The Wasu Post

**🎭🥗 Dapuraunanzva Arts Ensemble uses culture to promote healthy indigenous foods**

Award-winning **Dapuraunanzva Arts Ensemble** took centre stage at the **Green Plate Cultural Event** in Chikanga, Mutare, using music, dance and drama to encourage communities to embrace Zimbabwe's indigenous foods and healthier lifestyles.

The event, organised by **Manica Youth Assembly (MAYA)** with support from **Green Governance Zimbabwe** and funding from **Hivos** under the Urban Futures programme, brought together government officials, youth organisations, entrepreneurs and exhibitors to promote climate-smart agriculture, nutrition and sustainable food systems.

Speaking at the event, Dapuraunanzva Arts Ensemble Director **Keaven Simomondo** said the group is using the arts to educate communities on healthy eating, environmental conservation and youth empowerment.

The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training urged young people to take advantage of opportunities in agriculture, value addition and agribusiness, while Government encouraged communities to preserve traditional foods as part of efforts to improve food security and nutrition.

Exhibitors including ZIDAWU, **Safari Froots, Accent Oasis, Usangwe Natural Fortified Food** and **Impilo Organics** showcased innovative value-added products made from Zimbabwe's indigenous foods.

📖 **Read the full story on The Wasu Post.** https://thewasupost.co.zw/index.php/2026/07/06/dapuraunanzva-arts-ensemble-uses-performance-to-champion-indigenous-foods-at-mutare-green-plate-cultural-event/

🚦🏫 **MUTARE UNVEILS AI-POWERED TRAFFIC LIGHTS, NEW SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE**

The City of Mutare has commissioned a series of major infrastructure projects aimed at improving education, road safety and service delivery across the city.

The commissioned projects include:
✅ An AI-powered smart traffic light system at the intersection of Robert Mugabe Way and Herbert Chitepo Street.
✅ A new computer laboratory at Chikanga Primary School.
✅ Two new classroom blocks at Hobhouse Primary School.
✅ Newly acquired service delivery vehicles and equipment.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, praised the locally developed smart traffic light system, saying Zimbabwe has the talent and expertise to develop world-class technological solutions.

The AI-powered system, developed by Kwekwe Polytechnic in partnership with Mutare City Council, features intelligent traffic management, automated vehicle counting, number plate recognition and 24-hour surveillance to improve traffic flow and road safety.

Town Clerk Blessing Chafesuka said the projects form part of the city's vision to modernise infrastructure, embrace digital transformation and improve service delivery.

📖 Read the full story on **The Wasu Post**.

🚨 **TIP-OFF LEADS TO DRUG BUST IN DANGAMVURA**

Netsai Malunga (27) of Destiny, Dangamvura, Mutare, has been arrested after police allegedly recovered **21 sachets of suspected dagga and five sachets of suspected crystal methamphetamine** during a raid at her residence on Friday evening.

The suspected drugs, with an estimated street value of **US$30**, were reportedly recovered following a tip-off from members of the public.

Confirming the arrest, **ZRP Manicaland Provincial Acting Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka** said the suspect is assisting police with investigations and urged members of the public to continue reporting drug-related activities to law enforcement.

Police say the suspect is expected to appear in court facing charges related to the unlawful possession of dangerous drugs.

📍 **Read the full story on The Wasu Post.**

🐍 **BIZARRE IN MUTARE: Self-Styled Traditional Healer Arrested With Cobra and Puff Adder, Claims Snakes Hatched From 'Magic Eggs'**

A bizarre incident has left many residents of Mutare talking after a 19-year-old man, who claims to be a traditional healer, was arrested for allegedly possessing a live cobra and a puff adder without a permit.

The suspect, identified as **Gift Kanodeweta**, also known as **James Malunga** and using the traditional healer name **Sekuru Kamutungunde**, was arrested on **26 June 2026** at Federation, Chikanga.

According to police, a concerned resident escorted the suspect to ZRP Chikanga after discovering that he was carrying the two deadly snakes in a satchel. The complainant reported that the suspect claimed to use the reptiles during traditional healing rituals. Police also established that he was allegedly not registered with the Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association (ZINATHA).

During investigations, the suspect allegedly told police that although he was born and raised in Murehwa, his family originates from Malawi. He further claimed that in 2024 he travelled to Mozambique for spiritual fortification, where another traditional healer gave him two eggs which later hatched into the cobra and puff adder.

The suspect also allegedly claimed that he specialises in conducting rituals for people involved in the mining sector, promising to enhance their fortunes.

Officials from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority later identified the reptiles as a **cobra** and a **puff adder**. The snakes were confiscated and taken into the authority's custody, while the suspect was handed over to the CID Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit in Mutare for further investigations.

The man is facing charges of unlawfully possessing protected wildlife in contravention of the Parks and Wildlife Act.

📰 **Read the full story on The Wasu Post for more details.** https://thewasupost.co.zw/index.php/2026/07/03/mutare-man-claims-mozambican-magic-eggs-hatched-into-deadly-snakes/

**What are your thoughts on this unusual case? Share your views in the comments.**