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Paul Nyathi|Latest reports by State Run media, Zimpapers, indicate that Vice President Constantino Chiwenga who has been out of the country receiving medical attention in China is finally back in the country.
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The media showed pictures of a fit as fiddle Chiwenga arrive at the airport named after former President Robert Mugabe who he removed in a military coup in 2017.
Chiwenga was conspicuously received in the country by China’s Deputy Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Zhao Baogang. There was no President Emmerson Mnangagwa to receive his Deputy but the former General was pictured sitting on a couch at the airport above him with the portrait of a smiling President Mnangagwa.
Chiwenga’s being welcome into the country by China’s ambassador with no Mnangagwa nearly confirms rumours that the Chinese are planning to execute a coup on Mnangagwa and replace him with Chiwenga.
Also at the airport to welcome Chiwenga was his elder brother Onisimo and Son Tawanda.
No official communication on Chiwenga’s return has been made by government.
President Mnangagwa has assented to three new laws.
The three laws are the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA) (Chapter 11:23), the Companies and Other Business Act (Chapter 24:31) and the Microfinance Act (Chapter 11:24).
The Companies and Other Business Entities Act and MOPA are contained in an extraordinary Government Gazette published on November 15 under General Notice 2073 of 2019.
“The following laws, which have been assented to by His Excellency the President, are published in terms of Subsection (6) of Section 131 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe-Companies and Other Entities Act and MOPA,” reads the notice published by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda.
The Microfinance Act is contained in Extraordinary Government Gazette published on Tuesday under General Notice 2074 of 2019.
The MOPA provides “for the maintenance of peace, order and security to ensure the enjoyment of rights and freedoms by any persons and in particular to make provision for peaceful conduct of gatherings in a manner that protects the right of freedom of assembly, association, demonstration and petitioning without prejudicing the rights and freedoms of others.”
Section 3 of the Act designates the police officer commanding a police district as the regulating authority of that district and spells out procedures the conveners of gatherings or demonstrations have to follow when applying to the regulating authorities.
Section 4 empowers a regulating authority to prohibit the possession of weapons such as catapults, machetes, knobkerries, swords, knives or daggers in public or concealed if the authority believes there is likely to be a breach of peace. Section 5 requires conveners of demonstrations to appoint a person “responsible for the arrangements of that demonstration and to be present thereat, to give notice in terms of Section 7 and to act on its behalf at any consultations or negotiations contemplated in Section 8, or in connection with any procedure contemplated in this Act at which his or her presence is required.”
Section 7 provides for the timelines within which a convener of public meetings, public demonstrations and processions has to give notice to the regulating authority before proposed date of the public meeting, public demonstration or procession.
Section 8 provides for instances when consultations, negotiations and amendment of notices can be made prior to holding of processions, public demonstrations and public meetings to avoid public disorder. The Act also exempts professional, religious, recreational, sporting or charitable gatherings from provisions requiring giving notices to the police or appointing conveners of the said gatherings.
State Media|Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (Zinara) officers have defrauded the entity of at least US$30 000, and perhaps as much as US$450 000 in a cheating scam using tollgate coupons issued to foreign truckers at border posts.
Nine officers have already been arrested and are before the courts, while others have been fired. The system of cancelling coupons has since been upgraded to plug loopholes.
Foreign commercial truckers using Zimbabwean roads pay their full set of toll fees once-off in foreign currency on entry and are issued with coupons at the border post they use to enable them to pass easily through all subsequent tollgates.
In the scam, officers charged with collecting these transit fees would issue and then cancel the coupons, on a false pretext, but still collected the foreign currency.
The cancelled coupons would then be issued to other truckers for the standard fees, with only one payment recorded in Zinara’s books and the rest of the money pocketed by the issuing officer.
Coupons were entered as cancelled on the grounds the trucker had not proceeded with the journey or that the wrong numbers had been entered.
But in all cases, the unsuspecting foreign trucker paid the full fee, as did the second driver who received the cancelled coupons which still looked like new.
The duped truckers would start meeting problems at the first tollgate from the border when coupon readers warn that the coupons were cancelled.
After debate and listening to the drivers, Zinara would end up allowing the vehicle to pass despite the system confirming the cancellation.
So two trucks in effect used one coupon.
In some cases, impatient drivers would bear the brunt of paying again to avoid delays.
A sophisticated monitoring system that supports Zinara’s operations exposed the rot, resulting in the arrest of at least nine officers, six from Beitbridge, two at Victoria Falls and one from Nyamapanda.
So far, at least US$30 000 was reported stolen in the scam, while investigations are still in progress to verify the genuineness of other cancellations involving US$450 000.
Zinara acting chief executive officer Mr Saston Muzenda said an internal audit corroborated findings by the system run by Univern Enterprises.
“Yes, I can confirm that the organisation was prejudiced of thousands of United States dollars in fraudulent coupon cancellations by our representatives at the borders,” he said.
“Some of these officers have since been dismissed from work while others are in court over the issue. Their illegal activities were picked by the system. We also carried out internal audits which unearthed the rot.
“Some of these officers would cancel a coupon and falsely state that the truck would have failed to proceed with the trip. However, the same truck does not stop and cameras at various tollgates captured the vehicles in transit.
“That is what our audit also showed.”
Mr Muzenda said investigations were still underway and Zinara could have lost more in the scam that is believed to have started in 2017.
The checking system is integrated with the tolling system such that all vehicles in transit are issued with a bar-coded transit coupon, which is then scanned and authenticated at the tollgates between the entry border post and the Zimbabwean destination or the exit border post.
In one case, a cashier stationed at Beitbridge Border Post was captured by the system issuing a coupon valued at US$120 for a truck destined for Harare.
She then cancelled the coupon, but reissued it some hours later to another truck driver going the same direction.
Investigations revealed that both vehicles travelled and completed their journeys using the same coupon. It was also established that both paid US$120 to the cashier, but only US$120 of the US$240 paid reached Zinara.
Sometimes checks are lax.
At Mushagashi tollgate, transit coupon number 175S1MLW2920180624102 (Jira ticket-TF1174) was read by the system as invalid.
Investigations by the Univern call centre revealed that the coupon had been cancelled, yet the driver had passed through Lutumba and Chivi tollgates without any challenges.
This prompted further investigations into the manner in which the coupons were being cancelled at the borders.
Beitbridge, according to investigations, recorded the highest number of cancellations, followed by Nyamapanda.
Univern chief executive officer Mr Phil Mushosho said a raft of measures were now in place to plug the loopholes.
“We have amended our system to ensure that once a coupon has been scanned and passed the first toll gate, it cannot be cancelled,” he said.
“The coupon cannot be cancelled for 48 hours after being issued. Whenever the need to cancel coupons arises, the officers have to contact our call centre and provide all the necessary information supporting their request.
“Upon satisfaction that the request is genuine, authority to cancel will be granted.”
Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi, in consultation with President Mnangagwa, yesterday announced the appointment of six more members of the ZESA Holdings (Pvt) Ltd board.
The six are development economist Professor Ashok Chakravati, Ms Rosemary Siyachitema, experienced accountant Mrs Caroline Mathonsi, seasoned lawyer Mr James Muzangaza, investment banker Mr Jonathan Wood, seasoned marketing enthusiast and business executive Ms Stella Nkomo and accomplished energy engineer Ms Wadzanai Chigwa.
The board members join new executive chairman Dr Sydney Zukuzo Gata and his deputy Mrs Tsitsi Makovah, who were appointed on Wednesday.
In his statement announcing the board, Minister Chasi said the new members had their work cut out for them in ensuring that the country has adequate supplies of electricity.
YADAH coach Genesis Mangombe insists his team will win all their remaining three games and survive the dreaded chop.
The Walter Magaya-owned side are deep in the relegation mud and will be hoping to take their tally to 35 points this afternoon when they face Harare City at Rufaro.
Yadah are on 32 points, four from safety, with three games remaining before the season ends.
And Mangombe believes his troops are good enough to survive the axe.
Yet, they could be actually relegated this weekend should they lose to Lloyd Chitembwe’s Harare City and their rivals win their encounters.
“We know the situation very well. It is something very fragile at the moment.
“We are still in with a chance, but we cannot afford to drop points at this juncture,’’ said Mangombe.
“The match against Harare City is a must-win at all costs. I know Harare City are also not yet safe from demotion and they will try to secure their place in the league with a win over us on Saturday (today).
“We will play to the best of our abilities. This is the time we have to put our backs on the wall and say, we are ready to die for the badge.
“We are ready to fight for our lives. This is a matter of life and death.”
Harare City, on 37 points, are not safe from the drop.
Bulawayo Chiefs, one of the teams heavily tipped to fall by the way side, entertain title-chasing Chicken Inn at Luveve this afternoon.
But, Mushowani could, as well end their flirtation with top-flight football after just one season if they fail to beat TelOne at home tomorrow.
Another potentially-explosive relegation battle features Herentals and Hwange at the Colliery tomorrow.
Neither side can afford to drop points as the struggle for survival continues.
Fixtures
Today: Bulawayo Chiefs v Chicken Inn (Luveve), Harare City v Yadah (Rufaro)
Tomorrow: Black Rhinos v Ngezi Platinum (Rufaro), CAPS v Dynamos (NSS), Mushowani v TelOne (Trojan Mine), Hwange v Herentals (Colliery), Triangle v ZPC Kariba (Gibbo), Highlanders v Manica (BF), Chapungu v FC Platinum (Ascot)-state media
Government will soon unveil higher denominations of the Zimbabwe dollar, but will do so with caution to avoid inflation-ary pressures, Secretary for Finance and Economic Development, Mr George Guvamatanga, has said.
Economic analysts believe higher denomination notes are necessary to enhance convenience to the transacting public.
Mr Guvamatanga made the announcement yesterday while fielding questions from journalists during a media briefing that was convened by Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube.
Zimbabwe has $2 and $5 notes and coins, but the public has since raised concern as it now has to carry huge wads of notes and coins to make large cash transactions, although most people do this with electronic transfers…
“On why we have the $2 and $5 notes, it is an issue of divisibility,” said Mr Guvamatanga.
“There are other larger denominations that are on the way, but you have to manage money supply.
“You do not start by bringing in $500 notes and throw in $1 billion of that money in the market. We know that the money in the market is not adequate to meet demand and hence the long queues, but that will be for a limited time and will be addressed.
“Those coins ($2 coins) had already been minted. Instead of throwing them away when we have a shortage of notes we decided to bring them so that they work alongside the $2 and $5 notes while we bring in the bigger denominations.
“As we bring in bigger denominations some of the coins and even bond notes will start to be withdrawn.”State media
Importers will soon be required to declare the legal source of their foreign currency under legislation being drafted, as Government takes measures to kill the black market. Those who fail to do so will have their goods forfeited to the State.
The move is among a raft of measures to push foreign currency trading into the legal interbank market run through banks and bureaux de change.
The plan was outlined by Finance and Economic Development Deputy Minister Clemence Chiduwa in a post-Budget media interface he addressed yesterday in the company of Minister Mthuli Ncube and permanent secretary Mr George Guvamatanga.
Deputy Minister Chiduwa was responding to questions on why the Government and law enforcement agents appeared to be turning a blind eye to illegal foreign currency traders operating openly in all major cities and towns.
Some business sectors want further consultation before the regulations are promulgated.
The Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers Association and the Zimbabwe Cross Border Traders Association, while seeing positive outcomes to the move, are worried there could be shortages of some goods since holders of foreign currency could just hang onto their money.
They believe extra efforts were needed to restore confidence in the interbank market before full implementation of such regulations.
Chiduwa said it was apparent that some importers were responsible for mopping up a lot of foreign currency on the black market, thus keeping illegal dealers in business.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers Association president Mr Denford Mutashu said the biggest impediment to the success of the regulations was that a lot of business was being conducted outside the formal market.State media
English Premiership Fixtures (All 5pm unless otherwise stated)
Today: West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur (2:30pm); Arsenal v Southampton; Everton v Norwich City; Crystal Palace v Liverpool; Brighton & Hove Albion v Leicester City; Watford v Burnley; AFC Bournemouth v Wolverhampton Wanderers; Manchester City v Chelsea (7:30pm).
Tomorrow: Sheffield United v Manchester United (6:30pm).
Monday: Aston Villa v Newcastle United (10pm).
Spanish La Liga Fixtures
Today: Leganés v Barcelona (2pm); Real Betis v Valencia (5pm); Granada v Atlético Madrid (7:30pm); Real Madrid v Real Sociedad (10pm).
Tomorrow: Espanyol v Getafe (1pm); Osasuna v Athletic Club (3pm); Eibar v Deportivo Alavés (5pm); Villarreal v Celta de Vigo (7:30pm); Real Valladolid v Sevilla (10pm).
Italian Serie A Fixtures
Today: Atalanta v Juventus (4pm); Milan v Napoli (7pm); Torino v Internazionale (9:45pm).
Tomorrow: Bologna v Parma (1:30pm); Hellas Verona v Fiorentina (4pm); Sassuolo v Lazio (4pm); Roma v Brescia (4pm); Sampdoria v Udinese (7pm); Lecce v Cagliari (9:45pm).
Monday: SPAL v Genoa (9:45pm).
Bundesliga Fixtures (all games at 4.30pm unless indicated)
Tomorrow: Bayern Leverkusen v Freiburg; Eintracht Frankfurt v Wolfsburg; Werder Bremen v Schalke 04; Fortuna Düsseldorf v Bayern Münich; Union Berlin v Borussia M’gladbach; RB Leipzig v Köln (7.30pm)
Sunday, November 24 fixtures
Augsburg v Hertha BSC (4.30pm);
Hoffenheim v Mainz 05 (7pm)-state media
ONE person died after being struck by lightning and property worth thousands of dollars was destroyed when heavy rains accompanied by strong winds hit Masvingo province.
In an interview, provincial Civil Protection (CP) chairman Mr Fungai Mbetsa said the heavy rains were recorded between Monday and Thursday.
A family in Rujeko was left homeless when the hailstorm destroyed its house.
“I can confirm that we have been experiencing flash floods in Chivi, Gutu, Zaka, Chiredzi and the worst affected was Bikita.
District teams are on the crowd compiling statistics,” said Mr Mbetsa.
He said girl from Chief Budzi in Bikita was struck and killed by lightning.
Mr Mbetsa who is also the provincial development coordinator urged families whose homes are on low ground to move to high ground.
“People should be wary of heavy rains and lightning that we are experiencing since the onset of the rains.
School children should dismiss early when there are signs that it might rain ” he said.
Masvingo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Kudakwashe Dehwa confirmed that a Rujeko family is now homesless after their house was destroyed by a hailstorm. He said the roof of Rujeko Clinic was also blown away off.State media
A 17-YEAR-OLD juvenile has been sentenced to a wholly suspended 20 months in prison after she burnt her two nieces’ lips with a mosquito coil for stealing amaputi and money.
The girl from Mpopoma Suburb burnt her two nieces aged seven and nine years after she accused them of stealing her
amaputi and money.
The amount of money stolen was not stated in court.
The juvenile pleaded guilty to two counts of physical abuse before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Stephen Ndlovu.
The magistrate sentenced her to 20 months in prison and suspended eight months on condition that she does not commit a similar offence within the next five years.
Mr Ndlovu further suspended 12 months on condition that the accused person performs 410 hours of community service at Njube Police Station.
The juvenile said: “I admit to the charges levelled against me, I was trying to discipline them since they were both laughing when I asked them about my missing things.”
For the State, Mr Stewart Madzore said on October 14 this year, the accused person lit a mosquito coil and burnt her nieces.
“The two complainants were sleeping when the accused person woke them up accusing them of stealing money and amaputi.
“The accused person lit a mosquito coil which she used to burn the two complainants,” he said.State media
The Department of Surgery in the College of Health Sciences at the University of Zimbabwe said no medical examinations will be held this November.
In an internal memo addressed to medical students, the department’s chairperson Mr David Muchuweti said the academic environment is not conducive to mount credible examinations.
He said students will be informed as and when conditions will be suitable to hold the said examinations.
Mr Muchuweti said this decision followed deliberations from the departmental board, which saw it fit to halt any examinations for now.
“The departmental Board of Surgery has deliberated on the issue of examinations for this year and has made the following resolutions:
“The academic environment is not conducive to mount credible examinations.
The department will not be offering any examinations for now.
“The board will inform you as and when conditions will be suitable to hold the said examinations,” reads part of the memo.
The latest decision followed concerns by the students indicating that they were not ready for examinations owing to the on-going industrial action in public health institutions, which made it difficult for them to partake their practicals in public health facilities.State media
Government is placing strong emphasis on reviving key economic sectors through the promotion of production-oriented investment and implementing initiatives targeted at enhancing the performance of State enterprises and parastatals.
This was said by Vice President Kembo Mohadi during the 7th edition of the Excellence in Corporate Governance Awards held in Harare on Thursday night.
The annual awards ceremony is organised by the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators in Zimbabwe (ICSAZ) to honour company boards who promote good corporate governance practices.
Mohadi said the various reforms being undertaken by Government had put Zimbabwe in the right direction.
“We are seeking to grow the livelihoods of our people,” he said.
“Progress has been made on many fronts that include, but not limited to fiscal consolidation, monetary policy restoration and liberalisation of the foreign exchange market to mention but a few.
“The 2020 National Budget, which marked a transition from austerity to a growth stimulation and employment generation era, offered quite a number of incentives which should be taken advantage of by all productive sectors of the economy.”
Mohadi said Government was improving the ease of doing business in the country through the establishment of a “One-Stop Shop” investment centre.
“The establishment of a One-Stop Shop investment centre is aimed at improving investor confidence,” he said.State media
Farai Dziva| Norman Mapeza’s bid to steer Chippa United out of the murky waters of relegation received a timely boost when he guided them their to their first win of the campaign; a 2-0 victory over Amazulu before the international break.
That was the Zimbabwean coach’s first victory in the league and more importantly, as previously highlighted; the Chilli Boys’ first of the 2019-20 campaign.
Despite still anchoring the log standigs, the win might have injected a new lease of life into Mapeza’s outfit and the just-ended internationa break might have given them a chance to re-group in their fight for survival.
Next up for the Port Elizabeth-based outfit is a home clash against Black Leopards on the 27th of November as there are no league games due to the semi-finals of the Telkom Knockout.
Farai Dziva|Controversial MDC T deputy president, Obert Gutu has claimed he is receiving death threats from his political foes.
Gutu has also warned those issuing the death threats not to come near him…
Gutu wrote on Twitter :”Some hoodlums are sending me death threats via WhatsApp.
I’m not worried about these threats from cowards who are using South African registered mobile numbers.
Just come near me and try something funny and you will see what will happen to you,”
Farai Dziva|The ZIMSEC Grade 7 results are out.
According to The Herald results will be collected from Monday.
Indigenous languages recorded highest pass rates with Shona and Ndebele recording above 80 per cent pass rate.
ZIMSEC board chairperson Eddie Mwenje said the results will be collected from respective centres from Monday.
The 2019 national pass rate is 46.9 per cent down from last year’s 52.08 per cent, according to ZIMSEC.
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Farai Dziva|The ZIMSEC Grade 7 results are out.
According to The Herald results will be collected from Monday.
Indigenous languages recorded highest pass rates with Shona and Ndebele recording above 80 per cent pass rate.
ZIMSEC board chairperson Eddie Mwenje said the results will be collected from respective centres from Monday.
The 2019 national pass rate is 46.9 per cent down from last year’s 52.08 per cent, according to ZIMSEC.
Farai Dziva|Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Ezra Chadzamira has blocked the distribution of maize seed to perceived opposition supporters.
Villagers in Masvingo Central Constituency, ward 16, have called for an end to partisan distribution of government aid.
Former Zanu PF Councillor for ward 16 Last Jazi and Samuel Masimba Zambuko a war vet have reportedly seized the Presidential Agricultural Inputs Scheme, sidelining the sitting MDC Councillor Edmore Dhemba who was supposed to preside over the distribution of inputs.
Councillor Dhemba said he was blocked by Zanu PF officials from collecting the maize seed at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) Masvingo depot at the last minute, after processing all the required papers and paying transport costs.
“ When I went to the GMB for collection I was told that the GMB was ordered by the office of the Minister of State for Masvingo Province Mr Chadzamira not to give me the seed (800KGs) until the beneficiary list was verified by party officials,”said Councillor Dhemba.
It was further reported that, Mr Jazi and Mr Zambuko convened the beneficiary selection meeting where the well-known opposition supported were turned away by the Zanu PF youth who proclaims that the maize seed was a donation to the party by President Cde Mnangagwa, therefore the scheme was strictly targeting Zanu PF supporters as beneficiaries.
On Tuesday 12 November 2019 Mr Jazi called for a distribution meeting in which those known for backing other political parties were being turned away immediately on arrival.
However, speaking to COTRAD the villagers stated that the distribution process which took almost two days was marred by disruptions and disputes as villagers staged a protest against Mr Jazi demanding the sitting Councillor Mr Dhemba to preside over the process. The villagers were calling for the distribution process to be non-selective along political lines since the seed was purchased through the taxpayers. The act by the Zanu PF officials was described by villagers as a threat to social unity and development.
COTRAD peace committee members for Masvingo ward 16 criticized the politicization of government aid as a major cause of conflict in rural areas.
“Partisan distribution of resources is detrimental to social unity, peace and development, therefore we expect community members to respect leadership hierarchy and protocols in community development” said the peace committee member.
As COTRAD we urge public officials to be ambassadors of peace and facilitators of development in a non-partisan manner.”
The school head of Ntombankala Secondary School in Zhombe has reportedly gone into hiding after parents bayed for his blood linking him to a satanism scare rocking the school.
The school head, Edson Dube, reportedly fled the school following the mysterious death of a Form Four pupil who fell into a trance linked to satanism.
The death of the girl soon after writing her last Ordinary Level examination paper reportedly opened a can of worms as more pupils fell into trances calling out the school head’s name.
This, according to a source, did not go down well with the parents who called for a meeting with the head and village heads.
Dube reportedly did not attend the funeral of the deceased pupil and ordered teachers to shun the funeral, further inviting the wrath of the parents who resorted to the use of force.
Dube could not be reached for comment as his phone went unanswered.
Kwekwe District Schools Inspector Bernard Mazambani confirmed the development but said he was yet to get a written report.
“It is still rumours because the matter is yet to get to my office formally. I asked for a written report of which I will be able to comment after seeing a formal report,”said Mazambani.
He said Dube had applied for leave.
“I am told the head applied for leave. He did not run away from school as far as I know,” said Mazambani.
But a source close to the happenings said the situation had degenerated into chaos as more children became hysterical calling out the head’s name.
“It is chaotic at the school as we speak.
Children are still falling into trances and to make matters worse, some are now falling while at home. Everyone wants answers from the school head but he is nowhere to be seen,” said the source.
Dube, the source revealed, transferred from Zvishavane to the current school.B-Metro
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By Own Correspondent| A Rusape man – Gabriel Mugauri (71) has confessed to conniving with three accomplices to murder a fellow villager for ritual purposes in 1986.
Mugauri murdered Justine Nyatsanga in connivance with Naison and Edward Ganyani – who are now late – and a third suspect identified only as Manyengavana, who is still at large.
The four murdered Nyatsanga after they were made aware that he was set to travel to Harare to buy a grinding mill.
After the murder, the four took an undisclosed amount of money from him before Manyengavana sliced off his private parts to use for ritual purposes, and then proceeded to dump his body in a bushy area.
The matter only came to light after Nyatsanga’s avenging spirit allegedly started to torment Mugauri’s family through mysterious deaths and incurable mental illnesses.
Mugauri allegedly admitted committing the offence and the police were immediately informed leading to his arrest.
-ManicaPost
By Fanuel Chinowaita| Since 1988 Zimbabwe has never seen a terrible government like of Mnangagwa.
The situation we are in now is so terrible and unbearable. We are treated like Dalstroy Prisoners of 1937 who were routinely clubbed, beaten or in many thousands of cases shot.
If Mnangagwa is trying to copy the Soviet way of treating citizens, he is failing it. This is not Russia, we are not prisoners and We are not in the 1930s. We have every right to be heard and do according to the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
We have watched and seen Mnangagwa led government violating citizens’ rights, forbidding them to demonstrate, forbidding them to assemble, beating and abducting people. These contacts are shocking, disgusting and dishonorable.
Children are raped for a plate of sadza, parents do not have school fees, basic commodities are very expensive. All people, employed and unemployed are incapacitated.
If we have suffered during Mugabe error, we have never seen this. Mnangagwa has no mercy and has no focus on people. He’s megalomaniac who thinks is above the law who kills without mercy.
The health of an entire society depends on the ease with which its individual members can gain personal acceptance.
Thus, whatever the keys to self esteem are seemingly out of reach for a large percentage of the people, as in Zimbabwe during this Mnangagwa government’s error, then widespread ‘mental illness ‘, neuroticism, hatred, alcoholism, drug abuse, Violence, and social disorder will certainly occur.
Personal worth is not something human beings are free to take or leave. We must have it, and when it is unattainable, everybody suffers.
The abuses by Mnangagwa will not stay for so long. We have learned a lot in the past. We have matured.
ED is nothing but a stubborn person who is sailing in a clay boat.
Paul Nyathi|Bulawayo political activist Josphat ‘Mzaca’ Ngulube has reportedly been sentenced to seven years in prison.
Ngulube and three other assailants were on Thursday convicted of burning three cars and property of a house belonging to Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial women’s league chairperson Eva Bitu.
Ngulube (34), Fortune Masuku (29), Melusi Moyo (32) and Otilia Sibanda (34) were found guilty of malicious damage to property during the violent January protests.
Lavenda Moyo (66), their co-accused, was found not guilty and acquitted.
The Commander of One Presidential Guard Samson Murombo has been suspended over a shooting that happened in State house on Wednesday Professor Jonathan Moyo has said.
Moyo who broke the story of the shooting revealed that, “The Commander of One Presidential Guard Infantry Battalion at State House, Lt Col Samson Murombo, has been suspended from duty over the State House shooting incident, for which he’s being blamed. He’s been replaced by Col Chicha. Murombo is of the Auxillia audio fame!”
On Wednesday Moyo said the soldier Private Mangadu was arrested when he emptied his magazine firing in the air at State House.
He was arrested as he was reloading. He complained of hardships and saying he can’t survive in dead economy.
Moyo further revealed Magandu was,” interviewed by Lt Col Murombo, detained at KGVI; tortured and deprived of sleep for alleged links with opposition and foreigners; ranted that “men in suits get all the money but real army gets nothing”. He was sent for psychiatric evaluation this morning!”
The government has not spoken out regarding the matter.
The public hearings by the Public Accounts Committee have been abandoned for the second week running after Zanu PF legislators demanded the recusal of Mr Tendai Biti from chairing proceedings following the MDC Alliance’s refusal to recognise President Mnangagwa as the legitimate Head of State and Government.
The objection against Mr Biti’s chairmanship was raised by Chegutu West representative Dexter Nduna and was supported by Chipinge South representative Enoch Porusingazi and Mberengwa North’s Tafanana Zhou.
The meeting was aborted when officials from Fertiliser, Seed and Grain were giving evidence on their role in the Command Agriculture Programme.
The ruling ZANU PF party is reportedly pushing for the removal of all chairpersons of committees chaired by the opposition MDC Alliance.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Environment, Concillia Chinanzvavana, has become the first victim of the purge after Zanu PF members on Wednesday voted her out of her position during a post-budget meeting. MDC Chief Whip Prosper Mutseyami had this to say:
The MDC is entitled to chair eight parliamentary portfolio committees and now Zanu PF legislators are trying to use their numbers to vote our chairpersons out.
On Wednesday during the sitting of the Environment Portfolio Committee, they clandestinely voted out the chairperson Chinanzvavana (MDC) and made their party member Robson Mavenyengwa (Zaka North MP) to chair.
Analysts view the purging of MDC Alliance chairpersons as a ploy to protect ZANU PF benefactors, among them President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ally Kudakwashe Tagwirei of Sakunda Holdings.
On Friday last week Zanu PF MPs, who are members of the Tendai Biti-led Public Accounts Committee (PAC), walked out so that Tagwirei avoided grilling over US$3 billion payments for the Command Agriculture programme that the company failed to account for.
263chat|Following an announcement by Acting Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mangaliso Ndlovu that the cabinet had sanction the renaming of public facilities and major roads in the country yesterday, Zimbabwean took to different social media platforms to blast the government for what they called “misplaced priorities”.
While government points out that the move is “a social engagement tool that fosters understanding, peace and unity in diversity,” some citizens believe government should first address the shambolic state of the country’s roads and many other pressing issues like doctors’ absence from duty.
“Zimbabwe has gone to the dogs how can cabinet deliberate on naming roads yet there are no doctors in hospitals, no electricity, no fuel,” said Garikai Goremusandu
In 2012, government renamed Fourth Street to Simon Mzenda Street but seven years later, adamant Zimbabweans have stuck to the old name, a culture that some feel will still continue.
“People will continue using those old names. Why not build new roads or dualize the old ones to give them a new look, then name them whatever they like,” said Rowland Muchegwa.
Some felt the late members of the opposition party, Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) should also be honoured in a similar way.
“God let me leave another day and see first street or a highway renamed after Morgan Tsvangirai, some streets will be named after Susan Tsvangirai, Learnmore Judah Jongwe; Itai Dzamara and other real Cdes. Cdes like me will not be forgotten – Chancellor avenue-Fox Avenue,” said Twitter-user handle @FoxLion2028
“This is a diversion. We will not be moved. Instead of building new infrastructure you are busy naming roads built by Rhodesia. Pretending this renaming stunt is an achievement. This government has completely run out of ideas. They’ve failed. We need a revolution,” wrote Thandekile Moyo on Twitter.
Some of the newly named streets in Harare include Enterprise Road-ED Mnangagwa, Selous Avenue-John Landa Nkomo, Cameron Street-Joseph Musika, Kirkman Drive-Solomon Mujuru, Livingstone Avenue-Oliver Tambo, Charter Road-Fidel Castro and Five Avenue-Leonid Brezhnev.
State Media|Importers of goods who fail to declare their source of foreign currency at entry points now risk forfeiture of their wares to the State as part of Government measures to combat the parallel market activities, an official has said.
Finance and Economic Development Deputy Minister Clemence Chiduwa said Government was working on how to implement the policy which he said would encourage people to use their nostro accounts in commercial banks.
Deputy Minister Chiduwa said this while fielding questions from journalists today during a media briefing that was convened by Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube meant to unpack the 2020 National Budget which the Minister presented in Parliament last week.
More to follow…
The Department of Surgery in the College of Health Sciences at the University of Zimbabwe said no medical examinations will be held this November.
In an internal memo addressed to medical students, the department’s chairperson Mr David Muchuweti said the academic environment is not conducive to mount credible examinations.
He said students will be informed as and when conditions will be suitable to hold the said examinations.
Mr Muchuweti said this decision followed deliberations from the departmental board, which saw it fit to halt any examinations for now.
“The departmental Board of Surgery has deliberated on the issue of examinations for this year and has made the following resolutions:
“The academic environment is not conducive to mount credible examinations. The department will not be offering any examinations for now.
“The board will inform you as and when conditions will be suitable to hold the said examinations,” reads part of the memo.
The latest decision followed concerns by the students indicating that they were not ready for examinations owing to the on-going industrial action in public health institutions, which made it difficult for them to partake their practicals in public health facilities.
Government says the cabinet’s decision to re-name some roads in urban local authorities, places and Government buildings after national heroes and regional nationalists and beyond is in accordance with the country’s laws.
The Urban Councils Act states that if local authorities want to name or re-name streets after luminaries, they are obliged to first make recommendations to the Cabinet Committee on Place Name.
On Thursday Cabinet approved new names for roads, places and Government buildings in Harare, Bulawayo and other towns across the country, as a deliberate effort to foster unity, while reflecting on the country’s history and identity.
Notable among the changes is the renaming of Enterprise Road in Harare to Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Road.
Sixth Avenue in Bulawayo, A5 Road in Kwekwe, Main Street in Gweru, Chipinge Main Street, Etherton Road in Bindura, Edgar Peacock Road in Mutare, Henry Hartley Road in Chegutu and Hughes Street in Masvingo were also renamed Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
The name changes are mainly aimed at honouring the country’s national heroes, regional icons and beyond.
Harare City Council said council resolutions passed in 2015 under the Environmental Management Committee titled “Procedure for naming and renaming streets, institutions and places using national names and heroes”, stated that Cabinet has the mandate to make the name changes.
The resolutions read: “The procedure was governed by circular number 4 of 2012. Such changes of names were processed through a designated Cabinet Committee on change of names.
“The committee comprised Ministries of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, Defence, Home Affairs, Higher and Tertiary Education, Sports Arts and Culture, Media, Information and Publicity, Justice and Legal Affairs, Environment, Climate and Water, Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment,” he said.
Through the resolutions, local authorities were directed to channel their recommendations through the Provincial Development Coordinators, to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works for consideration by the Cabinet Committee before approval by council.
Farai Dziva| Norman Mapeza’s bid to steer Chippa United out of the murky waters of relegation received a timely boost when he guided them their to their first win of the campaign; a 2-0 victory over Amazulu before the international break.
That was the Zimbabwean coach’s first victory in the league and more importantly, as previously highlighted; the Chilli Boys’ first of the 2019-20 campaign.
Despite still anchoring the log standigs, the win might have injected a new lease of life into Mapeza’s outfit and the just-ended internationa break might have given them a chance to re-group in their fight for survival.
Next up for the Port Elizabeth-based outfit is a home clash against Black Leopards on the 27th of November as there are no league games due to the semi-finals of the Telkom Knockout.
Paul Nyathi|Government will soon unveil higher denominations of money to bring convenience to the transacting public but has to do so with caution to avoid inflationary pressures, Secretary for Finance and Economic Development, Mr George Guvamatanga has said.
“Larger denominations are on the way. We want to manage the money supply. We are aware the money isn’t adequate and this will be addressed.”
Earlier this month, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) released new $5 notes and $2 notes and coins to address the biting cash crunch.
However, market watchers have queried the wisdom of introducing small denominations as the country is battling 3-digit inflation.
He said some coins and bond notes will gradually be withdrawn from circulation when Government ultimately introduce higher denominations.
Mr Guvamatanga said this today while responding to questions from journalists during a media briefing in Harare that was organised by Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube.
Farai Dziva| Title-chasing Harare giants CAPS United have announced the gate charges for their derby match against rivals Dynamos.
The Green Machine will host Dembare at the National Sports on Sunday in a Match-day 32 encounter.
As a way of attracting more fans to the stadium, Makepekepe have decided against raising the entry charges.
The cheapest ticket remains at $20, VIP at $50 and the VVIP pegged at $100. All modes of payment – cash, swipe and mobile – will be used at all entry points. The gates will open at noon and kick-off is at 3 pm.
Meanwhile, fans based outside the country will have a chance to watch this weekend’s Harare Derby.
The PSL announced on Thursday that the encounter will be shown live on Facebook.
Farai Dziva|The 2020 African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament has been moved to April following an Executive Committee meeting held in Cairo Egypt on Thursday.
The competition was supposed to take place in January next year in Cameroon, but the dates have been pushed forward to April.
“During the CAF Executive Committee (ExCo) meeting of 2019 in Cairo, Egypt, chaired by Ahmad Ahmad it was decided that the CHAN will now be staged from April 4-25 in Cameroon,” CAF confirmed in a statement.
Sixteen teams, including Zimbabwe, will take part at the 2020 CHAN tournament.
Meanwhile, the shift of dates will have an impact on the local league which usually start at that time.
Farai Dziva|The ZIMSEC Grade 7 results are out.
According to The Herald results will be collected from Monday.
Indigenous languages recorded highest pass rates with Shona and Ndebele recording above 80 per cent pass rate.
ZIMSEC board chairperson Eddie Mwenje said the results will be collected from respective centres from Monday.
The 2019 national pass rate is 46.9 per cent down from last year’s 52.08 per cent, according to ZIMSEC.
Jane Mlambo| The Public Accounts Committee of parliament has for the second time failed to meet to hear from Sakunda on the funding of government’s controversial input scheme Command Agriculture after Zanu PF parliamentarians led by Dexter Nduna refused to recognise Tendai Biti.
Mliswa who was also in the meeting described the event as a circus which he said was affecting national interests.
posting a four threaded Twitter post, Mliswa had this to say;
/ So Parly Committee on Public Accounts has again failed to meet today. Hon. Nduna came in with the position that until @MDCAllianceZW recognise @edmnangagwa then @ZANUPF_Official can’t recognise them as Committee Chair. It’s a circus, it doesn’t involve me; I walked out
2/ I made my position clear & they can deliberate on their own. Instead of serving national interest, party politics are at play.
3/ Whilst there are accusations that a lot of money has been pumped in to disturb proceedings, Parly has processes & procedures that should be adhered to. As a former Chair myself I recognised the shenanigans & @BitiTendai in his wisdom adjourned the meeting.
4/Nduna isnt supposed to disrupt parliamentary business because he is not legitimately there he lost an election to Konjana
RISING music star and Mebo hitmaker Obert Chari of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) has been caught up in a messy love triangle after a fellow congregant accused him of using his “high-rising” celebrity profile to get romantically involved with his wife.
The song Mebo , which took the airwaves by storm towards the end of 2018, talks about a poor man whose economic status erodes his confidence in his beautiful girlfriend and wife-to-be.
The girlfriend, however, continues assuring him of her love.
Disturbing details of Chari’s fling with a fellow churchmate Kudakwashe Muzanhi’s wife Yeukai Muzinda came to light when Muzanhi stumbled upon a string of WhatsApp messages in his wife’s phone in which the two — Chari and Muzinda — were fondly sharing while expressing their mutual appreciation of each other.
In the “steamy” WhatsApp conversations which B-Metro is
in possession of, during his recent visit to South Africa where the couple are staying, a married Chari is overpoweringly requesting his love interest, Muzinda to accompany him to Pretoria to see one of his sponsors.
Fearlessly, Muzinda also invites Chari to come to her house to do what only God knows best saying it was “very” safe since her husband was at work.
According to a mole close to the couple, all hell broke loose after a seemingly suspicious Muzanhi who had also been surprised by his wife’s sudden change of behaviour when Chari was in South Africa, took her phone and went through the WhatsApp messages, where he found out that she was two-timing him with Chari and that the two had also planned to get “cosied up” at his house while he was at work.
After being confronted, Muzinda is said to have spilled the beans to her husband claiming the trending gospel artiste was the one who had been allegedly pestering her for sex.
A devastated Muzanhi confirmed to B-Metro that the Mebo hitmaker indeed used his celebrity profile to date his wife.
“It’s been devastating,” he said.
“What happened is that Chari as a singer from our church I have been supporting him a lot until the day I discovered that he was dating my wife. They met sometime this year in Chegutu during a church conference when my wife approached him wanting to buy his CDs.
Since the CDs were finished, Chari then requested her number saying he was going to send her the songs she likes when he got home,” said Muzanhi.
He said instead of sending the songs, Chari started proposing love to his wife before they later hooked up on 8 November in South Africa during another church conference.
Added Muzanhi: “When I confronted him, instead of apologising, he vehemently denied that he was dating my wife. He insisted that my wife was just one of his fans before he blocked me.
“When I contacted him with a different number, he annoyed me when he bragged that he was fond of bedding married women adding that I was a bit lucky that he didn’t get enough time to be with my wife otherwise he would have slept with her.”
An annoyed Muzanhi said he was also planning to put the matter to ZCC church leader Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi’s attention.
Although Muzinda could not be reached for comment, she however, confirmed her illicit relationship with Chari in leaked audio recordings obtained by B-Metro which she sent to Chari while passionately begging him to apologise to her husband.
She even threatened to reveal “intimate” details of their illicit relationship if Chari refused to apologise to her husband.
“Instead of apologising to my husband you are worsening the situation by going around telling my relatives that I’m the one who coerced you into the relationship.
“Remember, I once begged you to do away with the relationship and you refused insisting that we were going to play it safe. I have since apologised to my husband and you should also do the same instead of constantly blaming me as the one who forced you into the illicit relationship.
“Let me warn you that if you don’t apologise, you are making your life difficult since I am also going to reveal your stinging bedroom issues which you divulged to me,” chillingly warned Muzinda.
She further warned that if Chari remained adamant, she was prepared to “dump” her husband and elope to him.
When reached for comment Chari strongly denied that there was anything untoward that had been going on between him and Muzinda.
He also promised to phone back later giving more details on their alleged whirlwind romance with Muzinda but he didn’t do so until the time of going to print.
Meanwhile, early this year Chari became a tabloid fixture following rumours which he, however, dispelled that he had been ex-communicated by his church for singing secular music.B-Metro
Farai Dziva|Controversial MDC T deputy president, Obert Gutu has claimed he is receiving death threats from his political foes.
Gutu has also warned those issuing the death threats not to come near him…
Gutu wrote on Twitter :”Some hoodlums are sending me death threats via WhatsApp.
I’m not worried about these threats from cowards who are using South African registered mobile numbers.
Just come near me and try something funny and you will see what will happen to you,”
Farai Dziva|Controversial MDC T deputy president, Obert Gutu, has claimed he is receiving death threats from his political foes.
Gutu has also warned those issuing the death threats not to come near him…
Gutu wrote on Twitter :”Some hoodlums are sending me death threats via WhatsApp.
I’m not worried about these threats from cowards who are using South African registered mobile numbers.
Just come near me and try something funny and you will see what will happen to you,”
The school head of Ntombankala Secondary School in Zhombe has reportedly gone into hiding after parents bayed for his blood linking him to a satanism scare rocking the school.
The school head, Edson Dube, reportedly fled the school following the mysterious death of a Form Four pupil who fell into a trance linked to satanism.
The death of the girl soon after writing her last Ordinary Level examination paper reportedly opened a can of worms as more pupils fell into trances calling out the school head’s name.
This, according to a source, did not go down well with the parents who called for a meeting with the head and village heads.
Dube reportedly did not attend the funeral of the deceased pupil and ordered teachers to shun the funeral, further inviting the wrath of the parents who resorted to the use of force.
Dube could not be reached for comment as his phone went unanswered.
Kwekwe District Schools Inspector Bernard Mazambani confirmed the development but said he was yet to get a written report.
“It is still rumours because the matter is yet to get to my office formally. I asked for a written report of which I will be able to comment after seeing a formal report,”said Mazambani.
He said Dube had applied for leave.
“I am told the head applied for leave. He did not run away from school as far as I know,” said Mazambani.
But a source close to the happenings said the situation had degenerated into chaos as more children became hysterical calling out the head’s name.
“It is chaotic at the school as we speak.
Children are still falling into trances and to make matters worse, some are now falling while at home. Everyone wants answers from the school head but he is nowhere to be seen,” said the source.
Dube, the source revealed, transferred from Zvishavane to the current school.B-Metro
Farai Dziva|Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Ezra Chadzamira has blocked the distribution of maize seed to perceived opposition supporters.
Villagers in Masvingo Central Constituency, ward 16, have since called for an end to partisan distribution of government aid.
Former Zanu PF Councillor for ward 16 Last Jazi and Samuel Masimba Zambuko a war vet have reportedly seized the Presidential Agricultural Inputs Scheme, sidelining the sitting MDC Councillor Edmore Dhemba who was supposed to preside over the distribution of inputs.
Councillor Dhemba said he was blocked by Zanu PF officials from collecting the maize seed at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) Masvingo depot at the last minute, after processing all the required papers and paying transport costs.
“ When I went to the GMB for collection I was told that the GMB was ordered by the office of the Minister of State for Masvingo Province Mr Chadzamira not to give me the seed (800KGs) until the beneficiary list was verified by party officials,”said Councillor Dhemba.
It was further reported that, Mr Jazi and Mr Zambuko convened the beneficiary selection meeting where the well-known opposition supported were turned away by the Zanu PF youth who proclaims that the maize seed was a donation to the party by President Cde Mnangagwa, therefore the scheme was strictly targeting Zanu PF supporters as beneficiaries.
On Tuesday 12 November 2019 Mr Jazi called for a distribution meeting in which those known for backing other political parties were being turned away immediately on arrival.
However, speaking to COTRAD officials, the villagers stated that the distribution process which took almost two days was marred by disruptions and disputes as villagers staged a protest against Mr Jazi demanding the sitting Councillor Mr Dhemba to preside over the process. The villagers were calling for the distribution process to be non-selective along political lines since the seed was purchased through the taxpayers. The act by the Zanu PF officials was described by villagers as a threat to social unity and development.
COTRAD peace committee members for Masvingo ward 16 criticized the politicization of government aid as a major cause of conflict in rural areas.
“Partisan distribution of resources is detrimental to social unity, peace and development, therefore we expect community members to respect leadership hierarchy and protocols in community development” said the peace committee member.
As COTRAD we urge public officials to be ambassadors of peace and facilitators of development in a non-partisan manner.”
By Ishmael Kupfuwa, COTRAD Official
The residents of Masvingo Central ward 16 have called for an end to partisan distribution of government aid mostly by Zanu PF officials and groups of people purporting to be war veterans in rural areas.
This comes out after former Zanu PF Councillor for ward 16 Last Jazi and Samuel Masimba Zambuko a war vet have been reportedly seized the Presidential Agricultural Inputs Scheme, sidelining the sitting MDC Councillor Edmore Dhemba who was supposed to preside over the inputs distribution process. Councillor Dhemba expressed that, he was block by the Zanu PF officials from collecting the maize seed at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) Masvingo depot on the last minute after processing all the required papers and paying transport costs.
“ When I went to the GMB for collection I was told that the GMB was ordered by the office of the Minister of State for Masvingo Province Mr Chadzamira not to give me the seed (800KGs) until the beneficiary list was verified by the party officials,”said Councillor Dhemba.
It was further reported that, Mr Jazi and Mr Zambuko convened the beneficiary selection meeting where the well-known opposition supported were turned away by the Zanu PF youth who proclaims that the maize seed was a donation to the party by President Cde Mnangagwa, therefore the scheme was strictly targeting Zanu PF supporters as beneficiaries.
On Tuesday 12 November 2019 Mr Jazi called for a distribution meeting in which those known for backing other political parties were being turned away immediately on arrival.
However, speaking to COTRAD the villagers stated that the distribution process which took almost two days was marred by disruptions and disputes as villagers staged a protest against Mr Jazi demanding the sitting Councillor Mr Dhemba to preside over the process. The villagers were calling for the distribution process to be non-selective along political lines since the seed was purchased through the taxpayers. The act by the Zanu PF officials was described by villagers as a threat to social unity and development.
COTRAD peace committee members for Masvingo ward 16 criticized the politicization of government aid as a major cause of conflict in rural areas.
“Partisan distribution of resources is detrimental to social unity, peace and development, therefore we expect community members to respect leadership hierarchy and protocols in community development” said the peace committee member.
As COTRAD we urge public officials to be ambassadors of peace and facilitators of development in a non-partisan manner.”
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Dear editor-It is disturbing to note that under Dambudzo there still is no academic freedom but the situation has cascaded down to no graduation freedom as confirmed by the abduction of the Zinasu Secretary General Ashlegh Pfunye during the on going graduation ceremony at Midlands State University Gweru campus today by armed state security agents.
As a Union we are saddened by continuosly having to write statements condemning such acts which are not only barbaric and satanic but illegal.
To the CIO infested MSU admin we order you to forthwith cease co-operating with such unruly forces who believe they have a monopoly over human life
FREEASHLEGHNOW
ZINASU SPOKESPERSON
Tatenda Zuj Mandondo
Farai Dziva|ZINASU Secretary General, Ashlegh Pfunye has been abducted by suspected state security agents.
See ZINASU statement below :
It is disturbing to note that under Dambudzo there still is no academic freedom but the situation has cascaded down to no graduation freedom as confirmed by the abduction of the Zinasu Secretary General Ashlegh Pfunye during the on going graduation ceremony at Midlands State University Gweru campus today by armed state security agents.
As a Union we are saddened by continuosly having to write statements condemning such acts which are not only barbaric and satanic but illegal.
To the CIO infested MSU admin we order you to forthwith cease co-operating with such unruly forces who believe they have a monopoly over human life
FREEASHLEGHNOW
ZINASU SPOKESPERSON
Tatenda Zuj Mandondo
Dear Editor-
This is Ndawanahama Mutambisi(pictured)
, who was at the forefront of assaulting innocent civilians along Nelson Mandela- including bashing open an elderly man’s skull.
He is stationed and lives at Marimba Police Station and currently attached to PRG…
They live among us!! Concerned Citizen
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Finance minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has claimed that the government is in control of the situation obtaining in local clinics and hospitals as well as the education sector.
Responding to journalists who asked if government was comfortable with women delivering babies under stone age environment in Mbare where one woman Gogo Gwena is believed to be helping women deliver in her bedroom, Ncube said they were working with the responsible ministry to address the situation.
Watch live video below…
"Urban transportation, you see the issue about ZUPCO, its not a social protection issue, its also about making our cities function. For cities to work, as drivers are brought(sic), they need efficient public transportation systems, " says @MthuliNcube @MinistryofTID pic.twitter.com/Lsvr8v6QwW
— ZimEye (@ZimEye) November 22, 2019
Jane Mlambo| Former Tourism and hospitality minister Walter Mzembi has hinted that political career is not yet over as he is out of the country to learn and see how other governments run things.
Responding to Twitter user who said the former G40 kingpin had fallen, Mzembi said he had not fallen but out of the country to learn and see how other countries are being run.
“Thats how you used to think back then wezhira. The way you fell right now is what you have subjected us all those years you served as a minister,” said the Twitter user.
“I have fallen, I am where I am supposed to be at this moment in time, very useful experience for the future, its leadership processing. Just being “out” and seeing things from outside is enriching, seeing how other countries are run, poweful,” said Mzembi.
This was after Mzembi had condemned the President Emmerson Mnangagwa regime for renaming roads they did not construct something he said was out of context with the need to unify the country and fix the economy.
Finance minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has said since his appointment, he has done everything he set out in his austerity measures to at an even faster rate than expected.
Addressing journalists today, Ncube said he has managed to control government spending, budget deficit among other achievements.
Watch live video below:
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Jane Mlambo| Former Tourism and Hospitality Minister, Walter Mzembi has come out guns blazing against the latest move by government to rename a number of roads and buildings in Harare and other towns labelling it a vanity project out of context with the emergency business of unifying the country and fixing the economy.
Posting on Twitter, Mzembi said;
“Renaming of roads a vanity project out of context with the emergency business of unifying the country and fixing the economy. Whats in renaming roads you did not construct? Add new legacy roads and name them leave our heritage intact with its lessons,” said Mzembi.
Yesterday, government announced new names for a number of roads with notable ones being Enterprise named after President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The current bank exchange rates for the ZWL$ today are as follows:
USD = ZWL$16.1073
ZWL$ = RAND0.9117
Data according to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe
Black Market Rates:
USD = ZWL$22.30 zimrates
USD = ZWL$22.10 zwl365 [21/11/2019]
USD = ZWL$22 bluemari [21/11/2019]
USD = BOND15.20 zimrates
VIEW LIST OF NEW NAMES OF ROADS
By Own Correspondent|A Harare judge will this morning hear an urgent application filed by the University of Zimbabwe medical students who are refusing to be fast tracked into completing their degree programs before doing the necessary practical courses.
Said the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights:
The police officer on a widely circulated picture kicking and breaking a woman’s leg during a police initiated skirmish at Morgan Tsvangirai House has been identified by ZimEye.com and has refused to speak on live video on his action.
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TWO men have been sentenced to a combined 30 months in prison for illegally cultivating dagga in their respective gardens.
Josiah Dlodlo (42) of Kukunda village in Shangani was found with 56 plants with a length of 52 centimetres in his garden while Melusi Sibanda (18) of Kensington area in the outskirts of Bulawayo was found with seven plants of dagga with a length of about 30 to 60 centimetres.
The men pleaded guilty to unlawful cultivation of dangerous drugs when they appeared separately before Bulawayo magistrate, Ms Nomasiko Ndlovu.
The magistrate convicted and sentenced them to a combined 30 months in prison.
In passing sentence, Ms Ndlovu considered that both men were first offenders who pleaded guilty to the charges and did not waste the court’s time.
She sentenced Dlodlo to 18 months in prison and suspended six months for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence within that period.
The remaining 12 months were suspended on condition that he performs 420 hours of community service.
Sibanda was sentenced to 12 months in prison and six months were suspended for five years on condition that he does commit a similar offence within that period.
The other six months were suspended on condition that he performs 175 hours of community service.
Dlodlo told the court that he planted dagga for medicinal use.
“I did this out of my illness and for my family’s survival. I heard that it is good medicine for treating chest and kidney problems. My wife suffers from BP, and one of my four children is asthmatic. I heard that once the plants grow to a certain length, I can pluck out the leaves and prepare medicine which will help my wife and child,” he said.
According to court papers, on Thursday last week at around 8AM, police from Shangani base received information that Dlodlo was growing dagga plants in his garden.
The police proceeded to his house where they found Dlodlo who admitted that he was growing the plants only to help his family.
He led police officers to his garden where the plants were uprooted and taken to ZimPost in Shangani for measurement.
A weight certificate was compiled and produced in court as an exhibit.
The court papers further state that on Tuesday this week, police officers from Hillside Police Station received information that Sibanda was growing dagga in his garden at his place of residence.
The police proceeded to Sibanda’s house and found seven plants measuring between 30 and 60 centimetres tall.
The plants were uprooted and taken to CID drugs where they were measured.
Sibanda was later arrested.
Press Statement against Police Attack on Civilians at the Hope of the Nation Address on 20 November 2019|The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum (the Forum) is disturbed by violent conduct of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers against civilians and urges the authorities to sanction the officers who attacked civilians in violation of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
On 20 November 2019, supporters of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change Alliance (MDC-A) gathered at the party headquarters in Harare for the Hope of the Nation Address which was scheduled to be addressed by the party President Nelson Chamisa. The hostile response by the police who indiscriminately beat the crowd with baton sticks, with booted feet and fired tear gas in the busy Central Business District resulted in many citizens involved in their daily business being injured or bundled into police vehicles.
Horrific images and videos were captured by the media showing shocking unprovoked violence by the police. This brutality is unacceptable in any civilised society. It is unfortunate that senior members of the police like Assistant Commissioner Charles Ndoro were recorded by the media at the scene of violence, issuing instructions to the police to perpetrate violence. This unconstitutional action by the police is deeply regrettable and must be challenged after the events of 20 November 2019.
Members of the Forum who attended to the victims of the attacks have noted that 47 people were assaulted yesterday, including 20 women. Two children were also assaulted. 8 people were illegally detained including a 10 month old baby and the mother. Of the 8 people arrested, 7 are still incarcerated at the time of report compilation.
The conduct of the police is deplorable and is contrary to the rhetoric of the Government of Zimbabwe on promoting and protecting human rights. Section 44 of the Constitution of the Zimbabwe obliges the State and every person, including juristic persons, and every institution and agency of the government at every level to respect, protect, promote and fulfil the rights and freedoms set out in the Constitution.
The Constitution of Zimbabwe is clear in section 58 that every person has the right to freedom of assembly and association. Section 59 gives the right to demonstrate and this must be exercised peacefully.
Recently, the Government of Zimbabwe presented to the United Nations and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights that its police officers have gone through human rights training. Clearly, the conduct of the police in this case did not reflect a police service that is human rights conscious and has undergone any training. While the Forum acknowledges that the State has an obligation to maintain public order to prevent social disruption, damage to property, injury and loss of life, a clear set of international human rights law standards has been developed in respect to the use of force by law enforcement officials. From the reports received and eye-witness statements, the crowd gathered at Morgan Tsvangirai House was not violent in any way and the documented conduct of the police was disproportionate to the threat paused by the crowd. The indiscriminate beating of passers-by, women and children who were in no way linked to the demonstration was criminal and must be investigated.
What this incident tells us is that as a nation we have learnt nothing from the past and are not willing to undertake the reforms necessary to build a peaceful society. Recently, the government reported to the African Commission of their intention to implement the recommendation of the Montlanthe Commission. The behaviour of the police shows lack of sincerity in such statements. The Motlanthe Commission in its report after the August 1, 2018 post election crackdown by the Zimbabwe National Army made recommendation for the law enforcement agents to be capacitated to handle protests in a way that does not see a recurrence of the August 1 killings and assaults where 6 innocent civilians were killed.
The government has always denied reports by the Forum of human rights violations. It gives us no pleasure to report that the events of 20 November 2019 vindicate all our reports released in 2019 including the most recent 2018 State of Human Rights Report, the 2019 Anti-Impunity Report, the New Deception and the special report – Hear Their Cry – A Report on State Violence Against Children During the 2019 January Protests.
It is also regrettable that the behaviour by the police shows utter disrespect of the recommendations of the United Nations. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association, Clément Voule who was in the country in September expressed concern in his preliminary findings on 27 September 2019 over the reports of excessive, disproportionate and lethal use of force against protestors, the indiscriminate use of teargas, batons and live ammunition in Zimbabwe. The Special Rapporteur recommended that law enforcement agents must desist from broad discretion to disperse public gatherings and to follow guidelines of the United Nations Basic Guidelines on the Use of Force in promotion of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly.
The Forum calls for adherence to human rights as the pact is clear in section 44 of the Constitution that government must respect, protect promote and fulfil human rights.
The Forum calls on the Government to do the following,
• Enact a law in terms of section 210 of the Constitution for the establishment of an Independent Complaints Handling Mechanism investigating state security agents.
• Comply with the the use of proportionate force in maintaining peace and order.
• To stop all forms of impunity and criminalizing freedom of assembly and association.
• Ratify the Convention against Torture.
• Investigate the cases of police brutality and hold those responsible to account.
• Compensate victims of torture and police brutality.
The Forum also calls on the following;
• The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission to investigate cases of torture, assaults and arbitrary arrests which occurred on 20 November 2019.
• The Zimbabwe Gender Commission to investigate cases of brutalized women by the Zimbabwe Republic Police during the events of 20 November 2019.
Contact
The Secretariat
Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum
Office – +263 242 770177/8
Mobile – +263 772 151 989
Email – [email protected]
//ENDS//
Exiled former Cabinet Minister, Professor Jonathan Moyo has claimed that MDC supporters were on Wednesday violently dispersed by a combined police, army and CIO team.
Moyo’s theory concurrs with that of Team Pachedu who suggested that the sjamboks which were used to beat protesters are used by soldiers and not the police.
Delegates attending a workshop at Golden Peacock Villa Hotel in Mutare had to scurry for cover after a ceiling in one of the conference rooms fell in the wake of heavy rains associated with strong winds that fell in the Eastern border city on Thursday afternoon.
The hotel lost the rooftop of one of its conference rooms while the ceiling to another room fell in on delegates who were attending the 2019 national gender forum.
Efforts to get a comment from the hotel management were fruitless as those on the ground refused to comment.
Manicaland has recorded a series of heavy hailstorms that have destroyed infrastructure in Mutare, Chimanimani and Mutasa.
There has also been an increase in the number of people who have been struck by lightning.
Reuters|The European Union is concerned that the democratic space in Zimbabwe has deteriorated since it opened talks with Harare in June for the first time since 2001 in a bid to turn the page on years of hostile relations.
An EU memo prepared for its diplomats ahead of talks in Harare on Thursday said the arrests and abductions of several political activists had “reinforced the impression that the democratic space is being curtained again”.
The memo, seen by Reuters, also said the EU was worried by Harare’s slow pace of political reforms, including the alignment of laws to the constitution that was adopted in 2013.
The EU withdrew budget support to Zimbabwe in 2002 when it imposed sanctions on the late Robert Mugabe’s government over charges of political violence, human rights abuses, vote rigging and violent seizures of white-owned farms.
The talks this week are seen as an important step towards the EU resuming direct financial aid for the economy, which is in the grip of its worst crisis in a decade and worsened by a severe drought.
Timo Olkkonen, the EU’s ambassador in Harare, told acting foreign affairs minister July Moyo and his team at the start of the talks that reforms and inclusive political dialogue would also help with Zimbabwe’s economic recovery.
“These reforms can pave the way for a further strengthened relationship between Zimbabwe and EU based on shared values, the respect of human rights and the sustainable development goals agenda,” Olkkonen said, flanked by several EU diplomats.
Moyo said the talks would deal with all “hard issues” and were supported by President Emmerson Mnangagwa – who last month described EU and U.S. sanctions on Zimbabwe as a “cancer” sapping the economy.
With the economy afflicted by dollar shortages, fuel queues, power-cuts, and soaring prices, Mnangagwa has said restoring ties with the West and multilateral lenders like International Monetary Fund is one of his major priorities.
But, like Mugabe, he blames sanctions for the country’s economic ills and says they are designed to remove the ruling ZANU-PF party from power. Critics also say that since Mnangagwa came to power, he has cracked down on opposition parties.
This week, Zimbabwean police used batons, tear gas and water cannon to beat up and disperse supporters of the main opposition party trying to listen to a speech by their leader.
In its memo, the EU noted Zimbabwe had made progress by deciding not to enforce its empowerment law, which would have required all foreign investors to cede at least 51% of their shares in local operations to Zimbabweans.
The memo also said the interim compensation of white farmers whose land was seized by the government was a positive gesture towards re-opening export markets in the European Union.
In a budget statement last week, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube set aside $24 million to compensate white farmers, 768 of whom had consented to the interim compensation scheme.
The ZANU PF sociallite Edith Chibhamu has apologised over comments he made on the 1st of August last year soon after over 6 people had been killed. Speaking to ZimEye, she said she regrets the live video in which she was heard insulting victims. VIDEO:
The government of Zimbabwe and the European Union have jointly released a press statement after their political dialogue meeting which took place in Harare on the 21st of November.
We present below the joint press statement.
Correspondent|South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a special “category 1″ funeral to honour the late AmaXhosa King Zwelonke Mpendulo Sigcawu.
The announcement was made on Thursday, a week after Sigcawu’s death.
“The king’s funeral will feature military ceremonial elements in accordance with the Category 1 status of this occasion,” the presidency said in a statement.
Ramaphosa was expected to deliver a eulogy on Friday, November 29, the day Sigcawu will be laid to rest.
“The National Flag will fly at half-mast throughout the country from Monday, November 25 2019 until the evening of Friday, November 29 2019,” the presidency said.
Sigcawu became king in 2006. He was the first king in SA to be crowned, in 2015, after the democratic recognition of traditional leadership, said the presidency.
Ramaphosa paid tribute to Sigcawu whom he said was as an outstanding leader who served his people with selfless dedication.
Citizen
The Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and Monitoring Implementation of Government Programmes presented to Cabinet the Priority Projects under the Fourth 100-Day Cycle, which commenced on 16 September, 2019 and will end on 24 December, 2019.
A total of one hundred and one projects were submitted by nineteen Ministries. The Infrastructure and Utilities, and the Social Development pillars had the largest number of projects, which is a reflection of the Government of the Second Republic’s focus on projects with the highest impact on the livelihoods of the people.
Under the Infrastructure and Utilities Pillar on projects intended to improve access to electricity, Cabinet approved the construction of the 132/33 kilovolt 85 km transmission line for the Karoi and Alaska sub-stations; the manufacture of 210 transformers to meet ever increasing demand; the installation of 2 700 smart electricity meters; and the electrification of 35 institutions in the rural provinces of Zimbabwe.
Under the Social Development Pillar, Cabinet approved the training of 15 agencies and organisations countrywide on customer care; the establishment of 8 community fishing ponds at various schools in Mashonaland East Province; the installation of two biogas digesters in Masvingo and Bubi; and the establishment of centres of excellence or super specialist hospitals at United Bulawayo Hospitals, Mpilo, Chitungwiza, Parirenyatwa, Harare Central and Victoria Falls hospitals. In addition, solar projects shall be undertaken at Chitungwiza Hospital and at four other health institutions in Gokwe, Midlands Province.
The full compendium of projects approved by Cabinet, including under the Macro-Economic Stabilisation and Fiscal Reforms; Governance; Inclusive Growth and Cross Cutting themes will be availed for the information of citizens in due course.
Cabinet received and approved new place and street names as presented by Hon. Vice President K.C.D. Mohadi as Chair of the Cabinet Committee on Place Names. Cabinet noted that through the process of naming, every community or society defines its identity and culture, tells its history, and espouses its values, beliefs, norms and worldview. Naming is also a social engagement tool that fosters understanding, peace and unity in diversity.
Following presentation of the Grain Importation and Logistics Report by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage as Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Cabinet noted the need to ensure the continued availability of essential food stuffs in the market and to counter the effects of the drought that was experienced during the 2018/19 agricultural season. Accordingly, Cabinet has resolved to implement the following temporary measures: removal of control of goods import permits for maize grain, maize meal and wheat flour, with immediate effect; placement of wheat flour on the Open General Import Licence (OGIL) with immediate effect; and suspension of all import duties currently applicable on the following products, as indicated.
Millers and commercial users of grain are also hereby informed that following the pronouncements in the 2020 National Budget, the subsidy on grains has been removed with immediate effect. In essence all users of grain, including millers, will now buy grains at cost price, which currently stands at ZWL$4 000 for maize and small grains, and ZWL$8 612.08 for wheat, per metric tonne.
Government will also be unveiling a mechanism for targeted subsidies for basic foodstuffs, particularly roller maize meal and bread flour as outlined in the 2020 Budget Statement, once the finer details of the mechanism are worked out. This is intended as an additional cushion for vulnerable households and the generality of Zimbabweans. Cabinet therefore wishes to assure the nation that all measures possible will continue to be taken in order to ease the challenges of accessing food by all Zimbabweans.
Cabinet received a detailed report on His Excellency the President’s recent visit to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, which the Minister of Finance and Economic Development presented. The visit followed an invitation extended by the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
It is significant that His Excellency the President’s delegation comprised at least 25 business persons from Zimbabwe, as this resonates with the Second Republic’s focus on efforts to revive the economy through engagement and re-engagement. Indeed the message taken to the UAE was “Zimbabwe is Open for Business”. Cabinet was informed that the Business Forum focused on entrepreneurship; tackling Africa’s challenges in business; enhancing innovation in agriculture and the rebuilding of food supplies; trade and investment facilitation; and power generation.
It will be recalled that earlier in the year, the United Arab Emirates donated a huge consignment of medical equipment and drugs for the benefit of Cyclone Idai victims as well as a number of our health institutions. As relations with the UAE continue to scale new heights, Zimbabwe has appointed its first Ambassador to the oil-rich nation, and plans to set up an embassy in Dubai have made significant progress. Zimbabwe’s Ambassador is due to present his credentials to the UAE President today.
Immense benefits from the President E.D. Mnangagwa’s visit abound for bilateral cooperation in sectors encompassing agriculture and agro-processing, mining, tourism, energy; infrastructure and services; and free trade zones. An opportunity was therefore taken during the visit to articulate the opportunities of doing business in Zimbabwe, including in the area of small and medium and start-up enterprises. A lot of facilitation is being arranged in this regard.
Cabinet was further informed that the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry is expected to lead a business delegation of potential investors from the UAE to Zimbabwe in 2020 to scout for business opportunities in various sectors. Consideration is being made to extend visas at port of entry to citizens of the United Arab Emirates.
The Minister of Health and Child Care updated Cabinet on the industrial action by Public Hospital Doctors and City of Harare Nurses. The strike by the doctors over conditions of service has now gone beyond 77 days. Pertaining to the industrial action by Harare City Council Nurses, the situation at the municipal clinics remains constrained as only 70 out of the expected 138 nurses are turning up for duty at the six (6) Municipal clinics. In order to ease the challenges associated with home based deliveries, the Minister of Health and Child Care has, in conjunction with Harare City Council Health Department, facilitated the opening of Edith Opperman Maternity Clinic. Nursing staff from Harare Hospital have been seconded to the Edith Opperman Maternity Clinic, which is open for 24 hours. They will also be working with three Sisters-in-Charge drawn from other City Council clinics.
Cabinet is cognisant that an agreement has been reached between the National Employment Council and the Nurses Trade Union for a salary increment for nurses. The nurses are therefore expected to return to work soon, but will not be paid for the days that they have not been reporting for duty. Disciplinary procedures for the striking nurses will definitely be conducted according to the law.
Turning to hospital doctors, a total of 480 disciplinary cases have so far been heard. An additional 149 doctors were found guilty and discharged, bringing the cumulative total of the doctors discharged to 435.
Cabinet was informed of a meeting which was held on 15th November, 2019 between the Minister of Health and Child Care and representatives from the Senior and Junior Doctors Association. While positive strides were made at the meeting, with some doctors showing a willingness to return to work, Cabinet has resolved that those doctors already discharged have to apply for re-admission. Government will not rescind its position on the fired doctors.
Regarding accommodation provision for health services personnel, the Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities has informed Cabinet that his Ministry is currently seized with a housing programme to complement accommodation for health workers.
State Media|Government has removed import duty on maize and wheat, among other basic commodities, as it seeks to ensure affordability of essential foodstuffs and to mitigate the effects of the drought experienced last season.
Subsidies on grain purchases have also been removed for millers and commercial users in line with an announcement by Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube in his 2020 National Budget Statement last week.
This was said by Acting Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Cde Mangaliso Ndlovu while presenting the 41st Cabinet decisions matrix in Harare yesterday.
“Cabinet noted the need to ensure the continued availability of essential foodstuffs in the market and to counter the effects of the drought that was experienced during the 2018/19 agricultural season,” he said.
“Accordingly, Cabinet has resolved to implement the following temporary measures: removal of control of goods import permits for maize grain, maize meal and wheat flour, with immediate effect; placement of wheat flour on the Open General Import Licence (OGIL) with immediate effect.”
Other products that have been exempted include wheat flour in packages of more than 50kg, whose duty was pegged at 20 percent, while those packages of less than 50kg used to attract 10 percent duty.
Maize meal, which was at 25 percent duty, has also been exempted.
“Millers and commercial users of grain are hereby informed that following the pronouncement in the 2020 National Budget, the subsidy on grain has been removed with immediate effect,” said Minister Ndlovu.
“In essence, all users of grain, including millers, will now buy grain at cost prices which currently stand at $4 000 for maize and small grains per tonne and $8 612 for wheat per tonne.
“Government will also be unveiling the mechanism for targeted subsidies for basic foodstuffs, particularly maize meal as outlined per 2020 Budget Statement once the finer details are worked out. This is intended as an additional cushion for vulnerable households and the generality of Zimbabweans.
“Cabinet, therefore, wishes to assure the nation that all measures possible will continue to be taken in order to ease the challenges of accessing food by all Zimbabweans.”
Responding to questions, Prof Ncube said Government was determined to find ways of increasing the supply of basic commodities on the market and to ordinary people.
Paul Nyathi|President Emmerson Mnangagwa has named nine streets in nine urban centres after himself.
The full list of new street and buildings names announced yesterday is as follows:
VIDEO LOADING BELOW…
Own Correspondent|President Emmerson Mnangagwa just doesn’t want to be outdone by his predecessor Robert Mugabe in anyway including violence, economic collapse, poor governance and all others.
In his time of governance, Mugabe named most major streets in major urban centres after himself and Mnangagwa has done the same for himself.
The new street and buildings names were revealed by Acting Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mangaliso Ndlovu, while addressing journalists after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting.
Notable among the changes is the renaming of Enterprise Road in Harare to Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Road.
Minister Ndlovu said approval of the new names followed a report presented by Vice President Kembo Mohadi as chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on Place Names.
“Cabinet noted that through the process of naming, every community or society defines its identity and culture, tells its history, and espouses its values, beliefs, norms and world-view,” he said.
“Naming is also a social engagement tool that fosters understanding, peace and unity in diversity.”
Besides Enterprise Road being named after President Mnangagwa, roads in other towns now bear the name of the Head of State and Government.
They include Sixth Avenue in Bulawayo, A5 Road in Kwekwe, Main Street in Gweru, Chipinge Main Street, Etherton Road in Bindura, Edgar Peacock Road in Mutare, Henry Hartley Road in Chegutu and Hughes Street in Masvingo.
Some of the streets whose names changed in Harare are Speke Avenue, which changed to Agostinho Neto Avenue, Angwa Street to Sir Seretse Khama Street, Third Street to Patrice Lumumba Street, Rezende Street to Julia Zvobgo Street, Selous Avenue to John Landa Nkomo Avenue, Cameron Street to Joseph Msika Street, while the stretch from Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport to Manyame Air Base is now called Josiah Tungamirai Drive, and Kirkman Drive is now known as Solomon Mujuru Drive.
In Bulawayo, the stretch from Fourth Avenue through to Seventh Street up to King George has been renamed John Landa Nkomo Avenue, Collenbrander Avenue is now Lookout Masuku Avenue and Victoria Falls Road is Mosi-Oa-Tunya Road.
Fort Street through to Bellevue Road up to Plumtree Road has been renamed Benjamin Burombo Street.
Some of the Government buildings whose names have been changed include the New Government Composite Office Building in Harare which will now be called Mgandane Dlodlo Building; Harare Central Hospital is now Sally Mugabe Central Hospital; Immigration Building in Harare has been named to Chingaira Makoni Building; Defence House to Hashim Mbita House; CID Headquarters Building to Ethan Dube Building and Central Registry Building to Muchecheterwa Chiwashira Building.
Source : State Media
Own Correspondent|The situation at Harare City Council clinics remaines extremely constrained, with only 70 out of the expected 138 nurses reporting for duty at the six operational clinics.
Speaking during a Cabinet briefing in Harare yesterday, Acting Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said to ease challenges faced by patients in accessing healthcare, especially pregnant women, Government, in partnership with the local authority, had made arrangements to reopen Edith Opperman Maternity Clinic in Mbare.
“In order to ease the challenges associated with home-based deliveries, the Minister of Health and Child Care has, in conjunction with Harare City Council Health Department, facilitated the opening of Edith Opperman Maternity Clinic,” said Minister Ndlovu.
“Nursing staff from Harare Hospital have been seconded to the Edith Opperman Maternity Clinic, which is open for 24 hours. They will also be working with three Sisters-in-Charge drawn from other City Council clinics.”
Minister Ndlovu said Cabinet was cognisant of an agreement reached between the National Employment Council and the Nurses Trade Union for a salary increment.
“The nurses are, therefore, expected to return to work soon, but will not be paid for the days that they have not been reporting for duty,” he said. “Disciplinary procedures for the striking nurses will definitely be conducted according to the law.”
Source: State Media
Own Correspondent|Fired doctors wishing to get their jobs back must reapply, the Government has said.
To date, 435 doctors have been fired for illegally withdrawing their labour, with 43 more yet to appear before disciplinary tribunals.
The reapplications are in line with the law and allow the Government to revisit the doctors’ contracts, but it is not granted that everyone will be reinstated.
The reapplication process does not affect parallel negotiations between the Government, junior and senior doctors.
Five hundred and twenty-three doctors were served with charge letters following the strike which had gone past 77 days, as they continue to press for US dollar pegged salaries.
Most of them failed to attend disciplinary hearings, resulting in them being sacked in absentia.
Speaking during a Cabinet briefing in Harare yesterday, Acting Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said: “Turning to hospital doctors, a total of 480 disciplinary cases have so far been heard. An additional 149 doctors were found guilty and discharged, bringing the cumulative total of the doctors discharged to 435.
“Cabinet was informed of a meeting which was held on 15th November, 2019 between the Minister of Health and Child Care and representatives from the Senior and Junior Doctors Association. While positive strides were made at the meeting, with some doctors showing a willingness to return to work, Cabinet has resolved that those doctors already discharged have to apply for readmission. Government will not rescind its position on the fired doctors.”
Junior doctors withdrew their labour on September 3 citing incapacitation. Since then, junior, senior and some consultant doctors refused to return to work, defying even a Labour Court ruling, which declared their mass job action illegal.
This prompted the Health Services Board to institute disciplinary tribunals against all the defiant doctors. The doctors remained defiant as they failed to turn up for the tribunals, resulting in the dismissal judgment being passed in absentia.
Source: State Media
By Own Correspondent| Zimbabwe Republic Police officers and or as ZANU PF politicians can be prosecuted in the UK for torture, it has emerged.
Legal experts reveal for instance, the classic case of the prince of Bahrain, Prince Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who was recently stripped of his diplomatic immunity while in UK and held liable over a case of torture that was allegedly committed in that country.
Torture carried out by a public official anywhere in the world is an offence in Britain under the provisions of the 1988 Criminal Justice Act, making it possible to try allegations of maltreatment committed abroad in the English courts, the British Telegraph reports on the legal review.
The act defines physical torture, while also classifying psychological torture the latter another crime (on its own). A reading from the act states verbatim that: It is immaterial whether the pain or suffering is physical or mental and whether it is caused by an act or an omission. It shall be a defence for a person charged with an offence under this section in respect of any conduct of his to prove that he had lawful authority, justification or excuse for that conduct.
The case was brought by a UK-based former detainee, only identified as FF, who was arrested during Bahrain’s bloody democracy protests in 2011 and alleged that Prince Nasser directly participated in torture of two political prisoners in April that year.
Tom Hickman, representing FF, told the court: “As far as the claimant is concerned, the DPP’s position represents a long overdue recognition that Prince Nasser does not benefit from immunity for acts of torture in proceedings in the United Kingdom.”
He added: “We say that the decision clears the way for an investigation of the prince and consent for an arrest warrant to be sought. There is evidence that will be submitted to the police in due course.”
FF, who claims he was beaten and detained without charge, said: “Now the prince has lost his immunity, he will need to consider the risk of investigation, arrest and prosecution when he is travelling outside Bahrain.”
Below is an extract from the Act:
A public official or person acting in an official capacity, whatever his nationality, commits the offence of torture if in the United Kingdom or elsewhere he intentionally inflicts severe pain or suffering on another in the performance or purported performance of his official duties.
(2)A person not falling within subsection (1) above commits the offence of torture, whatever his nationality, if—
(a)in the United Kingdom or elsewhere he intentionally inflicts severe pain or suffering on another at the instigation or with the consent or acquiescence—
(i) of a public official; or
(ii) of a person acting in an official capacity; and
(b)the official or other person is performing or purporting to perform his official duties when he instigates the commission of the offence or consents to or acquiesces in it.
(3)It is immaterial whether the pain or suffering is physical or mental and whether it is caused by an act or an omission.
(4)It shall be a defence for a person charged with an offence under this section in respect of any conduct of his to prove that he had lawful authority, justification or excuse for that conduct.
(5)For the purposes of this section “” means—
(a)in relation to pain or suffering inflicted in the United Kingdom, lawful authority, justification or excuse under the law of the part of the United Kingdom where it was inflicted;
(b)in relation to pain or suffering inflicted outside the United Kingdom—
(i)if it was inflicted by a United Kingdom official acting under the law of the United Kingdom or by a person acting in an official capacity under that law, lawful authority, justification or excuse under that law;
(ii)if it was inflicted by a United Kingdom official acting under the law of any part of the United Kingdom or by a person acting in an official capacity under such law, lawful authority, justification or excuse under the law of the part of the United Kingdom under whose law he was acting; and
(iii)in any other case, lawful authority, justification or excuse under the law of the place where it was inflicted.
(6)A person who commits the offence of torture shall be liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for life.
THE Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) says mobile money transactions have in the last few days declined to below 10 percent in the retail sector largely due to depressed EcoCash services.
EcoCash is a mobile money transfer service offered by Zimbabwe’s largest telecommunications firm, Econet, with 11,4 million subscribers.
The mobile money transfer platform is housed under Econet’s strategic business unit, Cassava SmarTech Zimbabwe.
Last week, Econet announced a planned major upgrade of EcoCash services to improve system availability, user experience, security and long-term capacity issues.
However, the planned major system upgrade that was undertaken from 21:00hrs on Saturday to 21:00hrs on Sunday has seen EcoCash services remaining subdued.State media
THE three Castle Lager Premier Soccer League championship chasing sides, leaders Caps United, Chicken Inn and defending champions FC Platinum, will be involved in tricky derbies this weekend as the race moves to the wire.
It will be a real test of character for the title-chasing sides, as derbies tend to be unpredictable.
Bragging rights are always at the core of derbies and that’s what brews excitement in such encounters.
Action starts tomorrow, with relegation fighting Bulawayo Chiefs, known for their giant killing acts, taking on Chicken Inn at Luveve Stadium.
On Sunday, FC Platinum are involved in a Midlands derby against Chapungu at Ascot Stadium in Gweru.
The biggest derby is no doubt the clash between Harare rivals, Caps United and Dynamos at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.
Caps United top the league table with 55 points from 31 games and have been blowing hot and cold, a condition they can’t afford to display against Dynamos, who are unbeaten in 20 games, as they angle for a top four finish.
DeMbare are fifth with 44 points, two points behind fourth-placed ZPC Kariba, who take on Triangle United at Gibbo Stadium.
Caps United surrendered a two-goal lead last weekend to draw 2-2 against relegation-threatened Yadah, while Dynamos drew 0-0 with army side, Black Rhinos.
Matches between Caps United and Dynamos have always produced fireworks, and with the former having “wished” DeMbare to be relegated last season, the blue army might spoil Makepekepe’s title charge.
In the first-leg, the two sides drew 1-1, but a draw would be like a loss for Caps United, as Chicken Inn and FC Platinum are breathing heavily on their neck, waiting for a chance to pounce.State media
BY DR MASIMBA MAVAZA
Flighting a complaint of a diplomatic nature on the embassy website is unheard of and surely meant to embarrass the nation in its own backyard. Such rudeness as displayed by the Chinese embassy was never seen in the Morden world as we know it.
The embassy overstepped and their behaviour was unparalleled.
Nations are expected to respect each other and treat each other with respect irregardless of size or wealth.
The outburst by the Chinese embassy after the misunderstanding on the budget figures was vindictive childish bullish and threatening. It went beyond diplomatic respect.
A relationship between two countries in which they send diplomats to work in each other’s country establishes diplomatic relations: countries respect each other regardless of how powerful they are or how weak the other country is.
When countries find mutual understanding they exchange diplomats. Countries you share much interest with will normally open a embassy in your country while you do the same in their country. When there are issues to be discussed the country’s ambassador will deal with the matter while representing its motherland.
These countries will deal with each other in a very respectful manner and in a manner which does not incite or cause disunity among the hosts. If the ambassador comes across issues which affects or offends his country he calls on the minister of Foreign Affairs to lodge his complaint.
The behaviour of the Chinese embassy was undiplomatic and disrespectful. The Chinese believed that there was an anomaly with the figures presented by the minister of finance in his budget statement. They took their disquiet to social media and on their website. This behaviour was disrespectful and undiplomatic.
They broke the rules of the game,Once they detected what was wrong they were supposed to approach the ministry of Foreign Affairs. Splashing their disquiet on the website was a fatal oversight. It does not matter that Zimbabwe is the one waving a begging bowl towards China as a country we still deserved some respect.It’s just not on how the Chinese decided to announce their displeasure.
There is a huge Chinese intelligence operation in Zimbabwe which is both active and assertive but in this case they have crossed a line and it needed a response.
Zimbabwe must reject any basis for this action. Also, Zimbabwe has the right, perhaps the obligation, to comment on a case concerning its credibility but the Chinese recently went too far.
Zimbabwe must do what must be done without any fear of aid cuts or interference, as the nation of Zimbabwe is not a vassal state.
It is strongly and respectfully suggested that the Chinese embassy issue a retraction of any recent statements made regarding budget here not involving them.
The Chinese embassy is learning through mistakes” is often simply neither sufficient nor admirable. Rather, it is a nuisance. The Zimbabwe government has produced its accounting figures based on the cash at hand while the chinese are working on promises and products. For example the Chinese are including the funds pledged to the parliament building. The Zimbabwean government will only include that when its finished. So the difference here is on the accounting system used not on the actual cash at hand. The discrepancy has nothing to do with human error. Both the Chinese and Zimbabwean are in the same road but different directions. The anomaly is in the accounting system and its difference. Zimbabwe does not announce budgets based on pledges.
Whichever way it seemed discreet was the word mossing in the Chinese embassy’s tantrum.
National complaints are never floated on websites. The behaviour depicts a bully and the bullied. In this case the bullied is forced to put the straight records straight.
Zimbabwe despite its problems remains a sovereign state.
21th November 2019
The Movement for Democratic Change Masvingo Province is shell-shocked
and unreservedly perturbed by barbaric attacks and assault of its
members at the Morgan Tsvangirai House in Harare on the 20TH of
November 2019, ahead of the HONA address by President Nelson Chamisa.
The Provincial leadership and its membership condemns to the strongest
of terms, the use of brutal force by the thuggish and partisan
Zimbabwe Republic Police to disperse the party’s legion of supporters
who had come to bear witness and listen to the historic HONA delivered
by the President, as the political and economic situation in the
country continue to nose dive.
The sheer, pure, absolute and complete use of brutal force on unarmed
civilians, legislators and journalists is a show that the so called
new dispensation is unrepentant and unwilling to reform, contrary to
its proclamations and reform promises to the world.
Scores of party supporters, Members of Parliament and ordinary
citizens doing about their business in the city were severely injured
in the wanton attacks.
The disruption of the tremendously anticipated HONA, reflects that the
regime doesn’t have respect of the rule of law and basic human rights
such as freedom of association and movement as enshrined in the
constitution.
However despite the whole hullabaloo following the barbaric attacks
and failed attempt to disrupt the President from delivering his
speech, We are grateful that the People’s leader successfully managed
to deliver his progressive and insightful HONA.
Without mincing his words the President expressed concern over the
continued economic woes bedeviling the country and wanton suffering of
the people of Zimbabwe due to misgovernance by the new dispensation.
The President also pointed out that the signal for Zimbabweans to
solve their problems has already been made by the failing regime.
MDC Masvingo will remain resolute and support the people’s legitimate
President Nelson Chamisa in his endeavor to find a solution to the
problems of Zimbabwe.
President Chamisa is the only answer to Zimbabwean Problems.
Aluta Continua, Struggle Continues.
Inserted by MDC Masvingo Secretary for Communication s.
D G Charamba.
In an unusual theft case that left villagers in Chipinge stunned, a 45-year-old man from Mabheka stole a 2 500-litre JoJo plastic water tank, dug a deep hole in his garden and concealed the loot.
For nearly two years, the owner of the stolen tank and detectives struggled to recover it with no tangible leads to solve the case.
The matter only came to light recently after a whistleblower tipped the police that Maxwell Chaita, who lives near Gomondoni Mountain, stole the tank and hid it underground in his garden.
Circumstances to the case were that sometime in June 2017, the tank, which was mounted and filled with water at Enhook Estate in Chipinge, was dismantled and stolen.
Chipinge CID spokesman Detective Assistant Inspector Daniel Mhini said concerted efforts to recover the stolen property yielded nothing then.
“On November 15, detectives received information that the suspect was the culprit who stole the JoJo tank and concealed it underground in his field about 50 metres from his homestead,” he said.
“Detectives swiftly reacted to the information and pounced at Chaita’s homestead and demanded a search in his field. Guided by the informative description of the homestead, the detectives examined the environment of the homestead and discovered a spot of red subsoil surrounded by black top soil. The cops became suspicious and asked for help from nearby villagers who quickly offered to assist,” said the detective
They dug up the spot and after about a depth of 15cm they discovered the water tank. Soon after the stunning recovery a manhunt for the suspect was activated.
He was subsequently arrested and during interrogation Chaita confessed to stealing the water tank.
He said he wanted to mount it at his rural home in Birchenough Bridge and that he intended to transport it after 10 years when residents would have lost memory of the theft.
Chaita appeared at the Chipinge Magistrates’ Courts facing theft charges and was remanded in custody awaiting trial. Manica Post
Cabinet yesterday approved new names of roads, places and Government buildings in Harare, Bulawayo and other towns across the country, as a deliberate effort to foster unity, while reflecting on the country’s history and identity.
This was said by Acting Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mangaliso Ndlovu, while addressing journalists after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting.
Notable among the changes is the renaming of Enterprise Road in Harare to Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Road.
The name changes are mainly aimed at honouring the country’s national heroes, as well as nationalists from the region.
Minister Ndlovu said approval of the new names followed a report presented by Vice President Kembo Mohadi as chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on Place Names.
“Cabinet noted that through the process of naming, every community or society defines its identity and culture, tells its history, and espouses its values, beliefs, norms and world-view,” he said.
“Naming is also a social engagement tool that fosters understanding, peace and unity in diversity.”
Besides Enterprise Road being named after President Mnangagwa, roads in other towns now bear the name of the Head of State and Government.
They include Sixth Avenue in Bulawayo, A5 Road in Kwekwe, Main Street in Gweru, Chipinge Main Street, Etherton Road in Bindura, Edgar Peacock Road in Mutare, Henry Hartley Road in Chegutu and Hughes Street in Masvingo.
Some of the streets whose names changed in Harare are Speke Avenue, which changed to Agostinho Neto Avenue, Angwa Street to Sir Seretse Khama Street, Third Street to Patrice Lumumba Street, Rezende Street to Julia Zvobgo Street, Selous Avenue to John Landa Nkomo Avenue, Cameron Street to Joseph Msika Street, while the stretch from Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport to Manyame Air Base is now called Josiah Tungamirai Drive, and Kirkman Drive is now known as Solomon Mujuru Drive.
In Bulawayo, the stretch from Fourth Avenue through to Seventh Street up to King George has been renamed John Landa Nkomo Avenue, Collenbrander Avenue is now Lookout Masuku Avenue and Victoria Falls Road is Mosi-Oa-Tunya Road.
Fort Street through to Bellevue Road up to Plumtree Road has been renamed Benjamin Burombo Street.
Some of the Government buildings whose names have been changed include the New Government Composite Office Building in Harare which will now be called Mgandane Dlodlo Building; Harare Central Hospital is now Sally Mugabe Central Hospital; Immigration Building in Harare has been named to Chingaira Makoni Building; Defence House to Hashim Mbita House; CID Headquarters Building to Ethan Dube Building and Central Registry Building to Muchecheterwa Chiwashira Building.
State Media/Herald
Police are investigating a case of murder after a 49-year-old school teacher who was shot and killed for his cellphone.
The incident happened early on Monday morning in Delft South as Henry Chikutuva was on his way to work.
Henry, a Zimbabwean national, came to South Africa three months ago for work, and leaves behind a wife and three children.
He died of his injuries before paramedics arrived.
Witnesses and neighbours told the Daily Voice that five armed men came out of the bushes and demanded Henry’s cellphone and taxi money.
There was a struggle and several gunshots went off, says one woman who lives opposite the veld.
According to the deceased’s sister-in-law, Florence Chigume, 43, he lived alone in a flat around the corner from her Kershout Street home.
“Henry had not been feeling well on Sunday and told me his blood pressure was wrong,” she says.
“When the neighbours came to call me, I ran to where he was lying in the road.
“He was closing his eyes and could not speak. It was bad and a horrific way for him to die.
“He was hard-working and loved his family enough to live in another country to support them. We as a family are traumatised.”
She says Henry graduated from the University of Zimbabwe, and had recently taught at the University of Namibia, but opted to come to Cape Town three months ago when he got a job to teach at the Bright Student Learning Centre in Summer Greens, a private school specifically for Zimbabwean nationals.Daily Voice
By Stephen Chuma|Clearly Mr Obert Gutu has been pulverized, adulterated and blinded by dirty money from his new found handlers.
He is a sore and bitter loser who is drunk in shame after his party was trounced in the 2018 plebscite by MDC.
This is a man who cannot stomach a generational shift in politics that President Chamisa represents hence is drowned in generational jealous.
It is only in Gutu’s lunacy world where victims are labeled a terrorist organization.
If anything, Mr Gutu needs mental examination.
Is it not surprising that the same man who terms MDC a terrorist organization remained tight lipped when Emmerson Mnangagwa committed crimes against humanity on 01 August 2018?
With Obert Gutu being a lawyer, surely it is an insult to this noble profession to have among their ranks a person who ululate for human right abuses.
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma
MDC Youth Assembly National Spokesperson
Farai Dziva|The MDC has roundly condemned the beating up of hapless civilians by overzealous police details in Harare on Wednesday.
See full statement :
MDC UK and Ireland Province Statement in response to the brutal actions by the Police at MRT House
Hope of the Nation Address (HONA)
The MDC UK and Ireland Province stands in solidarity with the MDC National Press statement issued in response to the events that took place.
The MDC UK & Ireland Province strongly condemns the Police brutality at MRT House where supporters of the MDC had gathered to hear President Chamisa deliver the Hope of the Nation Address (HONA). This was a peaceful gathering with people expectantly waiting to hear a message of hope and way forward for Zimbabwe.
In a video shared on social media, the police were seen using batons, tear gas and water cannons to beat up and disperse the supporters with many people sustaining serious injuries. This kind of barbaric brutality is totally unacceptable in Zimbabwe and should not be tolerated nor allowed to continue. In a truly shocking move, the Police also attacked journalists.
The disproportionate use of force against peaceful and unarmed citizens is a real demonstration of the brutality of Zanu PF and its total disregard for the Rule of Law, it has effectively closed any notion that democracy exists in Zimbabwe. The Government continues to ignore human rights provisions in the country’s 2013 constitution.
Based on the continuous human rights abuses, it is evident that the country is under siege from a Zanu PF dictatorship that uses its privileged position gained through the use of violent armed forces, the Military Police, State Security and the Zimbabwe National Army.
We implore the UN, AU, EU and all other International bodies to reprimand the Mnangagwa administration for not paying attention to the dictates of the UNDHR and other international statutes guaranteeing people’s fundamental freedoms.
Zimbabweans are in a state of shock at the trampling of their rights and civil liberties and are appealing to the whole world to extricate them from the jaws of this repression
MDC UK and Ireland Province
Communications Department
MDC UK and Ireland Province Statement in response to the brutal actions by the Police at MRT House today
Hope of the Nation Address (HONA), 20 November 2019
The MDC UK and Ireland Province stands in solidarity with the MDC National Press statement issued in response to the events that took place today.
The MDC UK & Ireland Province strongly condemns the Police brutality at MRT House where supporters of the MDC had gathered to hear President Chamisa deliver the Hope of the Nation Address (HONA). This was a peaceful gathering with people expectantly waiting to hear a message of hope and way forward for Zimbabwe.
In a video shared on social media, the police were seen using batons, tear gas and water cannons to beat up and disperse the supporters with many people sustaining serious injuries. This kind of barbaric brutality is totally unacceptable in Zimbabwe and should not be tolerated nor allowed to continue. In a truly shocking move, the Police also attacked journalists.
Today’s disproportionate use of force against peaceful and unarmed citizens is a real demonstration of the brutality of Zanu PF and its total disregard for the Rule of Law, it has effectively closed any notion that democracy exists in Zimbabwe. The Government continues to ignore human rights provisions in the country’s 2013 constitution.
Based on the continuous human rights abuses, it is evident that the country is under siege from a Zanu PF dictatorship that uses its privileged position gained through the use of violent armed forces, the Military Police, State Security and the Zimbabwe National Army.
We implore the UN, AU, EU and all other International bodies to reprimand the Mnangagwa administration for not paying attention to the dictates of the UNDHR and other international statutes guaranteeing people’s fundamental freedoms.
Zimbabweans are in a state of shock at the trampling of their rights and civil liberties and are appealing to the whole world to extricate them from the jaws of this repression
MDC UK and Ireland Province
Communications Department
Farai Dziva|MDC deputy president, Obert Chaurura Gutu has stunned all and sundry by justifying police brutality against hapless civilians.
Gutu claimed police brutality against MDC Alliance supporters was necessary since they were dealing with a violent organisation.
“What do you expect the Police to do when they’re dealing with a renegade, violent, terrorist organisation? Do you expect the Police to fold their arms & watch as violent hooligans run amok? Come on! Give us a break,” tweeted Gutu.
On Wednesday police officers brutally assaulted opposition members and ordinary citizens before MDC leader Nelson Chamisa’s Hope of The Nation Address.
Farai Dziva|MDC deputy president, Obert Chaurura Gutu has stunned all and sundry by justifying police brutality against hapless civilians.
Gutu claimed police brutality against MDC Alliance supporters was necessary since they were dealing with a violent organisation.
“What do you expect the Police to do when they’re dealing with a renegade, violent, terrorist organisation? Do you expect the Police to fold their arms & watch as violent hooligans run amok? Come on! Give us a break,” tweeted Gutu.
On Wednesday police officers brutally assaulted opposition members and ordinary citizens before MDC leader Nelson Chamisa’s Hope of The Nation Address.
By A Correspondent- Government yesterday met officials from the Chinese Embassy in Harare and reached an agreement on funds extended to Zimbabwe by Beijing this year.
In a statement last night, Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said:
“On the 19th of November 2019, the Chinese Embassy in Harare queried figures captured in the 2020 National Budget Statement. On the 20th of November 2019, officials from the Embassy of the People’s Republic and the Government of Zimbabwe held a cordial meeting.
“The two sides have reached an agreement on the facts and figures contained in the statement issued by the embassy on the 19th of November 2019 and the 2020 National Budget Statement.
“The two sides agreed to continue on a common accounting mechanism.”
Prof Ncube said some of the projects China assisted Zimbabwe to undertake included upgrading of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden, rehabilitation of Hwange 7 and 8, Cyclone Idai, Mahusekwa District Hospital (which was officially opened by President Mnangagwa last Saturday), food aid and borehole drilling programme.
He said China had also provided Zimbabwe with loans and grants for various other development projects.
“The Government of Zimbabwe appreciates the support it continues to receive from its all-weather friend, the People’s Republic of China, and acknowledges the determination of China to develop closer cooperation with Zimbabwe,” said Prof Ncube.
On Tuesday, Government said it would engage the Chinese Embassy in Harare to establish a common accounting position on how much Harare received from Beijing as development partner support for 2019.
In the Budget statement, delivered on Thursday last week, Prof Ncube had captured US$3,6 million as the funding that Government had received from China.
However, the Chinese Embassy said it had provided US$136,8 million.
-StateMedia
