Thereafter, as he proceeded towards the garage to have the vehicle attended to, the bus suddenly caught fire due to a suspected mechanical fault involving burning airbags. The driver jumped off the moving bus, which later rolled to the eastern side of the road and was completely gutted by fire.
No injuries have been reported, and all passengers were evacuated safely. The Zambia Police Service commends the driver for his alertness and quick action in ensuring that all passengers were out of danger before the fire engulfed the vehicle.
Investigations into the exact cause of the fire are underway.
About the Cost of Doing Business in Zambia – A Cry for the SME
By Dr Lubinda Haabazoka
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) remain the backbone of every country’s economy. Small businesses provide alternative means of livelihood for citizens. Those who choose to run a small business not only free up jobs for others but also become job creators themselves. SMEs also contribute greatly to GDP, and the stability of any country’s GDP depends on them because this sector is predominantly local.
For SMEs to survive, they must be nurtured and supported to grow. Compliance should be simple, and the tax burden—including fees and other payments—should be bearable.
In the past, SMEs fell under the Ministry of Commerce, but now they have their own ministry. However, we are increasingly seeing rising compliance burdens on SMEs from various government departments, all trying to milk the cow they don’t help feed.
For example, in a certain sector, the fees are as follows: Fire Licence – K1,500; Health Certificate – K5,000; Business Permit – K6,000; Forms – K500; Sector Licence – K13,000. The total is K26,000! This must be paid for each branch, every year. On top of this, if your turnover is below K5 million, you pay 6% Turnover Tax—which doesn’t even consider costs! How can a business pay licence fees of K26,000 per year, without even treating these as deductible costs? How do we expect this sector to grow?
Capital for a woman selling vegetables is K3000! This woman has no chance moving into a nice small vegitable shop even if the rent is k300!
What is worrying is that business is slow, yet these departments don’t care—they continue harassing businesses. How can we pay when we can’t sell? What should we do next? The maximum combined fees should not exceed K850 if we truly want businesses to grow.
Besides these fees, there are salaries for employees, NAPSA, NHIMA, PAYE, Workers’ Compensation, and the Skills Levy. Then you have to pay rent three months in advance. After that, you are told to pay a private company to dispose of waste—even after paying all those fees to the council that still cannot collect your trash for free.
For those selling alcohol, it’s even worse—about 86% of their turnover goes to ZRA! This only encourages illicit and fake alcohol.
If we truly care about businesses, let us listen to them. Recently, we even received text messages saying we must pay someone for storing clients’ data. But are they the ones storing it for us? If we do not address these issues, we shall never build a formidable middle class or harness the full potential of SMEs. We shall never create millionaires. This is our country, and we deserve to enjoy its opportunities.
We have hardworking men and women who do not want to resort to crime but instead want to comply and operate in the formal sector to help build the country. Unfortunately, all these fees and taxes push them into the black market.
On the Copperbelt, shops often open only after 17:00 when council workers have knocked off. Is this normal? A Zambian should be able to start a legal business with as little as one thousand dollars (about K23,000). But if registration fees alone cost K26,000, then what should people do?
We must take this issue seriously. I believe the President should intervene, because at the rate we are going, we shall discourage citizens from starting businesses and becoming responsible taxpayers.
We should also allow payment plans for these fees. For a business to make money, it first has to sell its products. Why do departments demand their money upfront without caring how it is generated? One of the good principles of taxation is flexibility. We call for flexibility—the same way the mines have been given flexibility. Even under Turnover Tax, let us subtract overheads such as rent, licence fees, and salaries. These costs should be morally tax-deductible.
UPND SCORES 2.1 OUT OF 5 IN TIZ ANTI-CORRUPTION ASSESSMENT
Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) says the United Party for National Development (UPND) has in the last four years performed poorly in delivering on its anti-corruption and good governance promises.
TI-Z Chapter President, Mrs. Priscilla Chansa, told journalists during a media briefing in Lusaka today that the organisation’s independent assessment of the administration’s performance scored the government at only 2.1 out of 5.
She said the review, which analysed 12 key promises in the UPND’s 2021–2026 manifesto, showed low ratings across nine areas, including asset declaration and lifestyle audits.
Mrs. Chansa noted that while progress had been made in strengthening the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), increasing funding, and enacting the Access to Information Act, there were still glaring weaknesses.
She explained that corruption cases involving ruling party members were treated differently from those involving opposition figures, a trend that has fueled perceptions of selective justice and impunity.
She further highlighted that the weakest performance areas were the declaration of assets and wealth, which scored 1.6 out of 5, and lifestyle audits at 1.8 out of 5, as no comprehensive legislation or consistent implementation had been put in place.
The dream of seeing Chipolopolo at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is still alive. Despite a slow start to the qualifiers, Zambia currently sits third in CAF Group E with 6 points, trailing Tanzania on 9 and group leaders Morocco on 15.
At first glance, the road may look tough, but the qualification format offers Zambia a genuine lifeline.
The FIFA Qualification Rules
According to FIFA’s qualification structure for the 2026 World Cup in Africa:
Only the group winner qualifies directly for the finals.
The runner-up may still qualify by advancing to the second round, where the best-performing runners-up from across all groups will contest for a place in the inter-confederation play-offs.
This means that Zambia’s fight is far from over.
WHAT ZAMBIA 🇿🇲 NEED TO DO
The math is simple — Zambia must win all their remaining fixtures. This would not only close the gap with Tanzania but also apply pressure on Morocco, who are yet to be mathematically assured of an early ticket.
With Congo’s earlier suspension and subsequent reinstatement, Zambia’s chances have been reshaped, and victories against them, as well as against Niger and Tanzania, could prove decisive.
Chipolopolo has shown flashes of brilliance, and with the return of key players like Fashion Sakala boosting the squad, the dream is very much possible. Winning all the remaining games would at least secure a runner-up spot and according to FIFA’s rules, that still gives Zambia a chance at the World Cup through the play-offs.
As the campaign continues, one thing remains clear: Zambia is not out. With determination, consistency, and unity, Chipolopolo can still rise and book a historic ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
So let’s not rule Zambia out, as the battle is still on!
President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday warned that divisive elements have no place in Zanu PF, cautioning against tactics that seek to undermine unity within the ruling party.
Addressing the party’s politburo in Harare, Mnangagwa said acts of political maneuvering and factionalism linked to succession debates must be stamped out. His remarks come as infighting resurfaces ahead of the party’s 2027 elective congress and the 2028 general elections.
“Tactics and political chicanery meant to mislead, confuse, as well as divide the party and nation, must be nipped in the bud,” Mnangagwa said. “We must all speak with one voice and march in one direction. Leaders of the party are bound by collective responsibility and must unite around party decisions and resolutions which serve as our ideological and moral compass.”
The Zanu PF leader, who has insisted he will step down at the end of his tenure, faces internal pressure from loyalists pushing for a constitutional amendment that could extend his rule to 2030. The debate over succession was laid bare in July when party heavyweights publicly clashed over the possible co-option of businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei into the central committee. Legal affairs secretary Patrick Chinamasa declared Tagwirei’s admission inevitable, while spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa dismissed the matter as closed.
Mnangagwa stressed the need for discipline in communicating party positions. “You don’t dream at your home and come and claim this is a party position. Our communication must be disciplined. In Zanu PF, we stand with the truth. Tendencies of ivory tower syndrome, which divorce the party from the grassroots, must be avoided at all costs,” he said.
The President, however, commended the Zanu PF youth league for shifting focus from sloganeering to empowerment and innovation. “The renewed focus of the youth league on empowerment, production and productivity as well as innovation and developing skills for the future is a welcome development,” he said. “This reflects maturity and readiness to take up spaces in social, economic and technological spheres.”
Mnangagwa is today expected to host South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who will officially open this year’s Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.
A dramatic scene unfolded in church when a pastor publicly warned a man to leave the woman he had come with, saying she would only bring trouble.
The pastor told him bluntly in front of the congregation, “You can’t handle this girl. It’s not that she’s bad, but you can’t handle her. You’ll just have BP and die.”
Despite the man’s attempt to defend the relationship, claiming they had been chatting since 2019, the pastor remained firm.
He revealed that the man had left his wife in 2020 and was now involved with the same woman who allegedly caused the breakup.
The pastor warned, “This one is the one that destroyed your home, and she will keep on destroying your life. Don’t be carrying fire inside your bosom and think you will not be burnt.”
He cautioned that ignoring the warning would leave the man broke and frustrated.
When questioned, the woman admitted they had only met in person the day before and wasn’t even certain about marriage.
Controversy has erupted ahead of the release of Netflix’s new true-crime series Beauty and the Bester, centered on Thabo Bester and Dr. Nandipha Magudumana.
The pair has filed an urgent court application to block the series, which is set to premiere on September 12.
Bester, a convicted criminal, and Magudumana, a prominent media personality, made global headlines after his dramatic 2022 prison escape.
The documentary explores their escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre and the lavish lifestyle they led while on the run.
Their flight from justice ended in Tanzania, where they were captured following an international manhunt.
Netflix says the series is based on verified public records and aims to expose deeper issues, including corruption in the prison system.
However, Bester and Magudumana argue the show invades their privacy and misrepresents critical parts of their story.
They also claim the documentary could interfere with ongoing legal proceedings and further damage their reputations.
Legal analysts believe the outcome of this case could set a major precedent for media portrayals of high-profile criminal cases.
Meanwhile, the public waits to see whether the series will air as planned or be halted by the courts.
These days, some women are no longer waiting for their men to pop the question before they say yes, some bolden up and ask it themselves.
In an uncommon event in Nigeria, a lady decided to ask his boh friend to marry him in a public space while people cheer them on.
In the viral video circulating online, the lady is seen with his boyfriend at the mall while on her knees as the guy stares in bewilderment.
The story took a twisted turn when the guy, for some reason decided to turn down the proposal and urge the lady to get up.
As onlookers cheered them on, the guy got the lady up and whispered into her ears but it seemed displeading to the who pushed him back to continue her proposal.
The guy, who at this point looked uncomfortable was pleading with the lady as he was very much embarrassed.
One onlookers, out of nowhere kept pestering him to accept the proposal as he took the center stage of the whole action.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa will today preside over an urgent politburo meeting in the absence of Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, amid renewed efforts to fast-track businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s elevation to the Zanu-PF central committee.
Chiwenga, currently on a State visit to India, previously blocked Tagwirei’s ascendancy, citing procedural violations. Despite his objections, Zanu-PF’s Harare provincial executive, led by Godwills Masimirembwa, recently voted unanimously to co-opt the fuel tycoon into the central committee under Zone 5 in Mabvuku.
Tagwirei, widely seen as a possible successor to Mnangagwa, has divided opinion within the party. Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa recently dismissed his rise as “dead in the water,” warning against the influence of money in internal politics. However, secretary for legal affairs Patrick Chinamasa publicly suggested Tagwirei’s co-option was inevitable.
Party insiders say today’s meeting marks a critical test in Zanu-PF’s brewing succession battle, with Mnangagwa loyalists rallying around what is being dubbed the Zvigananda faction, which seeks to weaken Chiwenga’s influence ahead of the 2027 congress. Some affiliates have even pushed for Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030, or indefinitely, despite his repeated insistence that he will step down in 2028 in line with the Constitution.
Sources claim the push for Tagwirei was reinforced during a “strategic retreat” in Japan following Mnangagwa’s recent trip to Madagascar. The meeting, announced by Zanu-PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu, is said to be aimed at consolidating party structures in favour of Tagwirei.
The businessman’s growing political clout has been bolstered by his leadership of the Land Tenure Implementation Committee, which launched a title deeds programme in Mazowe this week. While Mnangagwa hailed the initiative targeting 300 000 farmers, critics described it as a scheme to entrench Tagwirei’s business interests. Beneficiaries are being offered US$6 000 “interest-free loans” tied to the purchase of irrigation kits from his companies.
War veterans have taken the matter to court, challenging the legality of the committee, while analysts warn the programme could undermine constitutional provisions on State ownership of agricultural land.
As Mnangagwa convenes today’s politburo in Chiwenga’s absence, the outcome could set the tone for the ruling party’s succession politics and the balance of power ahead of the next congress.
SAD NEWS – A man dies during a Dinka traditional fattening competition
Tragedy struck this evening at Majook Tong Cattle Camp, Kuac Ayok Community, as Bak Wol Mangok lost his life during a traditional Dinka fattening competition.
He reportedly died instantly after drinking an excessive amount of milk, a central part of the cultural contest where men showcase endurance and strength by consuming large quantities.
In Jieeng tradition, the one who dies in such a competition is regarded as the Champion and honored for eight years, unless another contestant surpasses him through the same fate.
This incident highlights the depth and uniqueness of Jieeng heritage, a tradition that continues to define identity, pride, and resilience.
American rapper, Travis Scott’s music video set was allegedly targeted by a man who threatened to stab a crew member.
The Astroworld rapper, 34, and songstress Tyla, 23, had been filming an upcoming music video near the notorious Broadwater Farm Estate in Tottenham, north London, on Wednesday.
While South African singer Tyla performed, a man reportedly came on to the set and began to cause issues, only 40 yards away from the star.
When he was confronted and asked to leave by a member of the crew, he allegedly pulled out a knife.
A source told The Sun: ‘Travis and Tyla’s music video was being filmed on a quiet street but with all the crew and security, it attracted a lot of attention.
‘A member of the crew approached him and asked him to leave and that is when he started being threatening and pulled out what looked like a knife.
‘It was terrifying for everyone. Travis was already shut away and Tyla was taken off set. It all went into lockdown and the police were called.’
The Met Police have since confirmed they are probing the incident, and a 29-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of a class B drug and section 4A of the Public Order Act.
The shoot was being filmed close to the Broadwater Farm Estate, known for the 1985 Farm Riot where PC Keith Blakelock was killed by a mob as violence took over the streets.
A force spokesperson said: ‘A man flagged down officers in Willan Road, N17, on Wednesday, 27 August to report that a man had threatened to stab him.
‘Officers searched the area and stopped a man, aged 29, matching the suspect’s description.
‘The man resisted the search and so he was placed in handcuffs. Officers recovered class B drugs and cash. No knife was found.
‘He was arrested on suspicion of possession of a class B drug and section 4A of the public order act.
‘He was taken to a north London police station where he remains in custody.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police have confirmed the arrest of a 52-year-old woman accused of murdering her four-year-old granddaughter in Shurugwi for ritual purposes.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Veronica Mudzipuri, an artisanal miner, was taken into custody in Chegutu on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, following the gruesome killing of her granddaughter, Tawanayasha Kadhene.
According to the police, Mudzipuri allegedly laced the child’s maheu drink with a maize pesticide pill. After the girl died from the poisoning, the suspect reportedly cut flesh from the victim’s cheek, mixed it with herbs given to her by a traditional healer, cooked the mixture, and ate it.
“On 26/08/25 Police in Chegutu arrested Veronica Mudzipuri (52) in connection with a murder case in which she allegedly killed her four-year-old granddaughter, Tawanayasha Kadhene, for ritual purposes in Shurugwi,” Nyathi said in a statement.
The incident has triggered outrage across Zimbabwe, with many social media users expressing shock at the brutality of the act and demanding the arrest of the traditional healer believed to have provided the ritual instructions. Others raised concerns about the rising reports of ritual-related crimes in the country.
Bruce Willis is living with caregivers in a second home near that of his wife and young children following his diagnosis with frontotemporal dementia.
The 70-year-old actor’s wife, Emma Heming Willis, who detailed her caregiving experiences in the book, “The Unexpected Journey” — out Sept. 9 — spoke to Diane Sawyer about the family’s new normal in an ABC News special of the same name.
Willis lives with a round-the-clock care team in a home near Heming Willis, 49, and their two young daughters.
His family, including ex-wife Demi Moore and their three adult daughters, can easily visit the one-story residence, which is “safer for him and his caregivers to navigate.”
“It’s one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make so far,” said Heming Willis, who stops by the second home for breakfast and at night.
“But I knew, first and foremost, Bruce would want that for our daughters. You know, he would want them to be in a home that was more tailored to their needs, not his needs. We’re there a lot, so the girls have their things there. It is … a house that is filled with warmth and love and care and laughter. And it’s been beautiful to see that, to see how many of Bruce’s friends continue to show up for it, and they bring in life and fun.”
Willis’ blended family announced in early 2022 that he would retire from acting following a diagnosis of aphasia, which affects a person’s ability to communicate.
They announced his FTD diagnosis just over a year later.
Heming Willis reflected on the “alarming” shift in his demeanor, before they were aware anything was wrong medically.
“I didn’t understand what was happening. And I just thought like, ‘How can I remain in a marriage that doesn’t feel like what we had? It doesn’t feel like a marriage anymore.’ I did have these conversations with Bruce, like, ‘What is happening? Is everything OK? Are you OK?’ … (He) would dismiss it,” she recalled.
Though there are “moments” the old Willis comes through, she has “a really hard time remembering who he was.
“Sometimes it’s just easier for me just to like, stay in the what is. It’s hard to look back,” Heming Willis said. “When we are with him, he lights up. … So that’s all I need. I don’t need him to know that I am his wife, we were married on this day… I don’t need any of that. I just want to feel that I have a connection with him, and I do.”
Vice President JD Vance is drawing on a decades-old conspiracy theory that falsely claims antidepressants are responsible for mass shootings.
Speaking to steelworkers in La Crosse, Wisconsin, on Thursday, the Vice President addressed the mass shooting a day earlier at a Minneapolis Catholic school—where two young children were killed during Mass and 17 others were wounded, including a dozen children—when he declared that America faces a mental health crisis and alleged that Americans take too much psychiatric medication.
“We take way more psychiatric medication than any other nation on earth, and I think it’s time for us to start asking some very hard questions about the root causes of this violence,” Vance declared, after speaking at length about the shooting. “I’m going to be part of that and the First Lady and the President are going to be part of that, but that’s gonna be an American conversation that we’re gonna have together.”
Multiple studies have found no evidence that antidepressants cause mass shootings.
“The suggestion that antidepressants are linked to mass shootings has been amplified by right-wing figures such as Marjorie Taylor Greene and Tucker Carlson,” The Washington Post reported last year. “But experts caution there is no credible research linking antidepressants to mass shootings. Studies show only a small percentage of mass shooters were taking medications or suffering from serious mental illness when they committed the crimes.”
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has repeatedly tried to link antidepressants with gun violence, and like Vance, did so again on Thursday.
“We are doing those kind of studies now at NIH, we’re launching studies on potential contribution of some of the SSRI drugs and some of the other psychiatric drugs that might be contributing to violence,” Kennedy said.
“You know, many of them, on their — had black box warnings that warn of suicidal ideation and homicidal ideation,” he alleged. “So we can’t exclude those as a culprit and those are the kind of studies that we’re doing.”
Some critics slammed the Vice President.
“Three years ago, Republicans killed a bill to expand mental health services in schools. Then, the Trump-Vance administration defunded school counselors and social workers,” charged Human Rights Campaign national press secretary Brandon Wolf.
Vance: This happens too much in our country. We really do have I think a mental health crisis We take way more psychiatric medication than any other nation and I think it's time for us to start asking some very hard questions about the root causes of this violence pic.twitter.com/xKV6hkno8n
JD Vance has explained the plan for what will happen should a ‘terrible tragedy’ befall Donald Trump in the White House.
The much-memed deputy is Trump’s vice president, meaning he’s theoretically the second most important man in the US government, even if in practice the VP is often some way down the list when it comes to wielding actual power.
Since getting the job, Vance has insulted Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy, been accused of killing the Pope, got pranked by Trump with his diet coke button and been generally unwelcome in Greenland.
According to the US vice president in a recent interview with USA Today, he ‘can’t think of better on the job training’ than that, as he spoke about the possibility of something happening to Trump and him having to step up as replacement.
In the interview, Vance said that Trump was in ‘incredibly good health’ before saying ‘things can always happen’, which would mean there was a vacant seat in the Oval Office he’d be expected to fill.
Not to sound like Roy Keane here but that’s his job.
Should something happen to Donald Trump while in office, then it’s JD Vance who would take over since that’s what being the vice president is all about in the US.
Several US presidents have died in office and had to have their VP take over for the rest of the term, while in the most recent case of this happening Gerald Ford took over from a still-breathing Richard Nixon after ‘Tricky Dick’ resigned in disgrace after the Watergate scandal.
It’s pretty clear from the 25th Amendment, which was introduced after John F Kennedy was assassinated and the Americans figured they really needed some kind of formal plan for succession after he was the eighth president to die in office, that the VP takes over if the president is kaput.
Despite Vance’s insistence that Trump was in good health, there have been a growing number of concerns over his condition
Having turned 79 a couple of months ago, people keep noticing bruises on Trump’s hands and his attempts to cover them with makeup.
While White House officials have said he’s in good health, Trump was recently diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, which is where the veins in the leg are damaged and no longer pump blood back up to the heart properly.
This results in swelling, which plenty of people noticed ahead of the diagnosis.
He is an old man whose love of the Big Macs means he hasn’t exactly lived the healthiest lifestyle, and if he sees out the full extent of his second term he will be 82 by then.
Having a plan and someone ready to replace him is a conversation many of his supporters won’t want to have, but it was already pretty much decided when he picked JD Vance to be his VP.
Jose Mourinho has been sacked by Turkish Super Lig club Fenerbahce two days after the club was eliminated from the Champions League playoffs by Benfica.
“Our Professional Football First Team’s technical director, Jose Mourinho, who has been carrying out his duties starting from the 2024-2025 season, has parted ways with us,” the club said in a statement. “We thank him for his efforts for our team until today and wish him success in his future career.”
Former Manchester United manager Mourinho was appointed as Fenerbahce’s new head coach on a two-year deal in June 2024 as the club looked to win the Super Lig title for the first time in more than a decade.
However, Mourinho was unable to guide Fenerbahce to the title, as they finished second for the FOURTH season in succession.
The Turkish outfit won 26 and drew six of their 36 league matches, ending up on 90 points, but that wasn’t enough to get them over the line, as Galatasaray came out on top once again.
Following another second-place finish, Fenerbache qualified for the Champions League third qualifying round. They got past Eredivisie side Feyenoord with a 6-4 aggregate win before going up against Benfica in the play-off for a place in the league phase of Europe’s elite club competition.
During his time in Istanbul, Mourinho won 37 and drew 14 of his 62 games in charge, recording a 59.7 per cent win rate.
A club statement read: “Our Professional Football First Team’s technical director, Jose Mourinho, who has been carrying out his duties starting from the 2024-2025 season, has parted ways with us. We thank him for his efforts for our team until today and wish him success in his future career.”
Mourinho is the second former United manager to have been axed in the past 12 hours after Besiktas made the decision to fire Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following their Conference League defeat to Lausanne-Sport.
