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4 Men Charged With Trying to Smuggle Thousands of Ants From Kenya

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4 Men Charged With Trying to Smuggle Thousands of Ants From Kenya

Two Belgian teenagers who were found with thousands of ants valued at US$9200 and allegedly destined for European and Asian markets will be sentenced in two weeks, a Kenyan magistrate said on Wednesday.

 

Magistrate Njeri Thuku, sitting at the court in Kenya’s main airport, said she would not rush the case but would take time to review environmental impact and psychological reports filed in court before passing sentence on May 7.

Belgian nationals Lornoy David and Seppe Lodewijckx, both 19 years old, were arrested on April 5 with 5000 ants at a guest house. They were charged on April 15 with violating wildlife conservation laws.

The teens have told the magistrate that they didn’t know that keeping the ants was illegal and were just having fun.

The Kenya Wildlife Service had said the case represented “a shift in trafficking trends — from iconic large mammals to lesser-known yet ecologically critical species”.

Kenya has in the past fought against the trafficking of body parts of larger wild animals such as elephants, rhinos and pangolins among others.

The Belgian teens had entered the country on a tourist visa and were staying in a guest house in the western town of Naivasha, popular among tourists for its animal parks and lakes.

Their lawyer, Halima Nyakinyua Magairo, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that her clients did not know what they were doing was illegal. She said she hoped the Belgian embassy in Kenya could “support them more in this judicial process”.

In a separate but related case, Kenyan Dennis Ng’ang’a and Vietnamese Duh Hung Nguyen were charged after they were found in possession of 400 ants in their apartment in the capital, Nairobi.

KWS had said all four suspects were involved in trafficking the ants to markets in Europe and Asia, and that the species included messor cephalotes, a distinctive, large and red-coloured harvester ant native to East Africa.

The ants are bought by people who keep them as pets and observe them in their colonies. Several websites in Europe have listed different species of ants for sale at varied prices.

Muzarabani fires Zimbabwe to sensational Test victory

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Muzarabani fires Zimbabwe to sensational Test victory

Zimbabwe pulled off a sensational three-wicket win over Bangladesh on the fourth day of the first Test in Sylhet on Wednesday, chasing down a record target to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

 

Pacer Blessing Muzarabani led the way with a career-best performance, taking six for 72 in the second innings and finishing with match figures of nine for 122.

It marked his third consecutive five-wicket haul in Tests – a first for a Zimbabwean fast bowler – and tied Heath Streak’s record as the fastest Zimbabwean to 50 Test wickets.

Rain delayed the start of play by over an hour, but Zimbabwe made quick work of Bangladesh’s lower order, bowling out the hosts for 255 after they resumed on 194 for four.

Muzarabani struck early, removing overnight batter Najmul Hossain Shanto for 60 with a short ball that was skied to deep fine leg, where Victor Nyauchi took a sharp diving catch.

Jaker Ali offered resistance with 58 off 111 balls, adding 35 for the eighth wicket with Hasan Mahmud (12), but Zimbabwe’s bowlers chipped away steadily.

Wellington Masakadza claimed two wickets in two balls to remove Mahmud and Khaled Ahmed, before Muzarabani returned to dismiss Ali and end the innings.

Set 174 to win, Zimbabwe made a flying start as openers Brian Bennett (54) and Ben Curran (44) put on 95 in 21 overs, batting with confidence and intent.

But offspinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz sparked a collapse, finishing with five for 70.

He removed both openers and later dismissed middle-order mainstays Sean Williams (9) and Craig Ervine (10), as Zimbabwe stumbled to 145 for six.

Wessly Madhevere, playing just his fourth Test, kept his composure under pressure.

He weathered a nervy start and, after Wellington Masakadza fell for 12 with 13 runs still needed, guided the chase with patience and maturity.

A late boundary from Richard Ngarava lifted Zimbabwe closer before Madhevere sealed the win with a reverse sweep for four off Miraz, finishing unbeaten on 19.

The chase surpassed Zimbabwe’s previous highest successful fourth-innings effort – 162 against Pakistan in 1998 – and marked just their fifth overseas Test victory.

The second and final Test against Bangladesh begins next week in Chattogram, with Zimbabwe aiming for a rare series win on foreign soil.

MWOS mark Stadium Reopening in Style With Win Over Dynamos

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MWOS mark Stadium Reopening in Style With Win Over Dynamos

Debutants MWOS FC christened the newly renovated Ngoni Stadium with a 1-0 victory over traditional giants Dynamos in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Matchday 7 encounter on Easter Monday.

 

The match’s defining moment came in the 52nd minute when Claude Mapoka directed a header past Dynamos’ stranded goalkeeper to send the blue-clad faithful into delirium.

The goal proved enough to secure all three points against the fading powerhouse, cementing MWOS’s fairytale start to their maiden Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign.

The victory sees the Norton-based outfit maintain their perfect start to the season, sitting pretty at the summit of the table with an impressive 17 points from their opening seven matches.

Perhaps more significantly, it extended their remarkable home record – the club hasn’t tasted defeat at Ngoni Stadium since 2023 when they were still plying their trade in the Division One League.

In Harare, another debutant Scottland FC played to a 1-1 draw against former champions FC Platinum.

Simba Bhora moved to the second of the log with a crucial away victory at Chicken Inn.

At Baobab Stadium, Ngezi Platinum dropped valuable points to Highlanders in a goalless draw.

The log standing after MatchDay 7

EUNIC Zimbabwe Unveils Lineup for ‘Harmonies of Expression’ Festival

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EUNIC Zimbabwe Unveils Lineup for ‘Harmonies of Expression’ Festival

EUNIC Zimbabwe has announced a dynamic lineup of artists participating in “Harmonies of Expression,” a groundbreaking project that brings together Zimbabwean and European creative practitioners to explore the intersection of art, heart, and science.

 

The project culminates in a festival on 10 May 2025 at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.

“Harmonies of Expression” brings together a diverse array of artistic collaborations, aiming to raise awareness about climate change and inspire action through the power of art.

Some of the artists will be featured include Eveline Gerritsen (Netherlands), a photographer, visual storyteller and creative entrepreneur devoted to inspiring the world by creating stories with a social impact, Kombo Chapfika (Zimbabwe), a Zimbabwean artist whose work examines how contemporary African culture evolves with modernity and technology.

Chapfika blends socio-economic commentary, merging elements of African and Western pop culture, alongside surreal figures and patterns.

Also on the lineup is Alessandra Nicola (Italy) an eco-social entrepreneur, furniture designer and engineer with over 20 years of experience focused on Integrated Waste Management (IWM)

Tichaona Maledadi (Zimbabwe) a craftsman and passionate environmental activist dedicated to combating climate change and environmental degradation. Maledadi’s work includes promoting environmental awareness in schools and collaborating on initiatives focused on sustainable practices.

Other artists include:

  • Chef Cola (Zimbabwe): A pioneering Zimbabwean award-winning vegan chef at the helm of African Vegan on a Budget. Chef Cola aims to spread awareness of vegan culture across Africa and empower people to integrate plant-based eating into their lifestyles.
  • Soukaina (Marie-Laure EDOM) (French Islands): A dancer, choreographer and artistic director from Guadeloupe. Trained in modern, jazz, tap and Afro-Caribbean dance. As the founder of AfriKera Arts Trust, she established a premier training centre in Harare, dedicated to contemporary dance and Afro-fusion techniques.
  • Ellen Rock (Great Britain): A London-based artist, designer and educator whose work bridges fashion, sustainability and community-driven innovation. As the founder of Ellen Rock Studio, she leads social impact projects within the public art space and design and culture.
  • Fabrik Party (Zimbabwe): An art and design community-led initiative founded by Skeyi & Strobo. Fabrik Party is a movement of forward thinkers, taste-makers and visionaries who use art and creative work as a means of self-expression and societal change.
  • DJ Kolorz (Germany): A melodic house and techno DJ/producer. Kolorz aims to merge the sounds of the German house and techno scene with local Zimbabwean artists.
  • Bantu Spaceship (Zimbabwe): A young generation of artists and musical band inspired by the creative explosion of 1980s Zimbabwe. They combine local styles with contemporary Western sounds, creating alternative and experimental movements, translating this golden age into a hybrid style they call «New Jit Wave».
  • Natalia Carrasco Rodriguez (Spain): A Spanish designer and co-founder of her own sustainable brand, focused on upcycling and redefining fashion towards a more responsible future. Carrasco has worked for well established Spanish brands such as Zara, Parfois, Bimba y Lola and Flabelus.
  • Evans Tinashe Mutenga (Zimbabwe): A Zimbabwean artist who studied graphics, drawing, painting, photography and printmaking at the National Gallery of Visual Arts and Design in conjunction with the Harare Polytechnic College. His themes revolve around social life, fashion trends, mythology, politics, climate change and religious beliefs.
  • Cherrie (Sweden): A trailblazing Swedish R&B artist known for her powerful, honest lyrics about identity, love and resilience, inspired by her upbringing in Rinkeby.
  • Nasibo (Zimbabwe): A Zimbabwean multidisciplinary Afro jazz musician renowned for her mastery of the Mbira, seamlessly blending soulful vocals with the instrument.

These artists will collaborate across various disciplines, including fashion, musical performance, food & dance, to create impactful and thought-provoking works that address climate change, with a focus on water resources.

Harmonies of Expression is a project by EUNIC Zimbabwe and National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, Oxfam Zimbabwe, National Association of Community Broadcasters and earGround.

EUNIC – European Union National Institutes for Culture – is Europe’s network of national cultural institutes and organisations, with 39 members from all EU Member States and associate countries.

Neo Dube Releases New Single, Receives Metro FM Awards Nomination

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Neo Dube Releases New Single, Receives Metro FM Awards Nomination

Multi-talented artist Neo Dube, known for her dynamic presence as a musician, filmmaker, and PR strategist, has officially released her latest single, Indawenhle.

 

The track is a soulful celebration of love, connection, and the joy of finding solace in sacred spaces.

Blending rich, emotive vocals with a seamless fusion of soul, jazz, and Afro-inspired rhythms, Indawenhle is a testament to Neo’s dedication to authentic storytelling.

Drawing from her cultural heritage and personal experiences, the song resonates deeply with audiences across generations.

“Indawenhle is about celebrating life’s intimate moments and the joy of finding a place where your heart feels at home,” Neo shared. “It’s a song that speaks to the beauty of love, faith, and belonging.”

With its powerful lyrics and uplifting rhythm, Indawenhle has already started making waves on digital platforms and is set to become a fan favourite on radio.

The single showcases Neo’s versatility and commitment to creating music that inspires and connects.

In exciting news, Neo Dube has also been nominated for Best New Artist at the Metro FM Music Awards 2025. This recognition underscores her rising star status and acknowledges her exceptional contribution to the South African music scene.

“I’m deeply humbled by this nomination and excited for what’s to come,” Neo said. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my music and the support I’ve received from my fans.”

ZIFA Launches “Roots & Dreams” UK Tour to Engage Diaspora Youth for Warriors’ Future

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ZIFA Launches “Roots & Dreams” UK Tour to Engage Diaspora Youth for Warriors’ Future

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has unveiled an ambitious diaspora engagement program titled “Roots & Dreams: A Conversation with ZIFA”, targeting UK-based young footballers of Zimbabwean heritage.

 

The initiative will see ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi and Warriors head coach Michael Nees host interactive sessions in London and Birmingham this month.

The events, scheduled for 23-24 April 2025, aim to strengthen ties with Zimbabwe’s football diaspora while identifying potential future national team players.

Youth footballers born in 2011 or earlier are particularly encouraged to attend with their families and coaches.

Event Details

  • London: 23 April, 6:30 PM at Nyaradzo House (Letchworth Garden City)
  • Birmingham: 24 April, 6:30 PM at Diaspora Insurance House (Rednal)

The sessions will provide:
✓ Direct access to ZIFA leadership and technical staff
✓ Insights into Zimbabwe’s football development pathways
✓ Networking opportunities with diaspora football communities

The initiative comes as ZIFA intensifies efforts to harness global Zimbabwean talent, following recent successes with diaspora players in South Africa and Europe.

Families of eligible players are urged to register attendance via ZIFA’s official channels.

Featured image: 16-year-old Teshaun Tarumbidzwa Murisa training with Arsenal’s first team ahead of their away leg against Real Madrid.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo Celebrate 65 years in the Music industry

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Ladysmith Black Mambazo Celebrate 65 years in the Music industry

The internationally acclaimed and 5 time Grammy award-winning group Ladysmith Black Mambazo is commemorating an incredible milestone of 65 years in the music industry.

 

As Ladysmith Black Mambazo wraps up their highly acclaimed US tour on April 5th, the legendary ensemble are gearing up to bring their signature sound back to their homeland, South Africa.

They are set to take center stage at the iconic Joburg Theatre, from May 1st to May 4th at Joburg Theatre treating audiences to a treasure trove of their timeless classics, including “Nomathemba” and “Homeless,” as well as their latest releases and unreleased tracks.

After their captivating performances in Johannesburg, Ladysmith Black Mambazo will continue their national tour, bringing their melodic harmonies and infectious rhythms to cities like Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo was formed in 1960 by its Founder the late Dr Joseph Shabalala. His work as an incredible leader, producer and songwriter of note put Ladysmith Black Mambazo on the world map.

His work continued to have global prominence beyond 60 decades since the group was established .

Apart from winning the world’s best global accolades including Grammy awards, they collaborated with the world’s best global stars like Paul Simon, Steve Wonder, Michaela Jackson, The Winans, Dolly Parton and many others.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo is on a mission to preserve the legacy of the group and its founder by building a music academy in Ladysmith where they will teach Indigenous music and the business of music to young and aspiring artists throughout the country.

The institution will be built in Ladysmith in Kwazulu Natal where the group originates.

This was the late founder of the group Dr Joseph Shabalalas’s dream of creating a music hub where great talent can be nurtured and developed.

Hat-Trick Donors: Kwekwe United Defence Under Siege

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Hat-Trick Donors: Kwekwe United Defence Under Siege

In what is shaping up to be a turbulent maiden campaign in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, Kwekwe United have found themselves on the receiving end of an unwanted statistic — conceding two hat-tricks in just the opening rounds of the season.

 

For a team that entered the topflight with hopes of proving their mettle, the Midlands side has instead become synonymous with leaky defending and heavy scorelines.

Their latest collapse came on Saturday, when ZPC Kariba’s Charles Munyanyi netted three goals in a dominant 5-0 rout.

That strike followed a similar humiliation earlier in the season when Highlanders’ Brighton “MaNinja” Ncube notched the league’s first hat-trick in a 4-0 drubbing at Barbourfields Stadium.

To concede one hat-trick in a season may be forgivable — a lapse, a bad day at the office.

But two, and so early in the campaign, raises red flags that go beyond mere tactics.

Kwekwe United’s defensive unit appears overwhelmed, disjointed, and without leadership — a backline crying out for organisation and grit.

Off-field chaos has only worsened matters. Reports of players boycotting training sessions and refusing to board matchday buses due to unpaid salaries paint a picture of a club in disarray.

Morale, clearly, is at rock bottom. And in a league where discipline and preparation are everything, such instability almost certainly translates to poor performances on the pitch.

Next on the fixture list is Herentals College, a side likely licking their lips at the thought of facing what is currently the PSL’s most porous defence.

Unless there is a swift resolution to the club’s financial issues and an urgent restructuring of their defensive approach, Kwekwe United risk becoming the division’s whipping boys — donors of goals, hat-tricks and precious points.

The Midlands faithful deserve better. But for now, the grim reality is that every fixture brings with it the threat of another thrashing.

 

Matchday 6 – Castle Lager PSL Results:

Simba Bhora 4-1 Manica Diamonds

Telone 2-1 Ngezi Platinum

Yadah 1-1 Scottland

FC Platinum 0-0 Greenfuel

Bikita Minerals 2-1 Triangle United

ZPC Kariba 5-0 Kwekwe United

Highlanders 1-0 CAPS United

Dynamos 0-1 Chicken Inn

Herentals 0-1 MWOS

ZVRI & Kususa’s “Danger Zone” Secures Major Sync Placement in Viola Davis Amazon Film G20

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ZVRI & Kususa’s “Danger Zone” Secures Major Sync Placement in Viola Davis Amazon Film G20

Electronic music artists ZVRI and Kususa continue their global rise with the latest international sync placement.

 

Their collaborative track, Danger Zone featuring DJ Tira, has been selected for inclusion in the Amazon MGM Studios and MRC Film production G20, starring Academy Award-winner Viola Davis.

The placement is the result of a strong collaborative effort between Warner Music Africa and Africori.

Directed by Patricia Riggen (The 33), G20 is a high-stakes action-thriller centred around a terrorist takeover of the G20 Summit.

Viola Davis stars as U.S. President Taylor Sutton, who must rely on her military training and diplomatic expertise to protect her family, world leaders, and prevent global catastrophe.

Danger Zone features during one of the film’s intense fight sequences, enhancing the scene’s tension with its pulsating basslines, tribal-infused rhythms, and electrifying energy.

Originally released on December 2, 2022, the track is a bold fusion of Gqom and Afro House distinctive of ZVRI and Kususa’s innovative sound, and elevated by DJ Tira’s dynamic contribution.

This sync placement marks a significant milestone for the artists involved and for South African electronic music at large.

It highlights the expanding global footprint of homegrown genres like Gqom and Afro House, affirming their cultural impact and appeal in international media.

“This sync isn’t just a win for the artists, it’s a win for the movement. Danger Zone is part of a broader cultural wave that’s taking South African music to the world,” says Sakhile Ntshangase, Sync Manager at Warner Music Africa.

Texpo 25 Hackathon Finalists Announced

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Texpo 25 Hackathon Finalists Announced

The organisers of Texpo 25 are pleased to announce the teams selected to participate in this year’s Hackathon.

 

The calibre of the entries to the Texpo Hackathon this year has been particularly impressive. These eight (8) teams have qualified with exceptional solutions and presentations.

TeamChallenge
Kinetic CanvasMoCap4All
Tech TitansCrowdBeats
CtrlAltWinTuneTrack
Syntax SquadTuneTrack
CAFFIENE.EXEMoCap4All
HackletesTuneTrack
Music ClustersEchoes of Africa
Cyber WolvesMoCap4All

 

The preselection team took on the difficult task of scoring the teams over the weekend.

They used a pre-designed rubric that took into account Innovation, feasibility, technical execution, potential impact and presentation quality to score the teams and used the final scores to rate the teams that made it through to the Hackathon.

The rubric was designed in such a way that the creativity, potential business application and Technical feasibility of the solutions were the important aspects used to rate the proposed solutions.

Hackathon Challenges
Teams will be working on four innovative challenges:

 The winning team will be taken on a Technology Immersion trip to Cape Town, South Africa.

The Hackathon will take place during Texpo25 from 21-25 April 2025 at the Zimbabwe Academy of Music in Bulawayo.

The final presentations and prize giving for the Hackathon will take place on Thursday 24 April 2025.

Technology Expo (TeXpo) is a showcase of contemporary and emerging technologies.

TeXpo creates a platform for technology stakeholders, educators, and students to share experiences, learn about, and experience the technologies that are transforming life today and re-defining the future.

It brings together technology experts from across sectors to showcase the utility of technologies that are impacting the way we live and work.

In Zimbabwe’s vibrant music industry, artists like Tendai “TeeJay” Nyandoro and Ruvimbo “RuviBeats” Moyo struggle to receive fair royalties for their work. FM stations, online streaming platforms, and bars play their songs, but without an automated tracking system, these artists lack proof of airplay.

Royalties are lost, disputes arise, and many broadcasters underreport usage, either unintentionally or deliberately.

The Challenge:

Design a low-cost, Raspberry Pi-based solution that can:

  1. Listen & Recognize – Capture and identify songs playing on FM radio and online streams using audio fingerprinting.
  2. Timestamp & Log – Record the date, time, station, and frequency each time a song plays.
  3. Automate Reporting – Generate a quarterly statement of airplay and send it to the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) and respective stations.

Constraints:

  • Use Raspberry Pi 4, Pico, and other affordable components.
  • Work in environments with low internet connectivity and still store offline logs.
  • Ensure tamper-proof and auditable data logging.
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