By A Correspondent- Police have arrested a Harare businessman and seized at least 113 driving licence discs that were due to be handed to aspiring drivers who paid US$250 each to be issued with the documents without undergoing the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) tests.

Detectives arrested businessman Tendekai Madongorere and Julius Punungwe before seizing a number of documents which included:

• 113 fake driving licence discs and certificates of competence with names of aspiring drivers,
• five fake defensive driving certificates,
• five card printers used to produce the documents,
• 400 fake blank national identity cards,
• one fake Zimra tax clearance certificate,
• one fake deed of grant in respect of a Mufakose house,
• 29 copies of serialised birth record documents and nine copies of birth certificates.
• A fake Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) identity card in the name of Madongorere
• fake Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) identity cards bearing the names of Innocent Kayo, Edmund Mhere and Tichaona Chijwanha.
• fake Covid-19 essential staff cards,
• fake Cambridge O-Level and A-Level certificates,
• a desktop computer,
• three fake diploma certificates, and other dubious papers.

Three months ago, The Herald carried an investigative story in which fraudsters were advertising on social media that they can facilitate the issuance of driving licences within hours.

Madongorere (48) is a director of Impact Designs Private Limited which operates in Harare’s central business district while Punungwe (47) is unemployed.

Police established from interviewing the 113 people whose names appeared on the fraudulent driving licence documents that they had paid US$250 each for the discs.

The people in question, are expected to give evidence as State witnesses in the trial of the two suspects.

Detectives at Chitungwiza Police Station received information that some fraudsters were printing forged official documents selling them to people in Harare and Chitungwiza.

The police arrested Madongorere who then implicated Punungwe who was subsequently arrested.

The two are in custody, having lost two freedom bids at Chitungwiza Magistrates’ Court and the High Court.

They are now back at Chitungwiza Court with a fresh freedom bid dubbed “application for bail pending trial on changed circumstances”.

A magistrate is yet to determine the application.-statemedia

By A Correspondent | Kembo Mohadi’s wife, greeted ZimEye with a loud chuckle Tuesday morning after receiving good news that the man who once nearly axed her to death, has been forced to resign.

“”Alright, thank you, I am in a meeting,” Senator Tambudzani said, soon after a loud, long chuckle, while acknowledging the congrats message.

Senator Tambudzani endured one of the worst treatments against women in Zimbabwe, when her husband in front of police officers held an axe against her body as he openly defied a High Court order.

The violence was reported by the police officers who the then Vice President had taken to his wife’s house, to abuse her and seize property items she was awarded in a divorce settlement.

Mohadi was one of the country’s most powerful men who not only serviced in the Presidium, but was at one time the state security minister, heading the nation’s entire security apparatus.

Mohadi finally stepped down after an undercover meeting of spouses of Vice Presidents was staged for State House on Monday morning leading to the Vice President being fired. He was forced to resign following his string of affairs with several women, who include teenage school kids, and last Thursday, ZimEye’s Simba Chikanza organised for one of his lovers, taken when she was an A Level student, to get ready to travel over to State House for the meeting. She was directed to contact the President’s office for all her needs. The victim was also told to contact lawyers who can assist her. The highly charged telephonic conversations are replayed below.

A South African family in the small town of Verulam was almost wiped out by Covid-19 in a matter of weeks, leaving just their daughter fighting for her life.

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Monday about beating the second wave but that morning, Cynthia Chitray, 71, and her son Dean Chitray, 42, were found dead in their Brindhaven home.

They were in quarantine after testing positive for Covid-19.

On Thursday, the daughter, who asked not to be named to avoid stigmatisation, was discharged from a Pietermaritzburg hospital where she had been on a ventilator and in intensive care due to the virus.

She is at home but continues to require a supplementary oxygen supply.

The first family member who contracted Covid-19 and passed away was Sam Chitray, 71, the father, who the family suspected contracted it from a hospital check-up for a kidney disorder about three weeks ago.

A family member told the Sunday Tribune that his uncle’s health began to deteriorate after his check up and was subsequently admitted to hospital.

“His daughter visited him before he was admitted to see how his check up went, and that is when we believe she contracted the virus. Her husband also tested positive. The health department visited the family to do contact tracing, testing and to place them into quarantine,” he said.

He said Sam died last week Friday and his funeral was conducted on Tuesday according to Covid -19 protocols.

Sam Chitray received a Covid-19 burial on Tuesday after passing away last Friday. Picture: Supplied.
“Dean and Cynthia were cremated on Wednesday after investigations into their deaths were conducted. We were told there was no foul play or signs of a burglary. I actually phoned Dean on Sunday evening to ask how he and his mum were doing, and he said they were doing fine, but his mum was asleep. It was discovered that she had died 12 hours before Dean, who was found on the couch in the living room,” he said.

The daughter was the sole survivor.

The family member said when she learnt of her father’s passing, it crushed her, and that was why they delayed breaking the news about her brother and mother.

“That stress and heartbreak worsened her condition and caused her to require ventilation. We kept the news from her about her mum and brother for as long as we could so she could be as strong as possible. That is also why we requested the statement of a Verulam security company to be taken off of Facebook,” he said.

A concern the family had were the various conspiracy theories formulated by the community around the deaths.

“We want the record to be set straight. There were no murders or suicides. It was Covid-19. The family is suffering a great loss, and the daughter is still fighting to regain her strength. It has been a nightmare, but one we are trying our best to get through. Right now, she needs as much love and support as possible, so that is what we are giving her.”

Sunday Tribune

Paul Nyathi

The government of Zimbabwe recently spent millions of dollars on luxury cars for senior officials while complaining of sanctions and claiming to be the reason behind the deepening economic collapse that has plunged citizens into profound hardship.

The new cars, including dozens of Range Rovers and Toyota pick-up trucks worth more than $40,000, were distributed to ambassadors and senior civil servants.

Analysts say the move constitutes a new effort to shore up support for the government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who took power after the military coup that ousted Robert Mugabe in 2017.

Dozens of luxury models are also believed to have been distributed to senior army officers, while junior ranks have received more modest vehicles. The total cost has not been disclosed but some of the purchases have been confirmed by ministers in answers to parliamentarians.

Sibusiso Moyo, Zimbabwe’s foreign minister, told the parliamentary foreign affairs committee that new vehicles had been delivered to all Zimbabwe’s 50 diplomatic envoys and some other staff.

In another parliamentary hearing, the head of Zimbabwe’s health services board confirmed that commissioners recently took delivery of Range Rover Discoveries worth around $50,000 each. Paulinus Sikosana said the distribution was standard practice for senior bureaucrats.

Currently, thousands of nurses, doctors, and teachers are on strike in protest at working conditions, a lack of protective equipment and low salaries.

Mnangagwa has blamed the economic malaise on sanctions and some unnamed “political detractors”.

“What’s unusual about the expenditure [on luxury cars] is that it comes when the government is under siege financially. It looks like a desperate effort to scaffold their support. The real challenge for Mnangagwa is that the policy of patronage and plunder means significant reform is impossible,” said Piers Pigou, an analyst with the International Crisis Group.

ZIMBABWE Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner General Godwin Matanga says demonstrations which are being planned for July 31 are illegal and warned that law enforcement agents are ready to enforce the law.

The ZRP chief urged Zimbabweans to disregard the anti-government protests saying they are illegal and not in line with COVID-19 regulations announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“My advice on the so called demos is that people should stay safe at their homes and observe all COVID-19 measures, the police will be ready to deal with anyone found breaching the regulations,” Commissioner General Matanga said.

Turning to enforcing Covid-19 regulations, the ZRP chief assured the public that ZUPCO has been engaged to provide transport in line with the current dusk-to-dawn curfew.

“For people who will be leaving their workplace after 15:00 hours, and find it difficult to secure transport, we are engaging ZUPCO so that enough buses are availed to ferry people home on time to avoid being caught during curfew times,” he said

The call for the public to desist from engaging in illegal demonstrations comes as the police are clamping down on perceived organisers of the demonstration.

HARARE Mayor Herbert Gomba, who is facing criminal abuse of office charges, has been remanded in custody until tomorrow for his bail application.

He appeared before Magistrate Bianca Makwande.

Gomba was picked by police on Monday night on charges related to land scams. Head of the Special Anti-Corruption Unit (Sacu) Mr Thabani Mpofu said Gomba’s related land scams that have rocked the city.

In some of the charges, he is being jointly charged with other top council officials who have already been arrested. Harare has seen a batch of officials, two at the top director level, arrested.

The charges emanate from allegations that 150 stands were created in Kuwadzana from open spaces and sold for private gain, along with more stands in other areas. There are further allegations that police officers ranging in rank from constable to assistant commissioner, and a chief public prosecutor, did not push forward with investigations and prosecutions of some of the suspects and were paid off with stands in Westlea.

The police officers and public prosecutor have since been arrested and appeared in court. City of Harare officials arrested over the last few weeks and have appeared in court on corruption charges include the housing director Addmore Nhekairo, who is facing a charge of criminal abuse of office that arises from his approval of the Westlea stands allocation.

He was denied bail on Monday.

Acting human resources director Matthew Marara and principal housing director Edgar Dzehonye, with other co-accused, also appeared in court and were denied bail. They were allegedly involved in the Kuwadzana land scam, prejudicing council of US$1 141 779.

Dzehonye is facing a charge of criminal abuse of office while Marara is facing a fraud charge along with Aaron Tayerera, the acting chief clerical officer.

Marara and Tayerera are charged with fraudulently selling council land in Strathaven for US$20 900 to an unsuspecting land seeker and pocketing the money.

The court refused bail citing significant risks that Marara and co-accused Tayerera would abscond and that Nhekairo would likely interfere with a crucial prosecution witness.

ZBC

A senior MDC Alliance Official who contested in the 2018 general elections has defected to Zanu PF saying the opposition outfit is being led by selfish individuals whose mindset is retrogressive.

Zaka West national assembly candidate in the 2018 general elections, Dr William Zivenge and his campaign team have deserted the opposition outfit and joined Zanu PF.

Speaking at a Zanu PF inter-district meeting held in Zaka this Sunday, some of the new recruits said they joined the ruling party after realizing, “the opposition has nothing to offer the people, its all talk and no action in regards to uplifting the country an the livelihoods of citizens in general. This country is ours and it belongs to us, not Londoners,” said Dr Zivenge.

Zanu PF Masvingo Provincial Chairman, Ezra Chadzamira said the ruling party is committed to improving livelihoods through developmental programs.

“The prodigal son has returned home and we welcome him saying the people’s party Zanu PF is about the betterment of people’s lives and we work in result-oriented frameworks,” said honorable Chadzamira.

Speaking at the same occasion, Chief Nhema expressed gratitude to the government for spearheading various developmental programs which are benefiting ordinary people.

The inter-district meeting deliberated on disseminating information on Covid-19 amid increasing local transmissions countrywide.

MDC Alliance spokesperson Fadzai Mahere reviews the political events in the week just ended. Highlight being the midterm budget review by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube.

Watch video downloading below.

GOVERNMENT has rubbished a report published by CNBC, an American business news portal, alleging that security chiefs ordered the closure of the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) and agent lines for mobile money transfers.

The report appeared in the publication on Friday.

In the report, CNBC alleged that security forces had “seized control of economic and financial policy” in the country.

Quoting one Robert Besseling, who is executive director of political risk consultancy, EXX Africa, the report also alleged private bank accounts are “likely to be raided to fund a bailout that is mostly benefiting politically-connected business allies of the Governing elite”.

Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr Nick Mangwana, said there was no semblance of truth to the allegations.

“There is absolutely no truth in these unfounded allegations that the military was involved in the actions taken by Government against malpractices taking place on the ZSE as well as mobile money operations.

“The Ministry of Information (Publicity and Broadcasting Services) issued the statement explaining to the nation what was going on because we speak for Government. The ZDF has a Public Relations department. If they were behind this, they were going to issue their own statement,” he said.

Mr Mangwana said the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development have over the past few months been working diligently to address malpractices in the financial sector without any interference.

“In fact, both the RBZ Governor and the Minister of Finance were key in making that decision as they advised Government on what was going on,” he said.

Mr Mangwana also questioned Mr Besseling’s capacity to speak on Zimbabwe, saying his comments were biased and unqualified.

“Robert Besseling is not based in Zimbabwe and has not read into both our fiscal and monetary situations. He surely cannot speak authoritatively using idle gossip as intelligence.

“The notion that the RBZ will raid accounts is nonsensical. What accounts will be raided when everyone knows that forex accounts are liquidated every 30 days. So what will be raided?” he said.

The RBZ Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has in the past few months sharpened its teeth to deal with illicit financial activities plaguing the market.

In a recent statement, the FIU explained that its actions against the country’s dominant mobile money operator, EcoCash, were a result of extensive investigations.

“This was not an absolute ban, but simply required EcoCash to re-register, update and strengthen Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements for agents that transact high volumes, in line with Anti Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism laws.

“The move is meant to weed out illicit foreign currency dealers who are now the main drivers of high value/high volume transactions on the EcoCash platform, in the process destabilising and distorting the foreign currency market.

“FIU analysis shows that the majority of agent accounts are no longer being used for the purpose for which they were originally intended, such as cash-in, cash-out, sending money, airtime vending and facilitating payment of utility bills by clients,” read the statement.

Last week, the Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Philip Valerio Sibanda, warned the private media against dragging the military into their political scheming.

His statement came at a time some online media publications alleged that the military was part of a deceitful plan by the opposition to effect regime change on July 31.

“These claims and assertions are the work of very fertile imagination of the authors of these articles, which members of the public should dismiss with the contempt they deserve. “They are aimed at unfairly using the security establishment to drum up support for their planned illegal anti-Government protests. It should be noted that, as a professional, loyal and patriotic Defence Force, the ZDF does not involve itself in anti-people activities that are designed to achieve anti-Government political and economic objectives by some malcontents within our citizenry,” General Sibanda said.

Villagers in Maphane Village, Ward 7 of Gwanda North have told ZimEye.com that they are living in fear after the mother to a Bulawayo man who died of Coronavirus last week sneaked back into the village.

The man who became Zim Covid-19 deaths case number 9 died in Bulawayo on Sunday last week after being diagnosed with Coronavirus.

According to the villagers, the mother was in Bulawayo with the family when her son passed on. Reports further indicate the widow has also since tested positive for the virus.

Efforts to get a comment from the Bulawayo Provincial Covid-19 task team are still underway.

State Media

ZIMBABWE needs to strengthen and refocus on measures it adopted at the beginning of the Covid-19-induced lockdown in March, if it is to avert a local transmission crisis, a senior Government official has said.

This comes as the country recorded another Covid-19-related death and 73 new cases yesterday. The total number of coronavirus cases now stands at 698, including eight deaths.

The deceased is a 21-year-old female with no history of travel and had co-morbidities.

Of the 73 new cases, 55 were returnees from South Africa, three each from Botswana and Mozambique, two from the United States, one each from Australia and Zambia, and eight local transmissions.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail yesterday, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Dr John Mangwiro urged citizens to remain alert, continue practicing good hygiene and social distancing, as the country is set to experience a spike in local transmissions.

These have been on the rise lately, with the country recording 31 cases of local transmissions between June 18-19. The total number of Zimbabwe’s Covid-19 cases attributed to local transmissions is now 107, something that has seen authorities raising alarm.

According to Dr Agnes Mahomva, the Chief Coordinator of the National Response to the Covid-19 pandemic, as of Friday, 77 cases were directly linked to returnees while 22 were a result of community transmissions.

Experts attributed the rise in local transmissions to failure by many people to adhere to Level 2 lockdown measures and the increased mingling of locals and returnees over the past few weeks.

Issues of sanitation and hygiene, and the fact that the country is currently in the influenza season, have also been highlighted as worsening the situation.

Said Dr Mangwiro: “The upsurge is a sign that people are mixing up so we are saying let us stay at home where necessary and continue practicing hygiene, social distancing and correctly wearing face masks.

“For those that are coming from outside, they should adhere to quarantine measures and not mix with others before they are tested. This is a sign that we need to restrengthen and refocus on the measures that we had in the beginning.”

However, he was quick to say that presently there were no discussions of reverting back to strict lockdown measures.

“These issues need to be balanced, the economy and Covid-19, so we are saying at individual levels one must make it a priority to make sure they are protected and they protect their loved ones,” he said.

Zimbabwe is under Level 2 lockdown, where both formal and informal businesses have reopened. Restaurants have also been allowed to serve sit-in customers.

Epidemiologist, Dr Portia Manangazira also said the surge in transmission was expected due to water and sanitation infrastructure which is inadequate, as well as returnees.

“We were saved by the lockdown as this helped by keeping the number of transmissions low. However, we are noticing that water, sanitation and hygiene issues have become a major challenge and have contributed to the spike in local transmissions,” said Dr Manangazira.

“There is also the issue of returnees in quarantine centres. Some returnees are not adhering to regulations.

“Our treatment centres are also overwhelmed so all this can contribute to local transmissions. The rise in local transmission has also coincided with the influenza season. So we are expecting an increase — that is the reason why we need all hands to be on the deck.”

Dr Manangazira said people needed to look at how coronavirus cases jumped from the first 100 to 200, highlighting the demand for “tightening up”.

There were 58 new cases from June 28 to July 3.

Local transmissions rose above 100 on May 25, when 64 new cases were reported.

It took exactly a week for the cases to rise above 200 when the tally reached 204 on June 1. The next 100 cases, which took the case count to 314, were reached over an eight-day period to June 9.

It took another eight days for the cases to reach 401 on June 17.

When the cases were 567, 474 were imported, mainly from South Africa, Botswana and the UK, while 77 were local transmissions.

Dr Manangazira said Government recently carried out an assessment of high risk areas.

“With the help of WHO (World Health Organisation) we, for the past six to eight weeks, have been doing high risk assessments in areas of high respiratory and influenza like illnesses,” she said.

“Areas such as Matabeleland South were in the green, meaning they were low risk areas of influenza and respiratory illnesses. However, we have realised that they are hotspots for Covid-19 given the Beitbridge and Plumtree borders. So we will be on high alert in such areas.

“Another assessment being done by the Government on a number of households will also shed more light on transmission of the virus.”

Government will also conduct random sampling on 2 000 households in communities across the country.

Dr Mahomva, said the samples would be used to generalise the whole population.

“Just like most countries, we had challenges on testing and we could not test everyone in the country,” she said.

“So, sample testing will be used to generalise the positivity of coronavirus in Zimbabwe. It will be done in different communities in the country. We will use the sample to gauge how we have done as a country.”

Dr Mahomva said it was hoped that the sample would solve the conundrum of sporadic local transmission cases and give a clearer picture.

Zimbabwe recently allowed formal and informal sectors to operate, opening up places such as Mbare Musika, which normally has an influx of informal traders and their customers.

Relaxation of lockdown measures has also seen an increase of traffic into Central Business Districts (CBDs) in most towns and cities.

It is now 107 days since the country recorded its first coronavirus case on March 20. Overall by Friday Zimbabwe had done 75 485 tests – 43 373 RDT and 32 112 PCR.

Comparatively, in the Southern African region as at July 3, Zambia had recorded 1 632 cases with 30 deaths while South Africa had 168 061 cases and 2 844 deaths, and Mozambique had 918 cases and six deaths.

Namibia does not have any fatalities from the current 293 cases, while in Botswana one life has been lost from the 227 cases.

In Malawi, which eased lockdown measures to allow voting in the June 23 elections, the number of new Covid-19 cases has continued to increase with 417 new cases recorded since 22 June representing a 49 percent increase.

The MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa has condemned the recalling of its councillors by the MDC-T led by Thokozani Khupe.

We present the party’s statement in full below.

The MDC Alliance condemns the recall of 4 Harare City Councilors by Minister July Moyo of Zanu Pf on the instruction of the MDCT.

This action is the first step toward the decimation of councils whose mandate comes from the will of the people.

We have noted that Zanu PF is stalling the holding of by-elections because the people will just vote back the recalled councillors. This sideshow will not in any way help service delivery or improve the plight of the ordinary Zimbabwean. It is a move calculated to cause confusion and shift attention from the national crisis.

As the MDC Alliance, we remain resolute and firmly focused on fighting for a people-centred government at local level. We shall continue to make sure that the people in the wards whose representatives have been removed are represented and their service delivery needs are met.

This unnecessary destabilization of the people’s government is a passing phase.

To our councillors, my reminder to you is that you have a covenant with the people in your respective wards. They voted for you and you accepted to carry the load of superior services for the people. This bond between yourselves and the people cannot be broken by anybody. Whether you have been recalled or are awaiting recall, let us remember that we account to the people and we must continue working in our communities unperturbed.

Sesel Zvidzai

Sec Local Gvt and Rural* *Development, MDCAlliance

Own Correspondent

Thokozani Khupe has decided to use her newly acquired position to hit back at her ex-lover, Gideon Shoko through recalling him from the Senate.

Shoko was Bulawayo Metropolitan senator and was expelled on Wednesday with other seven legislators.

According to well-placed sources, Shoko and Khupe had a romantic relationship some years ago which led to the birth of a girl.

Khupe, a former senior official in the ZCTU with late MDC founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai, left the labour group with other leaders 1999 to form MDC.

It was during the time Shoko is said to have sired a daughter with the now opposition leader.

MDC-T deputy spokesperson Khaliphani Phugeni dismissed the allegations.

“These recalls have nothing to do with Khupe as they are decided at party level. So far many MPs and senators have been recalled regardless of past relationships,” he said.

Khupe’s fights with Shoko first came to the public domain in 2017 when she clashed with the late MDC-T founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai who snubbed her to appoint then national executive member Shoko to the Senate to replace the late Victor Mapungwana.

The move was inspite of a reported spirited attempt by Khupe then Tsvangirai’s deputy, to block the appointment of Shoko.

State Media

Following the successful launch of the US$51 million facility for farm mechanisation, United States-headquartered company John Deere now wants to expand the programme to US$250 million to include the supply of mining and road construction equipment.

The present US$51 million deal with the company was officially launched by President Mnangagwa last week and is testimony of the success of the Government’s re-engagement drive, which saw the first batch of the equipment arriving in Zimbabwe early this year.

Now in a letter to Permanent Secretary for Finance and Economic Development, Mr George Guvamatanga, John Deere financial managing director for Sub Saharan Africa Mr Antois van der Westhuizen, after praising the way the Government was implementing the first deal, said the company wanted to expand the operation.

The offer to the Government includes an additional US$49 million for farm mechanisation, US$100 million for construction and mining equipment and US$50 million for road making equipment, taking the total to US$250 million.

He added that the offer would be subject to final credit approval by John Deere Financial if accepted by Government.

“John Deere has embraced confidence in the imminent recovery of the Zimbabwean economy through these three key sectors and our partnership will go a long way in achieving the economic recovery targets,” he said.

The present deal that is already easing equipment shortages among serious farmers, was signed following President Mnangagwa’s engagement with John Deere Agriculture Worldwide president Mr Mark von Pentz, who expressed his willingness to partner the Government in boosting the agriculture sector through mechanisation.

The facility through a local agent, Afgri Zimbabwe, will unlock 1 300 tractors, 80 combined harvesters, 600 planters, 200 disc harrows, 100 boom sprayers and 100 trailers.

It will be used by 5 000 farmers under the National Agriculture Recovery Plan, while the selection of beneficiaries will be based on creditworthiness of the farmers as assessed by CBZ and Stanbic Bank.

Agribank will establish a special equipment leasing vehicle for the purposes of mechanisation service provision, especially for combine harvesters.

In his letter to Mr Guvamatanga, Mr van der Westhuizen expressed his appreciation for the working relationship they have established with Government.

“The US$51 million facility for optimisation of farm mechanisation in Zimbabwe is in progression and the due diligence processes being conducted by the Government of Zimbabwe to guarantee the sustainability of this facility is captivating and absolutely depicts high levels of proficiency hence a successful programme is inevitable,” he said.

Mr Guvamatanga confirmed receipt of the letter but could not provide further comment.

Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Joel Biggie Matiza welcomed the proposed offer saying it would go a long way in boosting road construction projects being carried out countrywide.

“We have CMED that deals in equipment and hires out equipment to our departments including the private sector. We did put out a statement that we want to see it fairly capacitated.

“As you can see the potential and the massive road construction projects going on countrywide need efficient equipment and more of it,” he said.

John Deere local representative, Mr Graham Smith said the deal was a testimony of the excellent working relationship with Government and would further develop the mining sector and road construction projects in the country.

State Media

Chief Coordinator National Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic, Dr Agnes Mahomva, has said although it is too early to claim victory, Zimbabwe’s Covid-19 cases seem to be stabilising, with very low levels of community infection.

She, however, stressed that people must not be complacent as the coming few weeks would be defining.

Dr Mahomva made the remarks at the Zimbabwe National Defence University where she was delivering a lecture on Public Health and National Security yesterday.

She said measures to arrest the spike in Covid-19 cases by using lockdowns had been largely effective.

“Ministry of Health and Child Care has been working with a group of scientists from the University of Zimbabwe doing mathematical modelling and projections,” said Dr Mahomva.

“When we started, they were looking at other countries and the projections were high, but as we are moving, their forecasts now have lower figures,” said Dr Mahomva.

Zimbabwe has seen a rise in cases, most being attributed to returning nationals tested in quarantine after arrival.

“The numbers are going up, but there is no need to panic,” said Dr Mahomva.

“We knew the numbers were going to rise, the question was when and how. We think at the moment, things are stabilising, but with these kind of things you need a few weeks before you can make a conclusion because the numbers may begin rising again.”

Dr Mahomva said public health and social measures like lockdowns and mask wearing regulations were meant to protect the most vulnerable members of society.

Zimbabwe has been under lockdown since the end of March, with an ever growing number of exemptions, but the actual lockdown has now been declared to be indefinite, leaving the Government with the legal powers to adjust levels and adjust levels of exemption.

Dr Mahomva addressed concerns that Covid-19 may be incubating in communities far from the authorities’ radar due to lack of adequate testing.

“We are not having those large numbers in communities,” she said.

“One might say we are not testing communities so how can we be sure, but comparing mortality rates from last year, the figures show that there is nothing unusual.

“We cannot be missing anything. Of course, there may be a few cases here and there we may fail to detect, but there is nothing unusual in our communities.”

Dr Mahomva emphasised the need to ensure Covid-19 messaging was engaging and inspiring behaviour change.

State Media

President Mnangagwa, at the coming in of the new dispensation, pledged to fight corruption and true to his word, the Government will stop at nothing in arresting graft and dealing with economic saboteurs, a Cabinet Minister has said.

Addressing villagers and Zanu-PF supporters at Mpesi business centre in Mberengwa West yesterday, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Sibusiso Moyo said the new dispensation has for the first time in the history of the country been open and transparent about dealing with corruption. “Many measures have been put in place to fight corruption and the people are now free to talk about it. Officials are being arrested and before that was taboo. Now we’re talking about it, it means it’s being solved.

“This is President Mnangagwa’s election pledge card, he pledged to fulfil the fight against corruption by 2023. He asked to be measured with regards to fighting corruption by the people ahead of 2023 elections, it’s his pledge card and he is serious about fighting this scourge that is eroding the economic fibre,” said Dr Moyo.

“Outsiders are now saying corruption barometer is higher. Yes, we are fighting the scourge and people are freely talking about it.”

Dr Moyo said it was unfortunate that some Zimbabweans had volunteered to tarnish the image of their country.

“And normally when we are going towards regional or international meetings, we are accused of human rights abuses. For example, why would the Government abduct Dr Peter Magombeyi, a junior doctor for that matter? What has he done? What does he have? About 4 000 health workers were engaged by Government recently to assist in the fight against the spread of Covid-19. Some haven’t received their first salary and are already striking. Why allow to be used by other people? You are an essential service and it affects the lives of ordinary people,” Dr Moyo said.

He called on Zimbabweans to be vigilant and be aware of the works of the country’s detractors.

Dr Moyo said the new dispensation recognises human rights and will never abduct women as claimed by the opposition and some countries pushing a regime change agenda.

“There are three other women from the opposition who said they were abducted. Abducted by who and why? Tapiwa Mashakada after fighting in the opposition revealed that Dr Magombeyi was never abducted. All these stories are aimed at tarnishing our image.

“They want to portray the country as violators of children and women rights which is not true. We are a law-abiding nation and we follow and recognise people’s human rights. We care for the people at all times because we must be together in all situations. We are a pro-people Government,” he said.

Dr Moyo also called on ambassadors accredited to Zimbabwe not to get involved in matters which don’t concern them. “Even with other ambassadors, don’t take sides, stay in your lane, you have your own troubles back in your countries and we haven’t poked our nose into your internal affairs. Ambassadors please stay in your lane and don’t be involved in our internal issues. Don’t be in the cross-fire,” he said.

Addressing the same meeting, Zanu-PF Midlands Provincial chairperson Engineer Daniel Mackenzie Ncube said Government is going to assist the people of Mberengwa District with food aid and other socio-economic development programmes.

He said President Mnangagwa’s Government is involved in a lot of development programmes to improve the people’s quality of life.

“The presence of our guest of honour Dr SB Moyo is a clear indication of how the new dispensation values its people and is working on an array of programmes to improve your livelihoods.

“As Mberengwa District, you did well in the last election and we expect you to lead by example and improve in terms of voter numbers. Now you have about 17 000 registered voters for Mberengwa West. We need that figure to be increased to more than 23 000. We want to bury the opposition come 2023,” he said.

Own Correspondent

Expelled Zanu PF national youth political Commissar, Godfrey Tsenengamu said that his pressure group, the Front for Economic Emancipation in Zimbabwe (FEEZ) is ready to take action against economic injustices, especially corruption.

Tsenengamu accused Zimbabwe’s rulers of allowing their children to grab mines across the country at the expense of the general citizenry.

He said that unlike the late former President Robert Mugabe’s sons, Robert Jr and Chatunga, the children of Zimbabwe’s current rulers are very corrupt.

Watch video downloading below. Please be patient as the video downloads.

NewsDay

A COMBATIVE teachers’ union has psyched up the educators to boycott invigilating the June examinations until government complies with a High Court ruling ordering it to equip schools with facilities to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The “O” and “A” Level Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (Zimsec) examinations kick off next Tuesday.

However, in an interview with NewsDay yesterday, Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou said teachers would boycott invigilating the mid-year exams due to failure by government to comply with the High Court order.

“The issue of invigilating June exams is before the courts, where both Zimsec and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education had promised to put testing kits, thermometers, sanitisers, PPEs [personal protective equipment] in schools by June 26,” Zhou said.

“They also promised that they would have cleaned and disinfected schools currently used as quarantine centres by then.

“Surprisingly, the ministry and Zimsec have been belting and bellowing instructions to school heads to scavenge for COVID-19 abatement requirements at a zero budget, an impossible feat indeed.

“Some school heads have also been belting instructions to candidates to have paid second term school fees by June 30.”

He added: “To all teachers in Zimbabwe, be advised that the issue of invigilation is before the courts, all communiqués made so far have no locus standi and must be disregarded forthwith. Our health, safety and welfare should come first.

“Anything else must be resisted by all means possible. We can’t fasttrack our demise by dicing with death and being reckless with our health, safety and welfare.

“All teachers in Zimbabwe must forthwith disregard unlawful instructions from some school heads threatening teachers with unspecified action should they not report for invigilation.

“Teachers are duly advised to resist all unlawful instructions from school heads, DSIs [district schools inspectors], PEDs [provincial education directors] and head office. We have nothing to fear.”

Zhou said teachers were not employed by Zimsec and should disregard an order from the schools examination authority.

With an inevitable huge fuel price increase expected on Monday, unusually extra long fuel queues in most urban centres have emerged as motorists try to get the commodity before the hike.

Zimbabwe’s fuel supply situation has been quite challenging for some time now with analysts citing low fuel prices compared to those obtaining in the region.

With signals by Government that fuel price will almost go up triple in price, motorists rushed on Saturday to fill up their tanks.

Commissioning Petrotrade’s solar-powered service station in Mabvuku this Friday, Energy and Power Development Minister Advocate Fortune Chasi said the low prices stimulated rent-seeking behaviour in the fuel sector causing artificial shortages.

“We are proposing that a new pricing structure that will put an end to these shortages because a lot of fuel was being diverted to the black market,” said the minister.

A sophisticated syndicate of dealers is accused of diverting fuel from service stations taking advantage of low prices and reselling it on the black market.

Zimbabwe uses about 1,5 billion litres of fuel annually, the same amount as Ethiopia, which has 100 million people, six times as many as Zimbabwe. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has reverted to a market-based us dollar exchange rate regime which once operational is expected to help reduce distortions responsible for artificial shortages.

ZBC

By A Correspondent

A teenage boy from Tsholotsho who stabbed his cousin who later died because of his injuries has been ordered to perform 600 hours of community service after a postmortem revealed that the deceased died because of lack of proper medical attention at the hospital, The Chronicle reports.

Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Maxwell Takuva according to the publication found the 17-year-old boy guilty of murder with constructive intent and ordered him to perform 600 hours of community service at a clinic in Tsholotsho for his crime.

According to the publication:

The two had connived with another juvenile to steal a donkey drawn cart from a neighbour’s homestead to carry bags of maize to Gwayi Railway Station on June 30 last year.

As they were walking towards the neighbour’s homestead at around 10PM, the accused person started whistling prompting the now deceased to rebuke him for making noise. They started arguing which led to a fight.

The accused person ran away and came back armed with a knife which he used to stab his cousin once on the left side of the chest and he screamed and collapsed. Neighbours came and rushed the injured boy to Sipepa Clinic using the same cart they had wanted to steal.

He was transferred to Tsholotsho District Hospital where he was treated and discharged after a few days.

However, his condition deteriorated and was he readmitted at the same hospital a few days later before being transferred to Mpilo Central Hospital where he was also treated and discharged.

The boy died on August 1 while at his aunt’s place of residence in Bulawayo’s Old Magwegwe suburb. He had just finished bathing, preparing to go back to Tsholotsho when he collapsed and died on the spot.

-StateMedia

MUTARE – Thirty-five nurses at Mutare General Hospital were on Friday arrested for taking part in an “illegal” strike over poor salaries.

The disgruntled nurses were, however, released later without a charge following intervention of the hospital leadership.

Though Manicaland police spokesperson Inspector Taviringwa Kakohwa professed ignorance over the arrests, a nurse who was part of the arrested group confirmed the arrests.

“We were rounded up and arrested in the morning at the hospital, as we were on strike. We were then taken to Mutare Central Police Station where we were briefly detained,” she said.

“We were, however, released around midday without any charge following intervention by our superiors,” added the nurse.

Hundreds of disgruntled nurses and other health workers across the country demonstrated this week over poor salaries.

The nurses also demanded the proposed United States-dollar COVID-19 allowance to be paid in cash.

Zim Morning Post

Own Correspondent

Goverment says that the US$75.00 and US$30.00 COVID-19 allowances awarded to civil servants and government pensioners, respectively, will not be in notes form but will be in the form of a purchasing electronic card.

George Charamba, the Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications), said the arrangement allows money to circulate within the formal monetary system.

He posted on Twitter:

The USD75 allowance if flat across all grades. The USD75 will not come in notes form; it will be a purchasing electronic card to ensure this enhanced buying power does not feed the white market and allows money to circulate within the formal monetary system!! So do not expect cash disbursements.

Imagine what upward of USD25m monthly cash disbursement would do to the white market!

I should have added that the three months-COVID-19 related income adjustment takes us to the next major Financial Pronouncement by Govt, in which case there will not be a hiatus or discontinuity in income.

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development said that the US dollar allowances would be paid into US dollar-denominated Nostro bank accounts, which all civil servants and Government pensioners had to open.

Own Correspondent

Ten people tested positive for the coronavirus today increasing the number of cases in Zimbabwe to 401. All the people were returning residents from South Africa.

One person from Mashonaland Central recovered raising the number of those who have overcome the virus to 63.

The country now has 334 active cases and has tested 60 585 people.

State Media

OVER 9 000 Zimbabweans have returned home from 48 countries following the outbreak of Covid-19.

The figure includes 241 who arrived at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport from the United States yesterday and were received by Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Dr John Mangwiro.

They were expected to immediately undergo testing for Covid-19 and are housed at a local hotel.

All of the returnees are employed by an American cruise company which will foot the cost of their stay.

Secretary for Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Mr Simon Masanga appeared before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare yesterday to give a brief on his ministry’s interventions in the ongoing fight against the pandemic.

He said South Africa and Botswana provided the majority of the returnees with 4 257 and 2 787, respectively.

Mr Masanga said returnees from South Africa and Botswana could have volunteered to come back or had been deported.

Countries that have provided returnees include Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, DRC, Nigeria, South Sudan, Sudan, Guinea, Egypt, Ethiopia, Somalia, Lesotho, Togo, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Namibia, Cameroon and Swaziland.

In Europe and the Middle East, countries where the returnees came from were the United Kingdom, Israel, Yemen, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Greece, Germany, Spain, Italy, Hungary, Scotland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Croatia, Belarus, Czech Republic, Sweden and Belgium.

In the Americas, the returnees have been from Argentina, Canada, Brazil, Falkland Islands and Panama.

In Asia, the locals that have returned home were from China, Hong Kong and The Philippines.

Mr Masanga said: “We have established more than 50 quarantine stations across the country. When this programme started, we were accommodating our returnees around Plumtree and Beitbridge, but as we continued to receive more and more people it meant our institutions that were looking after our people became inadequate and then we decided to open up other centres across the country.

“We are mostly using schools and colleges because we were not paying for accommodation and also providing food and clothing for some of the returnees.”

Mr Masanga said testing for Covid-19 on the returning citizens would improve following the arrival of testing kits on Friday last week that were already being distributed.

He said Government had so far spent at least $120 million on the welfare of the returnees that were housed at the quarantine centres.

The Secretary-General of the opposition MDC Alliance, Chalton Hwende has said a businessman based in South Africa has offered to pay a membership fee for 3500 people.

This comes as the party recently announced that it was recruiting new members who upon registration need to pay a membership fee amounting to $60. Posting on Twitter, Hwende said:

One businessman based in SA has just called me to offer to pay membership fee for 35 branches in rural areas to help us with our rural penetration Strategy each branch has 100 members so he will pay for 3500 members @ $210 000rtgs. Let’s adopt rural branches and help the Party.

The opposition in the country has often been accused of neglecting the rural vote which has unfortunately been the difference between the opposition and the ruling party in each and every election.

The recruitment drive comes at the backdrop of a leadership crisis in the MDC that has seen some of the MDC Alliance leaders and members defecting to MDC-T led by Thokozani Khupe.

Own Correspondent

DRAX International local representative Delish Nguwaya remained behind bars Monday night awaiting bail ruling on Tuesday.

Nguwaya appeared for his bail hearing late Monday afternoon charged in the Covid-19 medical supplies scandal.

State, led by Charles Muchemwa opposed bail citing that Nguwaya had previous convictions and was a flight risk since he was facing a lengthy jail term.

It, however, emerged after cross examination that Nguwaya has no previous convictions as previously stated in the charge sheet.

This was after the investigating officer failed to substantiate this claim that the State had used on grounds of the Form 242 charge sheet.

Nguwaya’s defence led by Tafadzwa Hungwe of Samukange and Hungwe Attorneys, made submissions that he had no reason to flee since he was not answering in his own capacity.

Hungwe argued that Nguwaya was not a director of Drax neither was he involved, at any stage, in the authoring of the documents that initiated the deal in question.

The matter was presided over by magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti who rolled it over to Tuesday.

President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has declared today 15 June 2020 to be a day of national fasting. According to government spokesperson Nick Mangwana that does not make today a public holiday, it is still a working day and employees are required to report for work.

However, reports coming through indicate that ZRP and other security forces are preventing people from entering Harare’s CBD.

Own Correspondent

Energy Minister Advocate Fortune Chasi has said he will not fold his hands while the Zimbabwe Power Company continues to drag Intratek boss, Wicknell Chivhayo to court over the Gwanda Solar Project.

Chasi said ZPC has so far lost the case on numerous occasions thereby losing resources. He added that it would be prudent to leave Chivhayo and his company to implement the project which would assist the Gwanda community and the country at large. He said:

Zesa has been in contempt of court for several years and losing, as Minister, I will not allow such to happen because I need to see power being generated not just to see court reports.

The two parties have agreed to sit and map the way forward.

The project is expected to produce 10MW within six months.

Intratek won the tender for the project in 2015 and there is nothing on the ground to show that the government paid the company an advance of US$5 million.

When Chasi was appointed the Minister of Energy last year, he vowed that he would make Chivhayo deliver or payback the money.

Meanwhile, Intratek has appointed lawyer, Wilson Manase as executive Chairperson and Presidential Advisory Council chair Edward Manikai as a board member, a move some view as a strategy to intimidate critics.

Watch video downloading below.

State Media

MDC-Alliance members — Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova were yesterday denied bail in court on new charges of publishing false information or obstructing the course of justice.

This emerged yesterday at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts, where they were being charged with publishing or communicating false information prejudicial to the State, with an alternative charge of obstructing the course of justice.

Mamombe, Chimbiri and Marova, represented by lawyers Jeremiah Bamu and Alec Muchadehama, were not asked to plead when they appeared before Ms Bianca Makwande, but were remanded in custody until Monday for ruling on their bail application.

The State, represented by Charles Muchemwa, Tafara Chirambira and Teddy Kamuriwo, opposed bail saying they were facing a serious offence and had gained sympathy in other jurisdictions, which may assist them to flee. The State said the trio faced a jail term of up to 20 years upon conviction.

“The borders are porous and they are likely to abscond trial,” said Mr Muchemwa. “They are facing a serious offence and there is overwhelming evidence against them.”

In their application for bail, the three told the court that they had other pending matters, charges of breaching lockdown regulations during an unapproved demonstration, which were more serious.

“The court must balance the interest of justice and the interests of the accused,” said Mr Muchadehama.

“Nothing has been placed before the court to suggest the accused should be denied bail. Nothing came from the State in terms of evidence. The accused are denying the charges and the charges are nonsensical and they are being charged for nothing. They are now being turned into villains. The accused would like to make an undertaking that they will voluntarily avail themselves to police whenever they want them.”

The three told the court that they were seeing a psychiatrist as part of their recovery from hospital. They argued that they had since surrendered their passports to the Clerk of Court and there was no way they could abscond trial.

Ms Makwande remanded the three in custody to Monday for bail ruling.

Allegations against the trio are that on May 13 at around 12.30pm they gathered at Choppies Supermarket in Warren Park 1 with other MDC-Alliance youths and staged a demonstration against the recalling of their MPs from Parliament and the alleged misuse of funds for the Covid-19 pandemic by Government.

On the same day, they allegedly called their friends, family and lawyers, saying they had been arrested at a roadblock near Exhibition Park and were taken to Harare Central Police Station. Upon receiving the communication, their lawyer Mr Jeremiah Bamu reportedly went to the police CID Law and Order.

Mr Bamu is alleged to have approached a senior officer, saying the accused had been arrested and taken to Harare Central Police Station. According to the State, checks were made and it was established that they were not arrested.

On the same day, social media platforms and local newspapers were awash with news that the three had been arrested, it is alleged.

Two days later, on May 15 at around 1am, Mr Bamu advised the police that the three were at Muchapondwa business centre in Bindura.

The police and Mr Bamu went to the business centre, collected them and took them to a hospital in Waterfalls, Harare, since they claimed to have been tortured.

On May 19, Marova told a police detective that she was abducted and tortured by the police, with Mamombe and Chimbiri later interviewed on May 25, according to the State.

It is said investigations by the police revealed that they were never abducted, but allegedly stage-managed the kidnapping.

Further accusations are that during the time of the alleged kidnapping, they were at Belgravia Shopping Centre in Harare.

The State alleges that they were seen at around 1645hrs in a Mercedes Benz, which was being driven by Mamombe.

PRESS RELEASE

The City of Bulawayo has received complaints on suspected contamination of drinking water from residents. When complaints are received by the Municipality, the water quality teams which include the Water Quality laboratory and Environmental Health officers are dispatched to take samples, test and recommend correctional measures.

In the instance of Luveve and all other areas where reports have been received, the teams were dispatched to test for quality. Duc to water-shedding, samples were taken from the containers (buckets) in the households which were being used for potable use. The results of these were unsatisfactory indicating bacterial presence. The teams were dispatched to these areas to conduct awareness and education campaigns on water storage and safety.

Samples were collected from Municipal sampling points in the same areas and the water quality was satisfactory. There was notable inconsistency between the two sources (Household and Municipal Water) hence the encouragement by the City of Bulawayo for residents to boil their drinking water especially during the period of intermittent water supply.

Rectal swabs were also taken and sent to the Laboratory and nothing was detected in terms of notifiable diseases such as Cholera and Typhoid. The City is yet to receive a report from the other laboratories and health facilities as specified in the Public Health Act on notifiable diseases.

We have teams on the ground that are currently investigating the source of the diarrhoea! outbreak and we are also liaising with various medical institutions in the City.

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The City of Bulawayo continues to monitor water quality, ensure corrective measures as per norm where there are irregularities and also advises residents to take precautionary measures by using safe sources of water for potable use.

Residents are encouraged to use appropriate containers in storing water, store water safely, practise good hygiene especially in handling water and boil water for drinking.

What containers should be used to store water,

• Water should be collected and stored in thoroughly sanitized food-grade plastic or glass containers.

• First, wash the inside and outside of each container with soap and hot water.

• Finally, rinse thoroughly with plain clean water.

• Avoid using milk containers because they can be hard to clean. Bacteria can grow quickly in a milk container contaminating the water stored in it.

CHRISTOPHER DUBE TOWN CLERK 12 June 2020

By A Correspondent- Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi has directed the ZESA Holdings board to withdraw criminal charges against Wicknell Chivayo, whose company, Intratek, has failed to deliver on 100 MW solar power plant in Gwanda, Matabeleland South.

In a letter to ZESA chairman Sydney Gata on May 26, Chasi advised the power utility to abandon the fraud charges because the government “cannot afford the luxury of continued litigation” at the expense of expediting power generation.

He also orders that Chivayo be allowed to complete the project which has been hanging on the balance since 2015.

Below is the full letter by Chasi:

I refer to a meeting jointly held by ZESA Holdings and Intratrek Zimbabwe (Pvt) Limited on Friday 22nd May 2020, in which I advised all parties in attendance of Government’s position with regards to the urgent need to implement the project.

I further draw your attention to a letter from your office delivered on even date of the meeting, whose contents I confirm to have duly noted.

In my communication of Government’s unequivocal position with regards to the Gwanda project, I sought to deliver the Ministry’s mandate to ensure the availability of sufficient power to the country by all means necessary.

It is now the prerogative of ZESA Holdings to ensure that the Government’s primary intention to address the energy demand is expediently and urgently given the attention it deserves.

In fulfilment of this mandate placed upon ZESA Holdings, there exists an obvious requirement that the necessary Board approvals be obtained in compliance with tenets of good corporate governance and all applicable statutes.

I wish to further reiterate that the Government’s position is fully informed by the following factors which have been approved at the highest level;

a) The Gwanda Solar project was and is still earmarked by Government as an economic enabler to the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP) and successor policies adopted by government in 2018 and subsequently this year.

It forms part of the short to medium term solutions in resolving the energy deficit in the Country, thus spurring agriculture, mining and manufacturing activity which will increase the country’s export revenue.

b) Intratek assured Government that it can commence the project immediately as the funding is now available for this purpose.

Feeding 10MW into the national grid within the next 6 months will cause notable availability of power, thus significantly reducing the extent and cost of power imports, whose arrears in foreign currency are fully known by yourselves.  This will inevitably contribute to assisting Fiscus inflows and support macro-economic growth.

c) Government has further taken full consideration of the proposed financial and technical soundness presented by the EPC Contractor through the Strategic Review Document submitted to my office and finds merit in the same.

It goes without saying that the bridge-financing model proposed by the EPC Contractor’s transactional advisors is led by a team of renowned experts in the field of project financing and legal advisory with respect to the implementation of EPC Contracts in the region.

The same transaction advisors have also recently successfully commissioned a 5MW centagrid PV Solar Plant at Nyabira, which is now already augmenting power supplies from the country’s main power producers managed by ZESA Holdings. They have also reached financial closure for the remaining 20 MW which commissioning is expected within the next 12 months.

d) It is common cause that African Transmission Corporation Holdings Limited, the prospective financier, has also been pivotal in assisting ZESA Holdings in the debt/equity structuring of the Hwange 7 & 8 US$1,4 Billion expansion project and were very instrumental in working with KPMG on the financial modelling for the Kariba 7 & 8 extension project, which was a resounding success.

Their competence being attestable, Government finds no reason not to find comfort in the same firm, led by Mr Victor Utedzi, whose impressive curriculum vitae I have had the occasion to peruse.

I am persuaded to believe that with such financial accolades, the quick syndication of a bankable financial model for the Gwanda solar project ought not to be problematic.

It is my Ministry’s logical opinion that at the revised price of US$139 Million, the debt/equity model will be less rigorous and thus ensure that financial closure would be reached expeditiously.

e) Government also took note of the involvement of high ranking professionals who now constitute the restructured EPC Contractor’s Board.

Of note, the Presidential Advisory Chairman – Mr Edwin Manikai – is leading the legal conscription of the proposed financial and technical variation of the project through Dube, Manikai & Hwacha Legal Practitioners.

It goes without mention that the firm ranks amongst the top 3 in the country and recognised as an exceptional commercial law firm by the Global Chambers International since 2014.

The key role of DMH and Mr Manikai in particular in the new arrangement speaks volumes on the integrity, professionalism and experience placed into the project, with Government concurring that all previous loop-holes would subsequently be forestalled and plugged.

Principally, the appointment of Mr Wilson Manase as the new Executive Chairman of Intratrek Zimbabwe (Pvt) Limited endows the project with high prospects of successful implementation.

Having chaired Metropolitan Bank for 16 years and being a Board member of a myriad of other successful and reputable private firms and government in Zimbabwe, Mr Manase is a practising lawyer and businessman of agreed prominence and as such, Government associates itself with the confident view that the project would be secured properly under his stewardship.

f) Government has also placed material consideration on the technical capacity of CHINT Electric Ltd, who have been contracted to execute the project.

CHINT’s financial and technical capacity has been duly assessed by ZPC and the due diligence report presented to me confirms the company to be fully knowledgeable in the field of both manufacturing PV modules and operating PV power stations.

The report further advises that is the second-largest solar power supplier in the world by a comprehensive performance rate awarded by PHOTON and a reputable blue-chip company listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange with average annual sales revenue in excess of US$12 Billion, I find no objection to the company implementing the project.

Needless to state, however, Government will require that all the performance guarantees for the equipment installed be obtained and the interests of ZESA Holdings/ZPC as the end-user of the project be protected to the fullest extent possible.

In conclusion, I reiterate Government’s position, as similarly restated in High Court judgment HC 8159/18 by Chitapi JA in the two cases which ZPC lost where he said “With the current Government’s thrust that there be accelerated development to ensure the attainment of a middle-income status for the country by 2030, it is hoped that key projects like the one involved in this case are not stalled by unnecessary bickering and extra-contractual frustrations,” and

“Parties should desist from merry-dancing in the Courts and fighting in Boardrooms instead of implementing this project of national importance at the site..”. These points cannot be emphasized enough.

Indeed His Excellency, the President of Zimbabwe has launched “Vision 2030”, which demands Government implement policies and projects which will usher Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-class economy by 2030.

I urge you to support this vision, by all means, necessary, for the greater good of the Country. This project is inarguably a low-hanging fruit from which Government is poised to realise its success in no time.

It is against the changed circumstances, the foregoing background and context that I strongly recommend your Board to consider the urgent implementation of the following measures as directed by Government;

a) Expedite the negotiation, drafting and signing of an amended and restated EPC Contract in order to provide for and give full effect to the financial and technical proposal by the EPC Contractor;

b) Expedite the negotiation, drafting and signing of all subsequent agreements which will give effect to the project financing and technical implementation.

These include, but are not limited to the conclusion of the Power Purchase Agreement, tariff currency modalities, Implementation Agreement, Security of Payment Agreement amongst other Agreements which may be required by the financier and relevant regulators.

c) In making the foregoing sentiments I must draw the attention of the Board to the fact that the contract in casu was signed sometime in 2015.

Since that time nothing has been achieved except endless and pointless litigation with an appeal currently pending. It is not known when this appeal will be determined whilst on the other hand it is self-evident that the country is reeling under a serious power crisis that has already wreaked havoc to the economy and the generality of the populace.

d) Additionally, it is apposite to point out that this matter is of immense public interest given the power situation in the country and the history of the project.

It is the government’s intention to deal with both matters through the speedy implementation of the project

e) I make mention of the Board’s resolution on the future of the project. The resolution suggests that the consequences of the Court’s decision are irrelevant. This cannot be right. No advice or information is supplied as to the consequences of losing this appeal.

All in all, I consider the foregoing as having placed Government’s position in unambiguous clarity. Megawatts will ultimately be made at the project and not in courts.

The High Court has made this point and expressed exasperation with the endless litigation. Government, given the current power situation, cannot afford the luxury of continued litigation anymore and has been forced to take a pragmatic approach to the production of power.

I understand that a meeting to discuss this matter is slated for tomorrow. Please kindly advise me as to the outcome of the meeting as soon as possible thereafter.

Please be guided accordingly.

THE Zimbabwe Electricity Distribution Company (ZETDC), has threatened to switch off defunct steel giant, Zisco, over a ZW$6,2 million debt accrued over a period of three months.

In a letter to Zisco that was signed by ZETDC southern region general manager, Engineer King Fazo Dube, seen by the news crew, the power utility turned down a payment plan designed by the steel company together with Redcliff Municipality and ZimChem and insists on switching off supplies.

The move could spell doom not only to Zisco but also to Redcliff residents who rely on the company for pumping water. Zisco receives water from Kwekwe, which is then distributed to other companies and residents in Redcliff using the company’s water pump.

Companies such as Steelmakers, Zimchem and ZimCoke may also be forced to halt operations due to non-availability of water.

“We cannot accept your payment plan request to pay $290 000, which does not even cover your average monthly bill of $1 300 000. As we highlighted in the meeting, we had with you, we are left with no other option but to disconnect supplies if we do not receive full payment of your account,” wrote Eng Dube.

In the same letter, ZETDC urged Zisco to engage Redcliff Municipality and ZimChem to find a way forward. Acting Zisco Board chair, Dr Gift Mugano, said he did not have finer details of the matter.

“What I can say for now is that as far as I am concerned, we were paying our bills. You should also bear in mind that we are not operating and at times we might fail to fulfill our obligations,” he said.

“But I am also aware that negotiations are ongoing between us and Redcliff and ZimChem that we have separate meters that we are billed separately. We are currently seized with the matter and I think very soon it will be solved,” said Dr Mugano.

Redcliff Town Clerk, Mr Gilson Chakauya said the move would render the entire Redcliff town dry. He requested residents to contribute towards the paying of the bill.

“I think the timing by ZETDC is not well consulted. The move will mean that the whole of Redcliff will go dry as we rely on the Ziscosteel water pump for pumping of water. And to think that we are in the middle of a fight against Covid-19 whose positive cases continue rising, I think they need to be sensitive and accept our payment plan,” said Mr Chakauya.

He said the local authority had also received the same communication from ZETDC.

“We received communication from ZETDC that electricity at the booster pump station at Zisco will be disconnected. But the monthly average bill is ZW1,3 million and the debt is now at ZW$6,2 million and the move will result in the disruption of water supply to all suburbs,” he said.

“Our average monthly water collection is around ZW$165 000, which is not sustained against our monthly bill from Kwekwe City of ZW$2,9 million. Due to low cash inflows, the outstanding bill from Kwekwe City now stands at ZW$13,5 million. A total of ZW$4,2 million is required monthly on average for both water and electricity charges,” he said.

Own Correspondent

Zimbabwe’s poverty datum line (PDL) jumped from $6 420 (PDL) in March to $7 425 in April representing a 15,7 percent increase, official figures show.

According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (Zimstat), the PDL measures the basic needs for an average family of five.

Data released on Monday by the agency indicate that the Total Consumption Poverty Line (TCPL) for an average family of five stood at $7 425 in April compared to $6 420 in March.

The agency, however, said the PDL varies by province as prices vary from place to place.

In this light, the TCPL for an average household in April 2020 ranged from $6 296 in Mashonaland Central province to $8 939 in Matabeleland North province.

“The differences are explained by differences in average prices in the provinces,” said Zimstat.

According to the agency, the TCPL is a combination of food and non-food items that an average family requires for it not to be deemed poor.

The TCPL for Zimbabwe stood at $1 485 per person in April which means that an individual required that much to buy both food and non-food items per month.

Presidential Spokesperson George Charamba has urged Zimbabweans to stay at home and follow the lockdown rules so that they avoid being arrested because it is cheaper to arrest people that incur costs of testing them for the deadly Coronavirus.

Commenting on a ZimEye.com article which bemoaned the arrest of citizens, Charamba (using his moniker Jamwanda) said, “PEOPLE GET EASILY TAKEN IN BY THIS FOOLISH NARRATIVE!! Of course, it’s far better, cheaper to arrest than to incur costs of testing suspected cases arising out of sheer recklessness and lack of lockdown enforcement.

“The kits have to be imported, and that means using foreign exchange!!! All to cope with individuals who willfully break lockdown rules?? Let’s get real!!!”

Charamba urged Zimbabweans to adhere to the laws to avoid a brush with the law.

“Stay at home; obey the lockdown rules and let’s see if any policeman/woman enters your yard to beat you up!!”

In March the government announced the Public Health (COVID-19 Prevention, Containment, and Treatment) Regulations 2020. One of the sections deals with “false reporting during the national lockdown. It says:

14. For the avoidance of doubt any person who publishes or communicates false news about any public officer, official, or enforcement officer involved with enforcing or implementing the national lockdown in his or her capacity as such, or about any private individual that has the effect of prejudicing the State’s enforcement of the national lockdown, shall be liable for prosecution under section 31 of the Criminal law Code (“Publishing or communicating false statements prejudicial to the state”) and liable to the penalty there provided, that is to say, a fine up to or exceeding twenty years or both.

THE military has been roped in to complement police in enforcing the 21-day lockdown, a strategy that is being implemented by other countries throughout the world to contain the spread of Covid-19.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) had been enforcing the lockdown which has seen nearly 2 000 people being arrested countrywide for defying the stay-at-home order.

Police and soldiers are now jointly manning roadblocks and conducting patrols in suburbs to ensure that the public complies with the lockdown measures.

Defence and War Veterans Affairs Deputy Minister Victor Matemadanda said the deployment of the military was an operational issue which should be embraced as most countries have jointly deployed security forces for improved efficiency.

“At a personal level I don’t get involved in an operational matter. That is for the Joint Operations Command (JOC). But obviously when you see them working together like I have always said, they get involved at the request of the Zimbabwe Republic Police,” said Deputy Minister Matemadanda.

“But anyway, it’s not a new phenomenon in Zimbabwe, every other country that has taken (lockdown) measures has deployed the police and the army – all security agents to make sure that this is contained. If the deployment is being done now, I think Zimbabwe was even the last because everywhere else, soldiers are deployed because it is an emergency situation.”

To contain the virus, countries across the globe have implemented lockdowns and the military is playing a crucial part.

As part of lockdown enforcement measures, neighbouring South Africa on March 27 deployed both the army and police to ensure the public complies with the 21-day lockdown.

In Zimbabwe, the lockdown began last week on Monday and during this period people are required to stay at home, with only those providing essential services allowed to report for work. Only those providing essential services such as shops selling food and pharmacies are authorised to open. Travel between cities and provinces has been banned and within towns and cities, only Zupco buses provide public transport.

Movement of people and large gatherings are some of the fastest ways the virus is spread, hence the need for citizens to confine themselves at home.

State Media|Publication and communication of fake news concerning the Covid-19 pandemic will attract a jail term of up to 20 years.

This is contained in Statutory Instrument 83 of 2020 titled Public Health (Covid-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) Order, 2020.

The SI was published by the Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Obadiah Moyo in terms of the Public Health Act and in consultation with President Mnangagwa.

The SI was promulgated to give legal effect to the national lockdown restricting movement of people for 21 days, beginning yesterday up to April 19.

“For the avoidance of doubt any person who publishes or communicates false news about any public officer, official or enforcement officer involved with enforcing or implementing the national lockdown in his or her capacity as such, or about any private individual that has the effect of prejudicing the State’s enforcement of the national lockdown, shall be liable for prosecution under section 31 of the Criminal Law Code (“Publishing or communicating false statements prejudicial to the State”) and liable to the penalty there provided, that is to say a fine up to or exceeding level 14 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 20 years or both,” reads the SI.

A number of fake messages concerning incidences of the virus in the country have been rife on social media.

The SI has four parts dealing with various issues that is provisions on the interpretation and scope of order, national lockdown and prohibition of gatherings, border closure orders and general issues.

Constitutional law expert Professor Lovemore Madhuku said the SI was important to ensure that Government conforms with the Constitution.

“The Constitution requires that anything that Government does it has to be done in terms of the law,” Prof Madhuku said.

“It was therefore necessary to have that SI to satisfy an act of Government that limits fundamental rights that are set out in the Constitution.”

He added that all countries that have declared lockdowns have had to pass legislation to justify their actions.

Another lawyer, Mr Obert Gutu concurred saying: “It wouldn’t have been legal to call for a national lockdown without providing for the necessary legal requirement of promulgating an appropriate SI.

“Zimbabwe is a constitutional democracy and, therefore, every action of Government, if it will be legal and constitutional must, of necessity, be anchored on the laws of the country.”

The SI has four parts with Part I dealing with the title, interpretation and scope of order, Part II dealing with national lockdown and prohibition of gatherings, Part III providing for border closure orders and Part IV general issues.

According to the SI the lockdown that began yesterday will run until April 19.

During the period, individuals would be confined to their homes and may only leave to buy basic necessities at a supermarket or food retail store, or fuel or gas at a fuel or gas retail outlet, within a radius not exceeding five kilometres or the nearest establishments if those within the radius are closed.

However, only one person per household would be permitted to leave the house for the above purposes.

Individuals are also permitted to leave their homes to buy at pharmacies within a five kilometre radius or the nearest establishment if the first one is closed or does not have required medicines in stock.

People working in organisations providing essential services are also permitted to leave their homes to go to work including those working for foreign missions or agencies.

Foreigners, residents or protected subjects of a foreign nation visiting missions of countries they are citizens, residents or subjects are also exempted from the lock down order.

The SI also ordered the closure of every business except those providing essential services that include but not limited to pharmacies, laboratories, banking institutions, payment and money transfer services, supermarkets and food retail stores, fuel outlets and health care providers.

Other business operations that are exempted include those in transport services engaged in the carriage of staff for essential services, the carriage of sick persons to hospitals and other health care providers, and the transport of water, food, fuel, basic goods, medical supplies needed to combat Covid-19 and other medical supplies.

Public transport services, whether intra-city or inter-city, for the passengers shall be restricted to those provided by Zupco vehicles operated by or on behalf of the Public Service Association, the Police Service, the Defence Forces and the Civil Protection Authorities.

Commuter omnibuses and other passenger service vehicles operated or chartered by local authorities for their staff for essential services, the carriage of sick persons to hospitals and other health care providers, and the transport for provisions needed to combat Covid-19 and other medical supplies are also exempted.

“Every individual found outside his or her home shall have the burden of proving, to the satisfaction of an enforcement officer, that he or she is covered by any of the exceptions listed in subsection or is acting under demonstrably exceptional circumstances,” reads part of the SI.

Any person who contravenes the lockdown order would be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level twelve or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or to both.

The SI also bans gatherings of more than two people however, in circumstances where they are allowed to gather there should be not more than 50 people and should also observe social distancing.

Gatherings that are permitted include funeral services, people carried within a transport service vehicle provided the social distancing rule is possible and individuals in supermarkets, hospitals among others.

The SI empowers enforcement officers to disperse people breaking the rule on gathering or order gatherings to comply with the social distancing rule.

“Any person partaking at a gathering or convener there of who partakes in or convenes a gathering knowing that such gathering is prohibited refuses to disperse from a gathering after being ordered to disperse or refuses to observe the social distancing rule after being ordered to do so in terms of subsection shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fi ne not exceeding level 12 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year to both such fine and such imprisonment,” reads the SI.

Diplomatic visas, temporary residence permit or employment permit of every foreign national who, during the period of national lockdown, is permitted to be in Zimbabwe by virtue of that visa or permit is hereby extended so that the period of the national lockdown is not counted as part of the period during which they are permitted to be in Zimbabwe.

The SI also prohibits the hoarding at home or any other premises of medical supplies needed to combat COVID-19 and food in excess of what is needed to be stored for himself or herself and his or her family during the period

of the national lockdown.

People contravening the provision would be liable to a level 12 fine, a year imprisonment or both.

Watch video of scene at United Bulawayo Hospitals, no nurses, no doctors, nothing.

Senior Zimbabwean doctor Siduduzo Mphoko has urged Zimbabweans to stay home no matter how difficult it is and avoid contacting the killer Coronavirus as government hospitals literally have nothing to help patients with.

Mphoko posted a video on social media showing the United Bulawayo Hospitals empty without any doctor or nurse on site.

Mphoko lamented the situation in the health sector saying it was overwhelming.

Below is her very touching appeal for Zimbabweans to adhere to the national lockdown.

Today at work..UBH…Majority of the nursing staff tools down. The hospital has literally 1, and a maximum of 2 nurses per ward. The wards have patients!. Its now overwhelming. ?
The structure of a hospital is very important…its like the foundation of a house. All the elements matter, our nurses matter, our senior nurses matter, the pharmacist matters, the receptionist matters, our admin matter, the switchboard operator matters, that lady or man who sweeps the floor matters…that person who works in the kitchen matters, that security guard…matters…that man or lady who tends to the garden matters. We ALL matter. Those of us in the frontline need proper PPEs, we need the public to #stayhome and stay safe, no unecessary movement, we need ppl to practice #social distancing. Please. ” Help us help you, by helping yourselves…stay home” #DrBae #Covid-19 ?

Every Zimbabwean has a role to play in protecting their families and communities against coronavirus, President Mnangagwa has said.

Writing on his Twitter handle, @edmnangagwa, the President reiterated calls for people to observe the highest standards of hygiene to prevent the spread of the virus.

“We all have a role to play in protecting our families and communities against coronavirus. Keep your distance, wash your hands, keep your distance, stay home,” President Mnangagwa tweeted.

People, the President said, should wash hands regularly, avoid physical contact including hugging, stay at home unless it is important to travel and maintain social distance of at least two metres.

President Mnangagwa last week declared the pandemic a state of national disaster.

In an earlier tweet, he thanked Chinese billionaire Mr Jack Ma for the donations made to fight the deadly virus.

Mr Jack donated 20 000 laboratory diagnostic test kits, 100 000 medical face masks and 10 000 protective suits.

“Thank you @Jack Ma for your generous donation of coronavirus testing kits and preventive materials, a true act of friendship that will be crucial to helping us fight the virus. With unity, discipline and cooperation, we can prevail.”

Meanwhile, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) has called on the Group of 20 most developed countries to set aside a US$100 billion fund for immediate health response, social safety nets and feeding of out-of-school children in African countries affected by coronavirus.

The money would be on top of the US$50 billion already pledged by the G-20.

In a statement, UNECA said: “As a proportion of GDP, this is consistent with measures taken in other regions. To ensure immediate fiscal space and liquidity, this package should include a waiver of all interest payments, estimated at US$44 billion for 2020.”

State Media|President Mnangagwa yesterday launched Zimbabwe’s US$26 million preparedness and response plan for coronavirus aimed at building an integrated and coordinated strategy on preventing the spread of the virus causing Covid-19 and mitigating its effects.

He said coronavirus was almost certain to reach Zimbabwe, hence the need for a detailed plan to minimise its effects and spread.

“It is no longer a matter of if or but when our country will have these cases”.

The total budget will be spent in eight areas identified by the Ministry of Health and Child Care with the support of the World Health Organisation (WHO). The areas and their allocations are:

Planning, monitoring and coordination US$1 424 100;
Risk communication and community engagement US$1 098 500;
Surveillance, rapid response and case investigation US$4 159 890;
Points of entry US$112 440;
National laboratory system US$3 119 454;
Infection prevention and control US$238 850;
Case management US$4 090 540; and
Logistics, procurement and supply management US$12 144 606.

The plan was crafted by the Ministry of Health and Child Care with technical support from other partners based on eight pillars set by the World Health Organisation.

Launching the plan, President Mnangagwa said no country was immune to the disease and Government was committed to stopping Covid-19 in its tracks.

He said given the fast rate at which coronavirus was spreading, Zimbabwe could no longer afford to continue with a “business as usual approach” and so should step up its efforts to be prepared.

“As Zimbabwe, we cannot continue with business as usual approach, as it is no longer a matter of if but when our country will have these cases,” said President Mnangagwa.

“Around 200 000 people have tested positive to the coronavirus globally and around 7 000 have died due to the disease worldwide. Closer home, around 30 or more African countries have confirmed cases of Covid-19 and in our region, seven out of 16 Sadc countries have confirmed cases.

“Considering the scale and magnitude of the spread of this virus, it is very clear that no country is immune from the disease and its impact. With our HIV prevalence of 14 percent in Zimbabwe or slightly below and malnutrition and other non-communicable diseases, especially among children, we are deeply concerned about the impact Covid-19 could have in Zimbabwe.

“This situation is a real threat to the citizens of our mother country. My Government through the Ministry of Health and Child Care has put in place and continues to enhance measures to minimise the import of COVID-19 into the country and ensure health safety of citizens of our country.”

President Mnangagwa said the world over, Governments had activated emergency modes, as the number of cases, the number deaths and the number of affected countries had increased significantly.

He said although Covid-19 was first reported in China, the total number of cases and deaths outside China had now overtaken the total number of cases in China with Europe now being the epicentre of the pandemic.

Said President Mnangagwa: “The national emergency preparedness and response mechanism and surveillance and early detection of any possible cases was activated and will remain active until after the World Health Organisation has removed the global health alert. Our preparedness measures have been stepped up through heightened surveillance systems at national, provincial and district levels with special focus on all ports of entry throughout the country with mandatory screening of all visitors having already started and all our Government buildings and infrastructure should be screened with immediate effect.

“In addition, active surveillance and follow ups continue to be done to minimise the spread of the Covid-19 in Zimbabwe.

“As of March 13 2020, around 10 000 travellers had been screened at our ports of entry and put on surveillance. All our hospitals remain on high alert for the Covid-19. Work is in progress to strengthen the capacity of identifying isolation centres that are able to manage severe cases throughout the country.

“There is no confirmed case yet in Zimbabwe but considering the volume of traffic and other countries in the region and internationally, we need to step up and enhance our preparedness and response to the scourge.”

The launch of the Zimbabwe preparedness and response plan at State House was also attended by Vice President Kembo Mohadi, Cabinet Ministers, United Nations officials and diplomats affiliated to the country.

State Security Minister Owen Ncube declined to answer a question from a Senator who had posed a question in Ndebele saying he does not understand the language.

Ncube, a close ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, was acting Leader of the House during Senate’s question and answer last Thursday when MDC Senator Siphiwe Ncube asked him a question in Ndebele.

“I would like to ask the Minister if they are aware that teachers have letters of agreement with schools that teachers should go to school once a week giving reasons that the money that they get is only equivalent for them to be coming to school for teaching lessons once a week,” asked Sen Ncube.

The State Security Minister, also from Mnangagwa’s Midlands province, responded saying:

“Unfortunately I did not get the question as I do not understand Ndebele,” he said.

The deputy president of the Senate Michael Nyambuya asked for any government official to answer tree question.

Deputy Defence Minister Victor Matemadanda , also from the Midlands province, responded to the question but first asked if he could speak in Shona.

Said Nyambuya after objections from the floor, “Minister you are right. You do not demand they talk in that language. You chose Ndebele and he is choosing Shona, but anyway you may answer the question in Ndebele.”

Parliament was on Wednesday forced to adjourn earlier than planned when MDC MPs angrily voiced their disapproval over the ‘shallow’ manner with which State Security minister Owen Ncube was responding to questions

Paul Nyathi|The opposition MDC has declared that it will be holding sporadic unannounced demonstrations against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.

The party’s deputy spokesperson Luke Tamborinyoka said the lines have been drawn against government and they will soon engage in a series of demos without warning or notifying the relevant authorities as prescribed in the Maintenance of Public Order Act.

Writing on Twitter Tamborinyoka said:

Gutu District Development Coordinator (formally District Administrator DA) Melody Jiri has with immediate effect been transferred to Harare allegedly because she showed sympathy towards the MDC.

Jiri assumes the position of deputy director at the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing headquarters where she is without any specific assignment.

Masvingo Provincial Development Coordinator (PDC) Fungai Mbetsa confirmed the transfer but said he was not aware of any political reasons behind the transfer.

However, Zanu PF Masvingo Provincial Youth Chairperson Brian Munyoro said Jiri deserved the transfer because she allegedly refused to take directives from the party.  He accused her of siding with MDC Alliance councilors in the district and visiting projects in the wards more than she did for Zanu PF councilors.

Jiri refused to comment, she said that she was not allowed to speak to the Press.
This is not the first time the professionals have been moved out of Gutu on the basis of pressure from the ruling party. The former medical superintendent for Gutu Mission Hospital Edmore Zvidzai was removed from the district in 2018 after he clashed with the party having refused to give in to pressure to donate his money to the  party affairs.

Chirumanzu DA, Tapson Chivanga was also transferred to Harare last year after Zanu PF youth besieged his offices.

Party activists are also piling pressure for the dismissal of senior management at Zaka Rural District Council for defying orders.

“We welcome Jiri’s transfer to Harare. She was conniving with opposition councilors, visiting their wards to do various projects. We are also told that her working relationships with subordinates were not good,” said Munyoro.

“I confirm that Gutu DDC has been to Harare with immediate effect. She will leave after completing the handover and takeover process. I am not aware of any issues behind the transfer since they were not indicated in the letter of transfer” said Mbetsa.

Party activists are also allegedly piling pressure for the dismissal of senior management at Zaka Rural District Council for defying orders.

MasvingoMirror

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has announced that the government of South Korea contributed US$200 000 towards food assistance to refugees living in Zimbabwe.

We present below the WFP News Release of the 7th of February

SOUTH KOREA HELPS WFP PROVIDE FOOD ASSISTANCE TO REFUGEES IN ZIMBABWE

 HARARE – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a contribution of US$200,000 from the Government of the Republic of Korea to assist refugees living in Zimbabwe’s Tongogara Refugee Camp (TRC) at a time when resources have otherwise run dry.

“Refugee populations around the world are one of the most vulnerable,” said Eddie Rowe, WFP Zimbabwe Country Representative & Director.

“At a time when Zimbabwe and Southern Africa is faced with massive humanitarian needs because of drought and economic woes, this already at-risk community is struggling even more. The support from the people and Government of Korea will make a great difference in the lives of the refugee population here.”

Located in Chipinge district, TRC is home to nearly 14,000 refugees from across southern and central Africa. The funds provided by the Republic of Korea will enable WFP – in partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe, UNHCR and Terre des Hommes, a Southern Africa-based NGO – to continue providing much-needed food and nutrition assistance.

Due to their refugee status, TRC residents are unable to seek employment outside the camp, and internal income-generating opportunities are limited. Therefore, most households rely solely on WFP food assistance to survive.

“I hope that this assistance we are recognizing today will help the people in Tongogara Refugee Camp to enhance their well-being.” Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, H.E. Cho Jaichel said. “I also hope the friendship and cooperation between our two countries will continue and strengthen further. Despite the current challenges, I strongly believe that Zimbabwe has a great potential of growth and brighter future. For our Zimbabwean friends, the Korean government is always ready to share our development experience.”

WFP’s support to refugees in Zimbabwe faces ongoing funding shortfalls. The Republic of Korea’s contribution comes in the wake of an urgent plea for funds by WFP, which is working to provide 4.1 million people in Zimbabwe with emergency food assistance amid the country’s current hunger crisis. At present, more than 7.7 million people – or half of Zimbabwe’s population – is food insecure. More than US$200 million is still required for WFP to provide people with life-saving food aid during the peak of this year’s lean season (Jan-April 2020).

The United Nations World Food Programme – saving lives in emergencies and changing lives for millions through sustainable development. WFP works in more than 80 countries around the world, feeding people caught in conflict and disasters, and laying the foundations for a better future.

State Media|President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially declared that his government now needs divine intervention to get things right.

Mnangagwa, who was accompanied by First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, was speaking at the launch of the Zimbabwe Indigenous International Council of Churches (ZIICC) National Day of Prayer at the National Sports Stadium.

Addressing about 30 000 congregants at the convention, President Mnangagwa said the initiatives being undertaken by the Government to transform the country’s economy needed to be complemented by the churches’ support.

President Mnangagwa, who based much of his speech on biblical scriptures, implored the nation to commit its aspirations to God.

“However, as a country, we must pray for divine protection, economic prosperity and peace without ceasing. The Bible commands us to pray and to give thanks in whatever circumstances we may find ourselves.

“1 Thessalonians 5 verse 17-18: ‘Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.’

“We must always commit all our national aspirations to the Almighty God; casting our burdens to him for surely he shall sustain us,” said the President.

President Mnangagwa urged church leaders to encourage their members to be productive, in line with Government’s theme for 2020.

“I have declared the year 2020 as a year of productivity and trade. I, therefore, call upon the leadership of all churches in Zimbabwe to engage, teach and encourage their congregants to be hardworking and productive. God has given us abundant natural resources throughout the country,” he said.

“We must harness these natural endowments to improve the quality of life for our people.”

He implored churches to “be visible and relevant to Government development initiatives” such as the devolution programme.

The President pledged to immediately address grievances raised by indigenous churches, in particular access to land for worship.

“Turning to your genuine concerns you have raised, in particular, the possible special consideration in accessing land for worship in both rural and urban areas, let me assure you that responsible authorities will look into the matter with the urgency it deserves.

“Equally, we have established institutions to deal with the youths, women, people living with disabilities and SMEs, among others,” he said.

The President applauded indigenous churches for standing behind Government in calling for the removal of sanctions imposed on the country.

“I want to thank you indigenous churches for mobilising your congregants to support and unite the Government and the SADC region in our call for the urgent removal of economic sanctions against our country. We commend that collective, loud and audible voice,” said President Mnangagwa.

In his remarks, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga applauded President Mnangagwa for offering the indigenous churches a platform for dialogue, which was part of his promise to be a listening President.

“Since assuming the leadership role of the Second Republic, His Excellency President Mnangagwa has indeed lived up to his promise that he is a listening President who welcomes ideas and dialogue from all walks of life,” he said.

The Vice President said the work being done by ZIICC clears the road to the “Promised Land” for Zimbabwe to become an Upper Middle Income Economy by 2030 adding that churches played a complementary role in fighting current scourges such as the machete-wielding gangsters.

In his remarks, ZIICC patron Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi said churches were not involved in politics, but had a God-given mandate to pray for the nation and its leaders.

“We have thought to take our place as the church of Zimbabwe, but not focusing on politics but on our God-given mandate to be God’s intermediaries to his people,” he said.

“We are only here to pray for the leaders and pray for the country and to help work together and do all we can to maintain peace.”

VP Chiwenga said President Mnangagwa remained “at the top of our agenda in terms of our prayers because he is driving a big bus, which is our country Zimbabwe. To the shock or surprise of our detractors, Zimbabwe is still going strong. This is because Zimbabwe is a prayerful nation,” he said.

Bishop Roderick Makusha of Deeper Life Ministries urged MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa to move on beyond the 2018 elections.

“You can claim that you were rigged, but at times you have to accept the result because God would have given his stamp of approval. You have to accept so that the nation goes forward,” he said.

“You should let bygones be bygones; you never know, maybe one day, you can be the winner.”

Prophet Andrew Wutawunashe of the Family of God church commended President Mnangagwa’s administration for upholding freedom of worship and supporting indigenous churches that had for a long time played second fiddle to foreign denominations.

Prophet Wutawunashe said opposition politicians should not focus on political battles at the expense of the general people.

“If we continue in the futile, adversarial and power-seeking politicking, which is solely based on the destructive opposition whose sole end is political power, we will abort the path to our own God-given prosperity,” he said.

“Let us, as we pray, heed the clarion call to unite and address our differences and work together for the agenda of strengthening and building our nation, which holds great dividends for our people.

“While our nation, just like other nations, has its own fair share of problems, the answer does not lie in cannibalising our own nation and the future of our own children by bowing to foreign powers.”

Several Cabinet ministers and senior Government officials attended the event.

THE Meteorological Service Department (MSD) yesterday warned people to brace for more thunderstorms this week.

In a statement, the MSD said Matabeleland North, Midlands, north of Manicaland, Harare Metropolitan and all Mashonaland provinces will be mostly cloudy and will experience rain showers followed by thunder and lightning.

“Localised heavy falls remain probable. On the other hand, Matabeleland South, Bulawayo Metropolitan, Masvingo and south of Manicaland should be mostly sunny with isolated light showers that may be thundery in places,” the MSD statement said.

The MSD said rains will not be uniform with some areas expected to experience heavy downpours while others will receive showers or no rainfall.

In cases of thunderstorms, the department urged people to avoid seeking shelter under trees or shades and to avoid outdoor activities.

The department also urged people to get rid of mosquito breeding grounds.

“Mosquitoes proliferate during this season, any areas that allow stagnation of water become breeding grounds for these vectors and people should fumigate possible mosquito breeding grounds within your vicinity,” read the statement.

Own Correspondent|Exiled former ZANU PF spin doctor Professor Jonathan Moyo turns 63 years today and his close associate and former President Robert Mugabe’s nephew Patrick Zhuwao has shared a video of him dancing on his birthday.

Watch video downloading below:

Belvedere Teachers’ college
4 January 2020

Our case for world Class EDUCATION in our lifetime!

OUR Vision is to set Zimbabwe as the hub of education in the world starting with the establishing our country as the giant in the region and on the continent.

The IRONY is that Zimbabweans are running the world but seem to be struggling to run our own country.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TEACHERS
Teachers are the custodians of the greatest resource.
Teachers are pillars and citadels nation building
Teachers are opinion leaders and opinion makers
Teachers have the respect of community
Teachers are role models of society

THE UTILITY OF EDUCATION
▪Education is critical foundation upon which nations are built. we will have to rebuild the nation through education. Education defines the character and civilization of a nation.

▪Neglecting education is jeopardizing the future of the nation. Education remains a key component of national development, transformation and must be prioritized as such.We are in the National transformation Revolution, a struggle to revolutionize our economies.

▪Without an earnest look at what and how we are teaching our children we run the risk of squandering the future.

▪The education crisis cannot be divorced from the national crisis

▪Bad governance and the state of the economy have led us to a place where teacher remuneration is low yet school fees are high. The system is not working for the teachers who cannot afford to live on their meagre wages not for parents who mostly cannot access education at the current fee levels.

▪The starting point is to deal with the root cause of the crisis ie bad governance and the broken economy

▪Thereafter, there needs to increase funding to the education sector

▪There needs to be more capital investment in school infrastructure including the refurbishment of buildings, providing adequate learning materials and textbooks to ensure that quality education is being provided

▪The restoration of the DIGNITY, Glitter and Glamour of the Teaching profession and education practitioners. There needs to be a restoration of the Govt and society’s respect for the teaching profession and improved teacher remuneration.Teaching should be a noble profession and honorable profession.OUR Teachers must be proud after retirement.

▪There needs to be a review of the new curriculum to evaluate whether it is achieving the objectives that were set out for it, whether it is well-funded and whether it is meeting the needs of industry and the 4th industrial revolution

In this regard, the MDC government, being a People’s government, pledges the following:

1. Provision of free primary school education.

2. The construction of new schools to reduce walking distances of travelling students.

3. Construction of new classrooms to reduce teacher to pupil ratio.

4. Ensuring adequate textbooks to all students at a ratio of 1:1

5. Ensuring e learning and the total transformation of Zimbabwe’s education system to
ICT based system. Ensuring that every child has an access to a computer.COMPUTER PER SCHOOL PER CHILD

6. Ensuring the modernisation of schools with up to date libraries, laboratories and
facilities for modern education.

7. Abandoning the out of context curriculum and adopting a new modern curriculum that prepares the country and make it competitive for the Information Age, the digital 21st century and beyond with an emphasis on machine Learning, the internet of things, Artificial Intelligence, nanotechnology and fourth Industrial Revolution.A new curriculum with a bias towards entrepreneurship, leadership

8. Ensuring that, teachers are adequately remunerated and that they have access to housing loans and decent housing facilities to teachers particularly in rural areas.

9. Encourage the twinning up of rural schools with international schools or urban schools.

10. Re-Introduction of loans and grants at tertiary institutions.

11. Introduction of Centres of excellence.

12. Emphasizing in the curriculum to make it multi-dimensional and more vocational.

13. Encouraging learning of sciences and technological sciences.

14. Encouraging the teaching of sports, arts and culture in schools.

15. Promote and support centres of vocational training in specialised foods and agriculture such as Gweru, Black Forby, and Chivero.

16. Transform Zimbabwean Universities into world class institutions leveraging on the talent and academic prowess of Zimbabweans.

17. Produce excess specialised skills in the field of medicine, sciences with a deliberate aim of exporting such skills.

18. Establish a framework for a modern democratic, functional model for early childhood development.

19. Roll out vocational skills and entrepreneurial training for youth empowerment.
20. Promote a reading culture in Zimbabwe.

21. Provision of adequate learning and teaching materials.

22. Filling of critical vacancies to improve the teacher to pupil ratio.
23. Rehabilitating and expanding education facilities.

24. Strengthening school supervision.
25. Merit-based promotions
26. Teachers’ rights shall be fully recognized.

Letter To Editor

I have followed the recent rise of machete wielding Mashurugwi gangs attacking and killing willy-nilly in day light with impunity.

The recent callous murder of a police officer by these gangs is evidence that the country lacks leadership directed at protecting citizens.

The machete gangs are armed and a threat to civilians in all parts of the country, but the government is turning a blind eye like they are a sanctioned military wing just as Gukurahundi and Green Bombers was.

The action of the Mashurugwi resembles that of the infamous Green Bombers, Zanu PF’s political army. It therefore does not surprise that the carnage inflicted by these Mashurugwi is still allowed to go on.

Who is benefiting from these marauding gangs? There is a danger that they could soon be turned into a political army killing people for political reasons.

There is every need to address this situation and establish the facts as why the government is not responding with full force.

What makes it more questionable is the government’s inaction in bringing these Mashurugwi to to order yet it would disproportionately respond to unarmed civilians genuinely protesting the state of the country’s economic hardship.

This is seriously unacceptable and a threat to peace and order to the general public more concerned with putting food on the table in these difficult economic times.

The country is currently void of national leadership concerned with economic development and rule of law.

It’s rational to say that since the Mnangagwa regime came to power the main concern has been his personal protection and securing his presidency through ruthless suppression and killings.

It absolutely necessary that Nelson Chamisa and his MDC ask government why there is simple no action against these murderous gangs. The country needs answers!

A Soldier from Bulawayo was arrested for allegedly stealing guns worth $6 000 from his father’s workplace with the intention of robbing a woman.

Moketsi Ndlovu (27) who is on internship at 2 Mechanised Battalion, Inkomo barracks in Harare but a resident in Bulawayo’s Nketa suburb, was with Ngqabutho Tshuma (42) of Paddonhurst suburb, Talent Dube (34) and Bukhosi Moyo (26) both of Nkulumane suburb when they allegedly conspired to rob Ms Dorah Zivengwa of Nkulumane suburb.

Ndlovu allegedly stole the guns from Perazim Security Company located at 9 Elons Court, 3rd Avenue between Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Street and Fort Street in the central business district

Ndlovu and his accomplices were not asked to plead to conspiracy to commit robbery when they appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Ms Nomasiko Ndlovu.

Paul Nyathi|President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reportedly made a personal donation of more than 3 000 tonnes of rice to all rural constituencies throughout the country. Each constituency expected to get 15 tonnes of the commodity.

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Deputy Minister Lovemore Matuke confirmed that they have received the rice and they were already on the ground where their officers were distributing it to the villagers.

“We have received more than 3 000 tonnes of rice from President Mnangagwa. The instruction is for us to give out the rice to all rural constituencies in the country before Christmas and we are working right now to ensure that it is distributed to the intended beneficiaries,” said Matuke.

“The President sourced the rice with the rural people in mind. We are thrilled that they have been cushioned. The prices of such niceties as rice is now beyond the reach of many rural dwellers. We have families that do not have anyone in town and they are not looking forward to anything other than what they have, so, the gesture by the President goes a long way to cushion them,” said Matuke.

“This rice is for everyone. The idea of politicising food aid given by the President should not be tolerated. The President is everyone’s despite political affiliation. No one is equal than the other and no one is going to get first preference because they belong to a certain political party,” he said.

In May this year, China donated more than 10,000 tonnes of rice to assist people who were affected by Cyclone Idai as well as vulnerable households facing hunger due to drought.

Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Qian Keming handed over the consignment of 10,165 tonnes of rice to the Zimbabwean government that was represented by Public Service, Labor and Social Welfare Minister Sekesai Nzenza.

The Zimbabwean government clashed heavily with the Chinese government after Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube failed to disclose the rice food aid during his budget presentation.

Finance minister Mthuli Ncube said that China had provided Zimbabwe with US$3.6m in “development support” ranking it below the United States and UK, who both provided US$50m. The EU has provided US$41m in support.

In the wake of the budget, China’s embassy in Harare disputed the figure, saying in a statement it was “very different from the situation on the ground.”

The embassy said its records show that bilateral financial support to Zimbabwe was far greater, at US$136.8m between the period of January and September.

“The embassy wishes that the relevant departments of the Zimbabwean government will make comprehensive assessments on the statistics of bilateral supports and accurately reflect its actual situation when formulating budget statement,” it said in a statement.

A GRANNY (84) from Bulawayo’s Emganwini suburb was burnt to death after the room she was sleeping in caught fire when a lit candle allegedly fell on her bed during Zesa load shedding on Sunday.

An ambulance crew pronounced Elizabeth Mguni dead upon arrival at her family’s home following a distress call.

The incident occurred at about 9PM while the suburb was also without water due to the Bulawayo City Council’s water shedding exercise.

Mguni’s nephew Mr Loveson Mguni said his aunt had retired to bed while the rest of the family was still killing time in the lounge.

“She went to bed early and the rest of us were still chatting in the lounge. Due to Zesa load shedding we had placed a lit candle in her room and also lit a mosquito coil. We don’t even know how the fire broke out. But I just saw my wife who was lying on the couch suddenly screaming and dashing to her room. She said she smelt smoke,” said Mr Mguni.

He said the granny had already been burnt on the face as well as back.

“The fire was concentrated on her pillow. But she was seriously burnt on her back and her face. We suspect she could have died due to suffocation.

“There was just too much smoke that was coming from her room. We managed to pull her out of the room while our neighbours reported the incident to emergency services and an ambulance was called. By the time it arrived we had managed to put out the fire. However, the ambulance crew pronounced her dead on arrival,” he said.

Mr Mguni said they also called police.

He said they put out the fire before it spread to other rooms.

“If it wasn’t for that little water that was stored in the house, we could be telling a different story. We didn’t have running water in the house due to water shedding,” he said.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Chief Inspector Precious Simango said the matter was being treated as a sudden death.

“There is no foul play suspected in this case and we are treating the matter as a sudden death. We however, want to appeal to members of the public to avoid leaving lit candles especially around children and the elderly,” said Chief Insp Simango.

THE war veterans bread-making venture, launched last month, has flopped with the project leaders saying they were failing to secure cheap flour.

The project, situated in Entumbane suburb in Bulawayo, meant to produce “affordable” bread using Dutch ovens, is said to have only produced two dozens of bread on the day of its launch.

Vice-chairperson of the project, Methelia Matunha in an interview, however, said the project had not stopped, but they were stocking ingredients and seeking premix flour.

“We are in the process of making another oven at the same time stocking the ingredients such as flour. We have also requested other ingredients which we could not find in Zimbabwe such as premix flour,” Matunha said.

“Currently, we stopped producing bread at that launch, but we are in the process of following up the flour.”

Matunha said they were cracking their heads to deliver on their promise of cheap bread to the community.

She said by Christmas they would be supplying bread.

“The project has not stopped, but we are stocking the ingredients since they are many. On the launch, it was just for approval so that we can bake, but there are many things including paperwork and registration so that we can be inspected health wise,” Matunha said.

“We do not want to start a project which won’t be able to supply the community, it is not about Entumbane suburb only but also other communities in Bulawayo.”

Matunha said having one Dutch oven was also hampering their dream of providing residents with cheap bread.

“During the launch, the trays were not standard and we sold bread at $7, but now the equipment we are going to receive will be bigger and the ingredients are improved, so our bread price will range from $12 to $13,” Matunha said.

Project chairperson, Partson Ndhlovu said premix flour was expensive.

“Premix flour is very costly. Three weeks back 20kg of premix flour was costing $800 at Bakers Inn,” said Ndhlovu.

“We ended up going to South Africa and we were told that it is only found in Polokwane.”

Zimlive|The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) arrested Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s estranged wife, Marry, on Saturday – a day after a stormy family meeting.

A furious Chiwenga allegedly ordered his wife’s arrest on money laundering and fraud charges following a testy meeting on Friday which was called to discuss the collapse of their customary marriage.

Marry, according to sources, was in combative mood in the meeting, repelling accusations of infidelity and telling elders from both their families that their sex life was dead.

“She was very hostile, she even described Chiwenga’s inadequacies in bed in shocking detail. It was the stuff no man wants to hear. She drove Chiwenga up the wall,” a source briefed on the meeting told ZimLive.

Sixty-three-year-old Chiwenga, who has been attempting to evict Marry from their Borrowdale home, immediately took custody of their three children aged eight, seven and five after she was arrested. Two other children from the 38-year-old former model’s past relationships were sent to her mother.

During the meeting on Friday, Chiwenga also accused Marry of trying to force him to marry her from his South African hospital bed while he was battling for life from suspected poisoning in July.

Chiwenga suggested that Marry thought he was dying – and was more interested in securing her stake in his estate.

At around the same time, Marry allegedly bought a house in Pretoria and two Range Rover SUVs for millions of rand.

The property acquisitions and the alleged attempts to force a marriage – allegedly after misrepresenting to the acting chief magistrate Munamato Mutevedzi by claiming it was Chiwenga’s wish – form part of the charges that ZACC have laid against the former model.

Marry maintains that she bought the house in South Africa to guarantee them privacy, which they did not have when booking into hotels on medical trips to the neighbouring country.

ZACC spokesman John Makamure was not reachable for comment but Marry was reported to be detained at Rhodesville Police Station. She is expected to appear in court on Monday.

Chiwenga returned from lengthy treatment in China early this month, but did not go to the home he shared with Marry. He immediately initiated moves to end his marriage.

The retired army general is reported to have ordered Marry to leave the matrimonial residence in Borrowdale, and also not to take the children with her. Marry engaged lawyers to fight her eviction, which further infuriated Chiwenga.

The two were customarily married in 2011 after Chiwenga divorced his first wife, Jocelyn, and Marry left her footballer husband, Shingayi Kaondera.

Correspondent|A mental inmate at Chikurubhi Maximum Prison has appeared before the court for allegedly killing a fellow inmate with a metal hoe.

The accused, Rifias Mhandiko who was already serving a sentence for two counts of murder at Chikurubhi Prison’s Psychiatric Hospital is said to have sneaked in a metal hoe into the cells which he later used to kill Tapiwa Alhwise Nduna.

The court heard that Mhandiko was working in the stores office where he took a hoe and wrapped it with a blanket before sneaking it into the cells.

At around 2100 hours, Mhandiko woke up other inmates and ordered them to cover their faces and remain quiet before he stroke Nduna with the hoe several times in the head.

He then threatened other prisoners against telling authorities about the matter before tying the now deceased’s legs using a rope.

Postmortem results revealed that the Nduna died due to brain injury, multiple skull bones fracture and severe head trauma.

The case was remanded to the 23rd of December.

President Mnangagwa has revealed that there is a hidden hand behind the ongoing strike by some doctors, who have not been reporting for duty since September 3 citing incapacitation.

But more doctors, in addition to the 46 that have already taken up Government’s offer, have expressed their interest to return to work, he added.

“We made a decision to take disciplinary action and most of them were fired, but we gave them an olive branch to return to work. There were 46 who returned at first, but just two days ago, more of them said they would return.

Some of those who returned confessed that they were being used for certain agendas bent on destabilising the country. They said some of their leaders were now playing politics.
“Some of them say they are incapacitated yet Government has offered them accommodation at the hospitals.

We have now uncovered that a few of them are receiving money from some forces, they are receiving US dollars to snub work and sabotage the country. We are going to reveal it all at some point.”

The Head of State and Government said Government is committed to revamping the country’s health delivery system.

He also made a pledge to redistribute land that has been identified through the ongoing land audit to landless Zimbabweans, including Ziliwaco members that did not benefit from the land reform exercise.

“The land audit has covered a lot of ground in about six provinces so far, and a lot needs to be corrected. There are some farms that were gazetted for redistribution but have not been redistributed.

There are top officials who own multiple farms but we are going to make sure that everyone, regardless of who they are, remains with one farm.”

It is believed that “there are two provinces where multiple farm ownership by top officials is rampant”. Some of the farms are reportedly disproportionately large as they range between 2 000 and 3 000 hectares.
“We are going to cut those sizes and parcel the land to those that do not have farms,” the President said.

Ziliwaco members were encouraged to tap into various Government empowerment programmes. The economic reform agenda to achieve an upper middle-income economy by 2030 will continue, he said.

“The Transitional Stabilisation Programme and the comprehensive reforms we have undertaken are already yielding results across all sectors. We have now adopted our own currency.”
In his remarks, Vice-President Dr Constantino Chiwenga commended President Mnangagwa for his consistency.
“He is a hard worker and he remained consistent. We can trust that his economic reform will bear fruits because he has the pedigree for hard work and dedication.”

The meeting was also attended by Defence and War Veterans Minister and Ziliwaco patron Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Ziliwaco chairperson Cde Pupurai Togarepi, Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association Chair Ambassador Chris Mutsvangwa, war veterans secretary in the politburo Douglas Mahiya, senior Zanu-PF officials and senior Government officials, among other dignitaries.
— SundayNews

A 35-year-old man was rescued after climbing the roof of Bulawayo’s tallest building before threatening to jump off.

Andrew Banda of Balfour Road in Bellevue was pulled back from the roof of the 110-meter high (360ft) National Railways of Zimbabwe building by fire fighters on Friday.

Dozens of people watched the drama unfold from the street below.

Chief Inspector Precious Simango of Bulawayo police said Banda was attempting to commit suicide.

“Security guards at the building alerted the Fire Brigade and they managed to rescue him. Police arrived at the scene after Banda had already been sent to the hospital,” Simango said.

Sources said Banda is an employee of the NRZ and had complained that his salary was “not enough to buy anything.”

The 23-floors NRZ building at the corner of Fife Street and 9th Avenue opened in 1985, becoming the tallest building in Zimbabwe. It lost that first ranking when the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe building, which stands at 120 meters high with 28 floors, was completed in 1997.

. ZimLive

As the government celebrates the transition from the multi-currency regime to a mono-currency system as one of its successes towards currency reforms, it is a different situation altogether in rural Matabeleland where there is a thriving rand economy.

The government in June promulgated Statutory Instrument (SI) 142 of 2019 which ended the multi-currency system that had been in place since 2009, but in most of Matabeleland’s rural areas, the rand is the trading currency of choice for many shops and individual traders.

SI142 was promulgated after claims by government that foreign currency is not an available commodity of exchange in the money market.

However, for communities in the periphery of Zimbabwe’s borders with South Africa and Botswana, foreign currency remains the sole medium of exchange in business transactions.

Access to foreign currency enables local traders to import goods from neighbouring countries and selling them in rand.

Pricing is lower in foreign currency in these shops compared to prices in urban areas.

Rand remittances from the diaspora are usually on the increase towards the festive season, contributing to a boom in businesses.

According to the World Bank, diaspora remittances to Zimbabwe amounted to about US$1,9 billion or 9.6% of the country’s gross domestic product in 2018.

Local industry and bankers have been lobbying, with little success, for the use of the South African rand as a transacting currency and the United States dollar as a reserve currency.

At Tsholotsho business centre in Matabeleland North, one cannot miss the big number of South African registered vehicles, some of which are cross-border transporters commonly referred to as Omalayitsha ferrying groceries sent by many Zimbabweans based in South Africa.

A significant population from rural Matabeleland such as Tsholotsho, Bulilima, Mangwe, Matobo, Tsholotsho and Gwanda receives monthly remittances from family members living in South Africa or Botswana, thus sustaining the trading in foreign currency.

Many traders import their goods from South Africa for re-sale locally, in that country’s currency.

A recent visit to Tsholotsho showed that while some traders still accepted the Zimbabwe dollar, the pricing forces consumers to transact in rands.

“Basic commodities are ridiculously expensive in local currency, but quite affordable in rands,” Nkosikhona Ncube, a villager, observed.

A 2kg packet of sugar is 45 rand or $40 cash — which is scarce — and $60 using the mobile money transfer facility while some commodities like mealie meal are sold in forex only.

While the use of the rand has brought relative stability and affordability and a steady supply of goods and services to rural Matabeleland, the situation has impacted negatively particularly on civil servants’, who get their salaries in local currency.

Villagers, who have no relatives in the diaspora have been the hardest hit.

“Some civil servants have even resorted to selling airtime using South African currency so that they can be able to buy basic commodities, which are cheaper in rand,” Betty Sibanda said.

A teacher at Tsholotsho High School said he changes his salary into rand as soon as he gets paid to preserve value.

“I have no option but to change my salary, which is in Zimbabwe dollars to the South African rand every month,” he said.

“This is the only way to ensure I can buy some grocery here in Tsholotsho instead of travelling all the way to Bulawayo over 100km away to buy my groceries in local currency.”

In Bulilima, Matabeleland South, most commodities are now pegged in foreign currency even though traders accept local currency.

However, they do not accept mobile money payments as there is limited or no access to mobile networks.

Communities there rely mainly on Botswana mobile phone networks due to lack of enabling telecommunications infrastructure.

Some parts of rural Matabeleland still suffer from poor network connectivity, with villagers forced to climb trees and mountains just to make telephone calls, making it impossible to transact using mobile money transfers such as Ecocash.

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority through the Universal Services Fund (USF) has, however, been on a drive to construct base stations, a development that is envisaged to see people living in some parts of rural Matabeleland being connected to local mobile network operators.

The USF was established to, among other things, finance the extension of communication services to underserviced areas.

In some parts of Plumtree, villagers especially those living far from the border town, still do not have access to local radio and television, 39 years after independence.

Many people in the area, especially those living in Mphoengs and Maitengwe border areas, listen to radio and television from neighbouring Botswana because there is no local broadcasting signal.

Effie Ncube, the executive director of the National Consumer Rights Association, a local consumer watchdog, said it was unfortunate that the country’s economic situation has created pockets of different economies, which he said while benefiting some, left those vulnerable worse off.

“The economic crisis led to the scattering of people into the diaspora, who are now remitting different currencies and those currencies are forming their own currencies on the ground and those without access are left a lot poorer,” Ncube argued.

“The crisis we face as a country has created pockets of different economies; for the poor and for the rich; for the rural and urban people; for those who have access to the rand and those who don’t… that the chaos that was introduced by the economic collapse of Zimbabwe.

“Government policies like the one outlawing the use of foreign currencies must be in tune with social and economic realities on the ground.

“In Matabeleland, the rand has always been the preferred currency of choice.

“The economic situation on the ground was self-regulating and it worked for the people.”

Gwanda based commentator Bekezela Maduma Fuzwayo weighed in, saying the situation in Matabeleland South was difficult, particularly in the districts bordering Botswana and South Africa.

He said businesses in the areas were not accepting the local currency -which is in very short supply – compared to the South African rand and Botswana pula.

“The small businesses are also getting goods for the shops from across the borders and so cannot deal in local currency,” Fuzwayo said.

“It’s even particularly worse that most of the areas do not have mobile phone coverage and so mobile money cannot be used.

“In as much as government allowed the tourism sector to use foreign currency, I think special consideration should be given to the province, particularly border districts to use foreign currency.”

The Standard.

A commuter omnibus conductor, Oshia Njenge, who luckily escaped a horrific crash near Mutorashanga turn-off, is still struggling to come to terms with the painful end of his eight passengers and driver after their vehicle burst into flames at the 31km peg along the Mazowe-Centenary Road on Friday.

The ill-fated commuter omnibus side-swiped with a lorry at 7pm.

The vehicle was carrying eight passengers plus the driver and conductor.

Njenge, who was the only survivor, was seated at the back seat when the accident happened.

He had to jump through the shattered back screen of the vehicle.

As he was trying to rescue trapped passengers, the kombi burst into flames and he could only watch from a distance.

“I was sitting at the back seat of the kombi when I heard a deafening bang. The back screen was shattered and I escaped through it. I tried to rescue other passengers, but there was an explosion which made it impossible to assist them,” said Njege.

“Some of the passengers, including the driver, managed to find their way out of the kombi, but they were engulfed by the flames.

“It was a sorry site watching them being burnt to death. They were screaming for help, but nothing could be done to assist them,” said Njenge.

Both Civil Protection Unit chair Mr Cosmas Chiringa and Mashonaland Central provincial police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe confirmed the accident.

“The accident happened near Mutorashanga turn-off around 7pm on Friday night. The kombi, which had nine passengers including the driver, side-swiped with a lorry and eight people were burnt to death. One of them was burnt beyond recognition. The conductor of the kombi was the only survivor,” said Mr Chiringa.

The kombi is said to have been carrying four rolls of fibreglass and some flammable substances suspected to be petrol or resin, which burst into flames as a result of the impact.

Insp Mundembe said the remains of the eight passengers were taken to Concession District Hospital mortuary.

Seven bodies were positively identified yesterday.

One body could not be identified as it was burnt beyond recognition.

He said two of the three people who were in the lorry escaped with minor injuries and were treated at Concession District Hospital.

For Zephania Muringazuva, who witnessed the accident, it was the screaming that still haunts him the most.

The lorry, he claimed, was driving in front of the kombi and suddenly turned right without indicating.

“The kombi then side-swiped with the lorry. It was carrying flammable substances which caused the explosion upon impact of the two vehicles. We are not sure what the substances were because some are saying they were filled tanks of gas while some said it was petrol.

“The fire was just uncontrollable and we watched in shock as people were being burnt to death. We are still being haunted by their screaming,” he said.

Insp Mundembe appealed to those missing their relatives to visit Concession District Hospital to help identify the remaining body.

He urged motorists to observe road regulations to avoid unnecessary loss of lives.

“We also want to urge motorists to ensure there is adequate breaking distance between their vehicles. Passenger transporters should avoid night journeys.

“We also want to urge motorists not to carry flammable substances in public vehicles,” said Insp Mundembe.

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa was on Saturday left a relieved man after thousands of people from Mashonaland East province thronged Mahusekwa Growth Point where he addressed a rally that coincided with the official opening of Mahusekwa District Hospital.

In the recent past, Mnangagwa had been forced to address a handful of people, with MDC feasting on the development which they claimed showed that he lacked legitimacy.

But, at the weekend, an estimated 6 000 people attended Mnangagwa’s rally, prompting the Zanu PF leader, who is facing a growing internal dissent to his rule, to grovel over the respectable attendance.

“I came here for the official opening of this hospital at the invitation of (Health) minister Obadiah Moyo but was told that the Zanu PF family wants to meet me. I want to thank you for the love you have exhibited. I also want to thank you for the massive numbers here,” Mnangagwa said.

Last month, Mnangagwa was forced to abandon addressing a rally in Bindura after a handful of people showed up.

He proceeded to officiate at a graduation ceremony at Bindura University of Science Education after State security details pulled down a podium mounted for him at the flopped rally. This was a month after the same Mashonaland Central snubbed his wife, First Lady Auxilia’s family fun day at Chipadze Stadium.

On October 25, the Zanu PF leader failed to attract masses to fill the giant 60 000-seater National Sports Stadium (NSS) for a march against sanctions imposed on the country by the West.

Only about 7 000 people attended the anti-sanctions march despite bountiful of buses and trains having been lined up to ferry people from across the country. The NSS attendance was ironically almost the same number of people the Zanu PF leader addressed in Mahusekwa. Zanu PF Mashonaland East youth league led by Kelvin Mutsvairo and political commissar Lincoln Matare were involved in mobilising party supporters to travel to Mahusekwa to meet Mnnagagwa.

NewsDay

Paul Nyathi|Zimbabwe’s government is set to increase the price of passports in an endeavour to raise enough foreign currency to produce the documents as it tries to clear a backlog of over 300 000 applications by next March.

Registrar-General Clemence Masango told journalists that the Treasury would have the final say on the adjustments, Pindula News reported on Monday.

The plan to deal with the backlog includes increasing production to 4 000 passports a day as the daily shift which normally produces 2 000 per day has been doubled.

Last week, Zimbabweans finally got access to new low-denomination currency that authorities hope will end chronic cash shortages, but banks maintained an existing weekly withdrawal limit of $20, frustrating many customers.

The new 2 and 5 Zimbabwe dollar notes and coins were scheduled to start circulating last week Monday but failed to appear on time, causing confusion at banks.

Shortages of cash, foreign currency, fuel and power are the most visible signs of the southern African nation’s worst economic crisis since 2008, when hyperinflation forced the government to ditch its currency.

Paul Nyathi|MDC Member of Parliament and party Vice Chairman Job Sikhala on Tuesday took swipe at the Speaker Of Parliament Jacob Mudenda over his move to report ZimEye.com journalist Simba Chikanza to State Security Agents, the CIO after he questioned him in an interview (click to read) in the Serbian capital last month.

Chikanza questioned Mudenda on his two unconstitutional moves in parliament where by Mudenda partisanly used his powers to suspend MDC Parliamentarians from asking questions to ministers in parliament as per the constitution and also withdrew their allowances as punishment for refusing to recognise Emmerson Mnangagwa’s presidency.

Below is the full text of the debate raised by Sikhala on a point of privilege.

ALSO WATCH THE VIDEO: LOADING BELOW…

HON. SIKHALA:  I rise on a point of privilege Mr. Speaker concerning the events of the 15^th October, 2019.  On the 15^th of October, 2019, Mr. Speaker Sir, there was an altercation that took place in the City of Belgrade in Serbia between you Mr. Speaker Sir and a Zimbabwean journalist called Simba Chikanza.  After that altercation, it is now reported and also through an affidavit that has been deposited to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, (IPU)  that you Mr. Speaker Sir, went and reported the said journalist to the Director of National Intelligence, Isaac Moyo that Simba Chikanza is a security threat in this  country. 

Simba Chikanza, Mr. Speaker Sir is a Zimbabwean who in terms of the Constitution is entitled – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections] – Mr. Speaker Sir, Simba Chikanza is a Zimbabwean who is entitled to the protection by the laws of this country over the issue of his security.  May you please guarantee, as he has raised a red alert that he has been classified as a threat to national security, that he is guaranteed to come to his country without harassment, intimidation or arrest?  It is said that his classification as a threat to State security was motivated by your report to the Director General of CIO.  Can you guarantee Simba Chikanza’s security in our country as a citizen of this country?  I thank you.

THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, sometimes it is important that you get the facts straight.   Leaders of delegations to conferences such as IPU are accorded state security and I was privileged to be covered by the state security of Serbia.  It was what the security in Serbia thought, to the extent that my security had to be secured, they did take the necessary measures including beefing up the security around my presence in Serbia.  It is normal practice that the security services in Serbia are obligated to inform my country of origin of what has transpired.  It is the communication between the security services of Serbia and security services here in Zimbabwe.  They were obligated to give a report and liaise with the security services here in Zimbabwe.  What transpires between the two organs is not privy to me.  It is a matter between the two security agencies in Serbia and Zimbabwe.  So, I did not make any report to the Director General of Zimbabwe Intelligence Services.

Watch also video downloading below:

Five Hwange Advanced level exam cheats have been convicted of contravening the Zimbabwe School Examination Council Act.

Arthur Delight Chuma, Nkosilomsa Sibanda, Kegan Mduduzi Chigubu, Albertina Mbebe and Tamica Dube all from Gebhuza Secondary School in Hwange were found guilty by Hwange Magistrate Godfrey Ntando Dube who ordered them to perform 350 hours of community service.

Allegations are that on the 28^th of this, the five unlawfully accessed a ZIMSEC A’level economics paper three before seating for the exam.

It was further alleged that the five went on to make photocopies of the paper but things went wrong when a fellow classmate Mandras Mandira caught them in the act.

The classmate reportedly discouraged them from relying on papers circulated on social media but was shocked to find the exact contents of the photocopied paper when they sat for the exam.

Mandira reported the matter to the school Headmistress who subsequently made a police report which led to the arrest of the five exam cheats.

zbc

The MDC is set to initiate disciplinary proceedings against its former secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora after the party’s youths accused him of hobnobbing with the ruling ZANU PF party to derail the opposition and its president Nelson Chamisa.

This was revealed by the party’s secretary-general Chalton Hwende in an interview with the Daily News on Monday. Said Hwende:

Yes, we have received the youth assembly statement and we are taking action because if an organ of the party launches a complaint against any person, the secretary-general is duty-bound to initiate disciplinary action through the appropriate channels.

As of today (yesterday), I will forward the case to the relevant organs so that due process is pursued. This is not a witch-hunt, but a fair and formal process that applies to everyone, and in this case Douglas Mwonzora.

Reports suggest that Mwonzora may be expelled from the party, with some Chamisa loyalists having never forgiven him for challenging for the party presidency ahead of the congress which was held in Gweru in May this year.

Chamisa was eventually elected party president uncontested while Mwonzora received a single nomination but was soundly beaten by Hwende to the post of secretary-general.

More: Daily News

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has just been conferred with an honorary degree from the National University of Science and Technology with a Doctorate in Philosophy of Education degree For his work in championing education 5.0 in the country.

Accepting the award Mnangagwa said, “As I receive this honour I challenge all universities to produce graduates who can offer solutions to the country, who learnt functional education that can improve lives. NUST must move forward, it has a responsibility to churn out graduates grounded in science who can invent and produce.”

Mnanagwa said his government is committed to supporting local talent and challenged the Universities to prioritise internship.

“I want to reiterate my government’s commitment to support innovative talent and these innovation hubs show our resolution to transform our country locally. l challenge universities to have a paradigm shift in curriculum and internship. We need disruptive thinkers, who have a vision, let’s create new ways for ourselves.

“I’m confident, with a positive mindset and common purpose of unity, nothing is insurmountable. As the graduates go out, strive to be life changers, problem solvers, love your country, serve your communities and families.”

Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education Prof. Amon Murwira, congratulated President Mnangagwa for attaining the honorary doctorate, whose motto is ‘Think, Do and Industrialise’. – Byo24

State Media|GOVERNMENT does not dispute the need to pay civil servants a cost of living adjustment hence its decision to provide them with annual bonuses inclusive of their allowances, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said yesterday.

She said during a Post-Cabinet meeting Press briefing held in Harare that while civil servants’ concerns were genuine, Government cannot at the moment accede to all their demands due to other national demands such as providing food relief to drought-hit communities.

The civil servants’ body Apex Council had earlier announced plans to stage a protest today over low salaries.
“Government does not dispute the need to give a cost of living adjustment to its workers but was facing various competing national demands. These include payment of annual bonus that will take a significant portion of resources and due to restricted revenue inflows would be staggered between November and December 2019. Also, the need to import grain to supplement grain reserves.

Those are some of the various competing national demands,” she said.

Minister Mutsvangwa said the Government was also providing several safety nets including the Presidential agricultural inputs for farmers as well as subsidised transport for commuters under the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (Zupco) scheme.

The Minister said Government also bought additional buses to increase the fleet of Zupco buses.

Minister Mutsvangwa said Government would be able to review the cost of living in the next three months but employees should in the meantime take solace in that they will get bonuses with allowances.

“The budget cycle was coming to an end and that was difficult to get additional resources from the current budget and therefore a review in the cost of living was certainly going to happen in 2020. The Government indicated that it would be able to provide cushion through the payment of the annual bonus which will be paid inclusive of allowances, contrary to the previous year where it was paid based on basic salary alone,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

She said Government has also invited Apex Council to select three members to join a tripartite negotiating forum technical committee which will be meeting in Kadoma next week to try and to come up with a lasting social contract to arrest price increases among other pressing issues.

The Minister noted that yesterday’s National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting did not yield positive results as civil servants insisted on demonstrating.

In a statement, Apex Council said their demonstration would proceed as planned today describing yesterday’s indaba as fruitless.

“The much-anticipated Apex Council demonstration set for tomorrow Wednesday, 6 November 2019 will go ahead as scheduled following a fruitless NJNC meeting held today 5 November 2019.

According to the Government workers negotiating team, the employer brought nothing to the table, completely with zero offer, zero cushion and no interbank rate being applied,” reads Apex Council statement.

“To add insult to injury, Government has gone back on its earlier offer to pay all bonuses in November, confirming instead that they will pay over two months meaning some civil servants will get inflation blighted bonuses. Government workers are demanding inter-bank rate salaries. Accordingly, Apex Council protest will proceed as scheduled.”

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi yesterday said he was not aware of the civil servants planned demonstration.
“At the headquarters we are not aware maybe the concerned regulating authority should shed light,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

Senator Douglas Mwonzora, the former Secretary-General of the opposition MDC has said that no party member can remove him from the party as the party does not belong to individuals.

Mwonzora denied allegations purporting that he initiated the court process which sought to nullify the Nelson Chamisa’s leadership in May this year saying that he is actually the victim.

Speaking to the Daily News, Mwonzora said:

It was in fact me who was wronged by being dragged to the Supreme Court. The people who dragged me there came to their senses in the Supreme Court and withdrew the application against me.

They even offered to pay me over this. The party does not belong to individuals. I will defend myself. Anybody who thinks that I am going to be their victim must think again… I dare them to try it.

Mwonzora added that he had observed that members who were loyal to the late party founding father, Morgan Tsvangirai were being persecuted.

He urged party leaders to focus on uniting the party and making sure that the party performs well in elections instead of paying youths to harass him.

Source: Daily News

By Farai D Hove| Zanu-PF’s secretary for Youth, Lewis Matutu, was last night arrested while trying to force his way into a Zvishavane night club where Selmor Mtukudzi was playing.

The incident saw Matutu allegedly assaulting a police officer while announcing that he is a politburo member who must be given free access into the night club.

Contacted for a comment, Matutu responded briefly saying “I am under attack.”

Without denying outrightly, he then said he was on Saturday morning in Masvingo, an hour’s drive from Zvishavane.

“I’m actually in Masvingo for my MBA graduation,” he said.

Writing Friday night, Daily News editor Stanley Gama said Matutu was arrested, after assaulting a police officer. I’m told he wanted to force his way into a night spot without paying where Selmor Mtukudzi is playing right now. He was arrested just before midnight.

A source said Matutu, displaying thuggish behavior demanded to enter the show without paying saying as a politburo member, he could do whatever he wanted. But the police would have none of it and barred him from entering and in a fit of rage, assaulted the officer.

Matutu is being held at a Zvishavane police station. The behavior he displayed is common among Zanu PF officials throughout the country who are in the habit of threatening pple demanding free services and goods. A few days ago, Matutu threatened to storm the US embassy.

The latest information on him is that he was released into the custody of Zvishavane lawyer Tichaona Chivasa in the early hours of this morning. He was released purportedly to seek medical attention as the cuffs had reportedly lacerated him.

According to infor at hand, Matutu’s lawyer negotiated with police for his release saying besides seeking medical attention, the foul mouthed seeking Zanu PF youth leader wanted to attend an important event in Masvingo this morning. The lawyer profusely apologized to Dispol.

Gama concluded saying, “it’s not clear yet if Matutu was charged or not but the cop who was assaulted and others who witnessed the violence had reportedly completed their statements nailing the bullying youth leader. Whether this is the end of the case or not, Matutu, lawyer & the cops know.”

Own Correspondent|Government has for ages denied the fact that soldiers and other state security agents deployed in the Marange Diamond Fields are looting the precious gem.

In an exclusive interview with ZimEye.com in Marange on Friday, highly placed authorities within the diamond mining sector confirmed that the soldiers and state security agents are working in cohorts with some illegal diamond miners known as Magweja to loot the diamonds for personal benefits.

Zimbabwe Diamonds and Aligned Workers Union leader Ms Billian Matambo told ZimEye.com that the soldiers engage the illegal miners into the fields to mine diamonds and thereafter share the loot.

Watch the full interview with Mr Matambo in the video downloading below:

State Media|CHAIRPERSON of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation President Mnangagwa has mandated Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Sibusiso Moyo to lead the SADC Election Observation Mission (SEOM) to Mauritius. Mauritius goes to the polls on November 7 to elect National Assembly representatives. The SEOM will cover the period October 28 to November 13.

Minister Moyo is expected to launch the SEOM on November 2, 2019 and will release the preliminary statement November 9.

In a statement yesterday, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade spokesperson Mr Shepherd Gwenzi said, “Zimbabwe, as Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation will lead the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) to the Mauritius National Assembly Elections to be held on 7 November.

“As mandated by His Excellency, President Emmerson D. Mnangagwa, the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, Hon Lt Gen (Rtd) Dr S.B. Moyo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade will lead the SEOM to Mauritius covering the period 28 October to 13 November, 2019.”

The SEOM’s core mandate is to determine Mauritius’ adherence to democratic values and principles envisioned in the SADC Treaty, the Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation; the provisions of the Revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2015); the Constitution and the Electoral Act of Mauritius.

Minister Moyo is expected to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the elections are conducted in a free, fair and credible manner and in accordance with the relevant statutes.

The elections will be observed based on a three-phase approach; the pre-elections phase, the elections phase, and the post-elections phase.

Minister Moyo, will be accompanied by Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo, who is the Alternate Head of Mission and senior Government officials who will serve as observers, media experts and drafters.

A report of the SADC Electoral Advisory Council (SEAC) Goodwill Mission to Mauritius shows that the country is ready to conduct the elections.

Popular singer Jah Prayzah fears political affiliation will ruin his musical career, says a source at the Information ministry. This follows reports that the talented musician snubbed a ZWL $50 000 offer to perform at the anti-sanctions gala that was held at the National Sports Stadium last week, citing that the event would ‘kill’ his brand.

Sources at the Ministry of Information said frantic efforts by the organisers to get the musician were fruitless.

“He (Jah Prayzah) was offered ZWL$50 000 to perform but he turned it down. The organisers then begged him to name the amount he wanted, but he said he did not feel comfortable performing at the gala citing an incident when he was attacked at Glen Forest cemetery,” said the source.

The Kune Rima hitmaker’s songs in his 2017 album “Kutonga Kwaro” became synonymous with the 2017 military coup that ousted president Robert Mugabe and led to the ascendence of his predecessor President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Consequently, his music assumed a political connotation.

The musician who is the cultural ambassador of the Zimbabwe National Army seems to have started rebranding earlier this year, even dumping his signature military costume, after the military’s image was soiled following a brutal crackdown in January which led to the death of at least 17 people.

Source – iHarare

American Ambassador Brian Nichols might soon find himself being disciplined by the Zimbabwean government after his vocal stance that Zimbabwe was suffering because of corruption that being allegedly implemented by the officials in Harare.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information said, “I have a warm and friendly relationship with all diplomats accredited to Zimbabwean I have had interactions with and I don’t go personal on anyone. But I think some of the diplomats we host in this country have lost diplomatic etiquette and have become political activists.”

Mangwana’s statements attracted backlash from former G40 members Beauty Zhuwao and Walter Mzembi who told him that the ZANU PF strategy towards sanctions was wrong.

“A whole bira outside the American embassy, is that diplomatic? How do you expect them to respond?” Zhuwao said.

Mzembi told Mangwana to styudy sanctions in Cuba first: “Quiet state diplomacy and vuvuzela public diplomacy Nick Mangwana attract different responses. You contracted lobbyists for sanctions review and decided to march at the same time, there was serious backfiring. Understudy Cuba sanctions and responses first.”

A member of Presidential Advisory Council Trevor Ncube said the caliber of western diplomats was worrying.

“I have recently been concerned about the caliber of western diplomats posted to Zimbabwe. Today’s tweeting from some diplomatic missions reminded me the current crop is no different from cub reporters. No nuance, diplomacy or etiquette all.”

Source – Byo24

The striking doctors have dismissed the notion by the government to appear for disciplinary hearings over their continued strike.

In their response to the govt dated 23 October 2019, doctors said they had not committed misconduct by demanding a fair wage and they were not be able to attend the misconduct hearing. Check the letter below:

Doctors have been on strike since 3 September and have ignored all calls from the government to return to work without their grievances being addressed to their satisfaction.

ZANU-PF and MDC are engaged in a battle of wits over next week’s anti-sanctions day after the parties lined up events to support and denounce the Southern African Development Community (Sadc). This comes after Sadc set October 25 to campaign against targeted sanctions on some Zimbabwe leaders.

The decision was taken during the 39th Sadc summit in Tanzania recently and the bloc’s executive secretary, Stergomena Lawrence Tax, said the sanctions were destroying the country’s economy.

MDC provincial chairperson for North America, Tawanda Dzvokora, said the party has lined-up protests against Sadc.

“We are planning big demonstrations. We want to send a clear message that Sadc is misleading the world by supporting a government which is killing people and abducting labour leaders and activists,” he said.

MDC activist Betty Makoni, who is in London, wrote on Twitter that they are going to demonstrate at the Tanzania High Commission on October 25.

“It is us the people of Zimbabwe who called for demo against Sadc chair who wants to support abductions, murder and rapes in Zimbabwe. How can a people watch as a whole president shoot (sic) people in broad daylight? How can women get raped and no arrest is made. You can’t let dictators from Sadc further oppress us and our future generations”

This comes as Zanu-PF is planning to petition America over the sanctions.

“We do not see any reason why the sanctions should last and do not understand how deteriorating the welfare of the people of Zimbabwe and undermining our economic growth reflects the interests of US national security,” the petition reads.

“We see economic pressure in the form of sanctions as an act of political blackmail designed to keep the residual US influence in Africa, as opposed to China and Russia.

“Moreover, many American companies would like to come to Zimbabwe, but they cannot because of their own authorities. If the United States is not interested in the African market nor in investing in Zimbabwe, and restricting its own companies in doing so, then let them not stop others from cooperating with  us.”
– dailynews

MINISTRY of Energy secretary Gloria Magombo was yesterday grilled by Parliament over issues of rebundling of Zesa with MPs questioning why an institution that was recently unbundled was now being rebundled.

Magombo had appeared before the Joel Gabbuza-led Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Energy to speak on her ministry’s 2020 budget proposals.

Gabbuza also asked her to explain the $8,6 billion loss by Zesa which was attributed to exchange rate losses and low electricity tariffs.

“After the $8,6 million loss which was attributed to exchange rate losses you were now given a new tariff and calculations show that this will enhance your revenue by $800 million per month, and it shows that you should be able to offset this loss within three months,” Gabbuza said.

Magombo admitted that the sharp increase in Zesa tariffs will boost the company’s balance sheet.

“We were operating in a situation where our tariffs were low, as well as issues of inflation – and because of this background Zesa has been operating in an almost impossible situation with revenues amounting to $98 million against expenditure of $1,2 billion,” Magombo said.

“The major issue that was causing the net loss were the sub-economic tariffs that were previously charged,” she said.

Bikita West MP Elias Musakwa then asked Magombo to explain the rationale of unbundling and then rebundling Zesa, and why she would need to get outside consultants to rebundle Zesa.

“You said you will engage consultants to re-bundle Zesa, but is this country suffering from lack of consultants? Do we not have technocrats in this country who can do that exercise without us paying all that money to foreign consultants?” asked Musakwa.

Magombo then responded: “The issue sounds simple, but rebundling means there are people who are going to lose jobs. There is a vested interest and the role of a consultant is to do an independent structure which is not based on individuals and personalities.”

Uzumba MP Simbaneuta Mudarikwa said unbundling of Zesa was done by consultants, and now they wanted to hire other consultants to rebundle. He said Zesa was concentrating on wrong issues instead of focussing on ensuring that the country had enough power.

“The unbundling exercise was the work of a consultant and we need to know if they were competent enough. The only things we see is the expansion of the Zesa car park. You are generating 1 300 megawatts with three boards. While the sizes of your vehicles are improving, there is no generation of power. Our focus must be on generation of power,” Mudarikwa said.

MPs suggested that Magombo should look at the issue of hiring local consultants — even at universities to look at the issue of the Zesa rebundling.

NOIC acting chief executive officer Godfrey Ncube said the major challenge affecting non-availability of fuel was foreign currency.

“We had 104 million litres up to August, but we only sold 76 million litres. On capital projects, we developed four projects in Mabvuku, Bindura, Warren Park and Masvingo. The major challenges that we are facing which are causing shortages of fuel is foreign currency, but in the short term I think it will be better because of pricing, and we also hope that in the long term there will be proper functioning of public transport,” Ncube said.

Paul Nyathi|Majority of Zimbabweans have declared that Zimbabwe is under no felt sanctions at all declaring the mantra on sanctions as a “stupid ZANU PF excuse” on its failures to govern.

In an online poll run by ZimEye.com on Thursday, 76% of the respondents said that ZANU PF was lying that the so called sanctions were crippling the nation.

The Zimbabweans instead blamed ZANU PF for all the suffering that they are going through.

A paltry 14% of the respondents voted in favour of ZANU PF claims that the country is failing to move ahead because of the sanctions imposed on its leaders by the USA and the European Union.

The online voting trend leaves many doubting who then will join the ZANU PF Anti Sanctions March set for next week.

Below is how Zimbabweans voted on the matter.

We, the citizens of Zimbabwe, are tired of putting up with the never ending assurances from the United States that sanctions are exclusively targeting certain individuals and companies, and do not affect ordinary residents. Even American president, Donald Trump, admitted that sanctions do damage to our people. Our government has long been changed. We have long been trying to open up to the world and boost our economy. Both the president and the government agree on the need to strengthen international cooperation and attract investment to Zimbabwe.

We do not see any reason why the sanctions should last and do not understand at all how deteriorating the welfare of the people of Zimbabwe and undermining our economic growth reflects the interests of US national security.
We see economic pressure in the form of sanctions as an act of political blackmail designed to keep the residual US influence in Africa, as opposed to China and Russia.

Moreover, many American companies would like to come to Zimbabwe, but they cannot because of their own authorities. If the United States is not interested in the African market nor in investing in Zimbabwe, and restricting its own companies in doing so, then let them not stop others from cooperating with us!

If this is not blackmail, but the product of a huge bureaucratic machine, operated by inertia, then now is the time to turn it back and correct the mistakes of the White House previous administration.

In order to push the United States towards this decision and draw the attention of Americans to our problems, let’s act in the same way – we urge our authorities to limit US imports and see how quickly the White House comes to their senses when they see that China and Russia will instantly take their place on the market.

Share this petition on social media and forward it to your friends and family. Let everyone see how many we are!

Zanu-PF bigwigs fighting over Mnangagwa-Chamisa talks. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWA), Chris Mutsvangwa, has challenged President Emmerson Mnangagwa and MDC leader Nelson Chamisa to bury the hatchet for the sake of the country’s economy.

Outspoken Zanu-PF youth league national political commissar, Godfrey Tsenengamu, has accused unnamed party bigwigs of working to derail President Emmerson Mnangagwa and stopping him from engaging in much-needed political dialogue with opposition leader Nelson Chamisa.

And in making this sensational claim, Tsenegamu joins a plethora of voices from within and outside Zanu-PF who are pressing for direct talks between Mnangagwa and Chamisa, seen as the only sure way of extricating Zimbabwe from its deepening political and economic crises.

Speaking in Harare on Thursday at a discussion forum on the role of the State in safeguarding human rights convened by Associated Newspapers of Zimbabwe (ANZ), Mutsvangwa said: “Why can’t Nelson (Chamisa) and Mnangagwa say we can quarrel about our differences but let’s get on a plane, go to London, Beijing, Washington and Tokyo and seek capital as Zimbabweans.

“Never in one day do they want to talk about that. I want to tell you that this economy does not wait for our quarrels … we are continuing to slide into poverty. Ironically, both Mnangagwa and Chamisa have reiterated the need for dialogue but the bone of contention has been the platform for, and convenor of the talks.

Mnangagwa said Chamisa should join the “losers’ club” the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD), while the latter has insisted on bilateral talks mediated by a neutral convenor. The European Union (EU) is also ramping up pressure on President Mnangagwa to hold much-needed talks with opposition leader Chamisa.

This comes as Mnangagwa is battling to put back on track his re-engagement efforts with western powers, following growing concerns about human rights violations in the country, which are blamed on the government.

Mnangagwa, whose legitimacy has been questioned by the opposition MDC since he was announced winner of the presidential election by a water-thin 50,6 %, has indicated that an all-inclusive national dialogue was imperative in addressing Zimbabwe’s unrelenting economic crisis.

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba said Mnangagwa was sincere in his invitation for dialogue with the opposition, among other stakeholders, but warned that organising violent protests could blight the prospects for dialogue to discuss the economic crisis gripping the country.

“President Mnangagwa’s concept for dialogue is wider. Soon after elections, he asked for dialogue,” Charamba said.

“What Zanu-PF and this government will not countenance is someone who asks for dialogue while pointing a gun at the head of the government. And metaphorically the gun in this sense is queuing hooligans on the streets to terrorise and destroy property and cause mayhem.”

He said the onus was upon MDC leader Nelson Chamisa to formally engage Mnangagwa on the need for dialogue while spelling out issues that needed to be thrashed out at the negotiating table. “The first interlocutor for dialogue would have been Chamisa. For the first time, we saw ED referring to Chamisa by his first name. So now Chamisa is now ripe for dialogue. For now, he (Chamisa) is really pushing for it,” Charamba said.

“He is the one who has the issues, so he must tell us about those issues. He is the one who is feeling discomfort so he is the one who has to tell us about why he wants us to dialogue.” MDC has since crafted a framework to guide the direction of the dialogue if the talks ever materialise.

The “five-point plan” spells out the need to address Mnangagwa’s legitimacy, the unrelenting economic crisis, and atrocities committed in the past, nation building as well as crafting a shared common national vision.

It also entails discussing a “comprehensive reform agenda and platform with a view to constructing both a sustainable state with a culture which serves the interests of the masses as opposed to serving a few presiding elites and those connected to them.”

MDC secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora said the five-point plan was endorsed by the party’s national executive council last year. He, however, said the envisaged dialogue would not only be restricted to discussing the five points raised by the MDC.

“The national executive council resolved that MDC will explore dialogue to address Zimbabwe’s problems,” Mwonzora said. “As MDC, we have raised five issues which should guide the dialogue which include legitimacy and national healing, among others. The dialogue must be genuine and unconditional. We are not saying these are the only issues to talk about.”

He said there was consensus within the MDC for the need to engage in dialogue, amid reports that some top party officials were opposed to unconditional talks with Mnangagwa. “There is consensus on the need to engage in dialogue. No one has approached us for the need for dialogue,” he said, noting that the talks should not exclusively feature MDC and Zanu-PF.

Source – Bulawayo 24 News

Paul Nyathi|Not only was President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s faction preferred candidates defeated at the all important ZANU PF District Coordinating Committee(DCC) elections for Harare over the weekend, but the much revered nephew of the President was also embarrassed.

Controversial former ZANU PF terror leader Ephraim Fundukwa defeated Mnangagwa’s much fancied nephew Tongai Mnangagwa polling 2 163 votes against the younger Mnangagwa who polled 1652 for the chairmanship of Zone 6 district.

Tongai Mafidi Mnangagwa is currently the Member of Parliament for Harare South constituency and the only ZANU–PF MP representing Harare Province.

Some former provincial executive members who were previously rejected for suspected disloyalty to President Mnangagwa also emerging victorious.

Notables who won the elections include former Zanu-PF Harare provincial chairman Godwills Masimirembwa, former provincial youth chairman Godwin Gomwe, Fundukwa, Kudakwashe Damson and Rosemary Bwititi

Former President Robert Mugabe’s blue eyed boy, broadcaster Robson Mhandu and also found his way into the leadership of the party grassroots in the capital together with Betty Kaseke and businessman Gilbert Muponda.

Masimirembwa won the Zone 4 chairmanship after garnering 475 votes against Stalin Mau-Mau’s 252. Gomwe landed the Zone 2 chairmanship after getting 1 270 votes against Martin Mambo’s 490.

Other chairmen are Damson (Zone 5), Mafuratidze Goodwell (Zone 1) and Chiminhi George (Zone 3).

Zanu-PF national political commissar Victor Matemadanda hailed the election results and urged members to put the interests of the party ahead of their own.

Addressing those who took part in the exercise yesterday, Matemadanda said: “Those elected into positions should take it as an assignment to coordinate, drive the party policy and ideology to the people. Of late DCCs were used by some members as a money-making machine through imposing candidates who pay bribes to get either Parliament or council positions.

“No one owns a person. Stop the imposition of candidates. The upper organ of the party is superior than the lower organ. The majority is superior than the minority, so you should be not caught off guard. Zanu-PF is a people’s party, so those elected should be driven by the will to save the people and be loyal to the President and the party,” said Matemadanda.

He said the party used the democratic process to ensure it comes up with the right candidates.

Speaking at the same occasion, Zanu-PF secretary for Security Lovemore Matuke said DCC elections were meant to strengthen the party.

“The setting up of DCCs will coordinate party programmes from cell to provincial level. They are not meant to create factionalism. Factionalism has no room in the New Dispensation. Members should be driven by the party ideology and policy.

“We want development in Harare. We should stop sloganeering but put more focus on development for the betterment of the people,” he said.

He urged party members in other provinces stop canvassing support for DCC elections before getting instructions do so by the party.

*ARTUZ ZVIMBA DISTRICT*
ARTUZ Zvimba district joins the entire ARTUZ family countrywide to down tools on the 14th of October 2019.

Every teacher in Zvimba district is encouraged to heed the call for a strike. It is meant to ensure that dignity is restored in the teaching profession.

Teachers have been reduced to mere beggars at the hands of the government of our day.

The so-called austerity for prosperity measures are turning out to be austerity for poverty.

As Zvimba district we cannot just sit and wait for someone to fight for us. The fight for a living wage is for us teachers, let not cowardice ruin our fight for a living wage.

Do not fear fellow cdes, there is no amount of intimidation that must stop us from fighting a good cause.

Future generations will demand answers from us if we let the government take away the dignity of the teaching profession.

Oliver Chipfuwamiti ( ARTUZ Zvimba district Chairperson)
0773517256

#notoslavewages

The only ZANU PF Councillor in Bulawayo has called for the removal of MDC counterparts for allegedly victimising him on political affiliation. 

In a letter addressed to Mayor, Solomon Mguni and copied to Town Clerk Christopher Dube as well as Chamber Secretary Sikhangele Zhou, the Zanu PF councillor accused the opposition councillors of unlawfully removing him from the powerful Business Investment Committee.

Councillor Kidwell Mujuru, who came on through a by election win, wrote the letter to the municipality’s management complaining about alleged unfair treatment by his counterparts.

“I am aware of a group of councillors from your party (MDC Alliance) who do not want me to serve the people of Bulawayo in the Business Investment Committee just because I am from the Zanu PF party.

“The same members moved and seconded each other to remove me from the Business Committee by purporting to ‘correct minutes’ of the meeting of the 4th of September, 2019,” reads part of Mujuru’s complaint letter dated October 7, 2019.

He also accused the MDC councillors of violating recommendations of the General Purposes Committee which he argued confirmed him as a member of the Business Investment Committee.

“Your worship, the so-called correction of the minutes has the effect of rescission of alteration of a council resolution without following ground rules. The said rescission or alteration of the resolution is unlawful, null and void,” he said.

Mujuru called for the removal of the MDC councillors claiming that they had breached 278(2) (e) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. “May I draw your attention to Section 278 (2) (e) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe which states that willful violation of the law, including a local authority by-law, is a ground of removal of councillors from office.

“It is clear that your council violated the law in your absence. I, therefore, request that you put the council back to legality by urgently remedying the defect. I thought I must also advise you since the whole process was null and void,” further wrote Mujuru.

The MDC councillors reportedly booted out Mujuru following a meeting held on October 2 to allegedly ‘correct’ minutes of the September 4 meeting.

Paul Nyathi|One of Africa’s remaining dictators Yoweri Museveni and his new found friend Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa partied on Wednesday at Uganda’s Independence celebrations while main opposition leader Bobi Wine was placed on house arrest.

In a Twitter thread on Tuesday,Wine also a popular musician in the country, said Museveni wanted to frustrate a music concert organised by his party.

“Since 11:00pm, police and military surrounded my home and my private property, One Love Beach Busabala, in yet another move to place me under house arrest and block our Independence Day music concert. 156th concert so far! For singing truth to power, I can’t perform in my own country,” said Wine who posted pictures of the police camped outside his home.

Wine, an ally of Zimbabwe opposition MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa, said Museveni was afraid of critical voices.

Wine had to make a daring motorbike escape from security forces after they barricaded his home. He later shared a video of himself hopping onto a motorbike surrounded by dozens of cheering supporters while police remained around his house.

He captioned the video, “Busabala Final destination,” — the venue of his canceled concert.

The Ugandan police on Tuesday said the concert was not approved because they did not have the manpower to provide security for those attending the show.

“We are unable to provide adequate security as police officers will be at the Independence Day celebrations in Sironko and other authorized venues,” police spokesman Patrick Onyango said in a statement.

However, Wine disagreed with police saying security personnel deployed to his homes could have been sent to the show instead.

“These are the same people who claimed not to have enough security to secure our people at the show. Yet, they have enough manpower to instill fear, harass citizens and block the show!,” Wine said in a Facebook post.

The 37-year-old reggae star, who is leading a revolutionary campaign in Uganda, has thrown his hat in the 2021 presidential race and has vowed to end Museveni’s 33-year-rule over the nation.

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CONTROVERSIAL politician and former Minister of State for Masvingo provincial affairs Mr Kudakwashe Bhasikiti says he has decided to quit politics and focus on agriculture at his Moriah Farm in Mwenezi East.

Bhasikiti was expelled from the ZANU-PF in 2015 during the late former President Robert Mugabe’s leadership following allegations of fanning factionalism in the party.

He then joined the National People’s Party (NPP), attempted in vain to re-join ZANU PF and eventually defected to Nelson Chamisa’s MDC, among other political bed-hopping antics.

In an interview yesterday, the politician said he was quitting active party politics and venturing into full-scale farming activities at his Moriah Farm in Mwenezi.

“People do not eat active party politics. My previous involvement in party politics was based on a desire to participate in policy-making and contribute to economic growth,” said Mr Bhasikiti.

“I have therefore decided to abandon party politics and focus on developmental projects. As you know, l am already into a thriving business of growing mango, sugarcane and citrus fruit trees on my
farm.

“Let it be known that l am different from other “myopic politicians” who engage in unnecessary political “dogfights”, while the nation goes hungry”.

Prior to the latest development, Mr Bhasikiti held several senior posts  in both ZANU PF and government over the years.

The party, however expelled him following glaring proof that he had linked up with the Joice Mujuru camp, which was threatening to unseat the then President Mugabe.

Meanwhile, drama unfolded in 2015 as ZANU PF Politburo members toured Moriah Farm after Bhasikiti was falsely accused of cutting down the citrus plantation on the farm, out of disgruntlement over his
expulsion from the party.

Mr Bhasikiti recently said some jealous politicians in Masvingo province were after his investments instead of participating in meaningful development.

“They lie to people about me. Instead of developing communities, they engage in unnecessary mudslinging,” said Mr Bhasikiti.

VIEW PICTURE BELOW…

Paul Nyathi|Former Minister and Zanu-PF politburo member Professor Jonathan Moyo has called for the exhumation of Joshua Nkomo from the National Heroes Acre and his remains to be buried at the Matopos.

This follows a move by the Mugabe family to snub the National Heroes Acre and buried former President Robert Mugabe at his Zvimba rural home at the weekend.

Prof Moyo said it was only proper for Nkomo to be buried close to King Mzilikazi in Matopos.

Nkomo died on 1 July 1999 and was buried at the Heroes Acre amid reports that his family wanted him to be buried next to his parents in Kezi.

Paul Nyathi|MDC @20 party deputy spokesman Luke Tamborinyoka speaks on the journey the Late Morgan Tsvangirai to Chamisa right here on The Situation Now with Blessed Mhlanga.

NewsDay

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ZimEye is about to go LIVE concerning the supposed killing of a 25 year old Zimbabwean in JoBurg yesterday on Sunday, Tapiwa Svosve. Concerns have been raised that the story lacks evidence. There is no visual evidence of the corpse, no details of the place of murder, ans neither details of the incident time. Further concerns havebbeen raised because the UK based announcer rushed to ask for donations Monday afternoon without providing adequate evidence. IS THIS DEATH GENUINE? IF IT IS, HOW CAN CLEARER DETAILS BE OBTAINED?

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said that freezing bank accounts belonging to a number of companies including Sakunda Holdings, was a way of dealing with people involved in money laundering.

Mnangagwa was speaking on Saturday Saturday night at a meeting with a group of supporters in New York, where he is attending the United Nations General Assembly. He said:

On the monetary side, yes, we introduced the one currency. For six or eight weeks, it remained stable, but then our people are very intelligent. We have people who find ways to fight that and undermine (the currency), but yesterday we also became smarter than their being smart, so we took some action.

His remarks come after the central bank, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, ordered all banks to freeze accounts belonging to Sakunda, Access Finance, Spartan Security, Croco Motors and related companies.

The move triggered a decline in forex exchange rates which had, during the whole week, soared at an unparalleled rate.

Changes in the exchange rates usually have either adverse or positive impact on the prices of commodities in local shops.

The country’s industry is in a parlous state, therefore, businesses are in constant need of foreign currency to purchase goods from beyond our borders.

Moreover, businesses use the rate of the day to price their goods, something that has resulted in a constant increase of prices in the past few days. Some businesses halted operations as the local currency continued to shed value against the United States dollar.

https://www.facebook.com/ZimEye/videos/961845270831296/

President Emmerson Mnangagwa left for New York last night for the 74TH Ordinary Session of United Nations General Assembly, where the country is likely going to get a huge backslash over its deteriorating human rights abuses a subject which Mnangagwa deliberately did not include in his issues for presentation to the Assembly.

In his address to the nation last night, the Mnangagwa said the country would use the platform to call for the removal of the isanctions imposed on Zimbabwe forgetting that the sanctions are a result of the country’s history of gross human rights abuses.

Mnangagwa said his other key focus discussion areas will be climate change and the sustainable development goals.

“I shall be leaving for the United States of America where Zimbabwe will join other nations of the world at this year’s session of the UN General Assembly,” he said.

“For us, we have a particular interest in discussions around climate change and Sustainable Development Goals. Our country, alongside three others in the region, was this last March hit by a deadly cyclone which claimed many lives; which displaced many of our people and damaged a lot of our infrastructure.

“We are still grappling with the after-effects of Cyclone Idai, as indeed we continue to reel from effects of a climate change-induced severe drought. Even though Zimbabwe’s contribution to emission of gases that damage our ozone layer is negligible, its exposure to climate change-related crises is horrendous.

“We thus have a direct interest in discussions and decisions which the nations of the world take on this very matter which blight our prospects and retard the attainment of SDGs.”

On his issue of sanctions Mnangagwa said;

“Alongside Africa and the progressive world, we will continue to use the UN platform to speak against illegal sanctions imposed against our country by the West.

“As I leave for New York, Zimbabwe is heartened by the recent decision of Sadc, declaring 25th October as the Day of Action Against Illegal Sanctions.

“We in Zimbabwe, who are on the receiving end of these illegal sanctions, should speak the loudest and campaign the hardest against them,” President Mnangagwa said.

The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors For Human Rights has issued a statement on the continued disappearance of Junior Doctors’ Union President Dr Peter Magombeyi.

Below is the full text:

Dr Magombeyi was reportedly abducted on Saturday evening by 3 men. His colleagues have staged a demo code-named #BringBackDrPeter since Sunday.

The body of the late former president Robert Mugabe was embalmed in Singapore before being flown to Harare on Wednesday and is likely to be buried after a couple of weeks, the Zim Morning post reports.

Despite arriving last Wednesday, the body has never been taken to a local mortuary for safe keeping in a cold room yet it has been on public displays at Rufaro stadium for two days and then at the giant National Sports Stadium.

Family sources said the body was embalmed to last for five years without being taken to a cold room.

“The body was prepared and can last for five years in that state,” said the source.

“We knew it was going to take long to determine his final resting place so we had to be ready for that.

“We also knew that we wanted the body to lie in state at his Blue Roof until the day we are going to lay him to rest.“

The source also said the family has requested that his wife, former first lady be next to his coffin until he is laid to rest.

“That is why the body has never been taken to a morgue or local funeral palour,” the source said.

Meanwhile, it has been a week now since the former president died and his body has not decomposed regardless it being frequently moved from one place to another.

Medical doctors said a human body begins to decompose as soon as life ceases and after three days if no proper care is taken then no-one can get closer to the body.

Mugabe will only be buried after thirty days.

Embalming is the art and science of preserving human or animal remains intact by treating and making them suitable for public viewing for years.

Source: Zim Morning Post

Former Zanu-PF national commissar Savior Kasukuwere says former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe’s health deteriorated leading to his death due to the treatment he received from his successor Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Mugabe died on 6 September at the age of 95.

Kasukuwere said after Mugabe’s ouster in the November 2017 military coup, Mugabe was subjected to a barrage of attacks and humiliation by senior Zanu-PF members.

“I think to an extent that the harassment, the unfair behavior by the comrades who have now taken over the country, we must put it clearly that you can’t keep on doing thisz effectively Mugabe died in exile,” said Kasukuwere

“He was the founding father of our country, come the day of the coup, President Mugabe accepted that well, this is what the nation wants for me to step down and he did that but there were many statements thereafter.

“Everybody who thought they had to say something would say this man was a sell out, he is the one who brought sanctions on the country, very unguided statements by senior members of the party which they know very well that this can’t be accepted.”

Kasuwere said the attacks were unacceptable especially considering that Mugabe and his wife Grace were the only remaining names on the United States and European Union sanctions list.

“To then caricature such a man just because you want power is unacceptable. I think the time has come for us to be very blunt with each other and say no Cdes we are going wrong, we are going astray, let’s respect each other, let’s respect the founding fathers of our, President Mugabe did not deserve to be treated in the manner he was,” said Kasukuwere.

A Kwekwe businessman Shepherd Tundiya allegedly coerced the director of JR Goddard Contracting Pvt Ltd to withdraw a criminal abuse of office report he had made against four members of the National Assembly.

It is the State’s case that Mr James Ross Goddard reported a criminal case against Messrs Temba Mliswa, Anele Ndebele, Prince Sibanda and Leonard Chikomba to police.

The allegations emanated from a US$400 000 bribe purportedly demanded by Chikomba and Sibanda from Goddard to facilitate the awarding of a mining contract with Hwange Colliery Pvt Ltd.

Tundiya, the court heard, later advised Goddard to withdraw the police report against the quartet and gave him an ultimatum to do so.

Tundiya, who is the director of Avim Investments (Pvt) Ltd, was summoned to appear before the court facing a charge of attempting to defeat or obstruct the course of justice.

He appeared before Mr Lazini Ncube, who remanded him to Thursday for trial commencement.

Mr Michael Reza represented the State.

It is alleged that on December 19 last year, Goddard made a report to the police against the four after Chikomba and Sibanda had allegedly demanded US$400 000 bribe during a meeting that had been facilitated by Tundiya.

It is the State’s case that Tundiya had emphasised to Goddard that he should give Chikomba and Sibanda a kickback for them to process the award.

The meeting at which the MPs allegedly demanded the bribe took place at Goddard’s office in Harare.

On January 23 this year, Goddard allegedly received a phone call from Tundiya who told him that the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr John Mangudya wanted to meet him (Goddard) to discuss his company’s application for R52 million external payments for the purchase of heavy mining equipment in South Africa.

On the following day, Goddard and his company’s administration director, Mr Douglas Mapfukidze, met Tundiya at RBZ and he took them to Dr Mangudya’s office.

Tundiya, the State alleged, went on to advise Goddard that the application was being processed and directed that he should withdraw the police report which he had made against Mliswa and other members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee. It is alleged he said the charges would cause great embarrassment to Mangudya.

Tundiya further indicated that the withdrawal should be effected before January 29, it is alleged.

On the following day, Goddard reported the matter to the police as he felt Tundiya was interfering.

FORMER Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) chief executive Frank Chitukutuku has made his first attempt at explaining how he acquired massive wealth valued at over US$20 million following an order compelling him to do so.

Chitukutuku, who is under investigation for fraud, was in June given a 30-day ultimatum to give an account of how he acquired an array of immovable and movable assets, amid suspicion he obtained them corruptly.

Under the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act (2013), authorities are empowered to scrutinise individuals’ wealth for the purposes of arresting crimes such as corruption and money laundering.

Chitukutuku was ordered to submit a detailed statement to the head of Asset Forfeiture Unit within 30 days.

High Court judge Justice Erica Ndewere also ordered the freeze of Chitukutuku’s assets pending finalisation of the criminal case.

Last week, police confirmed Chitukutuku complied with the order and that his docket was now being scrutinised by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

A docket, according to the police, has since been compiled and is now at the NPA for scrutiny as investigations continue.

Through the statement submitted to the police, Chitukutuku explained how he acquired the immovable and movable assets.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed receipt of a statement from him.

“We can confirm that we received the statement and we are now looking into the issue. He (Chitukutuku) must wait for the due processes of the law to be followed,” he said.

Sources close to the investigations also told The Herald that Chitukutuku recently gave a detailed statement to the head of the police’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) within a month.

This was after the State had claimed that Chitukutuku may have acquired his property through criminal activities, hence the need to have the same frozen.

The decision was made following an ex-parte application by Prosecutor-General Mr Kumbirai Hodzi for an unexplained wealth and asset freezing order in terms of Section 37B as read with Section 37H of Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) (Amendment of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act (Chapter 9:24) and Exchange Control Act) Regulations, 2018 (Statutory Instrument 246 of 2018).

Justice Ndewere ruled in favour of the State and barred any interested parties from dealing, in any way, with the property in question.

The order was issued after convincing arguments by the prosecution team led by chief law officer Mr Chris Mutangadura.

Mr Mutangadura heads the asset forfeiture unit at the NPA.

Chitukutuku is said to have acquired 10 motor vehicles between September 2013 and April last year.

These vehicles include two Mazda T35 trucks, a Hino Dutro truck, Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Prado, Nissan NP200, Range Rover, Hino Ranger and a Land Rover Discovery.

Sometime in 2011, Chitukutuku reportedly acquired residential properties namely: Property measuring 4 048 square metres held under Deed of Transfer 3232/11 situated at Lot 1 of Lot 3 of Lot 56A Borrowdale Estate, Harare and another one measuring 8 853 square metres held under Deed of Transfer 3885/11 situated at Lot 3 of Subdivision C of Subdivision B of Subdivision D of Nthaba of Glen Lorne.

The State also claims Chitukutuku built or acquired a multi-million dollar thatched precast-walled house at the top of a mountain at Belmont Farm, Goromonzi, adding he also has six state-of-the-art fowl runs, five tractors, a 10-tonne UD truck, 4 x 200-litre PVC water tanks, as well as several structures at the farm.

Apart from a long list of expensive properties, Chitukutuku is also said to be the owner of two renowned companies, Farm Pride (Private) Limited situated at 49 Kent Road, Chisipite, Harare and an insurance company, Champions Insurance, which boasts of assets estimated at over US$15 million.

According to the State, Chitukutuku acquired the properties at a time he was lawfully earning a combined $8 500 from Zinara as well as his farming activities.

263chat|The opposition party, Movement For Democratic Change (MDC) says it will tomorrow meet to decide on whether to go ahead with the party’s 20th-anniversary celebrations slated for this Saturday, the same day the funeral service of the late former President Robert Mugabe will be held at the National Sports Stadium.

The opposition party was at the receiving end of Mugabe’s heavy-handedness with some of their key members being brutally killed, beaten and arbitrarily arrested.

The party has not come up with a clear position on whether they will attend the late former President’s burial and funeral service which is expected to bring together thousands of people from all walks of life including African head of states and other foreign dignitaries.

MDC Organising Secretary Amos Chibaya told 263Chat Monday morning that the Standing Committee will meet tomorrow to deliberate on the way forward.

“We have called a meeting as top leadership to discuss the issue but by tomorrow afternoon we would have come up with a decision on the way forward. We have so much respect for the late former President but we will see what comes out of the meeting,” Chibaya said.

The MDC celebrations came into question when government yesterday availed a funeral program for the late former president with a mass funeral service set for Saturday at the National Sports Stadium.

The MDC had booked Rufaro Stadium, a few kilometres away from the funeral venue, to commemorate their anniversary.

Nelson Chamisa and Tendai Biti, MDC’s President and Vice respectively, have, since the death of Mugabe, showered praises on the late liberation war hero with the latter saying; “I was tortured by Robert Mugabe but I’m not bitter, I’m not bitter at all, so rest in peace Robert Mugabe.”

Last week Chamisa sent a condolence message to the Mugabe family saying; “Even though I and our party, the MDC and the Zimbabwean people had great political differences with the late former President during his tenure in office and disagreed for decades, we recognise his lifetime as a nation’s founding President.”

The government has declared the late Major General Mugoba a national hero. The announcement was made by Vice President Kembo Mohadi made at the family home in Harare on Saturday morning.

The late Mugoba was described by the Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri as a professional and hardworking man who defended the country during and after the liberation struggle.

Mugoba died around 8.30 am on Friday at the Avenues Clinic in Harare after a short illness.

Commander Defence Forces General Phillip Valerio Sibanda told state media on Friday that Major General Mugoba had just arrived from Ethiopia where he was deployed to the African Union (AU) standby force in 2017.

“He left Ethiopia two weeks ago and when he came back home he was actually on leave but his condition deteriorated a few days ago leading to his death,” said Sibanda.

COMMEMORATIONS to mark the 151st anniversary of the death of the founder of the Ndebele nation, King Mzilikazi, will be held tomorrow at the Mhlahlandlela memorial site.
The place is known to have been Mzilikazi’s capital which is just off Old Gwanda road, about 22 kilometres outside Bulawayo.

It is believed that King Mzilikazi died on September 5, 1868, and is remembered every year.
Rodgers Mthethwa, spokesperson for the Mthwakazi “Ka” Mzilikazi Cultural Association, the organisers of the commemorations, said everything was set for the celebrations.

He said their organisation was apolitical.
“We aren’t a party or any grouping of people who want to divide the nation. Our association is holding these commemorations to celebrate the life of King Mzilikazi and how he built the nation,” said Mthethwa.

He said there would be a procession from Mzilikazi Post Office to the Large City Hall at 8.30AM in the morning. From there, transport will be provided to take people to the Mhlahlandlela memorial site.

“There’ll be a lot of traditional groups dancing and singing all throughout the procession. We’ve sought clearance from the police. We leave the City Hall at 10AM and return to the city at 5PM,” said Mthethwa.

When people arrive to the memorial site, Mthethwa said, traditional beer in the form of Ingwebu would be served with an assortment of meat.

“We want everything to be traditional so the beer will be the Royal Brew, Ingwebu. Unfortunately we shall not be serving clear beer. Buffaloes and cows will be slaughtered for people to eat,” said Mthethwa.
The celebrations have over the years been attended by King Zwelonke Sigcawu — the 28th King in the Xhosa dynasty and Princess Patricia Zulu — sister to Zulu

King Goodwill Zwelithini, both from South Africa.
Mthethwa said the guest of honour would be Prince Isolengwe Tshawe from the Xhosa tribe found in Mbembesi.

“Tshawe comes from the house of Sigcawu and he will be the guest of honour at the commemorations. He is the direct link between King Zwelonke Sigcawu and the Xhosa people in Zimbabwe,” said Mthethwa.

King Mzilikazi, the son of Matshobana, was born near Mkuze, Zululand in 1790. In 1823 he crossed the Limpopo River during the Umfecane after having a fall-out with Zulu King Tshaka and finally settled in Matabeleland in the 1830s, establishing his capital at Mhlahlandlela. King Mzilikazi died in 1868 and was buried in a cave in the Matopo Hills.

Social media was on Tuesday inundated with pictures of a heap of laundry alledged to be from Rusape Hospital being done at Rusape River.

Government through the Ministry of Health has denied the claim but residents in the town insist that the scenario is fact.

One Charles musembwa @cgmusembwa said: 

Don’t say its fake. The truth is its happening but its another gvt institution in Rusape

Remember kwa Rusape ikoko kune vanhu so musatiitire chizanu zanu pano chekuramba zviripachena (Reember there are people in Rusape, Shun this ZANU PF behaviour of deying things which are clearly happening).

A Zimbabwean woman, apparently on her way to a church service, was crushed to death on Sunday morning in the Johannesburg suburb of Windsor East.

The woman was identified by police as 31-year-old Geraldine Nyaradzo Mudimu.

According to witnesses, the car was being driven by an unlicensed Nigerian national who was whisked away by his friends.

He has not been found since.

“Yes we can confirm the death of the woman who was hit by a car. The same driver first hit and injured another man who was ferried to Helen Joseph Hospital with serious injuries. We are still looking for the driver who is still on the run,” said a police detective working on the matter.

He will likely be charged for murder, attempted murder or alternatively culpable homicide as well as defeating the ends of justice by evading from the law.

The suburb came to a standstill as residents, the majority of whom are foreign nationals, descended on the scene to catch a glimpse of the incident.

“The accident was horrific. The driver was speeding and he first hit the guy, lost control and then hit the woman who was waiting for a taxi,” said Lesley Makumbe who was among the first ones to arrive on the scene.

“It was a very painful death as she was dragged underneath the car for about 50 metres before it was stopped by the wall. Paramedics struggled to pull her body out as she had already passed away,” said Makumbe.

This is the second accident along the same spot six years.

In 2014 two sisters lost their lives after being by a car as well.

The injured man was identified as Ntuthuko Mkwebu also a Zimbabwean and sustained serious head injuries and he is in Intensive Care Unit. His friend Elvis Chiwanda who comes from Malawi says he is likely to make it.

“Yes he is still in intensive care but the situation is improving. I actually praise God because it could have been worse. I have worked with him for a very long time and he is a good guy,” said Chiwanda.